IASbaba's Monthly Magazine- October 2015
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IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 18th November, 2015
Archives IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 18th November, 2015 ENVIRONMENT TOPIC: General Studies 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Environmental Laws (Amendment) Bill An increase of 4 degrees, when looms large on the international community; nothing less than pro-active interventions and proper deliberations will serve best to capture the temperature at a lower end of the increase. It has been a long time, since the exploitation of natural resources and preference over luxury items paved way for more, and at present, multi-fold damage of our environment, to take place. Much energy, time and research now, needs to be first dedicated towards understanding the cause and effect relationship, keeping in mind the scope of damage and various interventions that needs to be put in place to arrest these damages. With this viewpoint a new Environment Laws Bill has been introduced in the Rajya Sabha for further deliberations. The Bill says: Environmental damage as pollution: Pollution and damage are two elements denoted by ill-will and constitutes a zero-sum acceptance in the society. Both are despised but both are not the same. All damage is not pollution;whereas pollution does cause damage, in the long run. Kinds of environmental damage — Substantial, Non-substantial and Minor: “Substantial damage means damage to the environment whether by release of environmental pollutant or environmental pollution or handling of hazardous substance or any other substance or otherwise determined in the manner as may be prescribed by which the environment is affected or is likely to be affected. Also, violation of statutory environmental obligations would count as an environmental damage” A ‘pollution and hazardous’ centric approach seems realistic today, but not without sounding vague. If there are three classifications, one needs to know the differentiating factor between the above stated levels. India has been fighting with policy paralysis and policies in conflict with one another. In such a scenario, if a policy is being made today, it should contain highest level of clarity with a proper framework behind it to support. Besides, there are other types of damages which need to be included in the Bill to guarantee future acceptance and strong steps-respecting our ecosystem. For example, the author of the editorial has rightly pointed out that with the advancement of Construction sciences and the boom being witnessed by the Infrastructural activities, there has been an increase in the dredging activities on the wetland that is supposed to be conserved considering its sensitivity. Climate Change and Health: Health is inextricably linked to climate change. Questions remain concerning risks, vulnerabilities, and priorities for policies to promote adaptation (reducing adverse outcomes) and mitigation (reducing heat-inducing emissions). British laws have spelled out already that specific interest as well as a firm commitment, and concern needs to be put in place to counter damage- India needs to learn from here. Paradox of Distances: The Bill suggests that the costs of environmental damage, in the form of hazards and pollution, “may extend to 10 crore rupees” within a 5 km distance from a project site. For damage within 5 to 10 km from a site, the sum should be between Rs.10-15 crore and beyond 10 kilometres, Rs.15-20 crore. Continuing environmental damage would attract a fixed, per day penalty for all three categories. Environmental damage surpasses areas, skies and distances-true; but can it be one of the core factors determining environmental damage is yet to be seen and especially in the Indian context. What might be the segregation here is- severity of the pollution or damage caused; irrespective of the factor being proximity or distance. The spill-over effects are many (No vehicle on the road, if the pollution level goes higher up than specified-one rule) and these can last for a very long time, almost suspended in the environment to wait for the ripe time to attack. Redressal Mechanisms: If Bhopal Gas Tragedy has taught us something, it has been the ever-present effects of the damage. If lives were lost, there were many who lost their sanity sitting miles away from the site. Such was its effect and these effects; at the place where damage takes place, lurks around in broad daylight. Penalties and ceilings should thus be determined accordingly. Policy makers need to take a balanced decision both for minimum and maximum penalties to be awarded, keeping in mind the nature of pollution, the degree of damage and the future of both. Adjudicating authority: The Bill has proposed an adjudicating authority consisting of two experienced person, qualified to take decisions on the issue of pollution and the question of environmental damage, if any. The decision will oscillate between the inclusion of government officials or independent judges and would be crucial in India’s way to Green Growth and in setting up examples for the world and a path for its own countrymen. IASbaba’s Views: Half of the answers lie in the questions and thus, while protecting the environment is our fundamental duty, aligning the country’s objectives and policies with that of nature will require some thought-provoking questions to be asked and innovative solutions to be provided, as an answer. National Green Tribunal has been taking nascent steps towards building up a certain kind of environmental consensus and thus, should be awarded with certain responsibilities that not only deals with the polluting units or policy paralysis but also, addressing the concerns of the citizens. A human-centric parlance needs to be removed from the policy framework because we need to understand that we just do not survive without nature and thereby, only if the nature has the capacity to sustain humans, by all means, only then can we think of a future ahead. Connecting the Dots: Discuss the approaches that are needed to protect human health or reduce the threats posed by climate change. Short Note on: Ecological Approach vs Single Solution per problem ‘There are many social, economic, and political barriers to realizing reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions’ Examine. INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2: Functions of the Executive, Governance, Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges. Gujral doctrine replaced with so called Modi doctrine India has enormous economic and geopolitical presence in South Asia. Yet, since Independence, it has maintained certain humility, in the knowledge that it houses some of the world’s largest pockets of poverty. It has been well-aware of its weaknesses in governance, and also that its smaller neighbours are ahead of it in many human development indices, including infant and maternal mortality rates. Gujral doctrine for dealing with neighbours: Ex-Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral, in 1997, had propounded a policy to manage relationships with India’s neighbours. The Gujral Doctrine is a set of five principles to guide the conduct of foreign relations with India’s immediate neighbours, notably Pakistan. Five principles: With the neighbours like Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka, India does not ask for reciprocity but gives all that it can in good faith and trust. No South Asian country will allow its territory to be used against the interest of another country of the region. None will interfere in the internal affairs of another. All South Asian countries must respect each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The countries will settle all their disputes through peaceful bilateral negotiations. So called Modi doctrine: Present Prime Minister had invited leaders from India’s South Asian neighbours to his inauguration in May 2014. However, in retrospect, that looks more like the darbar (court) of George V, with local potentates having been brought together to applaud the King Emperor. India’s neighbour’s are treated as subordinates to big brother Indian state and the prime minister seeks to establish an ‘Akhand Bharat’ , integrated all the South Asian states. The west is also promoting this “Akhand Bharat” initiative as the west sees India as an important tool in countering influence of china. By doing this, India is going to lose confidence of the neighbours and it will become very difficult for India, to become a regional superpower and getting a permanent seat in united nations security council(UNSC). Comparing Gujral doctrine with Modi doctrine: While the ‘Gujral doctrine’ was empathetic, the ‘Modi doctrine’ is a mix of political calculations, a complete control over diplomacy by the Prime Minister, and an enthusiastic willingness to ‘front’ for the Western world. It is totally uncaring towards the sovereignties and sensibilities of the neighbouring countries and marked by a complete lack of historicity and economic foresight. What India misses with adherence to Modi doctrine? India’s lack of empathy keeps it away from learning from the success stories of its smaller neighbours: like Bangladesh’s examples of service delivery and cyclone preparedness; Pakistan’s show resilience against sectarianism, political violence and impossible geopolitical odds; Sri Lanka’s fight against autocracy and its development indicators; Nepal’s experiments with FM radio, local government and community forestry. Way ahead: It is India that should be showing the self-confident path of soft nationalism, leading towards open borders and symbiotic economic growth. This would benefit the densely peopled peripheral States in the country, in the arc from Rajasthan to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam. It is only through gaining confidence of neighbours, India can become a regional superpower in South Asia. Connecting the dots: What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss. Critically examine the statement “India is an island of stability in an ocean of instability”. Critically examine the importance of SAARC in promoting regional co operation and development in South Asian region. MUST READ Unnecessary cess- The Swachh Bharat cess goes against the logic of GST and fiscal federalism Indian Express One world, one battlefield- The global community can’t view terror attacks in different places as only loosely connected. Allies need to recognise that the paradigm shift in global terror requires a new, unified doctrine Indian Express Europe’s challenge- It is to keep the European project alive — and to find a political solution to the quagmire in West Asia Indian Express Women And Labour- Surrogacy isn’t morally reprehensible. Surrogates should be seen as workers Indian Express For more information on ‘Surrogacy’ refer the below link http://iasbaba.com/2015/10/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-31st-october-2015/ Why deny an individual’s right to die? Business Line Get the security bug out of software exports- As in pharma, where the US as an importer is fixing quality issues, the same can be done to keep out cyber threats Business Line Don’t rule out the BRICs- Goldman Sachs’ move is a timely reminder that analytically sound concepts need not always translate into durable investment approaches—and for good reasons Live Mint MIND MAPS 1. Global Problems- Live Mint Link MIND MAPS - Download Here 2. Environmental Law- The Hindu Link MIND MAPS - Download Here
All India Radio- PROMOTING INDIAN HANDLOOMS
ARCHIVES PROMOTING INDIAN HANDLOOMS Click here and search for 7th August 2015 Spotlight/News Analysis for audio Importance of Handloom industry Handloom industry is as old as our civilization and it is a living tradition Handloom industry is a labour intensive and skilled industry. More than 43 lakh workers are engaged in Handloom and its allied activities Handloom sector contributes 15% to the total cloth production in the country Strength of the sector lies in Uniqueness Flexibility of production Openness to innovation Adaptability to suppliers’ requirements Wealth of the tradition Their usage is also eco friendly, which is useful for reducing GHG emissions and achieving India’s INDC targets 1 metre of Khadi uses only 3 litres of water whereas 1 metre of mill cloth uses 55 litres of water Khadi is slightly more traditional than handloom. In khadi, cloth is made by hand spinning and hand weaving; In Handloom, mill spun yarn can also be used Problems The weavers and spinners are not getting minimum wages They do not have social security Skilled workers (Handloom sector) are earning less than the unskilled workers. Hence they move to unskilled work in MGNREGA, rickshaw pulling etc. Various schemes of the government are not being implemented properly The handloom workers are not getting raw materials like threads, dyes etc. at affordable rates When big orders come for exports, the traders get benefited rather than the artisans Sometimes duplicate materials are being sold in the name of handlooms. The genuine skilled weavers are losing market on account of this Initiatives “India Handloom” brand will be given to entrepreneurs who provide good quality yarn, purity of design and abide by zero defects Certain categories of clothes are reserved for handloom sector only Incentives to cluster approach, technological up gradation, marketing promotion, revival of potentially viable societies through loan weavers, assistance and subsidised yarn, credit etc. National Handloom Day – Aug 7. It was on August 7, 1905, the “Swadeshi Movemen”t was launched What yet needs to be done? Availability of handloom products online (E-commerce) Popularizing handlooms (Branding & Marketing) Direct wages to the bank accounts of weavers for govt schemes Internal reorganization of the structure of the sector so that maximum benefits go to weavers and spinners instead of traders
IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 17th November, 2015
Archives IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 17th November, 2015 INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. The end of non alignment India, which clung to non-alignment as its international identity since Independence, slowly deviated from it after the big LPG reforms, 1991. Recent developments from the government has further highlighted, the movement away from avoidance of military partnerships in the past to making security cooperation an important part of India’s foreign relations. The developments that signify the end of non alignment: During the Prime Minister’s visit to London last week, the Prime Minister unveiled an ambitious framework for international security cooperation with Great Britain. Home Minister, is heading to China to seek cooperation with Beijing on border management and counter-terrorism. The recent interaction of Indian army chief with the vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, in Delhi for better cooperation between the two countries. At a gathering of Asian defence ministers in early November, the defence minister raised his concern over the need of mutual understanding among countries to solve territorial disputes especially the one in South China sea. At the Africa Summit in Delhi at October-end, military and security cooperation figured prominently in India’s bilateral interaction with the continent’s leaders. What does the move by government indicate? India no longer wants to be isolated from the western power blocs. India wants its voice to be heard at the global level. This move by the government would make India, a regional superpower in Asia and also a global leader for other developing and under developed economies. This could make India’s dream of a permanent seat in United Nations Security Council (UNSC) come true. Background: Non Aligned Movement (NAM): The Non-Aligned Movement is a Movement of 115 members representing the interests and priorities of developing countries and against blindly following any power block during the cold war era. The Movement has its origin in the Asia-Africa Conference held in Bandung, Indonesia in 1955. NAM principles: Five principles of NAM Mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty Mutual non-aggression Mutual non-interference in domestic affairs Equality and mutual benefit Peaceful co-existence Policies and ideology: The Non-Aligned Movement is unified by its declared commitment to world peace and security. The Non-Aligned Movement espouses policies and practices of cooperation, especially those that are multilateral and provide mutual benefit to all those involved. The Non-Aligned Movement has played a major role in various ideological conflicts throughout its existence, including extreme opposition to apartheid governments and support of guerrilla movements in various locations, including Rhodesia and South Africa. The Non-Aligned Movement has become a voice of support for issues facing developing nations and it still contains ideals that are legitimate within this context. Role after the cold war (NAM 2.0): Since the end of the Cold War and the formal end of colonialism, the Non-Aligned Movement has been forced to redefine itself and reinvent its purpose in the current world system. The movement has emphasised its principles of multilateralism, equality, and mutual non-aggression in attempting to become a stronger voice for the global South, and an instrument that can be utilised to promote the needs of member nations at the international level and strengthen their political leverage when negotiating with developed nations. NAM now opposes foreign occupation, interference in internal affairs and aggressive unilateral measures and it has also shifted to focus on the socio-economic challenges facing member states, especially the inequalities manifested by globalization and the implications of neo-liberal policies. The Non-Aligned Movement has identified economic underdevelopment, poverty, and social injustices as growing threats to peace and security. Connecting the dots: Critically examine the role played by India in promoting principles of NAM during the cold war period. Explain the need for NAM 2.0 in present day multi polar world. Should India stick on to its principle of non alignment in present day world which faces a lot of security threats from both state and non state actors. Analyse 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. India- Afghanistan: Traditional friends, modern allies Friendship between the people of India and Afghanistan dates back to centuries (IVC), which has grown deeper in the modern era; characterising friendship, loyalty, and generosity of the Afghan people towards India’s society structure, ethnicity as well as diversity. Indo-Afghan Friendship Treaty in 1950, had lend a greater impetus to the friendship between the two countries and encouraged Indian aid programmes to have reached large parts of Afghanistan, improving the lives of many Afghans and developing more economic prospects in the region. Afghanistan’s location at the strategic crossroads between South Asia and Central Asia and South Asia and the Middle East holds much importance and with internal connectivity, facilitating cross-border transit, trade and investment- India has not only addressed the various bottlenecks faced by the impoverished communities across Afghanistan but have also seemed to better the development’s acceptance and existence in the country. Securing Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) Afghanistan’s democratic institutions are at a nascent stage, seeking further institutionalisation for a functioning democracy that contributes to regional peace and prosperity. This agreement envisages close political cooperation with a mechanism for regular consultations and launch of joint initiatives at regional, international and, also work towards Security Cooperation. Need to provide timely security assistance &fully operationalise the implementing mechanisms to achieve shared objectives, and gradually improve the human security situation, cutting across illegal network that gets youth to pick up guns (poverty & joblessness) trade and economic cooperation; capacity development and education; social, cultural, civil society; and people-to-people relations Security Cooperation: India’s efforts extend towards fighting International terrorism, Organised crime, Illegal trafficking in narcotics, Money laundering, etc. Also, much effort need to be made in maintaining supply of war-like stores, ensuring the safety and protection of Indian assets and infrastructure in Afghanistan; and, including intelligence cooperation and sharing with Afghanistan’s government. With attacks taking over the normal life of the fellow citizens of the world, there is a need to walk the talk by ensuring unity of regional effort in support of Afghanistan’s stabilisation. Only a shared vision and concerted efforts from all the corners can promise us long-term national security interests and stability. Strengthening Forces Provide with four MI-25 helicopters to enhance its air capability in the fight against a relentless terror campaign Assist in the training, equipping and capacity building programmes for Afghan National Security Forces Political Considerations: Reconstruction, Development programmes and Capacity Building (Governance, Education, Health, Technical training) can go a long way in furthering democracy at the grassroots level. Eg: Reconstruction of Habibia School, Kabul Establishing broad-based engagement with all political groups and supporting Afghan-led broad-based reconciliation efforts Assisting Afghanistan to train its administrative and judicial staff to improve governance by improving the delivery of justice Establish and enhance people-to-people contacts Socio-economic Framework: There is a need to increase Trade with Afghanistan- Indian business investment must increase both in tapping and developing the natural resources (coal, chromite and marble+ Gas) & key areas of investment: Mining, hydrocarbon, Infrastructure, Healthcare & Telecom Reconstruction and Capacity building programmes on the lines of – Roads(Zaranj to Delaram), Dams(Salma Dam, Herat)and Afghan Parliament Work on also enhancing India’s energy security (TAPI pipeline) Replacing narcotics-based agriculture with regular agriculture Implementation of SAFTA Promotion of India-China cooperation IASbaba’s Views: Lack of geographical contiguity and limited access have always been accompanied with higher level of impoverishment and thus, capacity building and reaching the hinterland becomes an imperative for any country trying to revive other country from difficult times. Pakistan’s Apprehensions can play a major foul game if baseless suspicions are not looked into, at the right time. If the objective resolves around putting Afghanistan back on its toes genuinely; it is crucial and a must for both India and Pakistan to discuss their suspicions at official level and clear away each other’s apprehensions, and work together for peace and stability in the region. India needs to take a long-term view of developments, involvements as well as negotiations between Afghanistan and other countries and weigh its options accordingly. Since Afghanistan has recently come out of turmoil, its policy might be laden with various shifts but India should- with a single-headed approach continue working towards re-building of Afghanistan from its end. Connecting the Dots: Discuss the importance that Indo-China cooperation holds in the development of Afghanistan. Is India’s Afghan policy in crisis? Substantiate Write short note on: Afghanistan- ‘Graveyard of Empires’ MUST READ Making the transition to a cashless economy- India has one of the highest cash-to-gross-domestic product ratios Live Mint Re-engaging the private sector-India's infrastructure ambitions call for an enthusiastic re-engagement with the private sector. Business Standard Tipu, As He Was- Revisionist histories overlook his bigotry, while his contemporaries saw nothing else. Indian Express 13/11, unlike 26/11- Responses to Mumbai, Paris attacks were strikingly different. But India has learnt since. Indian Express Up the ranks- IISc Bangalore’s climb in world university rankings holds lessons for other Indian universities. Indian Express Road from Paris for G-20 Hindu MIND MAPS 1. Cashless Economy- Indian Express Link MIND MAPS - Download Here 2. FDI- The Hindu Link MIND MAPS - Download Here 3. Rupee Denominated Bond- Live Mint Link MIND MAPS - Download Here
All India Radio- Paris Attack
ARCHIVES PARIS TERROR ATTACKS Click here and search November 14, 2015 Spotlight/News analysis for audio. The discussion was very good and gives you a perspective on how to look at terrorism. So, don’t miss the audio. The recent terror attacks in France shows that Islamic State (IS) has arisen in the global arena. IS has shown to the world that it has the capability to strike at any place in the world. Many terror outfits like Boko Haram in Nigeria, al-Shabaab in Somalia etc. have been shifting their allegiance from al-Qaeda to IS. Why attack on France? France has been pursuing a policy of aggressive secularism, in which it has banned wearing of scarf, cross and such other religious symbols in public places. This has angered many Islamic outfits. The freedom of expression in France is too liberal and it has resulted in the Charlie Hebdo attacks in the recent past. Also, France has huge expatriate population which hails from Maghrib region primarily of Arabic descent and they constitute almost 15% of France’s population. As a result, many terrorist outfits have been thriving for some time in France. The latest terror attacks are said to be the revenge against France for its actions in Syria. France has adopted an aggressive foreign policy towards Syria. It has been in the forefront in derailing the President of Syria, Bashar al-Assad, without realising that such derailment and replacements often lead to chaos, as seen in Iraq and Libya. French assistance to the Opposition in Syria, which has close relations with al-Nusra (supported by al-Qaeda), has actually been flawed. Did the global war on terror fail? After the 9/11 attacks there was a feeling of global war being waged on terrorism – America invaded Afghanistan and Iraq. While the USA’s attack on Afghanistan to eliminate al-Qaeda and Taliban was a valid thing, their intervention into Iraq has enlarged the arena of conflict. The situation has given a greater opportunity for the al-Qaeda to expand into Iraq, Syria and the rest of the Middle East. The Americans seems to have targeted the symptom rather than the cause. The western world has not really understood the theological aspects of Islam. Terrorism cannot be eliminated by aerial bombings. Most countries perceive terrorism as a problem of law and order. It cannot be won by battles and bullets; it has to be won by brains. That can happen only by a carefully calibrated de-radicalization programme. Way forward One has to understand as to what is the attraction that these terror outfits hold for the youth. Most of the youth joining the terror outfits are from well educated background. Unless the governments understand the theological underpinnings behind the Islamic war that is attracting the youth from all corners of the world, it is not possible to win the war against terrorism. The two powerful de-radicalization tools are: Media and Education curriculum. The education curriculum should promote plurality. Similarly media should also bring out those aspects from Islam which talks about plurality and co-existence. There are many strands within Islam like Sufism which advocate peace, non-violence, harmony and which abhor violence. Such aspects should be highlighted, spread and educated.
IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 16th November, 2015
Archives IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 16th November, 2015 INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 3 Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism. Terror in Paris Terror has struck France for the second time this year, this time with even more damage and loss of innocent lives. The January attack on the offices of Charlie Hebdoin Paris and the attack on Friday night differ in terms of scale, planning, target and intent. In January, the intent was to teach the Charlie Hebdojournalists a lesson for drawing a cartoon of Prophet Muhammad. The attack did not seem to have a great deal of pre-planning, the targets were specific, and the aim limited. The 13/11 Paris attack is large-scale killing, targeted against the general public; intended to spread terror and to convey that the French would pay for their war efforts in Syria right inside the French heartland , a great deal of planning has clearly gone into its execution. ISIS(Daesh) claim responsibility : ISIS claims responsibility for the incident and further adds the reason for the terror incident, is increased France support for the fight against terror forces in Syria. Why France, a terror target in the west ? Within the West, France has become a major target of the Islamist terror outfits, especially the ISIS (Daesh), for a number of reasons. France has been at the forefront of the ongoing operations against the Daesh in Syria, even as the Barack Obama administration is not wholeheartedly participating in the anti-Daesh campaign. While France has one of the largest Muslim populations in Europe, its Muslim minority remains less integrated into the national mainstream and has grievances against the French government’s not-so-friendly way of mainstreaming them. 13/11 attack different from 26/11: The difference between the attacks in India by Pakistan-based terror groups, like the one on Mumbai, and the Paris attacks seems to be the presence of external handlers. Though both attacks displayed high levels of sophisticated planning and execution, the former was planned and directed by the LeT leadership based in Pakistan, and the Paris attacks seems to be have been self-directed by radicalised French citizens. Furthermore terror incidents to occur in the west: A recent UN report indicated that around 4,000 foreign fighters of West European origin are based in Syria. Another report by the Brookings Institution claimed that around 1,500 fighters of French origin are currently in Syria. If these figures are anything to go by, there are likely to be many more attempts to target Western cities in the days ahead. Should India join the terror fight in Syria? Yes and why? India’s counter-terror expertise can be a game changer India’s experience in counter terrorism could play a decisive role in combating ISIS as well as CIA supported terrorist groups such as the so-called Free Syrian Army. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army have been fighting extremists in Kashmir and eastern India for decades. India’s armed forces will gain invaluable experience The airspace over Syria is an environment that India’s MiG-29 and Sukhoi-30MKI pilots would relish. Not only would they be right at home in the Syrian cauldron, Indian pilots will also gain experience in a 21st century battlefield environment involving western air forces. The IAF can also test its ability to quickly airlift Indian troops into a war zone. Fight them in Syria, not at home There will be plenty of no sayers who will argue India should not enter the mess because they fear the country will end up on the ISIS radar. But the point is to fight and exterminate ISIS in its home base than in India. ISIS should not be given any breathing space which would allow them to expand out of the Middle East and Indian subcontinent. India’s stock will rise globally Despite sending spectacular missions to the Moon and Mars and becoming an IT superpower, India is still known as the land of holy men, tigers and Gandhi. What the country needs is an image makeover. If India sends its armed forces to Syria, its stock will rise globally as one of the few countries able to hit the ISIS. India’s entry will be a landmark geopolitical event India has rarely intervened outside the scope of the United Nations. The country is known as the reluctant superpower because it rarely ventures into global hot spots. If India sends its mighty defence forces to support Syria, it would have the weight of over 1.2 billion people saying no to terrorist groups. No and why? No prior experience on foreign soil Unlike US and other western nations, India doesn’t have experience fighting in foreign soil. On the other hand, US and other NATO troops have experience fighting in combat operations in Iraq, Afghanistan etc. Internal insurgencies Naxalism has affected India badly and its growth in eastern states has been a cause of concern. Currently it is spread in almost 220 districts across 20 states and it continues to bleed India and affect the development of local population. Enormous costs A foreign mission in Iraq and Syria costs Indian exchequer enormously. As per estimates, US government spends $300,000/hour, for their air strikes in Iraq and Syria , which is definitely unaffordable by India. Way Forward : India and the world should use the recent Paris attacks as a platform to fight terror globally and should not treat the attack as another terror attack like in the past and turn deaf ears to the plight of terror affected countries and people. Connecting the dots: Differentiate between de radicalization and counter radicalization. Critically examine the objectives of United Nations convention to combat terrorism. Critically analyse the role of South Asia in counter terrorism operations across the world. Critically analyse the impact of terrorism in promoting regional imbalances across the world with special emphasis on South Asia and Middle East. NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 1 Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. The economics of Cow Slaughter Recent state of affairs dealing with the slaughter of cows have un-done the major hype that was created around the developmental aspects related to livestock rearing and increase in the farm sector income of the farmers who have been running off the mills, to earn a livelihood. If targeting the Muslim community was not enough, snatching away the livelihood of the Hindus under the Hindutva brigade will bear much damage to the image of the government- hanging on to the thread of the RSS’s language, faithfully. Hindus…really? State of Farmers Yes! The farmers who sell off the unproductive cattle to the contractors are mostly Hindus; trying to earn some money from the cattle that are no more able to produce milk, give birth or have become old and frail. Maintenance Amount/Day: Rs. 100 Maintenance Amount/Year: Rs. 36,500 Right from dealing with the agrarian crisis to the question of the government providing them a cattle subsidy; have been doing the rounds. And, both the options do not fit in well with the figures that denote almost 53 lakh stray cattle abandoned by their owners. State of the Industry: Farmers are not the only community that will bear the brunt of a ‘cow-pride’ political class but the entire chain of leather industry will be affected due to the loss in the supply of the raw material for the production of leather based products. Statistics: According to the Council for Leather Exports, 2.5 million people, the majority of them scheduled castes, are employed in the industry. An estimated eight lakh Dalits earn a living through flaying the skin of dead cattle. If the statistics spell out the truth, the industry will be choked in a huge manner ‘illegally’ when the entire process is termed ‘legal’ in the country. A sense of fear, now, prevails on the working community- flayers, contractors, truck drivers, traders and others. Where is the Economics? Why don’t rich Indian farmers rear cattle on a large scale? Absence of a ready market for milk and other dairy products Lack of ready buyers or the absence of modern storage facilities Area Considerations: Existence of large inter-state variations in the nature of bovine population Urban settlements: Keep more and better breeds of cattle as they can sell dairy products in nearby markets more easily Remote areas: Invest in fewer, less productive, and cheaper cattle as the milk generated would largely be used for self-consumption From 150 trucks of cattle hide to three/four per day: No supplyà No workà No incomeà No sustenance + Fear à Jobless Dalitsà Search for an alternative Job Import of cow/bull hide: Allowed with zero per cent duty Huge competitionà Domestic units in lossà Will lay off worker à Distress Migration for Job + Alternate livelihood opportunities search à Standard of living gone downà Poverty Make in India + Skilling India : Distant Reality Political Mileage? Do Hindus eat beef? The National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) estimated in 2011-12 that 5.2 crore people in the country eat beef/buffalo meat. In 2002, the National Commission on Cattle, set up by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government, to promote a ban on cow slaughter, also reluctantly admitted in a report (para 167) that “extreme poverty and customary practices in the coastal areas and among some sections of scheduled tribes, scheduled castes and other backward castes also make them beef eaters.” Thus, nutrition of the poor is important and in India, ‘poverty’ does not knock the doors of one religious community. Legal Framework- In place? According to the website of the Department of Animal Husbandry, except for the States of the northeast, all other States have anti-cow slaughter laws in some form or the other. Useful and useless cattle: Once a cow or bull or bullock has crossed a certain age and can neither produce milk nor be useful in any agricultural work, such cattle can be slaughtered provided the authority concerned gives a “fit for slaughter” certificate. Punjab province of Pakistan: Strict regulations against the slaughter of milch animals and draught animals exists States which permit slaughter of "useless cattle": Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal. Socio-economic Angle of Cattle Slaughter: Ambedkar was in the forefront to ban cattle slaughter as his criticisms were based on the fact that one of the grounds for untouchability practised against Dalits, was consumption of the meat of dead cattle. In the face of strongly divided opinion in the Constituent Assembly, Dr.Ambedkar worked out a compromise for the inclusion of Article 48 in the Directive Principles rather than in the text of the Constitution. Article 48 states: “The State shall endeavour to organise agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and shall in particular take steps for preserving and improving the breeds and prohibiting slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle.” IASbaba’s Views: Food code is a personal issue and should remain so. Dictation when it comes to dietary practices, in a democracy, might work against the mandate that the government has been elected on the basis of. Other economic priorities are breathing slowly and needs to be pumped up with much attention and initiatives and thus, elongating or stressing on such an issue remains largely futile, serving no purpose, at all. Supreme Court had held that a " total ban on slaughter of useless cattle which involves a wasteful drain on the nation...cannot be justified." Even the plight of these stray cattle dying a slow death because of starvation or ingestion of toxic wastes is a matter of more importance and thus, while the government should abide by a visionary statement of the SC, it should also, at the same time, formulate policies put an economic perspective into being for the farmers ready to hang themselves, already. Connecting the Dots: Write a short note on- ‘Economics-Religion and Survival’ The hate campaign in the name of prevention of cow slaughter has recently taken its toll of another young Muslim life in Himachal Pradesh. Critically analyze MUST READ Not just business- Economics aside, the spectacle of PM’s UK visit was meant as much for the domestic audience as anyone else Indian Express http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/not-just-business/ http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/modi-in-britain/ Hindu http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/mr-modis-london-takeaway/article7881729.ece Why Legal Pluralism Matters- The government’s version of the uniform civil code must be debated publicly. Indian Express For Detailed Analysis on ‘Uniform Civil Code’ refer the below link http://iasbaba.com/2015/10/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-13th-october-2015/ Swachh cess: Eating out, telephony gets costlier. Expected to yield about Rs 3,800 cr to exchequer in remaining months of the fiscal Business Standard India, Bangladesh sign SOP to operationalise coastal shipping pact Business Standard Leveraging the CSR mandate- Some institutional arrangements that can maximise the collective impact of individual contributions Business Standard
IASbaba Press Information Bureau (PIB) - 8th to 15th NOVEMBER 2015-Week 2
ARCHIVES (GS2: Governments steps for National Integration) QuamiEkta Week to be observed from 19th to 25th Nov,2015 To spread message of Communal Harmony and National Integration- Faith in the values of Tolerance, co-existence and brotherhood in a multi – cultural and multi- religious society. The week long programme during QuamiEkta Week will be as under- National Integration Day (19 November, 2015): To emphasize themes of secularism, anti – communalism and non – violence. Welfare of Minorities Day (20 Nov, 2015): Emphasise on welfare of Minorities and their development. Linguistic Harmony Day (21 Nov, 2015): To appreciate linguistic heritage with programme like special literacy functions and KaviSamellans Weaker Section Day (22 Nov, 2015): With meetings and rally to highlight programmes with emphasis on the distribution of surplus land to landless labourers. Women’s Day (24 Nov, 2015): With emphasise on role of women in Nations Development.Culture and Unity Day (23 Nov, 2015): To promote cultural conservation and integration. Conversation Day (25 Nov, 2015): With emphasise on conversation and awareness towards environment. (GS 2: Government policies and Interventions) Governing Council Constituted to Oversee the Activities of the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Objective To maximise the economic impact through infrastructure development in commercial viable projects (Greenfield and Brownfield) NIIF: To attract investment from both domestic and international sources Registered under the Provisions of Indian Trusts Act, 1882 The mandate of the Governing Council includes the approval of- Guidelines for Investment of Trust property/Corpus of NIIF Parameters for appointment and performance of investment managers/advisors Any other matter related or incidental thereto. (GS 2: Transparency and accountability, e-governance) Central Board of Direct Tax (CBDT) to set-up a ‘Taxpayers Lounge’ at the Indian International Trade Fair-2015 Organised by Income Tax Department Objective To generate awareness in the public about the various taxpayer-friendly initiatives taken by the Department To provide tax payers services including e-filling of returns, viewing of tax credit through 26AS, application of PAN and services of Tax Return Preparers To highlight contribution of taxes and the Income Tax Department in Nation building To showcase the service delivered by AyakarSevaKendras (ASK) Activities such as NukkadNatak , Drawing Competition and Quiz Contest will be carried out to engage with school children and youth who are future tax payers. Dr.Jitender Singh to inaugurate workshop on discontinuation of Interview for recruitment to the junior-level posts in the Government Discontinuation of Interview: To curb corruption Objective of the workshop: To ensure more objective selection in a transparent manner To substantially ease the problems of the poor and resource less aspirants It will give more weightage to merit base selection. It supplements the government’s resolve for “Maximum Governance, Minimum Government. Steps taken The Chief Ministers of different states have been requested to involve PSC and recruiting agencies in their respective states where interview can be discontinued and selection can be done through examination. The DoPT and Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DAR & PG) and the Department of Pensions and Pensioners Welfare have undertaken abolition of attestation of certificates and instead, introduced self-attestation of certificate. Introduction of pension portal to abolish the requirement for a written life-certificate and decision to revisit and revise the pattern and syllabus of Civil Service Examination (GS3: Defence and implementation of new policy) Defence Minister Launches Army Cloud, Data Centre and Digi locker for the Indian Army. Objectives: Part of Digital Army Programme. It will have faster Documentation, Information and speedy delivery of services Pillars: Information Technology Infrastructure Development Broadband highway, Universal access to Telephone and Army Data Network E – Governance Electronic Delivery of services to all units and formation headquarters Army Cloud Army Cloud includes a Central Data Centre, Near Line Data Centre, both in Delhi and a Disaster Recovery Replication of its critical data along with virtualised services It is similar to Meghraj; the Cloud of National Informatics Centre (NIC) Provides Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) to pan Army Users as the first Cloud Services. It also will provide Software as a Service (SaaS) soon. Digi- locker Provide secure and exclusive data storage to all its units Similar to e- locker of Digital India Programme Advanced features: Digital signature + Watermarking User: Store, Share and Access the data from anywhere anytime on the Army Data Network. (GS3: Disaster and Risk Management) Implementation of ‘Sendai’ Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction Objective: To prepare a regional roadmap for disaster risk reduction for the Asian region To discuss substantive issues related to the implementation of the Sendai framework at the regional, national and local level Members: China, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Mongolia India Organised by: Asia Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) jointly organized by different Asian Countries and the United Nations office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) AMCDRR serves as a for other stakeholders to take a shared responsibilities and takes actionable commitments towards implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Sendai Framework includes: Adopting integrated and inclusive institutional measures so as to work towards - Preventing renewability to disaster Increase preparedness for Response Recovery and Strengthen Resilience Shift from stand alone disaster management or risk management to more holistic Risk Resilient development practice. Shift from risk management to disaster risk resilient development requires support of regional and international co-operation- Need to be incorporated in the architecture and thinking of the regional platforms (GS 3: Environment and food security) Comprehensive Agriculture Research based on Geographical Condition and Climatic changes to ensure Food Security in the Country Gain wider consultation and a holistic view onthe subject Invite memoranda containing views and suggestions of experts, individuals, institutions, organisation and other stake holders interested with the subject matter on the issues Evolve improved methods of irrigation Popularise consumption of crops/fruits that can provide better nutrition To develop indigenous varieties of cattle that can withstand extreme climatic stress To develop system for Precision Horticulture and protected cultivation To diversify species of fish to enhance production from fisheries sector (GS3: Science and Technology and Environment) Environment Minister Launches New Website on Climate Change Objective: Transform each citizen in the country as a votary for a better future To bring most of its content in the form of videos that can be shared on personal social media channels Features of website: Provide rich content in the form of short films to engage the audience Outline various initiatives to web climate change Display over 100 films, sourced from various arms of the government and social sector Offers integrated platform to all social media channels such as Facebook, Twitteretc, Designed to reach out to whole of India, enables browsing from all devices The NDC document uploaded in full and specialised parts for convenience of users The FAQ section provides comprehensive answers to all questions on India’s stance and initiative Provide links to activities and initiatives of all ministers related to climate change (GS 3: Science and Technology) India’s GSAT-15 Communication Satellite Launched Successfully GSAT-15, India’s latest communications satellite launched successfully by European Arian 5 VA-227 launch vehicle. GSAT-15 carries communication transponders in Ku- band as well as GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) About GSAT-15: Stationed over India at a slot at 93.5 degree East longitude Cost: About Rs 860 crore Flown along with Saudi Arabia’s Arabsat-6B/Badr-7 To replace INSAT-3A and INSAT-4B as their term expired Use: Helps to cater to DTH television needs To support thousands of VSAT operators who provide broadband services and DSNG (Digital Satellite News Gathering) for TV News channels
Creative Guidance – Want to try Meditation? – Inspirational & Educative Articles
Want To Try Meditation? ‘Meditation; ah, I have heard about it somewhere, people say that it has few benefits; I might give it a try some day. But definitely not now, I have so many other things to do and besides I am too young to be meditating! Well even if I do try, it’s not going to be for more than 5 minutes a day; eventually I will move it to 10 minutes (max!). Also I want to do it secretly, I don’t want my family and friends to know that I am sitting and closing my eyes every day. Weekends are definitely off. Ok, let me think about it. May be I will start from next year!’ Don’t be surprised if the above answer sounds a little too familiar. If given a choice, meditation is probably the last thing you want to do on this planet earth. Meditation is your first day of school; you would give anything to skip it. I am not saying that everybody feels this way; there are innumerable number of people for whom meditation is a lifelong love affair (yes, you heard it right!). For so many, meditation is not just one other activity of life; it is a central pillar around which everything revolves. They turn to meditation for happiness, inner peace, intelligence, realization, relaxation, physical wellbeing, emotional balance, connection, love and so many other things. They cannot even imagine their lives without meditation. Ironically, a lot of them meditate without even knowing that they are doing it. How many of you know that Yoga is also a form of meditation. Well for the rest of us, the word meditation either puts us to sleep, or sounds like a title of a silent horror movie! Meditation was never on my list of things to do. I had always felt that meditation is only for a certain type of people; people whom I could never understand. I mean come on, in an age of internet, communication and social media revolution, where everybody is trying to express themselves and seek attention in every way possible, why would somebody waste their precious time meditating. Think about it; a video of you sitting in meditation posted on facebook can at the most get you one like – Yours! Also you cannot keep posting every day saying; today I meditated; today also I meditated; I am so excited about the coming weekend, I am going to meditate again - stay tuned to know all about it! Clearly meditation doesn’t seem like a great way to gain popularity. Yet, meditation is practiced in virtually every country of the world and it has been practiced at every single point of time in history. Meditation is the only universal language of humanity. It extends back to the beginning of human evolution itself. There’s got to be something right about it, otherwise it would not have lasted this long. Give it a try, at least to find out what it is. “The articles are a copyright of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.” Read more such articles– Click Here
IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 14th November, 2015
Archives IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 14th November, 2015 ECONOMICS Topic: General studies paper 3: Indian Economy and issues General studies paper 2: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies; Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability,e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential Dealing with Failure: Bankruptcy Code The World Bank’s Doing Business Report 2016 pointed out that it takes more than four years to resolve insolvency cases in India, as against one-and-a-half years in OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development)’s high-income countries. For a country to move up the development ladder successfully, a consistent flow of investment becomes a foremost priority to achieve. And for that investment to adopt a way of continuous flow in the economy, determinants like ‘ease of doing business’, operational legal framework as well as an apt Risk Management environment needs to be put in place. A sort of predictability and a way out of financial distress with a timely intervention, when put in place- makes for a higher flow of capital in the economy with more clarity and an assured safety net. This will take care of the new business units, jobs, income generation as well as greater availability of credit for businesses by freeing up capital, thereby boosting innovation and productivity Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code- (IBC) A proposed legal framework for facilitating the transparent and rapid exit of failed enterprises, leading to an environment- valuing stability, and enhancing better institutional infrastructure at place: Address the crisis of non-performing assets in the banking sector, Improve the climate for entrepreneurship and Enable the corporate and infrastructure bond market. Pillars of IBC: A regulator, Insolvency professionals, Information Utilities and The tribunals Lenders and Owners: Defining ‘failures’ and formulation of clear fundamental from where there is a point of no-return is extremely important to avoid unnecessary litigations. Also, the elements of Risk management should be included and should have a presence in every major decision involving areas where dues can take place. Dues: Financial dues: Loans, Bonds, Credit Card Payments, etc Operational dues: Wages to Employees, Trade Credit Bills, etc Calm Period- Insolvency Resolution Process (IRP): This calm period will be for a period of 180 days wherein the claims of all creditors will be suspended leading to a smooth working for the debtor. The debtor though has to maintain that the firm is being managed by a regulated “insolvency professional” leading to a building up of confidence in the minds of the investors that no asset stripping is taking place. The second step involves a formation of a committee in order to propose revival plans, establishing possible tools like debt restructuring, infusion of new equity capital, bringing in new shareholders, etc., after which the creditor’s committee can take a final decision. Acceptance of Revival Plans: Approval of 75 per cent of the creditors Otherwise: The firm will go into liquidation Judiciary: Verify the operations of the ‘calm period’ Correct constitution of the Creditor’s Committee If accepted, proof of approval of 75% votes Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC) Creation of a Resolution Corporation to monitor financial firms, and intervene To close firms that can’t be revived or Change their management to protect investors or depositors IASbaba’s Views: In India, there are myriad of laws scattered and exists without a time-frame, thus, leading the cases to be dragged on for a very long time. Thus, removal of judicial bottlenecks and delays are crucial to a reform process and can stimulate both assurance and responsive mechanism for entrepreneurs. Also, the economic decisions should not be dependent upon a single entity ensuring independence of work. The pillars of IBC should additionally, act as an enabling infrastructure dealing efficiently with the procedural laws in place and making recovery easier and enabling provision of unsecured loans for the entrepreneurs. A robust insolvency code and a need to keep improving it to suit the specific needs of the country and the existing business environment is important to unlock new avenues for funding and foster growth in the Indian markets Connecting the Dots: Discuss the need for an insolvency-adjudicating authority in the country Has the position of lenders been traditionally weaker? Comment INTERNATIONAL Topic: General studies paper 2 Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests Saving the WTO from risk of Irrelevance: What is the issue? The World Trade Organisation (WTO) came into being as a result of the evolution of the multilateral trading system starting with the establishment of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in 1947. The protracted Uruguay Round negotiations spanning the period 1986–1994, this resulted in the establishment of the WTO. But WTO right now faces a serious existential crisis. This is primarily because, since its inception in 1995, it has failed to deliver on significant trade liberalisation. Nevertheless WTO faces such severe existential crisis, It is the only multilateral platform that allows smaller and developing countries to make concerted efforts at integrating trade and development by allowing these countries to negotiate international trade issues in blocks and together withstand the relentless demand of developed countries to open their markets without reciprocal benefits. It also allows for effective and non-partisan settlement of trade disputes and for the review of each country's trade policy. So let’s see some of the reason for WTO facing Existential crisis This existential crisis of the WTO has deepened due to the conclusion of a plethora of free trade agreements (FTAs), including mega FTAs like the recently executed Trans Pacific Trade agreement (TPP). TPP has countries like the US, Canada, Australia, Japan and New Zealand as its members with a collective GDP of $27.5 trillion, approximately 40 per cent of the global economy and covering nearly a third of global trade. All these FTAs operate on the basis of non-most favoured nation (MFN) principle, which is a fundamental cornerstone of the WTO. FTAs may act as building blocks for the multilateral trading regime if they liberalise 'substantially all trade' between its constituent members and do not impose a higher burden on non-constituent members than what existed before the formation of the free trade area These conditions are given in Article XXIV of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), an integral part of the WTO, and constitute an exception to the MFN rule. Thus, all FTAs that WTO member countries sign have to satisfy these legal requirements but whether they are following the rule is hardly have any answers What is Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)? TPP seeks to frame a new agenda for global trade, requiring countries to commit beyond their existing multilateral obligations under the WTO as well as the agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). The Trans-Pacific Partnership has become the centrepiece of U.S.’s Asia policy, with the Barrack Obama-led administration investing considerable political and diplomatic capital in it. What developed countries say? The reality was while Doha was a development agenda, domestic agriculture and industry interests in the U.S. (and in other developed countries) showed no appetite for making necessary concessions. Instead, the game moved towards ensuring that when emerging economies were showing signs of rapid growth, developed countries did not lose the lead. It was time to demand a more enduring value for technology and IPR. Also Enforcement of higher environment and labour standards was sought to be made a norm even on a trade platform. More assured access for trade and investment was demanded with firm commitments about reform. So how can we overcome this? The answer for that is strengthening the existing mechanisms that exercise supervisory control over FTA’s Strengthening the role of CRTA: First, as per WTO law, all WTO member countries are bound to notify the WTO of their intention to enter into a FTA. The WTO's Committee for Regional Trade Agreements (CRTA) examines the compatibility of the notified FTA with WTO rules. In other words, the CRTA could come to the conclusion that the notified FTA is inconsistent with WTO rules. This would, in turn, compel countries to make their FTA compatible with WTO rules. However, WTO's CRTA, which must decide by consensus, has never been able to finalise any report examining the compatibility of FTAs with WTO rules. As a result, one does not know whether the humongous number of existing FTAs act as 'building blocks' or 'stumbling blocks' for the multilateral trading regime. There is an urgent need to strengthen the CRTA to ensure that the exercise of checking the compatibility of notified FTAs is carried out swiftly. Role of WTO's DSU: Second, countries could ensure greater control of the WTO over FTAs by using WTO's dispute settlement understanding (DSU). WTO member countries have frequently used the DSU to settle a variety of trade disputes with other members Thus; a WTO member country can use the DSU to challenge deviation from MFN, which is permissible only if the requirements of Article XXIV are satisfied. The use of the DSU is particularly important in the context of the TPP. It is widely believed that the TPP purports to create a set of standards that would lead to significant market access barriers for many developing countries. For example, in the case of Vietnam, the US has offered a zero per cent import duty on apparel imports subject to the Rules of Origin (ROO) practised by the US. The US ROO in apparel follows a "yarn-forward rule", which stipulates that yarn used to make textiles or apparel must be sourced from another TPP country Currently, the largest providers of cotton yarn to Vietnam are China, South Korea and India, who are incidentally not members of the TPP. This will create a higher and more restrictive regulation of commerce to non-constituent countries like India and thus violate Article XXIV. To provide another example of the trade restrictiveness on third parties of the TPP, it is believed that certain market access conditionality’s have been included in the form of higher environmental and labour standards. These standards will necessarily make a significant dent on the global competitiveness of products originating from countries like India, which will not be able to meet such standards, again leading to a potential violation of Article XXIV. IAS Baba’s Views: Protectionist and exclusionary FTAs weaken multilateralism. Thus, India and other developing countries should consider exercising their rights under the WTO, which would not only challenge these protectionist FTAs but also revitalise an almost moribund international organisation. Developed countries should work on FTA’s such that it doesn’t weaken the relevance of other multilateral organisations or grouping of developing and also least developed countries. Connecting the dots: WTO is slowly weaning from the purpose for which it was created ?critically analyse MUST READ The OROP quicksand - Veterans risk losing public support due to their immoderate position. Government needs to reach out, soothe tempers. Indian Express Safeguarding child rights and interests Live Mint Is India ready to reset its innovation mojo? Live Mint The tax puzzle- If the surge in tax collections is sustainable, the finance minister has the elbow room to shoot for a fiscal deficit that is significantly lower than the Budget's 3.9 per cent of GDP, or to bump up Business Standard
All India Radio- INDIA-UK ECONOMIC TIES
ARCHIVES INDIA-UK ECONOMIC TIES Click here for audio In the last 15 years, UK has given maximum FDI flows into India India’s investments in UK is much more than the combined investments of EU in UK India is the third biggest source of investments in the British economy. India and UK have signed civil nuclear agreement recently UK is participating in the Smart City project. It is investing in the development of Amaravati Indore Pune India can leverage UK’s strength for Make in India Skill India Cyber security In the health sector of UK, a sizeable number of doctors are Indians. A number of developed countries’ citizens, including UK, come to India for affordable treatment The banking sector is very crucial for financing the goal of India’s INDC (Intended Nationally Determined Contributions) to reduce emissions intensity by 35% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. Here, UK has lot of scope to invest in the Indian banking sector UK firms employ roughly 700,000 Indian employees for their Indian operations Indian firms in the UK wield far more influence. They are among the Britain’s biggest private employers and they own some of the world’s best known brands like Jaguar (of Tata Motors) Areas where there is a scope for enhancing ties Retrospective taxation (Vodafone, Cairn) Limited FDI caps in certain sectors like insurance (only 49%) In the education sector, liberalization in UK is not that much as compared to India. There is a larger scope for collaboration in higher education There are around 90,000 Indian students in UK and 1,000 UK students in India India’s trade with UK was worth $14.3 billion last year. But this is far less than the India’s trade with other countries like USA; China etc. UK is the 18th biggest trading partner with India