Sep 8, 2015 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs - 8th September, 2015

ArchivesIASbaba's Daily Current Affairs- 8th September, 2015 INTERNATIONALEuropean Migrant Crisis: The Humanitarian Crisis that has made the world awkward European Migrants or Refugee Crisis is the greatest crisis since the Second World War. Europe is now in midst of an unprecedented human migration from war inflicted and volatile counties. Who is a Refugee? According to Geneva Convention on Refugees, a refugee is a person who is outside his country of citizens because of their well founded ground of fear of persecution because of their race, religion ,nationality , membership of social group or having particular political opinion, and unable to have sanctuary from the state.Who are European Refugees? European Refugees or Migrants Crisis arose through the rising number of refugees and economic migrants who are fling to the Schegan Area of a European Union across the Mediterranean Sea and South East Europe, from areas such as the Middle East, South East, Africa and Balkans. Most of them want to settle France, Germany, Sweden and United Kingdom. Majority of the refugees are from Afghanistan, Syria and Eritrea. The crisis has posed question on the Humanitarian Responsibility of the European Countries as well as Ethical Responsibility of the developed Countries like USA. This Crisis can be considered as Humanitarian Crisis as It has also put a question mark on the commitment of collective or Shared Responsibility of European Union to maintain social, economic and political stability.Push and Pull factors of the influx of refugees Arab Spring also helped lead to Syria's war, and to conflict in Yemen, and eventually to the rise of ISIS in Syria and Iraq. Of course none of this caused the exodus of refugees from, say, Afghanistan or Myanmar, but the Arab Spring was perhaps the largest single spark of the ongoing, global refugee crisis. Civil Unrest and Violence: Syrian civil war is a big source of the crisis facing Europe. The conflict has killed more than 250,000 people and displaced more than 8m in over four years. Most of the refugees have fled to neighboring countries but are now, increasingly, desperate to reach European shores. Political and sectarian repression in other countries has contributed as well. Many families in Eritrea, for example, are fleeing the dictatorship there that is sometimes called Africa's own North Korea. In Myanmar, the a Muslim minority group known as the Rohingya has endured brutal violence and ethnic cleansing, sometimes with the tacit support of the Myanmar government or even at the hands of government forces themselves. Overlapping web of wars and crises that has forced millions of people from their homes in the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa, and elsewhere and that has opened, ever-so-slightly, a previously closed route to Europe. Bashar al-Assad's regime has targeted civilians ruthlessly, including with chemical weapons and barrel bombs; ISIS has subjected Syrians to murder, torture, crucifixion, sexual slavery, and other appalling atrocities; and other groups such as Jabhat al-Nusra have tortured and killed Syrians as well. Underdeveloped economic conditions of the people in Syria, Afghanistan has also contributed to the migration of the people to European nations with the hope of better future. Some argues that denudation in agricultural productivity has threatened the people to migrat There is evidence that the 2007−2010 drought contributed to the conflict in Syria. It was the worst drought in the instrumental record, causing widespread crop failure and a mass migration of farming families to urban centers. The pull factor like hope for better conditions of life with peace and prosperity, better educational incentives of the children, safety and security of lives and so on contributed to the migration process. The World and the Crisis The European Union isn't functioning well in the rehabilitation of the migrants. EU is supposed to handle the crisis collectively. But in practice, most EU countries are reluctant to take the responsibility. This is what we can refer as Responsibility Crisis of the Responsible Union. Within Europe, countries are also trying to restrict refugees from getting to or staying within their borders. Dublin Regulation of EU : It requires refugees to stay in the first European Country they arrive in until their asylum claims are processed. The rule is to prevent applicants from orbiting the EU Countries. But the EU is acting in illegitimate manner even in the implementation of this regulation too.Challenges before European Union: Euro zone Crisis and recent Greece debt Crisis: EU is crippling with financial crisis followed by Euro zone crisis and recent Greece Default. Therefore it is argued by the Union that they have low economic growth as well as unemployment. Infiltration of smuggler and terrorist(extremist) There is also growing apprehension upon the acceptance of the refugees as it has the very potential of infiltration of the smugglers and Extremists. Extraordinary investment in infrastructure and personnel recruitment is also another reason for the reluctance of EU to accept the refugees. No Common Political consensus: EU do not have any clear immigration policy which has led to no common consensus on the immigration process. Germany has decided to rehabilitate the refugees whereas others are still reluctant due to domestic political atmosphere. Anti immigration populism in western countries is another challenge for the governments of European Countries to balance their acts on the rehabilitation of the refugees. Threat to national identity and deep sense of insecurity in drastic demographic change in the population structure of the country is also a factor that usually keeps the concerned government to act tactfully with the immigration process.IASbabas view (Way forward): EU countries should share the responsibility proportionately in dealing and resettlement of the immigrants. Anti immigration politics must be checked by the International bodies. Political leadership and political will is immensely needed which can only be generated by the world public opinion. Therefore the role of Medias, NGOs like Amnesty International have to be super active in this regard. Rather than discouraging the immigrants from inflowing. The systematic allowance and strict superintendence and inspection of the immigrants are essential for the proper maintenance of the immigrants. Reform the 1951 Refugee Convention is strongly needed, so that all those fleeing civil war, state collapse and murderous militias will get the same protection as those fleeing a well-founded fear of persecution. If governments won’t help refugees escape Syria, smugglers and human traffickers will, and the deadly toll will rise. It demands a global response to tackle with the problem. Global fund should be raised for the rehabilitation of those refugees.Connecting dots: The problem of European crisis migration of refugees is not actually European. Critically discuss. Do you think ethical and humanitarian need is more important than national interest? Critically discuss in the context of recent European Migration Crisis. NATIONALFCRA and Greenpeace ControversyNGO is Non-Governmental organization; it is set up by individual or groups. NGO may be funded by government, corporates, individuals etc.Role of NGO in development: Campaigns of NGO helps in creation of awareness among masses; it offers work at grass root level and can take up variety of issues that are clogs in the wheel of development.Merits in functioning of NGO: Responsibility Sharing: They may share responsibility in addition to the government’s development effort Development: They can help in development by organizing the campaigns Awareness: They can help by selectively creating awareness among the masses Stage is set: They can work effectively at grass root level, and understand the problem well and carry on the development efficiently Take up Agenda: NGO can take up the development agenda in developing nations and can serve the nation and its people Wide diversity: NGO can take up variety of issues like climate change, child labor, human rights, alleviate poverty etc. Direct Interaction: They can directly interact with local communities and understand the issue well and help in addressing the micro nature of problem.Demerits in functioning of NGO: Transparency is an issue: Many a times, it is observed that NGO lacks transparency Non-disclosure of real motives: They may not disclose the information and carry on with the secret work or jobs Lacks Accounting Skill: Some of them do not maintain accounts properly and evade taxes Tax Evasion: Some of the NGOs are not registered and still making profits and eventually they also do not pay taxes About FCRA: Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (1976 and 2010), this aims at regulating the donations made from foreign sources. Foreign Contribution means the form of donation, transfer or delivery made by a foreign source in term of currency or any other security. NGO and NPO come in the purview of FCRA, and it becomes necessary for an NGO or NPO to register or obtain the prior permission of government before receiving foreign grants or donations.About Greenpeace: Greenpeace is non-governmental environmental organization. Its main aim is to ensure that Earth is able to nurture life in all form of diversity. It campaigns to create awareness on issues like commercial whaling, climate change, overfishing, deforestation, genetic engineering etc. It does not accept funding from government, corporates or political parties. Instead, it accepts foundation grants and support from individuals.Greenpeace defines its mission as the following:Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organization that acts to change attitudes and behavior, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace by: Catalysing an energy revolution to address the number one threat facing our planet: climate change. Defending our oceans by challenging wasteful and destructive fishing, and creating a global network of marine reserves. Protecting the world's remaining ancient forestswhich are depended on by many animals, plants and people. Working for disarmament and peace by reducing dependence on finite resources and calling for the elimination of all nuclear weapons. Creating a toxin free future with safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals in today's products and manufacturing. Campaigning for sustainable agricultureby encouraging socially and ecologically responsible farming practices.Why Greenpeace India in trouble? 2014: Indian Intelligence Bureau in interim report to PMO accused Greenpeace India of hurting the economic progress by campaigning against power projects, GM crops and mining. 2015: Bank accounts were blocked by Ministry of Home Affair due to non-disclosure of income in banks to tax authorities. Government cancels Greenpeace license for FCRA, this implies that Greenpeace will not be able to receive foreign donation.Connecting the dots: Is the government decision to restrict activities of Green peace India a violation of freedom of speech and expression. Evaluate in light of recent developments. Examine the role of NGOs in development process. What should be correct course of action to keep a check on NGOs in order to ensure that there is no conflict of interests.

Sep 8, 2015 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance - Living to Learn! - Inspirational & Educational Articles

  Living to Learn   Living is more or less like performing an appendix operation on yourself riding on a bike, while your spouse is giving you directions on how to do it. Everything that can be learnt, that can be experienced and explored has to be done while you are at it. There is no off the job learning here. Just imagine; when you were a kid learning how to walk, if you had said, ‘There is no way I can do this, first let me learn everything about walking; I will Google it, watch a few YouTube videos, document all the rights and wrongs of walking and then some day I will give it a try.’Probably you would have never walked. Learning is an intuitive process of the mind which happens by itself, when you are following the desire of your heart. You don’t have to break your head to learn, you only have to make sure that the direction in which you are headed is right and the desire to pursue the path is strong enough. Mind is just a hutch (now Vodafone!) puppy dog of your heart;it only knows how to follow. The mechanics of learning is always secondary to the purpose of learning. If you don’t have a strong enough purpose and reason to learn something, learning becomes an eternal struggle. It is passion and desire that numbs the pain of learning; if you don’t have enough of it, you will simply give up unable to bare the pain. One of the easiest and simplest ways of learning is by integrating it with living. If what you are learning is an integral part of your life, then there is no struggle between learning and living. There is no other better way to experience the magic of learning than to just head out into the horizon. It is as simple as; pack your bags, strap your shoe lace and take a walk into the wilderness; living will follow this. The greatest challenge and reward of learning comes when it is integrated with living. There is a joke – ‘A famous heart surgeon is having a friendly charity barbecue when he is approached by a loud mouth. “Hey, Doc,” the guy says, “I am the best mechanic in town. I can take an engine apart, take the valves out, clean them, tune them and after I put everything back together the baby will purr like a new born kitten. We are basically doing the same job, so how come you are making more money than me?” The heart surgeon says’, “Try doing all that with the engine running.” The most enriching of learning experiences are always deeply connected to our way of living. If you reflect on the lives of the most successful people in the world, you will notice that it is impossible to separate their lives from their process of learning. Just imagine how difficult it would be to separate Picasso from painting, or Beethoven from music, or Tendulkar from batting. We recognize successful people only by their work. Their whole process of living is nothing but a process of learning in order to follow the desire of their hearts. While most struggle to make some time for learning, the ones who succeed make a living out of learning.   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 7, 2015 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs - 7th September, 2015

Archives IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs- 7th September, 2015   NATIONAL   Special category states and centre - state finances in India The concept of a special category state was first introduced in 1969 when the 5th Finance Commission sought to provide certain disadvantaged states with preferential treatment in the form of central assistance and tax breaks. Initially three states Assam, Nagaland and Jammu & Kashmir were granted special status but since then eight more have been included (Arunachal Pradesh,  Himachal Pradesh,  Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura and Uttarakhand).   What’s the rationale behind conferring such status?   The main rationale for special status is that certain states, because of inherent features, have a low resource base and cannot mobilize resources for development. Some of the features required for special status are : Hilly and difficult terrain. Low population density or sizeable share of tribal population. Strategic location along borders with neighbouring countries. Economic and infrastructural backwardness. Non-viable nature of state finances. Who grants special status to states ?   The decision to grant special category status lied with the National Development Council, composed of the Prime Minster, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers and members of the Planning Commission. However now with the dismantling of the planning commission and national development council, the competent authority to grant special status to states is still unknown. Benefits of having special status by a state : The Planning Commission was allocating funds to states through central assistance for state plans. Central assistance can be broadly split into three components: Normal Central Assistance (NCA), Additional Central Assistance (ACA) and Special Central Assistance. NCA, the main assistance for state plans, is split to favour special category states: the 11 states get 30% of the total assistance while the other states share the remaining 70%. The nature of the assistance also varies for special category states; NCA is split into 90% grants and 10% loans for special category states, while the ratio between grants and loans is 30:70 for other states. For allocation among special category states, there are no explicit criteria for distribution and funds are allocated on the basis of the state’s plan size and previous plan expenditures. Allocation between non special category states is determined by the Gadgil Mukherjee formula which gives weight to population (60%), per capita income (25%), fiscal performance (7.5%) and special problems (7.5%).  Special category states also receive specific assistance addressing features like hill areas, tribal sub-plans and border areas. Beyond additional plan resources, special category states can enjoy concessions in excise and customs duties, income tax rates and corporate tax rates as determined by the government.   Now with dismantling of planning commission , how the above work will be carried out, we have to wait and watch. Raghuram Rajan committee on backwardness and special assistance to states : The Union government had constituted a committee headed by Raghuram Rajan, to suggest ways to identify indicators of the relative backwardness of the States for equitable allocation of Central funds. A panel had recommended a new “composite development index” of backwardness to determine which States need special assistance. The committee had proposed an index of backwardness composed of 10 equally weighted indicators for monthly per capita consumption expenditure, education, health, household amenities, poverty rate, female literacy, percentage of the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe population, urbanisation rate, financial inclusion and physical connectivity. The 10 States that score above 0.6 (out of 1) on the composite index have been classified as “least developed,” the 11 States that scored from 0.4 to 0.6 are “less developed” and the seven States that scored less than 0.4 are “relatively developed.” However no action has been taken by the government with regards to implementation of the recommendations of the committee. Way forward(Iasbaba’s view): In order to achieve the status of a special category state, a state has to project itself as socioeconomically or strategically vulnerable state however it is ironical that a number of states are demanding their names to be included in the list of special category states in order to exploit the numerous benefits conferred to such states. Need of the hour is a comprehensive committee which looks into the demand of such special category states a suggest a formula, based on which special status can be conferred to deserving states. Connecting the dots: What is meant by special category states ? Comment on the criteria which is used to accord special status to states. What is a backward state in India? Comment on various committee reports wrt backwardness of states in India. Critically analyse the pattern of financial distribution between union and the states in India, with special focus on special category states.   ECONOMICS   Indradhanush Plan for Public Sector Banks (PSBs) About Indradhanush Plan: Indradhanush plan aims at reviving the deteriorating state of PSBs. It is a revival plan which will infuse nearly 25000 crore in public sector banks. Indradhanush plan has proposed 7 elements. What Indradhanush offers? Heavy dose of capitalization for PSB for improvement in their health crippled by bad loans Infusion of 25000 crore, out of which 20000 crore within first month Setting up of Bank Board Bureau, board will start functioning from April 2016. This board will replace the existing recruitment board. Plan also aims to address the legal and risk management control for bank. Framework for evaluation of allocation and performance of management team It has appointed 5 heads of PSB, out of which 2 are from private sector 7 elements of Indradhanush: A: Appointments B: Bank Board Bureau C: Capitalization D: De-stressing E: Empowerment F: Framework of Accountability G: Governance Reform What are Indradhanush’s ambiguities? Out of 25000 crore, 5000 crore will be disbursed based on the performance of the bank, this will make allocation ambiguous. Appointing heads from private sector bank has disappointed and demotivated the employees and officers in PSB Infusion of capital in stressed banks is a necessary move, but it is still not adequately expressed the way funds be channelized Government says that there will not be any interference in the working and management of banks, but again conflict arises when government semantically distinguishes between interference and intervention. Governance reforms are not specifically been taken in consideration and there lies a gap in understanding the real nature of pertaining problems in different banks.   Way Forward: It is desired that public sector banks should enjoy decision making and autonomy If infusion of capital is made, then it should also take care of adequacy and transparency Bank Board Bureau, should function effectively and should help banks in overcoming the ambiguity in respect of appointments, which can ultimately motivate employees in PSB Empowering banks can help them in effectively framing policies which will in particular suit the need Banks need strategy to materialize for risk management, recovery of bad loans and asset restructuring. Background: J. Nayak committee was set up reviewing the governance in public sector banks. Committee’s recommendation To introduce reforms by changing the shareholding of Government in public sector banks Because if majority of shares are held by government then decision making lies to a large extent in hand of government To ensure transparency in appointments To train staff in banks so that they can perform well and this will lead to enhanced productivity of the staff and bank Reforms in recruitment, training and transfers. Connecting the dots: Critically comment on the shareholding of government in public sector banks. ‘Indrashanush has offered a way forward for public sector banks by infusing capital, setting up Bank Board Bureau and empowering banks’. Critically comment on the statement in light of Indradhanush plan and its effectiveness. Will capital infusion revive the banks or there is much more needed? Comment.  

Sep 5, 2015 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs - 5th September, 2015

Archives IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs- 5th September, 2015   INTERNATIONAL   Creating a new Asian history All history is geographically located and influenced. Similarly, all geography is shaped, defined and redefined by history. This is evident not only from world history but also from the history of Asia — the glory of old Asia, its decline in colonial times, and its more recent rise again. For nearly three centuries, the geopolitical and geo-economic realities of Asia were negatively impacted by Europe and the West in general. Asia has begun to write its own destiny now.   China and India : The two Asian tigers 21st century is called the Asian century, mainly due to the advancement of economies of china and India. China with its 8 trillion $ economy and huge forex reserves , is trying to establish trade connectivity with Europe , Africa and other Asian countries. Super-ambitious ‘Silk Road Economic Belt’ and the ‘21st Century Maritime Silk Road’ plans have been unveiled by china to create market for its exports and secure a firm position in being a regional superpower. On the other hand India, is trying to reach out for the world through its rich cultural heritage. Regional cooperation initiatives such as ‘Mausam’ and the ‘Spice ‘Route’ in the Indian Ocean region and beyond are some of the initiatives by India in the regard. [The ‘Mausam’ project envisages the re-establishment of India’s ancient maritime routes with its traditional trade partners along the Indian Ocean. It was launched in June 2014. The ‘Spice Route of India’ visualises the India-centered link-up of historic sea routes in Asia, Europe and Africa.] Be it China’s strategy or India’s, neither can fully or smoothly become a reality in South Asia without a strong partnership between the world’s two most populous and civilisationally rich nations. The key to the success of this strategy is the early implementation of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) corridor, which envisages a network of modern road, railway, port and communication and trade connectivities in a region stretching from Kolkata to Kunming in southern China. Even though BCIM is one of the richest regions in the world — in terms of natural and human resources and home to nearly 500 million people — it is also one of the least integrated areas, economically as well as socially. The potential of BCIM : India will benefit from BCIM, which was conceptualised 16 years ago, in many self-evident ways. For instance, Agartala is 1,650 kilometres from Kolkata when one travels through the ‘Chicken’s Neck’, the narrow strip of land north of West Bengal, which is only 23 km wide. In contrast, the distance gets reduced to just 350 km if the journey passes through Bangladesh. At least one major reason behind Kolkata’s economic decline after India’s independence is its unnatural isolation from its natural eastern neighbourhood. Apart from denting the development of West Bengal and India’s north-east, this has hurt Bangladesh too. With natural gas reserves of about 200 trillion cubic feet, the largest in the Asia-Pacific, Bangladesh could become one of the major energy exporting countries. Yet, today it imports 500 MW of electricity from India and is planning to import an equal amount from Myanmar. Bangladesh attracts less than one million foreign tourists in a year. For India’s north-eastern States, the figure is less than 2,00,000. Contrast this to the fact that Vietnam attracts 8 million, Cambodia 5 million, and Thailand 26 million foreign tourists annually. Synergy between CPEC and BMIC :  Besides arguing for BCIM’s expeditious implementation, the logic of India-China regional cooperation needs to be extended westwards through India by connecting BCIM with the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). CPEC is an infrastructural corridor, running over 3,000 km, will connect Kashgar in China’s Xinjiang province to the Gwadar port in Pakistan’s Balochistan province.  China has pledged to invest $46 billion on CPEC — roughly one-fifth of Pakistan’s annual GDP. India should welcome this initiative. CPEC will no doubt boost Pakistan’s progress and prosperity. It will also help Pakistan tackle many social and other internal problems, including the menace of religious extremism and terrorism. It is in India’s vital interest to see a stable, prosperous, progressive, united and democratic Pakistan, which is at peace with itself and also at peace with all its neighbours. However, CPEC in its present form, unlike BCIM, does not comprehensively capture the benefits of regional cooperation. It needs to be extended into landlocked Afghanistan, which is in urgent need of national reconstruction after several decades of war. It should also be extended into India through Kashmir and Punjab, the two provinces which are today divided between India and Pakistan. A greater regional co operation can be achieved if CPEC extends to Afghanistan and connects itself to BCIM through Kashmir and Punjab. A greater regional co operation promises the development of south asia and the realisation of dream of 21st century being an Asian century.   Way ahead: Rich dividends in terms of peace and development can be reaped if India and China work together to synergise the proposed regional cooperation projects that interconnect Bangladesh, Pakistan and other neighbouring countries. Connecting the dots: 21st century world is called as the Asian century. Comment. South Asia and China, home to nearly 500 million people and with huge economic and human resource, is one of the least integrated areas, economically as well as socially. Analyse. Regional cooperation is the panacea for development of South Asia and realising the dream of 21st century being Asian century. Critically analyse.   NATIONAL   7th Pay Commission and its implication: For periodic revision of wages government set up wage revision commission. Government set up Pay Commission every 10 years to recommend the wage/ pay revision. Similar, commission was set up in 2006, popular as 6th Pay Commission, headed by B. N. Srikrishna. Seventh Pay CommissionFactsheet: Headed by A.K. Mathur Will come in effect from 1 Jan 2016 Recommendatory in Nature Pros of rolling out Seventh Pay Commission: Will help in bringing the pay at par with the private sector This will motivate employees in the Government sector Monetary driven motivation can lead to enhanced productivity in Government sector Can help in boosting economic growth as people will have more money to spend It will result in increasing collection of both direct and indirect taxes This can help in attracting best talent from the industry (Case in point being Singapore where the government pay are even higher than the private sector in order to attract the professionals and experts from various fields) Pay commission will facilitate investment and savings. Indirectly, it will facilitate capital formation and will push economy in growth mode Cons of rolling out Seventh Pay Commission: Rolling out can seriously strain the government expenses Rolling out can be negative for the fiscal balances Deficit target will be at risk, deficits will become enlarged Pay Commission will wreak havoc on government finance More money in hand, can lead to inflation Put pressure on the state governments to implement it in the same manner as centre Can result in increasing inflation which would put strain on RBI for its control through various monetary tools. Will put pressure on private sector as well to bring the salary at par Pay commission will cover only the government employees however it will have no effect on the conditions and income of daily wage earners and casual labourers Recommendations made by Seventh Pay Commission: This will hike the basic pay by 40-45% For senior level officers pay revision can be up to 50% HRA to increase for tier 2 and tier 3 cities by 15-20% Way Ahead: Pay revision should be in accordance with the productivity of the employees, as in private sector. Periodic revision of pay is alright if government downsizes workforce A suggested way is to conduct periodic audits of government departments keeping in mind the cost effectiveness of government departments and timeliness. Some part of the pay should be performance linked so that employees can be motivated to put in extra efforts. Although more funds have been devolved to states on recommendations of 14th finance commission but implementation of 7th pay commission’s recommendation will again leave the states with less funds to be used for various social sector schemes. Connecting the Dots: Evaluate the role of pay commission. Has the time come to move beyond the regular pay rise and link it to performance of the employees? Critically analyse the effect of pay commission’s recommendations on economic growth, inflation and financial relations between centre-states? “Pay commissions have outlived their utility”. In this regard comment whether there is a need to review the pay structure every decade or it should be made a more dynamic process with focus on productivity and performance.  

Sep 4, 2015 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs - 4th September, 2015

Archives IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs- 4th September, 2015   NATIONAL   Manipur in ILPS turmoil Manipur,literally translated,"Land of Jewels" is a former Asiatic Kingdom with 3000 old recorded history, which became a part of India in 1949. Nested in the NE region of India, having international boundary with Myanmar, is the home of 2.8 million myriad ethnic groups and communities. The Crisis in Manipur stems from the long standing demand of the people to introduce Inner Line Permit (ILP) System because of the vulnerability from outsiders to their ethnicity and livelihood. The mass movements that happened in past two months had its origin in 1980s where the movement for protection of Manipur people had first started. The Protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015, the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (7th Amendment) Bill, 2015, and the Manipur Shops and Establishments (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2015, were passed unanimously but People have started protest against all the legislations citing them anti-Manipur and Pro-outsiders. Manipur is also regarded as place of "Nine Hills and one valley". The valley constitutes 10% of the state's geographical area and Meities constitutes 10% of the population there.      Understanding ILPS : An overlook at the past and the present ILPS (Innerline Permit System) is an Official travel document (Obligatory) issued by the Government of India to allow travel permit to Indian Citizen from outside states into a protected area for a limited period of time. The Provision for ILPS was made by British under an act called "Bengal Frontier Provision Act, 1873". It is still prevalent in North Eastern States of India- Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. The sole objective of this regulation is to protect indigenous ethnicity and livelihood of the local tribals. Manipur is also demanding for the immediate implementation of ILPS. There is no ILPS in Manipur because Manipur was never under British rule. In 1949, the King of Manipur signed a document merging the region with the Indian Union. Before 1949, Manipur was a sovereign state with an elected government. Implications of ILPS : Outsiders can't have permanent residence as they are not given land purchasing right. ILPS can only be used for travel purpose. ILPS is not applicable to central government employees or security personnel.   Factors that push the people for ILPS : Implementation of IRPS has certain favourable social, economic, political, cultural, educational and mental implications in Manipur. Economic Protection of land and immovable properties- Once ILP is enforced, outsiders won’t be allowed to purchase, acquire any land in the entire state. It will also make certain that the native people would be the sole owner of land. Moreover, as a result of it, it will ensure the territorial integrity of the state. Manual work- It’s clear that in the state most of the manual work is done by outsiders. If the outsiders in the state are bound by the ILP regulation then, the native people will not be deprived of manual works. Unemployment- If ILP comes into effect, the ever increasing issue of unemployment in the state would be lessen as outsiders in the state will not be able to get a domicile certificate Source of income- Domestic tourist and outsiders who want to enter the state will have to take ILP and a minimal fee has to be paid by the person. This would be their source of income. Business and economy- If the ILP comes into effect, instead of some business class people who are seemingly controlling the market of Manipur only the indigenous Manipur is will become proprietors of shops and other business establishments. Demographic Ilegal immigration and Stopping demographic change- Expert have the opinion that if we did not check the illegal influx in and around the bordering areas of the state, such as Jiribam bordering Bangladesh, More bordering Myanmar, it would be a sentimental issue resulting in the demographic change in the state.   Cultural Cultural identity- The cultural identity would be jeopardized if ILPS doesn't come into effect. Their indigenous ethnicity and culture is another reason of their fear and insecurity. Son of the Soil : NE states like Manipur has strong ethnic nationalism and therefore they claim to be " son of the soil". Being conservative and isolated they generally feel vulnerable whenever there occurs influx of migrated people. ILP as a prestige of the state- ILP is not to prevent outsiders entering into Manipur, but it’s sole purpose is to check the flow of undocumented immigrants in the state. It will enable to build an unique Manipuri identity, and gain respect from other societies. Security Preventing criminals from taking refuge- ILP is an effective tool to preventing criminals and anti-socials from entering the state and taking refuge here. The martial law AFSPA has also some elements of pushing factor that fuels the agitation   Unfavourable Implications lies ahead Some experts argues that the implementation of ILPS will bring social as well as economic anarchy to Manipur if it is implemented. No conformity with Indian democratic Values: ILPS has no conformity with the ideas of liberal democracy. Constitutional rights like Right to free movement across the country(Article 19 (1)(d),right to equality(Art 14), right to reside or settke peacefuly within any part of the country (unity and integrity of the nation would be violated if ILPS is implemented. Migration isn't always harmful, just needed well equipped law and order: Migration helps underdeveloped NE states to avail services like medical, educational facilities etc from outside states. Therefore People should demand a well equipped Legislation to regulate the migration. ILPS will turn Manipur into more isolated and insulated. Thus it will lead to More insecurity and vulnerability and integrity of the state. Way forward: The demand for ILPS in Manipur is valid and reasonable. Illegal Migration has more threats in terms of security of the state. Recent Bodo Muslim Clash,Bodo Adivashi in Assam was due to the fear of being marginalised and land alienated. It is also not reasonable argument on the part of Central government that ILPS can be provoked only in colonized state. Government should not bring political agenda behind their rejection to ILPS in Manipur. Though migration is inevitable, so as competition among people. Therefore government has to initiate development activities like establishing schools, colleges, opening jobs, medicals etc. Along with inter migration, there also occurs influx of Corporate sector into the State. Therefore the central as well as state government should co operatively develop schemes like Skill India etc in effective way. Financial Inclusion and Land Security should uncompromisingly be provided to the people of the State. Overall it can be discerned that the implementation of ILPS will not bring only economic isolation but also social backwardness, educational difference, Cultural gap, Political in activism , touch effect of globalization process which in turn will develop Generation Gap.   Connecting dots: Critically discuss the pros and come of Inner line Permit System in India. Critically discuss the factors that give rise to the demand for ILPS in Manipur. Is this demand legitimate?   Caste based census and related myths: The census 2011 claims the rise in Muslim population by 0.8 percent and fall in growth rate of Hindus by 2.1 percent. These growth and fall figures are misleading, let us understand how. Fact sheet of census 2011: The growth rate of population has declined from 21.5 to 17.7 percent. Muslim population has increased from 13.4 percent of population to 14.2, but rate of growth is considerably lower than in previous decades. The decadal growth of Muslim has declined steeply as compared to that of Hindus. Fertility rate of Muslim women is declining and this reflects the choice based falling Muslim fertility. Muslims have better sex ratio as compared that to Hindus sex ratio. Pros of studying the Census based on religion line: This can help in understanding the indicators of development like educational standard, health etc. and can help in devising effective policy. Special emphasis to the areas where they lack and make a move forward to address the religion and region specific matters. Cons ofstudying the Census based on religion line Religion based census classifies only 6 religions as Hinduism, Muslim, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. It has no provision for SC and ST, a SC has to choose Hinduism as a religion whereas a ST can choose any religion. This makes the census misleading. Also, there is no category called as ‘Atheist’, counting of atheist also bloats the census figures. This can indirectly threaten the unity of the country. Also, it can challenge the harmony among the different religion in different regions. Probably, in long term scenario, this may inculcate the seed of the communalism and deter the peace and communal harmony. Background: After census 2001, Union Government appointed Sachar Committee to investigate into the ‘socio, economic and educational’ status of Muslims. Sachar report dispelled the misunderstanding of Muslim population growth. Now, after a decade it is important to analyze what 2011 census shed light on. Way forward: To present census of India in form of religion census or caste based census indicating the social, economic and educational status Census data should also highlight the worker’s participation rate, occupational status, distribution in public employment at national and state level, literacy rate etc. Census can pave a way forward for the understanding of the present prevailing condition and challenges thereon associated with the religion/ caste. Further, this can help in better policy making and effective and informed decisions made for each of them. Connecting the Dots: Critically analyze, how religion based census help us to understand the economic indicators and their reflection on India as a whole Critically comment on the religion based census and its utility in light of India being a secular nation.  

Sep 3, 2015 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs - 3rd September, 2015

Archives IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs- 3rd September, 2015   NATIONAL   Reservation : boon or bane? India, being a developing Democracy, is currently undergoing many challenges and the Caste based Reservation System is one of them. The biggest double edged paradox is whether the implementation of the Reservation System has really helped downtrodden. The Current Scenario characterized by Patel or Patidars' Agitation in Gujarat clearly depicts the conundrum of the term "Reservation" itself. This implies that Indian Democracy has a serious problem of the demarcation of the yardsticks of Backwardness. Defining Reservation: Reservation in Indian law is quota based affirmative action governed by the constitutional laws, statutory laws and local rules and regulations. ST, SC and OBCs are the primary beneficiaries of Reservation System under the constitution with the objective of addressing social discrimination, economic exploitation, political and educational backwardness.   Background of Reservation System in India: Pre-Independence: Caste System: Early caste based divisions such as Brahman, Kshatriyas, Vaishya and Shudra divided the people into privileged and deprived classes giving rise to discrimination and reservation. Efforts of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule: Before independence there was constant demand to hold proportionate reservation for Backward Classes (BC) to avail free and compulsory education along with government jobs. Ramsay McDonald's Communal Award: In 1933, the Britain Prime Minister Ramsay Mc Donald announced "Communal Award" according to which Separate Electorate was given to the Muslims, Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo Indian, Europeans and Dalits. Poona Pact: Gandhiji fasted to protest the divisive award. But Dr. BR Ambedkar supported the award for the cause of Dalits for a Separate Electorate. Eventually in 1932, they reached at a consensus called "Poona Pact" to have a Single Hindu Electorate with seats reserved for the Dalits. Post Independence First Backward Classes Commission 1955 or Kaka Kalelkar Commission: It was established to determine socially and educationally backward classes. Its recommendations were such as treating all women as backward class, special economic measures for the upliftment of OBCs, 70% reservation of seats for backward classes in technical or professional courses. Mandal Commission : The Mandal Commission ,established under the chairmanship of B.P Mandal in 1978 by the Moraraji Government, to identify socially and educationally backward classes to consider the questions of quotas and reservations to redress Caste discrimination. It adopted eleven indicators Social, Economic and Educational indicators to determine backwardness.   Constitutional Provisions: Art 16 of the Indian Constitution provides for Equality of opportunity in respect of Employment or Appointment to any post under the State. Art 15(4) of the Indian Constitution empowers the government to make Special Provisions for the advancement of Backward Classes. Art 17 restricts the practice of Untouchability in any form. Art 15(5): The 93rd Constitutional Amendment allows the government to make special provisions for SC and STs or backward classes for admissions into private schools, aided or unaided by the government. Art 40 allows for one third reservation of seats in Panchayats for SC or STs. Patel or Patidars' Agitation The Agitation of Patel or Patidars' agitation is primarily an anti reservation agitation. It is demanding to replace the caste based reservation with economy (income) based reservation.  Patel constitutes 15% of population of Gujarat, most of who are economically and politically dominant upper caste.   IASbaba's view Factors that agitates the agitation: Lacuna in reservation policy of the government: The Present Reservation Policy of India, which was initiated for the upliftment of ST and SCs (for 10 years) has failed to assimilate the tribes or lowest caste within the mainstream economy and society. Leakage in Opportunity and reservation: The reservation system has failed to engage the real beneficiaries within its ambit. Caste based Reservation: In India, Caste based reservation has nothing to any conformity with the economic status or meritocracy. Stagnated and exclusive (Not inclusive) economic growth: Due to insufficiency of economic growth, people are not inclusively included in the development process for which arises unemployment problems, inadequate educational facilities etc leading to youth unrest. Agrarian crisis: Patels were the pioneer of white revolution in Gujarat. Now they re getting threatened due to crop failure, population pressure on small land holdings, low yields etc. Social and economic insecurity are the basic cause that drives the Patels to resort to agitation. Way forward: The government should come forward to adopt all the measures that incorporate all the backward classes on the basis of their economic background without hurting the interest of the general category. As Reservation can't be withdrawn completely in a developing nation like India where Neo liberalism and its challenges has its root in Indian society and economy. The needs of the hour is : Incorporation of Income based reservation approach Exclusion of Creamy layer from OBC category of Reservation. Inclusive Economic Growth(Infrastructure development etc) Strengthen Panchayatiraj Administration with Popular Participation Inclusive agrarian development Connecting dots: Do you think the reservation policy of India has conformity with Indian democracy? Critically discuss. Critically discuss the factors that gave rise to anti reservation movement in the context of Mandal Commission. Reservation is an affirmative action taken by the Government to cater to the needs of the backward classes. Critically Comment.     Death penalty and Terrorism Law commission of India has made a remarkable move by recommending abolition of death penalty statement. This recommendation forms the base for scrapping of death penalty for all cases except terrorism and acts which can inflict the war against the state. Earlier provision: Law commission has clearly indicated the difference which rose due to the principle of rarest of rare case laid during Bachan Singh vs State of Punjab (1980), which made death penalty arbitrary and also being judge-centric. The principle of rarest of rare case is misguiding and in past has resulted in numerous instances where the principle has failed badly owing to its nature of incompetency in giving rationale judgment.   How this move will affect security of India? The historic move of abolishing the death penalty except for terror related offences will strengthen the notional security of India. Death penalty for terror related offences and acts of inflicting war against the state will help in undermining the terrorist activities and will keep a check on arbitrary activities against the state. Shortcomings: The suggested move by Law Commission of India for abolishing the death penalty does not clearly mark the distinction between terror related cases and the other cases. Law commission of India also admits that there is no penological justification for adopting the unfair hierarchy of crime and justice. In most of the cases of death penalty the convicts are from the marginalized poor families or minorities. As high as 93.5% of death rows in case of terror related activities are awarded to Dalits or to those from minorities. Way Ahead: Law is needed to safeguard the interest of the people, and killing people in the name of law is not justified. Death penalty is impractical; India needs to end crime and not the criminals. The concept of death penalty should be rejected as it is unjust, arbitrary and unequal. Death penalty should be abolished being unjust and moreover an eye for an eye makes whole world blind. Law commission has made a positive move and now ball is in parliament’s court. They should come up with a comprehensive road map for fair and unprejudiced delivery of justice, which is not arbitrary or unequal.   Background: India retains death penalty or capital punishment for heinous crimes which includes being a party to a criminal conspiracy to commit a capital offence, waging of war against Government of India, murder, abetting an act of sati, rape if it results in victim’s death etc. Connecting Dots: Critically comment on the recent move made by the Law Commission of India to abolish death penalty statement. Comment on the suggestion made by Law commission in light of the exceptions and distinction made in awarding death sentence. Can awarding death penalty act as deterrence to terrorism? Justify. Give your arguments. How many or which countries have abolished death sentences across the globe? How are the developed countries dealing with this issue?  

Sep 2, 2015 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs - 2nd September, 2015

ArchivesIASbaba's Daily Current Affairs- 2nd September, 2015 INTERNATIONALChinese yuan devaluation : Risk and opportunity The sudden devaluation of the yuan to make it more market-determined and facilitate its inclusion in the IMF’s Special Drawing Rights (SDR) basket has conveniently come at a time when China’s exports have sharply slowed. It signals that China is struggling to rebalance its economy as it tries to internationalise its currency.Reasons  for Chinese yuan devaluation? In China , the value of the Chinese currency (especially in relation to the U.S. dollar) is largely been fixed by the government. China wants to see the Renminbi emerge as a currency for international trade and finance, like the dollar. As a preliminary step, China is trying to get the Renminbi included in the basket of currencies in International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s Special Drawing Rights (SDRs). The IMF had set a precondition that China should remove restrictions on foreign capital flows and shift to a flexible exchange rate system. At this backdrop, the devaluation marked the transition to a flexible, more market-based system of determining China’s exchange rates.What can be the probable risks that India can encounter? The rupee has fallen almost 4 per cent against the dollar in the last two weeks, however the rupee-yuan exchange rate remains more or less unchanged. Trade relations between India and china have increased substantially though India faces a huge and growing trade imbalance with China. India has a trade deficit of around US$ 48 billion with China. Chinese investments in India remain quite small, at less than 0.5 per cent of all FDI in the country — less than even Poland, Malaysia and Canada. Huge trade deficit and less FDI from China, makes Indian currency and the economy more vulnerable to further yuan devaluation. With devaluation of yuan , manufacturing exports from china increases which may further hinder the growth of domestic manufacturing sector in India.What can be the probable opportunities that India can encounter? Many problems could arise for china in executing this strategy of devaluation in future. ASEAN countries involved in the South China Sea dispute are wary of China’s intentions. The US is creating the Trans-Pacific Partnership with 12 Pacific Rim countries, which so far excludes China. As China takes over the chairmanship of the G20 in 2016, expect more risk as well, perhaps, as more opportunity — in Chinese both mean the same. The yuan may weaken further and China may pursue more aggressive external policies to distract attention from domestic problems. But if China becomes a riskier prospect, India could emerge as a more stable investment opportunity if it is able to pursue economic reforms and improve its business climate. India must also remain proactive on the economic and diplomatic fronts and ensure that China sees that competition with India will be costly, and cooperation will benefit both. Way ahead: India needs to reduce its trade imbalance with China by attracting more FDI from China to get Chinese companies to “Make in India” . India has joined the NDB(New Development Bank) and the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank, AIIB (as its second-largest shareholder after China). These new banks are a potential, although small, source of long-term infrastructure finance for India, and they represent a visible and tangible symbol of cooperation between India and China that can fructify and grow. India should materialize the above opportunities that exist to become a regional super power in Asia.Background:Special drawing rights (SDR’s) : SDR’s are supplementary foreign exchange reserve assets defined and maintained by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It is made up of a basket of four currencies which include US Dollors, Euro, Pounds Sterling and Japanese Yen.Connecting the dots.. Comment on the impact of recent devaluation of yuan by China , on the Indian economy with special emphasis on manufacturing sector. Critically analyse the steps taken by India to counter influence of China in Asian continent , at the backdrop of achieving it’s dream of becoming a regional super power.NATIONALFarmer’s Suicide: Potential of agribusiness to address agrarian distress Despite being the Second largest producer of Cotton, the Indian Cotton Farmers are still marginalized and deprived. Amid the debates upon new Land Acquisition Bill,it is seen that some Provisions of the Bill will adversely affect the farmers interests at large.Why is LAB (Right to Fair compensation and transparency in Land Acquisition,Rehabilitation and Resettlement) controversial among Farmers Community? Some promulgated amendments of the bill is supposed to aggravate the Farmers Socio-economic condition to a great extent. Removal of " consent clause" - The new provision of the Bill envisages to remove the clause of "Consent" of the Land owners for acquiring lands for five purposes : Industrial Corridors, PPP Projects,Rural Infrastructure, Affordable Housings and Defence. As per new Bill, Land can be acquired by PRIVATE entity also which was earlier limited only to Private COMPANY.Agrarian Distress and Farmers Suicide : An Overlook The Agrarian distress in India is amounted to the Neo liberal agricultural Policies and the increased Indebtedness and agricultural costs it generates. It is observed that Farmer's Suicides are tragic consequences of rising Corporate Dominance and the Transfer of Credit and other resources to the wealthy elites.Causes of Farmers Suicide in general in Indian Scenerio:The below figure depicts the causes of Farmers suicide-Fact Sheets: Even though in staples such as pulses,rice and wheat , food companies do well , Cotton Farmers continue to be in distress. Share Prices of Textile Companies are performing well and attracting huge Private Investment. But the Cotton farmers are still in dilapidated condition.Way forward: Institutional mechanism for the Farmers' Support :FPO(Farmer Producer Organisation) and its operational challenges- FPO is a farmer owned producer companies and new types of self reliant co -operatives broadly called Farmer Producer Organization ,i.e AMUL dairy. Though FPOs are the means of alleviation of deprivations and poverty of the cotton farmers, they have many managerial, structural as well as operational challenges. Managerial Capability is below standard in FPOs. Therefore its operational jurisdiction is limited in terms of mobilisation of resources. Processing Unit isn't integrated to most of the FPOs. Hence the cost benefit of agricultural produces gets circumscribed ( limited) to the farmers. Processing Units are largely owned by the Private Companies. Therefore Public accountability towards Farmers can't be assured. Capital Constraint(deficiency) is another challenge for the operation of FPOs. Without Capital Induction(Investment) from outside, Capital Mobilisation and financial inclusion of farmers becomes difficult. Moreover Working Capital Deficiency is also another impediment for FPOs operation. FPOs have to buy in cash as their member farmers need the money at harvest time to repay crop loans and run their households. Significant losses in FPOs due to its ineffective working. Scope for banking loan is very limited to FPOs. Moreover High Interest rates and tax regime for FPOs are very inflexible.IASbabas View: Bridge Financing without Collateral based on joint venture is required which will help in initial capital formation. As joint venture permitted in Indian Producer Company Act allow very little outside share capital, Innovative ways of inducting working capital to FPOs are urgently needed. Financial Inclusion through banking: As banks are not willing to come forward without collateral, the RBI has important role to categorise lending to FPOs as priority sector. Otherwise a special fund for FPOs outside Bank should be considered. Along with Huge interest burden should be reduced. Taxes and regulations should be made agro -comfort and flexible for FPOs with Processing Unit. FPOs with Processing Unit have to pay VAT on its sale produces as well as on its purchasing of raw materials. Therefore the proposed GST Bill has to be made compatible for the concession to FPOs. Strong political will is strongly needed for the greater cause of the Cotton farmers. And SEZ like privileges should be rendered to FPOs effective operationalization. Managerial and technological deficiencies as such computerization etc should be tackled with proper training to staffs and other stakeholders.Connecting the dots.. Discuss the problems of FPOs ? How can the new proposed GST bill change the working culture of FPOs? Do you think only Political will can bring Agricultural Revolution in Indian Economy? Critically discuss the controversial provisions of new Land Acquisition Bill ,2015 from the farmers perspective. Do you think Neo liberalism is not a boon, but a bane to farmers? 

Sep 1, 2015 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance - The Angry You! - Inspirational & Educative Articles

    The Angry You Anger is a perfect reflection of the pain that hides within you. It is a scar of the wound that you have protected and nurtured with great care; a wound that is the result of a thousand slaps of rejection, ridicule, shame and betrayal. If you want to know what you really hide within you, just make yourself angry. In a single moment of uncontrolled anger, you drop from representing a shining beacon of human hope to resemble a burst open sewer pipe, that is spilling out its stinking remains of human frustrations. More dangerous than the anger that is thrown out in an impulse is the one that you hide and nurture within. There is a kind of anger which almost defines you; the anger that is a result of every experience of life leaving an emotional imprint on you. Almost everything you do is a response to protect this inner emotional side of you.  You get angry because someone or something is trying to get through the wall of experiences you have built for yourself and you don’t like it. Watch your anger more closely; you will see a small kid crying out for help. Your frustrations are great. You live your whole life within an imaginary circle of restrictions imposed by yourself and the society around you. Crying is a shame, sharing of feelings is a weakness, desire is greed, pleasure is sin; poor you, the only virtue you are allowed to flaunt openly is your sad weather beaten expression, which you are allowed to change once in three months, to match the seasons! On the outside, you live your whole life pretending to be tough; sandwiched between the memories of your childhood and the expectations of your adult life, you carry the burden of representing the ideals of a worn out human race that seems to have lost both its purpose and direction. Yet deep down, you are as vulnerable as a new born child; innocent, simple, pure and helpless. Allow yourself to explode in anger sometimes, so that once in a while you can see the real you. It is perfectly alright for you to become angry, but watch it when the anger is becoming you. Read more such articles- Click   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.”

Aug 25, 2015 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs - 25th August, 2015

ArchivesIASbaba's Daily Current Affairs- 25th August, 2015 INTERNATIONALThe sprouting of the “ look west”  policy  (Part III) India has successfully pursued a ‘Look East’ policy with the countries of South-East Asia. The free trade agreements concluded between India and ASEAN in goods, services and investments talk about the success of our look east policy. Like South East Asia , India considers the Gulf region as part of its ‘extended neighbourhood. Formally India adopted look west policy in 2005, however much developments did not take place. With the recent visit of our prime minster to UAE, the policy has got a new start.India’s priorities in the Gulf :Energy security: Securing long term energy supply is of primary importance for India in the region.  India is currently the fourth largest energy consuming country in the world and it may go up to third position in next couple of decades. India’s annual GDP growth at the rate of eight per cent would require further industrial growth which would demand more energy supply for the country. The growing energy necessity has undoubtedly dictated India’s initiative of building up a ‘strategic energy partnership’ with the region to secure long term energy supply for the country.Trade and investment: The Gulf remains a favourite trading partner for India and the trade figures have been consistently going up especially with countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iran. The UAE is India’s foremost non-oil trading partner in the world with a total trade of 43,469.50 million dollars. Saudi Arabia is the fourth largest non-oil trading partner with a total trade of 21,004.57 million dollars. The Gulf countries look at India as a fast growing economy which holds the potential to compete with the major world economies. Realising the trade potential of the Gulf countries, India has entered into a negotiation with the GCC to finalise a Free Trade Agreement. The Gulf countries have huge potential for investing in different sectors in India as fdi for mutual benefit.Forging strategic ties: While the oil and energy trade dynamics define India’s relationship with the Gulf countries, there is a growing realisation that it is time to move beyond the traditional buyer-seller relationship. India is looking forward to enhance strategic ties with the region. India has already discussed its intention of joining the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a permanent member with the Gulf countries.Military cooperation: The growing threats of Islamic extremism, terrorism and maritime piracy have become concerns for both India and the Gulf countries. There is a growing concern over the rise of criminal activities, money laundering and illegal arms trade between the two regions.Strengthening soft power: There is a conscious effort on the part of India to bring back Indian cultural influence in the region which India enjoyed in the past. In recent years India has attempted to strengthen cultural ties with the Gulf countries by signing and renewing the existing cultural exchange programmes. Cooperation in the field of education is an emerging area of cooperation between India and the Gulf region. Protecting interests of diaspora:  Protecting the interest of the five million strong Indian diaspora has been an important element of India’s policy priorities in the Gulf.  The Indian maids working in the households are in the most vulnerable situations as they are not covered under the local labour laws. India has signed labour agreements with the Gulf countries which call for protecting the workers from exploitation by the employers (like sexual harassment, physical abuse, holding the payment, overtime work without extra incentives etc.), checking the illegal and unauthorised recruiting agencies and unhealthy working and living conditions. Gulf cooperation council(GCC) looks east : It is not only India which is looking west , the gulf countries are also reciprocating  with their look east policy. Several factors have contributed to this fundamental shift in West Asian strategic thinking. The structural change in the global energy market with West Asian oil and gas increasingly heading to South and East Asian markets rather than to the Trans-Atlantic markets. Partly as a consequence of this structural change in flows and partly owing to the fiscal stress faced by the trans-Atlantic economies, West Asia is looking to India and other Asian powers to step in and offer security guarantees to the region. Many GCC states have welcomed defence cooperation agreements with India. In the wake of the Arab Spring and the mess in Egypt and Iraq, the Gulf states find India and China to be more reliable interlocutors than many western states. Under pressure from radical and extremist political forces within West Asia, most states in the region have come to value the Indian principle of seeking and securing regional stability as an over-riding principle of regional security.Way ahead  (Iasbaba’s view): The Look West policy has certainly accelerated India’s engagement with the Gulf region. As India has huge stakes in the region, the policy should not be limited only to trade and investment, but should be supplemented with more proactive Indian involvement in the various sectors like education , soft power etc.Background : Gulf Cooperation Council : Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional intergovernmental political and economic union consisting of all Arab states of the Persian Gulf. Association of South East Asian Nations(ASEAN): It is a political and economic organisation of ten Southeast Asian countries which includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore,  Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), and Vietnam.Connecting the dots: Comment on the look west policy of India . For India to be a regional power in Asia , its relation with Gulf Cooperation Council matters a lot . Critically analyse the statement. Look west policy of India is a win-win relation to both India and the Gulf countries. Critically analyse. NATIONALRising healthcare costs : a burden on poor The cost of treatment rose at a double-digit pace of growth, outpacing average inflation in both rural and urban India over the past decade, according to the recently published results of a cross-national survey on health conducted by the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO). As more and more patients step into private clinics and hospitals for treatment, they have been faced with rising medical bills. Average hospitalization costs in India have rose from Rs.5,695 in 2004 to Rs.14,935 in 2014 at the rate of 10.1% in rural areas and in urban areas it rose from Rs.8,851 in 2004 to Rs.24,436 in 2014 at the rate of 10.7%.Reasons for increase in hospitalization costs:  The absence of adequate investments in preventive public health facilities such as sanitation and waste management in a densely populated country such as India which lead to rampant spread of infectious diseases and raise health costs for the average Indian. India spends about 1 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on public health, compared to 3 percent in China and 8.3 percent in the United States. The sorry state of public hospitals and poor quality health centres have forced an increasing number of patients to turn to private medical centres. The proportion of people visiting private hospitals in urban India has increased by nearly 6 percentage points to 68% over the past decade due to poor quality urban health centres. Lack of insurance coverage and should shell out money from their own pockets. 86% of rural Indian patients and 82% of urban Indian patients do not have access to any form of employer-provided or state-funded insurance. Lack of adequate health infrastructure: In India the number of doctors per lakh of population is only 45, whereas, the desirable number is 85per lakh population. similarly the number of nurses and auxillary nurse and midwives (ANM’s) available is only 75 per lakh population whereas the desirable number is 255.Government initiatives wrt rising healthcare costs : Increase spending on public health : Government is trying to increase public expenditure on health from current level of 1.2%of GDP to 2.5% by 2017 and to 3% by 2022. Rashtriya swasthya bhima yojana , a smartcard based cashless health insurance scheme has been modified and transferred to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare from Ministry of Labour. Greater access has been created to medicines, vaccines and technology through adequate price controls and price regulation, especially on essential drugs. Centre is trying to set up National Health Regulatory and Development Authority as a nodal agency to supervise over public health sector in India. Comparing health models of India and USA: Main difference between health models of India and USA is the extent of insurance coverage. More than 80% of the people in USA are covered under one or the other insurance cover whereas in India the number is only 17%.In USA insurance companies pay for the patients, whereas in India, the patients end up paying for themselves. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act(PPACA) of USA may be considered wrt above regard. The act tries to increase the quality and affordability of health insurance, lower the uninsured rate by expanding public and private insurance coverage, and reduce the costs of healthcare for individuals and the government.Connecting the dots: Critically analyse the shortcomings in public health policy of India. Give suggestions to overcome the same. Can India successfully adopt the healthcare model of western countries especially that of USA. Critically analyse.

Aug 24, 2015 Motivational Articles

CREATIVE GUIDANCE -'WE ARE WORRYING MACHINES'-INSPIRATIONAL & EDUCATIVE ARTICLES

    Let’s try this. Let’s take one day off from our usual lives; from everything we usually do, from everybody we already know, from every place we have already been to. Let’s spend this time all alone with ourselves, somewhere far away. The very idea is scary, but if we are able to do this, we will realize something very significant. The most impossible people in the world to be with all alone is we ourselves! Compared to us, everything else is perfect; the whole existence is unimaginably blissful and beautiful. The only trouble in our lives is us. We have a knack of taking the best of everything life can offer and turn it into our object of worry. We are perfect worrying machines. Even the existence sometimes wonders if we are really its product; nothing else in it even comes close to beating us in this art of worrying. Reflect on this; what else in existence has this insane habit of worrying? How often have you seen your house dog or cat worrying about its future! How often have you seen a pigeon or a sparrow with its head down, deep in contemplation, worrying about its uncertain and bleak future? Absolutely nothing else in existence has this habit of worrying. Worrying is a unique and distinguishing feature of the human race! We worry because we have forgotten the single most important rule of life; we have forgotten that life cannot be lived in the past and the future; we have forgotten that life is now! We worry because of our intelligence; worrying is a result of substituting our presence of mind with too much intelligence. Think about it, how much of our lives are wasted in intelligently worrying about what is gone by and what is yet to come. There is a vast difference between being prepared for the future and being worried about it. There is a very thin line between intelligence and insanity. While Intelligence is the ability to project the consequences of our actions into the future and reasonably predict the outcomes, insanity is forgetting everything that is happening now, in the hopes of attaining to that projected future. Worrying is a disease, it is a dis – ease of the mind. It is an insane habit of scratching the wounds of the past to find a cure for it in the future; it is meaningless, purposeless and painful. Why do we worry? We worry because we want to worry; because we know how to worry; there is no other reason for it. It’s the same reason why we feel sad, depressed, scared or frustrated. People, places and activities only reflect our inner emotions, changing them will change nothing. We will still be unbearable to ourselves if we cannot transcend the habit of worrying. The only way to live blissfully is by learning to live within ourselves; it is by learning to live in the present moment by unconditionally accepting everything about us; by learning to find that inner sanctum within us, where we can live far away from all our worries!   Note- Behave like a winner in all circumstances. Real champions never dwell into their failures and start working on their mistakes. IASbaba is here with you, all the time. Let's work together and build a perfect launch pad learning and amending from our failures :) 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.” For other such articles- Click here