IAS Baba

Apr 27, 2018

IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan- Prelims Test 2018 ENVIRONMENT & CURRENT AFFAIRS [Day 42]

Hello Friends, The 60 Days Training has finally begun:) Before any competition, there is a preparatory phase. That phase involves a lot of sessions on strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the preparatory phase, the athletes train in a gradual manner. In the last phase, just before the actual competition, the training is done so as to sharpen their skills. This training requires complete focus and dedication. In this phase, the athletes do not try anything new or train in a new fashion rather focus on sharpening of skills, focusing on strength and precision. Similarly, the upcoming 60 days, is like the last phase (training session), just before the actual competition. Here, the focus should be on sharpening the concepts, consolidating the knowledge base and solidifying the learning with loads and loads of revision. CLICK HERE TO READ FULL DETAILS AND SOLVE QUESTIONS

Apr 26, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 26th April 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 Part of: Mains GS Paper II- Government interventions Key pointers: The second stage of the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan is set to take off with a much wider spread than its first stage. It is a scheme of the Centre aimed at making higher education institutions provide solutions for problems of villages. While just 143 premier institutions like IITs and NITs took part in the first stage, UBA 2.0 will see open and much wider participation from many higher educational institutions. Both technical and non-technical institutions have been invited to build systems in villages as per their strengths. The idea is to have a coordinated approach where the government and institutions work together to facilitate rural development. It is expected to be a two-way learning process, where institutions share their knowledge with villages and also learn from the wisdom and commonsense of rural folk. The key points include helping villages achieve 100% school results, creating 25 jobs each in four sectors in each village where work would take place, increasing rural incomes, providing drinking water and sanitation to villages, disposing village garbage, among other things. Article link: Click here (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL TOPIC : General Studies 2: India and its neighborhood- relations. 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, Indian diaspora. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. Reinvigorating BIMSTEC Background: Since ancient times, regional partnerships have driven growth all over the world and brought prosperity. In today’s times also, we have witnessed how Indian foreign policy has engaged with trans-regional, regional and sub-regional initiatives to nurture shared goals of regional stability and development. BIMSTEC – What it stands for This year will mark the 21st anniversary of the establishment of BIMSTEC - Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. In this timeframe, this regional grouping has come a very long way. Though the desired level of collaboration has evaded the organisation so far, escalating pressures in the neighbourhood of South Asia and South-East Asia have renewed pragmatic hope for stronger ties between BIMSTEC member states. Importance for India: BIMSTEC stands at the very important intersection of ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East Policy’. Encompassing seven member States — five stemming from South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka) and two from South-East Asia (Myanmar and Thailand) lying in the largest bay in the world — the Bay of Bengal, BIMSTEC demonstrates regional unity as well as contiguity. BIMSTEC could enable integration and economic development of the North-East region. Issue: BIMSTEC is one of the least integrated regions of the world. Renewed foreign policy and strategic focus signalled by the 2016 BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit in Goa and several that followed provides timely encouragement for the private sector to articulate a proactive engagement strategy. Reinvigorating BIMSTEC In alignment with the Indian foreign policy focus on BIMSTEC, FICCI convened a Core Group on BIMSTEC in 2017. The resulting knowledge paper ‘Reinvigorating BIMSTEC, An Industry Vision for the Next Decade’ laid out powerful recommendations including- Creation of a BIMSTEC fund, strengthening of BIMSTEC Secretariat as well as improving government-to-business interface in the functioning of BIMSTEC. Lack of connectivity and timely availability of business information is the greatest hindrance to closer economic engagement. Multimodal connectivity and a speedy conclusion of the BIMSTEC FTA along with an effective energy sharing mechanism will have a multiplier effect on trade and investment. On a backdrop of shared history, new and fresh connections have to be forged between students and young entrepreneurs, youth icons, cultural and literary role models and elected representatives. Building Brand BIMSTEC by identifying such brand ambassadors would build soft power equity. Conclusion: BIMSTEC holds catalytic potential to transform economies of member states and create a peaceful, prosperous and integrated neighbourhood. The road from potential to reality will be successfully traversed only when all actors and stakeholders come together to play their role well to achieve a shared dream for peace, stability and prosperity for this dynamic region. Connecting the dots: The BIMSTEC holds catalytic potential to transform economies of member states and create a peaceful, prosperous and integrated neighbourhood. For this to happen, the stakeholders need to come together to see that the required steps are taken towards its actualization. Comment. AGRICULTURE/ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment Reforming Farmer Producer Organisations: Doubling farmers' income Background: The government has this lofty goal of doubling farmers’ income by 2022. Among the different instruments to achieve this goal, promotion of new and scaling up of existing Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) have been given focus. Concept: Given the extremely small landholdings, FPOs, through collectivisation, which leads to economies of scale, are supposed to address the problems and improve the bargaining power of farmers through backward (inputs) and forward linkages (marketing to processors and retailers). An analysis: Have FPOs been successful in reducing input costs and bridging the gap between farm and market prices — a marker of farmers’ bargaining power? Have they been successful in providing more markets and eased credit constraints of group members? Bihar case study: To address the above questions, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) implemented a study of FPOs in Bihar. The results show some success but also several challenges. The farmers seem to have tasted some success in getting information on crops and technology, inputs (seeds, fertilisers and pesticides) at cheaper rates, higher price for their produce, and linking with new markets. FPOs seem to falter in terms of risk mitigation. Sixty-five per cent FPO farmers rate sudden collapse in market price as their biggest fear. One of the biggest challenges for FPOs is ineptness in accessing capital (mere 3 per cent farmers reported improved credit access post-membership). One of the prime motives behind formation of FPO or FPC is to provide capital access. Around 59 per cent FPO farmers reported status quo in access to capital. The other challenges are lack of proper monitoring, no or incomplete record of farmer members, no penalties for wrongdoers, no incentives for good performance, and other problems like free-riding. Lack of proper monitoring and evaluation seems to be hampering the growth of FPOs. Many of them do not have records about members, and several farmers themselves do not know whether they are members or not. Way ahead: The FPOs need a proper selection mechanism for the promoters/organization as well as members based on merit. Optimal size determination: It is always convenient to monitor smaller group. Smaller sub groups, of 25-30 members, within a group could be easier to monitor and can also deliver better on attributes like quality and food safety. Optimal composition: Participation of members with different skills is important to reap the gains based on comparative advantage. Heterogeneity in that sense is desirable. Policy should try to minimise the entry barriers for farmers based on social, economic and political factors so benefits of different skills can flow. Product differentiation: FPOs can maximise prices for farmers if their products are differentiated. Product differentiation levers can be taken, such as freshness (plucked in the morning on day of sales), organic (small farmers hardly use fertilisers/pesticides for vegetables and fruits), and some local sourcing identifiers. There can also be differentiation of products by packaging. If farmers start packaging their products properly, they can command a price premium. Connecting the dots: Among the different instruments to achieve the goal of doubling farmers' income by 2022, promotion of new and scaling up of existing Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) have been given focus. Various survey shows FPOs aren't working as desired. Discuss the challengs and the way ahead. MUST READ Cautionary noted for Wuhan The Hindu The global nuclear cloud is darkening The Hindu Harsher punishment for rape isn't enough Livemint Outcome based financing for development in India Livemint

Apr 26, 2018 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : Protection of Human Rights (Amendments) Bill 2018

Protection of Human Rights (Amendments) Bill 2018 ARCHIVES Search 5th April, 2018 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests In News: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to the Protection of Human Rights (Amendments) Bill, 2018 for better protection and promotion of human rights in the country. Objectives: Strengthen the Human Rights Institutions of India further for effective discharge of their mandates, roles and responsibilities Will be in perfect sync with the agreed global standards and benchmarks towards ensuring the rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual in the country. Salient Features: It proposes to Include “National Commission for Protection of Child Rights” as deemed Member of the Commission – a welcome move as the child rights will be focussed on Add a woman Member in the composition of the Commission; Enlarge the scope of eligibility and scope of selection of Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission as well as the State Human Rights Commission; and Incorporate a mechanism to look after the cases of human rights violation in the Union Territories. Amend the term of office of Chairperson and Members of National Human Rights Commission and State Human Rights Commission to make it in consonance with the terms of Chairperson and Members of other Commissions. The Way Forward: The amendment to the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 will make National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) more compliant with the Paris Principle concerning its autonomy, independence, pluralism and wide-ranging functions in order to effectively protect and promote human rights. Although, the fine print and detailing is yet to come about, broadly, the intent and objective is reassuring. The commitment and wide vision of the government is very critical. National Human Rights Commission must live up to its mandate in letter and spirit. Connecting the Dots: Indian must step up its game when it comes to safeguarding human rights if it wants to become a global leader. Examine the statement in light of the recent events.

Apr 26, 2018

IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan- Prelims Test 2018 ECONOMICS & CURRENT AFFAIRS [Day 41]

Apr 25, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 25th April 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) New system to measure air quality: Being jointly developed by India, US & Finland Part of: Mains GS Paper III- Environment, Conservation Key pointers: India is tying up with the United States and Finland to develop a pollution-forecast system that will help anticipate particulate matter (PM) levels at least two days in advance and at a greater resolution than what is possible now. The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) will be coordinating this exercise. Currently, the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), run out of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, serves as the apex forecaster of pollution trends in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad. It generates a likely air quality profile, a day in advance, for these cities. IITM is an organisation under the MoES. The new system will use a different modelling approach as well as computational techniques from that employed in the SAFAR model. Recently, the Union Environment Ministry released a draft of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) that aims to improve air quality monitoring in India by increasing the number of pollution monitoring stations and, incorporating it into a pollution forecast system. Article link: Click here (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC:General Studies 2: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Panchayati Raj System: What remains to be done afer 25 years? Background: Panchayati Raj in the country received the president’s assent and was proclaimed as incorporated in Parts IX and IXA of the Constitution 25 years ago. There is much that remains to be done. Positive developments: All states have ensured the full and conscientious implementation of the mandatory provisions of the Constitution on local self-government institutions in both rural and urban India. Most state legislation has rendered statutory several of the recommendatory provisions of the Constitution such as the 29 and 18 subjects for devolution illustratively set out respectively in the 12th and 13th Schedules. Successive (central) Finance Commissions have so substantially increased funding to the local bodies, and progressively converted this into untied grants, that panchayats are flush with funds. If recommendation made by chairman NK Singh of the current 15th Finance Commission to increase current funding by about 2 per cent of the divisible pool, is implemented, we would be achieving standards of international best practice in respect of financing local bodies. The roots of grassroots democracy in the country have been embedded deep: Today, we have in our 2.5 lakh panchayats and municipalities some 32 lakh elected people’s representatives. Uniquely, SC/ST representation is proportional to SC/ST population ratios in villages, talukas/blocks and districts respectively. Approximately one lakh sarpanches are SC/ST. Most staggering of all is the representation of women: Comprising about 14 lakh members, with some 86,000 chairing their local bodies, there are more elected women representatives (mostly from economically weaker and socially disadvantaged sections) in India alone than in the rest of the world put together! What remains? Effective devolution: The 2013 expert committee laid out in detail how to achieve this through the device of “activity mapping”. Activity Mapping involves clear cut delineation of functions for each level of the local governance. It does not imply that the subjects are devolved wholesale. The Subjects or Sectors need to be unbundled and assigned to the different levels of Government on the basis of clear principles of public finance and public accountability, and, the governance principles of Subsidiarity, democratic decentralization and Citizen centricity. The result of good Activity Mapping would be to clearly identify where competence, authority and accountability lie. Giving the Gram Panchayats the responsibilities of asset creation, operation, and maintenance, while involving it in the planning process through the Gram Sabha; giving the middle tiers responsibilities for human capital development; and giving higher levels of government the responsibility of policy, standards and monitoring of outcomes. Activity maps should be incorporated in the guidelines of all centrally sponsored schemes. The massive amounts of money earmarked for poverty alleviation should be sent directly to gram panchayat accounts, reinforced by detailed activity maps to ensure genuine “local self-government”. Financial incentivisation of the states to encourage effective devolution to the panchayats of the three Fs — functions, finances, functionaries. District planning based on grassroots inputs received from the village, intermediate and district levels through people’s participation in the gram and ward sabhas. Following the example of Karnataka, to establish a separate cadre of panchayat officials who would be subordinate to the elected authority especially in states with weak panchayat systems. Conclusion: These bove outlined steps might constitute a useful beginning for second-generation reforms to secure grassroots development through democratic grassroots governance. It has taken a generation to get to where we have and we need perhaps another generation to achieve with satisfaction the evolution in grassroots governance and development. Connecting the dots: Panchayati raj system in India requires second-generation reforms to secure grassroots development through democratic grassroots governance. Comment. NATIONAL TOPIC:General Studies 2: Parliament and State Legislatures- structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. Increasing female participation in national politics Background: For a country with a female population that is larger than that of the United States and a thriving democracy that prides itself on being robust and responsive, India has done rather poorly when it comes to female representation in national politics. The 16th Lok Sabha has only 64 women among its 542 members, a mere 11.8 per cent. Afghanistan (27.7 per cent), Pakistan (20.6 per cent) and Saudi Arabia (19.9 per cent) do better. Need to increase female participation in national politics: As representatives, we need women- To eliminate the systemic biases and structural barriers that keep girls out of the tech industry, victims of gender-based violence in fear and women’s sports teams under-funded. To dismantle structural barriers, the responsibility falls on working women who have successfully overcome constraints to open the gates for other women. To design laws that encourage better education for girls. To secure financial independence and formal employment for women. To push up our abysmal female labour force participation rates. To ensure that female hygiene products are not taxed as luxury goods. Watching women in leadership positions reduces the negative perceptions men have about their effectiveness as leaders. It also induces men to dream better dreams for their daughters, and that is no mean feat. More creative and competitive women needed in politics: PRS research highlights that the share of lawyers in Parliament at the moment is a mere 7 per cent, relative to the 36 per cent in the very first legislature after Independence. Today, the largest single occupation represented in Parliament is agriculture (27 per cent), followed by political and social service (24 per cent). As India makes laws that determine what our technology, public safety, economy, and foreign policy will look like in the coming years, we need more of these professional skills in our legislative bodies. We need more lawyers, medical practitioners (currently 4 per cent), teachers (4 per cent), civil, police, and military service personnel (2 per cent), and journalists (less than 1 per cent) to use their knowledge and expertise to shape legislation, anticipating the challenges of tomorrow. Over the past few decades, women have made their mark as effective managers, bankers, professors, corporate leaders, lawyers, doctors and civil servants. These are women who know how to solve problems, get things done and manage multiple responsibilities. Electing able women professionals will help us simultaneously achieve better representation and expertise. Challenges: Quotas at national level: The government has instituted quotas for women political candidates at the local level — 33 per cent of seats are reserved for them. These quotas have been successful. Yet, there is resistance to implementing them at the national level. Critics allege that these quotas are neither meritocratic nor useful because women in politics are simply representatives of the men who would have been in politics — wives and daughters of male proxies. The quotas at the local level have improved the quality of local policymaking, as women have tended to invest significantly more than their male counterparts on the provision of public goods — health, education, and roads. Professional women can voluntarily run for office and overcome criticism about women being male proxies and that quotas negatively affect meritocracy. But, entering politics voluntarily, without a political background, is not easy. The financial, social and cultural barriers to entry are higher for women. There is more criticism and less support. Voters subject women candidates to higher standards than male candidates. Conclusion: Making the decision to run for office requires planning. It requires overcoming financial barriers, and it needs supportive partners and families. But once these challenges are overcome the women in politics would give the younger generations the opportunity to grow up in a more inclusive country, a country that makes better decisions for all. Connecting the dots: Women in India especially the working women should enter politics as it will not only provide better representation at national level but also bring expertise. Comment. MUST READ The dragon beckons The Hindu Master of the next steps The Hindu Back to the court The Hindu Judicial quicksand Indian Express Reforming defence planning in India Livemint Making districts aspire for better health Business Line

Apr 25, 2018

IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan- Prelims Test 2018 ECONOMICS & CURRENT AFFAIRS [Day 40]

Apr 24, 2018 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : Defence Expo 2018

Defence Expo 2018 ARCHIVES Search 4th Apil, 2018 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 3: Indigenization of technology and developing new technology Tagline of DefExpo this year is: “India: The emerging defence manufacturing hub,” with the hope of branding India as an exporter of defence systems and components. India’s defence production has increased from Rs 43,746 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 55,894 crore in 2016-17, according to defence ministry figures. Government will give a boost to defence manufacturing by Expediting the process of licence procurement Drafting simpler FDI rules Creating two defence corridors (UP & TN) Defence PSUs: Will play a major role Meet the requirement of armed forces in the country Export to other countries Need to improve efficacy and performance to enable them to perform to their fullest potential. Issues while exporting to other countries: Political issues: implication on relations with other neighbours Drawbacks in the equipments: Need to address the drawbacks in the equipment’s designed and made or MoD need to put things into perspective for the importer to have the confidence that whatever he/she is importing is best of the class across the world. Foreign units with Indian partners: Foreign units brought in technology awareness and technology transfer. Indian companies should become a part of the supply chain. It gives them a chance to acquire new skills, grow them and take off from there. We have to enter the big league and we need to compete against the best in the world. Therefore, we need a quantum jump to a stage where Indian companies acquire capabilities to become system integrator, original equipment manufacturer. This transition need to happen on an immediate basis. Launch of iDex, Innovation for Defence Excellence scheme: Set up innovation hubs particularly for the defence sector across the country Incubate ideas and provide support through infrastructure for defence related start-ups. The Way Forward Importance of Private players: There is a need to bring in the private sector as it is difficult to create parallel capacity. Unless production and research (barring a few sensitive technologies) move out to private sector, India’s potential as a defense manufacturing hub will remain stymied. Networking is very important – a serious effort needs to be made to map the competency of the Indian industry. In the absence of mapping, companies are left to get together and discuss other possibilities. Networking leads to prospective clients and is an ice breaker for two people who want to join hands and collaborate. Budget constraints should not become a hurdle and needs to be addressed by the highest level functionary. Connecting the Dots: Indigenisation of defence procurement is critical for both strategic reasons and for the success of Make in India. Discuss.

Apr 24, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 24th April 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) The Earth BioGenome Project Part of: Mains GS Paper II- Science & Technology Key pointers: The Earth BioGenome Project (EBP) proposes a detailed genome-sequence draft of every eukaryote species (organisms with a defined nucleus and to which belong all plants and animals). There are about eight million eukaryotic species and the authors argue that being able to create their detailed genetic sequences will reveal unexpected, evolutionary connections among the genus, orders and families that make up the so-called Tree of Life. The EBP has a 10-year road map and hopes to sequence about 1.5 million eukaryote species in three phases. This exercise needs global collaboration and can have many benefits. Sequencing such a large number of organisms will require innovative computation- and-storage solutions and the programming acumen of many thousands across the world. The Human Genome Project, which involved preparing a blueprint of the sequence of genes that make up humans, gave scientists a way to link networks of genes with disease and well-being, as well as discover unexpected links; for instance, why some women were prone to breast cancer more than others. If mining a single species’ genes can yield such benefits — at least $1 trillion to the U.S. alone, according to a 2013 Nature study — the bounty from preparing detailed sequences of every species on the earth could be many multiples of that and could benefit the world. Article link: Click here NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 1 Social Issues 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. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018: An analysis Introduction: The Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018 introduces the death penalty for rape of children younger than 12 years. This article discusses how the law betrays a lack of thought on the likely impact and can endanger the lives of future victims. Issues: Adding burden to the existing dysfunctional system: Reports on the functioning of special courts under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 have demonstrated that one of the main causes for the low rate of conviction under the Act is the lack of infrastructure and manpower in the criminal justice system. Investigations are regularly inefficient given an understaffed, poorly trained, overburdened police force which has little to no forensic support and is often sympathetic towards the accused. The timelines for completion of the investigation, for recording of evidence, and for completion of trial are never adhered to because functionaries in the system (police, prosecutors and judges) find them impractical given their case load and the facilities they have to work with. Instead of addressing these issues which prevent the proper implementation of the law, as it exists, on the ground, the ordinance has, instead, added to the burden of a dysfunctional system. Issues with mandatory minimum sentences: The POCSO and the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 (CLAA) changed the sentencing regime for sexual offences by introducing mandatory minimum sentences, thresholds a judge did not have discretion to breach even if she felt there were mitigating circumstances that warranted it. An “anchoring effect” is seen, whereby even if there are aggravating circumstances, judges award only the mandatory minimum sentence. Another effect of high mandatory minimum sentences is that judges, in order to avoid awarding what they view to be a disproportionate sentence, prefer to acquit the accused. Therefore, enhanced mandatory minimum punishments in the ordinance are likely to be counterproductive. Issue of age determination: The ordinance has anchored its enhanced mandatory minimum sentences and death penalty on age, without considering the issues that arise with age determination. Given the unavailability or unreliability of age-related documents in most parts of the country, reliance is placed on ossification tests to prove the age of the victim in cases under the POCSO. Since an ossification test cannot pinpoint an exact age operates with a margin of plus/minus two years, a majority of judges add two years to the upper age limit to conclude that the victim is not a minor. The same issue is likely to arise when considering whether the victim was below the age of 16 or 12, especially if the judge does not believe the enhanced sentence (or the death penalty) is warranted. Putting future victims at risk: The introduction of the death penalty for the rape of children under the age of 12 is likely to put future victims (and there will be future victims because the death penalty has been shown to be no more a deterrent than a life sentence) at grave risk. Since the punishment for rape and the punishment for murder are now the same, a rapist will have no incentive to spare his victim’s life, especially since her testimony would be the most important piece of evidence against him. What needs to be done instead? The government needs to invest in combating the rape culture that condones and encourages rape — by age-appropriate sex education at all levels, by aggressive advertisement campaigns to increase awareness and stimulate conversations about gender bias, everyday sexism, stereotypes, consent and equality, and by making concerted efforts to change the way society raises its sons and daughters. Also, we as citizens, need to tie these issues to the goals and gains of electoral politics, so that the political parties invest in these long term, and potentially expensive, efforts. Connecting the dots: The Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018 is a step in right direction. Critically analyze. NATIONAL TOPIC:General Studies 3: Infrastructure: Energy Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Shale gas extraction by fracking: Positive and Negative Impacts Introduction: Shale gas and oil are unconventional natural resources found at 2,500-5,000 m below the earth’s surface, as compared to conventional crude oil found at 1,500 m. Because of its benefits, shale gas is being perceived by some as a ‘saviour’ of humanity. Process of extraction: The process of extracting shale oil and gas requires deep vertical drilling followed by horizontal drilling. The most common way to extract shale gas is ‘hydraulic fracturing’ (fracking), where high volumes of water mixed with certain chemicals are pushed down to break the rocks and release the trapped energy minerals. Fracking seems an attractive tool, both politically and economically. Government policy: To gain the benefits associated with shale gas, the government introduced a policy on shale gas and oil in 2013, permitting national oil companies to engage in fracking. Under the first phase, shale gas blocks were identified in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. Concern: The environmental groups have strongly criticised the policy, as per them fracking will have adverse environmental impacts. Countries like Germany and France and subnational governments like Scotland have banned fracking. Positive impacts: Fracking is bound to have positive economic and political impacts. In the U.S., where shale gas has been commercially exploited for two decades, the prices of fuel and electricity have dropped. Recent negotiations between the Secretary of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and American shale producers to control oil production and prices show that the U.S. has gained significant political advantage. Similarly, if India commercially exploits shale deposits, it could meet its ever-increasing energy demand, decrease oil and gas imports, and improve the balance of payments. Negative impacts: Fracking is bound to have a detrimental impact on local communities and the environment. As fracking consumes large amounts of water (average 15,000 m3/well) and relatively larger surface area, it is bound to impact irrigation and other local requirements. In the U.S. experience, out of 260 chemical substances, 58 have been identified to pose a risk to human life and environment, eight are carcinogens and 17 are toxic to freshwater organisms. As 25-90% of the fluid is not retrieved and cracks in the shaft are possible, there is a high risk of pollution to nearby underground water. Instances of groundwater pollution have been reported in the U.S. (Pennsylvania) and Canada. Fracking has other impacts such as increased air emissions (including greenhouse gases) and seismic activity. Environmental impact assessments of the European Union and the U.K. have recognised these risks. Legal hurdles: The Supreme Court of India has ruled that every person has the right to enjoy pollution-free water and air. It is also an established principle that the state holds its natural resources in trust for the benefit of the people, and has the duty to protect these resources from harm. If the risk from fracking to underground water materialises, courts can hold the state responsible for it, stop the activity, and order other corrective and preventive measures. The Model Bill for the Conservation, Protection, Regulation and Management of Groundwater, 2016, sets a priority for use of groundwater — right to water for life, and water to achieve “food security, supporting sustenance agriculture, sustainable livelihoods and eco-system needs”. Only after satisfying these priorities can underground water be used for other purposes. Conclusion: In the light of the risks involved, the government should impose a temporary on fracking. And proceed only when a system to mitiagte the neagtive impacts is in place. Connecting the dots: Explain the process of extraction of shale gas. Outline the positive and negative impacts of fracking. Given the negative impacts, the process may have and the legal hurdles, the government should take calibrated steps. Discuss. MUST READ A summer of gathering discontent The Hindu India and China: Over to the leaders Indian Express Policy challenges of new technology Livemint

Apr 24, 2018 PIB

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

IASbaba Press Information Bureau 15th to 21st April, 2018 ARCHIVES GS-2 Scheme of Electoral Bonds (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Electoral Bond is a bearer instrument in the nature of a Promissory Note. The Purchaser is allowed to buy electoral bond (s) only on due fulfilment of all the extant KYC norms and by making payment from a bank account. The Bond does not carry the name of payee or any other details by which the buyer can be identified. Likewise no detail of political party depositing the bonds is noted on the electoral bonds. Thus, any particular bond cannot be identified or associated with any particular buyer or political party deposits it. The Electoral Bonds have some built in security features to eliminate chances of forgery or presentation of fake bonds. These include a random serial number invisible to the naked eye. This number is not noted by the SBI in any record associated with buyer or political party depositing a particular electoral bond. It is, thus not linked to any party transaction when the Bank issues a bond to the buyer. As such the number is not being used or can be used to track the donation or the buyer. Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi writes to Chief Ministers of all States/UTs highlighting necessary steps for dealing with sexual offences (Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States) All police officers should be re-trained on various aspects of sexual offences particularly those related to collection and preservation of evidence. Instructions may be issued to all police officers that utmost priority is to be given to complete the investigation of cases of sexual offences against children strictly as per the timelines of Law. State Governments must take strict action against those police officers who are found to be obstructing the investigation or colluding with the perpetrators of such cases. A quick and timely professional investigation is the only method in which a potential offender can be deterred but this can be done only by the states as the police department is the state subject. Forming a special cell only for sexual offences or specially for sexual offences on children, would be a significant step in this regard. Digital Advancement of Rural Post Office for a New India (DARPAN) Project (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Aims: To connect all 1.29 lakh Rural Branch Post Offices in the country, to enable them to do online Postal and Financial Transactions Hand held devices with SIM connectivity and solar power backup are being installed in all Branch Post Offices in the Country. The total project cost is more than Rs.1300 crores. 61,941 Branch Post Offices have been rolled out under DARPAN Project. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Aim: A nationwide plan in India to provide good all-weather road connectivity to unconnected villages Since its inception in 2000, has been able to provide connectivity to 1,52,124 habitations (85.37% against 1,78,184 eligible habitations). Improving roads, improving lives: PMGSY not only strives to build roads but good quality roads. Transparency: The scheme has put in place a Citizen Feedback system through the MeriSadak App. This provides a direct interfa ce with the citizens and this G2C platform enables citizens to provide real time feedback on the implementation of the PMGSY programme. Green roads: Use of non-conventional, locally available construction materials (waste plastic, cold mix, fly ash, jute and coir geo-textiles, iron and copper slag, cell filled concrete, panelled cement concrete etc.) and “Green Technologies” have been encouraged for climate resilient roads in PMGSY. Use of IT: Satellite imagery is being used to verify the completion of road length being reported by States on the programme software i.e. OMMAS as well as to verify habitation connectivity. Further use of geo spatial technology for mapping rural roads built under PMGSY are being geo mapped using remote sensing technology, through NRSC and CGARD –NIRD. Key Priorities for PMGSY for financial year 2018-19 Accordingly, Ministry has set a target of construction of 61,000 kms road length by providing connectivity to 19,725 habitations during the financial year 2018-19. Similarly, a target of about 12,000 kms has been set for construction of roads using green technologies. During the financial year 2018-19, about 8,670 inspections of National Quality Monitors and 35,630 inspections of State Quality Monitors are targeted to be completed. Visit of Prime Minister of India to Sweden (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) A new trend in Indian diplomacy — Collective engagement with key regional groups In Stockholm, Modi met the leaders of the Nordic group — Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden — both collectively and individually. This marks an end to the prolonged Indian neglect of a very important sub-region that has always punched way above its weight in the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Swedish counterpart has agreed upon a joint action plan (JAP) for both countries to take forward a wide range of initiatives in defence, trade and investment, counterterrorism, renewable energy, smart cities, women’s skill development, space and science and healthcare. Characterising the JAP as a “win-win partnership” for New Delhi and Stockholm, Mr. Modi underscored the critical role of the defence sector and security initiatives as a pillar of the bilateral relationship. On counterterrorism, Mr. Modi and Mr. Löfven emphasised that the global counterterrorism legal framework should be regularly updated to address the changing threat of terrorism with strength. Under the Sweden-India Innovation Partnership for a Sustainable Future, the Swedish government will kick start Innovation Partnership by providing up to 50 million Swedish kronor (over $59 million) for innovation cooperation in the field of smart cities and sustainability. Sweden India Joint Action Plan To further promote bilateral cooperation, they decided on the following India-Sweden Joint Action Plan, under which India and Sweden, through relevant ministries, agencies and actors, aim to: Innovation Initiate a multi-stake holder Innovation Partnership for a Sustainable Future, underpinning our mutual commitment to drive prosperity and growth and address societal challenges such as climate change and sustainable development through innovation. Carry out dialogue and cooperative activities in the field of intellectual property rights under the MoU signed between the Swedish Patent Registration Office and the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion of India. Trade and investment Encourage trade and facilitate investment in both directions, such as Sweden’s investment in India through ‘Invest India’ and Indian investment in Sweden through ‘Business Sweden’. - Encourage the work of the India-Sweden Business Leaders Round Table (ISBLRT) to further strengthen India-Sweden business cooperation within inter alia smart cities, digitization, skills development and defence, and to move its relations, ideas, partnerships and recommendations forward. Smart Cities and Next Generation Transport Exchange knowledge and explore cooperation on smart cities, including transit-oriented urban development, air pollution control, waste management, waste-to-energy, waste-water treatment, district cooling and circular economy, including through dialogue and capacity building. - Exchange know-how and explore cooperation in the areas of electro-mobility as well as renewable fuels. Exchange know-how and explore cooperation in the area of railways, such as railway policy development, safety, training and operation and maintenance of railways. Smart, sustainable and renewable energy Engage and seek mutual collaboration on the demonstration and development of smart grid technologies such as smart metering, demand response, power quality management, distribution automation, electric vehicle/charging infrastructure as well as renewable integration, through research, capacity building, policy cooperation and learning on market design prerequisites including business models. Expand research, innovation and business cooperation on new innovative energy technologies through the India-Sweden Innovations’ Accelerator, focusing on technologies to utilise renewable energy and energy efficiency. Women’s skills development and empowerment Encourage joint efforts towards women’s empowerment by skilling employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for women through projects such as "Kraftsamla”- a project undertaken by Swedish and Indian actors in Pune, Maharashtra which provides skills training for women in jobs suitable for industry such as forklift drivers, warehouse managers, assembly operators and more. Defence Explore the finalization of a bilateral agreement on exchange and mutual protection of classified information for cooperation in the defence area. Enhance Indo-Swedish dialogue on defence cooperation. Proceed with India-Sweden defence seminars in India and Sweden in 2018-19 and explore, together with the ISBLRT, opportunities for investment in Defence Production Corridors in India Encourage industry partners to develop supply chains for small and medium sized enterprises (SME) with major Defence & Aerospace Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) Space and science Acknowledge the importance of bilateral cooperation on space research, technology, innovation and applications. Encourage the space agencies and other space entities to enhance space cooperation under the Memorandum of Understanding, particularly in Earth observation, planetary exploration and satellite ground station activities, through inter alia an Indo-Swedish Space Seminar and a visit by an Indian delegation to Swedish space establishments. Explore possible collaboration between the European Spallation Source (ESS), hosted by Sweden, and Indian partners. Health and Life Sciences Enhance collaboration on the priority issues identified in the field of health, such as health research, pharmacovigilance and anti-microbial resistance, under the Memorandum of Understanding in the field of health care and public health. India-US Strategy Energy Partnership Joint Statement (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) The Partnership affirms the strategic importance of energy cooperation to the U.S.-India bilateral relationship and sets the stage for deeper and more meaningful engagements through government and industry channels. Through the Partnership, the United States and India collectively seek to enhance energy security, expand energy and innovation linkages across our respective energy sectors, bolster our strategic alignment, and facilitate increased industry and stakeholder engagement in the energy sector. Under the Partnership, the United States and India will pursue four primary pillars of cooperation: Oil and Gas Power and Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy and Sustainable Growth Coal Elevates the role of energy in advancing shared goals, including universal energy access, strengthened energy security increased energy efficiency. The Partnership will create important opportunities for advancing favorable policies and commercial investments in support of these goals, including in natural gas markets. India and the United States are engaged in the implementation of the 2008 Agreement for cooperation concerning peaceful uses of nuclear energy, which represents an important milestone in our strategic relationship. UK-India Joint Statement during the visit of Prime Minister to UK (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) UK and India share a global outlook and commitment to a rules-based international system that strongly opposes unilateral actions that seek to undermine that system through force or coercion. The United Kingdom and India will make commitments to help create a more sustainable, prosperous, secure and fairer future for all Commonwealth citizens by taking action: To promote coordinated global action to tackle plastic pollution including through the Commonwealth and India’s role as host of World Environment Day 2018 To provide practical support to help Commonwealth member-states boost cyber security capacity; To help Commonwealth member-states implement the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement by providing technical assistance and increased support for the Commonwealth Small States' offices. India Signs Loan agreement with World Bank for usd 48 million for Meghalaya Community - Led Landscapes Management Project: (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Objective of the Project: To strengthen community-led landscapes management in selected landscapes in the State of Meghalaya. The Project consists of three components: Strengthening Knowledge and Capacity for Natural Resource Management Community-led landscape planning and implementation Project Management and Governance Why Meghalaya? Meghalaya’s natural resource such as land, water sources and forests is a source of livelihood for a majority of the population in the State. The Project will help manage these depleting resources, by strengthening the communities and traditional institutions. Restoration of degraded and highly degraded landscapes under the Project will increase water for local communities and improve the soil productivity which will in turn increase incomes and reduce poverty. GS-3 Launch of Star-Rating Protocol of Garbage Free Cities (Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment) Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) focuses on two key objectives- Eradication of open defecation 100% scientific solid waste management (SWM) across all 4041 statutory towns and cities The 7-star rating is innovatively designed on a SMART (Single metric, Measurable, Achievable, Rigorous verification and Targeted towards outcomes) approach – making it the first-of-its kind rating tool for assessing cleanliness of cities and towns in India. The system, based on 12 parameters, builds on the spirit of healthy competition among cities and the aspirations of cities to progress towards higher standards of “Swachhata” and its sustainability. It is a single metric rating system, based on 12 parameters: Door-to- Door Collection Segregation at source Sweeping of public, commercial and residential areas (no visible eyesores on streets) Waste Storage Bins, Litter Bins and material recovery facility Bulk Waste Generators compliance Scientific Waste Processing, Scientific Landfilling and C&D Waste Management User Fees, Penalties, Spot Fines for littering and Enforcement of Ban on Plastic Citizen grievance redressal and feedback system Eradication of crude dumping of garbage and dump remediation Cleaning of storm drains and surface of water bodies Waste Reduction Visible beautification in the city. Key Features of 7-star rating-Designed on a SMART approach: SINGLE METRIC - Rating criteria encapsulates all components of MSWM as well as plastic waste, waste in drains and water bodies MEASURABLE - Criteria under each star rating has measurable parameters (e.g.% of HHs covered by D2D collection, % of waste processed, etc.) ACHIEVABLE - Each criteria and associated parameter has been devised to ensure that it is realistically achievable by cities. RIGOROUS VERIFICATION - Robust 2-step verification mechanism of both self-declaration and third party verification. Cities rated 1, 2 and 4-star must carry out self-assessment and self-verification, while 3-star, 5-star and 7-star cities will need to be certified through an independent third party. Moreover, a city should be ODF before going for 3-star and above certification. TARGETED TOWARDS OUTCOMES – Based on verifiable outcomes rather than inputs and processes (e.g. remediation of dumpsites, regular sweeping, collection of user charges, etc.) Strengths of star rating protocol Outcome-based tool rather than process based, hence will enable institutionalization of good practices such as source segregation, scientific waste processing, penalties & spot fines for littering, and compliance of bulk waste generators, etc. Designed to enable cities to gradually evolve into a model (7-star) city, with progressive improvements in their overall cleanliness At the 7-star level, 3R components of 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) incorporated. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) (Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment) Objective: To play a crucial role in addressing the increasing air pollution across the country in a comprehensive manner – comprehensive management plan for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution augmenting the air quality monitoring network across the country. Focuses on: Collaborative and participatory approach covering all sources of pollution and coordination between relevant Central Ministries, State Governments, local bodies and other stakeholders Intensive awareness, training and capacity-building drive, with specific impetus on augmentation of manpower and infrastructure facilities of CPCB and SPCB under the capacity building component of NCAP. Technology is one of the critical elements of NCAP: solutions that are nationally acceptable, but more importantly, which are locally possible Key components of NCAP include – City-specific air pollution abatement action plan for 100 polluting cities of the country similar to one for Delhi, Increasing the number of monitoring stations, data dissemination, public participation on planning and implementation Setting up of Air Information Centre for data analysis, resource apportionment studies, setting up of national inventory, guidelines for indoor air pollution and setting up of rural monitoring stations. Environment Ministry notifies Plastic Waste Management (amendment) rules (Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment) The amended Rules lay down that the phasing out of Multilayered Plastic (MLP) is now applicable to MLP, which are “non-recyclable, or non-energy recoverable, or with no alternate use.” Prescribe a central registration system for the registration of the producer/importer/brand owner. Any mechanism for the registration should be automated and should take into account ease of doing business for producers, recyclers and manufacturers. The centralised registration system will be evolved by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for the registration of the producer/importer/brand owner. A national registry has been prescribed for producers with presence in more than two states A state-level registration has been prescribed for smaller producers/brand owners operating within one or two states Framing of New Draft Coastal Regulation Zone Notification (Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment) The salient features of the draft CRZ Notification, 2018 and changes with respect to CRZ Notification, 2011, are as under:- The High Tide Line (HTL) has been demarcated by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) and shall be reckoned as a universal standard for the HTL for all regulatory purposes under the CRZ Notification, 2018. Hazard line mapping has also been carried out by Survey of India. The Hazard Line has, however, been delinked from the CRZ regulatory regime and shall be used only as a tool for Disaster Management and planning of adaptive and mitigation measures. CRZ limits on land along the tidal influenced water bodies has been proposed to be reduced from 100 meters or the width of the creek, whichever is less, to 50 meters or the width of the creek, whichever is less. A No Development Zone (NDZ) of 20 meters has been proposed to be stipulated for all Islands close to the main land coast and for all Backwater Islands in the main land. For CRZ-III areas, two separate categories have been proposed viz.: CRZ-III A – Densely populated rural areas with a population density of 2161 per square kilometre as per 2011 Census. Such areas shall have an NDZ of 50 meters from the HTL as against 200 meters from the HTL stipulated in the CRZ Notification, 2011. CRZ-III B – Rural areas with population density of below 2161 per square kilometre as per 2011 Census. Such areas shall continue to have an NDZ of 200 meters from the HTL. The procedure for CRZ clearances has been simplified and delegations have been made at various levels for recommending/according CRZ clearances to the projects/activities. Only such projects/activities, which are located in the CRZ-I & IV areas, shall be dealt with for CRZ clearance by the MoEF&CC. For all other project activities located in CRZ-II/III areas, CRZ clearance shall be considered at the level of the CZMA. As per CRZ, 2011 Notification, for CRZ-II areas, Floor Space Index (FSI) or the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) had been frozen at 1991 Development Control Regulation (DCR) levels. In the Draft CRZ, 2018 Notification, it has been proposed to de-freeze the same and permit FSI for construction projects, as prevailing on the date of the new Notification. Temporary tourism facilities such as shacks, toilet blocks, change rooms, drinking water facilities etc. have been proposed in Beaches. Such temporary tourism facilities are also proposed to be permissible in the No Development Zone (NDZ) of the CRZ-III areas. Wherever there is a National or State Level Highway passing through the NDZ in CRZ-III areas, temporary tourism facilities have been proposed to be taken up on the seaward site of the roads. On the landward side of such roads in the NDZ, Resorts/Hotels and other tourism facilities have also been proposed to be permitted subject to the extant regulations of the concerned State. Regulated limestone mining is proposed to be permitted, subject to strict Environmental safeguards, in areas adequately above the height of HTL, based on recommendations of reputed National Institutes in the Mining field. GSLV-F10/Chandrayaan-2 Mission (Topic: Achievements in Space) Chandrayaan-2, India's second mission to the Moon is a totally indigenous mission comprising of an Orbiter, Lander and Rover. After reaching the 100 km lunar orbit, the Lander housing the Rover will separate from the Orbiter. After a controlled descent, the Lander will soft land on the lunar surface at a specified site and deploy a Rover. The mission will carry a six-wheeled Rover which will move around the landing site in semi-autonomous mode as decided by the ground commands. The instruments on the rover will observe the lunar surface and send back data, which will be useful for analysis of the lunar soil. The Chandrayaan-2 weighing around 3290 kg and 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. Government’s new policy paying dividends in containing Left Wing Extremism (Topic: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security) The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been implementing the ‘National Policy and Action Plan’ since 2015 to combat Left Wing Extremism (LWE). This envisages a multi-pronged strategy involving security and development related measures. Significant features of the new policy: Zero tolerance towards violence coupled with a big push to developmental activities so that benefits of development reached the poor and vulnerable in the affected areas. MHA had categorized 106 districts in 10 states as Left Wing Extremism affected. These districts are covered under the Security Related Expenditure Scheme (SRE) of the MHA for the purpose of reimbursement of security related expenditure like transportation, communication, hiring of vehicles, stipend for surrendered Maoists, temporary infrastructure for forces etc. to the states. Out of 106 districts, 35 districts which accounted for 80-90 % of country-wide LWE violence were categorized as ‘Most Affected Districts’. This categorization provided the basis for focused deployment of resources - both security and development related. Over the last few years, a number of districts have been carved into smaller districts. This has resulted in the geographical area of the 106 SRE districts to be spread over 126 districts and that of the 35 most affected districts to be expanded to 36 districts. Over the last four years, there has been a substantial improvement in the LWE scenario: Incidents of violence have seen a 20% decline with a 34% reduction in related deaths in 2017 as compared to 2013. The geographical spread of LWE violence also shrunk from 76 districts in 2013 to just 58 districts in 2017. Besides, just 30 of these districts account for 90% of the LWE violence in the country. At the same time certain new districts have emerged as the focus of expansion by the Left Wing Extremists. Please Note: 21st April: Civil Services Day Kayakalp awards: Awarded for people’s work in maintaining high standards of sanitation and hygiene in public health facilities Southwest Monsoon: Owes its origin to the great difference of temperature which exists during the summer months between the heated land surface of India and the surrounding oceans - The warm air over the land rises Damp air from the sea flows into India to take its place …thus resulting in the strong south-west winds, the rainfall itself being due to the cooling of the air as it rises over India. POSHAN Abhiyaan: targets reduction in the level of under-nutrition and other related problems by ensuring convergence of various nutrition related schemes. It will monitor and review implementation of all such schemes and in this endeavour. Mandates under National Council on India’s Nutritional Challenges Provide policy directions to address India’s nutritional challenges through coordinated inter-sectoral action. Coordinate and review convergence between Ministries. Review programmes for nutrition on a quarterly basis Atal Amrit Abhiyan: Seeks to provide access to quality medical care to 3.2 crore people Atal Tinkering Labs: Under the Atal Innovation Mission of the NITI Aayog, they were envisioned as innovative makerspaces, setup across India, in every school, accessible to every child. Equipped with modern technologies to help navigate and impart crucial skills in the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the ATLs are at the vanguard of the promoting scientific temper and an entrepreneurial spirit in children today. ‘Study in India’ portal: Institutes of National Importance to be opened to foreign students in the first ever initiative of its kind; 160 Institutions offer 15,000 seats under the programme in the first round Creation of District Plan: To involve the districts more actively in the growth of the Indian economy and to formulate a common development vision starting from the district level, through a participatory mechanism There is need to create resource based plans, for the districts based on a bottom-up approach and implement the plan by going beyond a silo-ed mind-set. An addition of 3% growth at the district level will ensure that USD 5 trillion target for the Indian economy becomes achievable. The Plan will provide specific interventions taking into account resources, strengths of the districts, sectoral interventions for agriculture including mapping of cropping pattern, industry including MSME and services relevant for the districts, skilling initiatives, Ease of Doing Business, access to credit and convergence of existing efforts in public and private sectors. Active participation of the State governments and district administration will be sought for effective implementation of the plan. e-Vidhan: is a mission mode project to digitize and make the functioning of State Legislatures in India paperless. It is a part of the broader Digital India Programme of the Government and is likely to contribute to the cleanliness & environment by reducing the use of papers to a great extent. Cabinet approves the restructured Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan: The approved scheme of RGSA will help more than 2.55 lakh Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to develop governance capabilities to deliver on SDGs through inclusive local governance with focus on optimum utilisation of available resources. The key principles of SDGs, i.e. leaving no one behind, reaching the farthest first and universal coverage, along with gender equality will be embedded in the design of all capacity building interventions including trainings, training modules and materials. Priority will be given to subjects of national importance that affects the excluded groups the most, e.g. poverty, primary health services, nutrition, immunization, sanitation, education, water conservation, digital transactions etc. The scheme is designed keeping in view programmatic convergence with Mission Antyodaya GPs and 115 Aspirational districts as identified by NITI Aayog. As Panchayats have representation of Schedule Castes, Schedule Tribes and women, and are institutions closest to the grassroots, strengthening Panchayats will promote equity and inclusiveness, along with Social Justice and economic development of the community. Increased use of e-governance by PRIs will help achieve improved service delivery and transparency. The scheme will strengthen Gram Sabhas to function as effective institutions with social inclusion of citizens particularly the vulnerable groups. It will establish the institutional structure for capacity building of PRIs at the national, state and district level with adequate human resources and infrastructure. Panchayats will progressively be strengthened through incentivisation on the basis of nationally important criteria which will encourage competitive spirit among them. Personality in News Adi Shankaracharya: Hinduism’s Greatest Thinker Was an early 8th century Indian philosopher and theologian who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta He is credited with unifying and establishing the main currents of thought in Hinduism His works in Sanskrit discuss the unity of the ātman and Nirguna Brahman "brahman without attributes". He also explained the key difference between Hinduism and Buddhism, stating that Hinduism asserts "Atman (Soul, Self) exists", while Buddhism asserts that there is "no Soul, no Self". He is reputed to have founded four mathas ("monasteries"), which helped in the historical development, revival and spread of Advaita Vedanta of which he is known as the greatest revivalist Quotes The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu Education Advised the students to remember the seven sins mentioned by Mahatma Gandhi – Wealth without work Pleasure without conscience Knowledge without character Commerce without morality Science without humanity Religion without sacrifice Politics without principle Agriculture India must equip farmers with knowledge, insights and products. You must ‘dialogue’ with farmers, ‘discover’ new products and practices and ‘disseminate’ new insights and knowledge for development For a better India, we should be serious about – Farmer’s incomes Farm productivity Long term environmental sustainability Swarajya Translating “legislative intent” into “programmatic content” and demonstrating to the common citizens what “Surajya” actually looks like in day to day administration, the civil services have an enormous opportunity today. A clean, competent, people-friendly, proactive administrative leadership is the need of the hour. There is a need for honest introspection into the effectiveness and efficiency of our administrative structures and processes.

Apr 24, 2018

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