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Jul 27, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 26th July 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 26th July 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Sabarimala temple ban: because of celibate nature of the deity We have already read many articles on this issue. Issue: Women aged between 10 and 50 were banned from entering a temple because they are considered ‘impure’ (due to menstrual cycle) The above can be viewed as discriminatory practices and violation of the fundamental rights to equality and gender justice. -- Article 15(1) SC bench had also said that exclusion of women from entering a temple because they are considered ‘impure’ amounts to the practice of untouchability, a social evil abolished by law. It denotes a patriarchal and partisan approach. It curtails her religious freedom assured by Article 25(1). Prohibition of women’s entry to the shrine solely on the basis of womanhood and the biological features associated with womanhood is derogatory to women, which Article 51A(e) aims to renounce. Do you know? Article 25 (1) which mandates freedom of conscience and right to practise religion. “All persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practise and propagate religion…” Critics views: Critics now argue that the prohibition on the entry of women of a certain age into the Sabarimala temple is not based on misogyny but the celibate nature of the deity. Misogyny - dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women Celibate - abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, typically for religious reasons or a person who abstains from marriage and sexual relations Lord Ayyappa at the Sabarimala temple is a “Naishtika Brahmachari” and devotees who come to offer him worship should appear to be brahmacharis. Hinduism is a faith of tolerance and not discriminatory. Women should accept the prohibition out of respect for the age-old tradition. NALSA Scheme: Compensation Scheme for Women Victims/Survivors of Sexual Assault/Other Crimes-2018 Introduction: Compensation Scheme for Women Victims/Survivors of Sexual Assault/Other Crimes-2018 It is scheme, proposed by the National Legal Services Authority, for compensating victims of sexual assault and acid attack. Supreme Court recently said that the scheme should be modified to "some extent" to make it applicable to child victims of such assaults. Important Value Additions About the scheme: As per NALSA's scheme, victim of gangrape in any part of the country would now get a minimum compensation of Rs 5 lakh and up to a maximum of Rs 10 lakh. Similarly, in case of rape and unnatural sexual assault, the victim would get a minimum of Rs 4 lakh and maximum of Rs 7 lakh as compensation. The scheme also says that victim of acid attacks, in case of disfigurement of face, would get a minimum compensation of Rs 7 lakh, while the upper limit would be Rs 8 lakh. In acid attack cases, if the injury was more than 50 per cent, a minimum compensation of Rs 5 lakh would be given, while the maximum would be Rs 8 lakh. Do you know? Nirbhaya Fund was announced by the Centre in 2013 after the December 16, 2012 gangrape and murder case in Delhi to support the initiatives on women's safety across the country. Miscellaneous: Underground lake detected on Mars: Scientists have spotted a sizeable salt-laden lake under ice on the southern polar plain of red planet (Mars) Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) - figures in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites Udhagamandalam, Coonoor and Mettupalayam stations had been identified and developed as heritage stations The GST Council has announced some ‘relief’ for publishers in the form of reduction in GST on e-book sales — from 18% to 5%. The reduction is applicable only to books that have a print version as well. Formal employment, as measured by the number of subscribers in the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPFO), Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESIC), and the National Pension Scheme (NPS), witnessed double-digit growth in May 2018 (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS TOPIC: General Studies 2 India and its international relations Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests India and China - to play a larger role in Africa Key pointers: Africa’s global outreach and its engagement were earlier confined to developed world. But now this is changing as African countries seeking other partners. Emerging powers in Asia sees this as an opportunity to tap into. Proof - Recent visits by India and China to Africa underscore both the countries are shaping new narratives of engaging with Africa. Growing engagements with Africa Ahead of the 10th BRICS Summit, Indian PM visited Rwanda and Uganda, while China visited Senegal and Rwanda, with a stopover in Mauritius. With the 10th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa – the bloc of emerging market economies will also be opening a new chapter in their all-round cooperation. PM Modi had earlier visited Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya in 2016. In the last four years, there have been 23 outgoing visits to Africa by the President, the Vice President and the Prime Minister. Recent PM visit to Rwanda is the first ever Prime Ministerial visit and India elevated its ties to that of a strategic partnership last year. First China-Africa Defence and Security Forum was held in Beijing last month (June 2018) which saw a host of African ministers and army chiefs in attendance. Do you know? Africa exports raw materials and imports manufactured goods. For both China and India, bolstering economic ties are of paramount importance. Africa’s trading patterns with the Asian giants still remain rather traditional. Difference approach Indian engagement lays emphasis on the long term — enhancing Africa’s productive capacities, diversifying skills and knowledge, and investing in small- and medium-sized enterprises. China’s approach is more traditional — resource-extraction, infrastructure development and elite-level wealth creation. China is currently Africa’s largest trading partner ($166 billion in 2011). India-Africa trade: $62.66 billion (2017-2018) The Indian private sector has yet to take full advantage of the investment climate in Africa. Africa is also important with regard to security and geo-strategic considerations for both India and China. India’s security and defence cooperation with Africa is mainly limited to maritime cooperation in the form of anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia, deployment of Indian forces to UN peacekeeping missions in Africa, regular shipping visits, and joint-naval patrolling in the Western Indian Ocean Region. China supports Africa’s military transformation by providing equipment, advanced technology, and independent capacity-building in security — and the China-Africa Defence and Security Forum is an important development. Both India and China are laying emphasis on infrastructure and connectivity projects in priority regions of the world as the next phase of economic globalisation. In China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), East Africa and the Indian Ocean Region are key focus areas. India’s key focus areas – cross-border connectivity with Eastern African countries and Indian Ocean island countries. India desires to foster more robust people-to-people connections, increase investment-led trade and business opportunities, and strengthen bilateral partnerships. India is also seeking to reinvigorate its cultural links with East Africa under the rubric of Project ‘Mausam’, an initiative of the Ministry of Culture. India-Africa cross border connectivity programmes – Project ‘Mausam’ which seeks to revive lost linkages with the Indian Ocean ‘world’ (East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia). Maritime-port connectivity under the government’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and the SagarMala initiative. Digital connectivity under the Pan African e-Network project on tele-education and tele-medicine (launched in 2004) Air connectivity in the form of direct flights from Indian cities to African destinations. Asia Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) – a trilateral initiative (India, Japan and many African nations) – to develop ‘industrial corridors’, ‘institutional networks’ for the growth of Asia and Africa, and to promote development cooperation. Conclusion: From the above it can be concluded that – the centre of gravity of global politics and economics shifts to the Indo-Pacific region emerging powers like India and China will begin to play a larger role in Africa There are significant differences in their approaches, however the challenge for them would be to develop partnerships with African nations in a way that makes Africa a part of their growth stories. Map work: East African nations Pic: https://www.eachamber.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/region-map.jpg Connecting the dots: India’s engagement with the African countries is one that of shared history of colonialism and struggle against the imperial powers. It makes India the natural partner for the Africans. However, on the contrary, it is China that has made deep inroads into the African continent. Why? Analyse. (For Model answer, refer to Q.3 in below link – https://iasbaba.com/2018/02/synopsis-iasbabas-tlp-2018-upsc-mains-general-studies-questions-30th-january-2018-day-47/) What strategic importance does Indo-African ties hold for India seen in the larger framework of global south-south cooperation? Also discuss the recent developments between India and East African countries. NATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 1 and 2 Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues Significance of Montagu-Chelmsford reforms About: This month marks the 100th year of the publication of the ‘Report on Indian constitutional reforms’, commonly known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Report (MCR). The below article provides the important contributions and significance of Montagu-Chelmsford Report. Do you know? Edwin Montagu, then Secretary of State for India, had advocated for increased participation of Indians in the British Indian administration. After many meetings with Indian representatives, Montagu and the then Governor-General, Lord Chelmsford, published the MCR on July 8, 1918. Government of India Act of 1919 is also known as Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms. Significance of Montagu-Chelmsford Report (MCR) The MCR stands out for proposing some of the most radical administrative changes. MCR proposed for giving provincial legislatures the mantle of self-governance. It advocated the need “to emancipate the local governments and legislatures from central control; and to advance, by successive stages, in the direction of conferring responsible government on the provinces.” (You can use this information while answering on Local Self Government or failure of PRIs or Municipal bodies) Montagu-Chelmsford Committee recommended for the “creation of municipalities and local body institutions with sufficient autonomy to handle their local issues... bereft of the intrusive control of the Government.” They also suggested that administration of different Presidencies and associated departments be placed under the control of legislatures. Ultimately, the MCR established the framework for devolution of powers and gave credence to the cry for self-governance. Another one of the most far-reaching objectives of the report was to elucidate the principle of accountable governance by directing that the “Government of India must remain wholly responsible to Parliament.” Some important features of Government of India Act 1919 It relaxed the central control over the provinces by demarcating and separating the central and provincial subjects. The central and provincial legislatures were authorised to make laws on their respective list of subjects. However, the structure of government continued to be centralised and unitary. It further divided the provincial subjects into two parts—transferred and reserved. The transferred subjects were to be administered by the governor with the aid of ministers responsible to the legislative Council. The reserved subjects, on the other hand, were to be administered by the governor and his executive council without being responsible to the legislative Council. This dual scheme of governance was known as ‘dyarchy’. It introduced, for the first time, bicameralism and direct elections in the country. Thus, the Indian Legislative Council was replaced by a bicameral legislature consisting of an Upper House (Council of State) and a Lower House (Legislative Assembly). The majority of members of both the Houses were chosen by direct election. It required that the three of the six members of the Viceroy’s executive Council (other than the commander-in-chief) were to be Indian. It separated, for the first time, provincial budgets from the Central budget and authorised the provincial legislatures to enact their budgets. It provided for the establishment of a public service commission. Hence, a Central Public Service Commission was set up in 1926 for recruiting civil servants. Conclusion Thus MCR laid the platform for the development of a responsible government. The reforms were accepted by 32nd session of the Indian National Congress, led by British theosophist Annie Besant, as it is essential for the progress of British India. The MCR also became the basis for the Government of India Act, 1935, and, ultimately, the Constitution. The key principles of responsible government, self-governance and federal structure grew out of these reforms. The MCR on Indian constitutional reforms along with the Montagu Declaration are, thus, worthy claimants of the title of the Magna Carta of modern India. Connecting the dots Montagu-Chelmsford Report on Indian constitutional reforms is a watershed in India’s constitutional history. Elucidate. (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 within 24 hours. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Which Articles in the Constitution grants us the Right to Freedom of Religion? Article 14-18 Article 23-24 Article 25-28 Article 368 Q.2) Which of the following Fundamental Rights are available only to Indian Citizens? No discrimination on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. Equal opportunity in the matters of Public employment Freedom of Speech and expression Protection of life and personal Liberty Select the code from below: 2 only 1,2 and 3 1 and 2 All of the above Q.3) India is a secular state. Which of the following statements regarding Indian Secularism are correct? There is no official religion of Indian state. State does not discriminate against any citizen on the grounds of religion. There is complete separation of the religion and the State. Select the code from following: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.4) Which among the following constitutes the provisions under Right to freedom of religion? Right of minorities to establish and administer cultural and educational institutions. Freedom to manage religious affairs Freedom from payment of taxes for promotion of any religion Protection of language, script and culture of religious minorities Select the correct answer using the code given below. 2 and 3 only 2 and 4 only 1, 2 and 3 only 2, 3 and 4 only Q.5) Consider the following about Compensation Scheme for Women Victims/Survivors of Sexual Assault/Other Crimes-2018 It is scheme proposed by the National Legal Services Authority The scheme is for compensating all victims of sexual assault and acid attack Choose the correct answer: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.6) Consider the following statements about Ports in India The Major Ports are under the Union List of the Constitution of India Non Major Ports are under the Concurrent List of the Constitution of India Project MAUSAM and SAGAR are customer-oriented initiative of the Government of India to modernize India's Ports so that port-led development can be augmented and coastlines can be developed to contribute in India's growth Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.7) Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) is an economic cooperation between alĺ the governments of African countries and which of the following countries? India China Japan Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.8) Which one of the following Acts of British India declared, for the first time, that its objective was the gradual introduction of responsible government in India? Indian Council Act. 1861 Indian Council Act, 1892 Indian Council Act. 1909 The Government of India Act of 1919 MUST READ The Sabarimala singularity The Hindu Detention no cure: on RTE Act amendment The Hindu Sanctions relief: on waiver for India under CAATSA The Hindu Israel’s new law is a form of apartheid The Hindu Muzzling information The Hindu Eminence is just a tag Indian Express Starvation deaths in 2018 Indian Express On the move Indian Express

Jul 26, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 31]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 31] Archives Q.1) ‘FDI Confidence Index’ is published by Boston Consulting Group AT Kearney McKinsey Goldman Sachs Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘Pangolins’ Their bodies are covered in hard, keratin scales. They are now extinct in India They are nocturnal in nature Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements about Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) It is an intergovernmental initiative aimed at providing anyone, anywhere, open access to data about all types of life on Earth. India is a voting participant in the GBIF Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) ‘K9 VAJRA-T’, which was recently in news is a Reusable Launch Vehicle Artillery Gun from South Korea Newly Commissioned Frigate by Indian Navy Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile Q.5) ‘Laos’ borders with which of the following countries? Myanmar Thailand Cambodia China Select the correct statements 1, 2 and 3 2 and 3 1, 2, 3 and 4 1, 2 and 4 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best IASbaba

Jul 25, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 25th July 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 25th July 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) SC on appointment of Lokpal Part of: Functions and responsibilities of the Government; Separation of powers between various organs; Governance issues In news: The Supreme Court of India has reprimanded the central government over the delay in appointment of Lokpal. SC has expressed dissatisfaction over the government’s stand on completing the appointment of the Lokpal. About Lokpal: Lokpal is the central governing body that has jurisdiction over all members of parliament and central government employees in case of corruption. Lokpal is an ombudsman to protect the common man from corruption in public service and power centres. Do you know? Lokayukta is similar to the Lokpal, but functions on a state level. Government failed to appoint a Lokpal despite an April 2017 judgment by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has sent across a timely message that efforts to cleanse the economy must be matched by equally strong measures to cleanse public life too. The main function of Lokpal and Lokayukta is – to address complaints of corruption, to make inquiries, investigations, and to conduct trials for the case on respective state and central government to help in curbing the corruption in the central and state government Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/07/25/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_01/93afc6bd_2270486_101_mr.jpg Issue of Lokpal appointment According to the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, a five-member panel to select the anti-corruption ombudsman, comprising the Prime Minister, the Lok Sabha Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition, the Chief Justice of India and an eminent jurist. The post leader of opposition is not recognised, as no party (other than ruling party) secured the 10% of total seats in Loksabha and it is the main reason behind delay in appointment. The only reason for the delay in the appointment of the Lokpal is that a minor amendment to the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, to enable the leader of the largest party in the opposition in the Lok Sabha to join the five-member selection committee, is yet to be passed. A parliamentary committee has endorsed the amendment, which is on the same lines as the mechanism for the selection panels for the Central Vigilance Commissioner and the Chief Information Commissioner. Think: Should the court take over and appoint the Lokpal? Punjab seeks special category status Part of: issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein In news: Punjab government asks Centre to grant it special category status under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Swasthya Suraksha Mission. We know that Punjab is struggling to check the menace of drugs. Punjab government allege that – Punjab State is a victim of proxy war waged by Pakistan If Punjab gets special category status, that would make it eligible for higher grant from the Centre. Do you know? Jammu and Kashmir, hilly and Northeastern States are under special category status. They get a higher share of central grants due to their disturbed status, difficult terrain or due to sharing border with Pakistan. About Special Category Status The concept of a special category state was first introduced in 1969 when the 5th Finance Commission sought to provide certain disadvantaged states with preferential treatment in the form of central assistance and tax breaks. Initially three states Assam, Nagaland and Jammu & Kashmir were granted special status but since then eight more have been included (Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura and Uttarakhand). The rationale for special status is that certain states, because of inherent features, have a low resource base and cannot mobilize resources for development. Some of the features required for special status are: hilly and difficult terrain; low population density or sizeable share of tribal population; strategic location along borders with neighbouring countries; economic and infrastructural backwardness; and non-viable nature of state finances. Think: Differentiate between the special status and special category status. Benefits which special category status states are getting. About Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) It aims at correcting the imbalances in the availability of affordable healthcare facilities in the different parts of the country in general, and augmenting facilities for quality medical education in the under-served States in particular. PMSSY has two components: Setting up of AIIMS like Institutions Upgradation of Government Medical College Institutions. Note: Government had approved AIIMs like institution and upgradation of medical college institutions in Punjab. National Park in news: Bandipur National Park Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Animal conservation; Biodiversity; Man-Animal Conflict About: Bandipur National Park - located in state of Karnataka It is one of the premier Tiger Reserves in the country along with the adjoining Nagarhole national park. In news: There is a significant reduction in the number of roadkill in Bandipur ever since the ban on night traffic through the tiger reserve was introduced in 2009. two national highways cuts through the tiger reserve Do you know? Bandipur, which was established in 1974 as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger, is a national park. Miscellaneous: Girinka programme In news: PM Modi gifts 200 cows to Rwanda (under Girinka scheme of African nation) The Girinka (meaning ‘May you have a cow’) programme started in 2006 to provide one cow to every poor family for their nutritional and financial security. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 1 Poverty and developmental issues Urbanization, their problems and their remedies General studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Important aspects of governance and e-governance Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. Need for Smart Urbanisation About: India is witnessing some strange trends: Villagers across the nation are protesting against their inclusion in the nearby city’s urban area by the local urban development authority. (The fruits of urban development are seemingly rejected). Pollution in India’s urban areas seems to have sparked off a reverse migration. For example, farmers from Haryana who had migrated to Delhi and Gurugram for work to escape an agricultural crisis are increasingly going back to their farms during winter, unable to take the toxic pollution. The annually recurring instances of floods in Mumbai, dengue in Delhi and lakes on fire in Bengaluru paint a grim picture. While work continues, admittedly slowly, on the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor project and the bullet train, urban India’s challenges remain manifold. Key facts: Over 34% of India’s current population lives in urban areas, rising by 3% since 2011. Population of fringe urban areas (smaller clusters with 10-50 lakh population) have increased significantly compared to existing large urban agglomerations (those with a population above 50 lakh) since 2005. India’s urban population could increase to 814 million by 2050. Status of Urban Cities in India: Urban cities look and feel downtrodden, driven with poverty and poor infrastructure. Poor urban planning. With an increase in urban population will come rising demands for basic services such as clean water, public transportation, sewage treatment and housing. Over 90 ‘Smart Cities’ have identified 2,864 projects which India lags on implementation. Only about 148 projects are completed and over 70% still at various stages of preparation. There is still an outstanding shortage of over 10 million affordable houses (despite the government taking encouraging steps to incentivise their construction). Big Concerns: Flawed definition One primary problem is that of the definition of what’s urban. Urban development comes under State governments and the Governor notifies an area as urban (based on parameters such as population, density, revenue generated for the local administration and percentage employed in non-agricultural activities). This notification leads to the creation of an urban local government or municipality, classifying the area as a “statutory town”. With such a vague definition, discretionary decisions yield a wide variance in what is considered a town. The Central government considers a settlement as urban if – it has a urban local government, a minimum population of 5,000; over 75% of its (male) population working in non-agricultural activities; and a population density of at least 400 per sq. km. However, many States consider such “census towns” as rural, and establish governance through a rural local government or panchayat. Poor infrastructure and investment Another issue is the low level of urban infrastructure investment and capacity building. India spends about $17 per capita annually on urban infrastructure projects, against a global benchmark of $100 and China’s $116. Governments have come and gone, announcing a variety of schemes, the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission included, but implementation has been mostly inadequate, with exploration of financing options limited as well. For example, Jaipur and Bengaluru collect only 5-20% of their potential property tax. Urban institutions also suffer from a shortage of skilled people. No effective policies to deal with Urban Migration Finally, there needs to be a systemic policy to deal with urban migration. Internal migration in India is very closely linked to urban transitions, with such migration helping reduce poverty or prevent households from slipping into it. Urban migration is not viewed positively in India, with policies often bluntly seeking to reduce rural to urban migration. It would be better to have policies and programmes to facilitate the integration of migrants into the local urban fabric, and building city plans with a regular migration forecast assumed. Lowering the cost of migration, along with eliminating discrimination against migrants, while protecting their rights will help raise development across the board. For examples, consider Delhi. While historically, urban policy sought to limit urban migration, this is now changing with a focus on revitalising cities nearby such as Meerut, building transport links and connectivity. Poor and unplanned transition Our urban policymakers also need to be cognisant of the historical context of our urban development. Our cities have been witness to multiple transitions over the last century (especially during colonial era), with barely any time to recover and adapt. Transforming them into neatly organised urban spaces will not be easy. Towards a new model Perhaps we need a different model of urbanisation. The announcement of a new urbanisation policy that seeks to rebuild Indian cities around clusters of human capital, instead of considering them simply as an agglomeration of land use, is a welcome transition. We need to empower our cities, with a focus on land policy reforms, granting urban local bodies the freedom to raise financing and enforce local land usage norms. For an India to shine, the transformation of its cities is necessary. Connecting the dots Urbanisation in India is taking place at a much faster pace and urban India’s challenges remain manifold. Analyze. Define Urbanisation. Highlight the problems that have been a consequences of rapid urbanisation in India For an India to shine, the transformation of its cities is necessary. Elucidate. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS TOPIC: General Studies 2 India and its neighbourhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Bhutan and India: Treaty of Friendship Introduction: Bhutan and India have a unique relationship matched by no two other countries, thanks to the Treaty of Friendship signed in Darjeeling in 1949. The below article just gives the glimpse or background how both the countries had fostered their ties and how the relationship lays the foundation for their future development in the 21st century. History After India gained independence, Bhutan was one of the first countries to reach out to the new India. Formal bilateral relations between Bhutan and India were established in January 1968 with the appointment of a special officer of the Government of India to Bhutan. The basis for bilateral relations between India and Bhutan is formed by the Indo-Bhutan Treaty of 1949. On August 8, 1949 Bhutan and India signed the Treaty of Friendship, calling for peace between the two nations and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. However, Bhutan agreed to let India “guide” its foreign policy and decided that both nations would consult each other closely on foreign and defence affairs. The treaty also established free trade and extradition protocols. The Treaty of 2007 The treaty of 1949 between India and Bhutan was updated in 2007. The most significant change was in Article 2. Article 2 was the most important provision in the treaty, according to which, “The Government of India undertakes to exercise no interference in the internal administration of Bhutan. On its part, the Government of Bhutan agrees to be guided by the advice of the Government of India in regard to its external relations. The point that had provoked some amount of criticism or controversy pertains to the second part of this Article since it tries to qualify Bhutan’s external relations. The new Article 2 is worded as follows: “In keeping with the abiding ties of close friendship and cooperation between Bhutan and India, the Government of the Kingdom of Bhutan and the Government of the Republic of India shall cooperate closely with each other on issues relating to their national interests. Neither Government shall allow the use of its territory for activities harmful to the national security and interest of the other.” Conclusion: The updated India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty not only reflects the contemporary nature of the relationship but also lays the foundation for their future development in the 21st century. Amongst others, the Treaty provides for perpetual peace and friendship, free trade and commerce, and equal justice to each other’s citizens. Connecting the dots Bhutan is India’s most trusted partner but it shouldn’t be taken for granted. Critically analyse relation between both countries. (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 within 24 hours. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) According to the Lokpal & Lokayuktas Act, 2013, which of the following statements is/are correct? The act extends to whole of India, excluding Jammu and Kashmir. The act applies to public servants both in and outside India. The act mandates for creation of Lokpal for Union and Lokayukta for states. Choose the correct answer from the code given below: 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Consider the following statements about Lokpal. The Lokpal to consist of a Chairperson with a maximum of 8 members of which 50% shall be judicial members. Lokpal can suo motu proceed against any public servant. Institutions which are financed fully or partly by Government are under the jurisdiction of Lokpal, but institutions aided by Government are excluded. The Lokpal will have the power of superintendence and direction over any investigating agency, including the CBI, for cases referred to them by the Lokpal. Select the correct answer using the code given below. 1,2 and 3 only 2, 3 and 4 only 1, 3 and 4 only All the above Q.3) Consider the following statements regarding the jurisdiction of Lokayukta: There is uniformity regarding the jurisdiction of lokayukta in all the states. The authorities of the local bodies, corporations, companies and societies are included in the jurisdiction of the lokayukta in most of the states. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Recently, some states are racing to gain special status which confers preferential treatment in the form of central assistance and tax breaks. Which among the following are the conditions to categorize states for special status? hilly and difficult terrain low population density or sizable share of tribal population strategic location along borders with neighboring countries economic and infrastructural backwardness non-viable nature of state finances Select the correct code given below: 1, 2 and 3 1, 2, 3 and 4 1, 3 and 5 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Q.5) Which of the following statements are correct about ‘Bandipur National Park’. It is a man-made and man-managed wetland. It is famous for migratory birds which come to visit the park during winters. It is the only National Park, which is recognised as World Heritage Site in Andhra Pradesh Select the code from the following: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 None MUST READ Cosmetic repair: on inter-creditor agreement The Hindu Questioning star power The Hindu Restoring faith in EVMs The Hindu Proving the hardliners in Tehran right The Hindu This is no way to talk Indian Express Parting reflections of a CEA Indian Express Transient triumphs Indian Express

Jul 25, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 30]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 30] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about ‘Parker Solar Probe Mission’ It is a joint mission by NASA and Space X It will trace the flow of energy that heats and accelerates the solar corona and solar wind It is launched by Falcon Heavy Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 Only 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) ‘Project Loon’ was recently in news. It is related to Waste management technology Solar power production technology Water conservation technology Wireless communication technology Q.3) Consider the following statements India has a military base in Djibouti Djibouti is a landlocked country enclosed by Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements about ‘Hamas’ It is a secular organisation which recognises Israel and wants to build a state on 1967 borders It was formed in the wake of Arab Spring, 2010. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Which of the following was known in ancient times as ‘Constantinople’? Jordan Libya Istanbul Egypt To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best IASbaba

Jul 25, 2018 RSTV Video

RSTV- India, U.S. 2+2 Dialogue in Limbo

India, U.S. 2+2 Dialogue in Limbo Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests In News: The US had postponed the 2+2 dialogue, a new dialogue format that was agreed upon between the two sides during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Washington in June 2017. After June last year, the two countries have tried to schedule the dialogue many times with several dates having been considered. The 'two-plus-two dialogue': The dialogue is seen as a vehicle to elevate the strategic relationship between the two countries. It’s a constructive way for like-minded nations in the region to have a chance to share views and to coordinate to the extent possible to ensure that they reach their mutual objectives in the region. Will be on the lines of India-Japan 2+2 (diplomatic and security) dialogue format that began in 2010 To replace the Strategic and Commercial Dialogue between the foreign and commerce ministers of the two countries held under the previous Obama administration. Objective: To discuss strengthening strategic, security and defence cooperation as the US and India jointly address challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond Rift between India and US: On Iran Sanctions: India had refused to cut down on all oil supplies from Iran. In other words, India is unwilling to accept US diktat on stopping all oil imports from Iran - Link On India’s plans to acquire the Russian S-400 missile system: Indo-US ties are also being tested over defence supplies from Russia including S-400 missile defence system and impending sanctions if India went ahead with the purchase. Trade protectionism of Trump administration has forced India to impose retaliatory measures. We recently read that India has notified higher tariffs on several items imported from the U.S. Several issues/disputes in World Trade Organisation (WTO); Trade protectionism; Disputes on the new American steel and aluminium tariffs; disputes on Indian price reductions on medical devices Harley-Davidson motorcycles row – US calling for India to scrap its 75-100% tariffs- Recent Update: The inaugural 'two-plus-two dialogue' between India and the US will be held on September 6 in New Delhi. On the Table for Discussions: Indo-Pacific Defence purchases, Defence exercises and Terrorism Conclusion: U.S needs to understand that it cannot push India around. It is an impingement on India’s strategic autonomy to be able to take care of its own economic interests. India is an energy deficient country and needs energy for economic growth. It is time for both sides to once again demonstrate that the rhetoric of the US-India relationship matches the reality, and find a way forward that addresses the sanctions issues without jeopardizing the overall upward trajectory of the partnership.

Jul 24, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 24th July 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 24th July 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Rajiv Gauba panel to check cases of mob lynching Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Social issues; Internal Security; Law and Order issue In news: High-level committee headed by Rajiv Gauba, had been constituted to check cases of “mob lynching”. The government said a Group of Ministers (GoM), headed by Union Home Minister will consider the report of the committee and submit its recommendations to Prime Minister. Do you know? As per the Constitution, ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects and State governments are responsible for controlling crime, maintaining law and order and protecting the life and property of the citizens. Supreme Court condemned the recent spate of lynchings as “horrendous acts of mobocracy” and told Parliament to make lynching a separate offence. India is a popular hub for medical tourism Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Social/Health issues; Tourism/Infrastructure; Economy In news: India attracts a large number of foreign patients every year. Reasons: A rare combination of advanced facilities, skilled doctors, and low cost of treatment Bangladesh and Afghanistan continued to be the top countries from where the maximum number foreign tourist arrivals (for medical purpose) was seen. Other countries from where large numbers of medical tourists came to India include Iraq, Oman, Maldives, Yemen, Uzbekistan and Sudan. The NITI Aayog has identified medical value travel as a major source of foreign exchange earnings. 2017-18 FDI inflows Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy; Foreign Investment inflows In news: According to RBI – Karnataka registered the biggest increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) last year. Karnataka sees 300% jump in FDI inflows and Tamil Nadu FDI inflows increased. Gujarat, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh all saw a drop in FDI inflows Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/07/24/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/bfa29fc0_2268301_101_mr.jpg About Foreign direct investment: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is a form of investment that involves the inoculation of foreign funds into an enterprise that operates in a different country of origin from the financier. Foreign direct investment is vital part of an open and real international economic system and a major promoter to development. Determinates of FDI in Host Country: Host Country Determinants: Policy framework for FDI Economic, political and social stability Rules regarding entry and operations. Standards of treatment of foreign affiliates. Policies on functioning and structure of markets (esp. competition and merger and acquisition [M&A] Policies International agreements on FDI Privatization Policy Trade policy (barriers-tariff and non-tariff) and coherence of FDI and trade policies Do you know? India had jumped one spot to 8th rank in the 2017 Global FDI Confidence Index. Governance and regulatory issues made up 7 of the top-10 factors that investors consider when deciding on an investment destination according to the report. However, India in 2018 has fallen out of the top 10 destinations for FDI in terms of its attractiveness, according to an AT Kearney (Global FDI Confidence Index) report. Reasons – Challenges with implementation of GST and impact of demonetization. Notable reforms done - elimination of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board, a government agency responsible for reviewing all potential foreign investment, and the liberalisation of foreign investment thresholds for the retail, aviation, and biomedical industries, Think: Difference between FDI and FII Miscellaneous Iran was the second-biggest oil supplier to Indian state refiners According to the “World Investment Report for 2018”, issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Indian FDI in Africa in 2016-17 at $14 billion was even lower than it was in 2011-12 at $16 billion. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC:General Studies 2: 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 Human Rights Issue – LGBT community issue Government policies and interventions in regard to the above issue. SC Order On Sec 377 Supreme Court bench recently concluded its hearing on Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) What is Section 377? (Fast recap) Section 377 reads as follows: “Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to a fine.” Do you know? Section 377 of the IPC traces its history back nearly 500 years. Section 377 is modelled on Britain’s Buggery Act of 1533. The prime architect of that Act was the (in)famous Thomas Cromwell. Cromwell’s Act made it a capital offence. Thomas Macaulay, architect of India’s IPC in 1860, was the one who added this law into the code at his discretion and without much debate. Thomas Macaulay is often credited with bringing English education to India. Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code came into force in 1862. The terms “carnal intercourse” and “against the order of nature” are not defined precisely anywhere in the code. It had led to – wide variety of definition and misinterpretations of the law – in most of the cases during British India and independent India. Background: In a landmark judgement in 2009, the Delhi high court found Section 377 to be inconsistent with the fundamental rights under Article 13(1) of the Constitution . Additionally, it was found to be in violation of the right to privacy and dignity (Article 21), freedom of expression and right to equality (Article 19 (1) and Articles 14 and 15). The judgement also stated that it would unfairly target the LBGTQ+ community because the acts that are criminalized are closely associated with homosexuality. In summary, the Delhi high court found Section 377 to be unconstitutional. Four years later, a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court overruled the Delhi high court judgement on the grounds that it was legally unsustainable. The bench took a literal and technical view rather than the wider sweep that the Delhi high court had applied, putting legal technicality above judgement and wisdom. One side (the literalists) holds that Parliament must enact laws that the judiciary should enforce, and, therefore, it is up to Parliament to change the law. The other side (the pragmatists) has always maintained, as the incumbent government just stated, that the courts must opine if Parliament is unable or unwilling to modernize a 150-year-old law. Though the 172nd report of the Law Commission of India recommended the deletion of Section 377, no action was taken. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court began to hear a clutch of appeals challenging the constitutional validity of Section 377. According to the new bench – “If Section 377 of the IPC goes away entirely, there will be anarchy. We are solely on consensual acts between man-man, man-woman. Consent is the fulcrum here. You cannot impose your sexual orientation on others without their consent.” A section of people could not live in fear of the law which shrink their rights to choice, privacy and dignity. Conclusion: Section 377 criminalises a section of people for being a sexual minority. A cross-section of the people has approached the Supreme Court against the penal provision. They are not just seeking protection as sexual minorities, but recognition of characteristics inherent in all human beings. They argue that the right to sexuality, sexual autonomy and freedom to choose a sexual partner form the cornerstone of human dignity. Section 377 has a “chilling effect” on the right of equality, liberty, life, dignity and non-discrimination on the ground of sex. The pertinent question before the court is, what is the ‘order of nature’ meant by Section 377 in its text. Once the Constitution Bench decides that homosexuality is also an order of nature and upholds the fundamental right to sexuality, sexual orientation and choice of same-sex partners, the doors are opened for individuals to approach the court in future on the larger issues of legalising same-sex marriages, inheritance, adoption, and reservation in employment. Clearly, the verdict on Section 377 will bring subtle tectonic shifts in India’s whole social landscape. Connecting the dots: In India, Section 377 of the IPC was introduced not as a reflection of existing Indian values and traditions, but rather, it was imposed upon Indian society due to the moral values of the colonisers. Indian society prior to enactment of the IPC had a much greater tolerance of homosexuality. Comment. Do you think the constitutional ideals of equality and justice have been compromised by criminalising homosexuality in India? Discuss the issue in light of the controversy surrounding section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. NATIONAL/SOCIAL TOPIC:General Studies 2: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Is India’s new higher education commission bill visionary? In News- Recently, The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has put out the draft Higher Education Commission of India (Repeal of University Grants Commission) Act, 2018. Introduction The Constitution of India mandates Central Government to take steps for coordination and determination of standards in institutions for higher education or research and scientific and technical institutions. For promoting uniform development of quality of education in higher educational institutions, there is a need for creation of a Body that lays down uniform standards, and ensures maintenance of the same through systematic monitoring and promotion. The existing regulatory structure as reflected by the mandate given to University Grants Commission required redefinition based on the changing priorities of higher education and allows its growth. Hence this Act provides for establishing the Higher Education Commission of India repealing the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. Do you know? The UGC, was formally established in November 1956 as a statutory body of the Government of India through an Act of Parliament for the coordination, determination and maintenance of standards of university education in India. The UGC has the unique distinction of being the only grant-giving agency in the country which has been vested with two responsibilities: that of providing funds and that of coordination, determination and maintenance of standards in institutions of higher education. The UGC`s mandate includes: Promoting and coordinating university education. Determining and maintaining standards of teaching, examination and research in universities. Framing regulations on minimum standards of education. Monitoring developments in the field of collegiate and university education; disbursing grants to the universities and colleges. Serving as a vital link between the Union and state governments and institutions of higher learning. Advising the Central and State governments on the measures necessary for improvement of university education. Flaws in the proposed Higher education commission of India bill The default status of a good university is to be autonomous. The spirit of Clause 15 (3) of the draft Act is no different to Section 12 of the UGC Act where wide powers are given to the Commission. The standards laid down by regulators are applied to all the universities but they cater to only institutions at the bottom of the period. That is the reason why the IITs, IIMs and other good institutions suffer at the thought of UGC control. The draft bill for the National Commission for Higher Education and Research (NCHER) 2012 had proposed a separate autonomous body for allocations of funds. It would have been good step if the current draft took that into consideration instead of MHRD handling the funds. National Knowledge Commission and Yashpal Committee had, in 2008, recommended the setting up of a single regulatory authority. Presently, there are 13 regulators in the area of higher education, each functioning independently and often times issuing contradictory regulations. For ex- The draft act does not mention about the regulator for technical education Accreditation is an important tool for quality improvement in learning outcomes. National Accreditation Regulatory Authority Bill in 2012 had proposed for creating an autonomous accrediting agency but the draft bill attempts to establish as a subordinate body. UGC Act specifies that degrees can be awarded only by a university deemed to be a university and an institution specially empowered by Parliament in this behalf. The present draft removes that restriction and by virtue of authorisation by UGC, any higher education institution in India, whether university or not, can become entitled to award diploma, degree etc. This could lead to a free-for-all situation. The present UGC Act empowers it under Section 22 (3) to define a degree, including its duration and nomenclature. The present draft removes that provision which can create chaos as different authorities will be free to give different nomenclature to a degree/diploma with variable duration. The draft allows any university, including private and deemed-to-be-universities, to affiliate. This could lead to an unhealthy competition and scramble for colleges for affiliation, especially by private universities, for purely commercial reasons. The skill programmes and courses are terminal in nature and given the stigma that society unfortunately attaches to working with the hands, it has failed to get mass acceptability. The draft could have provided more powers to the Commission in mainstreaming skills into the education system. Way ahead Online education and blended learning are the order of the day and probably also of the future. Madhav Menon Committee had recommended open and distance learning in place of highly capital intensive conventional class room education. The present draft has retained that provision which is a good sign going ahead with the much needed reforms. Connecting the dots: Critically analyze the role of University Grant Commission in light of higher education in India. Also suggest the broad framework which should be adhered to by the policy. Why doesn’t India have globally competitive institutions of education? Examine. What would it take to transform higher education in India? Analyse. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Q.1) Which among the following is/are part of State Subject? Police Public order Co-operative societies Choose correct answer: 1 only 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Consider the following statements with reference to the Foreign Direct Investment FDI inflows are highly volatile as the capital can leave the country overnight FDI is preferable over debt financing as it does not create interest obligations Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Which among the following statements is/are true in regard to FDI and FII? FDI brings foreign capital, technology and management, FII brings only foreign Capital. In FII, investments flow into stock market; whereas in FDI, investments flow directly in primary market. FDI investments are more stable compared to FIIs. Choose the correct answer: 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.4) Which among the following is/are matched correctly? World Development Report - World Bank Global Financial Stability Report - IMF World Investment Report - UNCTAD Global Competitiveness Report - World Economic Forum Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 4 only 2 and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4 MUST READ Changing the order of battle The Hindu The art of writing a judgment The Hindu Befriending the neighbour The Hindu The deep and far of science The Hindu The Israeli turn The Hindu A Law For Children Indian Express Raja Mandala: Trailing China Indian Express

Jul 24, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 29]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 29] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) It is the partner of BirdLife International in India. It is selected as an ENVIS Centre for avian ecology and inland wetlands. Select the correct statement 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘Pinjore Gardens’ It is an example of the Mughal Gardens architectural style It came under the territory ruled by the Maharajas of Patiala before independence Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about ‘Green fluorescent protein (GPF)’ It traditionally refers to the protein first isolated from the jellyfish 2017 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded for discovery and development of the green fluorescent protein Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements about ‘Cortisol’ It is called as "stress hormone" because of its connection to the stress response It is made within the pituitary gland Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Consider the following statements about Voltage fade It reduces the energy density of a battery Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are immune from voltage fade 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

Jul 24, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 23rd July 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 23rd July 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Place in news: Second century BCE Buddhist site at Thotlakonda in Visakhapatnam Part of: GS Prelims and Mains I – Protection and conservation of Cultural heritage sites In news: Heritage conservationists and members of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has expressed concerns over proposed construction of amphitheatre, rest rooms and information centre at second century BCE Buddhist site, Thotlakonda in Visakhapatnam. Buildings might mar the original heritage site and are against the norms laid down by the courts. Court had ordered - no construction or development activity of any sort shall be permitted within the boundaries of the ancient site Tourism should be developed but not at the cost of protected areas Pic: https://www.touristplaces.net.in/images/pp/5/p113753.jpg Important Value Additions Thotlakonda site was first discovered in 1976 The excavations conducted by ASI revealed the ruins of a well-established Theravada (Hinayana Buddhism) monastery Under Article 49 of the Constitution, the State is under obligation to protect every monument, place or object of artistic or historic interest declared to be of national importance from spoilation, disfigurement, destruction, removal, disposal or export, as the case may be. (DPSP) Under Article 51A(f) of the Constitution, there is fundamental duty to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture. (Fundamental Duties) Public Affairs Index 2018 Part of: Prelims and GS mains II – Governance, transparency and accountability In news: Public Affairs Index 2018 It is an index on the quality of governance, released by Bengaluru-based think tank Public Affairs Centre. Kerala tops list (for the third time) of best governed large State in the country. Tamil Nadu and Telangana stood second and third respectively. Karnataka retained its fourth spot. States are ranked based on 10 themes, 30 focus subjects and 100 indicators, such as power, water, road and housing; Women and Children, Environment etc. Watershed development projects and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. In news: According to a Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) report on Rural Development - Watershed development projects lagging behind badly (only 10% of projects complete) Watershed development is vital component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/07/23/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/1f72ce5e_2266158_101_mr.jpg Basics: What is watershed management? A watershed is an area that separates water flowing into rivers or basins. Management of a watershed involves the rational utilisation of land and water resources, through preventing soil run-off, increasing the productivity of crops, rain water harvesting and recharging of ground water tables. Important Value additions: About Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) PMKSY has been formulated with the vision of extending the coverage of irrigation ‘Har Khet ko pani’ and improving water use efficiency ‘More crop per drop' in a focused manner. The major objective of PMKSY is to – achieve convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level, expand cultivable area under assured irrigation, improve on-farm water use efficiency to reduce wastage of water, enhance the adoption of precision-irrigation and other water saving technologies (More crop per drop), enhance recharge of aquifers and introduce sustainable water conservation practices College principals to have fixed tenures: UGC Part of: GS Prelims In news: College principals across the country could enjoy a minimum fixed tenure of five years, according to recent University Grants Commission A college principal shall be appointed for a period of five years, extendable for another term of five years on the basis of performance assessment by a committee appointed by the (respective) university. Presently college principals do not have a fixed tenure. These regulations would replace the UGC Regulations of 2010. All universities in the country have been mandated to amend their statutes to give effect to these amendments within six months. Amendments to POCSO Act Part of : GS Prelims and Mains II – Child welfare; vulnerable sections In news: Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry has proposed amendments to POCSO Act. Proposal to enhance punishment in cases of sexual assault of male children. The move is being seen as an effort to bring in a gender-neutral law while dealing with cases of sexual assaults. Boys who are sexually abused as children spend a lifetime in silence because of the stigma and shame attached to male survivors speaking out Ministry is also working on the proposal to amend the Act to award death penalty to those convicted of raping children below 12 years. Items under GST Part of: GS Prelims – Current affairs and Indian Economy Keep track of items under GST (We never know, UPSC might ask question on similar lines of previous year Prelims GST question :D) Basic Economics: What is the GDP deflator? Part of: GS Prelims – Current affairs and Indian Economy What is GDP deflator? The GDP deflator, also called implicit price deflator, is a measure of inflation. It is the ratio of the value of goods and services an economy produces in a particular year at current prices to that of prices that prevailed during the base year. This ratio helps show the extent to which the increase in gross domestic product has happened on account of higher prices rather than increase in output. Since the deflator covers the entire range of goods and services produced in the economy — as against the limited commodity baskets for the wholesale or consumer price indices — it is seen as a more comprehensive measure of inflation. Real vs nominal GDP GDP price deflator measures the difference between real GDP and nominal GDP. Nominal GDP differs from real GDP as the former doesn’t include inflation, while the latter does. As a result, nominal GDP will most often be higher than real GDP in an expanding economy. The formula to find the GDP price deflator: GDP price deflator = (nominal GDP ÷ real GDP) x 100 WPI, CPI A consumer price index (CPI) measures changes over time in the general level of prices of goods and services that households acquire for the purpose of consumption. However, since CPI is based only a basket of select goods and is calculated on prices included in it, it does not capture inflation across the economy as a whole. The wholesale price index basket has no representation of the services sector and all the constituents are only goods whose prices are captured at the wholesale/producer level. Changes in consumption patterns or introduction of goods and services are automatically reflected in the GDP deflator. This allows the GDP deflator to absorb changes to an economy’s consumption or investment patterns. Often, the trends of the GDP deflator will be similar to that of the CPI. Specifically, for the GDP deflator, the ‘basket’ in each year is the set of all goods that were produced domestically, weighted by the market value of the total consumption of each good. Therefore, new expenditure patterns are allowed to show up in the deflator as people respond to changing prices. The theory behind this approach is that the GDP deflator reflects up-to-date expenditure patterns. GDP deflator is available only on a quarterly basis along with GDP estimates, whereas CPI and WPI data are released every month. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 3: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections Redressing farmers’ distress: Increasing MSPs (Price Policy) to Income Policy Introduction: The present government has increased the MSPs of 14 kharif crops to at least 50 per cent above paid out costs of farmers, including the imputed cost of family labour (Cost A2+FL). The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), a professional advisory body has toed the government line. It has bypassed its own terms of reference (ToR) that require it to look at demand and supply, domestic and international prices, costs, inter-crop price parity, etc while recommending MSPs. States like Uttar Pradesh have announced a much higher state-advised price. Concerns: Increasing MSP doesn’t address the roots of the problem, which have to do with excess with the farmers. An extended subsidy will only result in more output, adding to the stocks and further depressing realisations. India’s agrarian crisis today — one of surpluses in most farm commodities — isn’t amenable to traditional political fixes, such as announcing MSPs that may be fair and remunerative to farmers, but are divorced from market realities. Market-distorting MSPs and subsidies or loan waivers aren’t the best way to help farmers. What they need primarily is income support, which is better done through a flat per-acre subsidy not specific to any crop or production-linked. Issues: Implementation issues- Whether these MSPs can be effectively implemented? Market prices of most kharif crops are well below the announced MSPs. Ensuring that farmers really get these MSPs will require a major coordination between the Centre and states. Given a robust procurement system does not exist for other crops it will become difficult for the government to procure even 25 per cent of the production of various kharif crops, except in paddy and cotton. Cost issues: In the case of paddy alone, the government will incur an extra food subsidy bill of Rs 12,000-15,000 crore due to increased procurement. The grain stocks are already brimming and the Food Corporation of India is saddled. 50-60 per cent higher than the current buffer stock norms. Higher MSPs are likely to make exports globally uncompetitive, leading to further accumulation of stocks at home, and greater economic inefficiency. Example- Setting procurement prices higher than global prices is not a new phenomenon in global history. The European Economic Community (EEC) has done this earlier leading to a glut of butter and milk in EU countries. Lately, China also raised MSPs of wheat, rice and corn substantially above world prices, leading to grain stocks piling up. Wisdom lies in learning from the mistakes of other countries. Way ahead: As Mr Arun Jaitley recently said, “If there is any area in the economy where we can give an example to the world and to ourselves of cooperative federalism, it is the agriculture sector. It can benefit people more than what GST has done”. Coordination is needed amongst Union ministries that deal with agriculture, food, food processing, fertilisers, water, rural development and trade. This will enable a holistic approach to agriculture and farmers’ incomes. The process can start with the creation of an agri-council/cabinet. Focus should be on long overdue agri- marketing reforms and revisiting the Essential Commodity and APMC Acts to “get the markets right”. Getting the markets right will ensure better and stable prices to farmers, as well as consumers, and also augment farmers’ incomes in a sustained manner. India needs to recognise that adressing farmers’ woes by raising procurement prices can have a limit imposed by global prices, especially in a situation of surplus production. The moment one crosses that limit, domestic stocks will start accumulating. Time has come for India to devise an income policy (DBT) for farmers. Case study: Telangana’s Rythu Bandhu scheme with direct investment support is interesting. It can be refined and made WTO compatible. Conclusion: It is time the government switch from price policy to income policy approach to redress farmers’ distress. Connecting the dots: Increasing MSPs to help farmers has several limitations. Discuss. Also, highlight the need to switch from price policy approach to income policy to redress farmers’ distress. NATIONAL TOPIC:General Studies 1: Social empowerment Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues. Promoting women entrepreneurs in India Introduction: Today’s women have broken the glass ceiling and scaled new frontiers in business and industry, bringing fresh ideas into the commercial and tech landscape of India. These innovations are actively reshaping engineering, technology, design, handicrafts, weaving, shoe-making, agriculture, organic farming and other cultural and creative industries. The recent World Economic Forum meeting at Davos adds to this notion of the new age women entrepreneur, putting out a call to bring up an equal number of women, in the labour force. This equalisation can enhance the Gross Domestic Product of a developing country like India by over 27 per cent. Indian context: As professional entrepreneurs, women are truly living their dreams. India has developed a vibrant entrepreneurial landscape aided by several progressive initiatives and measures instituted by the government. Today, with more than 20,000 start-ups, India has emerged as the second largest start-up ecosystem in the world and is expected to grow at 10-12 per cent year-on-year. It is heartening to see that India jumped 50 places in the overall ‘Ease of Doing Business’ rankings and this is just another reason to keep plouging ahead full steam towards ensuring a groundswell for women leadership in the country. Women in India: With women comprising over 48 per cent of the country’s population, it is impossible to think of economic growth without women as the fundamental drivers of change. It is projected that by 2025, India’s GDP will get an additional boost of 16 per cent, by integrating women into the workforce. The theme of the 8th edition of Global Entrepreneurship Summit, ‘Women first, Prosperity for all’ highlighted that when women do better, countries do better. According to the Sixth Economic Census by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO), only 14 per cent businesses in India are run by women. It is estimated that over 90 per cent of finance requirement for women entrepreneurs is met through informal channels since they are unable to source formal, collateral free and transparent financing for their enterprises. The Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs 2018 (MIWE) has observed that cultural bias and a lack of access to financial services were amongst the major hindrances for women business owners in India. Govt initiatives: Over the past few years, India has witnessed record growth in women entrepreneurship. The government initiatives includes- Stand-Up India- It has covered 12 villages in 4 months. MUDRA NITI Aayog’s recent Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) Above are steps in the right direction. Several women-led leadership and mentorship programs such as empoWer, SAHA Fund and Sonder Connect are also gaining traction in India. Way ahead: There is an urgent need to create an enabling environment for women to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations through progressive policies. The Indian start-up landscape, with over eight million women entrepreneurs, is at an inflection point where an accelerated pro-women change is of vital importance. We must focus on establishing necessary infrastructure, such as women-centric incubator and accelerator models, actualising mentorship initiatives, increasing investment opportunities, as well as redrafting educational policies and skilling initiatives, making them more contemporary and relevant. Access to new age alternate funding for women entrepreneurs such as women specific venture funds and crowd funding is important for encouraging their growth. We need to encourage women to invest in other female-led companies to balance gender disparity, co-creating both mentorship and networking platforms. With emerging technologies such as hashgraph, blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (A.I), deep learning and Internet of Things (IoT), it is of vital importance that the skillset of women be expanded to match the current market trends. Each small step that we take today will bring us closer towards fulfilling the larger vision for India of our Agenda 25x25 — 25 per cent women entrepreneurs by 2025. To achieve inclusive and equitable socio-economic growth, we must ensure that at least 25 per cent of entrepreneurs in the country are women by 2025. Connecting the dots: There is an urgent need to create an enabling environment for women to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations through progressive policies. Discuss. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Q.1) Stupas are known to be the first religious structures in India. Which of the following statements regarding ‘Stupa’ are correct? They are pre-Buddhist structures. They are built only on the relics of Buddha. They are built to commemorate important events in Buddha’s life Select the correct code from the following: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) Second century BCE Buddhist site, Thotlakonda was in news recently. It is found in – Telangana Tamil Nadu Andhra Pradesh Kerala Q.3) Which of the following characteristic feature given below is clearly a distinction between Mahayana and Hinayana form of Buddhism? Buddha was a Human being in Mahayana where as he is considered as God in Hinayana Mahayana did not believe in idol worship Buddha is considered as God in Mahayana sect where as he is just a human being in Hinayana sect None of the above Q.4) ‘To protect monuments, places and objects of artistic or historic interest which are declared to be of national importance’ – This provision is provided in: DPSP Fundamental Duties Fundamental Rights All of the above Q.5) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) is related to Food Park and Processing Irrigation in rural areas Financial Inclusion Rural Electrification Q.6) Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, PMKSY aims to bring rationality and investment in irrigation and bring water in every field. Consider the following Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) On Farm Water Management (OFWM) Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchana yojana is formulated by amalgamating which of the above schemes 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.7) Consider the following regarding CPI and GDP deflator CPI includes prices of goods consumed by representative consumer and excludes imported goods prices whereas GDP deflator includes prices of imported goods In CPI, goods purchased by consumers do not represent all the goods which are produced in a country whereas GDP deflator takes into account all such goods and services In CPI weights are constant but they differ according to the production level of each good in GDP deflator. Select the correct statement/s 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above MUST READ Sunlight and shadow The Hindu The cancer refugees Indian Express An anti-lynching law is the wrong solution Livemint Why private hospitals should join NHPM? Livemint

Jul 23, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 28]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 28] Archives Q.1) Rule of Law Index is released by International Development Law Organization World Justice Project International Bar Association International Criminal Court Q.2) The term ‘Secular Stagnation’ was coined by Angus Deaton Jean Drèze Amartya Sen Alvin Hansen Q.3) Consider the following statements about The Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) It gives police the right to arrest, without a warrant, anybody violating the Act’s provisions Its execution rests entirely on the discretion of the State government Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 None of the above Q.4) Teesta River flows through which of the following states? West Bengal Sikkim Assam Select the correct code: 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 All of the above Q.5) Test and Treat Policy is associated with which of the following diseases? HIVAIDS Tuberculosis Leprosy Malaria and Dengu To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best IASbaba

Jul 23, 2018 PIB

IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau – 15th July to 21st July, 2018

IASbaba Press Information Bureau 15th to 21st July, 2018 ARCHIVES GS-2 Cabinet approves Special Remission to Prisoners on the occasion of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi - Homage to the Father of Nation and the humanitarian values Mahatma Gandhi stood for. Signing of Memorandum of Understanding amongst BRICS Nations: On the Regional Aviation Partnership Cooperation viz. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa Impact: Has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchanges amongst the BRICS Nations. Areas of Cooperation: Public Policies and best practices in regional services; Regional Airports; Airport infrastructure management and air navigation services; Technical cooperation between regulatory agencies; Innovation; Environment Sustainability; including deliberation of global initiatives; Qualification and Training MoU between India and Cuba: On cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy MoU between India and Indonesia: On cooperation in the field of pharmaceutical products, pharmaceutical substances, biological product and cosmetics regulatory functions To forge better understanding about each other's regulatory requirements Facilitate India's export of pharmaceutical products Establish a framework for fruitful cooperation and exchange of information between the two countries in matters relating to Pharmaceutical products regulation on the basis for equality, reciprocity and mutual benefit. MoU between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance, Bahrain: To strengthen the accounting, financial and audit knowledge base within Bahrain Special Package for Irrigation Projects in Vidarbha, Marathwada and other chronically drought prone areas of rest of Maharashtra: Completion of these projects will ensure assured source of water to the farmers in the command area of these projects. This will increase yield of their crops and thereby increase the income of the farmers. GS-3 Infrastructural Projects in North Eastern Region (Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.) 100% subsidy is being provided by Ministry of Shipping under Central Sector Scheme for development of IWT infrastructure in North Eastern States. Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for the North-Eastern Region (NER): Installation of 2817 mobile towers for providing mobile coverage in 4119 uncovered villages of Arunachal Pradesh and two districts of Assam Provision of mobile services on 2G+4G technology for installation of 2173 mobile towers in 2374 uncovered villages and along National Highways Bharatmala Pariyojana Road stretches aggregating to about 5301 km in NER have been approved for improvement. Out of this, 3246 km road length has been approved for development of Economic Corridor in North East. To augment railway network, 7 railway projects consisting of 3 new lines and 4 doublings have been taken up during last three years and current year which are at various stages of execution. For providing cross-border rail linkage, foundation stone for Agartala-Akhaura Rail-Link was laid in July, 2016 which will connect the existing Agartala station in Tripura to Akhaura Station of Bangladesh Railways. 19 new waterways (11 in Assam, 5 in Meghalaya, 1 each in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram & Nagaland) have been declared as National Waterways (NWs) To augment tele-connectivity, BharatNet is being implemented to create network infrastructure for providing Broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) (approx. 2,50,000) in the country including Gram Panchayats (GPs) of North Eastern Region. Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN) has been launched to provide connectivity to unserved and under-served airports and promote regional connectivity by making the airfare affordable through Viability Gap Funding (VGF). Traditional and Sustainable Farming in North Eastern Region (Topic: Agriculture; Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country) Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) Aims at Development of certified organic production in a value chain mode to link growers with consumers Support the development of entire value chain starting from inputs, seeds, certification and creation of facilities for collection, aggregation, processing, marketing and brand building initiative. The assistance is provided for cluster development, on/off farm input production, supply of seeds/planting materials, setting up of functional infrastructure, establishment of integrated processing unit, refrigerated transportation, pre-cooling/ cold stores chamber, branding, labelling and packaging, hiring of space, hand holdings, organic certification through third party, mobilization of farmers/processors etc. National Bamboo Mission (NBM) Focused on development of Bamboo inter alia in the North Eastern States, which has nearly 60% of the country’s Bamboo growing stock. Aims at holistic development of the Bamboo sector (including in NER) by incentivizing construction industry to give impetus to the use of Bamboo in construction Seeks to mandate eco-friendly Government constructions through use of Bamboo and Bamboo products to give a fillip to this eco-friendly industry. Sagarmala initiative: Hi-tech Labs in Centre of Excellence in Maritime & Ship building (CEMS) (Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.) Startup in skill development for maritime and shipbuilding sector; promoted by Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) in partnership with Siemens and Ministry of Shipping A key initiative of Sagarmala programme for improved skill development in ship building and ship repair – Will provide industry-relevant employable skills to students in the port and maritime sector Will further boost Make in India and Skill India efforts in the maritime sector Please Note: Tourism Sector alone has created 14.62 million job opportunities in the country in the last four years. Largest cave network of Asia: In Meghalaya PENCIL: Platform for Effective Enforcement for No Child Labour – An online portal to ensure effective enforcement of the provisions of the Child Labour Act and smooth implementation of the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme Connects Central Government to State Government(s), District(s) and all District Project Societies Further the Ministry has instructed all the concerned States where NCLP Scheme is sanctioned, to form State Resource Centre (SRC) under the chairmanship of State Labour Secretary, which would monitor the enforcement of Child Labour Act, coordinate for the rescue of children and adolescents, child tracking system and supervise all the functions through PENCIL portal. SRC would also prepare and implement awareness generation plan to curb the menace of child labour in the State. Observatory for Gravitational Waves study: The Government of India has given ‘In-Principle’ approval for Construction and Operation of Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Laboratory – India (LIGO) in India in collaboration with LIGO Laboratory, United States of America. This is the third observatory identical to the two LIGO observatories in USA. BrahMos: Supersonic cruise missile A joint venture between DRDO of India and NPOM of Russia; named after the Brahmaputra and Moscow rivers BrahMos missile has established itself as a major force multiplier in modern-day complex battlefields with its impeccable land-attack, anti-ship capabilities with multi-role and multi-platform abilities. Capable of being launched from land, sea and air, completing the tactical cruise missile triad for India Has a strike range of around 290 km and is described as the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile Chandrayaan-II Mission: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to deploy a rover on the lunar surface through Chandrayaan-2 mission. The instruments on Rover will conduct in-situ analysis of elements such as Na, Mg, Al, Si, etc; in the vicinity of landing site. India's second mission to the Moon is a totally indigenous mission comprising of an Orbiter, Lander and Rover Would orbit around the moon and perform the objectives of remote sensing the moon. The payloads will collect scientific information on lunar topography, mineralogy, elemental abundance, lunar exosphere and signatures of hydroxyl and water-ice. Shram Suvidha Portal Allotment of Unique Identity i.e. Labour Identification Number (LIN) for effective, efficient and real-time governance in Labour Administration To bring transparency and accountability in enforcement of labour laws through Online Inspection System and Filing of Online Inspection Report Common Online Registration and Filing of Self-Certified and Simplified Single Online Annual Return for multiple labour laws to ease the complexity of compliance Unified ECR under EPFO/ESIC to encourage compliance by reducing transaction costs and promoting ease of business Installation of a remote sensing instrument- LiDAR for assessment of offshore wind resource at Gulf of Khambat, off the Gujarat Coast: By National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), an autonomous institution under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Energy Target of the Government: Installing 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by the year 2022 100 GW from solar 60 GW from wind 10 GW from bio-power 5 GW from small hydro-power Bhartiya Niredeshak Dravyas (BNDTM): CSIR- National Physical laboratory (NPL) has signed a MoU with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) for indigenous development of petroleum certified reference materials (CRMs) under trade name of Bhartiya Niredeshak Dravyas (BNDTM). Ensure maintaining highest standard quality ecosystem for petroleum products used by all stakeholders including common man Will save vital foreign exchange through import substitution for CRMs Personality in News Saint Kabir Writings influenced Hinduism's Bhakti movement and his verses are found in Sikhism's scripture Guru Granth Sahib He was Ramananda’s disciple Kabir suggested that True God is with the person who is on the path of righteousness, considered all creatures on earth as his own self, and who is passively detached from the affairs of the world. Kabir's legacy survives and continues through the Kabir panth ("Path of Kabir"), a religious community that recognises him as its founder and is one of the Sant Mat sects. Its members are known as Kabir panthis. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore Reshaped Bengali literature and music, as well as Indian art with Contextual Modernism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries Author of Gitanjali - he became in 1913 the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Referred to as "the Bard of Bengal" His compositions were chosen by two nations as national anthems: India's Jana Gana Mana and Bangladesh's Amar Shonar Bangla. The Sri Lankan national anthem was inspired by his work. Founded, Visva-Bharati University Netaji Subha Chandra Bose An Indian nationalist whose defiant patriotism made him a hero in India, but whose attempt during World War II to rid India of British rule with the help of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan left a troubled legacy Gave the slogan – Jai Hind Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay An Indian writer, poet and journalist – a key figure in literary renaissance of Bengal as well as the broader Indian subcontinent Composer of Vande Mataram, originally in Sanskrit stotra personifying India as a mother goddess and inspiring the activists during the Indian Independence Movement Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee An Indian politician, barrister and academician, who served as Minister for Industry and Supply in Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet. After falling out with Nehru, Mukherjee quit the Indian National Congress and founded the right wing nationalist political party Bharatiya Jana Sangh, a predecessor to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in 1951. Since BJP is the successor party of Bhartiya Jana Sangh, Mookerjee is regarded as the founder of BJP too Quotes: The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu On Agriculture Agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy and it should be on the top of the agenda of the Government There is a need to make agriculture remunerative and farmers must be encouraged to take up allied activities like poultry, horticulture, sericulture, bee keeping, dairy and others to improve income. There is a need to put in place for easy availability on loan at an affordable price and assured power must be supplied to farmers living in villages. The rural areas have to become thriving hubs of economic activities with the agriculture playing an important role in the overall prosperity of the rural people Women Empowerment Empowerment of women is central to achieving the objective of inclusive, equitable and sustainable development Women empowerment is not only a national goal but also a global agenda We cannot achieve a double digit growth without women's active participation Property and land rights are keys to women empowerment Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi The philosophy of Sufism spreads the thoughts of peace and harmony. Evil of Terrorism can be countered with the Philosophy of Sufism

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