Feb 3, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

ArchivesIASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 3rd February, 2016 ECONOMICSTOPIC:  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: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Agriculture related issuesInsure farmers, ensure their futureJammu: Litchi was flowering-much earlier and out of season because winter had not come and it was warmer than usual; but as the chill is setting in, the flowers are falling and there will be no fruit this summerBihar: Standing wheat crops were hit last fortnight by unseasonal hail and bitter cold that came after days of warmer-than-usual temperaturesPathetic State of Insurance AwarenessDespite more than a quarter of a century of implementation- the penetration of crop insurance is not up to the mark and proportion of voluntary farmers insuring their crops is still very small.What ails the Crop Insurance Sector? High Basis Risk Delay in Settlement of Claims Unattractive guaranteed yields Lack of adequate number of weather stations- To reflect the spatial variability in weather pattern & poor product design Lack of product benchmarking& uniform standards in product design Lack of correlation between the weather index & yield experienceUrgent RequirementAwareness: We need to understand the magnitude of the current events related to climate change happening all around the world and keep updating our preparedness plan accordingly. This can help us to stay aware of the magnitude of the possible catastrophe as well as help us stay prepared beforehand.Requirement of insurance for an increasingly climate-vulnerable world: It is important to formulate a working plan for the poor, who have little collateral and faces the highest risk. The new crop insurance policy called Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), which will replace the existing national agricultural insurance scheme, can be considered a step ahead in addressing some concerns. But there is a long way to go to design a universal insurance scheme, which can be an effective safety net for farmers.Proper estimation of Crop Damage: Estimating the crop damage accurately and then paying for the claim without fuss and delay is still a sought after phenomena in India. In PMFBY the insurance unit is now a village, as against the revenue administrative unit of a block in the previous scheme. A block covers a large area with sub-regional variations in weather events. Therefore, if it rains heavily in a few villages but not across the block, then farmers would not be able to claim damage without evidence to show this anomaly. Therefore, the geographic risk to be addressed goes down with enormous cost implications with weather stations recording this anomaly in a grossly inadequate mannerSystem of verifying claims: State governments are expected to conduct crop-cutting experiments to estimate what would be the actual yield as well as conduct the estimation of the loss. These experiments are often poorly done and do not give real value of the produce. Then, when the claim is filed, the assessment is done by the patwari, the lowest revenue official in the district who is expected to visit and estimate damage and thus starts the tale of corruption.IASbaba’s Views: There is a need for the increased usage of new technologies-remote-sensing to mobile-based image-capturing systems. For example, technologies like the Terrestrial Observation and Prediction System (TOPS), a modelling framework that assimilates data from earth-orbiting satellites and ground weather stations and creates spatial continuous grids at 1km resolution can be helpful. Also, the use of mobile phone to improve yield data and timeliness of processing claims has been portrayed to be the ultimate warrior to deal with problems of delays. Insurance coverage has to be universal and pay-outs should be enough to cover the losses. An exclusive institutional set-up is thus, vital for designing farmer centric insurance productsSchemes:“The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana” Replaces the existing National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Modified NAIS (MNIAS) In line with One Nation – One Scheme theme Lowest premium rate Inundation— Included under localised risk cover Post-harvest losses arising out of cyclone and unseasonal rain have been covered Emphasis on mobile and satellite technology to facilitate accurate assessment and quick settlement of claimsThus, incorporates the best features of all previous schemes and at the same time, all previous shortcomings/weaknesses have been removed National Crop Insurance Programme (NCIP) / Rashtriya Fasal Bima Karyakram (RFBK) NCIP is a Central Sector Scheme formulated by merging National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS), Pilot Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS), Pilot Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS) and Pilot Coconut Palm Insurance Scheme (CPIS). Loanee farmers will be covered on compulsory basis under the component- scheme of NCIP notified by the concerned state, while non-loanee farmers will choose either MNAIS or WBCIS component.WEATHER BASED CROP INSURANCE SCHEME Weather Based Crop Insurance aims to mitigate the hardship of the insured farmers against the likelihood of financial loss on account of anticipated crop loss resulting from incidence of adverse conditions of weather parameters like rainfall, temperature, frost, humidity etc. Weather based Crop Insurance uses weather parameters as ‘proxy’ for crop yields in compensating the cultivators for deemed crop losses.Connecting the Dots: Is weather insurance best suited to cover catastrophic losses? Explain. Do you agree that the ‘insurance’ (product) design exhibits limitations in being the missing piece of puzzle to adjust to the climate-change centric global change? Substantiate your viewpoints and suggest the way ahead. ECONOMICSTOPIC:General studies 2: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.General studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development Government Budgeting. Fiscal responsibility and federalismFiscal Deficit = Total Revenue – Total Expenditure2015: India's fiscal deficit has reached 68 percent of its full-year target (totalling 3.79 trillion rupees) Net tax receipts:7 trillion rupees in the first half of the fiscal year to March 2016 Total Spending:1 trillion rupeesNote: Most of government’s expenditure is non-discretionary — interest payments, salaries, defence, and subsidies like food and fertiliser More than a third of its revenues are corporate taxes, which by definition depend on corporate profits, which are hard to predict in the current scenarioReasons favouring the Deficit Signs of revival in private investment not visible Untimely bounce in commodity prices Seventh Pay Commission- Expected to add an additional 0.65 per cent of GDP to expenditure One-rank one-pension obligations Stress on revenue collections Non-availability of gains from declining global oil prices Weakening rural demand is weakeningImpact of the Declining Nominal GDPAdverse impact on indicators— Current account deficit, Sales growth, Growth in profit and tax collectionsRevenue Measures employed Excise duty hikes on diesel and petrol, Withdrawal of exemptions from— Motor vehicles, Capital goods Consumer durables, Levy of 0.5 per cent Swachh Bharat Cess and Increase in service tax rate to 14 per cent from 12.36 per centDifficult Road Ahead Commodity prices are not expected to register any major bounce back Advantage in revenue collection due to falling global prices will be missing The subsidy bill might provide some cushion to the government Centre's fiscal position and its dependency on the global price of oil— India imports about 80 per cent of its oil needs and the subsidies are unsustainable in the long run 2013- Mechanism for reducing diesel subsidies came into being Gas cylinder subsidies have been capped, but fertiliser and kerosene subsidies remain to be addressed.Twin devolutionsCentre follows the process of passing the responsibility for several Centrally-Sponsored Schemes to states, which were earlier, shared between the relevant central ministry and the state authorities 14th Finance Commission in 2015 increased by 10 whole percentage points - from 32 per cent to 42 per cent - the proportion of taxes devolved to states 2015-16 Union Budget- Centre passed full funding responsibility for several previously shared schemes on to the states 'UDAY' scheme: Several States have signed for this scheme which deals with the restructuring of power debt (power-related liabilities in State’s books) Pressure to "pause" fiscal consolidation: In order to enhance stimulus spending in the wake of subdued domestic and global demand, To finance an infrastructure build-out Clouded assumptions dealing with the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax and questions on whether or not it will be completely revenue-neutralWill it happen again in the next fiscal year?It might not Spill over of the deficit seems to be much lower, and revenue targets seem credible (indirect taxes are growing much faster than budgeted) Government, through a prudent increase in taxes on petrol and diesel, has retained more than half of the benefits of lower oil prices, improving its financesIASbaba’s Views The more the fiscal deficit, the more dangerous elements of ‘Greece crisis’ looks towards India which will lead to adverse consequences— Outflow of capital Adverse impact on currency rates Knock off in the fiscal discipline Fiscal Management, today is in need of professional advice and therefore, the creation of a catalyst service which analyses the cost and comes to a realistic assessment of cost is necessarily required More structural changes in the Plan spending and definitive measures to contain Non-Plan spending within sustainable limits needs to be cultivated in the discipline as well as reducing reliance on tactics like pushing out expenditure or pulling in revenues, and instead working with more credible fiscal targets would be a better tactic towards achieving development Government should keep looking for ways and at ways to raise revenue, especially in the absence of non-tax windfalls like coal auction next fiscal, etcConnecting the Dots: Is the current working of ‘fiscal management’ creating unnecessary economic volatility? Discuss. The federal structure of India does not give the central government any control over the state governments. Critically examine.MUST READGearing up for the Zika threatHinduBusiness StandardBeyond alliance agendas in J&KHinduRelated Articles:How the Kashmir valley is changing?Unfinished Business of Partition: Article 370 Let the rupee slide- The economy is best served by lowering interest rates and blocking protectionism.Indian ExpressIndia tops global confidence index- But recessionary sentiment still strong, finds Nielsen 2015 report for December quarterBusiness StandardEngaging Myanmar as it moves to democracy- Economic and strategic imperatives both demand building close tiesLive MintRelated Articles:India Myanmar Relations: An analysisVictor’s challenge- MyanmarPiketty and income tax in India- India would do well to heed Piketty’s advice: Lowering inequality requires a higher income tax-to-GDP ratioLive Mint Nuclear programme headed nowhereBusiness LineCattle care : Livestock diversity is crucial for food securityBusiness LineRelated Articles:Animal husbandry and Indian EconomyThe economics of Cow Slaughter

Feb 2, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 2nd February, 2016   INTERNATIONAL   TOPIC: General studies 2: India and its neighborhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.   Seizing the ‘One Belt, One Road’ opportunity Recent conversations with Chinese scholars, Communist Party of China members and officials indicate that the ‘One Belt, One Road’ (OBOR) initiative of Xi Jinping’s government in china is likely to become the pivotal key of Chinese engagement with the world. Why in news? At the third edition of the India-China Think-Tank Dialogue in Beijing, hosted in early January, a cross-section of Chinese scholars and officials discussed India-China relations and prospects for regional cooperation. Unlike at previous meets, this time the conversation was not on the usual tensions in the bilateral relationship; instead, the centrepiece of all discussion was the OBOR initiative.   A Chinese story: Some facets of the new formulations that are giving shape to china’s vision for OBOR and Asia could be explained as below The first is the novel idea of ‘entity diplomacy’ This construction argues for engaging within and across regions to secure the best interests of an entity that is necessarily larger and with interests broader than those of any sovereign. This follows from the argument of a revival of ‘continentalism’ as the Eurasian landmass deepens linkages and ‘Asia’ emerges. OBOR segues perfectly into this framework. It becomes, for the Chinese, an Asian undertaking that needs to be evaluated on the gains it accrues to the entity, i.e. Asia, as opposed to China alone. It therefore follows, from Beijing’s perspective, that Indian and other Asian nations must support and work for the OBOR initiative. Second is the establishment of “one economic continent” OBOR , becomes a vehicle that promotes alignment of infrastructure, trade and economic strategies. Indeed, for some Chinese speakers, India is already part of the initiative, as its own projects like Project Mausam and economic initiatives such as Make in India and Digital India complement and complete OBOR. Indian participation in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and joint ownership of the New Development Bank only reaffirm India’s partnership in this Asian project. The third is that of a mutually beneficial ‘swap’ India protecting Chinese interests in the Indian Ocean, and China securing India’s essential undertakings in their part of the waters, read the South and East China Seas. However, there was unambiguous clarity that if India cannot assume more responsibility in the Indian Ocean, China will step in.   Core conflicts: Structural challenges confront the Chinese formulations and the OBOR proposal The perception, process and implementation to date do not inspire trust in OBOR as a participatory and collaborative venture. The unilateral ideation and declaration and the simultaneous lack of transparency further weaken any sincerity towards an Asian entity and economic unity. The Chinese participants explained that china is committed to pursuing wide-ranging consultations with the 60-plus nations OBOR implicates; an ‘OBOR Think Tank’ is also being established to engage scholars from these countries. The second challenge deals with the success of the ‘whole’ scheme, given that the Chinese vision document lays out five layers of connectivity: policy, physical, economic, financial and human. While no developing country will turn away infrastructure development opportunities financed by the Chinese, they may not necessarily welcome a rules regime built on a Chinese ethos. Finally, how can this initiative navigate the irreconcilable geometries of South Asia that prevent India from providing full backing to OBOR? A formal nod to the project will serve as a de-facto legitimisation to Pakistan’s rights on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that is “closely related” to OBOR.   Options for India: Fundamentally, India needs to resolve for itself whether OBOR represents a threat or an opportunity. The answer undoubtedly ticks both boxes. Chinese political expansion and economic ambitions, packaged as OBOR, are two sides of the same coin. To be firm while responding to one facet, while making use of the opportunities that become available from the other, will largely depend on the institutional agency and strategic imagination India is able to bring to the table.   As soon as possible India should come up with a decision regarding OBOR, as whether to support it or not. Connecting the dots: Explain the concept of one belt one road initiative of china and its impact on the growth and security of South Asian continent. India today seems to be sceptical about one belt one road (OBOR) initiative of china. Explain the reasons for the same and what should be the future course of action by India towards OBOR initiative.    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: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc; Investment models.    PPP Model- Rural Broadband Network (Coverage- Very specific)   Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai): Has recommended a public-private partnership (PPP) model for BharatNet, an ambitious project involving setting up a broadband network in rural India   BharatNet: Previously known as: National Optical Fibre Network Project cost: Has increased to about Rs 70,000 crore   Handling the rolling out the Optical Fibre Network: Special purpose vehicle, the Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) BBNL- Under the Telecom Ministry Executing Agencies: By BSNL, Railtel and Power Grid   Appropriate Model:  Private Incentives + Long-term service delivery   Why PPP— Instrument for easing finance and capacity constraints Combines the private sector’s capacity for delivery with the Government’s role as an enabler and regulator to overcome market failures Effective tool towards ensuring competition in service delivery and improvement in quality of service Concessionaires be given the job of: Deploying the optical fibre cable and other network infrastructure Operating the network during the period of contract Contract Period: 25 years which can be further extended in block of 10, 20 or 30 years Selection of Concessionaire: Reverse Bidding Ensure ‘no discrimination’ by them: Arm's length relationship between concessionaire and service providers 50 per cent of the optical fibre should be reserved for telecom and cable service providers Government should become a minority partner of the concessionaire with 26 per cent stake (Will lower financing cost and risk as well as keep a tab on their monopolistic behaviour) Funding— To bridge the loss incurred due to higher operational expenses and lower commercial accruals   There is a need to focus on: The design of the finance and investment model for future roll-out of broadband The central and state governments become anchor clients of this project and purchase a bandwidth of 100 megabytes per second at market rate. Bringing down the ‘Internet Divide’ between Rural and Urban India The total number of broadband (defined as download speeds >=512 Kbps) subscribers stood at 120.88 million Largely concentrated in Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu), with only 27.20 million rural subscribers Important— Rural broadband access will help address multiple service deficits that arise due to other infrastructure related constraints widespread among the rural population and the potential gains from increasing such access are tremendous Report of the Committee on NOFN: An additional 25 million Internet users by 2018-19 would result in economic benefits of Rs 66,465 crore due to the direct, indirect and spill over benefits of Internet access. Connecting the dots: What do you mean by an EPC Model? List out the salient features of both PPP and EPC Model? According to TRAI a PPP model works better than EPC model. Do you agree? Explain    MUST READ Don’t shoot the messenger, Israel Hindu   A test of dignity and democracy Hindu   Towards a law on euthanasia Hindu   Over the barrel: Waiting for a big bang- The global economy is in trouble but India is attracting positive comment. Finance minister must make the most of the moment Indian Express   A scheme for change- Ten years on, MGNREGA requires constant review. And consistency in political support Indian Express Related Articles: MGNREGA : Don’t dismantle, Reform   Clean up the books- Government setting up an asset reconstruction company is a good idea. But test will lie in giving its managers a free hand Indian Express   Parthasarathi Shome: Taxation: Interpretative & administrative issues Business Standard   MIND MAPS   1. Free Speech The Hindu   2. Financial Inclusion Indian Express

Feb 2, 2016 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Creativity – Inspirational & Educative Articles

                  CREATIVITY Only in certain moments does the human spirit soar beyond the narrow confines of social limitations; those are the moments of our creative expression; the only moments when we are truly alive. Creativity is not just a choice; it is our nature and our living expression. Only moments of creative expression lend any meaning and purpose to our lives. Creativity is a process of getting in touch with our innermost core, where the infections of the society and the world have not yet reached. Finding an expression to express the joy of being within ourselves is creativity. Creativity envelopes every single aspect of our lives. When we are rooted in the present moment and are expressing from the depth of this moment, we are creative. It is not only music, dance, singing or painting that are creative expressions; the very breath we take, when taken with full awareness of the present moment, becomes creative. Creativity can be extended to every single action of ours. We can talk creatively; we can read creatively; we can walk creatively; we can even sleep creatively; the only criteria for creativity is being aware of the present moment. Anybody who has ever tried to be creative knows that the greatest obstacle for creativity is accumulated knowledge and our attachment to it. When we are able to let go of our opinions, judgments, fears and assumptions; we become available to the present moment, which is the birthplace of creativity. Once practiced regularly, being in the present moment and being creative can become a solution to all your problems. Creativity takes away the burden of expectations; it takes away the fear of failure; it gives enormous depth and control to all your actions; it ultimately frees you from inside. “The articles are a copyright of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.” Read more such articles– Click Here

Feb 1, 2016 PIB

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

ARCHIVES   GS-1 Commemorative Coin of Rs. 150 and Circulation Coin of Rs. 10 on Lala Lajpat Rai  (Topic: Contribution of freedom struggle, culture) Released By- Minister of State (I/C) for Culture and Tourism Celebration: 150th birth anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai Government has released funds to Rastra Gaurava Samrakshna Parishath, Bengaluru (an NGO) for conducting 501 lectures in schools & colleges Servants of the People Society, founded by Lalaji will bring out Hindi translation of 15 volumes of Collected Works of Lala Lajpat Rai Punjab National Bank, which was also founded by Lalaji has undertaken a variety of activities throughout the country Lala Lajpat Rai- A stalwart of the freedom struggle, Lala Lajpat Rai ranks among India’s most outstanding leaders Born on 28thJanuary 1865 at a small village of Dhudike in district Ferozepur, Punjab, he was a contemporary of great stalwarts including Mahatma Gandhi Popularly known as ‘Punjab Kesari’ or ‘The Lion of Punjab’   GS-2 The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015 (Topic: Constitutional Amendments) Aim- To ensure more stringent provisions for prevention of Atrocities against Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes The bill provided to make amendments in the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) {PoA} Act, 1989 Key Highlights- New offences of atrocities like- Tonsuring of head, moustache, or similar acts which are derogatory to the dignity of members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Garlanding with chappals, Denying access to irrigation facilities or forest rights , Dispose or carry human or animal carcasses, or to dig graves, Using or permitting manual scavenging, Dedicating a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe women as devadasi, Abusing in caste name, Perpetrating witchcraft atrocities, Imposing social or economic boycott, Preventing Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes candidates from filing of nomination to contest elections, Forcing a member of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe to leave house , village or residence, Defiling objects sacred to members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribe, touching or using words, Acts or gestures of a sexual nature against members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribe Addition of certain IPC offences like- Hurt, grievous hurt, intimidation, kidnapping etc., Attracting less than ten years of imprisonment, committed against members of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe, as offences punishable under the PoA Act Presently, only those offences listed in IPC as attracting punishment of 10 years or more and committed on members of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe are accepted as offences falling under the PoA Act Establishment of Exclusive Special Courts and specification of Exclusive Special Public Prosecutors also, to exclusively try the offences under the PoA Act to enable speedy and expeditious disposal of cases Power of Special Courts and Exclusive Special Courts, to take direct cognizance of offence and as far as possible, completion of trial of the case within two months, from the date of filing of the charge sheet Addition of chapter on the ‘Rights of Victims and Witnesses’ Defining clearly the term ‘wilful negligence’ of public servants at all levels, starting from the registration of complaint, and covering aspects of dereliction of duty under this Act Addition of presumption to the offences –If the accused was acquainted with the victim or his family, the court will presume that the accused was aware of the caste or tribal identity of the victim unless proved otherwise   Launch of round-the-clock online payment facility scheme ‘Sahaj’ to refill LPG  (Topic: Governments Schemes and Policies) 2016: the “Year of the Consumers” Aim-                Provide comfort and convenience to the LPG consumers Online payment facility of cylinder at the time of booking Facilitates- Enable people to book the cylinder around the clock, which will help delivery of the cylinders even in their absence because payment is already done Eliminate hassles of exact changes needed for payment or avoid delivery failure due to no cash situation Booking can be done through unified web portal mylpg.in which is available in 13 languages Web portal to facilitate consumers to carry out all their LPG related activities like- Booking, Tracking, DBTL status, Distributors performance, Porting the gas connection, Receipt of subsidy details and much more   Steps Taken- Installation of touch screen devices at prominent location like airports, railway stations etc where consumers can book for their LPG refills New cooking gas connections will be provided on an EMI basis and amount can spread over 24 instalments OMCs have successfully implemented on IVRS, Web and SMS the refill booking facilities, Portability of  Gas connection, PAHAL scheme for LPG subsidy transfer directly to the bank account of consumers, “Sahaj” Scheme making it possible for consumers to get new LPG connection online without visiting the distributors showroom PSU Oil Marketing companies (OMCs), namely – Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.    Government announces first batch of 20 smart cities from 11 States and Delhi (Topic: Government Policies and Schemes) About- Government announced the 20 winners of the Smart City Challenge competition for financing during this financial year Winners were from 11 States and the Union Territory of Delhi and the selection was totally objective and transparent based on standardized processes Smart City Mission- It marks a paradigm shift towards urban development in the country since it is based on ‘bottom up’ approach with the involvement of citizens in formulation of city vision and smart city plans and the Urban Local Bodies and State Governments piloting the mission with the Ministry of Urban Development It was for the first time in the country and even in the world that investments in urban sector are being made based on competition based selection of cities  Highlights- About 1.52 crore citizens participated in shaping smart city plans of 97 cities and towns in the first round of competition Among the 20 cities and town 3 cities from Madhya Pradesh, two each from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan and one each from the remaining five made it to the winning list The 23 States and UTs who could not make to the list of winners will be given an opportunity to participate in a ‘fast track competition’ Each top ranking city form these left out states can upgrade their smart city proposals and submit them by April 15, this year for inclusion in the mission The 20 winning cities and towns have proposed a total investment of Rs.50,802 cr over five years with all the cities proposing Public-Private-Partnership as a major vehicle of resource mobilization The 10 of the 20 cities have proposed to mobilize Rs.8,521 cr under PPP model while others have also indicated this option and a total area of 26,735 acres has been identified by these cities for making them smart through necessary interventions Advantages- Leads to integrated urban planning by addressing the issue of- Infrastructure, Land use planning, Transport, Urban design and Architecture Urban local bodies to improve their capabilities and have resorted to SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats)     Smart cities announced were (Sequence based on ranking): Bhubaneshwar – Odisha Pune- Maharashtra Jaipur- Rajasthan Surat-Gujarat Kochi- Kerala Ahmedabad- Gujarat Jabalpur- Madhya Pradesh Visakhapatnam- Andhra Pradesh Solapur- Maharashtra Devanagere- Karnataka Indore- Madhya Pradesh New Delhi- Delhi Combattore- Tamil Nadu Kakinada- Andhra Pradesh Belagavi- Karnataka Udaipur- Rajasthan Guwahati- Assam Chennai- Tamil Nadu Ludhiana- Punjab Bhopal- Madhya Pradesh   Jeevan Raksha Padak Awards   (Topic: Awards and Honour) Jeevan Raksha Padak- Series of awards are given to a person for meritorious act of ‘humane’ nature in saving the life of a person Award is given in three categories- Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak- Awarded for conspicuous courage in saving life under circumstances of very great danger to the life of the rescuer Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak- Awarded for courage and promptitude in saving life under circumstances of great danger to the life of the rescuer Jeevan Raksha Padak- Awarded for courage and promptitude in saving life under circumstances of grave bodily injury to the rescuer Eligible: Persons of either sex in all walks of life are eligible for these awards and award can also be conferred posthumously Ashok Chakra Awarded Posthumously to Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami 9 Para (Special Forces)/6thBattalion of the Rashtriya Rifles  (Topic: Awards and Honour) Ashoka Chakra- Highest Indian peacetime gallantry award which was constituted on similar lines of the British Awards of Gorge Cross Awarded for valour, courageous action or self sacrifice away from the battlefield   Padma Awards 2016 (Topic: Awards and Honour) Padma Awards - One of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely- Padma Vibhushan- Awarded for exceptional and distinguished service to nation in any field and is the second highest National Award Padma Bhushan- Awarded for distinguished service of high order to the nation, in any field and is the fourth highest National Award Padma Shri– Awarded to recognize the contribution of Indian citizens in various spheres of activity including Arts, Education, Industry, Literature, Science, Sports, Social Science and Public life and is the third highest National Award  Awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year and are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March/ April every year.   Padma Vibhushan Awardees-                                                                Yamini Krishnamurthi (Classical Dance) Rajnikanth(Cinema) Girija Devi( Classical Vocal) Ramoji Rao( Literature and Education- Journalism) Viswanathan Shanta( Medicine- Oncology) Shri Shri Ravi Shankar( Spiritualism) Jagmohan( Public Affairs) Vasudev Kalkunte Aatre( Science and Engineering) Avinash Dixit ( Literature and Education) Late Shri Dhiru Bhai Ambani ( Trade and Industry) Padma Bhushan Awardees- Anupam Kher ( Cinema) Udit Narayan Jha( Playback Singing) Ram V Sutar(Sculpture) Heisnam Kanhailal( Theatre) Vinod Rai (Civil Sevice) Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad ( Literature and Education) NS Ramanuja Ttacharya ( Lirerature and Education- Journalism) D Nageshwar Reddy ( Medicine- Gastroenterology) Swami Tejomayananda( Spiritualism) Hafeez Contractor( Architecture) Ravinder Chandra Bhargava( Public Affairs) Venkata Rama Rao Alla ( Science and Engineering) Saina Nehwal ( Badminton) Sania Mirza ( Tennis) Indu Jain( Trade and Industry) Late Swami Dayanand Sarawasati ( Spiritualism) Robert Blackwill ( Foreigner) ( Public Affairs) Pallonji Shapoorji Mistry( NRI)  (Trade and Industry)                                                                                   International Solar Alliance (Topic: Important International Institutions, agencies and further structure, mandate)   Foundation jointly Laid by- Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi, and the President of France Mr François Hollande Aim- Promotion of solar energy for making solar energy a valuable source of affordable and reliable green and clean energy in 121 member countries International Solar Alliance-            India’s first international and inter-governmental organization headquartered in India with United Nations as Strategic Partner A new beginning for accelerating development and deployment of solar energy for achieving universal energy access and energy security of the present and future generations Jointly launched in Paris by India and France during the United Nations Climate change conference (CoP) on 30th Nov,2015 Improves access to energy and opportunities for better livelihoods in rural and remote areas and to increase the standard of living Interim Administrative Cell (IAC) made functional for facilitating transition of ISA from de facto to a de jure entity GoI has offered training support for ISA member countries at NISE and also support for demonstration projects for solar home lighting, solar pumps for farmers and for other solar applications Work with partner countries to formulate projects and programmes to accelerate development and deployment of exiting clean solar energy technologies, the potential for which largely remaining untapped Develops innovative financial mechanisms to reduce cost of capital and builds a common knowledge e-Portal Encourage multilateral bodies ( to contribute towards the goal of increasing utilization of solar energy in the member countries)like- IRENA, REEEP, IEA, REN21, UN bodies, Bilateral organisation, Corporate, Industries and other stakeholders Governance Structure consists of- Assembly+ Council+ Secretariat Assembly provide guidance, direction and advice to the Secretariat for undertaking the activities National Job Portal for persons with Disabilities  (Topic: Welfare Schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and State and the performance of these schemes) Developed By- National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) as was entrusted by Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities + Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment + Govt. of India   Aim- Provide different facilities such as- Self employment loan, Education loan, Skill training, Link to scholarships Information about jobs                     All in a single window platform through this National Job Portal Skill training programmes for Persons with Disabilities and has a target for skilling 5 lakh persons in next 3 years Skill training will be provided by a network of 200 clusters of “Training Partners’ with financial assistance of government Other Initiative- Scheme has been launched to plant an especial device for assistance to deaf and dumb children So far within one and half month 305 children have been provided this device Encouraging results have been seen and many of these children are now able to speak and hear like normal children Government also working on universal ID programme for persons with disabilities so that they can get facilities across the country on the production of the ID Disabled-friendly National level Job portal www.disabilityjobs.gov.in, will a long way for empowering persons with disabilities by providing them all desired information for employment opportunities at one platform PM addresses India-France Business Summit in Chandigarh (Topic: Bilateral, Regional and Global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests) Agreement signed between- India and France at India-France Business Summit in Chandigarh MoU Covers-    Urban Development Urban Transport Water and Waste treatment Solar Energy 16 Agreements Includes- AFD and Maharashtra on technical cooperation in the field of sustainable urban development of smart city in Nagpur AFD and Union Territory of Chandigarh on technical cooperation in the field for sustainable development for development of smart city in Chandigarh AFD and Union Territory of Puducherry on technical cooperation for development for development of smart city in Puducherry EPI ltd- Dassault Systemes in Urban Sector Development EPL-Egis – Urban Sector Development EPI-Schneider Electric- Urban Sector Development EPI-EDF- Urban Sector Development EPI-SA CAN – Urban Sector Development EPI-Lumiplan ITS India Pvt Ltd – Urban Sector Development Agreement between CEA(the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Enegy Commission) and Green Ventures- Solar photo voltaic projects in the Indian rural areas ( Varanasi) Agreement between CEA( the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission) and Crompton Greaves- To explore opportunities in Solar Photo Voltaic System with storage function for Indian Airports Mahindra- Airbus cooperation to create the new private strategic partner for helicopters within the Make in India Initiative Wind Power Development Agreement between EDF JV with SITAC RE India to jointly explore opportunities for development of wind based power project in India   Memorandum of Understandings- Cyber Security   (Topic: India and its International Relations) Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) signed between: Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) with its counterparts in Malaysia, Singapore and Japan Cyber Security, Malaysia; (ii) Cyber Security Agency of the Republic of Singapore; and (iii) Japan Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre on Cooperation in Cyber Security Help- Promote closer cooperation for exchange of knowledge and experience in detection, resolution and prevention of security related incidents between India and respective country India and Armenia Sign Protocol amending the India-Armenia Double Taxation Avoidance Convention  (Topic: Bilateral, Regional and Global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests) Protocol to amend- Existing Double Taxation Avoidance Convention Features of Protocol- Amends the Article on Exchange of Information for tax purposes to bring it in line with the updated provisions in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Model Enable the two countries to exchange information related to financial and banking transactions under the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention, and thereby facilitate them in addressing tax evasion Expected to further strengthen the efforts of Government of India in curbing generation of black money   India and Russia— Cooperation on a coordinated grant competition for conducting basic and exploratory scientific research  (Topic: Bilateral, Regional and Global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests) Outcome- Cooperation will lead to generation of new knowledge + joint scientific publications + manpower training + IP generation through collaboration Provides- Competitive research grants to Indian and Russian researchers for joint implementation of research projects in areas of Basic and Exploratory Sciences Agreement is valid for a period of six years and could be extended through mutual consent between Department of Science & Technology (DST) and Russian Science Federation (RSF) Competition would be conducted in the areas of- Mathematics Computer & System Science Physics & Space Science Chemistry & Material Science Biology and Life Science Basic research for Medicine Agricultural Science Earth Science and Engineering Science Decision to identify research projects for funding would be taken jointly by DST and RSR   Resolution of more than 100 Cases of Transfer Pricing Disputes with USA Under MAP  (Topic: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) Objective- Agreement seeks to resolve about 200 past transfer pricing disputes between the two countries in the Information Technology (Software Development) Services [ITS] and Information Technology enabled Services [ITeS] segments More than 100 cases have already been resolved and some more are expected to be resolved before the end of this fiscal Highlights- One of the significant steps taken by Central Board of Direct Taxes(CBDT) to boost investment sentiments among MNCs is the landmark Framework Agreement signed with the Revenue Authorities of USA in January, 2015 Agreement was finalised under the Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) provision contained in the India-USA Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC) Prior to resolution of disputes under the Framework Agreement the US bilateral APA programme was closed to India Success of the framework Agreement in short period of one year has led to the US Revenue Authorities opening up their bilateral APA programme to India USA is expected to begin accepting bilateral APA applications shortly MAP programmes with other countries like Japan and UK are also progressing well with regular meetings and resolution of past disputes CBDT is confident that a combination of a robust APA programme and a streamlined MAP programme would be helpful in creating an environment of tax certainty and encourage MNCs to do business in India   GS-3 Hybrid Annuity Model for implementing Highway Projects  (Topic: Infrastructure- Energy, Ports, Roads, Railways, etc.) Approved by- Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs Aim- To revive highway projects in the country by making one more mode of delivery of highway projects Facilitate uplifting the socio-economic condition of the entire nation due to increased connectivity across the length and breadth of the country leading to enhanced economic activity By adopting the Model as the mode of delivery, all major stakeholders in the PPP arrangement – Authority, Lender Developer, Concessionaire  Features- The rational approach adopted for allocation of risks between the PPP partners - the Government and the private partner i.e. the developer/investor While the private partner continues to bear the construction and maintenance risks as in BOT (Toll) projects, it is required only to partly bear financing risk Further, the developer is insulated from revenue/traffic risk and the inflation risk, which are not within its control.   India Investment Summit (Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth) Organised By- Department of Economic Affairs + Ministry of Finance + Government of India in partnership with SBI Caps   Participants- Large Number of long term investors including Sovereign Wealth Funds and Pension Funds across the globe are expected to participate in the two day Summit Apart from the infrastructure related Central Ministries/Departments, many State Governments will also take part in the Summit Aim- Investment opportunities in the sectors of road transport, highways, ports, urban infrastructure, railways, power and renewable energy, besides State Level projects It would showcase and discuss the huge long term infrastructure investment opportunities in India NIIF- Government of India has established National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) as a Category II Alternate Investment Fund (AIF) under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Regulations NIIF is to be financed with Government’s own contribution along with equity participation from both foreign and domestic strategic anchor partners with Government’s share being 49% Aim- NIIF is to maximise economic impact mainly through infrastructure development in commercially viable projects, both greenfield and brownfield, including stalled projects and other nationally important projects   Hybrid Annuity Model for implementing Highway Projects  (Topic: Infrastructure- Energy, Ports, Roads, Railways, etc) Approved by- Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs Aim- To revive highway projects in the country by making one more mode of delivery of highway projects Facilitate uplifting the socio-economic condition of the entire nation due to increased connectivity across the length and breadth of the country leading to enhanced economic activity By adopting the Model as the mode of delivery, all major stakeholders in the PPP arrangement – Authority, Lender Developer, Concessionaire       Features- The rational approach adopted for allocation of risks between the PPP partners - the Government and the private partner i.e. the developer/investor While the private partner continues to bear the construction and maintenance risks as in BOT (Toll) projects, it is required only to partly bear financing risk Further, the developer is insulated from revenue/traffic risk and the inflation risk, which are not within its control.  

Feb 1, 2016 RSTV Video

The Big Picture - Raghuram Rajan’s red flag on GDP

Archives     The Big Picture – Raghuram Rajan’s red flag on GDP The context of the topic is the real state of the economy and the question of whether we are the fastest growing economy in the world. Earlier GDP was computed keeping 2004-05 as base year however in 2014 it was revised to 2011-12. This change is hugely debated questioning the credibility of the GDP numbers. Nonetheless GDP numbers do not capture the real state of the economy, New series of GDP calculation is improvement upon the old series and in any case the new series is comparable to international series. The new methodology is more consistent than the previous one. Policy makers are conscious enough of the fact that real GDP numbers do not capture the state of the economy and also devising plans and policy which are actually required. Employment generation: Employment generation is the biggest concern of the economy right now. Even though India is the fastest growing economy in the world the situation on the employment front is dismal. There is a demand of 8 million jobs every year but we are able to generate only half a million, which is a tremendous backlog on employment front. Reasons for it is technological obsolescence-because of which lots of jobs are going out, second is labour laws, and third is skill issue. It is pertinent with respect to India that it learns few lessons from china model of growth in which it not only grew at 8-10 % for 30 years, but also created employment at the same time. India needs to learn from china on how capital intensive industry can evolve in terms of creating more jobs. People are getting educated like never before in last decade. It is now the duty of the state to guide young generation by skilling them to meet the demands of contemporary global skill gap. On the rural side it is necessary to address variety of issues that are creating a potential problem in employment generation. The issues like MSP, Climate change ,MGNERGA wages etc needs to be dealt in a sensible way so that the employment is not displaced to urban areas cresting whole set of new problems. It is very important to address these issues to say that growth rate of GDP and employment generation are going in tandem. Q.1) Recently IMF declared that India is the fastest growing economy in the world; however on the ground level the rate of employment generation nowhere reflects this positive sentiment. Critically analyse

Feb 1, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 1st February, 2016   INTERNATIONAL   TOPIC: General studies 2: India and its neighborhood- relations.  Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.  Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.   Negotiating with the Taliban The recently concluded Doha Dialogue on ‘Peace and Security in Afghanistan’ presents a number of opportunities for the international community, as well as India, in dealing with the resurgent Taliban phenomenon. Why in news? The official Quadrilateral Coordination Group on Afghan Peace and Reconciliation, with participation from the governments of Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, and the U.S., has become a non-starter due to the non-participation of the Taliban in the talks. However recently the second round of the unofficial Doha Dialogue was organised by the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs with support from the state of Qatar and the important to be noted is, it was attended by key leaders from the Taliban’s Qatar office, the only one of its kind, set up by the dominant Taliban faction of Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour.    Why the Doha process is significant at this point? The Taliban leadership’s preference, as articulated in Doha, for a negotiated settlement in Afghanistan over continued bloodshed. The Taliban’s willingness to negotiate a power-sharing agreement with the Afghan government For the first time since the Taliban’s fall in 2001, they have started clarifying the contours of their vision for Afghanistan, though through a Track II process. Why engage with the Taliban? But why should we make peace with a violent outfit holding highly objectionable religious and political views? Shouldn’t our efforts be aimed at ensuring that the Taliban are defeated, both militarily and ideologically? The most important reason for engaging with the Taliban is that not doing so is indeed a worse option, and could prove to be suicidal for Afghanistan and its people. With no less than 60,000 heavily armed men in their ranks, the Taliban are reportedly in control of around 30 per cent of the country’s districts, with their reach and control steadily on the rise. There is a lot of concern today about the impending spring offensive by the Taliban and what it would do to the Afghans. Widespread electoral fraud during the 2014 presidential election in Afghanistan, and US involvement in making an agreement between the two contenders on the electoral outcome, has dented the legitimacy of the Afghan government. With decreasing American military support, very little political legitimacy, and sheer lack of military strength to run its writ over the country, the Afghan administration will find itself in more trouble in the years ahead. The Taliban leadership repeatedly hinted at possible power-sharing arrangements with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani during the Doha deliberations. Given its many weaknesses, Kabul would do well by engaging the Taliban in a dialogue process.   Potential roadblocks ahead: Taliban seem to be unwilling on a number of fundamental issues that could come up as serious difficulties on the negotiating table. The most important issue is that the Taliban, who refer to themselves as the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan”, continue to be unwilling to submit themselves to the Afghan Constitution and accept the term “Islamic Republic of Afghanistan” written in its preamble. Intent on creating an “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan”, they propose to establish a state based on the Sharia law. They are non-committal on the question of democracy, partly due to their interpretation of Islam, and partly due to their fear whether the Afghan people would accept them if they fought an open and transparent election without the might of the gun. India and Taliban: India has had a frosty relationship with the Taliban due to a number of reasons like The deep links between the Taliban and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence and the latter’s use of Afghan territory to train terrorists to fight in Kashmir. The extremely objectionable policies followed by the Taliban regime until its fall in 2001. The highly unhelpful behaviour of the Taliban during the IC-814 hijack in 1999. Way ahead: India’s Afghan policy, ever since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, has been impressive and imaginative. However, it does fall short in meeting the country’s future objectives in Afghanistan in the context of the emerging political realities there. India should therefore make use of the reconciliation process in Afghanistan to subtly engage all stakeholders there. The Doha process and the message from the Taliban leadership based in the Qatari capital should be taken seriously by India.   Connecting the dots: Critically examine the importance of stable Afghanistan for promoting peace and stability in South Asian region. Critically examine the importance of a stable Afghanistan in promoting economic growth and development in India.   NATIONAL   TOPIC: General studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.  Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector or Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.    India’s education system One of the greatest unmet challenges of contemporary India has been education and while it might not be appropriate to just talk about the ‘Indian Education System’ as a failure but a rethinking is required as the state has not been able to live up to its self-professed role of providing education to all.   The elements important for Education to achieve— Provision of skills required for professional growth Provision of life skills, including soft skills, maturity, and emotional growth Building a strong character for being a good human being and citizen “Culture is an activity of thought, and receptiveness to beauty and humane feelings. Scraps of information have nothing to do with it. A merely well informed man is the most useless bore on God’s earth. What we should aim at producing, is men who possess both culture and expert knowledge in some special direction. Their expert knowledge will give them a ground to start from and their culture will lead them as deep as philosophy and as high as art.” -Alfred North Whitehead (1929: 13),   Roadblocks to Recovery Systemic problems in our education machinery: There’s a lack of understanding (teachers) of the methodologies forwarded to be included World Bank: The average pupil-teacher ratio at the primary level in India is 35 — this is the highest among emerging economies, and much higher when compared to the developed world. High pupil-teacher ratio: Impedes the imparting of soft skills and has an adverse impact on the emotional growth of children Heavily Regulated Private Sector: Hampered by archaic laws that discourages, and even prohibits, innovation.   Abundance of alternatives: Renders the formal system ineffective De-linked from industry’s requirements (on-job training) National Employability Report 2014 found that only 18 per cent of engineering graduates are employable Does not recognise the current needs of students nor provides the desired infrastructure Need of differentiation and innovation is overshadowed with the standardised methodology and tasks cut out to suit and fill the governmental vacancies   Extensive Changes in the Landscape Rethink: Necessity of children spending 12 years in school, compartmentalised into different classes with a nationally fixed curriculum Which is the most desirable way to develop children? Why should two kids in Class 8 study the same level of maths and history when one of them is passionate about maths and the other about history? Way Ahead: The initial 12 years (best learning years) can be better spent in learning some other skills that will help them lead a happier and more successful life Elementary education has to be made available to all— Enrolment numbers as well as the standard of education imparted Secondary school system: Requires huge expansion with innovative pedagogical practices Economically disadvantaged: More schools and dedicated teachers to rescue these children from illiteracy and un-education De-cluttered Approach: Should not clutter the mind of young children with too much information and too many disparate ideas Build up on ‘Natural Curiosity’: It is through playful activity that the child acquires the most valuable education—the joy of discovery and understanding; it acquires “the art of the utilisation of knowledge” they are naturally endowed with Multilingual school system: it resists the tyranny of linguistic majoritarianism which only generates the highly flawed idea of “identity politics;” it promotes social inclusiveness; it helps equalise opportunity for social mobility; it helps geographical mobility; it enables interaction with a larger community; it opens up ever-widening horizons of learning Learning & Writing: Early training in the learning of languages as well as writing are valuable assets as writing and thinking go together and exercises the mind. The child learns first-hand how to organise information and the art of presenting them in a coherent manner helping them later during their professional life. Foundation of Humanities: Provide the young students understanding of the human condition and understanding is useful for living an examined life. Dedicated teachers who are artists: Nurture young minds that derive pleasure from it and are passionate about it are required in increasingly large numbers and need to be continuously replenished Teach through imaginative methods including a judicious mix of modern technologies and manual skills Developing the childlike inclination to play and encourage independent thinking Instead of standardised textbooks, it is a schoolteacher who should devise workbooks appropriate to the local circumstances and the social background of children Should be given minimum coercive powers and maximum freedom so that they can devise their pedagogical practices without external pressure and interference Connecting the Dots: ‘Policymakers should be facilitators and not implementers’- Critically examine   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: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.   From Plate to Plough: How to expand financial inclusion Financial inclusion is an important policy pillar of the present government to ensure inclusive development (sabka saath, sabka vikas). What it means, in brief, is to mainstream financial services for the masses, especially credit at affordable costs from institutional sources. Historical background: This is not the first time financial inclusion is being given a thrust. Various governments tried to bolster it, and that was one of the reasons bank nationalisation took place. There have been some successes during 1951 to 1991, when the share of outstanding debt of rural households to institutional sources increased from 7.2 per cent in 1951 to 64 per cent by 1991. Dismal performance during economic reforms period: However thereafter, the period of economic reforms showed a dismal performance, with the share of institutional sources declining from 64 to 56 per cent during 1991-2013. This is one of the biggest lapses of the economic reforms. If the present government can correct this flaw, it can be a game changer in alleviating poverty at a much faster pace than has been the case under economic reforms.   The case of PMJDY: Realising the importance of financial inclusion, the government took a bold step by introducing the Jan Dhan Yojana (JDY). So far, around 20 crore bank accounts have been opened, and more than Rs30,000 crore deposits received under JDY. However, the real challenge is to prevent these accounts from remaining dormant. Why in news now? To ensure that JDY remains active and relevant in fulfilling its objective, the PM had asked the RBI to prepare a roadmap for financial inclusion.  RBI Committee on Medium-Term Path on Financial Inclusion: The report of the RBI Committee on Medium-Term Path on Financial Inclusion, released in December 2015, emphasised the role of a holistic strategy involving players like telecom operators, biometric systems, payment banks and land registrars for “last mile” service delivery. Some of its major recommendations include linking all credit accounts with a biometric identifier, such as Aadhaar; moving away from short-term interest rate subvention on crop loans and towards a crop insurance scheme; and replacing various input and output subsidies with direct benefit transfers (DBT). A concern that needs intervention: The report finds that although there has been significant improvement in access to banking services through expansion in a number of rural branches, banking correspondents and no-frill banking accounts, a large degree of financial exclusion prevails in east and north eastern India. High interest rates (above 20 per cent) charged by the informal sector as well as micro financial institutions continue to be a concern. Phasing out the interest subvention scheme: One of the key recommendations of the RBI committee is on phasing out the interest subvention scheme The interest subvention scheme was introduced in 2006-07, with the objective of providing substantial and cheap loans — at 7 per cent interest (upper limit of Rs 3 lakh), and if payment is regular, gradually lowered to 4 per cent. Some states have extended loans even at zero interest rate to farmers. This has resulted in a significant increase in short-term agricultural credit, with actual disbursements consistently surpassing targets. This is hailed as a grand success and the subsidy on account of it has increased from Rs 3,283 crore in FY12 to Rs 13,000 crore in FY16.   A potential agri-credit scam: There’s reasonable evidence that a significant proportion of crop loans granted at low interest rates isn’t reaching target beneficiaries. A farmer who receives loans at a concessional rate of 4 per cent can easily deposit at least a part of it in fixed deposits in the bank, earning about 8 per cent interest, or even becoming a moneylender to offer loans at 15-20 per cent interest to those who don’t have access to institutional sources of finance. We don’t need a bigger proof than the fact that short-term credit from institutional sources reached 110 per cent of the total value of agricultural inputs in 2014 (NAS 2015), and at the same time, AIDIS data shows 44 per cent loans were from non-institutional sources in 2013. This suspicion is reaffirmed when one looks at the month-wise disbursement of agricultural credit, which spiked to 62 per cent of annual disbursement in the last quarter of FY14, with no corresponding spike in agri-production activities. Way ahead: The success seen in the first half of inclusion should be continued further in order to ensure complete financial inclusion in India. Connecting the dots: Analyse the extent and causes of low financial inclusion in India. Explain measures taken by government to promote better financial inclusion in India. Critically analyse the success of PMJDY in promoting financial inclusion within the country.   MUST READ Giving cities the smart edge Hindu For Detailed Analysis on  ‘Smart Cities’, refer the below link http://iasbaba.com/2015/09/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-16th-september-2015/ http://iasbaba.com/2015/09/iasbabas-monthly-yojana-september-smart-city/ http://iasbaba.com/2015/05/big-picture-smart-cities/   Push for IMF reform Hindu   Gujarat must give up terror bill Hindu   LGBT : Section 377- Looking to a better tomorrow Hindu Related Articles: The LGBT agenda in India   Arunachal’s double crisis-The problem in the state is as much about politics as about procedures and institutional norms Indian Express Related Articles: Article 356—Arunachal Pradesh: Is President’s rule being misused?   Death of the public university- Even as Indian higher education faces its toughest challenge — the inclusion of hitherto excluded groups — the public university is becoming insecure, narrow-minded and conservative Indian Express Related Articles: Death of a Dalit scholar: Ancient Prejudice, Modern Inequality   China and India: In same choppy waters- China has been the main driver of world growth for a decade. Through the 1997 Asian currency crisis and through the 2008 international financial crisis, China continued to grow at an unprecedented rate. Indian Express   How the China contagion could spread-The risk of a crisis in China spreading to the Western financial system is small. But a bust in the country's 'shadow banking' sector could lead to panic in stock markets that might spread to the rest Business Standard   Insure farmers, ensure their future-The question is how insurance will work for the poor, who have little collateral but face the highest risk Business Standard   India turns the tide on malnutrition- According to health experts, more than 50% of child mortality under five years of age can be attributed to malnutrition Live Mint Related Articles: India: Epicentre of Global Malnutrition   MIND MAPS   1. China - West Asia The Hindu   2. Caste Discrimination Livemint

Jan 30, 2016 AIR

All India Radio- INDIA AND INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE

ARCHIVES INDIA AND INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE Click here and search for 27th January, 2016 Spotlight/News analysis for audio. Read here also- http://iasbaba.com/2016/01/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-19th-january-2016/ “The Sun is the source of all energy. The world must turn to solar, the power of our future”, said PM Modi while launching International Solar Alliance (ISA) along with France at Paris Climate Summit. This alliance includes more than 120 countries that supported the declaration on Solar Alliance. The International Solar Alliance is a group of countries within the tropics (Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn) which receive sunshine for more than 300 days. Hence, these countries can tap a lot of solar energy. The idea is to bring together all such countries and have a common programme and development. Majority of these countries are poor and least developed ones. Headquarters of ISA will be in India India gave a corpus of 100 crores India will also give secretarial assistance of 225 crores for the next five years Whatever solar energy that comes from Sun in one day, it is enough for entire globe to use for one year. But we can’t fully capture it. Financing solar projects is a big challenge. Even though international financial institutions like World Bank, AIIB, NDB and public and private investments are there, there is no established renewable energy policy; there is no ecosystem that creates a willingness to buy and set up renewable energy; there is no proper integration method with conventional energy. Hence, the focus of ISA will be on policy, ecosystem and integration with regard to solar energy. The valedictory note at the launch of ISA was given by a private sector head, not by the President of any country or head of the UN. This shows that private sector is willing to come forward to invest in solar energy. The private sector will support $500 million and public sector another $500 million. This gives ISA the financial sustainability. ISA can promote the new financial mechanisms that are currently popular in India like masala bods and green solar bonds, for raising cheap money in other countries also. ISA has 24x7 Solar Cyber Centre which is open for access to all countries for information and advice on various projects and financial innovation. ISA can also play an advocacy role asking the multilateral/international financial institutions to give part of their lending to solar energy; like what RBI did in India – up to 15 crore investment in renewable energy is a priority sector lending; up to 10 lakh in rooftop solar panels is a priority sector lending. These sorts of best practises can be adopted by ISA and advocate to the financial institutions. How is ISA different from other such organizations? There are other organizations/institutions like IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency), IEA (International Energy Agency), and REEP (Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership) which focus on multiple renewable energy sources. But ISA will focus exclusively on solar energy. Moreover, in no other organization UN is a partner. But for ISA, UN is a partner.        Also, ISA is action oriented organisation. It’s not going to give seminars, research papers, reports etc. like the other organisations.

Jan 29, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

ArchivesIASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 29th January, 2016 ECONOMICSTOPIC: General studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources; Banking & related Issues General studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Fashioning a Banking Turn- Public Sector Banks Looking at the India’s domestic macroeconomic situation, one might perceive that the economy is well ahead on its road towards growth and development but the sad reality is starkly visible- the banking sector continuously facing challenges due to the lack of any meaningful recovery in asset quality, capital constraints and sluggish profitability The Union budget thus, needs to incentivise savings to rescue public sector banks and come up with a proper backing of the policy and regulatory environment,Indradhanush SchemeRevitalising public sector banks (PSBs) has been a key focus area for policymakers and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Central government have put in place key enabling measures as under:A) Appointments: Separation of the post of Chairman and Managing Director by prescribing that in the subsequent vacancies to be filled up, the CEO will get the designation of MD & CEO and there would be another person who would be appointed as non-Executive Chairman of the bank.B) Bank Board Bureau: A Banking Boards Bureau (BBB) comprising of a chairman and six more members of which three will be officials and three experts (of which two would necessarily be from the banking sector). The search committee for members of the BBB would be made up of the RBI Governor, Secretary (Financial Services) and Secretary (Department of Personnel and Training) in the Government of India.C) Capitalization: Rs 70,000 crore of equity support to be provided in phases during the next four years and another Rs 110,000 crore to be raised as debt from the markets. PSB’s market valuations will improve significantly due to far-reaching governance reforms; tight NPA management and risk controls; significant operating improvements; capital allocation from the governmentD) De-stressing PSBs Government to push clearances for stalled projects in roads, power and steel and seek RBI support for more generous categorization of existing loans plus more leeway. Major reasons causing stress in the power, steel and road sectors were— Delay in obtaining permits/approvals from various governmental and regulatory agencies, Land acquisition, Delaying Commercial Operation Date (COD); Lack of availability of fuel, both coal and gas; Cancellation of coal blocks; Closure of Iron Ore mines affecting project viability; Lack of transmission capacity; Limited off-take of power by Discoms given their reducing purchasing capacity; Funding gap faced by limited capacity of promoters to raise additional equity and reluctance on part of banks to increase their exposure given the high leverage ratio; Inability of banks to restructure projects even when found viable due to regulatory constraints Steel sector: prevailing market conditions, viz. global over-capacity coupled with reduction in demand led to substantial reduction in global prices, and softening in domestic prices added to the woes.Some of the actions proposed / undertaken: Facilitate issue of pending approval/permits expeditiously Evolve policies to address long-term availability of fuel for these projects Respective Discoms will be provided hand-holding towards enabling early reforms Bring in additional equity in an attempt to address the worsening leverage ratio of these projects Changing the extant duty regime without adversely impacting the downstream user industry (increased import duty on steel) Further flexibility in restructuring of existing loans wherever the Banks find viability.E) Empowerment: There will be no interference from government to these banks so they can take their decision independently keeping the commercial interest of the organisation in mindF) Framework of Accountability: A new framework of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to be measured for performance of PSBs— Indicators: Efficiency of capital use and diversification of business/processes NPA management and financial inclusion Strategic initiatives taken to improve asset quality, Efforts made to conserve capital, HR initiatives and Improvement in external credit ratingG) Governance Reforms: Banks to have robust grievance redressal mechanism for borrowers, depositors as well as staff— GyanSangam Strengthening of risk management practices No interference policy Improving HR management practices and removing barriers so that the Banks can share and work together on common resourcesThe upcoming budget session of Parliament— GEAR ApproachThere is a need to boost savings in the economy in order to enhance the inherent economic strength of the financial sector via the Gear Approach to augment the savings rate: Growth Efficiency Attractiveness ReachEnhance growth to increase per capita incomes— Need to increase disposable incomes by raising the personal income tax exemption slab to Rs 5 lakh. This could be a one-time correction and the slab could thereafter be linked to inflation and reviewed every three years.Focus on improving the efficiency in financial transactions— Usage of plastic currency and e-transactions (via the internet and mobile phone) will not only improve the ease of transactions but also enhance the saving propensity among citizens Every 1 per cent reduction in the currency in circulation is likely to add 0.4 per cent to the savings rate Will also help curb the flow of black moneyMake financial savings attractive by providing tax incentives— For instance, the tax exemption limits under Section 80C could be doubled to Rs 3 lakh which will deepen the mutual fund and equity markets Increase inflation-adjusted post-tax returns for bank deposits by reducing the lock-in period eligible for tax rebate to one year from five years Enhance the threshold for mandatory tax deduction at source (TDS) on interest income to Rs 50,000 a year from the current level of Rs 10,000; will prove to be useful to roll back TDS on recurring deposits to encourage wider adoption, as this is a product that promotes the habit of regular saving The National Pension Scheme should enjoy “EEE” (exempt, exempt, exempt) tax statusExpand the financial reach— Government could consider converting India Post into the postal bank of India, a full-fledged payments and savings bank, to leverage its rural penetration for greater financial inclusion.Other Measures— Passage of the GST bill Further rationalising direct taxes, tax sops for start-ups Introduction of key structural reforms in terms of real estate, labour, and micro, small and medium enterprises Help to the farm sector that needs significant focus on irrigation and technological support. The bankruptcy bill will also turn out to be a game changer for spurring economic activity and confidence Advent of the JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhar, Mobile numbers)Jan DhanYojana: Furthering the objective of financial inclusionAadhaar Platform: Furnish the much-needed basic digital intelligence and mobile phones will leverage this through innovative payment systems, such as Immediate Payment Service or IMPS.NATIONALTOPIC: General studies 2: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures; Role of civil services in a democracy.  Impersonal government is good: A case of RTI act, 2005 India’s RTI Act, which completed its first decade of implementation this year, is arguably one of the world’s most widely used freedom of information acts. In one year alone (2011-12), over two million requests were submitted to the Central government and in 10 of India’s 29 states. Attacks on RTI activists: Choosing to file an RTI is not always a safe act. RTI activists are vulnerablehuman rights defenders (HRDs) in India. Unlike other HRDs, a majority of the RTI activists are not part of an organisation; they often act alone, moved by anger at corruption and other illegal activities. RTI activists are vulnerable because they live in the same areas as public authorities and political leaders who do not want information about their activities to be disclosed. Exposing corruption can make you enemies, and accounts of RTI users and activists being threatened, harassed, even assaulted or killed as a result of their requests. A lot of such cases has been witnessed in India in the past and is still continuing.How can it be checked?The Asian Centre for Human Rights recommends that a separate chapter, “Protection of those seeking information under the (RTI) Act”, be inserted into the RTI Act. Protection measures should include(a)mandatory, immediate registration of complaints of threats or attacks against RTI activists on the First Information Report and placing such FIRs before the magistrate or judge of the area within 24 hours for issuance of directions for protection of those under threats and their family members, and periodic review of such protection measures;(b)conducting inquiry into threats or attacks by a police officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police/Assistant Commissioner of Police, to be concluded within 90 days; and(c)trial of the accused within six months.(d)Further, concerned Public Information Officers, First Appellate Authorities and those directly related with the information sought under the RTI Act should be presumed to have abetted the offenses against the RTI activists unless evidence proves otherwise.RTI starts its second decade: What is the need? The RTI and other freedom of information laws around the world are examples of how governments offer transparency, but passively. The citizens are the active agents, filling out request forms and, in the process, often dealing with resistance and delays. As the RTI starts its second decade, we need India’s government to ensure that information provision has a more impersonal face. This requires the government to invest in a data infrastructure that will allow it to go from passive to active transparency.Open administrative datasets of government or active transparency:In recent years, many countries have opened their administrative datasets to the public, with several goals in mind, like To make government more transparent and accountable, Track progress toward performance targets, and Help policymakers and administrators do their jobs effectively.Difference between active and passive transparency:In passive transparency government by itself does not provide any data to citizens unless until asked by them.In case of active transparency government through suo moto initiative tries to provide administrative information to citizens without it being asked.How does active transparency help? Active transparency brings huge benefits to citizens who can directly access data without filing requests. Citizens also benefit indirectly as researchers begin to use this data for a range of purposes, including to evaluate policy.Measures to foster active transparency across ministries: Invest in technical inputs. The government can improve its digital services, especially website speed, by increasing the use of open-source technologies, which avoid costly licensing fees that can create procurement bottlenecks, and by taking advantage of efficient cloud web-hosting services. Encourage collaboration between policymakers, researchers and technicians from the word go. Researchers should not just provide answers, they should sit down with policymakers to help formulate the question. Technicians should help designing the model that developed by researchers and policy makers. Employ “agile”(able to remove quickly) methodologies. Software developers should use “agile” methodology to keep fast-moving projects from going astray(deviated) and creating waste. Using a clearly defined set of user needs, the developers should try to create prototypes and proceeds through short rounds of cooperative iteration. This method can benefit a wide range of government initiatives by keeping all sides informed and involved, and the project on track.Way ahead: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include Goal 17 on revitalising the global partnership for development. This includes efforts “to increase significantly the availability of high-quality, timely and reliable data”. Although it is the last goal on the list, it would enable us to track progress on all the others. The more real-time data we have, the earlier we can correct ourselves and set a path toward goals that will improve the lives of individuals. Connecting the dots: Critically examine the functioning of RTI act in the past decade. RTI act even though termed as successful, have severe lacuna. Examine the various lacunas present in the RTI act 2005. Suggest measures to reform the same.MUST READNote: A article on Taliban and regional stability of Afghanistan will be published tomorrowChina’s long game in West AsiaHindu Who benefits when the RBI cuts rates?HinduMounting grievances, little regulationHinduSolar Scam: Oommen Chandy must resignHinduHomegrown energy security for Europe-Europe’s energy security is likely to gain salience in the coming months, as 2016 shapes up to be another turbulent year in international politicsLive MintMIND MAPS1. Farmer's WorryIndian Express2. Children & TobaccoThe Hindu

Jan 28, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 28th January, 2016   NATIONAL   TOPIC: General studies 3: Indian Constitution- significant provisions and basic structure; Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.  Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.   Ensuring privacy in a digital age Convention 108, 1981: The European Council signed the Convention for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data What about it— The first legally binding international treaty dealing with privacy and data protection 28 January-The day has since been celebrated as Data Protection Day in Europe and as International Data Privacy Day around the world Data Privacy— Internet and Mobile Association of India Report-India has around 400 million Internet users treating Internet essentially as a data ecosystem where every node is engaged in generation, transmission, consumption and storage of data Real Issue- Absence of measures that Safeguard the privacy of this data Regulates data retention by platforms collecting it Resulting in— Zero awareness regarding how their personally identifiable information is collected, stored, used and shared Large scale sensitive data collection and storage due to governance-driven digitization (Aadhaar, digital lockers, and direct account transfers) but with a toothless Information Technology Act which has limited scope to penalize government agencies for breach of data privacy (only legal instrument available to citizens against contravention of their privacy in the data ecosystem) 2013- Maharashtra government simply lost the personal data of 300,000 Aadhaar card applicants Need of the hour— A comprehensive legislation that provides for a right to privacy as a fundamental entitlement to citizens for which the groundwork has already been laid in 2012 by a Justice A.P. Shah-headed group of experts constituted by the Planning Commission. The commission had proposed a set of national privacy principles that would place an obligation on data controllers to put in place safeguards and procedures that would enable and ensure protection of privacy rights Notice (to be given to users while collecting data); Choice and consent (of users while collecting data from them); Collection limitation (to keep user data collected at the minimum necessary); Purpose limitation (to keep the purpose as adequately defined and narrow as possible); Access and correction (for end users to correct or delete their personal data as may be necessary); Disclosure of information (private data should not be disclosed without explicit consent of end user); Security (defining responsibility to ensure technical, administrative and physical safeguards for data collected); Openness (informing end users of possible collection and utilization of personal data); Accountability (institutionalize accountability for adherence to these principles)   The proposed framework— Technology neutral Compliant with international standards already in place to protect user privacy Should recognize the multiple dimensions of privacy Establish a national ethos for privacy protection Flexible to address emerging concerns Should contain horizontal applicability with both the public and private sectors bought under the purview of privacy legislation In the time being— It is necessary to adopt mechanisms ensure compliance towards use of Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PET)— Processes and tools that allow end users to safeguard the privacy of their personally identifiable information that they willingly provide to government agencies and other service providers PETs put the end user in control over what information to share, with whom to share and a clear knowledge of the recipients of this information Usage of data encryption and mandating multi-factor authentication for access to end user data can be examples of other PETs that can be implemented by service providers and government agencies alike -Aligning our technology laws with the evolving Internet landscape -User privacy concerns and secure designing should be integrated in the charters of respective standard-setting organizations -Government should seek ‘active user education’ that makes them aware of their choices -Lengthy and complex privacy policies that practically hand over control of user data to the platforms collecting it need to be replaced with ones that are user friendly in draft and execution. -Policy documents that address these concerns need to be widely discussed and debated in the public domain Steps taken by the Government- Draft Internet of Things Policy- Devotes only one line to the need to have security and privacy standards Policy document on Smart Cities- Indifferent to the issues related to privacy Introduction of legislation in Parliament, 2011- Failed as there could not be a consensus on which government agencies could seek exclusion from such provisions and collect citizen data without any oversight 2015- Supreme Court referred to a constitutional bench the petition seeking inclusion of the Right to Privacy under Article 21 (Right to Life); Verdict- awaited Connecting the Dots: ‘Breach of privacy’ is a breach of Right to Life. Critically examine   ECONOMICS TOPIC: General studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.  Government Budgeting.  General studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.    Budget and Infrastructure investment A month from now, the Finance Minister will present his Budget for the 2016-17 fiscal to Parliament. Some fiscal issues the budget needs to tackle: Ongoing demand to introduce Indian Financial Code. To cap fiscal deficit at an achievable target. Demand to make principle of inflation targeting as the sole objective of monetary policy. Issue of composition of theMonetary Policy Committee.   What is the need in India? India needs to create jobs for a fast-growing workforce and lift large numbers out of poverty Hurdles which come in the way: One major hurdle in achieving job creation is ‘the scale of the challenge to build infrastructure’. The other side is whether fiscal consolidation and inflation targeting could become constraints on infrastructure investment, growth and job creation. Consider the question of fiscal deficit: As conventionally calculated, fiscal deficit is the difference between the government's income and expenditure on both revenue and capital accounts. The deficit adds to government debt, but surely there is a huge difference between, say, the expenditure incurred in implementing the recent award of the Seventh Pay Commission, and the money spent on building roads, ports, or other infrastructure, which adds to government assets? This apart, investments in infrastructure are essential to maintain growth momentum and the resultant increase in GDP improves the government's debt servicing capacity.   Case study of Ethiopia: Rapid growth in the most successful economy in Africa, namely Ethiopia, was the result of "a massive increase in public investment, from five per cent of GDP in the early 1990s to 19 per cent in 2011 - the third-highest rate in the world. The government went on a spending spree, building roads, railways, power plants and an agricultural extension system that significantly enhanced productivity in rural areas where most of the poor reside. Lacunas in private sector financing: It may be argued that the building of infrastructure could be left to the private sector and bank financing rather than through fiscal resources. Whileprima facie this sounds reasonable, at present there seem to be several constraints on this happening on any significant scale.   Some of the more important ones are as follows: The banking supervisor has been expressing serious concerns about the level of non-performing assets of the banking system. Loans to the infrastructure sector have a disproportionate share in the aggregate non-performing assets, and banks would be reluctant to increase their exposure. Even otherwise, the banking system would be reluctant to increase its loan book because of the much higher capital requirements prescribed by the Basel III norms, which are to be complied with in the next few years. For the private sector, its experience with stalled projects in the infrastructure sector has not been happy, and that will surely dim its enthusiasm. Another problem is that, in Maharashtra at least, there has been strong political opposition and agitations against the collection of tolls on roads financed by the private sector. One also wonders to what extent the prevailing high real interest rates would adversely affect infrastructure investment by the private sector and this is not entirely the result of inefficient monetary transmission on the part of the banking system. Way ahead: In short, relying on the private sector to undertake infrastructure investment may not be a realistic proposition. The virtue of fiscal deficit may need to be dented in the interest of investment, growth and job creation. Connecting the dots: Economic survey 2014-15 pointed out to structural problems for low economic growth in India. What do you understand by structural problems? Explain the measures taken by government to solve them.   MUST READ Sounding the smoke alarm - The high consumption of tobacco products by children under 18 is a warning that not enough is being done to spread awareness about health or enforce specific laws Hindu Related Articles: Tobacco and Pollution : Can we afford to breathe easy?   After Paris, keep the heat on - In order to have a chance of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, we need suitable technologies to make low-carbon transitions in development right away Hindu Related Articles: A Solar-y Alternative A Green New Deal   Denmark’s absurd law on refugees Hindu Related Articles: Europe’s Humanitarian crisis European Migrant Crisis: The Humanitarian Crisis that has made the world awkward   The case for full disclosure - Now is a good time to debate the criteria which enables the government to keep secrets instead of making everything public Hindu   CBI:The stained steel frame Hindu Related Articles: Crisis of Credibility: CBI caught on the wrong foot   Why yuan matters- Indian equity markets are turbulent due to high foreign ownership and the renminbi uncertainty Indian Express Related Articles: Devaluation of Yuan   How India lost the plot in global iron ore trade- While miners are losing their export advantage because of a host of levies, end users within the country are increasingly relying on imports Business Standard   Disaster management: Preparing for the deluge- Coastal states have learnt to handle cyclonic storms better, but more needs to be done. Indian Express Related Articles: Disaster Management, Urbanization Issues and Governance – The Chennai Disaster   Ghosts Of Ship-To-Mouth- Price spikes, production fluctuations challenge us, not insufficient food production Indian Express   Delivering benefits to the poor- The issue of cash-versus-kind is not one that can be resolved by just fixing the delivery mechanism Live Mint Related Articles: Time for expansion of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)   MIND MAPS   1. Aligarh Muslim University Indian Express

Jan 27, 2016 AIR

All India Radio- DALIT EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EDUCATION

ARCHIVES DALIT EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EDUCATION   Click here and search 22nd January, 2016 Spotlight/News analysis for audio. Even after more than 6 decades of Independence, challenges remain in one of the most crucial sectors of social development i.e. Education. Empowerment of dalit and oppressed cannot be achieved without education. In the pre-independence time itself Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had achieved highest degree of academic excellence – Doctorate in Economics from Columbia University. It was considered the biggest achievement even today for a dalit person. The constitution has provided reservation in education and employment for SC/ST. India today has many dalit intellectuals making use of the opportunity. However, the opportunities or empowerment to dalits is not uniform across the country. There are disparities from region to region. Especially in rural areas there is a social prejudice against dalits. Changes in society cannot take place quickly. But political changes can happen quickly because of State support. Hence, the State should see that there should not be any kind of feeling of upper caste consolidation and prejudice against dalits. Eminent people’s teachings, like Vivekananda’s, have to be remembered. He spread equality of all human beings and fought for ending caste discriminations. Education is the primary tool through which we can end inequality in the society. At a time when the country is seeking job creation through entrepreneurship, higher education and R&D are a must for providing quality and excellence. The oppressed and dalits should be provided access to higher education which can transform their lives. Finance for higher education is one of the major challenges for dalits. Govt has several schemes to address the issue.