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RSTV IAS UPSC – Reservation: Who will benefit

Reservation: Who will benefit Archives General studies 2 Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. Parliament and State Legislatures, structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these In News: The BJP-led government has tabled a constitutional amendment bill to provide 10 per cent reservation in jobs and higher education to economically backward sections among the upper castes – ‘the economically weaker sections of citizens have largely remained excluded from attending the higher educational institutions and public employment on account of their financial incapacity to compete with the persons who are economically more privileged’. The Union Cabinet has approved the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Fourth Amendment) Bill. Now that it has been passed in the Lower House, the Bill will be moved in the Rajya Sabha. The government move comes in the backdrop of an upper caste backlash against the Modi government’s decision against the Supreme Court’s attempt at ring-fencing apprehensions of misuse of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. The Supreme Court move had sparked nation-wide protests from Dalit groups across the country after which the government brought a legislation in the last monsoon session to nullify the SC order. Why: The Bill needs to be passed by a special majority of two-thirds of members present in each House, not less than half the strength in both. Following this, it will have to be ratified by at least half of the state legislatures. It will also have to face legal challenges if any. The Constitution 124th Amendment Bill The bill has to be a constitutional amendment as it overshoots the Supreme Court's 50% cap on quotas and takes the total to 60%. Any increase from that limit will be subject to judicial scrutiny. Amended two fundamental rights: Article 15, which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, caste, sex or place of birth Article 16 which prohibits discrimination in employment in government office The amendment provides for the advancement of the “economically weaker sections” of the society. It also makes a note of the Article 46, which asks the government to promote the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the society. Moreover, it provides reservation for: People who have an annual income of less than Rs.8 lakhs, or People who own less than five acres of farm land, or People who have a house lesser than 1,000 sq feet in a town (or 100 sq yard in a notified municipal area). Legal scrutiny of the Supreme Court The Supreme Court has ruled multiple times against exceeding its 1992 formula of a maximum of 50 per cent reservation. In the early 1990s, an effort by the Narasimha Rao government to provide 10 per cent reservation to poor or economically backward among other sections to offset the political backlash against the implementation of Mandal Commission recommendations was nullified by the Supreme Court. In 1992, a nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court in the Indra Sawhney judgment upheld the principle that social and educational backwardness rather than economic deprivation was the constitutional criteria for reservations. Striking down quotas for poor among the upper castes, the verdict noted that, “a backward class cannot be determined only and exclusively with reference to economic criterion. It may be a consideration or basis along with and in addition to social backwardness, but it can never be the sole criterion...” The principle behind affirmative action was to give castes that had been denied access to education the opportunity to have, in Ambedkar’s words, a “look in” into administration and power structures of the state. Economically weaker individuals belonging to the upper castes never faced such scripturally mandated exclusion and discrimination. Reservations cannot exceed the limit of 50% of seats and jobs. Reservations cannot be based on economic criteria alone. Can the 50% limit be breached? The 50% limit has been breached by the state of Tamil Nadu as well and the Supreme Court is yet to decide the validity of the state’s law breaching the 50% limit on reservations. Although the reservations in that law were purely on the basis of social and educational backwardness, nonetheless any challenge to the constitutionality of the proposed amendment will require the court, willy-nilly to decide the validity of all attempts to go past the 50% limit. Criticisms These selected sections pay income tax. Economically weak are those who do not pay income tax or are earning not more than two lakhs or in the range of it. In fact, eligibility criteria for ‘economic weakness’ has been devised in such a way that it appears to cover almost all Indians barring the top upper crust of may be three per cent. The Bill was rushed through in 48 hours without scrutiny by a parliamentary committee and without public debate. On the other hand, the constitution amendment Bill to reserve one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures for women is languishing since 2008. The big question mark is about the supply side. More seats in schools and colleges can be sanctioned by the government without regard to the paucity of infrastructure or qualified teachers. But, in the case of posts in the government, where are the posts? Is it the intention of the government to vastly expand the government at all levels — central, state, municipal, panchayat, parastatal and public sector? The number of employees in central public sector enterprises actually declined from 16,90,741 in end March 2014 to 15,23,586 in end March 2017. As civil services aspirants, we must understand and be clear with our viewpoints – Poverty has structural causes, the biggest one in India being caste. Poverty is a symptom of the structural barrier the caste system imposed to accessing resources. Reservations are not charity but a means to ensuring parity for those who had been denied opportunity. But when reservations are reduced to purely “economic” criteria, they become charity. Reservations are no panacea against caste inequality. It requires a complete overhauling of the education system by providing free and common schooling to all for any sort of level playing field to emerge. But the first step to address any curse is to acknowledge that it exists. We resolutely refuse to do so. Connecting the Dots: The 10 per cent quota is an abomination on the Constitution, a historical step backwards in India’s painfully slow journey towards a more equal society. Do you agree? Discuss. Can the amendment allowing reservations for “economically weaker sections” (if and when passed) be struck down on the ground of violating the basic structure of the Constitution? Discuss. Political courage is a blessing greater than judicial wisdom; however, dewy-eyed populism must not enrapture the sensibilities of state policy. Examine this statement in the light of the controversy regarding the Constitution 124th Amendment Bill.

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Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 19th January 2019

Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 19th January 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Animal in news: Great Indian Bustard Part of: Prelims – Environment and Biodiversity; Animal Conservation In news: Rajasthan’s State bird may be extinct soon. Only 50 Great Indian Bustards left in the wild, no action on plan to save them. The GIB’s last remnant wild population of about 50 in Jaisalmer district accounts for 95% of its total world population. No progress has been made on the proposal for establishing a captive breeding centre. About the GIB: The GIB is a heavy bird, weighing 15-16 kg. The GIB is a flagship species of the grassland; it determines the health of the grasslands, on which many other species of birds and animals, and even the dairy industry is dependent on. IUCN Conservation status: Critically Endangered Loss of grassland — the habitat of the GIB — is primary cause: There is unhindered grazing and installing of windmills and power stations on grasslands, thereby encroaching upon the breeding and wintering ground of the GIB. Large parcels of grassland are converted to agricultural land. The changing agricultural pattern that is moving away from traditional crops is another reason. With the disappearance of the traditional Bajra and Jowar crops, whose by-products served as fodder, their food has been on the decline. An increase in the use of pesticides has further depleted the population of insects like the beetle, which the GIB and other birds feed on. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Grameen) scheme: Rural housing achieves only 66% target Part of: Prelims and Mains II – Government schemes and policies; Social/Welfare scheme; Rural Development In news: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Grameen) scheme, which provides for housing for the rural poor, has achieved only 66% of its target to complete one crore houses. The scheme has the objective of “Housing for All by 2022”. 2.95 crore houses are set to be constructed by 2022. In the first phase the target is construction of one crore pucca houses by 31st March, 2019. However, only 66% target is achieved and only two and a half months is left. Miscellaneous: 1.NASA’s Cassini Part of: GS Prelims III – Science and Technology and Space Missions Cassini–Huygens is an unmanned spacecraft sent to the planet Saturn. It is a Flagshipclass NASA–ESA (EU)–ASI (Italy) robotic spacecraft. Cassini is the fourth space probe to visit Saturn and the first to enter orbit. It has studied the planet and its many natural satellites. Cassini has revealed the existence of earth-like geographic features, great lakes of liquid nitrogen gas on Titan’s surface. Cassini also found evidence for the existence of Underground Ocean on the moon Enceladus. NASA announced that the spacecraft has found evidence that the underground ocean could sustain some form of life. Cassini has generated a rich volume of data that will fuel scientific study for decades to come. 2. India ranks third in research papers on artificial intelligence Part of: GS Prelims III – Science and Technology In news: India ranks third in the world in terms of high quality research publications in artificial intelligence (AI) China stands first, with 37, 918 documents and the United States with 32,421 documents. (India - 12,135 documents) India’s national think-tank, the NITI Ayog, last June released a discussion paper on the transformative potential of AI in India that said the country could add $1 trillion to its economy through integrating AI into its economy. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.     Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Collegium controversy: The danger of reciprocity Context: The controversial collegium system of judicial appointments is under public scrutiny once again. Collegium’s unusual action of revisiting decisions made at an earlier meeting, and recommending the elevation of two junior judges to the Supreme Court instead of two judges whose names had been considered earlier – show how opaque the collegium system still is. No one has any doubts about the competence or integrity of Judges but the manner in which it was carried out puts the spotlight once again on the controversial collegium system of judicial appointments. This controversy has reminded everyone of the need to reform the collegium system itself. Do you know? The right to select judges to the Supreme Court was taken upon itself by the apex court in 1993 and revalidated in a 1998 judgment (Third Judges case). The current government tried to change that with the passage of a law on the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), but the law was shot down — again by the Supreme Court. NJAC was struck down by the SC because it would have compromised the independence of the CJI and given a role to the government in the appointment of judges. Unlike in the U.S. where judges are appointed by the President and are known to be leaning towards the Democrats or Republicans, Indian judges are not supposed to have any political affiliation. Why do we need to reform the collegium system? Credibility of the SC: Controversial collegium system of judicial appointments undermines the independence of judges and raises unnecessary doubts about the credibility of the highest court. Politicization of appointment: Government is not only the biggest litigator but also the greatest threat to the abuse of power. Judicial review as a concept is supposed to control the government and keep it in check. Is it possible to completely insulate judges from governmental influence? According to George Orwell, it is impossible to completely insulate judges from governmental influence. Orwell pointed out in 1984, the government is everywhere, and judges as fellow human beings do get influenced by it. The judiciary asserts its position only when the government is weak. This collegium system was asserted when we had weak Central governments in the 1990s. “Norm of reciprocity” According to the American sociologist, Alvin Ward Gouldner, the universal norm in human societies is that individuals are obligated to reciprocate favours received. “People should help those who have helped them” and “people should not injure those who have helped them”. Succession to the Chief Justiceship Each judges, in line of succession to the Chief Justiceship, eyed the other with suspicion and tried to outdo him in proclaiming his loyalty to the Government either in their judgments or even on public platforms. In his NJAC judgment (2015), Justice J.S. Khehar discussed the issue of reciprocity at length in striking down the commission. Justice Khehar preferred exclusion of the political executive from the appointment of judges as a feeling of gratitude towards the government impacts the independence of the judiciary. It was for this very reason that even R. Ambedkar wanted to insulate the judiciary from political pressures. Most governments prefer pliable judges but many of our judges remain wedded to their oath and decide cases without fear or favour. True reciprocity affects humans but since our judges are addressed as ‘Lords’, they should not have any feeling of gratitude towards anyone. Connecting the dots: Do you think Indian Judiciary is really free from political influence? Is it really independent and flawless? Critically analyze. The issue of judicial appointments and elevation is a long pending one. The judiciary and the executive need to come to a common ground and also, reforms to ensure transparency must come from within the judiciary. Comment. NATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 2  Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Role of Judiciary Governance issues Supreme Court sets deadline for names to select a Lokpal Introduction: The Supreme Court “requested” the Lokpal search committee, constituted to suggest names for appointment of the country’s first anti-corruption ombudsman, to complete its task and submit a panel of names by February-end. The Supreme Court said the government’s stand on completing the appointment of a Lokpal, an ombudsman to protect the common man from corruption in public service and power centres, was “wholly unsatisfactory.” Do you know? It has taken five years since the Lokpal Act, 2013, received the President’s assent on January 1, 2014, for a Search Committee to even begin its work. The Search Committee was formed only on September 27, 2018, after Common Cause, an NGO, filed a contempt petition against the government over the delay in constituting the authority despite a Supreme Court verdict in April 2017. Even after it was formed, the Search Committee has been handicapped because of lack of office space, manpower, infrastructure and a secretariat. Therefore, the Court directed the government to provide all infrastructure and facilities that the panel requires to complete its job. In the past too (April 2017 verdict), the court had reprimanded the Centre for the delay in creating the institution. Pic: https://www.thehindu.com/news/fg1cl7/article24507336.ece/alternates/FREE_615/vbk-lokpal%20graphic%20city Lack of political will Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act came into force on January 16, 2014. But before the UPA could appoint a Lokpal, it was unseated by the current NDA in the general election four months later. The NDA is now six months away from completing its own term, but there is still no Lokpal. It’s not just this government, even previous governments did not want a Lokpal because it’s a revolutionary law. The 2014 act also called upon states to appoint a Lokayukta within a year of its coming to force. But now 13 states do not have a Lokayukta — while some have temporary vacancies, seven states haven’t ever had a Lokayukta. The Administrative Reforms Commission headed by Morarji Desai in 1966 recommended the setting up of a Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states. There were nine failed attempts between 1968 and 2011 to pass a Lokpal and Lokayuktas bill. Just as the Centre has dragged its feet on appointing a Lokpal, several states have done the same with the Lokayukta, with the apex court asking them to expedite the process. Why the delay in appointing Lokpal? One of the members on the selection committee for appointing the Lokpal is the leader of the opposition. Since the post is vacant (no opposition party won the requisite 10% of Lok Sabha seats in 2014), the government has said it cannot appoint a Lokpal till the law is amended to include the leader of the single largest opposition party. The apex court said this should not delay the appointment. Nothing except the lack of political will to establish the Lokpal can explain years of delay. Connecting the dots: What is an ombudsman? Discuss its efficacy as an institutional measure to curb corruption. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Government of India has being trying to protect the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard. Which of the following statement are correct about Great Indian Bustard? To protect the bird and create awareness, this has been made the state bird of Haryana. It is a flight less bird. It is found in arid and semi-arid grassland. Select the code from the following: All of the above 1 and 2 2 and 3 3 only Q.2) Rajasthan Government has set up a captive breeding centre for Great Indian Bustard(GIB). Consider the following statements First Captive breeding centre for GIB was set up in Haryana in 2015 GIB is a flightless bird GIB is listed as critically endangered in IUCN Red Data List Which of the above statement[s] is/are correct? 3 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 2 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.3) Consider the statements regarding Cassini Spacecraft It is an unmanned space mission It is the first space probe for the study of Saturn and first to enter its orbit It is a flagship initiative of NASA Which of the given statements is/are correct? 1 and 2 Only 1 1 and 3 1, 2 and 3 MUST READ Some call it democracy: on the charge sheet against JNU students The Hindu Grave secrets from Sri Lanka's troubled past The Hindu  India Diagnosing the job crisis Indian Express Chasing peace in Nagaland Indian Express  Limits of class Indian Express

IASbaba's Monthly Current Affairs Magazine

IAS UPSC Current Affairs Magazine DECEMBER 2018

IAS UPSC Current Affairs Magazine DECEMBER 2018   ARCHIVES Hello Friends, This is the 43rd edition of IAS UPSC Current Affairs Magazine for DECEMBER 2018. And Current Affairs for UPSC Civil Services Examination is an important factor in this preparation. An effort towards making your Current Affairs for IAS UPSC Preparation qualitative. We hope you make the best use of it! This edition covers all important current affairs issues that were in news for the month of DECEMBER 2018 DOWNLOAD THE MAGAZINE- CLICK HERE  

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Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 18th January 2019

Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 18th January 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) NREGA gets additional ₹6,084 cr. Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II –Social/Welfare issue; Government schemes and programmes In news: After exhausting 99% of its annual allocation three months ahead of time, the National Rural Employment Guarantee (NREGA) scheme has been given an additional allocation of ₹6,084 crore to tide over the next three months. Do you know? Current total allocation to MGNREGA for 2018-19 is ₹61,084 crore (highest ever allocation) However, scheme’s financial statement and balance sheet shows that 15 States have a total negative net balance of ₹4,064 crore, which includes payments due for unskilled wages for work that has already been done. If the current allocated money (₹6,084 cr.) is not used to pay off these committed liabilities, it will delay wage payments beyond the stipulated 15-day period, and further disincentivise people from seeking employment under the scheme. If this money is used to pay off the debts then there will be much less money left for fresh employment generation over the next three months. According to study done by Rajendran Narayanan committee which analyzed government data in 3,500 panchayats found that the employment provided during 2017-18 was 32% lower than the work demanded in that year. Track record on human rights Part of: GS Mains II – Social/Welfare issue; Human Rights and Fundamental Rights Issue In news: Recently, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations expressed concern over the “politicisation of human rights as a foreign policy tool”, while addressing the work of the UN and the Human Rights Council. Within the country, many lawyers, activists, academics and human rights organisations have pointed to the deteriorating climate in relation to human rights. Do you know? If India seeks to become a torchbearer of democracy and take on an increasingly significant mantle in the international realm, it should uphold international laws and standards pertaining to human rights. Negative comments: First, there has been enhanced scrutiny by international experts of the deteriorating human rights environment in India, particularly in 2018. Second, the magnification of domestic rights violations in the international sphere is inevitable. Third, the metric of human rights and compliance with international law cannot be dismissed. UN experts have expressed concern about the “patterns of events”, including arrest, detention and torture prior to summary executions of 59 individuals since March 2017. Experts had expressed concerns over Assam National Register of Citizens process (in photo), online hate speech, the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh, jailing of human rights defenders, deportation of Rohingya refugees, and excessive police response to protests. India’s record of upholding human rights is abysmal; it must do better. RBI eases norms for external commercial borrowing Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy In news: In a bid to improve ease of doing business, RBI has decided to liberalise external commercial borrowing (ECB) norms. The new norms allow all companies that are eligible for receiving foreign direct investment, to raise funds through the ECB route. Do you know? External commercial borrowings (ECBs) are loans in India made by non-resident lenders in foreign currency to Indian borrowers. They are used widely in India to facilitate access to foreign money by Indian corporations and PSUs (public sector undertakings). ECBs include commercial bank loans, buyers' credit, suppliers' credit, securitised instruments such as floating rate notes and fixed rate bonds etc., credit from official export credit agencies and commercial borrowings from the private sector window of multilateral financial Institutions such as International Finance Corporation (Washington), ADB, AFIC, CDC, etc. ECBs cannot be used for investment in stock market or speculation in real estate. The DEA (Department of Economic Affairs), Ministry of Finance, Government of India along with Reserve Bank of India, monitors and regulates ECB guidelines and policies. Miscellaneous: Gulshan Mahal to become National Museum of Indian Cinema In news: Gulshan Mahal, the elegant 19th-century bungalow in South Mumbai, was once known for qawwalis and cultural gatherings. Now it is all set to return in a new avatar — as the home of the National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC). Originally known as Gulshan Abad (garden of prosperity), it was built in the mid-1800s. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL/SOCIAL ISSUE TOPIC:General studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.    Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources Learning little : No Remarkable progress in Rural Primary Education Introduction: We recently read about Annual Status of Education Report 2018. According to the report – There has been some improvement in the reading and arithmetic skills of lower primary students in rural India over the last decade. However, skills of Class VIII students have actually seen a decline. More than half of Class VIII students cannot correctly solve a numerical division problem and more than a quarter of them cannot read a primary level text. Enrolment is increasing and the percentage of children under 14 who are out of school is less than 4%. The gender gap is also shrinking. Other concerns: Underperformance of Hindi Heartland: Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala and Haryana did better on the arithmetic question with over 50% students clearing it, compared to Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and even Karnataka, which scored below 20%. A significant percentage of students were not even able to recognise letters appropriate for their class, highlighting a severe barrier to learning. Crux: The report shows the prevalence of learning deficit and the poverty of basic reading and arithmetic skills among students in Indian schools. Without strong foundational skills, it is difficult for children to cope with what is expected of them in the upper primary grades. Hence India continues to stare at a crisis and hence need concerted efforts to be taken at the earliest. Significance of such assessment: Assessment provide the quality of learning levels, which can be utilized by the administrator for better policy, because of quality of learning level at early education is important due to – The quality of the learning level bears directly on India’s future workforce, its competitiveness and the economy. India’s demographic dividend depends on the learning level of students. Since children at the higher primary level is closest to joining the labour market or the next level of education, they need adequate foundational skills such as literacy and numeracy. The way ahead: An effective review mechanism: Centre should institute a review mechanism involving all stakeholders (both government and private institutions), covering elementary education and middle school. A public consultation on activity-based learning outcomes, deficits in early childhood education, and innovations in better performing States can help. Right to Education Act needs a supportive framework to cater to learners from different backgrounds who often cannot rely on parental support or coaching. Improvement in Curriculum- There is concern that curricular expectations on literacy and numeracy have become too ambitious, requiring reform. Encourage innovation in schools and incentivise good outcomes Bonus pay offered to teachers led to better student scores (Example of Andhra Pradesh) Connecting the dots: Low standards in education, lack of requisite skills and unemployment form a vicious cycle which is detrimental to India’s demographic dividend. Comment. The need of a comprehensive national education policy is pressing. What in your opinion should be the model policy framework for education in India? Suggest. NATIONAL/SECURITY TOPIC:General studies 2 and 3 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  Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security. Challenges to internal security through communication networks. Manipur shows the way : New Anti-Lynching Law Context: On July 17, a Supreme Court bench termed incidents of mob-lynching in India as ‘horrendous acts of mobocracy’. It had directed the Parliament to draft a new legislation to effectively deal with incidents of mob lynching. It had issued a slew of directions to the Union and State governments to protect India’s ‘pluralist social fabric’ from mob violence. However, the Union and most State governments have done little to comply with the directions of India's highest court. Do you know? Supreme Court’s prescriptions – It had directed for creation of nodal officer in every State to control such crimes. SC had held that ‘lynching’ should be dealt as a “special and separate offense and provide adequate punishment.” It also recommended that cases of lynchings be heard in a fast track court with trials to be concluded within six months and the highest possible sentences to be awarded. Manipur shows the way Manipur became the first to pass a remarkable law against lynching, late last year. It did this after a single horrific video-taped lynching of a Muslim youth with an MBA degree stirred the public conscience. Positives: 1. Comprehensive in definition: The definition of lynching in Manipur law is very comprehensive, covering many forms of hate crimes. These are “any act or series of acts of violence or aiding, abetting such act/acts thereof, whether spontaneous or planned, by a mob on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, language, dietary practices, sexual orientation, political affiliation, ethnicity or any other related grounds .…” 2. In line with Supreme Court directions: The Manipur law closely follows the Supreme Court’s prescriptions, creating a nodal officer to control such crimes in every State, special courts and enhanced punishments. 3. Public officials are held accountable It is the first in the country dealing with the protection and rights of vulnerable populations which creates a new crime of dereliction (failure/negligence) of duty of public officials. It lays down that “any police officer directly in charge of maintaining law and order in an area, omits to exercise lawful authority vested in them under the law, without reasonable cause, and thereby fails to prevent lynching shall be guilty of dereliction of duty” and will be liable “to punishment of imprisonment of one year, which may extend to three years, and with fine that may extend to fifty thousand rupees”. 4. Registering hate crime doesn't require prior state sanction At present, protection is provided to public officials charged with any offence committed while acting in their discharge of official duty. No court can take cognisance of such an offence except with the previous sanction of the State government. However, according to Manipur Law, now no prior sanction is required to register crimes against public officials who fail in their duties to prevent hate crimes such as lynching. Therefore, the law makes acting against hate crimes far more effective and non-partisan. 5. Enables protection of victims and witnesses Law clearly lays down the duty and responsibility of the State government to make arrangements for the protection of victims and witnesses. It also prescribes the duty of State officials to prevent a hostile environment against people of the community who have been lynched, which includes economic and social boycott, and humiliation through excluding them from public services such as education, health and transport, threats and evictions. 6. Better Rehabilitation and Compensation The Law requires the state to formulate a scheme for relief camps and rehabilitation in case of displacement of victims, and death compensation. Conclusion: The Manipur government has broken new ground, being the first government in the country to make much desirable law to prevent mob lynching. It has taken the leadership in creating new India, where every citizen should claim– of safety, fairness and fraternity. Connecting the dots: Lynching by mobs has become a recurring phenomenon in India. What can be the possible factors behind this trend? Examine. Also suggest ways to address it. A draft anti-lynching law has been proposed. Discuss the need of such a law and apprehensions associated with the provisions of the draft law. Further also analyze how making law would not be enough, an effective enforcement machinery is the need of the hour. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs)’ ECBs can be raised as Loans and Capital Market Instruments ECBs cannot be used for investment in stock market DEA (Department of Economic Affairs) along with RBI (Reserve Bank of India), monitors and regulates ECB guidelines and policies. Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements with reference to External Commercial Borrowings These are loans in India made by non-resident lenders in foreign currency to Indian borrowers. These are regulated under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Which of the following schemes is under the ‘Core of the Core Schemes’? National Social Assistance Programme Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana National Rural Drinking Water Mission Select the correct code: 1, 2 and 3 1 and 2 Only 2, 3 and 4 All of the above Q.4) Indian planning is shifting from Allocation based schemes to demand driven Right based schemes like MGNREGA, Food Security Act etc. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Demand Driven Schemes? The implementation of schemes is highly centralized. States do not have the flexibility to develop their own perspective plans. It is a bottom – top approach. Select the code from following: 1 and 2 2 and 3 3 only All of the above Q.5) Which of the following is/are the rights guaranteed under Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948? Freedom of Belief and Religion Right to Education Right to Own Property Right to Marriage and Family Choose the correct answer from the codes given below 1 and 2 only 1,2 and 3 only 1,3 and 4 only 1,2,3 and 4 MUST READ The seats around the Afghan round table The Hindu Balancing act in Afghanistan The Hindu Collegium controversy The Hindu Digital India versus Real India Indian Express  It's time for the Collegium system to go Indian Express  Acts of love and caring are the most potent influences on our well-being Indian Express

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Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 17th January 2019

Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 17th January 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) 10% reservation in all admissions for 2019-20 Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Government schemes and programmes; Social/Welfare issue In news: The 10% reservation for the economically weaker sections in the general category will be implemented in all colleges and universities, including private institutions, from 2019-20. This quota will be over and above the existing quotas for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Castes, which will also be implemented in private institutions. Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2018 Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II –Social/Welfare issue; Education reforms; Children issue In news: According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2018 – There has been some improvement in the reading and arithmetic skills of lower primary students in rural India over the last decade. However, skills of Class VIII students have actually seen a decline. More than half of Class VIII students cannot correctly solve a numerical division problem and more than a quarter of them cannot read a primary level text. Enrolment is increasing and the percentage of children under 14 who are out of school is less than 4%. The gender gap is also shrinking. Conclusion Without strong foundational skills, it is difficult for children to cope with what is expected of them in the upper primary grades. A majority of children need immediate help in acquiring foundational skills in literacy and numeracy. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/01/17/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_09/62bc6b72_2669478_101_mr.jpg About Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) It is a yearly survey that NGO Pratham has been carrying out since 2006. The ASER survey covered almost 5.5 lakh children between the ages of 3 and 16 in 596 rural districts across the country. Tobacco companies are targeting children: study Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II –Social/Welfare issue; Health reforms; Children issue In news: According to a recent report ‘Tiny Targets’ – (conducted by Consumer Voice and Voluntary Health Association of India) Tobacco companies in India are systematically targeting children as young as eight by selling tobacco products and placing tobacco advertisements near schools. These tactics, happening all over the country, clearly violate the Section 5 and 6 of Cigarettes & Other Tobacco Products Act. Despite the prohibition on sales of tobacco products near educational institutions, numerous shops/vendors/points of sale sell and advertise tobacco products around schools. The tobacco industry must be held accountable for their aggressive advertising efforts around schools. Important Value Additions: In India, tobacco is the cause of about one million deaths annually. India implemented larger 85% pictorial health warnings on all tobacco products from 1 April 2016. However, to remove the last bit of glamour and attraction from the tobacco packs, it must now embrace plain packaging. Plain packaging prevents tobacco packs from carrying the tobacco industry brand imagery as mobile billboards. Other than brand and product names displayed in a standard colour and font style, it prohibits the use of logos, colours, brand images or promotional information. India has taken several preparatory steps implemented by other countries like Australia and the UK that have introduced plain packaging, for example, stronger smoke-free laws, ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, increase in taxes and a report from civil society task force on plain packaging. The trade and investment agreements signed by India are also within the international trade norms relating to public health. States cannot pick police chiefs on their own: SC Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Role of Judiciary; Centre State Relations In news: Supreme Court rejected the pleas made by five States to implement their own local laws for selection and appointment of their State police chiefs. Some states had requested for modification in the Supreme Court orders in the procedure to be followed for appointment of Director Generals of Police (DGP). The court said its directions were issued in larger public interest and to protect the police officials from political interference. Do you know? In July 2018, the Supreme Court restrained State governments from appointing DGPs without first consulting the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The State government concerned has to send UPSC the names of the probables three months before the incumbent DGP is to retire. The UPSC will prepare a panel of three officers fit to be DGP and send it back. The UPSC shall, as far as practicable, choose the people within the zone of consideration who have got a clear two years of service and must give due weightage to merit and seniority. The State shall “immediately” appoint one of the persons shortlisted by the UPSC. Lancet’s diet plan for the world Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II –Social/Welfare issue; Health reforms In news: According to Lancet, With the ideal diet, one’s life would be less sweet but his/her lifespan would be longer. Consumption of sugar and red meat should be cut by 50%. Intake of fruits, vegetables, and nuts should increase. Such a diet would not only be healthier but also more environment-friendly. Unhealthy diets are the leading cause of ill-health worldwide, and following this healthy diet could avoid approximately 11 million premature deaths a year. It will help ensure that the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement [on Climate Change] are achieved. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/01/17/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_13/775978ee_2669515_101_mr.jpg Miscellaneous: 1. Cricket in Dubai brings Pandits and Muslims closer The two communities had parted on a bitter note during the traumatic displacement in January, 1990. Kashmiri Pandits participated for the first time in the cricket league, helping to mend broken bonds between the communities. 2. India-US ties: India has committed to purchase $5 billion worth of oil and gas from the U.S. annually, and $18 billion worth of defence equipment that are under implementation. U.S. export to India has gone up by at least 30%. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. 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. Skill India: Learning to Compete Key Pointers: National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) was introduced in 2013. India’s skill agenda got a push when NSQF was introduced. According to NSQF, all qualifications were to be organized according to a series of levels of knowledge, skills and aptitude. For each trade/occupation or professional qualification, course content should be prepared that corresponds to higher and higher level of professional knowledge and practical experience. The framework was to be implemented by December 27, 2018. To know more about National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), visit - https://www.nsda.gov.in/nsqf.html (or) https://www.msde.gov.in/nsqf.html   Do you know? Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is a Ministry of Government of India set up on 9 November 2014 to coordinate all skill development efforts across the country. The Ministry mandated that all training/educational programmes/courses be NSQF-compliant by December 27, 2018. It also mandated that all training and educational institutions define eligibility criteria for admission to various courses in terms of NSQF levels, by December 27, 2018. Note: Below article deals with the implementation of National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) India Skills 2018: NSQF implementation can be understood through the prism of national skill competitions, or India Skills (initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship) 27 States participated in India Skills 2018, held in Delhi. Maharashtra led the medals tally, followed by Odisha and Delhi. Some teams will be selected to represent India at the 45th World Skills Competition, scheduled in Russia this year. Abilympics was also included in India Skills 2018, for Persons with Disabilities. Concerns: A majority of the participants in India Skills, 2018 were from corporates (offering enterprise-based training) and industrial training institutes. Neither industrial training institutes nor corporates’ courses are aligned with the NSQF. Less than 20% participants were from the short-term courses of the NSDC which are NSQF compliant. If India Skills 2018 was only open for the NSQF-aligned institutions, it would have been a big failure. Problems facing NSQF: Unlike general academic education, where certain level of certification is required before further progression is permitted, there is no clear definition of the course curriculum within the NSQF that enables upward mobility. There is no connection of the tertiary level vocational courses to prior real knowledge of theory or practical experience in a vocational field. Efforts to introduce new Bachelor of Vocation and Bachelor of Skills courses were made, but the alignment of these courses was not completed. Lack of alignment between the HRD Ministry (responsible for the school level and Bachelor of Vocation courses) and the Ministry of Skill Development (responsible for non-school/non-university-related vocational courses). There are too many Sector Skill Councils in India and each is not comprehensive, like we have four SSCs for manufacturing but they are treated as one in World Skills courses. Do you know? Five pillars of skill training in India: The secondary schools/polytechnics. Industrial training institutes. NSDC funded private training providers offering short-term training. 16 Ministries providing mostly short-term training. Employers offering enterprise-based training. What needs to be done to improve skill framework in India? There is a need for more holistic training and to re-examine the narrow, short-term NSQF-based NSDC courses. NSDC should include skills in broader occupation groups, so that trainees are skilled enough to compete at the international level. SSCs should be consolidated in line with the National Industrial Classification of India to improve quality, outcomes, and help in directly assessing the trainee’s competence. It might also bring some coherence to our skills data collection system. Vocational education must provide broader skills in broader occupational groups. A re-alignment in skill programme would prepare India for representation at the 45th World Skills Competition, scheduled in Russia this year. Connecting the dots: Despite several initiatives, skill development in India is not taking at a pace as expected. Why? Also suggest various measures that can improve the situation. NATIONAL/ECONOMY TOPIC:General studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Governance issues.  General Studies 3  Environment versus development. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. Loopholes in New Coastal Regulation Zone Notification Context: We earlier had read about Centre proposing relaxation of coastal regulation zone norms (Dec 29, 2019 DNA - States get greater say over coastal regions) Centre had proposed to – Make India’s coasts to be more accessible to tourism and industrial infrastructure. Give individual States more leeway to decide how they should plan such development. Enhance activities in the coastal regions and promote economic growth. According to the new CRZ notification (2018) – Only such projects which are located in CRZ-I (Ecologically Sensitive Areas) and IV (area covered between Low Tide Line and 12 nautical miles seaward) will require the necessary clearance from the Union Ministry. The powers for clearances with respect to CRZ-II (the areas that have been developed up to or close to the shoreline) and III (areas that are relatively undisturbed) have been delegated to the State level. The construction norms on Floor Space Index (FSI) or the Floor Area Ratio (FAR), which was frozen at 1991 Development Control Regulation (DCR) levels, have been relaxed and will now be based on laws which are in vogue. The new notification also relaxed the No Development Zone (NDZ) criteria. Densely populated rural areas with a population density of 2,161 per square kilometre, falling under CRZ-III A, now have NDZ of 50 metres from the High Tide Line (HTL) as against 200 metres stipulated in the CRZ Notification, 2011. For islands close to the mainland coast and for all backwater islands in the mainland, the new norms stipulate an NDZ of 20 metres. The notification also permits temporary tourism facilities such as shacks, toilet blocks, change rooms, drinking water facilities etc. in beaches. Such temporary tourism facilities are also now permissible in NDZ of the CRZ-III areas. The new notification may “boost tourism in terms of more activities, more infrastructure and more opportunities and will certainly go a long way in creating employment opportunities in various aspects of tourism”. Also, in order to address pollution in coastal areas, setting up of treatment facilities have been made permissible activities in CRZ—I B area subject to necessary safeguards. Defence and strategic projects have been accorded necessary dispensation, the order said. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/12/29/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_11/db99b0f5_2625945_101_mr.jpg Concerns: Critics argue that the latest developmental policies target areas that have retained some degree of ecological value and will turn them into sites for industrial production. Despite evidence of the damaging effects of such policies (CRZ 2011), the government has come up with new proposals (CRZ 2018), which can spell the death of the coasts. The changes in the 2018 CRZ notification can negate the coastal space entirely of its special socio-ecological uniqueness and open up this niche space that joins land and sea to mindless real estate development, mass scale tourism, and industry. Land grabbing by private and government actors has been the norm. These actors forget that this space is the common property of coastal villages, towns and cities, and public beaches. New CRZ notification spells a death knell to coastal communities. It might impact self-reliant fisher communities who reside along India’s coast, park and repair their nets and boats and organise their economic and social activities here. Government should avoid taking away the jobs of people engaged in this sector. Do you know? With rapid urbanisation and industrialisation, coasts have become convenient dumping grounds. Sewage, garbage and sludge from industrial processes land up on the coastline and makes life for coastal dwellers a living hell. The new amendments legalise the setting up of common effluent treatment plants (CETPs), an impractical technology for cleaning up waste, on the most fragile parts of the coast. (These projects have made the coastal people of Saurashtra and south Gujarat more vulnerable to toxicity in their food, water and air.) Conclusion: India’s coasts are already facing climate change events such as intensive, frequent and unpredictable cyclones and erosion. States have adopted decentralized action: mangroves are being planted, sand dunes and coastal wetlands are being protected, and coastal communities and local governments are collaborating on disaster. But the top-down policy of the Central government to encroach what’s left of the coasts and increase activities that involve dredging, sand removal, and large-scale constructions contradict grass-roots and scientific wisdom. Connecting the dots: Coastal Regulation Zone norms are an example of a top-down, heavy-handed, legislative diktat from Delhi that ignores local dynamics. Do you agree? Elucidate. Examine the factors behind the stressed ecosystems of the coastal zones in India. What steps have been taken to address it? Discuss. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements with regard to National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF): It is a competency-based framework that organizes all qualifications according to a series of levels of knowledge, skills and aptitude. It shall be mandatory for all training/educational programmes/courses to be NSQF-compliant All training and educational institutions shall define eligibility criteria for admission to various courses in terms of NSQF levels. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) With reference to ‘National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)’, which of the statements given below is/are correct? Under NSQF, a learner can acquire the certification for competency only through formal learning. An outcome expected from the implementation of NSQF is the mobility between vocational and general education. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements and choose the correct ones from the code given below: 45th World Skills Competition (2022) will be held in Delhi. India Skills 2018 was held in Delhi and it is an initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Select correct answer: 1 only 2 only Both None Q.4) National Skill development Fund and National Skill development Corporation have been set up by Ministry of Finance Ministry of Skill development Ministry of Commerce Ministry of MSME Q.5) ‘Shailesh Nayak Committee’ is concerned with Coastal Zone Regulations Rate Hole Mining Merchandise Exports from India Non-Performing Assets MUST READ  Showing the way: on Manipur's new anti-lynching law The Hindu  Muslim, Islamic, Indian, or all of the above: on Pakistan’s identity crisis The Hindu Hitting its stride: on the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank The Hindu The Law, Ours and Thiers Indian Express Slogans, critical of govt, are not anti-national and do not amount to sedition Indian Express  Constant disruptions in Parliament fail the mandate of the people Indian Express Policy must tackle not just dissatisfaction of large farmers, but distress of most vulnerable Indian Express

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 153

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 153 Archives Q.1) ‘Sanrakshan Kshamta Mahotsav’ is associated with which of the following ministries? Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Ministry of Panchayati Raj Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas Ministry of Renewable Energy Q.2) Nodal Ministry for ‘Government e-Marketplace’ is Ministry of Commerce & Industry Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Ministry of Finance Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Q.3) The ‘Manu Smriti’ mainly deals with Social order Economics State-Craft Laws Q.4) Which of the following factors is/are evidence of Sea floor spreading? Eruptions of molten material Magnetic stripes in the rock of the ocean floor Ages of the rocks at mid ocean ridges Select the appropriate option 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 only Q.5) Which of the following countries enjoy a permanent seat on the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) board of directors? India China Japan Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 2 Only All of the above To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 152

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 152 Archives Q.1) Invasive species are one of the reasons of extinction of endemic species. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Invasive species’ These species are first to colonise in a disrupted or new ecosystem, beginning a chain of succession. These species are usually alien to an ecosystem and harmful to its endemic species. Only plant species comes under the category of invasive species. Which of the above statements are INCORRECT with respect to ‘invasive species’? 1 and 3 2 and 3 1 and 2 All of the above Q.2)  Which of the following are the necessary features of Parliamentary government? Collective Responsibility Political Homogeneity Double Membership Secrecy Majority Party Rule Select the correct codes: 1, 2 and 3 only 1, 2, 3 and 5 only 2, 3, 4 and 5 only 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Q.3) Consider the following statements: The ‘Landholders’ Society’ marked the beginning of an organised political activity and used the method of constitutional agitation for the redressal of grievances. The ‘Bengal British India Society’ founded in 1843, was with the objective of stimulating the sense of nationalism amongst the people and of encouraging political education. Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) The balance of payments of a country is a systematic record of Goods exported from a country during a year. Economic transaction between the Government of one country and another Capital movements from one country to another. All import and transactions of a country during a given period normally a year Q.5) ‘3D bio printing’ has made genetic engineering increasingly viable on ‘Bio-materials’. Consider the following statements with reference to it: Stem-cell is a kind of bio-materials. Bio-materials can only be synthesized artificially in the Laboratories. Which of the statement/s is/are correct? 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

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Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 16th January 2019

Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 16th January 2019 Archives (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.  Role of Judiciary Rule of Law; Separation of Powers Constitution, Democracy, Governance and issues related to it Why Supreme Court shouldn’t adjudicate quotas, good or bad? Context: Today’s editorial provides different/unique perspective why the judiciary should refrain itself from entering into some administrative and executive areas (except in extreme cases). The recently-legislated 124th constitutional amendment to create a 10% quota in jobs and education based on economic backwardness can be opposed on many grounds. But on one ground critics are very much sure that it will fail is the test of constitutionality. The constitutional test involves two hurdles, one relating to the 50% limit set on quotas in the Indra Sawhney judgement of 1993, and the second to the fact that so far only social and educational backwardness have been recognized as valid justifications for quotas. In this article, author argues that quota case is not something the courts should meddle with. The author questions whether courts should get into such areas? Do you know? Recently, Madras high court struck down the state government’s decision to gift ₹1,000 along with other things to all ration-card holders on the occasion of Pongal. The court ordered that the money should be given only to those who are below the poverty line, and that richer people need not receive this dole since the money can be put to better use. According to the author, the issue is not whether these decisions are right or wrong, but whether the courts should even get into such areas. Why the Courts should avoid getting into such areas? It is the right of elected representatives of the people, at the centre or states, to decide what is the right thing to do. Unaccountable courts should not—except in extreme cases—weigh in on economic priorities, especially when they themselves have caused much economic disruption and damage through their judgements. (Examples of the disruptions caused by judicial orders include the wholesale cancellation of spectrum and coal mine licences, the 2017 ban on highway liquor bars, which the Supreme Court itself had to modify later when it was unimplementable, and the 2015 registration ban and subsequent cess imposed on luxury diesel vehicles in Delhi.) Basic feature not defined clearly by the Judiciary. (Consider the Sabarimala judgement, two basic features are clashing – question of gender equality against the right to religious practices) 10% quota to EWS: Enabling a different approach to affirmative action With regard to quotas, however bad the idea may be, at the end of the day it is a constitutional amendment enabling a different approach to affirmative action that looks beyond caste. Author raises few questions – Why should the courts be deciding that caste should be the only way to decide on quotas, or that 50% is the right limit to set on it? Why not 40% or 60%, when one state (Tamil Nadu) has already legislated 69% and the law has been put into the Ninth Schedule where the courts can’t touch it? For a Constitution that ultimately hopes to make caste irrelevant, can we view the idea of income-based criteria for quotas as somehow unconstitutional or violative of basic feature of Constitution? Is it right to make caste (also couched as social and economic backwardness) the sole criterion for quotas? Considering the Madras high court order in the Pongal-gift case, one wonders how the court will decide if a government were to adopt universal basic income as a policy response to joblessness. Will the Court rule that Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani should be excluded, since they are not below the poverty line? Why offer subsidized fertilizers to all farmers, when the money should only go to poor farmers? The courts are in no way empowered to decide such issues. There is no basic feature to defend in the case of economically determined quotas, however bad the idea of 10% quota to EWS is. Do you know? There were some recent Supreme Court verdicts and orders, which seem too tough to be implemented and may remain just on papers Supreme verdict on the entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple. The order fixing timings for bursting of firecrackers during Diwali. Speedy disposal of pending cases against legislators and lawmakers (former and sitting). Witness Protection Scheme of 2018. (For further reading on this topic, visit the link - Unimplementable orders) Note: No snippets, Must Read and MCQs (As Newspaper was not available on account of Sankranti).  

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Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 15th January 2019

Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 15th January 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Global Housing Technology Challenge Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Social/Welfare scheme; Technology; Infrastructure; Government schemes and programmes In news: Centre to offer about ₹150 crore as a technology innovation grant to build 6,000 homes — cheaper, faster and better — using alternative technologies and materials under the Global Housing Technology Challenge (which was launched recently). The pace of construction under the urban section of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana or Housing for All is too slow. It has completed just over 10% of its target as the scheme reaches its halfway point. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to invite bids and identify proven demonstrable technologies from around the world which are to be adapted and mainstreamed for use in the Indian context. Apart from state and Central assistance of ₹1.5 lakh each, the Centre will offer an additional technology innovation grant of ₹2.5 lakh for each house. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/01/15/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/c65a43f0_2667996_101_mr.jpg Do you know? Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), with two components: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) (PMAY-U) for the urban poor and Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Gramin) (PMAY-G and also PMAY-R) for the rural poor. It is an initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India in which affordable housing will be provided to the urban poor with a target of building 20 million affordable houses by 31 March 2022. In the first phase (from 2016 to 2018 – 19) One crore houses are targeted for construction under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna – Grameen. The Mission will be implemented during 2015-2022 and will provide central assistance to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and other implementing agencies through States/UTs for: In-situ Rehabilitation of existing slum dwellers using land as a resource through private participation Credit Linked Subsidy Affordable Housing in Partnership Subsidy for Beneficiary-led individual house construction/enhancement Practice of devadasi custom still prevalent Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Social issue; Children issue In news: More than 36 years after the Karnataka Devadasis (Prohibition of Dedication) Act of 1982 was passed, the State government is yet to issue the rules for administering the law. Devadasi custom - practice of dedicating young girls to temples as an offering to appease the gods Practice of devadasi custom is still prevalent in Karnataka and Goa (due to apathetic approach of the legislature and enforcement agencies) Girls from socio-economically marginalised communities and special children, with physical or mental disabilities, are more vulnerable to be dedicated as devadasis. The devadasi system continues to receive customary sanction from families and communities. Other concerns: Reporting of cases pertaining to the custom is very low. Dedicated children are not explicitly recognised as children in need of care and protection under Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act of 2015. India’s extant immoral trafficking prevention law or the proposed Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill 2018, also do not recognise these dedicated girls as victims of trafficking for sexual purposes. Vision 2040 for aviation sector Part of: GS Mains III – Infrastructure; Government schemes and programmes In news: Union Ministry of Civil Aviation to unveil Vision 2040 for aviation sector at two-day global summit which will be held soon. It will shortly award new regional connectivity routes under UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagarik) III. Important Value Additions: Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme Key pointers: The Civil Aviation Ministry launched Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) in 2017. UDAN is an innovative scheme to develop the regional aviation market. It is a market-based mechanism in which airlines bid for seat subsidies. This first-of-its-kind scheme globally will create affordable yet economically viable and profitable flights on regional routes so that flying becomes affordable to the common man even in small towns. About the Scheme: The UDAN scheme seeks to provide connectivity to un-served and under-served airports of the country through revival of existing air-strips and airports. This first-of-its-kind scheme will ensure affordability, connectivity, growth and development. It aims to increase ticketing volume from 80 million to 300 million by 2022. Under it regional connectivity will be developed on market-based mechanism under which Airlines will bid for seat subsidies. It will create affordable yet economically viable and profitable flights on regional routes so that flying becomes affordable to the common man even in small towns. Under it, airlines will have complete freedom to enter into code sharing with larger airlines for connectivity and they will be exempted from various airport charges. Airlines will have exclusive rights for three years to fly on a particular regional route. On these routes for regional flights Airfares will be capped at 2500 rupees for an hour’s flight. Central and State governments and airport operators will provide a financial stimulus in the form of concessions to airlines The mechanism of Viability Gap Funding (VGF) will be provided to interested airlines to kick-off operations from such airports so that the passenger fares are kept affordable Government will provide subsidy to airlines for first three years of operations when they will have exclusive flying rights on the selected routes. Once the market in these routes gets jump started, it will operate on a commercial basis as per market forces of supply and demand. The scheme has been launched by Ministry of Civil Aviation. Miscellaneous: President Donald Trump threatened Turkey with economic devastation if it attacks a U.S.-allied Kurdish militia in Syria. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL/SOCIAL ISSUE TOPIC:General studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Preventing student suicides Introduction: There has been a considerable increase in number of cases of student suicides. More youths are taking their lives due to the fear of failing in examinations, constant flak from teachers, bullying from peers, family pressure and a loss of a sense of a decent future. There have been frequent news reports of suicides taking place in coaching centres that train students for medical and engineering entrance examinations. The deaths of 49 students in Navodaya Vidyalaya schools in the last five years; deaths of three students preparing for the IIT entrance examinations in Kota etc. has brought the issue of youth suicides to the fore again. Do you know? According to the National Crime Records Bureau, between 2014 and 2016, 26,476 students committed suicide in India. Of them, 7,462 committed suicide due to failure in various examinations. The rising number of these cases should provoke a serious discussion on the way in which outcomes of education are perceived in India. Failure of education system to generate more jobs The instrumental value of education in India is its potential in generating socio-economic and cultural capital through a promise of decent job opportunities in the future. But the education system has not been successful in generating enough job options. For instance, the International Labour Organisation’s World Employment and Social Outlook Trends Report of 2018 says that in 2019, the job status of nearly 77% of Indian workers would be vulnerable and that 18.9 million people would be unemployed. With their job future being so bleak, students are put under constant pressure to perform. They have failed to learn to enjoy the process of education. Instead, the constant pressure and stress has generated social antipathy and detachment among them. Psychological or emotional factors and social factors Sociologist Emile Durkheim had famously hypothesised that suicides are a result of not just psychological or emotional factors but social factors as well. With a loss of community and other social bonds, students in schools, colleges and coaching centres end up taking their lives. Lack of trained counsellors According to a study, merely one or two training sessions are included to sensitise the teachers and principals regarding safety and security of the children and to prevent suicidal tendencies. Provisions under Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) recognise the role of guidance and counselling services to students. There has been significant decrease in providing guidance and counselling services as they are viewed as “non-productive” areas of education. (due to poor budgetary allocation) The way forward: Only setting up of expert committees and counsellors in schools have not been able to solve the problem. The deep-rooted causes must be addressed. The government must undertake a comprehensive study on the reasons behind these suicides. The curriculum should be designed in ways that stress the importance of mental exercises and meditation. (The Delhi government’s initiative on the ‘Happiness Curriculum’ may be a step in the right direction.) Justice Roopanwal Commission had recommended for 12 measures with regards to higher education. One of them stressed on making Equal Opportunity Cells with an anti-discrimination officer functional in universities and colleges. Finally, it is high time to reinvent the educational ecosystem in ways that impregnate new meanings, new ideas of living, and renewed possibilities that could transform a life of precarity into a life worth living. Connecting the dots: The so called education hubs that prepare students for entrance examinations are turning into suicide hotspots of the country? What reasons would you attribute for this trend? Are students too stressed today? What is the solution to this problem? Discuss the need of change in societal perception of success and failure in this regard. NATIONAL/ENVIRONMENT TOPIC:General studies 2 and 3 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. Environment conservation – Climate change and Global warming Environmental Agenda for 2019 Introduction: The year 2018 was full of declarations. Some major policies and programmes were launched to tackle issues ranging from air pollution to plastic pollution. At the international level two major agreements got underway— the rulebook to implement the Paris Agreement was adopted and the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol came into effect from January 1, 2019. India’s agenda for 2019 should be: 1. Fulfil the international obligations Government should setup the institutional and regulatory framework to implement the major programmes announced in 2018 and fulfil the international obligations. 2. Implement the National Clear Air Programme: National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was announced recently. It is the first ever national framework for air quality management with a target of 20-30% reduction of PM2.5 and PM10 concentration by 2024. NCAP has weak legal mandate and is not supported with adequate financial and institutional resources. Government has to strengthen NCAP and institutionalise it for effective enforcement. Without strict enforcement, all other measures will fail. 3. Ban single-use plastics: Government had pledged to ban all single-use plastics by 2022. It should be the single-most important environmental agenda and effective actions should start in 2019. A national definition along with a comprehensive action plan, including the promotion of alternatives, should be put in place in 2019. 4. Strengthen Swachh Bharat Mission: Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) is at a crucial juncture. Any laxity would jeopardise the gains made in the last four years. SBM should be further strengthened so that cities are capacitated to move beyond cleanliness to sustainable waste management. 5. National and State Action Plan on Climate Change: It has been a decade since India adopted its National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC). The outcome has been mixed. Few missions like National Solar Mission and the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency have done very well, while other missions under NAPCC have not progressed as expected. The SAPCC has not progressed beyond documentation. It is time the government revisits NAPCC and SAPCC and develops a comprehensive framework to decarbonise our economy and build resilience to adapt to the changing climate. 6. Implement National Action Plan on AMR: Antibiotic resistance is emerging as a major health threat. National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) was adopted in April 2017 to reduce the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials. But the implementation has been very slow so far. Most states have not yet developed their action plans. Implementation of NAP-AMR must be a priority in 2019 as delays would mean jeopardising the lives of millions in the future. 7. Get the Forest Policy and Act right: The draft National Forest Policy, 2018 (NFP-2018) needs a serious relook. It has failed to address the core problems with the forestry sector. Environment ministry has also started the process of amending the Indian Forest Act, 1927 (IFA), the bedrock of forestry-related regulations in the country. It is imperative that country gets both of them right. India needs a new forest policy and law that recognises the role and the potential of people to grow, manage, protect and use forests sustainably. This will create millions of jobs as well as protect forests better. 8. National River Revitalisation Plan: All major and minor rivers are in the grip of pollution because of unsustainable withdrawal of water and untreated disposal of wastes. From Cauvery to Godavari, and from Sutlej to Yamuna, most rivers in the country need a revitalisation plan. ‘National River Revitalisation Plan’ should be unveiled in 2019. 9. Ban all Class I pesticides: Every year, thousands of people die due to accidental intake of pesticides. Highly-toxic Class I pesticides are the biggest culprit. India should ban all Class I pesticides. Sri Lanka banned all Class I pesticides in the 1990s, which has prevented thousands of deaths, and has not led to any negative effect on agriculture productivity. We should learn from our neighbours. 10. Control desertification: In 2018, more than 50 dust storms affected as many as 16 states in northern and western India and killed more than 500 people. These dust storms are a symptom of increasing desertification in large parts of western and northern India. It is time that the State recognise this ecological disaster. It should initiate an ecological restoration programme focusing on land management, soil conservation and afforestation to halt and reverse desertification. 11. Strengthen Pollution Control Boards: Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) are ineffective, incapacitated and getting archaic with every passing year. They are not designed to manage the pollution challenges of the 21st century. It is time to reinvent PCBs and build their capacity for effective monitoring and enforcement. Connecting the dots: What should be the government's agenda in 2019 to tackle issues ranging from air pollution to plastic pollution? Discuss. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Government of India has launched an ambitious scheme called Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojna. Which of the following statements regarding PMAY are correct? It aims to provide every family a pucca house with water connection, toilet facilities, 24*7 electricity supply and access. In the first phase the scheme is targeting the construction of houses in urban areas. Select the code from following: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements regarding ‘UDAN’ Scheme: The scheme has been launched by Railway Ministry to connect remote areas of the country with superfast tracks. The acronym ‘UDAN’ stands for ‘Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik’. The scheme UDAN envisages providing connectivity to un-served and under-served airports of the country through revival of existing air-strips and airports. Which of the above statements are correct? 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above MUST READ Science and reason The Hindu   Half done: on the ban on plastic The Hindu Where the rich got their way: on the climate change convention at Katowice, Poland The Hindu Raja Mandala: Alliances and strategic autonomy Indian Express The fire in Assam Indian Express

AIR

All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC - Need to Remove Trade Barriers to Accelerate Country’s Economy

Need to Remove Trade Barriers to Accelerate Country’s Economy ARCHIVES Search 4th December, 2018 Money Talk here: http://www.newsonair.com/Audio-Archive-Search.aspx 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, Indian diaspora. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. In News: IMF, World Bank and WTO call for removing trade barriers to boost global growth and employment even as they blamed technology as a prime reason for job losses in some regions. While trade between India and Pakistan is a paltry $2 billion a year, it can potentially be $32 billion, provided some of the trade barriers are removed by both the countries. Similarly, trade between the countries of South Asia can rise three times from the current $23 billion if the costs of trade are reduced. These are some of the findings of a World Bank study titled A Glass Half Full: The Promise of Regional Trade in South Asia. Intra-regional trade accounts for just 5% of South Asia’s total trade as compared to 50% in East Asia and the Pacific and 22% in Sub-Saharan Africa. The rationale behind The economic well-being of billions of people depends on trade. Deeper trade integration twinned with supportive domestic policies can help boost incomes and accelerate global growth. When it comes to trade, it is not required to choose between inclusiveness and economic growth. Evidence shows that opening of economies to trade, especially in the late 20th century, boosted incomes and living standards across advanced and developing countries. What has led to this observation? Since the early 2000's, however, the pace of opening has largely stalled, with too many existing trade barriers and other policies that favour chosen domestic industries over the broader economy remaining in place, and new barriers being created. Such policies can cause a chain reaction, as other countries adopt similar measures with the effect of lowering overall growth, reducing output, and harming workers Four specific man-made barriers that have constrained trade within South Asia are: Tariff and para tariff barriers Complicated Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) High costs of connectivity Trust deficit among South Asian countries, which underscores the importance of people-to-people interactions. But can free trade be a reality? Completely free trade is unlikely because countries have vastly different economies in different stages of development, different degrees of domestic economic and political freedoms and separate currencies. To achieve free trade, governments would have to reverse much of the involvement in their economies and financial markets they have gained since the 1930s. They’d have to surrender considerable sovereignty to market forces and could no longer keep out imports in the name of health and safety, either to support local industry or due to true civic concerns. Completely free trade would also require completely free-floating currencies with no government interference. That is going to be difficult. Does there exist a strong case for lowering of import duties? Higher the tariff, bigger the evasion across sectors. Lower import duties will for sure create conditions for high growth in trade and investment and help the economy in at least four ways. Increase India’s export: Lower duties will remove a big structural weakness of India’s exports by enabling participation in the global value chains (GVCs). Products manufactured in GVCs account for two-thirds of world trade, but India’s share is meagre (why - import duties and time taken at the port/Customs). Improve ease of doing business: For industrial goods, India’s average rate of import duty is 10.2 per cent while the weighted average import duty is only 5.7 per cent. The significant difference in the two numbers is because some of the key imports attract low duty and large value of imports are allowed end-use specific exemptions. Lower duties will do away with the need for grant of many exemptions which make implementation complex. High duties also lead to smuggling, evasion, litigation, and corruption. Reduce the need for most export schemes: Many exporters use duty exemption schemes to import inputs and machinery needed for making an export product at zero duty. Low import duties will reduce the need for such export schemes. Low duties will reduce the outgo under the drawback scheme, which allows a refund to the firm which uses duty-paid inputs. Further, higher the duties, higher the allure to take more than is due through over-invoicing of exports. Duty reduction will make export schemes simple to administer and reduce the hassle of exporters. More robust trade policy regime: For example, low duties will reduce the adverse effects of free trade agreements (FTAs) on domestic industry. High tariff means high protection to domestic industry. If the high wall crumbles as a result of FTA, the industry gets a big shock when a high import duty country enters into an FTA — substantial trade shifts from most efficient supplier to the FTA partner as the latter supplies without high duties. Import duty in most of India’s FTA partners is lower compared to India. This means their firms gain more price advantage compared to Indian counterparts. Reform of Customs duty regime should ideally precede signing of any mega FTA. What can government do? Reinvigorating trade, packaged with domestic policies to share gains from trade widely, needs to be a key priority.  One part of this is to remove trade barriers and reduce subsidies and other measures that distort trade. Stepping up trade reform is essential to reinvigorate productivity and income growth, both in advanced and in developing countries. Governments must find better ways of supporting workers. Each country needs to find its own mix of policies that is right for their circumstances. Approaches such as a greater emphasis on job search assistance, retraining, and vocational training can help those negatively affected by technology or trade to change jobs and industries. Unemployment insurance and other social safety nets give workers the chance to retool. On border tax distortions, the targeting on sensitive lists and para tariffs can be done to enable real progress on SAFTA. On non-tariff barriers, a multi-pronged effort is required, focusing on information flows, electronic data interchange, and capacity building. The mutual trust deficits can be addressed by reinforcing the virtuous circle between trade and trust — the experience of Bangladesh-India border haats (border trade markets between Bangladesh and India). Must read: The new trade order: Tariff War Connecting the Dots: The issues of trade policy are too complex to be wrapped up in the slogan “liberalise trade”. Discuss.

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