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IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 18th July 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 18th July 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) 'Mobocracy': rule or domination by the masses Part of: GS Mains II – Governance issues; Security; Welfare issues In news: India's Supreme Court has recommended the government enact new laws to combat mob violence, amid a sharp rise in the number of so-called vigilante attacks. Supreme Court ruled that the State has a "sacrosanct duty to protect its citizens from unruly elements and perpetrators of orchestrated lynching and vigilantism." "Horrendous acts of mobocracy cannot be permitted to inundate the law of the land" SC held that ‘lynching’ should be dealt as a "special and separate offense and provide adequate punishment." A special law in this field would instil a sense of fear for law amongst the people who involve themselves in such kinds of activities. There can be no trace of doubt that fear of law and veneration for the command of law constitute the foundation of a civilized society. It also recommended that cases of lynchings be heard in a fast track court with trials to be concluded within six months and the highest possible sentences to be awarded. Rising intolerance: Critics argue that the rise in mob violence has coincided with the electoral success of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. They allege that the current government has helped foster a culture of religious intolerance since coming to power in 2014. Populace of a great Republic like ours has lost the values of tolerance to sustain a diverse culture. Rising wave of frenzied mobs — fed by fake news, self-professed morality and false stories — would consume the country like a “typhoon-like monster.” Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2018 Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Governance issues; Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies In news: The Amendment Bill proposes to give the Centre the power to set the tenure and salaries of State and Central Information Commissioners. Opposition parties opposed the amendments – it will dilute the RTI law and compromise the independence of the Information Commissions. Fast recap: From previous day’s editorial - Concerns over proposed amendments to Right To Information Act 2005 - we learnt that: Government also intend to amend RTI - for Introduction, Consideration, and Passing. The proposed amendments have been kept secret and there has not even been a hint of public consultation or pre legislative consultation. Do you know? The current law gives Information Commissioners a tenure of five years and salaries which match those of Election Commissioners. The proposed RTI amendment Bill seeks to amend that. Argument given by the government – Election Commission is a constitutional body, the Information Commissions are statutory bodies. They both have differing mandates and hence their status and service conditions need to be rationalised accordingly. About CIC The Central Information Commission (CIC) set up under the Right to Information Act is the authorised body, established in 2005, under the Government of India to act upon complaints from those individuals who have not been able to submit information requests to a Central Public Information Officer or State Public Information Officer due to either the officer not having been appointed, or because the respective Central Assistant Public Information Officer or State Assistant Public Information Officer refused to receive the application for information under the RTI Act. Tribe/community in news: Bru community In news: The Brus had fled Mizoram in 1997 following an unrest. Multiple efforts have been made since then to repatriate them. Recently, Union Home Ministry committed to implement the agreement (BRU PACT) signed to repatriate nearly 33,000 Bru refugees, currently living in camps in Tripura, to Mizoram. The Central government will implement the agreement and all the benefits, including cash assistance, would be given to the refugees who abide by it. Do you know? As per the agreement, signed by the Central government and the governments of Tripura and Mizoram besides the MBDPF leadership, each of the 5,407 families will get ₹5,000 per month along with free ration for two years, besides house-building assistance of ₹1.5 lakh. A one-time financial assistance of ₹4 lakh will also be given to each family but the amount will be kept as fixed deposit in the name of the family head. Around 8,000 Bru refugees have gone back to Mizoram since 1997 in six batches and they have been living peacefully in the State. Plants may soon create own fertilizer from thin air: study Part of: GS Prelims and mains III – Science and technology; Research and development In news: Research is being done to engineer plants that can develop their own fertilizer by using atmospheric nitrogen to create chlorophyll for photosynthesis. Although there are no plants that can fix nitrogen from the air, there is a subset of cyanobacteria that is able to do so, scientists said. Do you know? Cyanothece bacteria has the ability to fix nitrogen because it has a circadian rhythm. Cyanothece photosynthesise during the day, converting sunlight to the chemical energy they use as fuel, and fix nitrogen at night, after removing most of the oxygen created during photosynthesis through respiration. The research team took the genes from Cyanothece, responsible for this day-night mechanism, and put them into another type of cyanobacteria, Synechocystis, to coax it into fixing nitrogen from the air too. (MAINS FOCUS) WORLD HISTORY/ETHICS Topics: General Studies 2 History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society. General Studies 4 Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world. 100th anniversary of Nelson Mandela Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “If a man hasn’t discovered something he will die for, he isn’t fit to live.” Meaning – MLK Jr. is suggesting others or us to find what we value in life; family, friends, hopes, dreams, etc. If one is living with no reason other than fear of death, there is no real value to the individual’s life. Living is about making an impression after death. Otherwise, once one dies with no one to remember him or her, what’s the difference between him/her never existing in the first place? So find something you value, love, treasure, and will engrave you in life even after death, much like Anne Frank’s "I want to live even after death." Nelson Mandela is an ideal example for such thought. Remembering Mandela: Nelson Mandela was a man who cherished the ideal of a free society all his life; an ideal that as he proclaimed at his trial in Pretoria, in April 1964, he hoped to live for, but if need be, die for. During his lifetime, Mandela dedicated himself to the freedom struggle of the African people, and in doing so, fought against White and Black domination in South Africa. But more than anything else, he fought for democracy as a plural society in which all races, languages and opinions could live together in harmony, and with equal opportunity. However, what Nelson Mandela, as a political and moral leader, made possible for humanity was to extend and expand our capacity to rethink politics in terms of an ethics of empathy, a politics of forgiveness, and a revolution of values. South Africa’s transition to democracy, under the leadership of Mandela, was a great work of political creativity and moral wisdom. Mandela’s legacy The two noted definitions of a human being — by Aristotle — that he is a political being and a being endowed with speech, supplement each other in Mandela’s anti-apartheid practice of freedom. What Mandela understood through his life experience was that freedom cannot be speechless, while violence is incapable of speech. That such an outspokenness (what the Greeks called parrhesia) must be intimately connected with the ideal of freedom seems to be true in the legendary life of Mandela. Mandela was born a century ago in a world where outspokenness was not practised among Blacks in South Africa. Blacks were meant to learn through imitation and emulation, not through asking questions. Mandela’s political future as a national leader was established and solidified by two facts: the bus boycott in the 1940s in Alexandra and his meeting with Walter Sisulu, who was an African nationalist who influenced many activists and ANC members. These two influences drove Mandela to form the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League in 1944. The next turning points in his political struggle was during the Sharpeville Massacre (1960), when a hundred African demonstrators were killed, and both the ANC and the Pan-African Congress were banned. Mandela decided to go underground and create a new armed wing, the Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation). In the eyes of Mandela, the choice of turning the ANC into a violent organisation was to acquire the best hope of reconciliation afterwards. Nevertheless, he was the first to criticise this decision of his in the mid-1970s. Madela insisted on the ANC’s heritage of non-violence and racial harmony. The second memorable moment of his life and that of South African nation was when he became, in 1994, South Africa’s first democratic and Black African President. “Madiba”, as Mandela was known by his clan name, accomplished his heroic status by meeting the challenges of his life and those of his time. His relevance As an activist, as a prisoner or as a leader in government, he remained intensely conscious of his moral and political responsibilities as a man in search for excellence. Even after his death, on December 5, 2013, he has remained a global figure with a legacy — of a politics of excellence. If we celebrate the 100th anniversary of his birth today, it is not because we take leave of his time and his struggle but mainly because his politics of excellence and his moral capital are more relevant than ever to all those who continue to believe in the non-violent pursuit of public happiness and in peace-making governance. Connecting the dots Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context: “If a man hasn’t discovered something he will die for, he isn’t fit to live.” “Freedom cannot be speechless, while violence is incapable of speech.” Discuss the legacy of Nelson Mandela as the champion of a politics of excellence, non-violent pursuit of public happiness and in peace-making governance. HEALTH/NATION TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Health related issues. General Studies 3 Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management Is Indian food clean? In news: Huge quantities of fish laced with the substance, formalin—a known carcinogenic chemical primarily used for stopping decomposition of corpses—have been seized across the country. Introduction What is formalin? Formalin is derived from formaldehyde, which is a substance that is carcinogenic to humans. Mixed in the right proportion with water, the paste is used for embalming and preventing the decay of dead cells. Formalin, which contains 37–40% formaldehyde, is used in mortuaries and labs. Formalin is often used to preserve fish, which is an easily perishable food whose value depends on its freshness. And when fish is imported from another state, to prevent rot during transport, fish traders resort to using formalin, even though formalin consumption is harmful to human beings. How does formalin affect humans? There are several risks associated with ingesting formalin – having even 30 ml of a solution, which contains as little as 37% formalin, can kill a fully grown adult. Once ingested, formalin releases toxins into the body, and the sustained ingestion of formalin can eventually lead to cancer. Breathing even the smallest amount of formaldehyde gas can lead to pneumonia and bronchitis. If formaldehyde is present in the air at a level more than 0.1 ppm, people could experience a burning sensation in their eyes, nose and throat, apart from coughing and sneezing. They could also experience nausea and skin irritation. If formalin reaches the stomach, a person could experience stomach ache and nausea. Even if the fish or vegetables treated with formalin are cooked, it doesn’t stop the formalin from releasing the toxins into the body. The recent seizure of huge quantities of fish laced with formalin leads us to the bigger problem of food adulteration in India. Do you know? The technical definition of food adulteration according to the Food and Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is, "The addition or subtraction of any substance to or from food, so that the natural composition and quality of food substance is affected." Food adulteration can be intentional when done to add volume, texture, taste or stability to the items. Or it can be due to carelessness or poor maintenance of the facility/logistics on part of the food manufacturer/ distributor. The bottom line is that it can cause serious long term damage to your health. Recent figures presented by the health ministry in Parliament suggest that almost one in four food samples tested in 2016-17 have been found to be adulterated. And it is rising—from 19.5 per cent in 2014-15 to 23.4 per cent in 2016-17 Food adulteration, why is it a concern? Food is one of the basic necessities for sustenance of life. Pure, fresh and healthy diet is most essential for the health of the people. It is no wonder to say that community health is national wealth. The Supreme Court has said that access to food free from harmful substances such as pesticides is a fundamental right. Consumption of adulterated food might be playing a role in the alarming rise of heart, kidney and liver diseases, diabetes and cancer in the country. Note Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which is a consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation in India. FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety. Issues with the adulteration The crackdown on formalin, however, has been restricted to banning fish from the breeding states rather than trying to uproot the menace. Food adulteration in India has reached dangerous levels with nothing edible spared from the unscrupulous practice. Rampant adulteration using toxic chemicals and synthetic colours is ruining people’s health. In addition to lack of awareness among the public, the regulatory, monitoring and enforcement mechanisms are just not up to the mark. The Food Safety and Standard Act 2006, which replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1954 repealed the life imprisonment clause for offenders provided in the previous act and the penal provision for various offences was placed in the nature of monetary terms. Penalties for very serious offences were diluted to the punishment between three months to six years. Way ahead Prevention is the key, and it can only be achieved with the help of a robust quality control system and action against violators. The new Consumer Protection Bill with stringent punishment for adulteration should be passed in Parliament. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s proposal for life imprisonment sentences for adulterers should be implemented. Development of stricter monitoring programs to screen all food products for safety is the only way to secure food supply and address the growing concern over food adulteration. Without access to healthy foods, a nutritious diet that is necessary for good health is out of reach. Connecting the dots: What is food adulteration? How far has the government faired in cracking down this menace and issues involved with it? Discuss (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Q.1) Which of the following are Constitutional bodies? UPSC Finance Commission CAG CIC Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities Choose the appropriate code: 1, 2 and 3 only 1, 3 and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 5 only 1, 3, 4 and 5 only Q.2) Which among the below is not a non-constitutional body? National Development Council Central Information Commission Central Vigilance Commission Finance Commission Q.3) Consider the following about Central Information commission: The Central Information Commission has been constituted under the Right to Information Act, 2005. The jurisdiction of the Commission extends over all Central Public Authorities. The commission submits its report to the President of India. Which among the following is/are correct? 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 1,2 and 3 Q.4) Which one of the following is not a nitrogen-fixing organism? Anabaena Nostoc Azotobacter Pseudomonas MUST READ Inflation worries The Hindu India will benefit most by engaging in the global market. The Hindu Goa’s glass problem The Hindu Understanding inflation Indian Express Faith Vs Blind Faith Indian Express Colonialism 2.0 Indian Express The quality of justice Indian Express

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 24]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 24] Archives Q.1) Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) is an economic cooperation between all the governments of African countries and which of the following countries? India China Japan Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) ‘Honduras’ borders which of the following countries? Mexico Nicaragua Belize El Salvador Select the correct code: 1, 2 and 3 2 and 3 1, 3 and 4 2 and 4 Q.3) ‘Operation Basalt’ is A UN Peacekeeping Operation in South Sudan A military operation in Democratic Republic of Congo by France A military operation launched by the Syrian Army and its allies against the rebels in South Syria Defence co-operation agreement associated with Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) Q.4) Consider the following statements PirPanjal Range is situated principally in Arunachal Pradesh Nathu La connects Sikkim with China's Tibet Autonomous Region Dongkha La is a tri-junction of India-China and Afghanistan border Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 2 Only Q.5) ‘Reciprocal Logistic Support’ was in news recently associated with India and which of the following countries/organisations? United States of America France Russia South Korea To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 17th July 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 17th July 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) WPI and CPI based inflation Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy and related issues; Inflation Key pointers: Wholesale price inflation touches a four-year high (highest since December 2013) Main reason for high inflation – rising fuel prices (especially crude petroleum and natural gas segment) Important Value Addition: We keep coming across these two terms – Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation and Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation – in news often. Let us know what these are. Know the basics: What is a price index? What is the purpose of a price index? What is 'Wholesale Price Index'? What is Consumer Price Index (CPI)? Difference between WPI and CPI inflation Does RBI use WPI or CPI Inflation to manage monetary policy? WPI Inflation Vs CPI Inflation: Which should you keep in mind? Visit: https://iasbaba.com/2016/09/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-20th-september-2016/ ISRO’s upgraded Vikas engine Part of: GS Prelims Science and Tech; space; achievements by ISRO In news: All the three satellite launch vehicles of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to be upgraded with high-thrust Vikas engine. The main beneficiary of the high-thrust Vikas engine is said to be the heavy-lifting GSLV-Mark III launcher, which ISRO expects will put 4,000-kg satellites to space. Key facts: The semi-cryogenic Vikas engine will improve the payload capability. The Vikas engine is used in the second stage of the light lifting PSLV; the second stage and the four add-on stages of the medium-lift GSLV; and the twin-engine core liquid stage of Mk-III. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/07/17/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/c12f1554_2251162_101_mr.jpg BrahMos and US made M777 guns Part of: GS Prelims - Missiles and Defence Key pointers: Short range ramjet supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land It is a joint venture between the Russian Federation's NPO Mashinostroeyenia and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) who have together formed BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited. Brahmos is the world class weapon with multi-platform, multi-mission role. It is a joint venture between India and Russia and named after the Brahmaputra and Moscow rivers. It is now capable of being launched from land, sea and air, completing the tactical cruise missile triad for India. The land and sea variants of Brahmos are already operational with the Army and the Navy. It has a strike range of around 290 km and is described as the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile. Do you know? In November 2016, India signed a deal with the U.S. government under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme for 145 M777 guns at a cost of $737 million. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures. Role of civil services in a democracy Concerns over proposed amendments to Right To Information Act 2005 Introduction: RTI Act provides for setting out the practical regime of right to information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities, in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority. Since 2005, the Act has helped to – transform the relationship between the citizen and government, dismantle illegitimate concentrations of power, legitimise the demand for answers, and assist people in changing centuries of feudal and colonial relationships. But public servants, troubled by accountability, have seen this as interference. As a result, the RTI Act has been under constant threat of amendments. One such proposal looks to amend RTI - for Introduction, Consideration, and Passing. Concerns: The proposed amendments have been kept secret; there has not even been a hint of public consultation. Any amendment to the law should have been discussed before it went to the cabinet, as in the “pre legislative consultation policy” of the government of India. The word “Consideration” is a cleverly put indirect or coy term which can be misused. Recently some legislative measures are pushed under the garb of money Bills that have destabilised access to information such as Aadhaar and electoral bonds. The spirit of RTI is not just the filing of an RTI application and getting an answer. It actually mandates the replacement of a prevailing culture of secrecy with a culture of transparency. Section 4(2) of the RTI Act is poorly implemented. Section 4(2) says: “It shall be a constant endeavour of every public authority... to provide as much information suomotu to the public at regular intervals... so that the public have minimum resort to the use of this Act to obtain information.” However, there are attempts to undermine the RTI Act in letter and spirit. Conclusion: The use of the RTI has led to more than 70 citizens fighting corruption losing their lives, but the government remains unaffected. People have been demanding a strong whistle-blower protection law, but like the Lokpal, the Whistle Blowers Protection Act has been ignored, with attempts to amend the law that will completely negate its intent. People of India should not lose what has been gained through the RTI. Connecting the dots: Last year, the RTI law completed 12 years of its enactment. What is your assessment of the performance of the RTI law in these years? What are the concerns? Discuss. Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill: Fixing pothole problem Introduction: Road safety is a very crucial issue in India. An efficient transport system is a pre-requisite for sustained economic development. Government data shows that in 2017, approx 1.5 lakh people lost their lives in a year on India's road. According to official statistics, potholes claimed 11,836 lives and left 36,421 persons injured in India from 2013 to 2016. Hence the issue of road safety is a serious matter and there is an urgent need to pass the proposed Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, which attempts to address the issue of liability for road defects. Key facts: A State-wise analysis of data pertaining to road crashes due to potholes reveals that Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have maintained a fairly consistent record of being among the top four in road crashes, injuries and deaths due to faulty roads, particularly potholes. Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Odisha and West Bengal feature regularly among the top 10 States in the same category. Pothole-related deaths increase especially during the monsoon season. The government is committed to reduce the accidents and fatalities by 50% in five years. The irony of the situation is that instead of booking cases against contractors or engineers for shoddy maintenance of roads, police reports often blame the victims or drivers for ‘death due to negligence’. Negligence on the part of road owners or maintenance authorities is rarely brought to book. Absence of effective law The Indian Road Congress has prescribed over 100 sets of guidelines to ensure standardised road construction, maintenance and management, including guidelines for repairing potholes. The challenge lies in ensuring that these guidelines are implemented. The absence of a unified statute or law on road construction, engineering and maintenance makes it nearly impossible to ensure that these guidelines are implemented. The existing legislation for road safety, the Motor Vehicles Act, has no provisions to ensure accountability of road authorities for defects in the engineering, design and maintenance of roads. Thankfully, the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2017, which seeks to strengthen the Act, has attempted to address the issue of liability for road defects. The way ahead: For any road crash injury or death caused by defective road design and engineering, the designated authority responsible to construct and maintain the road is to be penalised with a sum capped at ₹1 lakh. The Bill directs that safety standards be prescribed by the Central government. Unfortunately, road contractors and engineers will still not be held criminally liable for causing deaths and injuries, which organisations like the SaveLIFE Foundation have been demanding. But a fine, even if it is a small amount, is a step in the right direction. The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2017 aims to rectify several systemic issues by providing a uniform driver licensing system, protecting children and vulnerable road users, rationalising penalties and creating a system of accountability in the construction of roads. The Bill is not a panacea for all problems, but it is the first step towards ensuring that no deaths are caused by road crashes. What can be done? Potholes are usually caused by the presence of heavy traffic and water on roads. Good drainage system, use of standardised methodology and good quality material when constructing roads. Regular maintenance and an effective system to ensure accountability. Incorporating the Safe System Approach in all aspects of road design, engineering and construction. This approach takes into account the possibility of human error and ensures that the surrounding environment and infrastructure are designed to save lives. Connecting the dots: The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 needs overhauling. Discuss. In absolute numbers, more people die in road accidents in India than in any other country. Discuss what measures can be taken to address these increasing fatalities and also critically comment on the steps taken by the government in this regard. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) Price rise in both the Goods and Services are included in computing WPI It is published by Office of the Economic Adviser, Ministry of Commerce and Industry The current base year for WPI calculation is 2011-12 Which of the above statements is/are incorrect? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only All of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect to Inflation measurement in India. RBI has adopted Consumer Price Index (Combined) as the key measure of inflation This was done based on the recommendation of Urjit Patel Committee Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements with reference to the Consumer Price Index. It measures Inflation based on the final price paid by the consumer Service tax and Value added Tax are not included in the computation of CPI Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements about the new series of Consumer Price Index The new series is published by the RBI It measures price rise against the base year prices of 2012 Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) With reference to inflation in India, which of the following statements is correct? Controlling the inflation in India is the responsibility of the Government of India only The Reserve Bank of India has no role in controlling the inflation Decreased money circulation helps in controlling the inflation Increased money circulation helps in controlling the inflation Q.6) Consider the following statements about Brasilia Declaration It is related to Road Safety India is a signatory to the declaration Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.7) BrahMos is the fastest supersonic cruise missile in the world. Consider the following statements regarding this: The BrahMos is a medium-range scramjet supersonic cruise missile. It can be launched from submarine, ships, aircraft, or land. It is a joint venture between the DRDO of India and the Federal State Unitary Enterprise NPO Mashinostroyenia (NPOM) of Russia. Choose the correct answer using the codes given below. 1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only 3 only All the above MUST READ A redemptive moment The Hindu Overdue correction: on revisiting the Companies Act The Hindu Govt and the judiciary: what’s the nature of the relationship, how it should evolve Indian Express A lynching in Digital South Indian Express House Under Siege Indian Express A silent emergency Indian Express Raja Mandala: India and Trump’s world Indian Express

RSTV Video

RSTV- Stop Manual Scavenging

Stop Manual Scavenging Archives In News: With an aim of eliminating human entry into septic tanks and drains for cleaning, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has launched a 'technology challenge' seeking suitable solutions from individuals and NGOs. Background: Three labourers died cleaning a sewage treatment plant in Loni, Ghaziabad. The deaths were allegedly caused by poisonous gas in the plant. Reports suggest that none of them were even aware of the gases, and were without the necessary safety equipment. Key Points: Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) released in 2015, states that there were around 0.18 million manual scavenging households in rural areas. A government survey identifies 12,226 manual scavengers in 12 states. Most septic tanks are emptied manually in Indian cities. The lack of proper safeguards puts manual scavengers at risk of infections, which are occasionally fatal. Statistics show that 80% of India’s sewage cleaners die before they turn 60, after contracting various infectious diseases. The Technology Challenge: The initiative is in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who recently expressed a desire for a challenge to promote latest technologies to avoid human intervention in cleaning of sewers and septic tanks in the country. Objectives: Identify technological and business process innovations Endorse viable business models suitable for cities of different sizes and geographies, and pilot test shortlisted technologies and solutions in select project cities Bridge the gap between innovators or manufacturers and beneficiaries such as urban local bodies and citizens Loopholes in the Law: Manual scavenging was banned in India in 1993. Employing people to the profession carries possible imprisonment penalties for up to one year and fine of 50,000 rupees. Still, demand for scavengers remains high. The 2013 Prohibition of Employment of Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act aimed to introduce safety measures for manual scavengers and encouraged their rehabilitation. Activists and manual scavengers have since criticized the law on the grounds that it does not strictly ban the practice. Manual scavenging also persists due to the continued presence of “insanitary latrines,” where human waste has to be cleaned physically and not by a machine or sewage system. The majority of such latrines are dry latrines, which don’t use water. According to the 2011 Census, there are about 2.6 million dry latrines in India. Protective gear like gloves, gas masks and boots are often not provided by employers, in violation of the 2013 law, leading to diseases and even death. There is no proper accountability system in place. The 2013 Act allows manual scavenging if the employer provides ‘protective gear’; However, the Act does not define what constitutes ‘protective gear,’ creating a possibility for employers to exploit this provision Social Exclusion experienced by Manual Scavengers: Both for belonging to a low caste and being in a stigmatized profession Denied access to places of worship, public sources of water Excluded from cultural events High gender pay gap (2014 report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) titled “Cleaning Human Waste released”) Patriarchy made women clean where no one else wants to clean up. Rehabilitation is also more difficult for women as most of them are middle-aged and elderly. When we look at the practice of manual scavenging in light of the caste hierarchies prevalent it becomes amply evident that manual scavenging has traditionally been relegated to those present at the bottom-most step of this caste ladder. So, even among the Dalits, manual scavengers are one of the lower-most sub-groups, and are treated as such, even by the Dalits who occupy a higher place than them in the caste hierarchy. The Way Forward: Government needs to now act with speed, sensitivity and consideration. Urgent need of the hour – Political Will: The machines to clean sewers and septic tanks are already available globally, but they need to be adapted to Indian conditions, and the government needs to show the political will to actually use the technology on the ground on a large scale. A strong political will is required to reform the system, and rescue the thousands from a life that denies them basic dignity and rights. Fulfil Present Legal Provisions: Neither contractors nor municipalities are providing the equipment and logistical and medical support mandated by the law. Thus, even as we consider technology solutions, there is a need to fulfil the provisions of the law already there. Otherwise, all the innovation will not result in change on the ground. Human Rights need to be Respected: India cannot claim to be “clean,” because we have doomed a specific caste to clean our toilets, our garbage and our sewers manually. Some 95% of the people engaged in this degrading practice are Dalits. The National Human Rights Commission has termed manual scavenging as one of the “worst violations” of human rights. The casteist mindset of the Government also needs to go an overhaul. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan needs to work for the manual scavengers first: The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan hasn’t made things better either as dry latrines are being built under the scheme. Although the campaign encourages building composting toilets, bio-toilets and leach pits, people mostly choose to build toilets with septic tanks and dry pits, which have to be serviced manually. Book officials failing to enforce manual scavenging law Please Note: Mahatma Gandhi: “Everyone must be his own scavenger.” “Open defecation free” not only means that there is no visible faeces in the environment; it also means that every household and public institution uses safe technology to dispose of the same. The National Policy on Faecal Sludge and Septage Management, 2017, states that employment of manual scavengers is illegal, but it does not suggest mechanical alternatives to unclog septic tanks, drains and sewers. Bio-toilets: Bio-digester toilets are designed to convert human waste into gases and manure. The zero-waste biodigester technology uses psychrotrophic bacteria like Clostridium and Methanosarcina (these microbes can live in cold or hot climate and feed on waste to survive) to break down human excreta into usable water and gas. Once applied, the bacteria can work for a lifetime. Waste from toilets are sent to a giant underground bio-digester tank where anaerobic digestion takes place. Methane gas produced in the tanks can be used for different purposes, including firing up gas stoves and generating electricity while the leftovers (popularly called Humanure or ‘Human manure’) can be used for gardening and farming. It does not have any geographical or temperature limitation and also does away with the need to set up large sewerage networks. The technology was originally developed by the Defence Research Development Organization’s (DRDO). The best feature of this toilet is that it totally does away with manual scavenging, is low on maintenance and installation cost and can be adapted to any geo-climatic conditions of the country. Connecting the Dots: “Everyone must be his own scavenger.” Discuss.

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 16th July 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 16th July 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme Key pointers: The Civil Aviation Ministry launched Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) in 2017. UDAN is an innovative scheme to develop the regional aviation market. It is a market-based mechanism in which airlines bid for seat subsidies. This first-of-its-kind scheme globally will create affordable yet economically viable and profitable flights on regional routes so that flying becomes affordable to the common man even in small towns. Important Value Addition: About the Scheme: The UDAN scheme seeks to provide connectivity to un-served and under-served airports of the country through revival of existing air-strips and airports. This first-of-its-kind scheme will ensure affordability, connectivity, growth and development. It aims to increase ticketing volume from 80 million to 300 million by 2022. Under it regional connectivity will be developed on market-based mechanism under which Airlines will bid for seat subsidies. It will create affordable yet economically viable and profitable flights on regional routes so that flying becomes affordable to the common man even in small towns. Under it, airlines will have complete freedom to enter into code sharing with larger airlines for connectivity and they will be exempted from various airport charges. Airlines will have exclusive rights for three years to fly on a particular regional route. On these routes for regional flights Airfares will be capped at 2500 rupees for an hour’s flight. Central and State governments and airport operators will provide a financial stimulus in the form of concessions to airlines The mechanism of Viability Gap Funding (VGF) will be provided to interested airlines to kick-off operations from such airports so that the passenger fares are kept affordable Government will provide subsidy to airlines for first three years of operations when they will have exclusive flying rights on the selected routes. Once the market in these routes gets jump started, it will operate on a commercial basis as per market forces of supply and demand. Animal in news: Golden jackal, Harrier birds, Indian black turtle and Softshell turtke Part of: Prelims - Environment and Biodiversity; Animal Conservation In news: Destruction of mangrove cover in the Bandar Reserve Forest (BRF), Andhra Pradesh is forcing the golden jackal (Canis aureus) out of its habitat, triggering a conflict with the local communities. IUCN status – Least concern The conservation status of the animal is the ‘least concern’ and it preys on wild crab and fish. Indian black turtle also known as Indian pond terrapin is classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Softshell turtle is found in rivers and other water bodies. It is a vulnerable species that feeds mostly on fish, amphibians and aquatic plants. Key pointers: Black Softshell turtle (Nilssonia nigricans) : : IUCN status ‘Extinct in the wild’ Indian softshell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) : : IUCN status ‘Vulnerable’ South Asian narrow-headed softshell turtle (Chitra indica) : : IUCN status ‘Endangered’ Harrier birds Harrier birds, a migratory raptor species that regularly visits vast swathes of India, are declining. Every winter, several species of harrier birds travel thousands of kilometres to escape frigid Central Asia for the grasslands of the subcontinent. At least five species of harriers were recorded in India over the years; India has one of the largest roosting sites in the world for Pallid Harriers and Montagu’s Harriers. Rollapadu Bustard Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh Globally, of the 16 harrier species, only two are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, even though most of them are declining. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/07/16/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/276a20ed_2249177_101_mr.jpg International Whaling Commission (IWC) Part of: Prelims - Environment and Biodiversity; Animal Conservation; International institution About: The International Whaling Commission (IWC) is an international body set up by the terms of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (ICRW), which was signed in Washington, D.C., United States, on December 2, 1946 to "provide for the proper conservation of whale stocks and thus make possible the orderly development of the whaling industry. In 1982 the IWC adopted a moratorium on commercial whaling. Currently, Japan, Russia, and a number of other nations oppose this moratorium. Do you know? The Indian Ocean Whale Sanctuary is an area in the Indian Ocean where the International Whaling Commission (IWC) has banned all types of commercial whaling. The IWC has at present designated two such sanctuaries, the other being the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary. India is member of IWC Miscellaneous: Modern Technology Do you know? ISRO, J&K govt. to set up telemedicine centre at 12,700 feet, aided by top hospitals (to cater to pilgrims en route to the Amarnath shrine.) (MAINS FOCUS) HISTORY/POLITY TOPIC:General Studies 1 and 2 Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country. Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. Assessment: On the question of changing History or Constitution About: According to Winston Churchill, ‘history is a narrative of facts that is written by the victors’. Off recently, there are arguments that - when we read history (or anything for that matter), we tend to assume what we are reading is true. A lot of people believe that history is an unequivocal fact. However, the history of the world that we know and study lacks just as many facts as it contains if not even more. It doesn’t mean history is not accurate; it's just that it doesn't include every fact and every perspective. The above arguments have some element of truth. In most of the cases, the voices and perspectives of the victors in history are much more dominant than those who have been conquered, oppressed, and killed. In more recent history, modern historians have tried to do a better job at including the voices of those who have been oppressed in our history. At other end, the current government and right wing intends to rewrite the history of India and of the Constitution, if not today, then tomorrow. (This calls for assessment whether Constitution and History need changes and be re-written?) Does Indian Constitution really need changes or re-written? The Indian Constitution is large and unwieldy but it is considered to be one of the finest in the world. The authors of the constitutional draft, especially B.N Rau and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, were known for their mastery of comparative law, history, politics, sociology and the literary idiom. More importantly, the Constitution was the outcome of two major movements in Indian history that shaped each other – (i) series of colonial laws enacted to govern India; notably the Government of India Act, 1935 and (ii) freedom struggle that brought together large numbers of Indians in a spectacular anti-imperialist and nationalist project. The historical struggle generated imaginations, aspirations and ideals that were indisputably democratic. The Constitution of India was an outcome of accommodation and consensus. All-Parties Conference  and Moti Lal Nehru Report As early as 1928, an All-Parties Conference established a committee chaired by Motilal Nehru to consider and determine a future constitution for India. Among noteworthy recommendations of the committee was an integrated list of social, economic and political rights, minority rights, and universal adult franchise. The Motilal Nehru Report dismissed the idea that non-literacy could pose a problem for universal adult franchise. They believed - Political experience can only be acquired by active participation in political institutions and does not entirely depend on literacy. The Nehru report deeply inspired the Constituent Assembly, which met in the wake of momentous movements for Independence in the 1940s. Objective resolution of Jawaharlal Nehru While introducing the objective resolution, Jawaharlal Nehru acknowledged that the strength of the people was behind the Assembly and committed that the Constitution will meet the aspirations of the nation, not any party or group, but the people as a whole. Efforts of Constitution Framers Despite tremendous violence sparked by Partition and major destruction of lives and property, the makers of the Constitution continued to hold fast to the values of the freedom struggle: democracy, fundamental rights, minority rights, limited government, rule of law, and an independent judiciary. That is why the Indian Constitution has held a fractious body politic together, when country after country in the post-colonial world has fallen prey to authoritarianism. It has enthused us; it has enabled us to make the transition from subject to citizen. There is cause for celebration. Critics to Constitution However, not all Indians rejoiced and were on same page. Certain right wing groups argued and lamented that Constitution does not mention unique constitutional developments in ancient Bharat: Manu’s laws written much before the laws of Lycurgus of Sparta or Solon of Persia (sic). Right wing organizations undervalued/considered Constitution unworthy and criticized it. It articulated intense desire to chart a new constitution when in power. Of course, constitutions can be changed if they prove wanting. But there must be good reasons for doing so. Rewriting a Constitution to wipe out or obliterate a history that records the non-participation of the religious right in the making of democratic constitutionalism, is hardly reason enough. Dr. Ambedkar views and words What would a constitution that reflects ancient Indian culture look like? Ambedkar warned – No democratic constitution can be modelled on the Hindu tradition of state and village panchayats. What is the village, Ambedkar asked, but a sink of localism, a den of ignorance, narrow-mindedness and communalism? Sets Universal values – The Constitution is a normative document, but the values it espouses are universal and ‘thin’. They do not reflect the belief system of one section of the population even if it is in a majority. Nor do these values dismiss the value systems of minority groups. On Constitutional Morality – Dr. Ambedkar talked of constitutional morality. He said citizen will have deep respect or admiration for Constitution when they realize true intent of Constitution which helps them to possess freedom and rights. When they realize Constitution composes of thin conception of ‘good’ that can hold a plural and diverse people together. Democracy is only a top-dressing for the Constitution of India For Ambedkar, democracy is only a top-dressing on an Indian soil which is essentially undemocratic. It is the institutionalisation of constitutional democracy that has changed the way Indians think of themselves in relation to each other, and in relation to the state. The Constitution has managed to inculcate democratic sensibilities and spark yearnings for more democracy, not less. Dr Ambedkar said - power is one thing, wisdom is quite another thing. When deciding the destiny of nations, dignities of people, dignities of leaders and dignities of parties ought to count for nothing. The destiny of the country should count for everything. Therefore, those who thinking to change the Constitution should reflect on Dr. Ambedkar's words. Connecting the dots: Do you agree with the view that Democracy is a mere top-dressing for the Constitution of India? Elaborate your views. The Constitution of India was an outcome of accommodation and consensus. Do you agree? Elaborate your response. Essay - ‘history is a narrative of facts that is written by the victors’. NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Future of Digital India In news- The national telecom policy, rechristened as the National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP-2018), is expected to be announced shortly after Cabinet approval. Introduction The government recently has added more services through the UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) app for smartphones. This app offers 242 services from 57 departments in 12 states. Though this initiative must be lauded for its unprecedented progress, there is a cause of concern, a recent global survey on Internet/App usage by global research firm Pew Research Centre ranks India lowest amongst the 39 large economies surveyed. Do you know? UMANG App aims to bring 162 government services on a single mobile app, with a larger goal to make the government accessible on the mobile phone of our citizens. UMANG at a glance: Uniform User Friendly Interface across Government services 242 services of 57 department/ applications and 8 States Single mobile app to access 1200+ services of various government services from Centre, State and utility services Supports 13 Indian languages and caters to on-demand scalability Will soon support feature phones without internet connectivity through USSD Where India is lacking? Although the Digital India initiatives are focused on reducing the digital divide, a multi-pronged strategy is required for India to emerge as a leading digital economy Government had introduced three national telecom policies—NTP 1994, NTP 1999 and NTP 2012—in the past and the Broadband Policy in 2004. But there has been a failure in the implementation of the stated objectives. Free roaming was part of the NTP 2012 objectives, but it has not been fully implemented (Outgoing calls while roaming are still charged). Another example: NTP 2012 stated that broadband Internet should have a minimum download speed of 2 Mbps, while to-date, an Internet speed of 512kbps is considered broadband in India. In comparison, leading economies have already increased the minimum speed to 7-20 Mbps. The government, regulator TRAI, and telecom firms have failed miserably in providing basic mobile call quality let alone the superlative internet speeds. The telecom sector has been in financial turmoil with debts rising, because of mindless spectrum auctions pushing the telcos into bankruptcy. The hyper-competitive environment has led to some operators going out of business.  Note The cumulative taxes paid by Indian telcos are the highest in the world. The telcos pay over 32 per cent of their revenue as taxes (including spectrum usage charges, licence fees, GST etc.) to the government, compared to 3-8 per cent in other countries. The government must attempt to reduce the tax burden on the telcos. What can be done? The government could consider delaying the NDCP-18. Instead, it could prioritize and draw up specific actions for improving the health of the sector before the new policy is introduced. State-owned firms Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) and MTNL are making losses for several years with no sign of revival. Spectrum being a scarce resource, the government should look at improving efficiency in the spectrum held by BSNL/MTNL by allowing private players with the right checks and balances. For high-speed Internet access, fixed broadband can be an alternative. BharatNet, a special purpose vehicle envisaged in 2011, was an ambitious plan to connect all the 2,50,000 gram panchayats through a high-speed optical network. This initiative is moving at a snail’s pace and should be stepped up. Reliance is planning to disrupt broadband through an advanced fibre-based solution (1Gbps speed), and aims to be an all-in-one broadband service by encompassing IPTV, landline, video conferencing etc. BSNL currently the leader in fixed broadband service, will face tough competition from reliance given its disrupting potential in the mobile communications. Most of the e-governance websites and apps are not intuitive and even e-literate citizens would find it challenging to navigate them. or the rural populace to become an integral part of Digital India, simpler, innovative and intuitive user experiences must be created. Conclusion The National Knowledge Network (NKN), a government initiative, can play a key role in bringing students, researchers, academics and the government on a common platform for improving the quality of experience. The government would do well to encourage the NKN to pursue cognitive science programmes that would look at easy ways to communicate and represent information through artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction. Such an initiative will immensely help the semi-literate/illiterate population. For India to emerge as a dominant digital economy, the government needs to prioritize achievable targets and ensure the implementation of the initiatives. Connecting the dots: What do you understand by the term ‘digital divide’? What are its implications for a developing economy like India? Also explain the potential of the Digital India scheme to transform the life of a common Indian. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Q.1) Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists: List I                                 List II Black Softshell turtle            1. Endangered Koalas                                  2. Vulnerable Chitra indica                        3. Extinct in the wild A-B-C 1-2-3 3-2-1 1-1-2 3-1-2 Q.2) There has been a steady decline in the number of olive ridley turtles. This has been due to artificial illumination near beaches widespread use of endosulfan loss of nesting habitat Select the correct answer using the codes given below 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.3) Consider the following statements about International Whaling Commission (IWC). IWC adopted a moratorium on commercial whaling, which was welcomed by all UN members. Indian Ocean Whale Sanctuary is the only designated sanctuary by IWC. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 None Q.4) Consider the following statements about International Whaling Commission (IWC) India is a member of the IWC It is one of the United Nations Agencies It acts under the Law of the Sea Convention Select the INCORRECT statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) India has always been sincere about its wildlife protection measures. India is a part of which of the following International conventions related to wildlife? Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization-World Heritage Committee (UNESCO-WHC) International Whaling Commission (IWC) Select the correct code from the following: 2,3 and 4 1,2 and 3 3 and 5 All of the above Q.6) Consider the following statements regarding ‘UDAN’ Scheme: The scheme has been launched by Railway Ministry to connect remote areas of the country with superfast tracks. The acronym ‘UDAN’ stands for ‘Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik’. The scheme UDAN envisages providing connectivity to un-served and under-served airports of the country through revival of existing air-strips and airports. Which of the above statements are correct? 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.7) NABH Nirman is in sync with which of the following? UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana MUST READ A helping hand for Indian universities The Hindu A welcome move: On India's net neutrality regulations The Hindu Becoming Pakistan? The Hindu A constitutional renaissance Indian Express Justice more accessible Indian Express Beyond Section 377 Indian Express

PIB

IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau – 8th July to 14th July, 2018

IASbaba Press Information Bureau 8th to 14th July, 2018 ARCHIVES GS-2 Use of Aadhaar in Ayushman Bharat – Desirable and not “Must” (Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health) In order to authenticate the identity of beneficiaries accurately, the use of Aadhaar card is preferable, but it is not a “must”. There shall be no denial of benefit for want of Aadhaar number. Ayushmaan Bharat – An attempt to transform India’s Healthcare Map Innovative and path-breaking scheme in the history of public health in India. It may have a transformative impact if implemented in an effective and coordinated manner. Aim: To make path-breaking interventions to address health holistically, in primary, secondary and tertiary care systems Objective: Prevention + Promotion (Health & Wellness) Full proof mechanism while allowing States to accommodate the existing schemes, keeping the flavour of Digital India intact Two major initiatives: Health and Wellness Centre: Foundation of India’s health system 1.5 lakh centres will provide – comprehensive health care, including for non-communicable diseases and maternal and child health services, provide free essential drugs and diagnostic services The budget has allocated Rs.1200 crore for this flagship programme Contribution of the private sector through CSR and philanthropic institutions in adopting these centres is also envisaged. National Health Protection Scheme: Will cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) Coverage of up to ₹5 lakh a family a year will be provided for secondary- and tertiary-care hospitalization (50 crore beneficiaries) Ayushmaan Bharat can be a Game Changer only if: Collaboration is the key: The Central government collaborates successfully with State governments and the industry, and focusses aggressively on the operational and implementation aspect of these initiatives. Government and industry should develop partnerships with the focus on improving the coverage and providing access to quality healthcare services to the people. Capacity building of the existing resources: Increased capacity-building of the resources at hand during policy formulation. Technology: Strong emphasis on the adoption of technology by the entire healthcare ecosystem to provide accessible and affordable patient care to the last mile of the country. Role of States: State ownership and commitment of them is critical as the states are expected to agree for 40 per cent share under the NHPS (Health: State subject). Also, absorptive capacity of States needs to be increased. Clarity on the Services being provided: More clarity on the kind of services that will be provided by government health facilities and for which conditions patients will have to use private parties and what mechanisms are being thought of. Price matters: Establishment of uniform pricing systems for various health interventions, including diagnostics and medicines, and making them transparent by displaying them in hospital premises. Community Engagement: Continuum of care system needs to be established by linking institutions or hospitals, with health centres and the community. Community engagement is thus crucial in planning and implementation of the programme and in ensuring that the health and wellness centres and the primary health centres are responsive to the needs of the community. Special Unit to measure success, course correct: For effective implementation, an independent body or unit may be set up within the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to plan, coordinate, and provide technical backstopping to states, including in capacity building and development of standards and guidelines for the programme. Such a unit will ensure uniform and systematic approach to programme implementation across the country. Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2018 (Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health) By: Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation Objective of SSG 2018: To undertake a ranking of states and districts on the basis of their performance attained on key quantitative and qualitative SBM-G parameters. In the process, through a countrywide communication campaign, rural communities will be engaged in the improvement of the sanitation and cleanliness of their surrounding areas The weights to different elements of the SSG would be as below: Direct Observation of sanitation in public places: 30% Citizen’s Feedback on sanitation parameters: 35% Service Level Progress on sanitation progress in the country as per SBMG- MIS: 35% India, South Korea Sign Five MoUs in Science & Technology (Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations) The MoUs: Programme of Cooperation 2018-21 Establishment of Future Strategy Group Cooperation in Biotechnology & Bio-economy: Agreed to extend cooperation in health and medicine, agro-fishery products developed with the adoption of biotechnology; environment-related challenges and developing environmental and energy sectors through bio-technology, big data biotechnology; bio-research resources; synthetic biology, genome editing and microbiomes, etc. Two other MoUs were signed between Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), and South Korean National Research Council for Science & Technology and IIT Mumbai and Korea Institute of Science &Technology,to further accelerate future-oriented cooperation in their respective sectors Please Note: Century’s Longest Total Lunar Eclipse: On July 27-28, 2018 Sun and Mars will lie opposite to each other, keeping the Earth in the middle. This will result in Mars coming close to the Earth, causing it to appear brighter than normal. In this particular eclipse, the Moon will pass through the central part of the Earth’s umbral shadow. Furthermore, the Moon will be at apogee, means at farthest from the Earth in its orbit, on July 27 and will be moving at a slower speed in its orbit. This slower moving full Moon will take longer time and greater distance of Earth’s umbral shadow cone to travel, making it the longest duration of total eclipse of this century Dipa Karmakar: Won Gold in vault event at FIG World Challenge Cup Hima Das: Won Gold in 400m of World U20 Championships First Chairman of Rajya Sabha to sign an MOU: Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu Rajya Sabha has, for the first time in 76 years since it came into being, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a foreign counterpart- Rwanda for promoting inter-parliamentary dialogue. The MOU with 6 articles of cooperation seeks to promote Inter-Parliamentary dialogue, Capacity building of parliamentary staff, Organisation of conferences, forums, seminars, staff attachment programmes, workshops and exchanges, Collaboration in mutual interest in regional and international multilateral parliamentary bodies in furtherance of bilateral relations and friendship between the two countries. Polavaram Dam: In Andhra Pradesh Final rankings of States in Ease of Doing Business: By: Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry Andhra Pradesh Telangana Haryana Jharkhand Gujarat Government of India is committed to provide “Housing for All” by: 2022 Government declares 6 educational ‘Institutions of Eminence’ – ensure complete autonomy to the selected institutions and facilitate them to grow more rapidly. At the same time, they will get more opportunity to scale up their operations with more skills and quality improvement so that they become World Class Institutions in the field of education Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, Maharashtra Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi Jio Institute (Reliance Foundation), Pune under Green Field Category Birla Institute of Technology & Sciences, Pilani, Rajasthan Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka India Smart Cities Fellowship (ISCF) and Internship (ISCI) Program Launched: To provide opportunity to youth to work in the domain of Urban Planning and Governance Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus: Strikes an individual at a young age, the challenge is two-fold – First, the individual is expected to keep his Blood Sugar levels strictly on the lower side, so as to ensure that his eyes, kidneys, heart and other vital organs do not get affected over a long span of life that he will have to live dealing with diabetes. Secondly, this also poses an additional economic liability for a lifelong management of Diabetes for a longer number of years. Forum for India Pacific Islands Co-operation (FIPIC) Formed in: November 2014 Objective: To strengthen India’s relationship with the Pacific Island Countries Summits: 1st: In November 2014 in Suva, Fiji 2nd: FIPIC-II summit held in August 2015, in Jaipur, India Government of India has taken several steps to promote Cruise Tourism in the country Certainty of berth to cruise ships Ousting charges have been removed – this has reduced overall cost Discount of 42-66 % allowed in Port Charges Simplified SOPs issued for processes to be observed by multiple agencies like port authorities, Customs, Immigration, Security, State Govt., Ship Agents, Tour Operators etc. E-Landing card system is ready for ease of travelling among Indian ports E- visa introduced for online and on arrival visa facilities Cabotage waived for foreign cruise vessels on Indian shores enabling passengers to board the vessel at Indian Ports for voyage along Indian shores. Cruise terminals upgraded with more passenger amenities New cruise terminals to be constructed Reputed consultant appointed by Shipping Ministry to draw up a road map for Cruise Tourism in India. They have projected that the number of tourists is likely to go up to 4.5 million by 2042-43

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 23]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 23] Archives Q.1) ‘Pulikali’ is a recreational folk art from which of the following states? Tamil Nadu Kerala Odisha West Bengal Q.2) ‘Rakhine State’ of Myanmar is bordered which of the following states? Arunachal Pradesh Manipur Mizoram None of the above Q.3) ‘Thiourea’ is/can be used in which of the following? Insect Growth Regulator Antifungal Activity Minimise negative effect of salt stress Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 3 Only 1, 2 and 3 Q.4) ‘TPOXX’ was in news recently. It is concerned with Quantum Computing Small Pox Origami 3D Printing Machine Learning Q.5) Afzal Amanullah Committee was tasked with Education Policy Haj Policy Triple Talaq Uniform Civil Code To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

RSTV Video

RSTV- Police Reforms: The Challenges

Police Reforms: The Challenges Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation In News: In a relief to policemen in Tamil Nadu, the Madras High Court said that the state government should contemplate giving policemen a day off in a week, like other government officials in order to spend time with their families. Background: This statement is in response to the plea seeking abolition of the orderly system in the police force. Rational behind the statement: “Every government servant is entitled to a one-day holiday in a week so that they can spend time with their families, likewise why shouldn’t the police personnel get a weekly off.” Policemen are forced to work round-the-clock, sometimes without any holiday – one of the reasons for deviant activities of police officials. Policemen along with their family members face stress and mental agony and it is necessary to have at least a day’s holiday which would be helpful for them and their family members. A conducive atmosphere should be created for the policemen as it would help keep the morale high in the interest of the society. Challenges of police reforms: An assessment of the compliance status of states and union territories with the Supreme Court directives on police reforms has revealed that there has not been “a single case of full compliance” and that the governments have “either blatantly rejected, ignored, or diluted significant features of the directives”. Nature of the duties are very uncertain and the police itself says that policemen are on duty all the time – it's a violation of Human Rights. Arduous nature of duties i.e., the risk to life is very high. Policemen are killed in India in the performance of duties than in any other country of the world. There's no indication that in future the risk element would be less. Accountability to the political executive vs operational freedom: Police has the power to investigate crimes, enforce laws and maintain law and order in a state. To ensure that such power is only used for legitimate purposes, various countries have adopted safeguards such as making police accountable to the political executive and creating independent oversight authorities. In India, the political executive (i.e., ministers) has the power of superintendence and control over the police forces to ensure their accountability. However, the Second Administrative Reforms Commission has noted that this power has been misused, and ministers have used police forces for personal and political reasons. Hence, experts have recommended that the scope of the political executive’s power must be limited under law. Police force lack the training and the expertise required to conduct professional investigations. They also have insufficient legal knowledge (on aspects like admissibility of evidence) and the forensic and cyber infrastructure available to them is both inadequate and outdated. In light of this, police forces may use force and torture to secure evidence. Further, while crime investigations need to be fair and unbiased, in India they may be influenced by political or other extraneous considerations. Audits have noted that police vehicles are in short supply. New vehicles are often used to replace old vehicles, and there is a shortage of drivers. This affects the response time of the police, and consequently their effectiveness. Underutilisation of funds for modernisation: Both centre and states allocate funds for modernisation of state police forces. These funds are typically used for strengthening police infrastructure, by way of construction of police stations, purchase of weaponry, communication equipment and vehicles. However, there has been a persistent problem of underutilisation of modernisation funds. Reforms required: Accountability of the Government: The Second Administrative Reforms Commission has recommended that this power be limited to promoting professional efficiency and ensuring that police is acting in accordance with law - constitution of a state security commission (SSC) in each state and union territory with an aim to “ensure that the state government does not exercise unwarranted influence or pressure on the state police”. Housing facilities: To improve their efficiency and incentive to accept remote postings Work hours: Need to regulate the working hours. While the United Nations recommended standard is 222 police per lakh persons, India’s sanctioned strength is 181 police per lakh persons. After adjusting for vacancies, the actual police strength in India is at 137 police per lakh persons. Therefore, an average policeman ends up having an enormous workload and long working hours, which negatively affects his efficiency and performance. One way to reduce the burden of the police forces could be to outsource or redistribute some non-core police functions (such as traffic management, disaster rescue and relief, and issuing of court summons) to government departments or private agencies. These functions do not require any special knowledge of policing, and therefore may be performed by other agencies. This will also allow the police forces to give more time and energy to their core policing functions. Augmentation in the police strength: A high percentage of vacancies within the police forces exacerbates an existing problem of overburdened police personnel. Adequate facilities of transport Independent complaints authority: There is a need to have an independent complaints authority to inquire into cases of police misconduct. Police-public relations: The police force should receive greater training in soft skills (such as communication, counselling and leadership) given they need to deal with the public regularly. Police requires the confidence, cooperation and support of the community to prevent crime and disorder. Therefore, police-public relation is an important concern in effective policing. Community policing requires the police to work with the community for prevention and detection of crime, maintenance of public order, and resolving local conflicts, with the objective of providing a better quality of life and sense of security. Conclusion The government of India (GoI), came up with the concept of SMART police in 2014 — police that would be strict and sensitive, modern and mobile, alert and accountable, reliable and responsible, tech-savvy and trained. There was, however, no effort by the MHA to make the concept a reality. The states were, of course, unconcerned. Taking a long-term of view of states’ indifference to systemic improvements in police, it is high time that GoI consider bringing police in the “concurrent list” of the Constitution. If India is to achieve its status as a great power, it is absolutely essential that police is restructured and modernised. We have had enough of Rulers’ Police, what we need today is People’s Police. The transformation is overdue. Note: Under the Constitution, police is a subject governed by states.

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 14th July 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 14th July 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Swachh Survekshan Grameen, 2018 Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Government schemes and programmes; Social and Welfare, Health; Environment and Pollution In news: The Centre has launched the Swachh Survekshan Grameen, 2018. It is a nationwide survey of rural India to rank the cleanest and dirtiest States and districts on the basis of qualitative and quantitative evaluation. This is the first comprehensive survey for rural India, which has been launched after three successful editions of a similar survey in urban India. 6, 980 villages across 698 districts will be surveyed Do you know? The rankings will be based on three basic parameters: direct observation of public places by independent surveyors, service-level progress using data from the Swachh Bharat Mission’s information system and citizens’ feedback The feedback will be solicited through village meetings, online feedback and direct interviews, as well as discussions with key influencers such as local officials, elected representatives and anganwadi workers. An audio-visual publicity campaign, featuring Swachh Bharat ambassadors Amitabh Bachchan and Sachin Tendulkar, was also launched. Person in news: Hima Das In news: Hima Das, 18-year-old athlete from Assam, won World Under-20 championships gold at Tampere in Finland. It is a remarkable achievement as Indians have never done well in sprints on the global stage, even if athletes such as P.T. Usha dominated the 400 m at the Asian level. Hima’s under-20 title was the country’s first-ever gold in a track event at any IAAF World event. Do you know? Hina Das (53.21 seconds, 400mtrs) Manjit Kaur hold National Record - 51.05 s (400mtrs) Other athletes Discus thrower Vikas Gowda Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra India and US Sanctions: Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II - India and the world; International Relations In news: In tightrope walk, India schedules talks with Iran and U.S. The below pic provides all the info. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/07/14/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_11/2b4abb9d_2243948_101_mr.jpg Do you know? India is going ahead with the purchase of S-400 air defence systems from Russia despite American concerns. The U.S. has passed the CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) that proposes to impose sanctions on nations that have significant defence relations with Russia. India and Sri Lanka Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II - India and the world; International Relations In news: India has sought Sri Lanka’s cooperation in swift completion of joint ventures India-assisted projects such as – proposed joint venture to run the Mattala airport in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province; an LNG terminal near Colombo, and the joint development of the oil storage facility in the eastern port town of Trincomalee From below map locate following places – Galle Trincomalee Colombo Palk Strait Palk Bay Gulf of Mannar Pic: http://smartraveller.gov.au/Maps/Sri_Lanka.png (MAINS FOCUS) SOCIAL/NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Can mere policing alone end child abuse? Introduction: Police in India are caught up in the different nature of crimes committed in the country. If there are crimes such as frequent thefts in an area, it can be solved by increasing manpower, improving patrolling and using technology. But if the task is to deal with the recurrent rapes especially of minors, the above time tested methods prove to be futile. Do you know? In 80-85 per cent cases of child rapes in our country, the offender is a known person. He can be a neighbour, someone from the local community, a relative or even a family member staying under the same roof. This horrific data, from the National Crime Records Bureau, simply shows even the best of police systems and toughest of laws cannot ensure prevention of sexual violence against children. Issues in dealing with child abuses The legal system in the country can punish the perpetrator only after the crimes are committed and before that damage has already been done. A jail sentence to the accused comes after years of legal battle, if at all, and hardly helps the victim in dealing with lifelong trauma. Indian penal laws on sexual violence were last changed in 2013. It was a comprehensive and well thought out amendment; even the definition of rape was widened. Some crimes, mainly crimes involving women, like stalking and human trafficking were made punishable. But 5 years down the lane after Nirbhaya rape case in 2012 we are presented with more horrific crimes in Kathua, Unnao and other places. Steps taken to tackle sexual violence Rape is punishable with death if the victim is below 12 years of age, this has become the law of the land now. Today we have higher representation of women in the police force. Exclusive women police stations have been established. Gender sensitisation has become an essential part of the training curriculum in all police academies. Special cells to deal with crime against women and children are functional at all levels, starting from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi to the office of SP in each district. Have above steps really made difference in reducing sexual violence? During an awareness campaign conducted by the Odisha Police on sexual violence against children, many heart-rending stories were narrated by the victims. In most cases, the offender was either a relative or someone from the neighbourhood. A sexual offence by a known person is one of the worst things that can happen to a child. Due to the physical and social proximity with the offender, the crime gets perpetuated and the victims suffer continuously. Many a time, especially when the offender is a family member, the victims don’t resist or report due to fear of social stigma. Sometimes they are not supported by their own family. Sometimes minors do not even understand that they are being wronged. Even when such issues come to light, many families try to hush them up and offenders go unpunished. In many such incidents, victims are forced to change their statements in court just because the matter has been ‘amicably settled’ among the elders, who are mostly men. What can be done to reverse the horrifying scenario? In social crimes, the family and the community have an equally important role to play. Simple things like educating kids about ‘good touch’ and ‘bad touch’ can immensely help in preventing sexual abuse. Societal norms make it difficult for any fruitful discussion on sex including safety in the household. Children are left to fend for themselves. Similarly, families need to be educated that kids may need protection from people around them as the perpetrator is lurking in the vicinity all the time. Continuous community awareness programmes are highly essential in educating the possible victims, the affected families and even the likely offenders Community based programs like Anganwadi and Women Self Help Groups need to be recalibrated so that they can function as crèche because many rapes take place in urban slums, because children are left alone or with some person known to the parents. A regular discussion in the community on the issue of child sexual abuse can help change the mindset. The way ahead The perceived stigma attached to a victim has functioned as an escape tool for offenders. The recent “Me Too campaign” on social media has given courage to many women across the globe to speak up against the wrongs they suffered for years. The community awareness programs also have a similar impact. For example recently in a few cases of sexual abuse in Odisha, the victims said that the recent campaign gave them the courage to speak up. Along with stricter laws and effective policing, support from the family and society is needed to control the menace of child sexual abuse. Only when children are empowered to speak, when families are supportive and when the community is aware and joins hands with the police and other agencies, will we be able to keep our children safe. Connecting the dots: The use of mere policing to deal with child sexual abuse has proved to be insufficient. Critically analyse. Numerous legislations regarding ‘Rights of children’ in India have failed to tap the real essence of ‘Right to have a Childhood’. In the light of the statement critically discuss how effective the Indian legislations have been in securing the ‘Rights of children’? SOCIAL/NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. Repatriation of Prisoners: A pact on transfer of prisoners About: Repatriation of Prisoners Act, 2003 The Act deals with allowing convicted foreign nationals a chance to get transferred to their home countries, and prisoners of Indian origin in other states to be brought back to India, to serve the remaining part of their sentences. The transfer of such prisoners to their own native countries shall facilitate their social rehabilitation. Do you know? A sentence served in a foreign land, far away from family, familiar food and language, has been globally perceived to be more onerous than one served at home. Global conventions The right to return to one’s home country is assured under Article 12(4) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, provides for information to consulate, consular protection and consultation upon arrest, detention and during trial in a foreign country including entitlement to travel documents. Similarly, the UN Model Agreement on the Transfer of Foreign Prisoners and Recommendations on the Treatment of Foreign Prisoners 1985, lays emphasis on the social rehabilitation of foreign prisoners through early repatriation to their home countries to serve their remaining sentence. Articles 17 and 45 under UN Conventions of 2004 state that - state parties should consider entering into bilateral or multilateral agreements for transfer to their territory of persons sentenced to imprisonment or other forms of deprivation of liberty for completion of their sentences. In consonance with these international humanitarian commitments, most countries have legislated on a Repatriation of Prisoners Act. Indian conditions India legislated its Repatriation of Prisoners Act in 2003 and it came into force from 2004. The first part deals with the transfer of sentenced foreign national prisoners from India, while the second deals with the transfer of sentenced Indian nationals into India. It explains the eligibility for transfer, the transfer process and obligations upon the transferring and receiving states with regard to consent, communication and custody of a prisoner. Every sentenced foreign prisoner in an Indian prison and every Indian national in a prison abroad is technically eligible for repatriation to a prison in their home country under these conditions: they are willing; have no pending appeals; the offence is not an offence under military law; the sentence is not a death sentence; they have at least six months of their sentence still left to serve, and their transfer has the consent of both treaty countries. The Act is a significant one for India where there is considerable outflow and inflow by blue- and white-collar workers, fishermen, students, stateless persons and other groups, throughout the year. Several come into conflict with the law. The Government of India has so far signed bilateral Agreements on Transfer of Sentenced Persons with United Kingdom, Mauritius, Bulgaria, France, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Bangladesh, Brazil, Israel, Bosnia & Herzegovina, UAE, Italy, Turkey, Maldives-, Thailand, Russian Federation, Kuwait, Vietnam, Australia, Hong Kong, Qatar, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Bahrain. Key facts: There were as many as 7,850 Indian nationals in the prisons of 78 countries. According to India’s National Crime Records Bureau, 6,185 foreign national prisoners in India; 66% of them were from Bangladesh alone. Despite the call of alarming numbers and the scope of treaties, there were only nine foreign prisoners repatriated from India in 2015, six from the U.K. and one each from France, Germany and the UAE. Between 2003 and March 2018, only 63 of 171 prisoner applicants abroad have been transferred to India. Conclusion: Effecting transfers under the Repatriation of Prisoners Act, presents a win-win situation for India as it need not spend unduly on the housing of foreign national prisoners. It can also save the cost of providing consular services abroad by bringing back Indian prisoners. It can simultaneously satisfy the public expectation of bringing nationals home and the meeting of international humanitarian commitments. Connecting the dots: According to you, what is the difference between Extradition and Repatriation? Do you think there is a need for effective repatriation of prisoners? Discuss the steps taken at domestic an international level in this regard. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Q.1) Which of the following are not part of Open Defecation Free (ODF) States of India Chhattisgarh Haryana Madhya Pradesh Kerala Uttarakhand Select the correct code 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 5 1 and 3 Only 1 Q.2) Swachh Survekshan under Swachh Bharat Mission-urban is undertaken by which of the following ministry? Ministry of Drinking water and Sanitation Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry of Rural Development Q.3) The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) is in sync with which of the following ‘Goals of the Sustainable Development Goal’? Goal 1 Goal 3 Goal 7 Goal 6 Q.4) India and Sri Lanka are separated by Palk strait 8 degree channel 10 degree channel Strait of Malacca Q.5) Which of the following is correctly matched? Hambantota – Sri Lanka Chabahar - Afghanisatn Duqm – Iran Select the correct code: 1 Only 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 MUST READ Conferring eminence The Hindu Staring at statelessness The Hindu Common minimum resolve Indian Express Job gains versus fake analysis Indian Express

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