Aug 7, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 7th August 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 7th August 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Abortion Part of: Mains GS- I – Society – Women issues  In News Government has initiated the process for an inter-ministerial consultation on raising the gestation period for terminating a pregnancy to 24 weeks, from 20 at present, in case of health risk to the mother or foetus. The Supreme Court, in 2017, had declined to amend the Medical Termination Pregnancy (MTP)Act which prohibits termination of pregnancy beyond 20 weeks, saying that the issue fell within the legislative realm. The amendment in the MTP act aims to provide equal reproductive rights and also a provision for unmarried females and widows to undergo legal abortion. Presently, woman must seek legal recourse if the pregnancy has gone over 20 weeks to terminate the pregnancy.  Due to slow judicial process a pregnant woman is unable to get the abortion done thus pushing her to depend on illegal service providers for termination of unwanted pregnancies Do you know? A research paper recently published in The Lancet Global Health said a total of 15.6 million abortions were carried out in India in 2015. Of these, 11.5 million took place outside health facilities.  The Parliamentary committee on Woman’s health noted that awareness about abortion is very low and about 80% of women do not know that abortion is legal in India According to the ministry of health and family welfare, abortion deaths constitute 8% of all maternal deaths per year in India. Consumer Protection Bill Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS II- Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies. In News The Consumer Protection Bill 2019, already passed by Lok Sabha, was approved in the Upper House and will replace the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. Aim: To protect the interests of consumers by establishing authorities for timely and effective administration and settlement of consumers’ dispute. New Bill- Benefit to Consumers Presently Consumer only have a single point of access to justice, which is time consuming. Additional swift executive remedies are proposed in the bill through Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) CCPA will be empowered to investigate, recall, refund and impose penalties. It will regulate matters related to violation of consumer rights, unfair trade practices, and misleading advertisements. Provision for class action law suit for ensuring that rights of consumers are not infringed upon Deterrent punishment to check misleading advertisements and adulteration of products Product liability provision to deter manufacturers and service providers from delivering defective products or deficient services Ease of approaching Consumer Commission and Simplification of Adjudication process (Filing from place of residence, E-filing, Videoconferencing for hearing) Scope for early disposal of cases through mediation (ADR mechanism, Mediation cells to be attached to Consumer Forum) Provision for rules for new age consumer issues: e-commerce & direct selling Coal Plants and green norms Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS III- Environmental Conservation In News Current rules say that coal-fired power plants have to ensure that they curtail sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions by implementing appropriate technology by 2022 A report prepared by International Institute of Sustainable Development and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water has shown that implementing clean technology in coal-fired power plants can cost at least ₹73,000 crore This could mean a minimum of 10% hike in electricity bills for consumers Though cost of retrofitting plants may be high, not doing so would mean around 300,000 to 320,000 premature deaths and 5.1 crore hospital admission cases due to respiratory disorders between 2019 and 2030. Do you know? India’s installed power capacity as of March 2019 is 194,000 MW. According to the Central Electricity Authority, 166 GW of capacity requires retrofitting with flue gas desulphurisation (to meet sulphur oxide emission norms) and 66 GW with modifications or enhancements to reduce particulate matter emissions ECONOMY TOPIC: General studies 2 & 3 Important International institutions, agencies and forums, their structure, mandate. Indian Growth & Economy Economic Developments US says China manipulates Yuan Context: The US Treasury Department declared that China is a currency manipulator. The move came after the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), the central bank of China, allowed the yuan to suddenly depreciate (or lose value) relative to the dollar by 1.9 per cent — one of the biggest single-day falls. Concern: The on going trade war between the world’s two biggest economies was now turning into a currency war as well. What is a currency’s exchange rate? An exchange rate regime is how a nation manages its currency in the foreign exchange market. An exchange rate regime is closely related to that country's monetary policy. Example: In many ways, the exchange rate of your currency is the fundamental price in the economy. If an Indian car is worth Rs 10 lakh, then that is all the information we need to conduct that transaction; we do not have to wonder “what is the price of a rupee?”. However, if we’re trying to buy a car that was produced in, say the US, we would need more information than just its price (say, $15,000 in the US). This is because buying the imported car involves two transactions: one, using your rupees to buy 15,000 dollars; two, using these dollars to buy the car. It often determines the affordability of buying or selling internationally. So, if the rupee is at 70 to a dollar, the car may be affordable, but not so at 100 to a dollar. There is a flip side to this picture. While a stronger rupee (that is 70/$, instead of 100/$) is better for you as a consumer, it is worse for you if you were an Indian car manufacturer hoping to sell your car in the US. That’s because the rupee’s strength makes your car that much less affordable to US consumers. How are exchange rates determined? In an ideal world, the exchange rate for any currency would be determined by the interplay of its demand and supply.  For example: If more Indians want to buy US goods, there would be a higher demand for the dollar relative to the rupee. This, in turn, would mean the dollar would be “stronger” than the rupee — and gain in strength as the demand increases. If demand falls, the dollar would depreciate relative to the rupee (or the rupee would appreciate relative to the dollar). What is currency manipulation? The real world is far from ideal. Most governments and central banks are bothered about generating more growth and employment at home.  A weaker domestic currency comes in very handy when governments are trying to attract foreign demand and boost exports.  China’s economic growth has been essentially fuelled by exporting to the world. Currency manipulation happens when governments try to artificially tweak the exchange rate to gain an “unfair” advantage in trade.  In other words, if China’s central bank buys dollars in the forex market, it can artificially weaken the yuan — and Chinese goods will then become more affordable (and competitive) in the international market. Some amount of such “intervention” by central banks is allowed to reduce wild fluctuations in the exchange rate. But excessive and undisclosed interventions are not considered fair. How did the US conclude that China was manipulating the yuan? In the so-called “FX report” released by the US Treasury Department in May, it found that the yuan’s depreciation against the dollar was far more than its depreciation against a trade-weighted basket of 24 currencies . It also found that the yuan depreciated more than what it should have, if the fall were due only to the known interventions by the Chinese central bank. The US accused the People’s Bank of China of using China’s state-owned enterprises to do its dirty work.  The US has also found that Chinese authorities intervene more assiduously when the yuan starts appreciating against the dollar, but look the other way when the yuan starts weakening. Connecting the dots: How is the currency exchange rate determined? Who determines it ? Explain the Exchange rate interms of Purchasing power parity (PPP). What is Nominal Effective Exchange Rate (NEER), Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER)? POLITY Topic: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Consumer protection bill 2019 Context The Rajya Sabha passed the Consumer Protection Bill, 2019 that provides for the establishment of authorities for the timely and effective administration and settlement of consumer disputes. The Bill seeks to replace the three-decade-old Consumer Protection Act, 1986. Back ground: The CPA, 1986 was enacted considering the large number of consumers in India who are illiterate and are susceptible to exploitation by unscrupulous businesses. Hence, a major objective of this Act was to make consumers aware of the various quality-control measures (e.g. Hallmark, BIS-mark etc.) being employed for the products and the rights available to them to seek Redressal against unfair practices. Although, the impacts have been largely positive as is visible in the increased consumer awareness and adherence of businesses to the quality-control standards, there have been certain issues as well. The movement has left many rural regions untouched. Also, the slow progress of addressing the cases has resulted in large-scale pendency.  Key features of the Bill include: Definition of consumer:  A consumer is defined as a person who buys any good or avails a service for a consideration.  It does not include a person who obtains a good for resale or a good or service for commercial purpose.  It covers transactions through all modes including offline, and online through electronic means, teleshopping, multi-level marketing or direct selling. Rights of consumers:  Six consumer rights have been defined in the Bill, including the right to:  be protected against marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life and property;  be informed of the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods or services; be assured of access to a variety of goods or services at competitive prices; and  seek redressal against unfair or restrictive trade practices. Central Consumer Protection Authority:  The central government will set up a Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers.   It will regulate matters related to violation of consumer rights, unfair trade practices, and misleading advertisements.  The CCPA will have an investigation wing, headed by a Director-General, which may conduct inquiry or investigation into such violations. CCPA will carry out the following functions, including:  Inquiring into violations of consumer rights, investigating and launching prosecution at the appropriate forum;  Passing orders to recall goods or withdraw services that are hazardous, reimbursement of the price paid, and discontinuation of the unfair trade practices, as defined in the Bill;  Issuing directions to the concerned trader/ manufacturer/ endorser/ advertiser/ publisher to either discontinue a false or misleading advertisement, or modify it;  Imposing penalties, and;  Issuing safety notices to consumers against unsafe goods and services. Penalties for misleading advertisement:  The CCPA may impose a penalty on a manufacturer or an endorser of up to Rs 10 lakh and imprisonment for up to two years for a false or misleading advertisement.  In case of a subsequent offence, the fine may extend to Rs 50 lakh and imprisonment of up to five years. CCPA can also prohibit the endorser of a misleading advertisement from endorsing that particular product or service for a period of up to one year. For every subsequent offence, the period of prohibition may extend to three years.  However, there are certain exceptions when an endorser will not be held liable for such a penalty.  Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission:  Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (CDRCs) will be set up at the district, state, and national levels.   A consumer can file a complaint with CDRCs in relation to:  Unfair or restrictive trade practices;  Defective goods or services;  Overcharging or deceptive charging; and  The offering of goods or services for sale which may be hazardous to life and safety.  Complaints against an unfair contract can be filed with only the State and National   Appeals from a District CDRC will be heard by the State CDRC.  Appeals from the State CDRC will be heard by the National CDRC.  Final appeal will lie before the Supreme Court. Jurisdiction of CDRCs: The District CDRC will entertain complaints where value of goods and services does not exceed Rs one crore.  The State CDRC will entertain complaints when the value is more than Rs one crore but does not exceed Rs 10 crore.  Complaints with value of goods and services over Rs 10 crore will be entertained by the National CDRC. Product liability:  Product liability means the liability of a product manufacturer, service provider or seller to compensate a consumer for any harm or injury caused by a defective good or deficient service.  To claim compensation, a consumer has to prove any one of the conditions for defect or deficiency, as given in the Bill.  New Bill- Benefit to Consumers Presently Consumer only have a single point of access to justice, which is time consuming. Additional swift executive remedies are proposed in the bill through Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) Deterrent punishment to check misleading advertisements and adulteration of products Product liability provision to deter manufacturers and service providers from delivering defective products or deficient services Ease of approaching Consumer Commission and Simplification of Adjudication process Scope for early disposal of cases through mediation Provision for rules for new age consumer issues: e-commerce & direct selling Conclusion: However, certain issues such as the appointment of mediators to settle disputes are contentious as this would lead to arm-twisting of the weaker parties and may encourage corruption. Also, the setting up of a Consumer Authority and absence of provisions to streamline the conducting of cases in courts may only lead to greater regulations and complexities. Addressing these issues is necessary to ensure that the new amendments bring about definitive improvements in the CPA. Connecting the dots: Discuss the salient features of consumer protection bill 2019?  (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements Abortion is illegal in India Abortion deaths constitute 8% of all maternal deaths per year in India. Presently, woman must seek legal recourse if the pregnancy has gone over 20 weeks to terminate the pregnancy  Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 Q.2) Consider the following statements about Consumer Protection Bill, 2019 The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) proposed under the bill can initiate class action, including enforcing recall, refund and return of products. However, the bill falls short as it does not have provision for Mediation and e-filing of cases Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements Coal-fired power plants in India have to ensure that they curtail sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions by 2022 through adoption of clean technologies  India’s installed power capacity as of March 2019 is 100,000 MW. Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ Afghanistan shadow over India’s move The Hindu Bankruptcy cases must account for the time value of money Live Mint The hard realities of India’s fast-track courts The Hindu The battle continues Indian express

Aug 7, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 43

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 43 Archives Q.1) The ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’ wraps which of the following countries? Canada New Zealand Japan Chile Select the correct code: 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 4 1, 3 and 4 All of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements about National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) Environment Protection Act provides for creating the National Tiger Conservation Authority It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Project Tiger is administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 1, 2 and 3 Q.3) Consider the following statements about ‘Jhum Cultivation’ It is the process of growing crops by first clearing the land of trees and vegetation and burning them thereafter. It is a primitive practice of cultivation in States of Southern India Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? AGMARK – Agriculture RERA – Real Estate NPPA – Medicines Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) Which of the following can be considered as an import duty? Countervailing Duty  Safeguard Duty Anti-Dumping Duty Select the correct code: 1 and 3 2 and 3 3 Only 1, 2 and 3 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Aug 7, 2019 RSTV Video

RSTV IAS UPSC – Shimla Pact and Lahore Agreement

Shimla Pact and Lahore Agreement Archives In news: Hours after US President Donald Trump claimed India had sought his help solve the Kashmir dispute, leader after leader, across the Indian political divide, cited the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999 to stress that Kashmir is a bilateral issue. But what are these treaties? SIMLA AGREEMENT, 1972 Signed by: Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on July 2, 1972, in the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The agreement was a peace treaty signed by the two nations after the end of the 1971 Bangladesh war. Bangladesh had been a part of Pakistan since the 1947 Partition. In 1971, it waged a war of independence against Pakistan. India entered the war as an ally of Bangladesh which transformed the war into an Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The agreement was ratified by the parliaments of both the nations in the same year. The Simla Agreement sought to reverse the consequences of the 1971 war i.e. to bring about withdrawals of troops and an exchange of prisoners of war (PoWs). The agreement resolved that the two countries put an end to the conflict and confrontation that have marred their relations and work for the promotion of a friendly and harmonious relationship. Established a mutual commitment to the peaceful resolution of all issues through direct bilateral approaches. Said that both sides shall always respect each other's national unity, territorial integrity, political independence and sovereign equality. It converted the cease-fire line of 17 December 1971 into the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan and it was agreed that "neither side shall seek to alter it unilaterally, irrespective of mutual differences and legal interpretations". Most importantly, the Simla Agreement established that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. India has, many times, cited the Simla Agreement to deny any third-party intervention in the Kashmir dispute, including that of the United Nations. LAHORE DECLARATION, 1999 The Lahore Declaration was a bilateral agreement and governance treaty between India and Pakistan. The treaty was signed on 21 February 1999, at the conclusion of a historic summit in Lahore, and ratified by the parliaments of both countries the same year. The declaration was signed by Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif. The accord was vital to Indo-Pak relations at it came at a time when both countries had established themselves as atomic powers through publicly performed nuclear tests in 1998. Under the terms of the treaty, a mutual understanding was reached towards the development of atomic arsenals and to avoid accidental and unauthorised operational use of nuclear weapons. It signalled a major breakthrough in overcoming the historically strained bilateral relations between the two nations. It recognized that the nuclear dimension of the security environment of the two countries adds to their responsibility for avoidance of conflict between them. Committed both to the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, and the universally accepted principles of peaceful co-existence. Committed both countries to the objectives of universal nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Reiterated the determination of both countries to implementing the Shimla Agreement in letter and spirit. Was meant to intensify India and Pakistan's composite and integrated dialogue process for an early and positive outcome of the agreed bilateral agenda. The treaty stressed on India and Pakistan's resolve to combat terrorism and mutual non-interference in internal affairs. Connecting the Dots: What were the key features of the Shimla Agreement signed by India and Pakistan post 1971 war? Critics say that the agreement was a lost opportunity for India. What do you think? Critically Comment.

Aug 6, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 6th August 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 6th August 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Surrogacy (regulation) bill, 2019 Part of: Mains GS- I – Society – Women issues  In News Lok Sabha has passed the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019 that prohibits commercial surrogacy, but allows altruistic surrogacy. Surrogacy: Surrogacy is a practice where a woman gives birth to a child for an intending couple with the intention to hand over the child after the birth to the intending couple. Commercial Surrogacy: It refers to any surrogacy arrangement in which the surrogate mother is compensated for her services beyond reimbursement of medical expenses. Altruistic Surrogacy: In this a woman volunteers to carry a pregnancy for intended parents without receiving any monetary compensation in return. Most altruistic surrogacies are between family members or close friends.  The bill provides for constituting a National Surrogacy Board, State Surrogacy Boards, and the appointment of appropriate authorities for the regulation of the practice and process of surrogacy. The offences under the Bill include undertaking or advertising commercial surrogacy, exploiting the surrogate mother and abandoning, exploiting or disowning a surrogate child. Do you know? India has emerged as a hub for surrogacy in recent years with 2000 to 3000 surrogacy clinics running illegally in the country.  Commercial surrogacy is banned and considered illegal in many countries including New Zealand, the United Kingdom, China, South Africa, Spain, and Switzerland. Draft national resource efficiency policy Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS III – Environment Conservation In News The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has proposed a draft National Resource Efficiency Policy 2019 which aims to streamline the efficient use of these resources with minimum negative impact on environment. The draft policy comes in the backdrop of India increasing its material consumption to six times from 1.8 billion ton in 1970 to 7 billion ton in 2015. Aim: to minimize this inherent cost of economic growth on the natural environment by transforming country’s waste management sector into a secondary resource recovery sector. National Resource Efficiency Authority (NREA) will be set up whose mandate will be developing and implementing resource efficient strategies for material recycling, reuse and land-filling targets for various sectors and set standards for reuse of secondary raw materials NERA would be supported by an Inter-Ministerial National Resource Efficiency Board to guide on the aspects critical to its implementation. Other measures include tax benefits on recycled materials, green loans to small and medium Enterprises (SMEs) and soft loans to construct waste disposal facilities, apart from setting up Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) Do you know? India’s resource extraction of 1580 tonnes/acre is much higher than the world average of 450 tonnes/acre, while material productivity remains low. The country’s recycling rate is just about 20-25% compared with 70% in developing countries in Europe. Resource Assistance for Colleges with Excellence (RACE) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS II- Issue relating to Education In News Rajasthan government has launched a new higher education model titled Resource Assistance for Colleges with Excellence. This model is utilized for distribution of faculties and movable assets among the government colleges at the district level to rationalise the availability of resources.  The model will create a pool for sharing of facilities which will benefit the colleges lacking infrastructure. The colleges in need will submit their requirement to the nodal college in the district, which will send the teachers on deputation, if needed, and provide the facilities such as projectors, digital libraries, equipment and technicians. RACE will give autonomy to small colleges and help them find solutions to their problems at the local level. (MAINS FOCUS) JAMMU AND KASHMIR/ARTICLE 370 TOPIC: General Studies 2 Social Justice 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. Article 370 Context  Jammu and Kashmir has lost its special status, and reduced to two Union Territories Special status was withdrawn by invoking the same Article 370 which had been seen as firewalling the autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir.  What is the significance of Article 370? The most important feature of federalism in the United States was the “compact” between the 13 erstwhile British colonies that constituted themselves first into a confederation and then into a federal polity under the country’s 1791 constitution.  India’s Supreme Court in State of West Bengal v. Union of India (1962) attached the highest importance to an “agreement or compact between states” as an essential characteristic of federalism.  In SBI (2016), the apex court accepted the presence of this compact for Kashmir.  Article 370 was an essential facet of India’s federalism because, like the compact in the United States, it governed the relationship of the Union with Jammu and Kashmir.  The Supreme Court has held federalism to be part of the basic structure of India’s Constitution The original draft of Article 370 was drawn up by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. A modified version of the draft was passed in the Constituent Assembly of India on May 27, 1949. Moving the motion, N Gopalaswami Ayyangar said that if the accession was not ratified by a plebiscite, “we shall not stand in the way of Kashmir separating herself away from India”. On October 17, 1949, Article 370 was included in India’s Constitution by the Constituent Assembly. Some critics of Article 370 have argued earlier that Kashmir joined India in 1947 without any conditions, and Article 370 unnecessarily gave it special status.  However, the drafting of the Constitution ended on November 26, 1949 — Article 370 had been included before the Constitution was adopted. What did the Instrument of Accession say? The Indian Independence Act, 1947, divided British India, i.e., the territories under the direct administration of the British, into India and Pakistan.  The 580-odd princely states that had signed subsidiary alliances with the British had their sovereignty restored to them, and were given the options of remaining independent, joining the Dominion of India, or joining the Dominion of Pakistan.  Section 6(a) of the Act said joining either India or Pakistan would have to be through an Instrument of Accession.  States could specify the terms on which they were joining one of the new dominions. Technically, therefore, the Instrument of Accession was like a treaty between two sovereign countries that had decided to work together.  The maxim of pacta sunt servanda in international law, which governs contracts or treaties between states, asks that promises must be honoured.  Monday’s Presidential Order under Article 370 is a negation of the constitutional pact that India signed with Maharaja Hari Singh. The Maharaja, the Hindu king of a Muslim-majority state, had initially wanted to stay independent. He signed the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947, after Afridi tribesmen and Pakistan Army regulars invaded the state, and India agreed to help only after he acceded.  The Schedule appended to the Instrument of Accession gave the Indian Parliament power to legislate for Jammu and Kashmir on only defence, external affairs and communications. Article 370 was a constitutional recognition of the conditions mentioned in the Instrument of Accession, and reflected the contractual rights and obligations of the two parties. But wasn’t Article 370 just a temporary provision? Article 370 is the second Article of Part XXI of India’s Constitution, which is titled “Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions”. Article 370 was temporary in the sense that the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir was given the right to modify/delete/retain it. The Constituent Assembly of Kashmir decided in its wisdom to retain it. The other view was that it was “temporary” until a plebiscite had been held to ascertain the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. In a written reply to Parliament last year, the government had said there was no proposal to remove Article 370. In Kumari Vijayalakshmi Jha vs Union Of India (2017), Delhi High Court rejected a petition that argued that Article 370 was temporary, and that its continuation was a fraud on the Constitution. In April 2018, the Supreme Court said that the word “temporary” in the headnote notwithstanding, Article 370 was not temporary. In Santosh Kumar (2017), the apex court said that due to historical reasons, Jammu and Kashmir had a special status. The Supreme Court in SBI v Zaffar Ullah Nehru (2016) observed that the federal structure of the Constitution is reflected in Part XXI. The court also said that J&K; has a special status, and that Article 370 was not temporary. The court referred to Article 369 of Part XXI that specifically mentions the period of five years; no time limit is mentioned in Article 370. The court observed that Article 370 cannot be repealed without the concurrence of the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir. In Prem Nath Kaul (1959), a five-judge Bench of the Supreme Court observed that Article 370(2) shows that the continuance of the exercise of powers conferred on Parliament and the President by the relevant temporary provisions of Article 370(1) is made conditional on the final approval of the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir. In Sampat Prakash (1968), the apex court decided that Article 370 could be invoked even after the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir. “Article 370 has never ceased to be operative,” the five-judge Bench said. Has Article 370 been scrapped? The Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019, issued by President Ram Nath Kovind “in exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (1) of Article 370 of the Constitution”, has not abrogated Article 370.  While this provision remains in the statute book, it has been used to withdraw the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.  The Presidential Order has extended all provisions of the Indian Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir. It has also ordered that references to the Sadr-i-Riyasat of Jammu and Kashmir shall be construed as references to the Governor of the state, and “references to the Government of the said State shall be construed as including references to the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir acting on the advice of his Council of Ministers”.  This is the first time that Article 370 has been used to amend Article 367 (which deals with Interpretation) in respect of Jammu and Kashmir, and this amendment has then been used to amend Article 370 itself. What is the status of Article 35A now? Article 35A stems from Article 370, and was introduced through a Presidential Order in 1954. Article 35A does not appear in the main body of the Constitution — Article 35 is followed by Article 36 — but appears in Appendix I. Article 35A empowers the Jammu and Kashmir legislature to define the permanent residents of the state, and their special rights and privileges. Presidential Order has extended all provisions of the Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir, including the chapter on Fundamental Rights.  Therefore, the discriminatory provisions under Article 35A are now unconstitutional. The President may also withdraw Article 35A.  What has changed in Jammu and Kashmir? The state of Jammu and Kashmir will now cease to exist; it will be replaced by two new Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. UTs have become states earlier; this is the first time that a state has been converted into a UT. The UT of Jammu and Kashmir will have an Assembly, like in Delhi and Puducherry. Not only has Jammu and Kashmir lost its special status, it has been given a status lower than that of other states. Instead of 29, India will now have 28 states. Kashmir will no longer have a Governor, rather a Lieutenant Governor like in Delhi or Puducherry. Can the Presidential Order be challenged in the Supreme Court? On what grounds? It will most likely be challenged. However, the Supreme Court will consider that Article 370 does, indeed, give sweeping powers to the President. It might also take two to three years for a Constitution Bench of the court to decide such a challenge. The possible grounds of challenge could include the argument that the conversion of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory is in violation of Article 3, as the Bill was not referred by the President to the state Assembly. Also, can the Constituent Assembly mean Legislative Assembly? Are the Governor and the state government one and same? The constitutional relevance of Instrument of Accession will also be examined by the court. Whether Article 370 was part of the basic structure will likely be considered. The use of Article 367 in amending Article 370 will also be examined. How would the status of J&K; as a Union Territory (and Ladakh too as a non-legislature UT) affect the governance of these States? There are two models – Puducherry and the National Capital Territory of Delhi - which can guide the proposed Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir on becoming a Union Territory.  While the former seems to be having no restriction with regard to framing laws on police, public order and land, the latter is specifically barred from making laws on the three subjects.  It was through an enabling provision – 239 A - that the Puducherry legislature was formed, whereas, in the case of Delhi, the provision – 239AA – spells out the contours of powers of the legislature and council of ministers. In respect of Ladakh, where there is no Legislative Assembly, the role of the Administrator or Lt. Governor will be greater than that of Jammu & Kashmir. His source of authority is the President. Conclusion: Article 370 is the bedrock of the constitutional relationship between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India. It has been described as a tunnel through which the Constitution is applied to J&K.; India has used Article 370 at least 45 times to extend provisions of the Indian Constitution to J&K.; This is the only way through which, by mere Presidential Orders, India has almost nullified the effect of J&K;’s special status Thus, the move is bound to have a significant impact on the demography, culture, and politics of J&K.; Connecting the dots: Discuss the history of Article 370? Violence, terrorism, and killings are never the answer – be it on any side. What do you think? Discuss government’s strategy towards handling the Kashmir issue.  WOMEN/ HEALTH Topic: General studies paper 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019 CONTEXT: The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019 was introduced by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, The Bill defines surrogacy as a practice where a woman gives birth to a child for an intending couple with the intention to hand over the child after the birth to the intending couple. Regulation of surrogacy:  The Bill prohibits commercial surrogacy, but allows altruistic surrogacy.   Altruistic surrogacy involves no monetary compensation to the surrogate mother other than the medical expenses and insurance coverage during the pregnancy. Commercial surrogacy includes surrogacy or its related procedures undertaken for a monetary benefit or reward (in cash or kind) exceeding the basic medical expenses and insurance coverage. Purposes for which surrogacy is permitted:  Surrogacy is permitted when it is:  For intending couples who suffer from proven infertility Altruistic Not for commercial purposes Not for producing children for sale, prostitution or other forms of exploitation; and  For any condition or disease specified through regulations. Eligibility criteria for intending couple:  The intending couple should have a ‘certificate of essentiality’ and a ‘certificate of eligibility’ issued by the appropriate authority.  A certificate of essentiality will be issued upon fulfilment of the following conditions:  A certificate of proven infertility of one or both members of the intending couple from a District Medical Board An order of parentage and custody of the surrogate child passed by a Magistrate’s court; and  Insurance coverage for a period of 16 months covering postpartum delivery complications for the surrogate. The certificate of eligibility to the intending couple is issued upon fulfilment of the following conditions:  The couple being Indian citizens and married for at least five years Between 23 to 50 years old (wife) and 26 to 55 years old (husband);  They do not have any surviving child (biological, adopted or surrogate); this would not include a child who is mentally or physically challenged or suffers from life threatening disorder or fatal illness; and  Other conditions that may be specified by regulations Eligibility criteria for surrogate mother:  To obtain a certificate of eligibility from the appropriate authority, the surrogate mother has to be:  A close relative of the intending couple;  A married woman having a child of her own;  25 to 35 years old;  A surrogate only once in her lifetime; and  Possess a certificate of medical and psychological fitness for surrogacy.  Further, the surrogate mother cannot provide her own gametes for surrogacy. Appropriate authority:  The central and state governments shall appoint one or more appropriate authorities within 90 days of the Bill becoming an Act.   The functions of the appropriate authority include;  Granting, suspending or cancelling registration of surrogacy clinics;  Enforcing standards for surrogacy clinics;  Investigating and taking action against breach of the provisions of the Bill;  Recommending modifications to the rules and regulations Registration of surrogacy clinics:  Surrogacy clinics cannot undertake surrogacy related procedures unless they are registered by the appropriate authority.  Clinics must apply for registration within a period of 60 days from the date of appointment of the appropriate authority.  National and State Surrogacy Boards:  The central and the state governments shall constitute the National Surrogacy Board (NSB) and the State Surrogacy Boards (SSB), respectively.  Functions of the NSB include,  Advising the central government on policy matters relating to surrogacy;  Laying down the code of conduct of surrogacy clinics; and  Supervising the functioning of SSBs. Parentage and abortion of surrogate child:  A child born out of a surrogacy procedure will be deemed to be the biological child of the intending couple.  An abortion of the surrogate child requires the written consent of the surrogate mother and the authorisation of the appropriate authority.  This authorisation must be compliant with the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971.  Further, the surrogate mother will have an option to withdraw from surrogacy before the embryo is implanted in her womb. Offences and penalties: The offences under the Bill include:  Undertaking or advertising commercial surrogacy;  Exploiting the surrogate mother;  Abandoning, exploiting or disowning a surrogate child; and  Selling or importing human embryo or gametes for surrogacy.   The penalty for such offences is imprisonment up to 10 years and a fine up to 10 lakh rupees.  The Bill specifies a range of offences and penalties for other contraventions of the provisions of the Bill.  Laws Governing Surrogacy in Different Countries While countries like Britain, America, Australia, the Netherlands and Denmark are among those where altruistic surrogacy is legal, countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Bulgaria prohibit all forms of surrogacy. Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine allow both altruistic and commercial surrogacy. Kenya, Malaysia and Nigeria do not prohibit surrogacy but have no formal law to regulate the practice. The Czech Republic, Colombia, Chile and Hungary are among countries with unregulated surrogacy. In Britain Commercial Surrogacy is not legal in the United Kingdom. The surrogate is the child’s legal parent at birth. Legal parenthood can be transferred by parental order or adoption only once the child is born. In USA The surrogacy laws vary from state to state. Surrogacy friendly states allow both commercial and altruistic surrogacy. Arkansas, California, New Hampshire are some such surrogacy-friendly states. New York does not allow commercial surrogacy and Michigan forbids absolutely all surrogacy agreements. In Canada Canada’s Assisted Human Reproduction Act permits only altruistic surrogacy. Surrogate mothers may be reimbursed only for approved expenses. However, all surrogacy arrangements are illegal in Quebec in Canada. Conclusion: The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2019 cements the ban on commercial surrogacy, but it fails to effectively tackle the larger social, physical, psychological, emotional and economic issues that continue to challenge the welfare and safety of both the surrogate mother and the child. Just the removal of the commercial aspects in the current surrogacy arrangements does not remove the chances of exploitation. So the rights of surrogate mother and child born must comprehensively be formulated, along with that ART must be regulated thoroughly. Connecting the dots: Discuss the provisions and challenges of surrogacy regulation bill 2019. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements about Surrogacy Surrogacy is a process of fertilisation where an egg is combined with sperm outside the body, in laboratory conditions Recently a bill has been passed in Lok Sabha which provides for blanket ban on Surrogacy in India Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements India’s resource extraction of 1580 tonnes/acre is much higher than the world average of 450 tonnes/acre, while material productivity remains low. The country’s recycling rate is just about 20-25% compared with 70% in developing countries in Europe. Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Which state has launched Resource Assistance for Colleges with Excellence (RACE) for distribution of faculties and movable assets among the government colleges ? Delhi Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh Kerala Must Read: Possibilities in the Northwest Indian Express Code Red for labour The Hindu Clouds of uncertainty over Afghanistan The Hindu What is Section 144 of CrPC? Indian Express

Aug 6, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 42

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 42 Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Mechi River’ It is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River It is a trans-boundary river flowing through China and India Select the correct statements 1 Only  2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) English Channel is between England and  France Spain Ireland Wales Q.3) Which of the following are member countries of ‘Mekong–Ganga Cooperation’? Thailand Malaysia Cambodia India Select the correct code: 1, 2 and 3 1, 3 and 4 2, 3 and 4 1, 2 and 4 Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Global Coalition of the Willing on Pollinators’ It was formed in 2016 to follow up on the findings of IPBES assessment on Pollinators, Pollination and Food Production India is a founder member of the Coalition Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)’ It is the nodal agency for implementing Bilateral Social Security Agreements with other countries on a reciprocal basis. It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Labour and Employment Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Aug 5, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 5th August 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 5th August 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) One Nation-one Ration Card scheme Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS- III – Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping In News Centre launched the One Nation-One Ration Card scheme on a pilot basis in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat Families who have food security cards can buy subsidized rice and wheat from any ration shop in these states.  Their ration cards should be linked with Aadhar Number to avail this service.  The Centre is intended to extend the programme to all states by August next year so that the portability of the food security card implemented.   The national portability of ration cards will ensure all beneficiaries especially the migrants in getting access to PDS across the nation from any PDS shop of their own choice Quick reaction surface-to-air missiles (QRSAM) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS III – Security issues In News DRDO successfully flight-tested its state-of-the-art QRSAM against live aerial targets from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur. The all-weather and all-terrain missile, can be mounted on a truck and stored in a canister, is equipped with electronic counter measures against jamming by aircraft radars  The systems are equipped with indigenously-developed Phased array radar, Inertial Navigation System, Data Link & RF seeker. The system is being developed for Indian Army with search and track on move capability with very short reaction time QRSAM uses solid-fuel propellant and has a range of 25-30 km Genome India initiative Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS III – Science & Technology In News The Department of Biotechology (DBT) plans to scan nearly 20,000 Indian genomes over the next five years, in a two-phase exercise, and develop diagnostic tests that can be used to test for cancer. The programme is expected to formally launch in October, with an estimated budget of ₹250-350 crore for the Phase-1. The first phase involves sequencing the complete genomes of nearly 10,000 Indians from all corners of the country and capture the biological diversity of India In the next phase, about 10,000 “diseased individuals” would have their genomes sequenced.  This vast data would be compared using machine learning techniques to identify genes that can predict cancer risk and other diseases that could be influenced by genetic anomalies. Agencies involved: 22 institutions, including those from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the DBT However, the data generated would be accessible to researchers anywhere for analysis.  This would be through a proposed National Biological Data Centre envisaged in a policy called the ‘Biological Data Storage, Access and Sharing Policy’, which is still in early stages of discussion. (MAINS FOCUS) AGRICULTURE/SOLAR ENERGY TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. General Studies 3 Infrastructure: Energy From Plate to Plough Context : Helping farmers produce solar energy can help realise the government’s target of doubling farmers’ incomes. In July, two interesting things happened that can help Indian farmers to a large extent in augmenting their incomes The First one,  the Union Finance Minister (FM) in her maiden budget speech asked why the annadata (farmer) cannot become the urjadata (producer of solar power) The second one, in Parliament, the agriculture minister for state, responding to a question on the prime minister’s promise of doubling farmers’ income (DFI) by 2022, admitted that the existing set of policies cannot double farmers’ real incomes by 2022. Concern: Existing set of policies cannot double farmers’ real incomes by 2022. Doubling the Farmer’s income Committee headed by Ashok Dalwai in April 2016 was setup. The Committee clarified real incomes will need to be doubled over seven years (over a base income of 2015-16), which requires a growth rate of 10.4 per cent per year.  The Committee submitted its final report in September 2018. It comprises of 14 volumes (almost 3,000 pages) and 619 recommendations. The FM’s statement on the annadata becoming the urjadata, the policy has the potential to double farmers incomes within a year or two.  In the Past: The PM has also set a target of producing 100 GW of solar power by 2022. He wants the country to be one of the frontrunners in the International Solar Alliance for clean energy.  So far, the model that has been adopted to develop solar power is inviting bids from large business players. And big players did enter, ranging from Mahindra and Mahindra to the Adanis and so on.  Some of them, who entered early into power purchase agreements (PPA) with state governments, had to burn their hands when the costs came down and state governments forced them to revise the costs of PPA downwards, upsetting their economic calculations.  But this model of generating solar power was not very inclusive. The land is locked for solar panels for almost 25 years, and the benefits go only to a few investors. What can be done? The alternative model is to help farmers produce solar power on their lands, making annadata an urjadata.  This model will be much more inclusive and can help augment their incomes significantly.  There are two variants of this:  One, replace all pump-sets, especially diesel ones, with solar pumps and the excess power generated through solar panels can be purchased by state governments at a price that gives the farmer a good margin over his cost of producing solar power.  Second, encourage farmers to grow “solar trees” on their lands at a height of about 10-12 feet in a manner that enough sunlight keeps coming to plants below. Under this variant, the farmer can keep growing two irrigated crops as he has been doing, but the solar tree generates a lot of excess power that can be purchased by the state government.  The power generated under the second variant is multiple times more than under the first variant, and therefore the income augmentation can also be several times more than under the first variant. Challenges to adopt this model The problem is of mobilising enough capital to instal these solar trees. In one acre you can have 500 solar trees in such a manner that even tractors can move through those and farmers can keep growing their normal two crops. It does not impact their productivity as there is ample sunlight coming from the sides for photosynthesis. The second pre-condition is that the state should be ready to do the power purchase agreement. Key notes: The Delhi government actually announced a policy to that effect. As per their calculations, 500 trees can be put on an acre of farmer’s land; the investment in solar panels (trees) will be done by other business people. The only thing that the farmer has to assure is that for 25 years he will not convert his land to other uses The economic calculations suggest that farmers can be given Rs one lakh/acre per annum as net income, with a six per cent increase every year for the next 25 years. This can easily double their income. About Solar energy in India: India facing problems in fulfilling its energy demand, solar energy can play an important role in providing energy security. With its pollution free nature, virtually inexhaustible supply and global distribution, solar energy is very attractive energy resource. India's Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC’s) commitment include 100 GW of solar power out of 175 GW renewable energy by 2022 Advantages Solar Energy is available throughout the day which is the peak load demand time. Solar energy conversion equipments have longer life and need lesser maintenance and hence provide higher energy infrastructure security. Low running costs & grid tie-up capital returns (Net Metering). Unlike conventional thermal power generation from coal, they do not cause pollution and generate clean power. Abundance of free solar energy in almost all parts of country. No overhead wires- no transmission loss Challenges in adoption India’s solar story is largely built over imported products. India’s domestic content requirement clause ia facing legal challenge at WTO. India is facing challenge to balance Prioritising domestic goals and WTO commitments. The dumping of products is leading to profit erosion of local manufacturers. Indian domestic manufacturers aren’t technically and economically strong to compete with Chinese companies. China’s strong manufacturing base is giving stiff challenge to domestic manufacturer. Land availability in India for solar plant is less due to high population density. India's solar waste is estimated to be around 1.8 million by 2050 also needs to be tackled. Government initiatives Ministry of new and renewable energy is the nodal agency to tackle India's renewable energy issues. National Solar Mission is a major initiative of the Government of India and State Governments to promote ecologically sustainable growth while addressing India's energy security challenge. The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) is a Non-Banking Financial Institution under the administrative control of this Ministry for providing term loans for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. National institute of solar energy is created as autonomous institution under MoNRE is apex body for R&D. Establishment of solar parks and ultra major solar power project and enhancing grid connectivity infrastructure. Promotion of canal bank and canal tank solar infrastructure. Sustainable rooftop implementation of Solar transfiguration of India (SRISTI) scheme to promote rooftop solar power projects in india. Suryamitra programme to prepare qualified workforce. Renewable purchase obligation for large energy consumer customers. National green energy programme and green energy corridor. Conclusion Strong financial measures are required to finance the solar projects, innovative steps like green bonds, institutional loans and clean energy fund can play a crucial role. Promotion of research and development in renewable energy sector, especially in storage technology. Proper mechanism should be provided to tackle China's dumping of solar equipments. Framework to avoid unnecessary delays in policy decision making and implementation. Connecting the dots: To conserve energy is to assure for a sustainable future’. Critically analyse. Discuss the challenges and solution in harnessing solar energy in India? INTERNAL SECURITY TOPIC: General studies 3 Challenges to internal security Role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges Security challenges and their management Mob lynching Context: Rajasthan’s effort to criminalise mob lynching is a good start The Rajasthan government has introduced the Rajasthan Protection From Lynching Bill, 2019. If it gets passed, Rajasthan will be the second State after Manipur to have a dedicated law criminalising mob lynching as a special offence, in addition to other offences under the Indian Penal Code. What is lynching? Lynching is defined as an act or series of acts of violence or aiding, abetting or attempting an act of violence, whether spontaneous or planned, by a mob (two or more persons) on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, language, dietary practices, sexual orientation, political affiliation and ethnicity. Lynching is an egregious manifestation of prejudice, intolerance, and contempt towards the rule of law.  There have been many incidences of Mob Lynching for issues with respect to cow, children kidnappers , etc  and not only common people but also the police personnel became victims of it. Some of the cases of mob lynching:  ‘Go to Pakistan’: 20–25 men barge into Gurgaon home, assault family Assam: Mob thrashes man in Biswanath Chariali for allegedly carrying Beef; forced to eat Pork Jharkhand: Old ox dies, mob kills a man, three injured are booked for bovine slaughter Amnesty International India documented 721 such incidents between 2015 and 2018.  Last year alone, it tracked 218 hate crimes, 142 of which were against Dalits, 50 against Muslims, 40 against women, and eight each against Christians, Adivasis, and transgenders.  Causes of mob lynching Prejudices in Indian society are age old and deep rooted. These prejudices are based on various identities like race, gender, caste, class, religion, etc.  Social media or technological advances help in the process of ‘confirmation  bias’ – it is the confirmation of a prejudice or a bias The strategic silence of the State and the ineffective law and order machinery has further given legitimacy to mob lynching. Lack of digital literacy among common people. Political mobilization of fringe groups and Politicization of lynching and strategic silence. The Supreme Court condemned mob lynching incidents across the country and urged Parliament to enact a law to deal with the crime that threatens rule of law and the country’s social fabric. Supreme Court in the case of Tehseen Poonawala v Union of India, has provided a 11-point prescription for preventive, remedial and punitive measures and has asked Parliament to legislate a separate offence for lynching and provide adequate punishment for the same. The state governments shall designate a senior police officer in each district for taking measures to prevent incidents of mob violence and lynching. The state governments shall immediately identify districts, sub-divisions and villages where instances of lynching and mob violence have been reported in the recent past. The nodal officers shall bring to the notice of the DGP any inter-district co-ordination issues for devising a strategy to tackle lynching and mob violence related issues. It shall be the duty of every police officer to cause a mob to disperse, which, in his opinion, has a tendency to cause violence in the disguise of vigilantism or otherwise Central and the state governments should broadcast on radio and television and other media platforms including the official websites that lynching and mob violence shall invite serious consequence . Curb and stop dissemination of irresponsible and explosive messages, videos and other material on various social media platforms. Register FIR under relevant provisions of law against persons who disseminate such messages. Ensure that there is no further harassment of the family members of the victims. State governments shall prepare a lynching/mob violence victim compensation scheme. Cases of lynching and mob violence shall be specifically tried by designated court/fast track courts earmarked for that purpose in each district. The trial shall preferably be concluded within six months. To set a stern example in cases of mob violence and lynching, the trial court must ordinarily award maximum sentence upon conviction of the accused person. If it is found that a police officer or an officer of the district administration has failed to fulfill his duty, it will be considered as an act of deliberate negligence. Rajasthan Protection From Lynching Bill, 2019: The Bill follows the Supreme Court’s recommendations in authorising the setting up of special courts, appointment of a dedicated nodal officer, and stipulating enhanced punishments.  its scope is more comprehensive as it not only criminalises acts of lynching, dissemination of ‘offensive material’ and fostering of a ‘hostile environment’, but also provides for relief, legal aid, compensation and rehabilitation. some of the Bill’s provisions might attract legal scrutiny. Section 8(c) of the Bill says that whoever commits an act of lynching, where the act leads to the death of the victim, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for life and a fine not be less than Rs. 1,00,000 and which may extend to Rs. 5,00,000 Section 9 of the Rajasthan Bill stipulates, inter alia , the same punishment for lynching and “attempting” an act of lynching.  Conclusion Lynching is an egregious manifestation of prejudice, intolerance, and contempt towards the rule of law.  With all its limitations, the Rajasthan Bill is evidence of political will by the State government. It is expected that deliberations help in the enactment of a more constitutionally robust Bill.  However, legislation cannot act as a panacea; what is required is political commitment. It is high time that the other States and the Centre show some urgency so that creeping threats are prevented from metastasising into an out-of-control monster Connecting the dots: For a demographically diverse country such as India, hate crimes are a disaster. Discuss. India is becoming a destination of mob lynching. Is it true? Discuss the causes and what could be the possible solution to stop mob lynching. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) One Nation One ration card scheme is being implemented by which Union Ministry? Ministry of electronics and information technology Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Ministry of Food Processing Industries Ministry of Rural Development Q.2) Consider the following statements about Quick reaction surface-to-air missiles (QRSAM) It is being jointly developed by India and Israel The system is being developed for Indian Army with search and track on move capability with very short reaction time QRSAM uses solid-fuel propellant and has a range of 250-300 km Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 Q.3) Consider the following statements about Genome India Initiative 22 institutions, including those from CSIR and Department of Biotechnology is involved in this initiative  The data generated from this initiative would be accessible to researchers anywhere for analysis through National Biological Data Centre   Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ: Bigger and better The Hindu Telling Numbers: The extent of groundwater over-exploitation, state by state Indian Express Why has Punjab restricted use of 9 pesticides for Basmati  Indian Express The case against mandatory corporate social responsibility Live Mint

Aug 5, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 41

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 41 Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘tarballs’ They are formed by weathering of crude oil in marine environments  The presence of several tarballs might indicate an oil spill Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) ‘Time Release Study (TRS)’ is associated with World Bank World Customs Organisation World Trade Organisation World Economic Forum Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Meghdoot App’ It provides information on market prices, seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and agricultural machinery. It has been developed by the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) ‘Sardine run’ primarily occurs near which of the following countries? Japan South Africa Croatia Norway Q.5) Which of the following is/are correctly matched?            Ports        Country Gwadar - Pakistan Hambantota - Maldives Kyaukpyu – Myanmar Select the correct code: 1 and 2 1 and 3 1, 2 and 3 1 Only To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Aug 5, 2019 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC - Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019

Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019 ARCHIVES Search 21st July. 2019 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx  TOPIC: General Studies 2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests In news: The Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Amit Shah. The Bill amends the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, and provides for a National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), State Human Rights Commissions (SHRC), as well as Human Rights Courts. Composition NHRC Under the Act, the chairperson of the NHRC is a person who has been a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.  The Bill amends this to provide that a person who has been Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, or a Judge of the Supreme Court will be the chairperson of the NHRC.  The Act provides for two persons having knowledge of human rights to be appointed as members of the NHRC. The Bill amends this to allow three members to be appointed, of which at least one will be a woman.   Under the Act, chairpersons of various commissions such as the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, and National Commission for Women are members of the NHRC. The Bill provides for including the chairpersons of the National Commission for Backward Classes, the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights, and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities as members of the NHRC. SHRC: Under the Act, the chairperson of a SHRC is a person who has been a Chief Justice of a High Court.  The Bill amends this to provide that a person who has been Chief Justice or Judge of a High Court will be chairperson of a SHRC.   Term of office The Act states that the chairperson and members of the NHRC and SHRC will hold office for five years or till the age of seventy years, whichever is earlier.   The Bill reduces the term of office to three years or till the age of seventy years, whichever is earlier. Further, the Act allows for the reappointment of members of the NHRC and SHRCs for a period of five years.  The Bill removes the five-year limit for reappointment.    Powers of Secretary-General  The Act provides for a Secretary-General of the NHRC and a Secretary of a SHRC, who exercise powers as may be delegated to them. The Bill amends this and allows the Secretary-General and Secretary to exercise all administrative and financial powers (except judicial functions), subject to the respective chairperson’s control. The Bill provides that the central government may confer on a SHRC human rights functions being discharged by Union Territories.  Functions relating to human rights in the case of Delhi will be dealt with by the NHRC.   Critics Say Several Opposition parties objected to the Bill in its present form, saying it has many gaps and was not in conformity with the Paris Principles — Paris Principles are a set of international standards which frame and guide the work of human rights institutions.  The Bill fails to address the issue of autonomy of the commission.  Opposing the proposal to reduce the tenure of chairperson of the national human rights body from five years to three years, the opposition mentioned that the curtailment in tenure will bring inconsistency in the functioning of the panel. The reappointment clause will make chairman and members toe the government line so that they get another term. Protection of Human Right Act, 1993 The NHRC is the National Human Rights Commission of India,[3] responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights, defined by the Act as "Rights Relating To Life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants". Jurisdiction: It applies to the whole of India and in case of J&K;, it applies to matters pertaining to Union List and the Concurrent List only. The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 was enacted to provide for the constitution of: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) and Human Rights Courts for the protection of human rights Human Right: According to Section 2 of the act -“Human Rights” means the rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the International covenants and enforceable by courts in India. Connecting the Dots: How would you assess the performance of National Commission of Human Rights in India? What can be done to make it more effective? Discuss the mandate, constitution and performance of the National Human Rights Commission. Indian must step up its game when it comes to safeguarding human rights if it wants to become a global leader. Examine the statement in light of the recent events.

Aug 5, 2019 RSTV Video

RSTV IAS UPSC – Sex Abuse and Safeguarding our Children

Sex Abuse and safeguarding our children Archives 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 In News: Moving to deal with rising cases of child abuse, the Union Cabinet has approved amendments to the gender-neutral Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, allowing death penalty for all cases of aggravated penetrative sexual assault against children. The amendments cover 21 kinds of sexual crimes that come under the definition of aggravated penetrative sexual assault against children. By approving an amendment to Section 6 of the POCSO Act, the Cabinet has enhanced the minimum punishment in such cases from the existing 10 years to 20 years and the maximum punishment to life imprisonment or death penalty. As per the last available data, from the National Crime Records Bureau 2016, less than three per cent of child rape cases that came up before the courts under the POCSO Act read with Indian Penal Code Section 376 ended in convictions, pointing to the need for better access to justice for all, and not just more stringent conviction in a small percentage of cases. What does it include? Aggravated penetrative sexual assault includes certain cases of child rape by police, armed forces, relatives, public servants or management of remand/protection homes, by those on the management or staff of healthcare, educational or religious institutions within their premises. It includes continued rape or gang rape of a child or sexual assault using weapons. It is also applicable in cases of rape where the child is harmed either physically, or in his/her sexual organs, impregnated or has to live with life-threatening infection as a result of the sexual assault, rape of children with mental or physical disabilities, and rape and attempt to murder. Penetrative sexual assault on children in times of communal violence now also attracts the maximum penalty of death. Amendment has also added an additional category of sexual assault of children who are victims of calamities or natural disasters which now is liable for maximum term of life sentence or death penalty. According to Woman and Child Development Ministry data, children comprise more than half the victims of disasters. The POCSO amendments also include stringent punitive measures in cases of child pornography including in cases where it results in aggravated sexual assault. It also increases the penalty for storage of pornographic material for commercial purposes to an imprisonment between three to five years, or a fine, or both. Failing to report or destroy such material or propagating it further will now be considered an offence. Punishment An amendment has also been approved to Section 4 of the POCSO Act so as to increase the minimum punishment to ten years, from the existing seven years, for ‘penetrative sexual assault’ of 16 to 17 year olds and if the child is below the age of 16 years, to a minimum of 20 years. The maximum term of life imprisonment in such cases has been retained.  Moreover, the definition of ‘sexual assault’ has now been expanded to include administration of hormones to children to make them appear more sexually mature for the sake of commercial sexual exploitation. Fast-track Courts Government has also informed the parliament that 1023 fast track courts that will be set up in the country for speedy trial of cases of sexual assault on women and children. In response to this, the Supreme Court has also asked the government to set up fast track courts particularly for POCSO cases. The centre has been asked to allocate funds so that such types of courts can be set up. This will include appointing judges, support staff and special prosecutors. The court has also given the government a 60-days deadline for such courts to start functioning. Supreme Court had also registered a PIL suo moto to shape a concerted and clear national response displaying zero tolerance towards sexual assault of children. The Supreme Court ordered for the setting up of these fast track courts after a report by amicus curiae V Giri and Registry of the Supreme Court showed that at present only 670 POCSO courts have been formed to deal with over 1.5 lakh pending cases of child rapes. If cases under POCSO are to be disposed within a year the country needs a ratio of 1:60 which requires three times the strength of courts presently available. Critics Say… Burden of proof in POCSO cases lies on the accused. The introduction of death penalty will make it difficult for the weak and poor to overturn presumption of guilt. The reason given for introducing the death penalty is that it will deter child sexual abuse. The government’s press release does not cite any evidence to prove that the death penalty can achieve this goal, in the absence of better policing and shorter trials. POCSO is already a stringent act, carrying presumptions of guilt of the accused. Imposing the death penalty for offences that already carry such stringent presumptions violates the right to life guaranteed under the Constitution. Further, it is especially difficult for the poor or disadvantaged groups to overturn these presumptions. And, studies show that most death row prisoners are from poor, lower caste or religious minority communities. Usually, in criminal cases, the burden of proof lies on the prosecution, and the guilt must be proved beyond reasonable doubt. Under POCSO, however, there is a presumption that a person who is prosecuted for an offence has actually committed the offence, unless the contrary is proved (Section 29). Instead of “innocent until proven guilty”, the court assumes that the accused is guilty once the prosecution lays the foundation of the case. The Act also presumes that the accused person had a sexual intent when touching the child (Section 30). With these changes coming into effect, the courts will literally be barred from exercising their judicial wisdom in deciding the quantum of punishment; the threshold of minimum punishment being set so high. Though the move to make the provisions of the POCSO Act more stringent was triggered by recent barbaric incidents of child rape that have shaken the collective conscience of Indians, a fact that the amendment Bill noted in its object and reasons, the state is somehow drifting away from the reformative object of criminal law. No person is a born criminal. There are socio-economic or psychological factors which may lead a person to deviant behaviour. Such deviant behaviour could either be acquired or learned from the surrounding environment. The ‘nature verses nurture’ debate still revolves around whether human behaviour is determined by the environment or by a person’s genes. Concept of Restorative Justice Drawing from a survey conducted with the survivors and family members, as well as the accused, in child sexual assault cases in areas in and around Delhi, this study revealed that the meanings of “justice” tend to vary for the victim, offender, family, and community. The survivors or their families did not necessarily want the death penalty — or even strict punishment — for the accused. Rather, in many cases, they wanted the offenders to acknowledge their wrongdoing or tender an apology for their act. These ideas are a part of “restorative justice”, which is emerging as a powerful tool in the criminal justice process, especially with regard to conciliation and mediation. The concept involves bringing the victim and offender together to remedy the harm — it makes the offender accept his/her offence. Criminologist Howard Zehr notes that crime violates both people and relationships. Restorative justice involves the victim, offender and the community in its quest for solutions, which are about repairing, reconciliation, and reassurance. Punitive options, including the death penalty, are not the product of the concerns of victims or their families — they are notions of the state and therefore, driven by political considerations. Punishment seldom matches with the idea of justice held by the victims, their families or the community. Victimisation leads to trauma, shame, insecurity, and several other social and emotional consequences. Restorative justice programmes enable the victim, the offender and affected members of the community to be directly involved in addressing the situation that arises after a crime. They become central to the criminal justice process, with government officers and legal professionals serving as facilitators of a system that aims at offender accountability and reparation. This restorative process — that often involves face-to-face interactions between all parties — is a powerful way of addressing not only the material loss as a result of the crime, but the social and emotional trauma caused by it. A restorative justice approach would require the POCSO Act to concentrate on the victims’ needs — material, financial, emotional and social. POCSO ought to recreate or restore a community that supports the rehabilitation of victims and offenders — and in doing so, prevent crime. Adoption of such strategies will also obviate the costs and delays associated with the current legal justice system. The Way Forward: Only amendments will not solve the problem and time-bound investigation was crucial along with prosecution and proportionate compensation. The budget allocated by the government under the women and child development should be fully utilised as despite making provision of good amounts, the funds remain largely unutilised. All public buildings should have close circuit TV cameras and the entire expenses on treatment of such victims should be borne by the state. The medical examination of female victims in such cases should be done by lady doctors. The role of mental health professionals is also crucial in such cases. There is no institutional mechanism to provide psychological counselling for rape survivors in India. Most of the Indian laws like IPC, POCSO Act, Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, etc., have provisions only for awarding monetary compensation to the victims of criminal offence. The Centre would have to appoint trained, sensitised prosecutors and support persons to deal with the POCSO cases and also directed the chief secretaries of states and union territories to ensure timely submission of forensic reports in such cases However, we should recognise the fact that POCSO is often misused to cover up cases of elopement or inter-caste marriages. Therefore, the Bill should look into the fact that any harassment under the POCSO should be avoided, calling for attempts to curb misuse. Note:  Odisha Court awards first death sentence under POCSO Act to man who raped minor: The case assumes significance not only for the landmark judgment but also the pace of police investigation, arrest of the accused and completion of trial, all of which were completed within six months. Connecting the Dots: Introducing the death penalty may grab headlines, but it is not the solution. Discuss. Do you think that cases under POCSO law should deploy restorative justice? Explain.

Aug 5, 2019 PIB

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 21st July to 29th July – 2019

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 21st  to 29th July – 2019 ARCHIVES GS-2 Parliament Passes the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019 (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 was enacted to provide for the constitution of a National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) and the Human Rights Courts for protection of human rights. The Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019, inter alia, provides That a person who has been a Judge of the Supreme Court is also made eligible to be appointed as Chairperson of the Commission in addition to the person who has been the Chief Justice of India To increase the Members of the Commission from two to three of which, one shall be a woman To include Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes, Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities as deemed Members of the Commission To reduce the term of the Chairperson and Members of the Commission and the State Commissions from five to three years and shall be eligible for re-appointment To provide that a person who has been a Judge of a High Court is also made eligible to be appointed as Chairperson of the State Commission in addition to the person who has been the Chief Justice of the High Court To confer upon State Commissions, the functions relating to human rights being discharged by the Union territories, other than the Union territory of Delhi, which will be dealt with by the Commission Lok Sabha passes the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) To provide that the term of office of, and the salaries, allowances and other terms and conditions of service of, the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners and the State Chief Information Commissioner and the State Information Commissioners, shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government The Government has encouraged suo motu dissemination of maximum information by Government Departments in order to reduce number of RTIs According to the original RTI act of 2005, the power of framing rules in respect of Information Commissions does not fall under the purview of either the Union or the State or the Concurrent lists. Hence, framing rules, even for the State Information Commissions, falls under the Residuary powers of the Union Government. The Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Bill, 2019  (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Aim: To amend the laws regulating the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions of the persons employed in an establishment. Safety, Health, welfare and improved Working Conditions are pre-requisite for well-being of the worker and also for economic growth of the country as healthy workforce of the country would be more productive and occurrence of less accidents and unforeseen incidents would be economically beneficial to the employers also. With the ultimate aim of extending the safety and healthy working conditions to all workforce of the country, the Code enhances the ambit of provisions of safety, health, welfare and working conditions from existing about 9 major sectors to all establishments having 10 or more employees.  The proposed Code enhances the coverage of workers manifold as it would be applicable to all establishments employing 10 or more workers, where any industry, trade, business, manufacture or occupation is carried on, including, IT establishments or establishments of service sector. India and Myanmar Sign MoU on Defence Co-Operation (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) Aimed at enhancing defence co-operation, review joint exercises and training provided to Myanmar Defence Services, strengthen maritime security by joint surveillance and capacity building, medical co-operation, pollution response and for developing new infrastructure.   Please Note National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme: For rehabilitation of child labour Platform for Effective Enforcement for No Child Labour (PENCIL): To ensure effective enforcement of the provisions of the Child Labour Act and smooth implementation of the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages of India Scheme: To preserve endangered languages of the country Atal Pension Yojana: Launched with the objective of creating a universal social security system for all Indians, especially the poor, the under-privileged and the workers in the unorganised sector.  National Skill Development Mission (NSDM): Launched to provide a strong institutional framework to implement and scale up skill development efforts across the country. Under this initative, the Government is implementing more than 40 skill development schemes/programmes across 20 Central Ministries/Departments, for providing a variety of skill development training programmes on pan India basis.  As per the information provided by Ministries, 85.98 Lakh persons have been trained in 2018-19. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 2.0 (PMKVY 2.0): Launched on pan-India basis with a target to provide skilling to one crore people across the country in various sectors including Agriculture. Under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) component of PMKVY 2.0, up skilling of farmers have been made via bridge course training in the job roles namely organic grower, dairy farmer, pulses cultivator etc. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) is a placement linked skill development program which allows skilling in a PPP mode and assured placements in regular jobs in an organization not owned by the skilled person. A total of 2.28 lakh youths have been trained in the year 2018-19 against a target of skilling of 2 lakh rural youth. Skill development through Rural Self Employment and Training Institutes (RSETI), thereby enabling the trainee to take Bank credit and start his/her own Micro-enterprise. Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM): With the objective of organizing the rural poor women into Self Help Groups (SHGs), and continuously nurturing and supporting them to take economic activities till they attain appreciable increase in income over a period of time to improve their quality of life and come out of abject poverty. GSLV MkIII-M1 Successfully Launches Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft: India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle GSLV MkIII-M1, successfully launched the 3840 kg Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft into an earth orbit today. The spacecraft is now revolving round the earth with a perigee (nearest point to Earth) of 169.7 km and an apogee (farthest point to Earth) of 45,475 km. JATAN: Virtual Museum software which is used for creating the digital collections in various museums and digital archival tools that are used in background for managing the National Portal and Digital Repository for Indian Museums. Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX): iDEX is aimed at creation of an ecosystem to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging Industries including MSMEs, Start-ups, Individual Innovators, R&D institutes and Academia and provide them grants/funding and other support to carry out R&D which has potential for future adoption for Indian defence and aerospace needs. Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti: Aims to provide boost to the IPR culture in indigenous defence industry Chapter IV of the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA Act in short) provides that the Gram Sabha shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both that may be given to the forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers within the local limits of its jurisdiction under this Act by receiving claims, consolidating and verifying them and preparing a map delineating the area of each recommended claim in such manner as may be prescribed for exercise of such rights and the Gram Sabha shall, then, pass a resolution to that effect and thereafter forward a copy of the same to the Sub-Divisional Level Committee.   The National Afforestation Programme (NAP) is for regeneration of degraded forests and adjoining areas through people's participation. The scheme is being implemented through a decentralized mechanism of State Forest Development Agency (SFDA) at State level, Forest Development agency (FDA) at Forest Division level and Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) at village level. Poshan Abhiyaan POSHAN Abhiyaan has been set up by Government of India on 18.12.2017 for a three-year time frame commencing from 2017-18 with an aim to reduce the level of stunting in children (0-6 years), under-nutrition (underweight prevalence)in children (0-6 years) and Low Birth Weight at 2% per annum and reduce anaemia among young children (6-59 months), women and adolescent girls at 3% per annum across the country. The Abhiyaan ensures convergence with various programmes, organising Community Based Events;incentivising States/UTs for achieving goals. Community Mobilization and Awareness Advocacy leading to Jan Andolan – to educate the people on nutritional aspects. Malnutrition is not a direct cause of death among children under five years of age; however, it can increase morbidity and mortality by reducing resistance to infections. Malnourished children are more vulnerable to any infection than normal children, therefore, data regarding child mortality due to malnutrition is not maintained by this Ministry. The overall child mortality rate as per NFHS- 4 is 9.4 which is declined from 18.4 as per previous NFHS- 3. Radiation Technology for Sewage Treatment: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in collaboration with Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC), Ahmedabad has set up a Technology Demonstration Pilot Project “Sewage Sludge Hygienisation Plant” at Shahwadi, Ahmedabad. Another liquid sludge irradiator; Sludge Hygienisation Research Irradiator (SHRI) is operating at Vadodara for radiation treatment of raw sludge containing 3-4% solids since last 30 years. Van Dhan Vikas Karyakram is an initiative targeting livelihood generation for tribal population by harnessing the wealth of forest i.e. Van Dhan. The programme aims to tap into the traditional knowledge and skill sets of tribal people by adding technology and Information Technology for upgradation of output at each stage and to convert the tribal wisdom into a remunerative economic activity. Van Dhan Vikas Karyakram seeks to promote and leverage the collective strength of tribal people to achieve a viable scale. Swadesh Darshan Scheme: The Ministry of Tourism, under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme provides Central Financial Assistance to State Governments/Union Territory (UT) Administrations for development of thematic tourist circuits in the country, with the objective of improving connectivity and infrastructure of tourism destinations to enrich overall tourist experience, enhance livelihood and employment opportunities and to attract domestic as well as foreign tourists to the destinations. The projects for development are identified in consultation with the State Governments/UT Administrations and are sanctioned subject to submission of project proposals, their adherence to relevant scheme guidelines, submission of suitable detailed project reports, availability of funds and utilization of funds released earlier. Development of Tirthankar Circuit: Vaishali-Arrah-Masad-Patna-Rajgir-Pawapuri-Champapuri in Bihar Zero Budget Farming – Intercropping  It is a scientifically proven practice and has got several advantages and extends economic benefits for the farmers particularly under adverse weather conditions.   It is largely practiced in dry-land areas as an insurance against failure of main crop. Under All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Integrated Farming Systems, intercropping systems have been studied for many States and found profitable for farmers.  Intercrops act as live mulch thereby reducing the weeds, water requirement and also providing additional returns to the farmers. Intercropping with leguminous crops is one of the components of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) and it improves the crop productivity and soil fertility by way of fixing the atmospheric nitrogen. Further, the cowdung, urine based formulations and botanical extracts used in ZBNF help farmers in reducing the input cost. The farmers practicing ZBNF either of small land holding or large land holding prepare the low cost cow urine and dung based formulation on farm by procuring the required inputs locally from the village or neighboring villages. Dignity and Security of Women Workers The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 provides for payment of equal remuneration to men and women workers for same work or work of similar nature The Minimum Wages Act, 1948 provides for minimum wages The Payment of Wages Act, 1936 ensures timely payment respectively to both male and female workers without any gender discrimination.  A number of other protective measures have also been provided in various Labour Laws in order to ensure dignity, security and congenial work environment for a women worker. Such measures include child care centers, time-off for feeding children, enhancement in paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks, provisions for mandatory crèche facility in the establishments having 50 or more employees etc. The Ministry has taken steps for drafting four Labour Codes namely The Code on Wages; The Code on Industrial Relations; The Code on Social Security & Welfare; and The Code on Occupation Safety, Health and Working Conditions by simplifying, amalgamating and rationalizing the relevant provisions of the existing Central Labour Laws without any gender discrimination. The Labour Codes envisage extension of minimum wages and timely payment of wages to all 50 Crore workers, provision of appointment letter, provision for annual medical check-up, extension of safety and other welfare provisions are also stipulated for both male & female workers. Land Rights of Scheduled Tribes Land and its management fall under the exclusive legislative and administrative jurisdiction of States as provided under the Constitution of India (Seventh Schedule)-List-II (State List)-Entry No. (18). The Scheduled Tribes (STs) have been the most marginalised, isolated and deprived population.  To protect and safeguarding the land rights of STs and to address the issue of Land Acquisition and displacement of tribals, following Constitutional and legal provisions have been put in place: The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA in short), in section 4(5) states that save as other wise provided, no member of a forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes or Other Traditional Forest Dweller shall be evicted or removed from the Forest Land under his occupation till the recognition and verification procedure is complete. Under Section 5 of FRA, Gram Sabha is, inter-alia, empowered to ensure the decision taken in Gram Sabha to regulate access to community forest resources and stop any activity which adversely affects the wild animals, forest and the biodiversity are complied with. Government has enacted the ‘Right to fair compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (RFCTLARR Act, 2013 in short).  The purpose of the said Act is to ensure, in consultation with institutions of local self-government and Gram Sabhas established under the Constitution, a humane, participative, informed and transparent process for land acquisition with the least disturbance to the owners of the land and other affected families and provide just and fair compensation to the affected families whose land has been acquired or proposed to be acquired. Under Section 48 of RFCTLARR Act, 2013, a National Level Monitoring Committee for Rehabilitation and Resettlement has been constituted in the DoLR vide DoLR’s Order No. 26011/04/2017-LRD dated 2nd March, 2015 for the purpose of reviewing and monitoring the implementation of rehabilitation and resettlement schemes and plans related to land acquisition under the RFCTLARR, 2013 and National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2007. By way of safeguards against displacement special provisions have been made for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes under Section 41 and 42 of the RFCTLARR Act, 2013 which protect their interests.    As per Section 41 (1), as far as possible, no acquisition of land shall be made in the Scheduled Areas.  As per Section 41(2),where such acquisition does take place, it shall be done only as a demonstrable last resort.  As per Section 41(3),in case of acquisition or alternation of any land in Scheduled Areas, the prior consent of the concerned Gram Sabha or the Panchayats or the autonomous District Councils, at the appropriate level in Scheduled Areas under the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution, as the case may be, shall be obtained, in all cases of land acquisition in such areas, including acquisition in case of urgency, before issue of a notification under this Act, or any other 9entral Act or a State Act for the time being in force.  The RFCTLARR Act, 2013 also lays down procedure and manner of rehabilitation and resettlement. The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Area) Act, 1996, also provides that the Gram Sabha or the Panchayats at the appropriate level shall be consulted before making the acquisition of land in the Scheduled Areas or development projects and before resettling or rehabilitating persons affected by such projects in the Scheduled Areas, the actual planning and implementation of the projects in the Scheduled Areas shall be coordinated at the State Level. Constitutional provision under Schedule-V also provide for safeguards against displacement of tribal population because of land acquisition etc.   The Governor of the State which has scheduled Areas is empowered to prohibit or restrict transfer of land from tribals and regulate he allotment of land to members of the Scheduled Tribes in such cases.   Land being a State subject, various provisions of rehabilitation and resettlement as per the RFCTLARR Act, 2013 are implemented by the concerned State Governments. The Scheduled castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989” has been introduced to prevent the commission of offences of atrocities against members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, to provide for the trial of such offences and for the relief of rehabilitation of the victims of such offences for  matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.  Wrongfully dispossessing members of Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes from their land or premises or interfering with the enjoyment of their rights, including forest rights, over any land or premises or water or irrigation facilities or destroying the crops or taking away the produce there from amount to offence of atrocities and are subject to punishment under the said Act. Personality in News Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak Father of Indian Unrest Popularly known as Lokmanya, and dedicated his life for the cause of "Purna Swaraj" (complete self-rule) One of the founders of the Fergusson College in Pune One of the first advocates of Swaraj or self-rule. He gave the slogan, “Swaraj is my birth right and I shall have it.” Along with Bipin Chandra Pal and Lala Lajpat Rai, he was called the ‘Lal-Bal-Pal’ trio of extremist leaders One of the founders of the All India Home Rule League, along with Annie Besant and G S Khaparde, and served as its president and in 1916 he concluded the Lucknow Pact with Mohammed Ali Jinnah, which provided for Hindu-Muslim unity in the nationalist struggle Newspaper: Kesari in Marathi and Mahratta in English Qn: Compare and contrast the nationalism of Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Chandra Shekhar Azad Popularly known as ‘Azad’; It is believed that on being presented before a magistrate, he gave his name as "Azad" (The Free), his father's name as "Swatantrata" (Independence) and his residence as "Jail". From that day he came to be known as Chandra Shekhar Azad among the people. Became extremely popular after Kakori Rail Dacoity in 1925 and assassination of policeman John Saunders in year 1928 The Colt pistol of Chandra Shekhar Azad is displayed at the Prayagraj Museum The Jallianwala Bagh tragedy which took place in 1919 was when he decided to join the Non-Cooperation movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920. He was the chief strategist of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).