Jul 28, 2021 TLP Mains Answer Writing

SYNOPSIS [27th JULY,2021] Day 142: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

  For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE   SYNOPSIS [27th JULY,2021] Day 142: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. What are quasi judicial bodies? What purpose do they serve? Discuss. How successful have quasi judicial bodies been to address the problem of excessive litigation? Critically examine.  Approach In Introduction, explain what are quasi-judicial bodies. Then, the purpose these serve, i.e. their role in the overall judicial structure. You must also provide both positives and limitations of these bodies in checking excessive litigation. Introduction A quasi-judicial body is a body which has powers and procedures resembling those of a court of law or judge such as an arbitrator or tribunal board. It is obliged to objectively determine facts and draw conclusions from them so as to provide the basis of an official action. Their powers are usually limited to a very specific area of expertise and authority, such as land use and zoning, financial markets, public standards etc. National Human Rights Commission, National Commission for Women, National Commission for Minorities, etc. are examples of quasi-judicial bodies. Body  Judicial decisions consist of finding facts and applying law where as a quasi-judicial decision consists of finding facts and applying administrative policy. Quasi-judicial body is the executive body with some judicial characteristics, in which the power of adjudication is entrusted to person or body outside the system of ordinary courts. ‘Duty to act judicially’ is the principle behind it. These bodies can inquire, investigate, summon & award legal penalties to any administrative agency. Generally, these bodies have limited judiciary power in specialised areas. Purpose served by the Quasi- judicial bodies: Flexible nature: To bring flexibility and adaptability as they are not restrained by rigid rules of procedure. E.g., simplified procedure to apply RTI application under Central Information Commission. Less expensive: They are set up to be less formal, less expensive, and a faster way to resolve disputes than by using the traditional court system. Reduce burden: The system also gives the much needed relief to ordinary courts of law, which are already overburdened with numerous suits. E.g. NCLT reduces the burden of financial cases from judiciary. Technical expertise: They play an important role and part in the sphere of the adjudication of disputes especially when the subject demands technical expertise. E.g., National Green Tribunal avail expertise to deal with environmental issues. Public Awareness and suo moto powers: They enjoy some of the powers of a civil court, viz., issuing summons and allowing witnesses to give evidence. Its decisions are legally binding on the parties, subject to appeal. E.g., National Human Rights Commission can take suo moto cognizance of human rights violations. It also did awareness campaign for sensitisation towards LGBTQ community and HIV infected people. Successful in addressing excessive litigation: Administrative matters: Administrative tribunals have lowered the burden of litigation from the government servants regarding internal complaints. Financial matters: Bodies like National Company Law Tribunal, Banking ombudsman, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal have reduced burden related to fiscal cases. Legally binding: Decision of tribunals is legally binding meaning parties are compelled to follow the judgement. This makes the process formal and fair. Cost-efficient: They are a cheaper alternative to courts and parties represent themselves so no lawyer fees making them cost efficient in the sense that the claimant is likely to keep more of any money awarded. Quick disposal: Hearings are much faster than in courts and most cases can be dealt with in a day which saves time for everyone involved. However, there are few lacunae that have in fact added to the judicial burden: Recommendatory nature: Many bodies like NHRC are mainly recommendatory in nature and it has no power to punish the violations of human rights or to award any relief to the victim. Increasing Pendency: Average pendency across tribunals is 3.8 years with 25% increase in the size of unresolved cases while pendency in high courts is 4.3 years. It proves inefficient in delivering quick justice. Appeal in judiciary: For almost all the cases, the appeal lies in High Courts and Supreme Court that increases the burden of court. Special Leave Petition: Use of SLP by Supreme Court in certain cases like inter-state water disputes again increase the burden on judiciary.  Add to cost and delays: A person can again appeal in the court against the decision of the Quasi Judicial body. This fades away the advantage of cost and time provided by the Quasi Judicial body. Poor efficiency: People if not satisfied with the decisions of the body always move to courts and hence low administrative efficiency and poor functioning of quasi judicial bodies further increase the burden on courts. Partial justice:Many members of these bodies are ex-bureaucrats without any training of law, this hampers the proper way of justice. Also, there is always a possibility of executive interference in their functioning which may result into partial decisions sometimes. Multiplicity: Now a days multiplicity of bodies and mushrooming of tribunals have made the judicial functioning complex. Conclusion Quasi-judicial bodies are important for maintaining a healthy justice delivery ecosystem in the country. However, in order to make them effective, rationalisation of tribunals and strict guidelines for appeal need to be enforced.This will ensure that these bodies achieve their objective of reducing the pendency and speedy justice. 2. What role can the Inter State Council play in the era of cooperative federalism? Illustrate with the help of suitable examples.   Approach The introduction should be about what is Inter-State Council. In body, write how it can be used as a platform to enhance cooperative federalism.Try to provide examples to substantiate your point . Give a brief conclusion. Introduction The Inter-State Council is a constitutional body to facilitate coordination between states and the centre. It is a recommendatory body to investigate and discuss subjects, in which some or all of the states or the Central government have a common interest. It is set up on the basis of provisions in Article 263 of the Constitution of India by a Presidential Order, 1990 based on the recommendation of Sarkaria Commission. Body Features of Interstate Council  The council was envisaged to promote coordination and cooperation between the states and the Centre, thus leading to evolution of new policies and smooth functioning and strengthening of federal structure.  The Inter-state council is not a permanent constitutional body for coordination between the states and Central government. Rather, President can establish it at any time if it appears to him that the public interests would be served by the establishment of such a council Co-operative federalism refers to a horizontal relationship shared between the centre and the states and among the states wherein these co-operate in the longer public interest.  Inter-state council can play an active role in enhancing cooperative federalism: Platform to discuss and debate: It provides a platform for all the stakeholders to come together and discuss various concerns at an equal footing, for example on legislation related to subjects like health, education etc. mentioned in concurrent list where states often feel left out. Resolution of disputes: Various disputes like Inter-state river water etc can be discussed in presence of other states and the Centre and an amicable solution can be reached upon. As per Article 263, it is competent to tender advice regarding the resolution of inter-State disputes including the River Dispute. Fiscal federalism: States can have a say based on their past performance and present their situation properly in such a council and ask for a better and fair devolution of funds from Centre. Loan to states: It allows for advancement of loans to the states as per ‘the productive principle’, thus promoting development in states. Discussion of common issues: For example, 11th ISC discussed internal security matters with focus on intelligence sharing and coordination for combating terrorism / insurgency , police reforms and police modernization. Better Policy coordination: Making recommendations upon any such subject for the better coordination of policy and action with respect to that subject. For example, alignment of Maharashtra's Jalyukta Shiwar Yojana with Centre's drought relief guidelines and fund and State's Housing schemes, developmental works in coordination with MGNREGA for effective deliverance. Promotes competition: A single platform of representation, dispute resolution and negotiation with the Centre based on past performance, also promotes competition among states, making them work harder to excel on the developmental parameters. Regional development: It can be a forum to discuss and adopt role model of best practices in each states leading to balanced regional development. Disaster situation: In disasters which affects the whole country such as the corona pandemic the states and centre can discuss and evolve a common policy which will do with with any uncertainty. The ISC can thus provide a platform for periodic consultation and assessment. However, to increase its effectiveness the recommendations of Punchhi commission regarding ISC- involving experts from various domains in the meetings, three meeting a year etc.- must be implemented at the earliest. Conclusion Australia, Canada and German federations have established similar federal councils which have ensured better coordination in policy implementation and serving the interests of the states in an efficient manner.Therefore India also need to institutionalise this constitutional body for better cooperation and coordination between centre and state governments. 3. What role should India be playing in the evolving geopolitics in Afghanistan? What can be the possible fallouts of India’s active engagement in Afghanistan? Discuss. Approach  In introduction mention the recent agreement on withdrawal of Us troops from Afghanistan.In next part mention in brief what are India’s interests in Afghanistan.Then write what role should India play and what can be fallouts of this active role in Afghanistan  Introduction  An agreement signed between the United States and the Taliban on February 29, 2020, marks a milestone in America’s longest ever war. Accordingly, the majority of U.S. troops are expected to withdraw from Afghanistan by the end of 2021.Thus it makes imperative to calibrate its role to the new emerging reality of both Taliban and Afghanistan ruling simultaneously. Body Indian assets in Afghanistan have been targeted by the Haqqani group, a major Taliban faction. India has also been able to invest in Afghanistan’s future partially because of the presence of U.S.-led troops and the relative stability it brought. With this stability at risk, India needs to urgently reposition its priorities. Indian interests in Afghanistan : 1. Economic and Strategic Interest Afghanistan is a gateway to the oil and mineral-rich Central Asian republics. Afghanistan's main advantage is its geography, as anyone who is in power in Afghanistan controls the land routes connecting India with Central Asia (via Afghanistan). 2. Developmental Projects The massive reconstruction plans for the country to offer a lot of opportunities for Indian companies. Three major projects: the Afghan Parliament, the Zaranj-Delaram Highway, and the Afghanistan-India Friendship Dam (Salma Dam), along with India’s assistance of more than $3 billion in projects, hundreds of small development projects (of schools, hospitals and water projects) have cemented India’s position in Afghanistan. 3. Security Interest India has been the victim of state-sponsored terrorism emanating from Pakistan supported terrorist group operating in the region (e,g. Haqqani network).  Thus, India has two priorities in Afghanistan:to prevent Pakistan from setting up a friendly government in Afghanistan, and to avoid the return of jihadi groups, like al Qaeda, which could strike in India. Role India should play in Afghanistan with the evolving geopolitics  India must also pursue opportunities to fulfil its role in the peace efforts in Afghanistan, starting with efforts to bridge the Ghani-Abdullah divide, and bringing together other major leaders with whom India has built ties for decades. India should take the diplomatic route to press for its inclusion in “6+2+1” dialogue, to claim its legitimate role in the Afghan peace process. India should leverage the United Nations’s call for a pause in conflicts during the Covid-19 pandemic to restart dialogue with Pakistan, which in turn is necessary for lasting peace in Afghanistan. Also, India can learn from US-Taliban talks where two opposing parties came to the negotiating table for talks on Afghanistan’s future.  For India, given its abiding interest in Afghanistan’s success and traditional warmth for its people, making that leap should be a bit easier. Thus, India can consider the appointment of a special envoy and start Track II diplomacy with the Taliban. India should pursue the issue of peace in Afghanistan trough Shanghai  Cooperation Organisation  where the neighbouring countries of Afghanistan such as China, Pakistan, Russia and India are members. Recently India have taken steps to actively engage with Taliban for the first time.India wants to make sure that it has diplomatic channels open with Taliban.Further this also signals India’s active engagement in Afghanistan politics.This active engagement can have possible fallouts such as : The Taliban could go back on its promises and, with a nudge from Pakistan, target Indian interests. If not this, then the Taliban interlocutors India is engaging with (the same figures the US is talking to, such as Mullah Baradar) could be sidelined, or worse, replaced by pro-Pakistan hardliners such as the Haqqanis.  The outreach to the Taliban could expedite Kabul’s fall, and complicate India’s relations with existing allies. This argument has been potent enough to prevent an India-Taliban channel to develop at various moments since 2010, when the idea of talking to the Taliban became internationally acceptable. India’s international stand on terrorism can be diluted as India has never negotiated with a extremist terrorist supporting organisation directly . Countries like Pakistan can talk about the double standards which India pursues. India can get embroiled in a proxy war with Pakistan in Afghanistan.This may lead to India squandering its resources as have been done by USA and USSR in past. India can loose the goodwill earned in Afghanistan over these years.This could make India a pariah which will hurt India’s strategic interests such as regional transportation and control over development projects. India could face attacks in Jammu and Kashmir as faced by it in 1990’s and the hijack which was done at the behest of Pakistan in 1998. Conclusion Despite these risks, there are compelling reasons for India to talk to the Taliban and actively engage in Afghanistan . For one, these concerns would remain valid regardless of India’s outreach. If nothing else, India’s absence in the Taliban’s calculus would make it even more expendable if the Islamic republic collapses. Second,India will not want Pakistan to have upper-hand with Taliban.Therefore India needs to support Afghanistan in its pursuit of peace and development but also needs to engage with Taliban in the new evolving geopolitics of the region.   TLP Synopsis Day 142 PDF

Jul 28, 2021 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 28th July 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) No landless farmers in National Farmers Database Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II - Policies and interventions and GS - III - Agriculture In news The Central Government’s new National Farmers Database will only include land-owning farmers for now as it will be linked to digitised land records. A data policy is being prepared specifically for the agriculture sector in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The Government can make use of the database for targeted service delivery with higher efficiency.  It is the first step for the initiative that would serve as the core of the Agristack. What is Agristack? AgriStack is a collection of technologies and digital databases that focuses on farmers and the agricultural sector. AgriStack will create a unified platform for farmers to provide them end to end services across the agriculture food value chain. It is in line with the Centre’s Digital India programme, aimed at providing a broader push to digitise data in India, from land titles to medical records. Each farmer will have a unique digital identification (farmers’ ID) that contains personal details,  Each ID will be linked to the individual’s digital national ID Aadhaar. Benefits Problems such as inadequate access to credit and information, pest infestation, crop wastage, can be addressed by use of digital technology It will increase innovation and investment towards the agricultural sector News Source: TH Dholavira: India’s 40th World Heritage Site Part of: GS Prelims and GS - I - Culture; Ancient History  In news India’s nomination of Dholavira, the Harappan City in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat has been inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list.  This follows a few days after the Rudreswara Temple, (also known as the Ramappa Temple) in Telangana State becoming the 39th World Heritage Centre in India. About Dholavira Dholavira is an exceptional example of a proto-historic Bronze Age urban settlement pertaining to the Harappan Civilization. It is one of the very few well preserved urban settlements in South Asia dating from the 3rd to mid-2nd millennium BCE. It is the 6th largest of more than 1,000 Harappan sites discovered so far.  The property comprises two parts:  A walled city and  A cemetery to the west of the city. The walled city consists of a fortified Castle with attached fortified Bailey and Ceremonial Ground, and a fortified Middle Town and a Lower Town.  A series of reservoirs are found to the east and south of the Citadel. Unlike other Harappan antecedent towns normally located near to rivers and perennial sources of water, the location of Dholavira in the island of Khadir was strategic to harness different mineral and raw material sources and to facilitate internal as well as external trade to the Magan (modern Oman peninsula) and Mesopotamian regions. News Source: PIB  Marine Aids to Navigation Bill 2021 Part of: GS Prelims and GS - III - Infrastructure  In news Parliament has recently passed the Marine Aids to Navigation Bill 2021.  It aims to replace over 90-year-old Lighthouse Act 1927, to incorporate the global best practices, technological developments and India's International obligations in the field of Marine Aids to Navigation.  What is the Background?  The administration and management of Lighthouse and Lightships in India is governed by Lighthouse Act 1927 for safe navigation.  At the time of enactment of Lighthouse Act 1927, there were only 32 Lighthouses in the then British India spread across six regions viz. Aden, Karachi, Bombay, Madras, Calcutta and Rangoon.  Post-Independence, 17 Lighthouses came under the administrative control of India, which have now increased manifold to meet the growing needs of the shipping industry. As the technology evolved, systems were put in place where with the help of Radar and other sensors, vessels were advised from shore about the position and thus Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) came into existence and found wide acceptability.  These modern, technologically improved aids to marine navigation systems have changed their profile from a ‘passive’ service to that of ‘passive as well as interactive’ service. Lighthouses have also been globally identified as a major tourist attraction due to scenic location, typical architecture and heritage value. The need for enactment of a new Act is necessitated to provide an appropriate statutory framework which reflects the modern role of marine aids to navigation  What are the Benefits of the new Act?  The new Act will facilitate harmonized and effective functioning of aids to marine navigation and Vessel Traffic Services along the Indian coastline.  The benefits include: Improved Legal Framework for Matters related to Aids to Navigation & Vessel Traffic Services and covers the future developments in the field of Marine Navigation. Management of ‘Vessel Traffic Services’ for enhancing the safety and efficiency of shipping and to protect environment. Skill development through Training and Certification for the operators of ‘Aids to Navigation’ and ‘Vessel Traffic Services’ at par with International standards. Auditing and Accreditation of Institutes to cater to the need of Training and Certification at par with global standards. Marking of “Wreck” in general waters to identify sunken / stranded vessels for safe and efficient navigation. Development of Lighthouses for the purpose of education, culture and tourism, which would tap the tourism potential of coastal regions and contribute to their economy. News Source: PIB Gamma-ray burst Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III - Space In news A group of astronomers have detected a very short, powerful burst of high-energy radiation that lasted for about a second and had been racing toward Earth for nearly half the present age of the universe.  The burst detected by NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope on August 26, 2020, turned out to be one the shortest gamma-ray burst (GRB) caused by the death of a massive star. From India, The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune (IUCAA), National Centre for Radio Astrophysics - Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Pune (NCRA) and IIT Mumbai also participated in this work. The burst emitted 14 million times the energy released by the entire Milky Way galaxy over the same amount of time, making it one of the most energetic short-duration GRBs ever seen. What are gamma-ray bursts (GRB)?  GRBs are the most powerful events in the universe, detectable across billions of light-years.  Astronomers classify them as long or short based on whether the event lasts for more or less than two seconds.  They observe long bursts in association with the demise of massive stars, while short bursts have been linked to a different scenario. This recent identification of GRBs showed for the first time that a dying star can produce short bursts too.  When a star much more massive than the Sun runs out of fuel, its core suddenly collapses and forms a black hole.  As matter swirls toward the black hole, some of it escapes in the form of two powerful jets that rush outward at almost the speed of light in opposite directions. Astronomers only detect a GRB when one of these jets happens to point almost directly toward Earth. Russia’s Nauka Part of: GS Prelims and GS -III - Space In news Russia is sending the module, Nauka, to the ISS Nauka was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on July 21 using a Proton rocket.  It is scheduled to be integrated with the ISS on July 29. What is Nauka? Nauka, meaning “science” in Russian, is the biggest space laboratory Russia has launched to date. It will replace Pirs, a Russian module on the International Space Station (ISS) used as a docking port for spacecraft and as a door for cosmonauts to go out on spacewalks. Now, Nauka will serve as the Russia’s main research facility on the space station. Nauka is 42 feet long and weighs 20 tonnes. It is also bringing to the ISS another oxygen generator, a spare bed, another toilet, and a robotic cargo crane built by the European Space Agency (ESA). What is the International Space Station? A space station is essentially a large spacecraft that remains in low-earth orbit for extended periods of time. The ISS has been in space since 1998. It is a result of cooperation between the five participating space agencies that run it: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada). The ISS circles the Earth in roughly 93 minutes, completing 15.5 orbits per day. The ISS serves as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory in which scientific experiments are conducted in astrobiology, astronomy, meteorology, physics, and other fields. News Source: IE Exercise Cutlass Express Part of: GS Prelims and GS II - International relations In news Recently, Indian Naval Ship Talwar participated in a multinational training exercise Cutlass Express 2021, being conducted along the East Coast of Africa. About Exercise Cutlass Express The exercise is an annual maritime exercise conducted to promote national and regional maritime security in East Africa and the Western Indian Ocean. The 2021 edition of the exercise involves participation of 12 Eastern African countries, US, UK, India and various international organisations like International Maritime Organisation (IMO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Interpol, European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), Critical Maritime Routes Indian Ocean (CRIMARIO). The exercise is designed to assess and improve combined maritime law enforcement capacity, promote national and regional security and increase interoperability between the regional navies. India’s Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) is also participating in the exercise. India’s participation is in accordance with India's stated policy towards maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region and vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). News Source: PIB  Garib Nawaz Employment Scheme Part of: GS Prelims and GS II - Policies and interventions In news Recently, the Union Minister for Minority Affairs replied in the Parliament that a total number of 371 training centers under Gharib Nawaz Employment Scheme were opened across the country. About Gharib Nawaz Employment Scheme It was launched by the Ministry of Minority Affairs in 2017. Maulana Azad Education Foundation, an autonomous body under the aegis of Ministry of Minority Affairs, implements the Scheme. The main aim of this scheme is to provide short term job oriented skill development courses to minorities’ youth in order to enable them for skill based employment. This scheme is implemented as per common norms of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSD&E) through the empanelled Program Implementation Agencies (PIAs). The PIA is mandated to place minimum 70% trainees out of total trained trainees. The monthly stipend for maximum of three months and post placement support for maximum of two months after getting employment are also being paid to the beneficiaries directly into their account. What are the Other Schemes for Minority Communities?  Usttad (Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development) Garib Nawaz Kaushal Vikas Yojana Nai Manzil (for formal skilling of school dropouts) Nai Roshni (for leadership Development of Minority Women) Begum Hazrat Mahal Girls scholarships USA to end its combat Mission in Iraq Part of: GS Prelims and GS - II - International Relations  In news  U.S. President Joe Biden and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi sealed an agreement recently formally ending the U.S. combat mission in Iraq by the end of 2021 There are currently 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq focusing on countering the remnants of ISIS.  However, American forces will still operate in an advisory role. The U.S. role in Iraq will shift entirely to training and advising the Iraqi military to defend itself. News Source: TH  (Mains Focus) INTERNATIONAL/ SECURITY Topic: GS-2: India and its neighborhood- relations.  GS-2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. Needed, a more unified Asian voice for Afghanistan In news: In the backdrop of US pull out of troops from Afghanistan, three recent meetings are turning the spotlight on the Central Asia’s role in dealing with the situation in Afghanistan Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) contact group on Afghanistan  SCO Defence Ministers in Tajikistan,  Central and South Asia conference on regional connectivity in Uzbekistan Concerns for India in Central Asia The same powers that invaded Afghanistan post 9/11, and declared the Taliban leadership as UNSC-designated terrorists, are now advocating talks with the Taliban India’s original hesitation in opening talks with the Taliban has cut India out of the current reconciliation process.  The end of any formal dialogue between India and Pakistan since 2016 and trade since 2019, have resulted in Pakistan blocking India’s over-land access to Afghanistan India’s alternative route through Chabahar, though operational, cannot be viable or cost-effective also long as U.S. sanctions on Iran are in place. India’s boycott of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) make another route to Afghanistan off-limits. U.S. has announced a new, surprise formation of a “Quad” on regional connectivity — U.S.-Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan that does not include India All the above portends to India’s narrowing window of engagement in Central Asia. What are the calculation of Central Asian neighbours? Necessity of Afghanistan for access to Ocean: First is that prosperity for these land-locked countries can only flow from access through Afghanistan to the closest ocean, i.e. the Indian Ocean.  Need for Taliban’s Support: Second, all transit through Afghanistan depends on guarantees of safe passage from the Taliban, backed by the group’s mentors in Pakistan. Therefore, Central Asian countries have been at the forefront of mediation of talks with Taliban.  Alignment with China: Third, all five Central Asian Countries are now a part of China’s BRI. Tying their connectivity initiatives with Beijing’s BRI will bring the double promise of investment and some modicum of control over Pakistan. Given the above, New Delhi’s room for manoeuvre with the five Central Asian countries on Afghanistan appears limited. Way Ahead for India  Realizing Common Concerns: India and the Central Asian States share common concerns about an Afghanistan overrun by the Taliban and under Pakistan’s thumb: the worries of battles at their borders, safe havens for jihadist terror groups inside Afghanistan and the spill-over of radicalism into their own countries. Supporting Afghan Government: India to work with Central Asian states, and other neighbours to shore up finances for the Afghanistan government to ensure that the government structure does not collapse Fighting Terror: As part of the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), India must also step up its engagement with the Central Asian countries on fighting terror. Supporting Afghan Defence Forces: India can support the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) where it needs it most: in terms of air power.  Engaging with Pakistan: India’s reluctant discussions with the Taliban leadership make little sense unless a less tactical and more strategic engagement with Pakistan is also envisaged. Connecting the dots: March 2020: Donald Trump’s Doha Agreement  March 2021: Joe Biden’s initial Peace Plan April 2021: Final Biden’s Plan of US Exit from Afghanistan June 2020: Rise of Taliban India must directly engage with Taliban 2.0 DISASTER MANAGEMENT/ ENVIRONMENT Topic: GS-3: Disaster and disaster management.  GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Let’s make room for the river: Floods in Europe Context: A month’s rain poured in just 24 hours in the worst-affected areas of Germany and Belgium. This caused multiple rivers to burst their banks and flood parts of the two countries as well as the Netherlands (managed well), Luxembourg and Switzerland. It is believed that these areas of Europe have not witnessed such heavy rainfall for more than a century. The floods & the subsequent efforts by authorities bore uncanny resemblance to what Kerala experienced in August 2018.  These extreme & unpredictable events are attributed to Climate Change How Climate Change is causing frequent floods? More CO2 the world emits into the atmosphere, the warmer will be the air temperature.  Warmer air holds more moisture and results in excess rainfall, which leads to flooding.  Additionally, increasing temperatures at the poles result in slower movement of storms in the mid-latitudes. As a result, storms linger longer at a specific place.  The combination of a slow-moving storm and the presence of surplus moisture in the atmosphere results in intense rainfall in one location within a short period of time.  In 2018, Kerala, for example, witnessed 414 mm of rain in just three days between August 15 and 17. Rainfall for the period of August 1 to 19, 2018, in Kerala was 164% more than normal. The advanced flood warning system of Germany did forecast heavy rains and the possibility of floods. But local authorities were unable to respond rapidly enough and communicate the warnings to the wider population.  The rain and floods happened so fast that there was no time to evacuate all residents to safety and fully deploy the formidable rescue and relief infrastructure that they possessed. What did the Netherlands do right in dealing with the floods? The Dutch have gone beyond their conventional dependence on dikes, dams, walls and gates to protect themselves from floods. Their current disaster resilience mantra is to live with water, build with nature and make room for the river. They champion creating adequate space for rivers to overflow by  Protecting floodplains from human interference & human activities Deepening riverbeds  Creating alternate channels for excess water. After two major floods in 1993 and 1995, the Dutch embarked on several projects to widen riverbanks and reshape the areas around rivers. Also, Superior organisation, better preparedness, advanced flood management system and centuries of experience has helped the Netherlands to manage floods better. Way Ahead for India as well as other countries Learning from the Dutch model of “live with water, build with nature and make room for the river” Mapping Risk areas: Flood-prone areas should be identified, and projects initiated on an urgent basis to create room for rivers.  Increasing Drainage capacity of rivers and canals by creating more room for the water to flow. This involves removing obstructions and encroachments from existing water channels, the proper maintenance of such channels and creating additional channels for water to flow. Storage of Excess Rainwater: Low-risk areas such as playgrounds, maidans, or agricultural fields should be earmarked to store excess rainwater.  Drains must be built for diverting water into these storage units.  This will relieve the stress on the existing drainage infrastructure.  The stored water can later be discharged back into the drainage channel once the high water subsides. Strengthen Disaster Preparedness: In the short term, strengthened disaster readiness, planning and preparation will help us deal with sudden, intense rain and consequent floods While national and State disaster management authorities have grown in experience, competence and professionalism, there is need for a higher degree of coordination and preparation across all levels of government.  Practice drills need to be conducted in flood-prone areas.  Modifying Warning Messages: We need to test the effectiveness of flood warnings. The warnings should be in local languages and in simple terms. Rather than forecast the millimetres of rain expected, conveying specific information regarding the extent of damage to property and life would likely encourage affected communities to remain alert and respond quickly. Conclusion Nations must be conscious of their vulnerability to water and maintain a spirit of eternal vigilance to floods. Connecting the dots: Urban Floods: Time for a ‘sponge cities’ mission in India South Asian Flash Flood Guidance System (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1 Consider the following statements about gamma-ray bursts (GRB)?  GRBs are the most powerful events in the universe, detectable across billions of light-years.  They can last up to 60 seconds Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 only Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2 Consider the following statements about Agristack? It is a part of MoU signed between  Ministry of Agriculture and Microsoft.  AgriStack is a collection of technologies and digital databases that focuses on farmers and the agricultural sector. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 only Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3  Dholavira, the Harappan City was recently inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Where is it located? Rann of Kutch  Ahmednagar Indore Lucknow ANSWERS FOR 27th July 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 C 3 C Must Read On Trafficking of human: The Hindu On North East & Internal Border Issues: Hindustan Times

Jul 28, 2021 AIR

India-US Cooperation from tackling climate change to COVID care - All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC

ARCHIVES Search 26th April, 2021 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC:  General Studies 2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests General Studies 3 Climate Change ON COVID CARE In News: The US government has stepped up assistance to India in its battle against a deadly wave of the COVID-19. The India-U.S. cooperation is proving crucial to confront the health challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, including future vaccine development and distribution. As both India and the United States combat a pandemic of unprecedented scale, the two countries have drawn upon the strength of their long-standing health-care ties to help them better understand the novel coronavirus and find workable solutions The India-U.S. partnership in medical research has been complemented by the strength of our cooperation in pharmaceuticals. India’s capabilities in R&D and in manufacturing have made its pharmaceutical sector the world’s third-largest by volume. These strengths have been bolstered by government incentives to encourage investments in the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Indian generic drugs have found a ready market across the globe, with Indian firms supplying about 40% of generic formulations marketed in the United States. This has allowed American health-care consumers to save billions and enjoy enhanced access to quality medicines. The pharmaceutical sector has also been a significant job creator in the United States, with Indian firms investing billions to establish manufacturing facilities in different states in this country. Immediate U.S. Emergency COVID-19 Assistance Oxygen Support:  An initial delivery of 1,100 cylinders will remain in India and can be repeatedly refilled at local supply centers, with more planeloads to come.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also locally procured oxygen cylinders and will deliver them to support hospital systems in coordination with the Government of India. Oxygen Concentrators: 1700 oxygen concentrators to obtain oxygen from ambient air, these mobile units provide options for flexible patient treatment. Oxygen Generation Units (PSA Systems): Multiple large-scale units to support up to 20 patients each, and additional mobile units will provide an ability to target specific shortages. A team of U.S. experts will support these units, working hand-in-hand on the ground with Indian medical personnel.  Personal Protective Equipment: 15 million N95 masks to protect both patients and Indian health care personnel.  Vaccine-Manufacturing Supplies:  The U.S. has re-directed its own order of Astra Zeneca manufacturing supplies to India.  This will allow India to make over 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs):  1 million rapid diagnostic tests – the same type used by the White House — to provide reliable results in less than 15 minutes to help identify and prevent community spread.      Therapeutics:  The first tranche of a planned 20,000 treatment courses of the antiviral drug remdesivir to help treat hospitalized patients.   Public Health Assistance: U.S. CDC experts will work hand-in- hand with India’s experts in the following areas: laboratory, surveillance and epidemiology, bioinformatics for genomic sequencing and modeling, infection prevention and control, vaccine rollout, and risk communication. U.S.-India Health Partnership: Seven Decades Strong For seventy years, U.S. public health experts from across the government, including USAID, HHS, CDC, FDA, and NIH, have worked in partnership with Indian officials to improve the health of India’s most vulnerable communities and the well-being of its people.  Over the last 20 years, U.S. foreign assistance to India has exceeded $2.8 billion, including more than $1.4 billion for health care.  The United States, India, and other partners have worked together to reduce new HIV infections by 37 percent between 2010 and 2019. Since 1998, the United States and India have worked together to combat tuberculosis (TB) through improved patient-centered diagnosis, treatment and prevention, helping treat 15 million people with the disease. In the last five years, the United States has helped 40 million pregnant women receive vital health information and services. The United States, in partnership with the Government of India and World Health Organization, has supported initiatives at the District, State and National level to build frontline disease detection capacity. The United States and India are working together to advance global health security and fight outbreaks before they become pandemics. ON CLIMATE CHANGE In News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India and the US are launching a clean energy Agenda 2030 partnership to mobilise investments and enable green collaborations. Addressing the virtual summit on climate, hosted by US President Joe Biden and attended by 40 global leaders, PM Modi pitched for concrete action at a high speed and on a large scale globally to combat climate change. He asserted that India has taken several bold steps on clean energy, energy efficiency and bio-diversity despite its development challenges, adding that the country’s carbon footprint is 60% lower than the global average. The Prime Minister said as a climate-responsible developing country, India welcomes partners to create templates of sustainable development in India, and these can help other developing countries as well who need affordable access to green finance and clean technologies. Launch of the India-US Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership – A Green Partnership The Partnership will proceed along two main tracks: the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership and the Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue, which will build on and subsume a range of existing processes.  The partnership will aim to mobilise finance and speed clean energy deployment; demonstrate and scale innovative clean technologies needed to decarbonise sectors including industry, transportation, power and buildings; and build capacity to measure, manage and adapt to the risks of climate-related impacts Through this collaboration, India and the United States aim to demonstrate how the world can align swift climate action with inclusive and resilient economic development, taking into account national circumstances and sustainable development priorities. Led by Prime Minister Modi and President Biden, the partnership will represent one of the core venues for India-US collaboration and focus on driving urgent progress in this critical decade for climate action. Both countries have also agreed to prioritise greater collaboration in the clean energy sector, such as biofuels, carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), hydrogen production and carbon sequestration, through technology exchange, joint research and development (R&D) through Partnership to Advance Clean Energy Research (PACE-R) as part of the strategic partnership. The Way Forward Both the US and India have taken important strides together to advance their strategic partnership in the domain of climate action and policy. However, existing efforts continue to rely mainly on an incremental approach to tackling climate change. Such measures are welcome but insufficient. As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are reminded of the human and economic costs associated with weak international cooperation, delayed action, and the lack of investments in important infrastructure and capabilities. Climate-induced disasters may make the current pandemic look meek, and the world could ignore this risk at its own peril. Thus, it is vital for India and the US to double down on efforts to drive structural change, hurdle institutional barriers, and overcome the inertia inhibiting green growth and development. Connecting the Dots: Discuss the tremendous scope for India-US cooperation in the sectors of health technology and pharmaceuticals. India-US Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership

Jul 28, 2021 Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series for UPSC

[Day 59]: UPSC PRELIMS 2021- Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series

Highlights/Features of Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series:  It is a FREE initiative! Program Duration - 120 Days (31st May, 2021 to 27th September, 2021). 1. Dedicated Portal for Focused Preparation There will be a separate dedicated portal to help you stay focused and keep your preparation streamlined for the next 120 Days. The Registration link for the dedicated portal is given at the end of the post. 2. 120 Days Integrated (Prelims + Mains) Time Table This year’s RaRe Series will include Integrated Revision Plan (IRP) where we will be syncing your mains and prelims syllabus together over next 120 Days. The Revision Plan is designed by integrating IASbaba's famous flagship initiatives - 60 Day Plan and TLP Mains Answer Writing. 3. Daily RaRe Series (RRS) Videos on High Probable Topics (Monday - Friday) In video discussions, special focus is given to topics which have high probability to appear in UPSC Prelims Question Paper. Each session will be of 20 mins to 30 mins, which would cover rapid revision of 10 high probable topics (both static and current affairs) important for Prelims Exam this year according to the schedule. 4. Daily Prelims MCQs from Static (Monday - Friday) Daily Static Quiz will cover all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. 10 questions will be posted daily and these questions are framed from the topics mentioned in the schedule and in the RaRe videos. It will ensure timely and streamlined revision of your static subjects. Note: Should be integrated with the 60 Days Plan 2021. This will expose you to diverse questions from the same topics. 5. Daily Current Affairs MCQs (Monday - Saturday) Daily 5 Current Affairs questions, based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, would be published from Monday to Saturday. Note: Current Affairs questions covered in the 60 Days Plan and Daily Quiz Monthly Compilations should be covered retrospectively. 6. Daily CSAT Quiz (Monday - Friday) CSAT has been an achilles heel for many aspirants. Daily 5 CSAT Questions will be published. 7. Daily Mains Answer Writing (Monday - Friday) GS Mains will be covered along with Prelims in an integrated manner. Daily three Mains questions will be covered syllabus-wise according to the topics mentioned in the schedule. In total, it covers 250+ Mains Questions along with synopsis. 8. Brainstorming on Ethics & Essay (BEE) (Saturday & Sunday) Each week, Sunil Oberoi Sir (Retd. IAS) will take 3 sessions, two for Essay and one for Ethics. The two sessions earmarked for Essay will have a topic-based discussion where he will discuss the approach to write issue-based and philosophical essays. The topics will be picked from previous year question papers of UPSC and TLP initiative of IASbaba. 9. Full Mocks 3 GS Paper 1 Full Mocks will be provided along the lines of UPSC Prelims. 3 CSAT Paper 2 Full Mocks will be provided so that you are not overwhelmed during the D-Day. 10. Rapid Revision (RaRe) Notes Right material plays important role in clearing the exam and Rapid Revision (RaRe) Notes will have Prelims specific subject-wise refined notes. The main objective is to help students revise most important topics and that too within a very short limited time frame. Day-59 of RaRe Series - Click here To Register - Click here For complete details of the RaRe Series -  Click here

Jul 28, 2021 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 28th JULY 2021

For Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :) After completing the 5 questions, click on 'View Questions' to check your score, time taken, and solutions. To take the Test - Click Here

Jul 28, 2021 TLP Mains Answer Writing

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 1 Questions [28th JULY,2021] – Day 143

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 1 Questions [28th JULY,2021] – Day 143 TLP (Phase 1) just got over on 8th May (Saturday) and we are extremely thankful for your active participation to make this program a success. Well, though TLP (Phase 1) got over, ‘Picture abhi baaqi hai mere dost’. There is a surprise for you. Since prelims is bound to get delayed once again this year, its not wise to leave the writing practice just now. Hence, we are extending the TLP program  We will be posting 3 questions per day (Monday to Friday). The questions will be based on Current Affairs, so that you don’t have to invest your time separately on exclusively mains oriented topics. So, keep practicing and keep improving. To Know More about TLP  -> CLICK HERE For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Note: Click on Each Question (Link), it will open in a new tab and then Answer respective questions! 1. How is illegal movement of goods and people across the border a security threat? Illustrate with the help of suitable examples. (10 Marks) सीमा पार माल और लोगों की अवैध आवाजाही सुरक्षा का खतरा कैसे है? उपयुक्त उदाहरणों की सहायता से चित्रण करें। 2. Examine the the nexus between organized crime with terrorism and the security challenges arising out of it. (10 Marks) आतंकवाद के साथ संगठित अपराध और इससे उत्पन्न सुरक्षा चुनौतियों के बीच सांठगांठ की जांच करें। 3. Examine the significance of border infrastructure for managing security challenges in the border regions. (15 Marks) सीमा क्षेत्रों में सुरक्षा चुनौतियों के प्रबंधन के लिए सीमा अवसंरचना के महत्व की जांच करें। AWARE ( Answer Writing REdefined) Series - 7 Steps to Master Answer Writing Skills by Mohan Sir - CLICK HERE P.S: The review from IASbaba will happen from the time the question is posted till 10 pm every day. We would also encourage peer reviews. So friends get actively involved and start reviewing each other's answers. This will keep the entire community motivated. All the Best :)

Jul 27, 2021 WEEKEND WITH BABA

[WEEKEND WITH BABA] Ninth Live Session - Rapid Revision (RarRe) Series for UPSC 2021

Hello students, We hope you are making the best use of IASbaba’s Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series 2021. As you all know, revision is the most important part of the preparation for UPSC. It helps in brushing up the concepts, recalling the facts which you had read long back, and also in cross-checking the most confusing facts where there are more propensities of committing silly mistakes. And in this perspective, we would like to announce that the RaRe Series is a very comprehensive program that supports you in all these areas. Hence, in pursuit of the same, here is how you can make the best use of various features of the RaRe program. Rare Video – The videos of rare are prepared with utmost dedication. And here, the toughest concepts are discussed in the most lucid language. Apart from this, the most probable facts are presented to you in an ‘easy to memorize format’. Hence, we want every one of you to watch them as the first step of your daily revision program. RaRe notes and PPT – For the benefit of the students, the topics discussed in the video sessions are documented in the form of Value-Added Notes, which give help you to revise things. Here, we want all the students to read it once every day. And on the weekend we want you to revise all the notes for that week. Current affairs MCQs – Every day some high-quality current affairs questions are provided for your practice. In this part, every student should not only assess his level of preparation but should also concentrate on finetuning their guessing strategies. Static quiz – As most of you would have given 2 to 3 revisions of the static syllabus by now. We want all of you to take up static quiz questions like a minor test on a daily basis. And even here, it is essential to check both, the precision of your knowledge and the guess works. CSAT questions – The fact cannot be sidelined that in 2019 prelims, several potential candidates failed to qualify in the CSAT, although their scores were very good in the GS paper. This is a reminder for every aspirant to give optimum importance to CSAT as well. Hence, taking the CSAT questions of the Rare series becomes essential. Moreover, high-quality questions provided in the program will surely boost your aptitude, ability, and confidence in cracking CSAT. Mains questions – As far as the mains questions are concerned, we are getting many queries regarding whether one needs to opt for exclusive prelims preparation or not. However, the trick lies in the fact that in the program, both the prelims and mains questions are being asked based on the same set of topics. And here is where you hit two birds with a single stone. i.e., just by spending half an hour to write answers on those topics which you have already studied, you get multiple advantages namely – it gets rid of shyness to the answer writing, a problem that haunts most of the aspirants. It helps you in retaining facts, as writing is one of the tested ways of revising things. Lastly, it makes your mains preparation much easier in the aftermath of prelims. Hindi notes – With the objective of reaching as many students as possible we are providing the Hindi translations of RaRe notes as well. And aspirants of the Hindi medium can make the best use of it. Live doubt clearing session – On 1st August (Sunday) at 12 pm, we are coming live on YouTube so that you can interact with faculty concerned and make the best use of their knowledge and experience. Full-Length Mock tests – Lastly, if you are serious, honest, and punctual with your preparation. And if you have followed the Rare program with utmost dedication and determination. Then there is a cent-percent chance of you clearing prelims. Hence, keep calm, give the full mocks with the utmost seriousness. And enter the prelims exam hall carrying the highest level of confidence. Details about Live Session The Ninth Live Session on Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series 2021 will be held on 1st August at 12 PM. Note - Please click on 'Set Reminder' so that you do not miss the video. You can start sharing your questions/queries/doubts with #ASKBABA (related to UPSC Preparation) in disqus comment box below and Upvoting can follow. Remember maximum upvotes will be given priority. Feel free to share your queries because many of the questions that you are having, will be the same as other candidates. Your questions might help others in clarifying their doubts. Waiting to talk to you soon! To Watch Previous 'Weekend With Baba' Sessions - CLICK HERE To get Regular Updates from IASbaba, follow- TELEGRAM Channel – CLICK HERE YOUTUBE  –  CLICK HERE FACEBOOK  – CLICK HERE

Jul 27, 2021 TLP Mains Answer Writing

SYNOPSIS [26th JULY,2021] Day 141: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE   SYNOPSIS [26th JULY,2021] Day 141: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. What are the circumstances under which President’s rule can be imposed in a state? Has the executive misused these provisions of late? Critically examine. Approach  Define what is presidential rule in introduction.Then address what are the situations in which it can be imposed.In next part write how this provision has been misused by executives over the years.In next part write a reform based conclusion or a way forward which involves recommendations from committees. Introduction: President’s rule refers to the suspension of state government and imposition of direct central government rule in a state. Article 356, which deals with president’s rule, was adopted by the Constituent Assembly bearing in mind the abnormal conditions the country was passing through like communal riots, refugee influx, the Telangana armed rebellion and much else.  Body Grounds for imposition of President’s rule Article 356 states that President rule can be imposed in any state on grounds of failure of Constitutional Machinery, and failure is of two types:- If President on receipt of report by Governor of a State or otherwise is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which govt of that state can’t be carried in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution then President Rule can be imposed. Article 365 states that every state shall comply with all directions given by Union on matters it empowers to do so. If any state fails to comply with directions of union then President Rule can be imposed. In practice, president’s rule has been imposed under any one of the following different circumstances: A state legislature is unable to elect a leader as chief minister for a time prescribed by the Governor of that state. Breakdown of a coalition leading to the Chief minister having minority support in the house and the Chief minister fails/will definitely fail to prove otherwise, within a time prescribed by the Governor of that state. Loss of majority in the assembly due to a vote of no-confidence in the house. Elections postponed for unavoidable reasons like war, epidemic or natural disasters. Article 356 state that the president can invoke president rule in a state on the report of the governor if the state machinery/legislature fails to abide by constitutional norms. If approved by both houses, president’s rule can continue for 6 months. It can be extended for a maximum of 3 years with the approval of the Parliament done every 6 months. President’s rule can be revoked at any time by the president and does not need the Parliament’s approval. Misuse of President’s rule: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar had hoped that Article 356 would remain a “dead letter”. A cursory glance at the data shows that this has been far from the truth. Sarkaria Commission notes that since independence, it has been used over 100 times. The discretionary power of Governor under Article 163 is one of the major reasons behind misuse of president rule in India because he/she has no binding to consult Council of Ministers while preparing and sending the report to President. It is one of the centralising provision of the Indian constitution and it is seen by many as a threat to the federal state system. 1970s and 80s will be remembered for the most spiteful use of Article 356. From the year 1971 to 1984, it was used 59 times with maximum being used in the period 1977-79 during which Morarji Desai government ruled. The frequency of using Article 356 has been greatly reduced since the mid-1990s despite an increasingly higher number of states being ruled by parties other than that in the central government. The mid-1990s was marked by the rise of regional parties which also rejuvenated other institutional safeguards – the courts and the President – against arbitrary imposition of Article 356. In 1994, the Supreme Court delivered the landmark SR Bommai judgment where the Court discussed at length provisions of Article 356 and related issues. This case had a huge impact on Centre-State Relations. The misuse of Article 356 reduced after this judgment. But recent times have seen an increase in the instances of use of provisions of article 356 as evident from Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh states where the Supreme Court had to intervene eventually. Recommendations of different committee on President Rule: 1. Sarkaria Commission The Commission noted that this Article has been misused in 90% of the cases for political purposes. So it recommends that:  The President's Proclamation should include the ‘reasons’ as to why the State cannot be run as per the normal provisions of the Constitution. As far as possible, the Centre should issue a warning to the State government before resorting to the use of Art. 356.   It should not be used to serve political purposes.  Art. 356 should be amended so that the President be empowered to dissolve the State Legislature only after approval by the Parliament. 2. Punchhi Commission On the question of invoking Article 356 in case of failure of Constitutional machinery in States, the Commission would recommend suitable amendments to incorporate the guidelines set forth in the landmark judgement of the Supreme Court in S.R. Bommai V. Union of India (1994). The commission recommended provision of ‘Localized Emergency’ which means that centre govt can tackle issue at town/district level without dissolving the state legislative assembly while at same time carrying out duty of the Union to protect States under Article 355. It is however necessary that a legal framework for exercising the power of "localized emergency" is provided by an independent Statute borrowing the model of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and the Prevention of Communal Violence and Rehabilitation Bill, 2006.   Only exceptional situations which fall within the scope of "external aggression" or "internal disturbance" should be considered for the purposes of separate legislation under the mandate of Article 355. Many other commissions and committees have also recommended that Article 356 should be used very sparingly and only as a measure of last resort. But till present provisions of President Rule has been misused by political parties for their own benefits such as recent example of Arunachal Pradesh. Conclusion India has came long way from its past when India was a newly independent country and was facing various crises from refugees, communalism, secession to dissent.In 21st century India is largest democratic nation and therefore to imbibe the democratic character in overall administration it is necessary to remove the arbitrary use of powers in area’s such as imposing presidents rule in states.Therefore there is need of reforms and reports of Sarkaria commission, Punchi commission and Venkatcheliah commission can be guiding light in this direction. 2. Do you agree with the assertion that the reporting hierarchy of investigation and intelligence agencies (e.g. CBI, IB, RAW, IT Department etc) create a platform for political vendetta? Critically comment.  Approach  Define what is political vendetta in introduction and contextualise with the demand of question.In next part try to put points on both side of the argument i.e supportive and contradictory.In conclusion take a stand based on your overall understanding of the issue as analysed in body part of answer. Introduction A ruling party misusing the investigating and intelligence machinery to selectively target their political opponents, by foisting cases against them is called as political vendetta.This has been alleged by every opposition whether at state or centre level that the investigating agencies are used to settle the political scores rather than focusing on areas of national importance such as corruption, terrorism, money laundry etc. Body Reporting hierarchy of investigation and intelligence agencies don’t create a platform for political vendetta. Criminalization of Politics: Criminalization of politics was never an unknown phenomenon in the Indian political system. The people with Criminal background are entering the parliament; one of the main objectives of investigating and intelligence agencies of India is to minimize criminalization and corruption. In the process when these agencies are arresting a person it seems political vendetta. Autonomy in decision making: Most of the investigating and intelligence agencies in India have autonomy in investigating major criminal, corruption cases. These agencies work according to their code of conduct and not according political motives of the government or any political party. This shows that there is no platform for political vendetta. Reporting hierarchy of investigation and intelligence agencies create a platform for political vendetta. Honorable Supreme Court of India pointed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) needs to be more independent when investigating high profile cases of graft, as the current administrative structure, with an overarching Executive, hampers the agency from doing its job. Dependence of investigating agencies on government order to conduct investigation of major criminal, corruption cases paves the way for Political vendetta. The ruling government has often been accused even by the judiciary of appointing higher rank officials including the director of shared political ideologies in these agencies creates platform for political vendetta. NIA had assumed jurisdiction over a Scheduled Offence even suo moto whereas the areas of policing and public order lie within the exclusive legislative competence of the States.  The amendments to NIA act, 2008 provide sweeping powers to the police officers of NIA which can be misused for political vendetta. The recent controversy in use of Pegasus allegedly by the intelligence agencies to snoop on the opposition and dissenters underlines a institutional mechanism of misuse of power. Reforms needed in investigative agencies. The intelligence agencies such as RAW and IB need to show their expenses to Supreme Court collegium or equivalent impartial authority to curb the arbitrary use of funds and bringing transparency and accountability. CBI needs to be made autonomous with a separate legislation rather than working on Ad hoc basis. The reforms spelled out in Prakash Singh case needs to be imperative to make police forces more objective. Appointment should be made in objective manner as done for the post of CVC. Conclusion Investigating and intelligence agencies are essential element in modern nation- state system where there is a need for constant surveillance against anti-national,anti-social and foreign forces to safeguard the nation.But when these agencies are used for political vendetta rather than for their intended purpose it leads to trust deficit for these in mind of citizens which doesn’t bode well for a democracy.Therefore there is an urgent need for reforms in these institutions to make them objective, efficient and effective. 3. How is India countering the Chinese adventurism along the border regions? What long term strategy would you suggest to find a sustainable solution to the border disputes with China? Approach  Introduction can start with the current border standoff between India and china.In next part write what are the steps taken by India in border regions to tackle the threat of China and then go on to provide a longterm strategy to deal with china. Introduction  The current Ladakh standoff which resulted in the death of over 20 Indian troops including a commanding officer is a stark reminder of India’s fragile relationship with China.The incident has put the volatile nature of the LAC back in focus. With lack of trust hitting a high point after China's latest border transgression, the spotlight has shifted to how prepared India's military is to handle things in case the situation spirals out of control. Body The Line of Actual Control (LAC) that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory is 3,488 km long. The line is divided into three sectors: the eastern sector covers Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, the middle sector has Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and the western sector covers Ladakh. Steps taken by India to counter Chinese Adventurism  India has bolstered its road infrastructure along the Chinese border.This was one of the prime reasons for Chinese aggression in Ladakh area as it is loosing its strategic hold . Air power : In Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian Air Force has operationalised six advanced landing grounds (ALGs) comprising Mechuka, Walong, Passighat, Ziro, Tuting, and Along. All these ALGs can be used to undertake special and heliborne operations. In fact, IAF’s SU-30 fighter planes can be operated from these ALGs. IAF reactivated the Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) airstrip in 2008 in eastern Ladakh. It is one of the highest landing grounds in the world, which can be used for big aircrafts of the IAF like the C-130J Super Hercules and the AN-32. There is a plan to have a full-fledged Air Force base in Ladakh in near future. With possible air challenges from China in mind, the Tezpur Air force station (Assam) has been specifically fortified with the right resources. It is located at a distance of 172 km from the China border and has two SU-30 MKI squadrons. A squadron of Akash Missile has also been inducted at this base and there is a plan to induct Brahmos missiles soon. Well-trained and acclimatised troops : India has immense experience of mountain warfare and time and again Indian Army has proved its mettle at the world’s highest battlefield, Siachen. Indian Army has set up Kargil Battle School in the Drass sector of Kargil district in J&K, which trains soldiers in mountain warfare. The Army follows a well-designed and tested soldiers acclimatisation programme before deploying them in forward locations, where they have to tackle frequent blizzards and sub-zero temperatures. On a regular basis, warfare exercises are conducted in the mountain region to keep them war-ready. The recent initiatives including Dhola-Sadiya bridge (Bhupen Hazarika Setu-9.2km-Connects Assam with Arunachal Pradesh) are a welcome step as they help bring down the travel time and as such, a military response time as well. A Brahmos cruise missile regiment is being deployed in Arunachal Pradesh. This clearly signals Indian intentions to China, that finds every opportunity to reiterate its sanction over the territory. Many abandoned airstrips in India are also being reactivated. Though thought-provoking, it is a step towards the right direction. A special force of India mountain corps has been deployed after special training to tackle china. Longterm strategy to tackle China India must continue to insist on status quo ante bellum. China must be made to retreat to positions held by both the armies prior to the clashes in mid-May. This at present appears to be remote. Hence India did a quid pro quo and occupied dominating positions in disputed areas south of the Pangong Tso Lake, thus catching the People’s Liberation Army by surprise. The economic sanctions imposed on China must be made more stringent and go beyond just banning popular mobile applications. The dependence on Chinese technology especially in the field of telecommunications must end at all costs.   On the diplomatic front the Tibet card, though lost long ago, must be revived. At the same time India should be prepared to change its stance on the One China policy.   India must establish diplomatic relations with Taiwan and de-hyphenate our relations from perceived sensitivities of China.   China’s hyperactive information warfare capabilities need to be de- fanged and we need to match them in this domain. Capabilities in this space along with cyber warfare need to be built.   India’s capabilities in the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance are woefully inadequate. In spite this becoming apparent during the Kargil war of 1999, this important aspect has not been given due attention. This time too, we had very little early warning of the Chinese Army’s movements.   India must join the international community in highlighting China’s failure to contain the deadly coronavirus and to target its dismal human rights record.   India needs to do a lot more in the border management sphere. The agencies and forces operating on the Indo-China border must be put under single ministry. A dual responsibility between the Defence and Home Ministries is counterproductive. The intelligence agencies need to do much more for synergy and passing of critical intelligence to major stake holders.   The Indian naval presence in the Indian Ocean region needs to be increased. At the same time cooperation and synergy with other navies in the region must be enhanced as part of defence diplomacy.  The belligerence shown by China in the South China Sea must be addressed as part of multi-nation naval task forces.   India has adopted the US concept of a “free and open Indo-Pacific” and is now participating in the US-led Quad, an informal four-country grouping that also includes Australia and Japan, focused on countering China’s regional ambitions. Thus the foundations have been laid for a more substantive strategic shift in the Asia- Pacific region.   The Indian Navy must aggressively patrol the Arabian Sea specifically areas around the Makran Coast and Gawadar port to hinder free movement of Chinese vessels engaged in carrying suspicious cargo for Pakistan. The clandestine supply of high-end technology in the nuclear field to Pakistan needs to be checkmated.   India must take all possible steps to de-escalate to current military standoff. At the same time we should not come under any Chinese pressure and consent to the new alignment of the LAC. The employment of Special Forces comprising Tibetan migrants and the Ladakh Scouts must be exploited and can prove to be game changer at tactical levels. The people of Ladakh have stood strongly with India and this time too they are primed to give whole hearted support to our army. Conclusion India’s long-term goal must be to insist on the resolution of the boundary dispute. At the same time, our capabilities in the form of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, infrastructure development, inter-agency coordination must continue towards building a strong deterrence.Therefore in the current situation India should focus on multi-pronged approach with emphasis on tackling China with global support.   TLP Synopsis Day 141 PDF

Jul 27, 2021 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 27th July 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) National Institutes of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management Bill, 2021 Part of: GS Prelims and GS - II - Education In news Parliament has passed the National Institutes of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management Bill, 2021.  The Bill has been passed in both the houses and will become act once the President gives his assent to it. Through the bill, the two educational institutes, under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries became Institutions of National Importance (INI). National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), Kundali (Haryana)  Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology(IIFPT), Thanjabur (Tamil Nadu)  The bill will provide these Institutes Greater Autonomy, so that they can start new and innovative courses, as well as help them to attract excellent faculty and students. Global standards can also be adopted in academic and research work. What is the Meaning of Institute of National Importance? The Central Government grants the status of ‘Institute of National Importance’ to premier higher educational institutions in India through an act of the Parliament. According to the Ministry of Education, an institute of national importance is an institute that “serves as a pivotal player in developing highly skilled personnel within the specified region of the country/state”. Such institutes get special funding and recognition from the Government of India. The first reference to ‘institute of national importance’ is given in the Constitution of India, Seventh Schedule. They are largely supervised and funded by the Government of India through the Education Ministry (formerly the Ministry of Human Resources Development). Currently, there are 130 institutions with the INI tag. Some of the benefits that INIs enjoy are listed below: Functional autonomy to enhance efficiency, quality and accountability. Increased funding. Have a better quality of education imparted, and improved research facilities. Faster decision-making capabilities. Minimal interference from the political executive. Such institutions might be able to provide more scholarships to the students. They can also provide more sports facilities, seminars, etc. News Source: PIB Kandla becomes first Green SEZ Part of: GS Prelims and GS - III - Economy In news Kandla, Gujarat has become the first Green SEZ. It has Achieved CII’s IGBC ( Indian Green Building Council) Green Cities Platinum Rating. What is Indian Green Building Council? The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) was formed in the year 2001.  Vision: "To enable a sustainable built environment for all and facilitate India to be one of the global leaders in the sustainable built environment by 2025". The council offers a wide array of services such as developing new green building rating programmes, certification services and green building training programmes. The council also organises Green Building Congress, its annual flagship event on green buildings. The council is committee-based, member-driven and consensus-focused.  All the stakeholders of the construction industry participate in the council activities through local chapters.  The council also closely works with several State Governments, Central Government, World Green Building Council, bilateral multi-lateral agencies in promoting green building concepts in the country. India to explore Indigenous Deposits of Phosphatic rock Part of: GS Prelims and GS - III - Economy Key Takeaways  Currently we are dependent on other countries for raw materials to produce DAP (Di-ammonium Phosphate) and (Single superphosphate) SSP primarily.  India needs to reduce its dependencies on imports. In order to achieve that goal, India shall explore indigenous deposits of Phosphatic rock and Potash and make it available to indigenous industries. Rock Phosphate is the key raw material for DAP and NPK fertilizers.  Currently, India is 90% dependent on imports for this raw material.  Volatility in international prices affects domestic prices of fertilizers.  Import dependence also hinders the progress and development of the agriculture sector in the country and puts extra pressure on our farmers. News Source: PIB First-of-its-kind “Centre of Excellence” in the Northeast Part of: GS Prelims and GS - II - Policies and interventions In news The Ministry of Science & Technology is to set up a first-of-its-kind “Centre of Excellence” in the Northeast. The project for establishing “Centre for Bio-Resources and Sustainable Development as a Centre of Excellence” was sanctioned by the Department of Biotechnology and is complete for formal inauguration shortly.  It is located in Arunachal Pradesh  About Centre of Excellence in North East With the setting up of the Bio-Resource Centre by the Department of Biotechnology Ministry of Science & Technology, the entire North Eastern Region will be able to use its fruit and organic food potential to the maximum extent.  Besides, this will also help in exploring many vast areas and to find hitherto lesser known or unknown new species including diverse habitats and diverse flora.  This will have a bearing on improving the cultural, social and economic status of the people of the entire North Eastern Region. The central government has also called for utilising latest technology for infrastructural development and value addition to the ongoing projects. The proposed Centre of Excellence is aimed to address this objective. Besides, many projects have been undertaken recently through optimum utilisation of technologies, including the Space Technology and Satellite Imaging. There is also in place a mechanism to speed up the process of sanctioning projects through e-Office and other electronic means. News Source: PIB Steel Scrap Recycling Policy Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III - Industries In news The Steel Scrap Recycling Policy provides a framework to facilitate and promote establishment of metal scrapping centers in India for scientific processing & recycling of ferrous scrap generated from various sources.  What are the features of the Policy? The policy framework provides standard guidelines for collection, dismantling and shredding activities in an organized, safe and environmentally sound manner.  It enumerates responsibilities for setting up collection, dismantling centre and scrap processing centre, and the roles of aggregators and responsibilities of the Government, manufacturer and owner.  It does not envisage setting up of scrap centres by the Government.  The role of Government is to be an enabler and provide a framework to facilitate the eco-system of metal scrapping in the country.  The decision to set up scrap centres is of entrepreneurs based on commercial considerations.  The Scrapping Centres are approved and monitored by the authorized agencies of the State/Union Territory Governments.  The Policy does not envisage any additional monitoring mechanism thereby ensuring that there is no additional compliance burden. News Source: PIB G20 Energy and Climate Meet Part of: GS Prelims and GS -III - Climate change In news At the recent G20 Climate Meet, India urged the group having per capita greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions above the global average to bring it down to the world average, thereby vacating ‘some' carbon space for developing nations. This will support the developmental aspirations of the developing nations. Presently, Italy holds the G20 Presidency and the Climate Meet is being seen as a prelude to the UN Climate Change COP 26 meeting in Glasgow, Scotland in November 2021. What is India's Stand? There is a need to cut absolute emissions rapidly while taking into account the Paris Agreement which emphasized on Respective historical responsibilities, Delivery of promised climate finance and technologies at low cost keeping in perspective per capita emissions, etc. India noted the pledges made by some countries to achieve Net Zero GHG emissions (Carbon Neutrality) by or around 2050 which may not be adequate to prevent fast depleting available carbon space. It stressed on Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) to combat climate change. Mentioned its plans of implementing various initiatives under Urban Climate Action. What are India’s initiatives under Urban Climate Action? Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework (CSCAF): It intends to inculcate a climate-sensitive approach to urban planning and development in India. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat is one of the eight missions under national climate change action plan and aims to make cities sustainable through improvements in energy efficiency in buildings, management of solid waste & shift to public transport. Climate Practitioners India Network (CPIN): It is first-of-its-kind network developed by Climate Centre for Cities (C-Cube) to support Cities and Practitioners across India. Urban Forestry: The government of India in 2020 launched the Nagar Van Scheme. The Nagar Van (Urban Forests) aims to develop 200 Urban Forests across the country in the next five years. Do you know? Carbon neutrality: A balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere in carbon sinks. Carbon space: The amount of CO2 that can be put into the atmosphere without this leading to a level of warming that can be considered dangerous or otherwise undesirable. News Source: TH Gross Environment Product (GEP) Part of: GS Prelims and GS III - Environment In news Recently, the Uttarakhand government has announced that it will initiate valuation of its natural resources in the form of ‘Gross Environment Product’ (GEP). It is along the lines of GDP.  What is GEP? It was established back in 1997 by ecological economists like Robert Costanza at the global level. It is an assessment system to measure ecological status. It is considered as the product and service value that the ecosystem provides for human welfare and economic and social sustainable development, including provisioning, regulating and cultural ecosystem services. Overall, GEP accounts for the economic value of the ecosystem in providing products and services, and it is one of the components of green GDP. Green GDP is an indicator of economic growth with environmental factors taken into consideration. It factors biodiversity losses and costs attributed to climate change. Ecosystems that can be measured include natural ecosystems such as forests, grassland, wetland, desert, freshwater and ocean, and artificial systems  What is the need for Uttarakhand for such an initiative? The state has over 71% area under forests. Uttarakhand, through its biodiversity, gives services to the tune of Rs 95,112 crore per year to the nation. It is also home to the Himalayas and also is the origin point of rivers like Ganga, Yamuna and Sharada as well as home to wildlife reserves like Corbett and Rajaji Tiger Reserves. Uttarakhand is a state which provides a lot of environment services and in continuity as a result of which, there is a natural degradation in those services. News Source: DTE Essential Defence Services Bill Part of: GS Prelims and GS III - Defence and Security In news The Essential Defence Services Bill was recently introduced by the Parliament. It is aimed at preventing the staff of the government-owned ordnance factories from going on a strike.  What are the Highlights of the Bill? It is meant to “provide for the maintenance of essential defence services so as to secure the security of nation and the life and property of public at large and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto”. The Bill empowers the government to declare services mentioned in it as essential defence services. It also prohibits strike and lockouts in “any industrial establishment or unit engaged in essential defence services”  What are the latest changes? The Ordnance Factory Board was directly under the Department of Defence Production and worked as an arm of the government. But, in June 2021 the government announced its corporatisation. As per this plan, 41 factories ammunition and other equipment to the armed forces will become part of seven government owned corporate entities. The government has claimed that the move is aimed at improving the efficiency and accountability of these factories. However, following this, many federations announced the launch of indefinite strikes. This was countered by the Essential Defence Services Ordinance which was promulgated on June 30, 2021.  Who will it affect? It has a direct bearing on around 70,000 employees of the 41 ordnance factories around the country, who are unhappy with the corporatisation of OFB, fearing that it will impact their service and retirement conditions.  What is the need?  The ordnance factories form an integrated base for indigenous production of defence hardware and equipment, with the primary objective of self-reliance in equipping the armed forces with state of the art battlefield equipment. Therefore, there is a need to provide for the maintenance of essential defence services so as to secure the security of nation and the life and property of public at large and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. News Source: IE (Mains Focus) DISASTER MANAGEMENT/ ENVIRONMENT/ Topic: GS-3: Disaster and disaster management.  GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Wounded mountains: on Himachal landslide tragedy In news China’sRecent tragic death of nine tourists in a landslip in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Reason: Extraordinarily heavy rains in the State recently, left the hill slopes unstable and causing floods in built-up areas Do You Know? The parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy during 2018-19 noted that the Himachal Pradesh State could more than double its existing harnessed hydropower potential of 10,547 MW.  Uttarakhand too has seen its share of natural disasters this year, starting with the massive flash flood in Chamoli in February that killed more than 80 people. Issues Himalayan landscape is susceptible to landslides. Formed due to the collision of Indian and Eurasian plates, the northward movement of the former puts continuous stress on the rocks, rendering them weak and prone to landslides and earthquakes (high seismicity region). This, combined with steep slopes, rugged topography, high seismic vulnerability, and rainfall, make a deadly cocktail.  Reckless exploitation of resources: Big hydroelectric projects (source of green power) and large-scale construction activity involving destruction of forests and damming of rivers in this region alter several aspects of ecology rendering the region vulnerable to the effects of extreme events such as cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and earthquakes.  Bitter Reality: Himalayan States may be entering a phase of irreversible decline because of losses to their ecology and frequent disasters may become inevitable. Administration Neglect: Relaxation of COVID protocols led to restarting of Tourist activities in Himachal Pradesh State. Unfortunately, there was not enough vigil against travel to risky areas Way Ahead The mishap shows the fragility of the ecology of the Himalayan States.  Governments cannot continue to disregard for the fragile topography and climate-sensitive planning is important to have early warning and better weather forecast systems, and a trans-boundary coalition of Himalayan countries to share and disseminate knowledge about the mountains.  Also, it is critical to review the area’s present status and draw up a sustainable plan that respects the specific requirements of this fragile region and the impact of the climate crisis. Connecting the dots: National Landslide Susceptibility Mapping (NLSM) programme Uttarakhand Glacier disaster FEDERALISM/ POLITY Topic: GS-2: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure. Assam-Mizoram border dispute Context: Recently, at least five Assam Police personnel were killed after the old boundary dispute between Assam and Mizoram exploded in violent clashes at a contested border point. In October last year, residents of Assam and Mizoram had clashed twice in the space of a week over territory, in which at least eight people were injured. The violence spotlights the long-standing inter-state boundary issues in the Northeast, particularly between Assam and the states that were carved out of it. What is the genesis of Assam-Mizoram boundary dispute? The boundary between present-day Assam and Mizoram, 165 km long today, dates back to the colonial era, when Mizoram was known as Lushai Hills, a district of Assam. The dispute stems from a notification of 1875 that differentiated the Lushai Hills from the plains of Cachar, and another of 1933, that demarcates a boundary between the Lushai Hills and Manipur. Mizoram believes the boundary should be demarcated on the basis of the 1875 notification, which is derived from the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) Act, 1873. Mizo leaders have argued in the past against the demarcation notified in 1933 because Mizo society was not consulted.   Assam government follows the 1933 demarcation, and that was the point of conflict. According to an agreement between Mizoram and Assam, status quo was to be maintained in the no man’s land in the border area. Recent Clashes In February 2018, there was violence when students’ union MZP (Mizo Zirlai Pawl) built a wooden rest house for farmers on land that was claimed by Assam and which was demolished by Assam Police. Again, in October 2020, clashes erupted twice in a week over construction of huts in Lailapur (Assam) on land claimed by Mizoram. Are there other boundary issues in the northeast? Assam has had boundary problems with all its north-eastern neighbours, except Manipur and Tripura that had existed as separate entities.  State Reorganisation Post Independence: The primary reason is that the other States, which were all part of Assam during the British rule, have contested the boundaries since they separated from Assam and became full-fledged States over a period of time (Nagaland Statehood in 1963; Meghalaya, Tripura & Manipur Statehood in 1971; Arunachal Pradesh & Mizoram Statehood in 1987) Constitutional Solution Vs Historical grounds: Assam has accepted several recommendations of border commissions set up by the Supreme Court, but other States have been sticking to “historical boundaries” that go back to the period before 1826, when the British annexed undivided Assam and included the hills as its provinces.  Issue of Nagaland: The Nagaland government has been insisting that a 16-point agreement of 1960, which led to the creation of Nagaland, also included “restoration” of all Naga territories that had been transferred out of the Naga Hills after the British annexed Assam in 1826. Issue of Meghalaya: Meghalaya has challenged the Assam Reorganisation Act of 1971, claiming that two blocks in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district belonged to the erstwhile United Khasi and Jaintia Hills created in 1835.  Assam’s point of view: Assam says its neighbours have encroached upon more than 75,000 hectares of land. Revenue records of the Assam government say Nagaland has encroached upon 19,819.62 hectares, Arunachal Pradesh 5,756.02 hectares and Meghalaya 65.62 hectares since 2001. Way Forward Burden borne by common man: The border residents will continue to bear the brunt of the unrest unless an acceptable solution is arrived at. Joint patrolling by police personnel of both the States with Central forces along the inter-State border.  Maintaining Peace & Order: Apart from drawing up the standard operating procedure for guarding the contentious boundary, state governments need to strengthen coordination between the Superintendents of Police of the border districts for prompt action against criminals and anti-social activities that add to the border tension. Connecting the dots: Naga issue (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1 The first-of-its-kind 'Centre for Bio-Resources and Sustainable Development as a Centre of Excellence' is located in which of the following state of Northeast India? Assam Arunachal Pradesh  Mizoram Manipur Q.2 Consider the following statements about Institutions of National Importance (INI): Such institutes get special funding and recognition from the Government of India. The first reference to ‘institute of national importance’ is given in the Constitution of India, Seventh Schedule. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 only Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3 Where is Rajaji Tiger Reserves located? Ladakh Sikkim Uttarakhand  Gujarat  ANSWERS FOR 26th July 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 C 3 C Must Read On Evaluating India’s options in Afghanistan: The Hindu On Critical analysis of new Emigration Bill: The Hindu On Surrogacy: Financial Express

Jul 27, 2021 RSTV Video

Agri Exports Maintain Healthy Trend – The Big Picture – RSTV IAS UPSC

Archives Topic: General Studies 3: Indian economy and mobilization of resources; Agriculture Sector   In News: Though the coronavirus pandemic hit all the sectors of the economy in the country, the growth in the export of agricultural commodities continues in the country.  The export of Agri and allied commodities during Apr,2020 - Feb,2021 was worth 2.74 lakh crore as compared to Rs. 2.31 Crore in the same period last year indicating an increase of 18.49%. The commodities which posted significant positive growth in exports were wheat,Other Cereals,Rice (other than Basmati), Soya meal, Spices, Sugar, Raw Cotton, Fresh Vegetable, Processed Vegetables, and Alcoholic Beverages. There was a recovery in global prices — due to a combination of  Demand revival from unlockdowns (opposite to what happened in April-May) Continuing supply chain disruptions (including from a shortage of shipping containers) Chinese stockpiling (in anticipation of a fresh corona outbreak during the winter) Dry weather in producer countries such as Thailand, Argentina, Brazil and Ukraine How Agriculture exports have the potential to transform Indian farm sector? In India, we are more constrained on the demand side than on the production side. And it is demand that’s also driving farmers’ income. There are two sources of creating demand for agri commodities — domestic and global. Given the innate vagaries of the domestic value chain and subdued consumption sentiment, it is important to focus on the exports value chain. India now fares miserably compared to its global peers here. We are the world’s second largest farm producer, but the country doesn’t figure in the ranks of the top 10 exporters. India has, moreover, not leveraged its position as the second largest horticulture producer. Smaller countries such as Thailand and Egypt fare better than India in horticulture exports. There’s a need to come up with a new model of growth through focused value chains. When it comes to exports, there are several key issues that affect the various stakeholders concerned. The most crucial are our farmers, who cultivate fractured landholdings and are often not updated on the global demand trends, whether it pertains to the varieties to grow or quality and the safety standards to be maintained. Further, even when they are, investing in post-harvest processing, cold chain or branding requires capital, which isn’t tenable for a small farmer. Thus, there is an imperative to bring scale to agricultural operations through, say, farmer producer groups or organisations (FPO). Ways to further boost the Agri-Exports  A ‘Public-Private-Farmer Group Partnership’ model could be the way ahead for pushing agri exports from India. This model can receive a boost through establishing crop-specific councils with representation from the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, the ministries of agriculture and commerce, big FPOs, corporates and SMEs, with some experience and interest in developing agri value chains. These councils need to be adequately funded by the government for carrying out market research, building strong brands and setting up common infrastructure (the Basmati Export Development Foundation is a good model). Majority of India’s agri-exports are low value, raw or semi-processed products. Therefore, the agri-export strategy should include integration of value-added agri-produce with global value chains (GVC), by adopting best agricultural practices involving productivity gains and cost competitiveness. It’s also imperative for India to reconsider joining the RCEP at an opportune time, and to enter into FTAs with the EU, the US and the UK. In order to boost exports of dairy products and make the dairy sector globally competitive, the central government needs to consider development of dairy export zones (DEZs) in collaboration with state governments. This could immensely benefit small dairy farmers, organised as farmer producer organisations (FPOs)/farmer producer companies (FPCs)/cooperatives, for supplying milk, and also for contract production of dairy products on behalf of major dairy producing companies, leading to cost efficiency and higher export revenue to dairy companies as well as significantly higher income to farmers. Linking of FPOs through contract farming arrangements with export-oriented food processing units of food parks created under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, for producing processed cereals, fruits, vegetables, fish and marine products, would boost exports of processed food and raise income of small and marginal landholders and small fish farmers. With global trade in organic products estimated to be around $90 billion, there is a huge opportunity for exports of value-added organic products from India, which exported $689 million worth of organic food in 2019-20. Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, the North Eastern Region (NER), Uttarakhand and Goa are major producers of organic products. It’s desirable to create Organic Product Export Zones (OPEZs) in these states and the NER, with common infrastructure for processing, standardisation, storage, logistics, and connectivity to ports and airports. Branding of products and registration as GI could further facilitate exports of value-added organic products. FPOs of organic farmers could be formed and linked to the OPEZs, to ensure higher income for farmers. Economic diplomacy and promotion of Brand India can play an effective role in increasing agri-exports. The AEP has recommended the establishment of Agriculture Export Zones (AEZs), to facilitate value addition of agri-commodities for increasing exports in a WTO-compatible manner. In order to ensure higher income for farmers, FPOs need to be linked to AEZs to supply SPS-compliant agri-products. Higher investments in R&D and technology, viz. the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and blockchain, for improving agricultural productivity, resource-use efficiency and export competitiveness. Linking farmers/FPOs to the export market and skilling of surplus farmers for their absorption in agri-export value chains could be an important strategy to sustainably raise farmers’ income. Conclusion Concerted efforts by the central and state governments, Indian embassies, APEDA, EXIM Bank, NABARD, and all other stakeholders in the agri-export value chains are needed to address a whole range of issues pertaining to promotion of agri-exports, which could potentially propel India into the top bracket of agricultural exporters, and in the process facilitate doubling of farmers’ income within a reasonable time-frame. Connecting the dots: By setting a goal to gradually open up all agri-produce to exports, the country can set an inspiring and exciting new horizon for itself. Do you agree? Elucidate. In India, organic farming has got huge export potential. Do you agree? Comment.