Sep 29, 2015 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 28th & 29th September, 2015

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 28th & 29th September, 2015   INTERNATIONAL   Reaction of India on Nepal’s Newly Drafted Constitution   Nepal's adoption of a new federal constitution has led to a souring of ties with its giant neighbor India. Nepal's new constitution defines the majority Hindu nation as a secular republic divided into seven federal provinces. But ethnic groups in southern Nepal want more territory and rights for ethnic federal states. Why is India concerned? Porous Boundary: India shares a 1,751km open border with Nepal through which people pass freely but which has often concerned the country's security agencies because of its use by smugglers, human traffickers and terror suspects. Geopolitical Tension: Nepal's handling of the crisis has drawn strong criticism from neighbouring India, which fears violence could spill onto its territory, where large numbers of Nepalese work. Instability in the Region: India's concern has been with the violent reaction to the constitution in the low-lying southern plains, adjoining India, the Terai. Interests of Madhesis: Communities living in the Terai, especially the Madeshis and the Tharu ethnic minorities, have expressed concern that the proposed boundaries of the new provinces could lead to their political marginalization. The two groups make up nearly 40% of Nepal's population and the Madeshis share close ethnic ties with people in India. Political Reason: Any political turbulence and violence in Nepal will inevitably have a direct adverse impact on poll-bound Bihar.   7 Amendments proposed: The Interim Constitution provided electoral constituencies based on population, geography and special characteristics, “and in the case of Madhes on the basis of percentage of population”. Under this provision, Madhes, with more than 50 per cent of the population, got 50 per cent of seats in Parliament. The latter phrase has been omitted in the new Constitution. “It needs to be re-inserted so that Madhes continues to have electoral constituencies in proportion to its population,” The Interim Constitution, it was mentioned that various groups would have “the right to participate in state structures on the basis of principles of proportional inclusion”. In the new Constitution (Article 42), the word “proportional” has been dropped — Delhi wants it re-inserted. Constitution states that only citizens by descent will be entitled to hold the posts of President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Speaker of Parliament, Chairperson of National Assembly, Head of Province, Chief Minister, Speaker of Provincial Assembly and Chief of Security Bodies. This clause is seen as discriminatory for the large number of Madhesis who have acquired citizenship by birth or naturalisation. This should be amended to include citizenship by birth or naturalisation. The new Constitution states that National Assembly will comprise 8 members from each of 7 States and 3 nominated members. Madhesi parties want representation in National Assembly to be based on population of the Provinces. Five disputed districts of Kanchanpur, Kailali, Sunsari, Jhapa and Morang: Based on the majority of the population, these districts or parts of them may be included in the neighboring Madhes Provinces. Interim Constitution provided for delineation of electoral constituencies every 10 years. This has been increased to 20 years by the new Constitution. Echoing the Madhesi parties, India wants this restored to 10 years. Constitution states that a foreign woman married to a Nepali citizen may acquire naturalized citizenship of Nepal as provided for in a federal law. Madhesi parties want acquisition of naturalized citizenship to be automatic on application. Way Ahead: The issues on which there are differences should be resolved through dialogue in an atmosphere free from violence and intimidation, and institutionalized in a manner that would enable broad-based ownership and acceptance Connecting the dots: What are the major issues in the new Constitution adopted by Nepal? Why there is a wide protest? What is the implication of the new Constitution and its provisions on India- Nepal relation?   ECONOMICS Merger of Forward Market Commission and SEBI In the first ever merger of two regulators, commodities regulatory body Forward Markets Commission (FMC) merged with the capital markets watchdog SEBI. The commodities market entities would get a timeframe of up to one year to adjust to the new regulations. This merger between the SEBI and the FMC was planned by the Congress Government and has its roots in the Union Budget 2014-15 The merger was precipitated with the National Spot Exchange Ltd. scam, which involved a payment crisis of more than Rs. 5000 crore. This was considered a regulatory failure by the FMC. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley says this merger would help improve the market regulation in the country, in turn improving business environment. The FMC has been regulating commodities markets since 1953, but lack of powers has led to wild fluctuations and alleged irregularities remaining untamed in this market segment. This is the first major case of two regulators being merged.   Revamped Role of SEBI: The commodity futures market in India will now be supervised by SEBI, making for an integrated regulation of both the securities and commodities markets in India. About SEBI and FMC: SEBI was set up in 1988 as a non-statutory body for regulating the securities markets, while it became an autonomous body in 1992 with fully independent powers. FMC, on the other hand, has been regulating commodities markets since 1953, but lack of powers has led to wild fluctuations and alleged irregularities remaining untamed in this market segment. What lies ahead? This merger will be a key test as the proposed merger of the insurance and pensions regulators will hinge on the success of this. What counts ultimately is the quality of regulation and the credibility and respect which a regulator draws from the market or those being policed. From that perspective, this will be a challenge for SEBI too. This merger is not just a reversal of a trend but also a pointer to the way in which regulatory structures in India’s financial markets are set to change. Connecting the dots: ‘Historic and challenging merger of forward market commission with SEBI.’ In light of the above statement state the reasons for the merger and challenges that lie ahead?   SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ISRO launches ASTROSAT About: ASTROSAT is India’s first dedicated multi wavelength space observatory into space. The satellite can perform simultaneous multi-wavelength observations of various astronomical objects. The sun and star sensors, besides the gyroscopes, would provide orientation reference to the satellite, which has a mission life of five years. Aim:          ASTROSAT aims at understanding the high energy processes in binary star systems containing neutron stars and black holes. The mission also intends to detect new briefly bright X-ray sources in the sky, to perform a limited deep field survey of the Universe in the ultraviolet region. Important Points: ASTROSAT lifted off from the SatishDhawan Space Centre with six satellites launched for Canada, Indonesia and the United States. ISRO's PSLV C-30 rocket successfully placed in orbit - the country's AstroSat. Canada's NLS-14 nanosatellite, Indonesia's LAPAN-A2 microsatellite and four identical LEMUR nano-satellites for the United States were also put in orbit. ISRO has successfully crossed the half century mark as for foreign satellites. ISRO has launched 51 satellites for foreign satellites so far. Payloads: The payloads, which were taken onboard the ASTROSAT: Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope, Large Area X-Ray Proportional Counter, Scanning Sky Monitor (SSM), Soft X-ray Telescope and Cadmium Zinc Telluride Imager AstroSat scheduled for five years of flight carries four X-ray payloads, one UV telescope and a charge particle monitor. The five payloads of ASTROSAT are selected to facilitate deeper insight into the various astrophysical processes occurring in the various types of astronomical objects constituting universe. Connecting the dots: What are the studies that AstroSat will focus on? How will the studies help to understand the universe? What are the major achievements of ISRO in past 2 years? Is ISRO placing India better at international forum in terms of space technology?

Sep 28, 2015 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – What is Fear! – Inspirational & Educational Articles

    What is Fear?   Fear is always of the unknown, there is no other trigger for fear than the mystery hidden within the object of fear. And the greatest of mysteries is you yourself; hence you are your greatest fear. You are the most unpredictable thing there is; you can never be sure of your own actions; you can never be absolutely certain of all your behaviors, motives and intensions. Who knows what might trigger your anger; what might stir your already unsettled mind; what might capture your imagination and send you on a wild chase of desires. Who knows when your love can become hatred, your compassion can become revenge, and your kindness can become cruelty. To know so little of yourself is the root of all your fears. If you decide to spend some time to understand it, even a devil (if there is such a thing) cannot scare you; Imagine if you spend a day chatting with the devil, to know where it stays, who are its relatives, what is its purpose of visiting you, how did it become a devil, what are its likes and dislikes!, do you think it can scare you the same way again. You are in fear only because you have never spent time understanding the devil within you. You have been so busy trying to know everything else; you have forgotten a vicious monster alive inside you that has grown a mind of its own. This monster will continue to trouble and torture you till you decide to spend some time with it alone. There is a story of a man who accidentally fell into a well during the night. Luckily he held on to the branch of a tree extending from the sides; all night he held on to it with his dear life for the fear of falling and dying. In the morning when he looked down, he realized that he was only few inches off the ground below; he could have let go off the branch any time. This is the story of all your fears. Almost all your fears are simply a way of clinging in the darkness. The only way to transcend your fears is to spend some time understanding yourself. The more you know yourself, the lesser will be your fears. Fear loves to dwell inside a confused, aimless and ignorant heart; it hates the clarity of the open sky. Enter inside and find that vast space within you where you can live far away from all your fears. Read more such articles– Click Here   Copyright Disclaimer “No part of the articles in this section, in part or in full shall be reproduced without the written consent of the author. The articles are a copyright of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.”

Sep 26, 2015 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 26th September, 2015

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 26th September, 2015   ECONOMICS   Green Highways: An Initiative towards Sustainable Development  For Highway projects to be environmentally sustainable, it is necessary that the natural resources lost in the process of Highway construction are restored in one way or the other. This requires that ecological needs are taken into consideration from the stage of project planning and designing to its execution. The Highways developed as green corridors not only sustain biodiversity and regenerate natural habitat but also benefit all stakeholders, from road users to local communities and spur eco-friendly economic growth and development Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has framed Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification & Maintenance) Policy-2015. Plan: The plan is to grow three layers of trees and bushes. The first will be of bushes so that if a vehicle goes off the road, it does not collide with something life-threatening. The second will be of medium-sized trees The last will be of tall fruit trees. Only species indigenous to the area would be planted The vision is to develop eco-friendly National Highways with participation of the stakeholders: Community, Farmers, NGOs, Private sector, Institutions, Government agencies Forest Departmen Objectives: Toreduce the impacts of air pollution and dust Treesand shrubs along the Highways act as natural sink for air pollutants To prevent soilerosion at the embankment slope Plants along highway median strips and along the edges to reduce theglare of oncoming vehicles which sometimes become cause of accidents. The community involvement in tree plantation directly benefits localpeople by generating employment. Working arrangement: New policy has recommended that the requirement of land for tree plantation should be included in the Land Acquisition Plans prepared by the DPR (Detailed Project Report) consultants. This move will help in pre-planning of the plantation activities and the space required for the same, so that there is a systematic plan before the construction of National Highways. One percent of the civil cost of the road projects will be for developing green corridors. Role of Planting Agency: Responsibility of the planting agency will be to ensure that the condition of the site is good enough for the successful establishment of grasses. The planting agency is required to supervise all field operations like preparation of surface, sowing of seeds or saplings and quality of planting material used. Role of monitoring agency: The monitoring of the plantation status has been included as an integral part of the policy.The Monitoring Agency will monitor progress of planting and status of plantations on continuous basis This agency shall carry out the site visit for field verification in respect of survival, growth and size of plantation and maintenance of the same. The monitoring Agency will conduct performance audit of executing agencies  for  various  projects  on  an  Annual  basis  and  award of  new contracts to the agencies will be decided based on their past performance. Conclusion: The development can be sustainable when systematic and conscious decisions are taken. The policy when implemented in letter and spirit will result into India being a “Nation with Natural Highways”. It will address the issues that lie in the “road of development” and pave “a journey towards sustainable development”. The Government can frame policies, provide standards, but success of projects depends on strong monitoring which is not possible without active community participation and community ownership. Connecting the dots: Comment on the New Green Highway policy 2015. Who are the stakeholders involved in the New Green Highway policy? How the interest of different stakeholder’s ensured by the New Green Policy 2015?   Centre to exempt foreign firms covered by double taxation treaty Income Tax Act will be amended with retrospective effect to exempt from minimum alternate tax (MAT) the overseas companies that covered under double taxation avoidance agreements (DTAAs) Government had exempted foreign institutional and portfolio investors from payment of MAT on the capital gains made by them before April 1, 2015. Through the amendment the government will clarify that MAT provisions will not be applicable to FIIs/FPIs not having a place of business/permanent establishment in India, for the period prior to April 1 New Provisions: Foreign companies that do not have a permanent establishment in India will be exempt from paying MAT on profits from April 2001. In case the companies belong to countries with which India does not have a DTAA, the MAT exemption will apply if they are exempted from registration under Section 592 of the Companies Act 1956, or Section 380 of the Companies Act 2013. What is Minimum Alternative Tax? MAT was first introduced in 1996 to make companies pay at least some tax. That is because some were paying little or no tax, as they were enjoying tax exemptions, but at the same time were reporting profits and even paying handsome dividends to the shareholders. How is MAT calculated? MAT is calculated at 18.5 per cent on the book profit (the profit shown in the profit and loss account) or at the usual corporate rates, and whichever is higher is payable as tax. Payers of MAT are eligible for tax credit, which can be carried forward for 10 years and set off against tax payable under normal provisions. Connecting the dots: What do you understand by Minimum Alternate Tax and Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement? ‘Centre has exempted foreign firms covered by double taxation treaty to pay MAT.’ Do you think this would be a sufficient move to gain investor’s confidence? What other steps can government take to boost investor’s confidence?

Sep 25, 2015 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 25th September, 2015

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 25th September, 2015   INTERNATIONAL   India: No-more ‘a recessed power’ UN Sustainable Development Summit: With a pivotal role to play and having a positive correlation with the estimated success of the 2030 agenda, India is being viewed as ‘engine of the south’. A decadal 8% growth rate of India saw much progress with the implementation of the social security schemes successfully. With an increased enthusiasm, the level of expectations from India has increased with respect to the achievement of the goals as well as facilitating low-cost innovation and technologies to the developing countries. Silicon Valley: Technology + Innovation + Clean Energy is the key towards a long-standing collaboration of India-US “India-US Start-up Konnect” initiative will be helpful in linking innovations of both these countries closely. UNSC- The ‘Right’ Ignored: Japan + India + Brazil + Germany came together as the Group of Four (G-4) in 2004, in favour of the expansion of U.N Security Council and a bid to acquire permanent seats for themselves. Challenges: Probable dilution of the magnitude of the ‘Right to Veto’ which guarantees an exclusive and dominant role to be played as well as their extra-ordinary privileges Flaring up of regional competition w.r.t. the ongoing conflicts or differences of ideology India’s Right: Founding member of the United Nations Biggest democracy in the World One of the largest constant contributor of troops to United Nations Peacekeeping Missions Over 8,500 peacekeepers in the fieldà Twice (more than UN’s five big powers combined)   The New Prism: 2008 financial meltdown: India was invited, and agreed to become a member of the G-20 to join hands with the other economies to help the world deal with the tight fiscal situation. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nuclear Suppliers Group: Sanctifying India as a responsible ‘nuclear member’ of the world Extremism: India is placed strategically to deal with the expanding base of the Jihadist groups and others, and is capable in lending the world a better approach and flexibility to blunt the offensive actions Refugee Crisis: The current Refugee crisis and the brave show put up by India, time and again, has pacified the global community showcasing resilience and inherent strengths; providing a benchmark as well as a model to emulate. Cooperation: Both India and Germany with their willingness, human resources and skills can help the world get rid of the crisis, portraying to the world its willingness and suitability to carry forward the goal of a ‘one community world’. IASbaba’s Views: With great power comes greater responsibility and India’s movement from a ‘State-centric approach’ to a ‘multi-stake-holderism’ has made the world recognize India as a ‘global power’ in the 21st century. But: There is a need to present the ‘growth versus sustainability dichotomy’ in a better light which will be possible only with the formulation of innovative policies and citizen-ownership of goals with greater flexibility, at all levels. Economic Resurgence should be signalled with a full reorientation of India’s willingness to shoulder the geopolitical responsibilities and delivering on reforms promised.This productive moment should also be leveraged with preferential trade deals, investment treaties facilitating commercial ties, encouraging greater economic and technology flows and it should be synced with a simultaneous domestic economic reforms.   Connecting the Dots: Indian Diplomacy today is guided by a new multilateralism. Examine the principles on which India should progress ahead to re-align its aspirations in becoming a ‘Leading power’.   ECONOMICS   Indian economy staring at deflation, Is it a good news?  Paradox in Indian Economy: Food prices continued to be high, reinforcing a cruel paradox for consumers that they hear about zero inflation but face high prices when they buy their groceries. Understanding WPI and CPI Index: The WPI and CPI index often move at different paces and even in different directions because they are each calculated using different baskets of goods and services. The consumer price index, for instance, measures the prices of services as well as manufactured goods The wholesale price index only looks at price changes for manufactured goods. Based on WPI inflation, India is in a deflationary situation because, for the 10th straight month, inflation is in the negative zone. That is, prices have been falling every successive month. As compared to the deflationary trend in the WPI, the CPI is experiencing disinflation. That is, while prices continue to rise, the rate of inflation (or price rise) is slowing. This is contrary to what the trend in the WPI suggests. In essence, it implies that consumer prices continue to rise, but at a progressively slower rate. By looking at both these indices (WPI and CPI) one would, be unable to come to a conclusion regarding deflationary pressures. The ongoing confusion about whether or not India is experiencing deflation is largely due to the divergence in these two main price indices of the economy. Points to be noted: Central Statistical Office (CSO) has started providing CPI numbers for rural and urban areas. The CSO also provides CPI data for 22 states. This data can provide some regional perspective on inflationary trends for the purpose of macroeconomic policymaking. The trends in both rural and urban areas suggest that the divergence in urban areas is less than the divergence in rural areas. This suggests that the decline in inflation in rural areas across the states is less uniform. Way Forward: Under the circumstances, and to avoid confusion, it might be a good idea to discontinue the WPI and focus on a producer price index (PPI). A PPI maps the prices received by domestic producers in the wholesale market and is, as such, a better measure. The work for building a PPI is already underway. So instead of using WPI data and arriving at erroneous estimates of GDP growth and its deflators, it would be better to simply dump the index itself. IASbaba’s Views: Deflation is a real danger. While India may appear to be far from a deflationary situation, there is clearly disinflation in the economy. This deceleration in inflation could be due to external factors as well as a fall in domestic demand. Monetary policy, while focusing on the headline and sectoral prices, also needs to take into consideration the regional inflation perspective. Both the Centre and the states should work to ensure that rural consumption smoothens. Else, growth in India might take much longer to recover. Difference between Deflation and Disinflation: Deflation is a decrease in general price levels of throughout an economy. If there is a higher supply of goods and services but there is not enough money supply to combat this, deflation can occur. Deflation is mainly caused by shifts in supply and demand. It can be called as negative inflation. Disinflation, on the other hand, shows the rate of change of inflation over time. The inflation rate is declining over time, but it remains positive. Connecting the Dots: In your opinion what is more dangerous for an economy, deflation or disinflation? Is India trapped in deflation or disinflation? What could be the reasons? Highlighting the difference between deflation and disinflation, suggest ways to solve the WPI and CPI anomaly.

Sep 24, 2015 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 24th September, 2015

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 24th September, 2015   NATIONAL   Inland Water Transport(IWT) in India : An analysis Water based transport is effective as generally speaking, operating costs of fuel are low and environmental pollution is lower than for corresponding volumes of movement by road, rail or air. A major advantage is that the main infrastructure – the waterway – is often naturally available, which then has to be “trained”, maintained and upgraded. Transport over waterways is especially effective when the source and/or destination are waterfront locations. Even though IWT offers a great advantage , the development of this sector in India is not to the expected level. Inland waterways in India makes up a paltry 3% of the total transport, compared with China's 47%; in the European Union it stands at 44%. Inland waterways in India : There are six national inland waterways in India , with a navigable length of around 4,500km serving a total of 15 states and union territories. Benefits of inland water transport: A far more efficient mode of transportation than either road or rail, considering that just a single mid-sized barge has the dry-cargo capacity equivalent to 50 trucks or over 10 railcars. Least transport cost for heavy and bulky cargos Capability of transporting large amount of cargos in one time from one destination to another. A fuel efficient and environment friendly mode of transportation. No need of huge investment for the infrastructure like other modes of transport and less annual cost for maintenance of river channels. The cheapest means of transporting raw materials and finished goods of various industries along the river banks. Why inland waterway transport has failed to develop in India ? India is estimated to have nearly 14,500 km of navigable inland waterways (including both national waterways and canal transport). Most of the large rivers of the country enter the sea through shallow sand chocked delta channels. Thus navigation is hampered unless dredging is done. this has been a major problem in India’s inland water transport sector. Volume of water in the rivers has lessened on account of construction of canals for irrigation purposes. The peninsular rivers depend on rainfall for their volume of water. Thus during dry periods, these appear to be ribbons of water only. The peninsular rivers flowing westwards meet the sea through estuaries. Their courses are short and often they make waterfalls and have steep gradient. Besides, not many entrepreneurs are willing to invest in inland vessels, which have resulted in under utilisation of whatever infrastructure is created, thereby spelling trouble for the development of the sector.   IWT in India and other parts of the world: A comparison In China, navigable inland waterways total more than 1,00,000 km and there are a large number of inland port facilities with berths for large vessels, with the inland waterways transportation making up to 47 per cent of the total transport available there. In the European Union it is 44 per cent. Inland waterways transportation in India, however, is a paltry 3 per cent. The number of vessels carrying cargo that ply on inland waterway systems in China and the EU are 2,00,000 and 11,000, respectively, while there are less than 1,000 vessels estimated to be using the Indian inland waterway systems. The crucial difference being that these countries have maintained and upgraded their river systems on core routes that can support large modern vessel fleets up to 40,000 tonnes of cargo on a single voyage, even as India is struggling to create depth in its river systems for vessels of 1,500 tonnage to go through. Even in Bangladesh, about 35 per cent of the freight movement is by inland waterways and in Germany it is 20 percent. Way Forward : Should Government invest in IWT? Given a sector turnover of about Rs 110 crores annually, the sector investment in 10th plan (Rs 5,665 crores,) does not appear to commercially or economically viable and this has been continued in the 11th and 12th plan as well. Passenger movements are possible at low cost, but would need faster vessels and good interchange facilities than area currently available. Existence of a driving cargo stream of sufficient volume is required to justify large investments. Technical capability and vessel supply is available in the country and a unified and liberalized policy with regard to IWT and coastal shipping will benefit the sector. In the above backdrop , the government has try to come up with National Waterway Bill 2015 , which talks about a comprehensive inland waterways policy framework . Finally to answer the question, we say that Government should invest in a measured manner, given the considerations of a possible primary driving cargo and specific geographic potential. A tie up with the industrial location policy to drive demand would be essential. Connecting the dots: Enumerate the major national waterways in India . Comment on the benefits of inland water transport with special reference national waterway 1. Compare the development of inland water transport sector of India with other countries of the world. Critically analyse as to why inland waterways have failed to become engine of growth in the Indian economy.   INTERNATIONAL   Europe’s Humanitarian crisis According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 3,50,000 migrants and refugees have tried to cross the Mediterranean sea into Europe. Almost 2,600 refugees have died in the Mediterranean Sea from January to August 2015 alone. According toUNHCR data, as of early September 2015, 81% of Mediterranean Sea arrivals come from the world's top-ten refugee-producing countries. Who is a Refugee? A refugee has been defined under the 1951 Refugee Convention of the UNHCR and its 1967 Protocol as any person who, “owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside of the country of his nationality and is unable, or is owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself the protection of that country”. Refugees enjoy a distinct and unique standard of protection under international law such as safety from deportation to the country where they face persecution; protection of basic human rights without racial or religious discrimination, or of national origin; access to fair and efficient asylum procedures; provision of administrative assistance. With the evolution of international refugee law, this definition of convention refugees has been expanded to cover persons who have fled their countries due to armed conflicts, internal turmoil and situations involving gross and systematic violation of human rights. Being a refugee implies an involuntary act, brought on by the instinct of self-preservation — from the threat of persecution, internal strife or armed conflict in the home country. People who migrate due to Natural disasters, Poverty (even if that poverty threatens health) is a voluntary migration according to international law. Example: The camps in Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey hosting people who have fled the Syrian civil war are refugee camps, and the people in them are considered as refugees. But if someone leaves one of those camps to go to Europe before being individually processed is not technically a refugee. Someone who’s trying to get refugee status is called an asylum seeker. Who is a Migrant? Persons who choose to leave their home state, in search of a better life, as opposed to escaping some form of persecution, internal strife or armed conflict. Migrants do not enjoy any protection and/or privileges under international law. Countries are therefore at liberty to deal with migrants under their own immigration laws and processes. Being a migrant implies a choice, exercised voluntarily, to seek a better life from that offered in the home country.   What is happening in Europe? The majority of the men, women and children are reportedly from Syria, Eritrea and Afghanistan — countries plagued by civil war, gross human rights violations and religious insurgency are entering European countries in search of better life. Much of the displaced populations are from Sub-Saharan Africa are migrants  From where people are coming to Europe: Middle East (Syria, Yemen, Iraq) Africa (Eritrea, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, Gambia, Libya): Run by a repressive regime. Western Balkans (Kosovo, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Macedona) South Asia (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh): Due to deteriorating socio-economic conditions, civil conflicts. Destination Places: Greece, Hungary, Croatia, Austria, Germany, Sweden, Finland Southern and eastern Europe. Why they chose Europe? Europe is the closest wealthy, safe and accessible region from the Mideast and Africa. Europe is economically prosperous, socially secure, have better immigration laws and accessible region from the Mideast and Africa. Some European countries(Greece, Italy, Germany, Sweden etc.,) are known for welcoming asylum seekers and providing benefits to help them get started in their new homes.   Why people are migrating? The irresponsible acts of western powers for achieving narrow political objectives have destabilised West Asia. Libya was bombed by NATO in 2011 after getting sanctions through the United Nations Security Council Resolution in 1973, and is currently a battleground for different ethnic groups fighting to capture political power. There is enough evidence to prove that on the pretext of supporting pro-democratic forces in Syria, western powers ended up helping the radical groups, providing necessary fodder for the birth of the deadly Islamic State. Afghanistan, also one of the known battlefields of the Cold War, was deserted by the West after the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Even after the death of Osama bin Laden, political instability continues in Afghanistan. In Syria, Bashar al-Assad’s regime has targeted civilians ruthlessly; ISIS has subjected Syrians to murder, torture, crucifixion, sexual slavery and many other atrocities. Why migration/refugee crisis is becoming humanitarian crisis? Europe is facing a situation of a heavy influx of refugees, and is unwilling to welcome people into its territory. European countries are increasing security patrolling around the Mediterranean Sea and in border areas, in order to check the infiltration of refugees. Due to this increased surveillance, refugees are being pushed back, but sadly most of them cannot return to their unsafe and war-torn countries. This situation of being neither here nor there is leading to a big humanitarian crisis, demanding immediate international attention. Reason for the increased refugee crisis: For many years, EU kept out of sight and out of mind by paying Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi’s government to intercept and turn back migrants that were heading for Europe. After the end of Gadhafi’s regime with the intervention of US, Libya collapsed into chaos. The journey through Libya made it easier for both refugees and economic migrants across Africa to use the country’s shores as a launching pad for the cross-Mediterranean journey to Europe. Arab spring was perhaps the largest single spark of the ongoing global refugee crisis.   Why Europe is worried? A large Muslim influx into smaller European countries like Slovakia or Hungary could cause a social earthquake. All countries taking in migrants must look beyond the entryway to ongoing needs the newcomers will have: jobs, housing, schools, and help to integrate and overcome language and social barriers. According to Human Rights Watch, the Greek reception centers, where arriving refugees are held, lack sufficient food and health care, and are severely unsanitary and chronically overcrowded that the conditions in them may amount to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment under international law. It’s a big challenge to draw a line to differentiate who is refugee and who is a migrant. Many of them might be migrants pretending to be refugees. Increased activities of the smugglers are a serious threat. What is Schengen Area? Area composing of 26 European Countries that have abolished passport and any other type of border control at their common borders (internal borders). It functions as a single country for international travel purpose with common visa policy. Dublin Regulation:if a person who had filed for asylum in one EU country illegally crosses borders to another country, they shall be returned to the former "Europe has a clear responsibility to help those seeking protection from war and persecution, To deny that responsibility is to threaten the very building blocks of the humanitarian system Europe worked so hard to build. European countries must shoulder their fair share in responding to the refugee crisis, at home and abroad." –UNHRC Connecting dots: Is Europe facing Humanitarian crisis? What are the challenges before a nation to address the immigration crisis? Would ending the conflicts in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere stop the refugee crisis world is facing? How the international community must respond to achieve such targets?

Sep 23, 2015 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 23rd September, 2015

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 23rd September, 2015   NATIONAL   Capital punishment : should it be banned or allowed in India? Capital punishment,death penalty or execution is punishment by death.  Crimes that can result in a death penalty are known as capital crimes or capital offences. Capital punishment is a matter of active controversy in various countries and states. At the backdrop of hanging Yakub  Memon , whether capital punishment should be banned or not , has become a topic of public debate in India. Capital punishment in India : A statistical look According to a report of theLaw Commission of India (1967), the total number of cases in which the sentence of death in India was executed from 1953 to 1963 was 1,410. According to National Crime Record Bureau prison statistics report between 2004 and 2013, 1,303 capital-punishment verdicts have been delivered. However, only three convicts were executed over this period, one each in West Bengal (2004), Maharashtra (2012) and Delhi (2013). India saw an execution-free period of seven years between 2004 and 2012. In addition, 3,751 death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment during this period between 2004 to 2012. On 14 August 2004, Dhananjoy Chatterjee was hanged at Alipore Central Jail in West Bengal on his 42nd birthday, convicted for the rape and murder of a teenage girl. On 21 November 2012, Mohammad Ajmal Amir Kasab the only terrorist to have survivedthe 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, was hanged in Pune’s Yerwada Jail. On 9 Februrary 2013, Mohammed Afzal Guru, a convict in the 2001 Parliament attack case was hanged inside Delhi’s Tihar jail. On 30 july 2015, Yakub Abdul Razak Memon , a convict in 1993 mumbai bomb blasts was hanged.   Current status with regards to capital punishment in India: The Constitution Bench judgment ofSupreme Court of India in Bachan Singh vs State of Punjab (1980) made it very clear that Capital punishment in India can be given only in rarest of rare cases. Laws regarding capital punishment: Section 120B of IPC - Being a party to a criminal conspiracy to commit a capital offense. Section 302, 303 of IPC - relating murder. Section 305 of IPC - Abetting the suicide of a minor, mentally ill person, or intoxicated person. Section 364A of IPC - Kidnapping, in the course of which the victim was held for ransom or other coercive purposes. Section 31A of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act -Drug trafficking in cases of repeat offenses . Section 396 of IPC - Banditry with murder - in cases where a group of five or more individuals commit banditry and one of them commits murder in the course of that crime, all members of the group are liable for the death penalty. Section 376A of IPC and Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 - Rape, if the perpetrator inflicts injuries that result in the victim's death or incapacitation in a persistent vegetative state, or is a repeat offender.   Arguments for abolition of death penalty in India: The death penalty is incompatible with human rights and human dignity: The death penalty violates the right to life which happens to be the most basic of all human rights. It also violates the right not to be subjected to torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment. Furthermore, the death penalty undermines human dignity which is inherent to every human being. The death penalty does not deter crime effectively: The death penalty lacks the deterrent effect which is commonly referred to by its advocates. As recently stated by the General Assembly of the United Nations, “there is no conclusive evidence of the deterrent value of the death penalty” .It is noteworthy that in many retentionist states, the effectiveness of the death penalty in order to prevent crime is being seriously questioned by a continuously increasing number of law enforcement professionals. The arbitrary application of the death penalty can never be ruled out: The death penalty is often used in a disproportional manner against the poor, minorities and members of racial, ethnic, political and religious groups. Capital punishment scenario in different parts of the world: Among 198 united nations countries ,  106 countries have completely abolished it  for all crimes , 6 have abolished it for ordinary crimes only ,  50 have not used it for last  ten years and 36 countries are actively practicing capital punishment. Nearly all countries in the world prohibit the execution of individuals who were under the age of 18 at the time of their crimes; since 2009, only Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan have carried out such executions. Executions of this kind are prohibited under international law. In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolutiontowards the abolition of capital punishment and the protection of human rights when it endorsed a call for a worldwide moratorium on the death penalty.(India did not agree with the resolution).   Way Forward: Democracy in India is evolving over the years. For a country like India with still divisive forces acting , continuation of death penalty is the need of the hour. However as time progress, Indian democracy and judiciary will evolve to eliminate death penalty in this country. Connecting the dots: With more than 150 countries abolishing death penalty , is there a stressing demand in India to abolish death penalty. Critically analyse   INTERNATIONAL   A New Tahrir Moment? Issue: The angers of sectarianism threaten to tear apart West Asia, massive challenges on a civic basis occurred in Baghdad and Beirut. In both the cities, the masses rose up out of disappointment over an absence of essential administrations, basic services and wide spread corruption. Amid the hot summer, power cut paralyzed Baghdad and garbage piled up in streets of Beirut. In both Iraq and Lebanon, pioneers of different sectarian groups lived agreeable lives in their gated zones. The gap between their luxurious presence and the privations suffered by normal individuals sent millions of Iraqis and Lebanese onto the streets. The lack of civic services is a serious problem across West Asia. Also, sectarian corruption is deep rooted in the system and cannot be dislodged easily. Detailed Overview: Arab nationalism of the 1950s and 1960s attempted to overcome social partitions and unite individuals around the thought of the Arab. It was a capable device that held influence for no less than an era. In any case, Arab nationalismthreatened Saudi thoughts of Islamic sovereignty, which was itself imperiled by the Islamic republicanism of Iran. These geopolitical tangles offered essentialness to sectarian tensions, which had been generally knocked down by Arab nationalism. Strains in the middle of Iran and Saudi Arabia are reflected in the ascent of IS, whose scorn is much keener against the Shia than against the West. No big surprise then that Saudi Arabia's present war against Yemen — which started in late March — proceeds unfaltering, completely stacked with sectarian venom and U.S.- supplied weaponry. There is no discussion of ceasefire there, regardless of the UN's request that the nation is now a humanitarian catastrophe. Sectarian geopolitics powers the Saudi planes in Yemen, as it likewise flames Riyadh's hatred to a peace settlement for Syria. Better, for the Saudis, to drag the Arab world seeping through the ashes of its capitals than to figure out how to dial down the sectarianism.   Doha Meeting: To find out of the volatility in Iraq US occupation had earlier banned Ba’ath Party, then leadership of Dawa Party saw world through lens of sect and revenge. Ba’ath party allowed Dawa and its allies to dominate Iraq’s politics, which is now marked by sectarianism, thanks to the U.S.-foisted constitution of 2005. Old histories of animosity between the Dawa and the Ba’ath are not easy to overcome. The protestors in Baghdad are too suspicious of their government The Militarists’ Alternative: Mass demonstrations provide an alternative path out of poor administration by sectarians, then older form of authorities also provide another roadmap. Sisi, a man of Egypt’smilitary has sympathetic ties with Syria and also ‘Assad ally’ are ‘anti-IS coaltion’. These two are drawn together as they are antipathetic to al-Qaeda and IS. This is the soldiers’ alternative to sectarianism. It registered hope against sectarianism and war. Today, in West Asia, this is a radical idea. Connecting the dots: What is the way forward to overcome the deadlock situation between masses and Government with reference to poor administration and absence of civic services in West Asian countries?

Sep 22, 2015 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 22nd September, 2015

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 22nd September, 2015 BASEL III norms and INDIA   Terms                      Explanation   Bank’s capital: Bank’s own money (apart from Liability + Asset)     Tier 1 capital: Most Liquid Capital with bank Can be sold easily to ward off Crisis Eg: Common Shares + Preferential Shares     Tier 2 capital: Not as liquid as Tier-I Eg: Debts (bonds) + Hybrid instruments (Having both characteristics of Debt and Equity)   Tier 3 capital: Least Liquidity   Capital adequacy requirements (CAR) Ratio of a Bank's Capital to its Risk (absorb a reasonable amount of loss)   Higher CAR à More stability Therefore, Basel Capital adequacy requirement (CAR) = 9% of RWA (Risk weighted assets) OR BASEL CAR: [7% of RWA in T1] + [2% of RWA in T2]   Risk Weighted Assets (RWA) Home Loan 20% Riskà Loaned: 30 Crores Vehicle Loan 30% Riskà Loaned: 20 Crores Commercial Loan 50% Riskà Loaned: 50 Crores Risk Weighted Assets 100% 100 Crores   Have 9 Crore as TOTAL CAPITAL ADEQUACY if you want to loan out 100 crore Basel I Criticisms: Rigidity of “one-size fits” approach Absence of risk sensitivity in estimating capital requirements Basel II: Banks had to maintain the minimum capital requirement of 8% against the risk weighted assets Computation of RWA based on ‘three’ Risks: Credit, Market, and Operational Risks Three Pillars: Minimum capital requirements, Supervisory review process, and Market discipline Criticisms: Failure to address a number of issues during the Financial Crisis (2007–08) Pro-Cyclical: In better times, it didn’t impose additional capital requirement on banks but during the crisis, looked out for banks bringing in more of Capital. It was this failure to add in additional capital that led to hurting the financial system, plunging in deep into Recession. Absence of Regulation Governing Leverage: The assumption that the risk based capital requirement would in itself mitigate the risks of excessive leverage became a cause of the crisis. Did not consider liquidity risk as part of capital regulation and this led on to a Solvency Risk More focus on the individual financial institutions, ignoring the risks arising from the interconnectedness across institutions and markets leading the crisis to spread across various financial markets.   Basel III: A Global Regulatory Framework for more Resilient Banks and Banking systems Objectives: To strengthen global capital and liquidity regulations with the goal of promoting a more resilient banking sector To improve the banking sector's ability to absorb shocks arising from financial and economic stress. Enhancements: Augmentation in the level and quality of capital Introduction of liquidity standards Modifications in provisioning norms Introduction of leverage ratio Pillars: Minimum Regulatory Capital Requirement based on Risk weighted assets Maintaining capital (Credit, market and Operational Risk) Supervisory Review Process Regulatory Tools and Frameworks to deal with risks Market Discipline Transparency of Banks India: Minimum capital requirement in India is higher at 9% of the risk-weighted assets All commercial banks - Regional rural banks Commercial banksà approximately 87% of total banking system assets Public sector banks: Market share of 73% banking assets and 82% of bank branches Foreign banksà 6% of the Indian banking sector Issues with Indian Banks: Profitability Capital acquisition Liquidity Needs Limits on lending: ‘Urgent need to take control of bad loans (NPAs) + selection of borrowers based on proper due diligence and not on relationships’ Bank consolidation: ‘Consolidate weaker banks with stronger ones and this would attract more funding from both international and local capital markets’ Pressure on Yield on Assets Pressure on Return on Equity: ‘Will face decline in the short run’ Stability in the Banking system: ‘The need for banks to ensure that the de-recognised portion of existing additional Tier I and II capital is replaced with Basel III complaint capital leads to the balance sheet not being static and therefore there is a need to step up the capital to address this.’ RoE: Return on equity measures a corporation's profitability by revealing how much profit a company generates with the money shareholders have invested. Current Scenario: Budget 2014: Banks themselves will have to raise money by selling shares to public, in a phase manner but Government will continue to remain the majority shareholder. India remains “Compliant” with the Basel III global regulatory framework for implementing risk-based capital requirements An overarching issue regarding the use of the word “may” in India’s regulatory documents for implementing binding minimum requirements; but RBI has maintained its usage explaining that it is binding on the Banks. There still remains distance to be covered in complying with the standards for liquidity coverage ratio (LCR), or highly liquid assets held by banks to meet their short-term obligations. Criticisms: There exists tools like CRR + SLR + Regular Reporting to RBI as a sufficient “backup” mechanisms to prevent banking crisis in India The approach of one-size-fits-all shouldn’t be applied. It restricts the flow of money in the economy of a developing country where it can be provided to those who really need it.   Connecting the Dots: Examine how the Basel-III mechanism plans to correct the wrongs done by Basel-II? Is India capable enough to prevent a banking crisis? Critically analyse the issues faced by the Banking sector w.r.t the Basel-III norms.   D-SIB: Domestic Systemically Important Banks: Too Big to Fail?       Types of SIB’s   Global Systematically Important Bank (G-SIB) Too important to fail all over the world By BASEL Committee on Banking Supervision   Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIB) Country’s Central Bank identifies + decides the parameters to be complied India’s RBI: A Cautious Beginning ICICI and SBI: Combined Assets: Over one-fifth of the country’s GDP Strong Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) Risk of operations: Risks emanating from the Quality of Borrowers Huge divergence in Size + Nature of Operations Capital fixed at a lower point-->0.2 per cent to 0.8 per cent extra capital, based on the category under which they fall  Indicators used: Size: Loans + Savings Deposits, etc Interconnectedness: With different Financial Institutions Substitutability: Services can be substituted or are replaceable Complexity: Higher Complexity-->More Time + Expenses to resolve disputes/issues Weak Credit growth + Rising Bad Loan + NPA’s-->Should not over-burden Banks (less number of Bank designated as D-SIB this year) Foreign bank in India(Global Systemically Important Bank) Branch presence in India Need to maintain additional CET1 capital surcharge in India (as applicable on it as G-SIB), proportionate to its Risk Weighted Assets in India     Benefits Stringent Supervision + Strict Regulation of Rules Behaviour Management: Efficient Working + No crisis Additional Capital: Will act as a Shock Absorber Tax-payer’s Money: Proper Utilization in providing services to the taxpayers   Limitations No stringent control over NBFC’s Why? NBFC’s: In the ‘shadow’ of the main banks Carry bank like operations But not subject to Regulations RBI guidelines but not up-to-the-mark FSLRC Report by Justice BN Srikrishna Creation of new Single Statutory Bodies for proper Accountability + Supervision Inclusion of less number of Banks Additional Capital to be maintained is very less; might amount to less strictness and a lethargic mind-set à Bad for the future Reforms to revive some PSB’s: Too slow; Leads to leaving out of a huge amount of earnings and the scope of capital that it can raiseà Hasten the process!   Connecting the Dots: What do you mean by Shadow Banks? What are the reforms suggested by Justice BN Srikrishna’s report for Financial Sector Legislative Reforms (FSLRC)? Examine the reasons plaguing the revival of some of our PSB’s. Suggest a way ahead.

Sep 21, 2015 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs - 21st September, 2015

Archives IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs- 21st September, 2015   NATIONAL   Digital India: Its challenges and opportunities Digital India and Make in India are two initiatives unveiled by the Government of India with the vision to transform India into digitally empowered society and knowledge economy and to foster innovation, promote skill development, protect intellectual property and build world class manufacturing infrastructure. Digital India is an initiative of Government of India to integrate the people and the government departments. Its aim is to ensure transparency in public affairs by providing high speed internet access to the citizens.      About Digital India DI is an amalgam of three ongoing programmes: the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN), the National Knowledge Network and the E-Governance initiative. It’s being implemented through a PSU, Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), supervised by the ministries of telecom, power and railways.  USOF (Universal Service Obligation fund) has the responsibility to finance the DI scheme.   Nine Pillars of Digital India The realization of the vision DI depends on many components. Among them, the successful implementation of National optical Fibre Network, Revamping of National Telecom policies etc are very crucial.    What is National Optical Fibre Network? This is part of the Digital India initiative of the Government of India. NOFN is envisaged as a non- discriminatory Telecom infrastructure which will bridge the gap in rural access. NOFN, which is being funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), Department of Telecom, Ministry of Communications & IT, Govt. of India, is envisaged to provide non- discriminatory access to bridge the digital divide across rural India.   What is National Tele communication Policy, 2012,? Features: Unified license regime : NTP,2012 envisages 'One nation, one license' system which allows fixed line, national long distance, international long distance and other services through a single license. NTP has envisaged De linking of spectrum from licenses  Liberalization of spectrum. It has also proposed Full mobile number portability with an aim to achieve "one Nation, Free roaming". Right to broadband to all at minimum speed of 2 Mbps. It has also stressed to increase tele ensity in rural areas from 39% to 70% in 5 years. The NTP 2012 vows to make India a global hub of domestic manufacturing. Required factors for the implementation of the Scheme D.I Infrastructure requirements Availability of the spectrum: Adequate access spectrum is the basic ingredient of mobile communications. Back haul spectrum is also essential to haul communication from the fringe of a network to the main pipe. Sufficient numbers Towers and quality network & Connectivity Institutional reforms Availability of resources (spectrum as well as financial resources to fund DI) is also very crucial. Policy reforms: Investor friendly and Customer prioritised policy is another essential component for the successful implementation of DI.   Challenges of DI Programme Implementation: The entire programme is designed as a top level model on the technological front. Besides the nine pillars of the program me is directly related with the high end consumers but not with the rural customers Deploy W-Fi Centers & Hotspot: BSNL’s (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd) mass deployment of Wi-Fi hotspots across the country is not widespread. Improve IT Literacy: Improving IT literacy is very important because the entire mass who is using internet should know how to secure his/her online data. Data Vulnerability: Each and every citizen of India would have all the personal details online including bank details, Income tax details, PAN details which might be vulnerable if not secured properly. In case this is breached, then any individual would lose the privacy of the data and would be compromised. Excessive server Hits: If majority of the population start using online, then definitely the Government portal sever will start getting more number of hits day by day. Man-In-The-Middle Attack: It is a type of cyber- attack where a malicious actor intrudes him/ herself into a conversation between two parties and gains access to information that the two parties were trying to send to each other. Security: It is necessary to overcome all the challenges mentioned above with the help of a proper IT security solution like eScan. Infrastructural Challenges of National Optical Fibre Network Inadequate Spectrum High Price of Spectrum Non availability of contagious spectrum Non allocation of back haul spectrum Government auctioning spectrum in small chunks   Way forward ( IASbaba's view) Stuctural reform: Multiple controls on NOFN are adversary to its working.The USOF (the institution to finance DI) has no independence. The usual bureaucratic process of decision-making prevails. Further, though contributions to the USOF are non-lapsable, getting resources released from the finance ministry is another matter. Level playing field to P&P: Public and Private must be provided level playing field in laying NOFN on the basis of lowest cost and early completion.They should also be encouraged to lay more backbone line to connect gram panchayats. Principle Maximum Utilisation : It must be ensured that maximum utilisation of all fibres,towers and spectrum is achieved without any additional costs. It will ensure cheap delivery of broadband. Reshuffle of priorities: The present programme’s priorities are totally wrong. We should first concentrate on subscriber connectivity to the existing 35,000 fibre ends. Harmonization of spectrum among users:For Digital India, larger chunks of spectrum are required. To increase availability, harmonization of spectrum among users is required, without extra levies. Automatic M&G (Merger& Acquisition) : Automatic M&A should be allowed to bring the companies to an optimum size and number. It will help in quick and efficient delivery of broadband and services. Principle of convergence and inclusion: We need to encourage the deployment of newer technologies and IP-based networks for delivering converged and inclusive services. Successful implementation can only happen in a converged environment, not in the present fragmented one.  Speedy Clearances: Single-window and automatic clearances for right of way and towers, and Standing Advisory Committee on Frequency Allocations recommendations are a must for early up rise. Policy reform: The National Telecom Policy 2012 speaks of convergence. However, interrelated sectors like telecom, broadcasting and IT are governed by different policies, licensing frameworks, FDI norms, cross-holding restrictions, etc. Even the present unified licensing regime fails to impart true flexibility to the license-holder. Separate infrastructure and rules lead to wastage of resources and high costs. Convergence of networks and regulations: The convergence of networks and regulations is a must for optimal utilisation of resources and also for the implementation of newer technologies. This would lead to an explosive growth in new hi-tech manufacturing systems. Linkage of cross-sectoral content: More important is the linkage of cross-sectoral content that can be converted to services like health, education, governance, in addition to entertainment. For efficient operation, this will need a converged network. If these above mentioned precautions and measures are taken into consideration by the government, the mission of Digital India has the huge potential to explore. Connecting dots Critically discuss the role of potential role of Digital India in strengthening PRI (Panchayati Raj Institution). Criticically discuss the challenges of DI .   DMAT and Vyapam Scams : Scams that invades intellectual space About DMAT and Vyapam Scams DMAT (Dental and Medical Admission Test) is an exam conducted by Association of Private Dental and Medical colleges (APDMC) for admission into Private Colleges.Madhya Pradesh. APDMC accounted for 50 % of seats of Private Colleges while other 50% seats were to be filled up through examimations conducted by the Government Agency,VYAPAM. DMAT is a Rs 10000 crore admission scam which came into fore in 2005 when the Controller of the exam board, Yoesh Uprit was arrested. Indore based RTI activist and Whistleblower Dr. Anand Rai complained against mass irregularities in admissions into Private Colleges. Madhya Pradesh Professional Exam Board(MPPEB),popularly known as VYAPAM (Vyabasayik Parish a Man dal) is self financed and autonomous body incorporated by the State Government for conducting several entrance examinations.These entrance exams are held for recruitment and admissions into educational institutions of the State. Vyapam Scam is also an admission and recruitment scam involving politicians,senior officials and businessmen in the Indian State,Madhya Pradesh. Thus both scams were very much complementary to each other. Both the Scams involved a serious network of Undeserving Candidates, Politicians, MPPEB officials through middlemen. The State Government established a Special Task Force (STF) to assist the probe. About Special Protection Force In India every state has a power to constitute a STF to deal with uncertain problems in a specific manner. They are primarily formed when there is lack of adequate police forces for a task, like major criminal or criminal network or counter insurgency or Anti corruption measure. The states Taminadu and Karnataka first raised STF to counter Ivory Poacher, Veerapan in an operation known as "Operation Cocoon" in Sathyamangal Forest ( Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve)                                           ( Courtesy : Wikipedia) Background The growth of private colleges in Mushroom mood across India gave rise to Commercialization of admission into Professional Courses. Exorbitant Capitation fees and under table payments made the monopolisation of rich classes in educational institutions. In 1993, the Supreme Court in "Unnikrishnan" case framed a scheme to prevent such malpractices. It was decided that Common Entrance Test would be conducted by the State Government and the top 50% students would be offered admission at Free Seats while the next 50% would be eligible for paid seats. Again Supreme Court gave verdict in "TMA Paid Foundation Case (2002)" which scrapped "Unnikrishnan Scheme" and held that starting an educational institution was the fundamental Right and that the State would not interfere in the administrative rights of Private Institutions, Minority or Non Minority. Another Verdict: SC ruled in "Islamic Academy Case, 2002 that Private Institutions could hold their own entrance tests, which would be regulated by a committee headed by a retired Judge. In "PA Inamdar Case" SC again ruled that Government couldn't impose any sort of reservations in any unaided Professional Colleges. What gives impetus to such malpractices? Centralisation of decision making authority at top hierarchy Ambiguity of Judicial Verdicts Absence of well equipped Preventive Mechanism Political Involvement makes the problem complicated and robust Lack of institutional protection for whistleblowers Ill equipped Structure of Vyapam with enormous responsibility of innumerable colleges Absence of clear and specific government legislation Bureaucratic inactivism Poor Role of NGOs or Students Union   Potential Implications ahead Brain drain: Despite having aptitude, Many Students ,unable to go through the exams, are migrated to other countries which is great loss for a aspiring and developing country like India Students Suicide: The number of instances of student’s suicide in our country is increasing day by day because the opportunity of the talented candidates gets sold by the medical Industry to rich classes' candidates. And this gives rise to Monopolisation of rich classes in Medical Courses. Medical Terrorism: The bribes are considered as investments. Hence there will be surely an ill motivation behind practicing medical career. These may give rise to Human Organ Smuggling by the Doctors. In short medical career becomes Business. Skillful India will adversely be affected: We cannot expect skillful India if we are having deviated young citizens(doctors).Healthy generation too can't be expected without the involvement of main stakeholders, i.e. Doctors. That's why without Healthy generation skillful India never can be realised. It also creates impediment to democratic aspirations of the people. It can be asserted that such scams will not only bring medical loss but also educational, social, economic, political and even cultural impediments to India. Comprehensively, Scams like DMAT or Vyapam Scams can be considered as pinnacle of Intellectual Crisis. IASbaba's view The government should pay attention to hierarchical accountability so that no irresponsible or malpractice happens. Transparency and openness in the structural reforms should be emphasized. Deploying smart technology Eradication of bureaucratic in activism should also be emphasized. Protection of whistleblower is the need of the hour. Strengthening and inclusion of students Unions, education related NGOs as stakeholders. Government's role in the appointment of directors of institutional (educational institution) should be minimised or neutral. Connecting the dots Discuss the impact of Vyapam like scams from widespread perspective. Critically discuss the challenges of Indian democracy in the context of Vyapam scam.  

Sep 20, 2015 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – You are Love! – Inspirational & Educational Articles

  You are Love   One of the most misunderstood words in human language is love. It is used as a substitute for almost all the worthless feelings that spring up as weeds in the vast farmland of our emotions. We use it to express feelings of concern, sympathy, fear, lust, affection, attraction, and so many other emotions, which are no way related to love. Love is not a pleasant feeling that stimulates our mind once in a while. It is a force and intensity. When it clutches at our heart and leaves, it changes its beating rhythm forever. Love should not be mistaken for other things. We are betrayed again and again only because we have substituted a whole range of useless emotions for love. And that feeling of standing alone in a crowded room, one leaves us with when asked for love in return, is the proof of this stupidity. We are love, love is our very nature, hence we go on looking for it in everything else. There is no meaning to our life if we stop searching for it; After all, what is a human experience if not for an expedition of love in search of itself. The only trouble is, we are searching for love exactly where it cannot be found; we are searching for it in the reflections of our emotions. A rose flower only reflects the beauty that is already within us, by itself what does it contain. Every object of our desire eventually disappoints us because nothing can match the vastness and depth of love hidden within our own heart. There is only one place where love is not betrayed, where it is not mistaken, where it always finds its true match; when it is found within us. It is only our depth and intensity of love towards people, places and activities that separate us from one another. The one who can harness enough of this internal force can attain to anything. In the journey of life; love is the light, the path and the traveler. There is no meaning to living if we cannot find love within us and find ways of spreading it. Read more such articles– Click Here Copyright Disclaimer “No part of the articles in this section, in part or in full shall be reproduced without the written consent of the author. The articles are a copyright of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.”

Sep 19, 2015 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs - 19th September, 2015

Archives IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs- 19th September, 2015   NATIONAL   A second green revolution in India In an effort to tackle sluggish long-term agricultural growth in India, the present union government is calling for a second Green Revolution. Almost one in every two Indians relies on agriculture for livelihood, yet India still has the second highest number of undernourished people in the world. It is not surprising, therefore, that our government wants to promote a return to that golden era of the 1970s and 80s, which saw record yields thanks to the technologies made available at the time — we had improved high yielding varieties of rice and wheat, better irrigation, fertilisers, and pesticides. But the agricultural landscape has changed drastically since this intervention, that a second Green Revolution is going to need an entirely new approach, and an entirely new set of technologies especially when climate change is tightening its grip and threatening food supply, not just in India but worldwide. Focus on precision farming: Precision agriculture  is a farming management concept based on observing, measuring and responding to inter and intra-field variability in crops with the use of GPS.   Precision agriculture aims to optimize field-level management with regard to: Crop science: by matching farming practices more closely to crop needs (e.g. fertilizer inputs); Environmental protection: by reducing environmental risks and footprint of farming (e.g. limiting leaching of nitrogen); Economics: by boosting competitiveness through more efficient practices (e.g. improved management of fertilizer usage and other inputs). We now have a wealth of data at our disposal, which, if harnessed appropriately, can help farmers make the most efficient use of vital inputs such as water and fertiliser by applying them in precise amounts. A new mobile phone application called MITRA©, for example, is being developed in Tamil Nadu, that will give site-specific recommendations to farmers on the correct fertiliser dose, based on data from the local department of agriculture. It is able to operate offline for farmers in remote areas who do not have internet access. This prevents the farmer from wasting important inputs, and also reduces agriculture’s impact on the environment.   Technological interactive applications: The need of hour Mobile-based applications for farmers will form an important part of the data-driven precision agriculture approach. But it is important to ensure that this meets the needs of the farmer. Research carried out by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, Mexico, found that these applications need to be interactive; the farmer must have a way of asking questions and giving feedback, either through a helpline or via “field scouts” who visit the villages receiving the mobile-based information. The research also showed that a wider range of issues needs to be tackled in addition to input use, such as how to deal with pests, and new climate-resistant crop varieties. Another major challenge is the evidence that groundwater stocks are rapidly depleting.  Groundwater sustains around 60 per cent of agriculture in India, while 80 per cent of the people living in rural areas use groundwater for their domestic needs. Laser levelling is a technology that can grade an agricultural field to a flat surface by using a laser-guided scraper. Laser levelling has been shown to improve crop yields, reduce labour time spent weeding, and, in particular, reduce water use for irrigation by up to 20-25 per cent. Way Forward: Although the challenges to bringing a second Green Revolution to India are immense, it is not impossible. India has led the charge before, and yielded phenomenal results. But we must recognise that success will be just as much about using resources efficiently, as about increasing yield. If we consider these two equally, we will succeed. Connecting the dots: Comment on the socio economic and ecological impacts of green revolution in India. To tackle the sluggish long-term agricultural growth in India, a second green revolution is the need of the hour. Critically analyse. According to you what should be the components of second green revolution and why.   Hydroelectric Power (HEP) in India: An analysis Hydropower is a renewable energy resource because it uses the Earth's water cycle to generate electricity. The movement of water as it flows downstream creates kinetic energy that can be converted into electricity. The hydro capacity of our country has risen from a meagre 508 MW at the time of Independence to about 41,650 MW today. HEP potential in India : India is blessed with immense amount of hydro-electric potential and ranks 5th in terms of exploitable hydro-potential on global scenario. As per assessment made by Central Electricity Authority(CEA), India is endowed with economically exploitable hydro-power potential to the tune of 1 48 700 MW of installed capacity. The basin wise assessed potential is as under- In addition, 56 number of pumped storage projects have also been identified with probable installed capacity of 94 000 MW. In addition to this, hydro-potential from small, mini & micro schemes has been estimated as 6 782 MW from 1 512 sites. Thus, in totality India is endowed with hydro-potential of about 2 50 000 MW. Total installed capacity : The total installed capacity of India is 36878 MW.   Barriers to HEP : The energy of running water has been exploited for very many years. However, traditional approaches have suffered disadvantages due to environmental factors. For example: Building a dam across a river floods the land that would otherwise be available for use, alters the landscape, affects the local community that would have lived and worked on the flooded land, alters the character of the river, and prevents the free movement of fish. Diverting a river affects the nature of the countryside and does not lend itself to use on a large scale. Permanent complete or partial blockage of a river for energy conversion is adversely affected by variations in flow. Building large-scale hydro power plants can be polluting and damaging to surrounding ecosystems. Changing the course of waterways can also have a detrimental effect on human communities, agriculture and ecosystems further downstream. Hydro projects can also be unreliable during prolonged droughts and dry seasons when rivers dry up or reduce in volume. Way Forward: The share of HEP in total power generation rose in the initial Five Year Plan but has reduced gradually over the years. It is expected to be a mere 15 per cent by 2020. One important thing that the government can do to promote HEP is to reduce tariff on hep and make electricity generated from hep more competitive. Section 62 of the Electricity Act calls for the above mechanism by a regulatory commission. Connecting the dots: Comment on the importance of HEP in India. HEP in India is largely underutilised. Critically analyse. What are the barriers that have made HEP in India underutilised.