Jan 8, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs [IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam] – 7th January 2019

Daily Current Affairs [IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam] – 7th January 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Role of open market operations in easeing tight liquidity conditions Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy; monetary policy; open market operations In news: We know that the issue of liquidity crunch is being faced by the banking system. The tight liquidity conditions had led to overnight call money rate breaching the monetary policy corridor on several occasions. Therefore, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to scale up its open market operations (OMO). In other words, RBI to pump in more liquidity into the system through open market operations (OMOs). About open market operations Open market operations are conducted by the RBI by way of sale or purchase of government securities (g-secs) to adjust money supply conditions. The central bank sells g-secs to suck out liquidity from the system and buys back g-secs to infuse liquidity into the system. These operations are often conducted on a day-to-day basis in a manner that balances inflation while helping banks continue to lend. The RBI uses OMO along with other monetary policy tools such as repo rate, cash reserve ratio and statutory liquidity ratio to adjust the quantum and price of money in the system. Do you know? When RBI sells government security in the markets, the banks purchase them. When the banks purchase Government securities, they have a reduced ability to lend to the industrial houses or other commercial sectors. This reduced surplus cash, contracts the rupee liquidity and consequently credit creation / credit supply. When RBI purchases the securities, the commercial banks find them with more surplus cash and this would create more credit in the system. Thus, in the case of excess liquidity, RBI resorts to sale of G-secs to suck out rupee from system. Similarly, when there is a liquidity crunch in the economy, RBI buys securities from the market, thereby releasing liquidity. Its worth to note here that the market for government securities is not well developed in India but still OMO plays very important role. GST can boost direct, indirect tax collections Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy; Fiscal policy In news: According to tax analysts, GST can boost direct, indirect tax collections. To meet its fiscal requirements, government is increasingly dependent on tax revenue and also trying to improve revenues via sources such as PSU dividends. The view among tax analysts is that the government cannot take the risk of increasing tax rates, whether direct or indirect, for fear of a backlash from the public. So, the only option it has to boost tax revenues is to increase the tax base and stop evasion, both of which the government has been trying to do. Do you know? Government’s dependence on tax revenue has steadily increased from last five years. However, the share of revenue from non-tax sources (such as dividends from PSUs and the RBI) and capital receipts (such as disinvestment proceeds) has been declining. Measures taken to increase the tax base and stop evasion Analysing the business-wise monthly GST payments and ascertaining trends in State-wise movement of goods using the e-waybill data. Government plans to correlate GST data with information relevant from an income tax payment perspective so that incorrect tax filings can be corrected and revenues enhanced. Therefore, the expansion of the GST taxpayer base, improving the return filings compliance and using the large amount of data available to detect tax evasion would become the cornerstone of the government’s measures to enhance tax revenues. Tribals of West Bengal battling food scarcity: study Part of: GS Mains II – Health issue; vulnerable section; Social/Welfare issue In news: According to a survey report, About 31% of tribal households in West Bengal face food scarcity in varying degrees. West Bengal is home to a over five million tribals, with 6% of the India’s tribal population of 100 million. But in many areas, tribals of the State are “far behind” in terms of human development. https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/01/07/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/29bb8ef3_2649661_101_mr.jpg Major factors: Poverty-born vices like alcoholism [and] the fragility of the public health system have resulted in a much lower life chances among the Adivasis. Degradation of forest and environmental degradation are cited as two more reasons for “reduced availability of natural nutrients” resulting in early deaths. The work participation rate [WPR] is higher among the Adivasis in Bengal “forcing the children of schoolgoing age to discontinue their studies in order to fend [for] themselves and support the families. Defence manufacturing rules eased Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Defence/Security; Government policies and schemes In news: Government has simplified the process for approval of manufacturing of a range of defence and aerospace equipment and components by private industry, by bringing them under the licensing authority of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP). Licensing process made simpler for private industry to build a range of equipment. Earlier DIPP used to segregate defence items in two categories covered by two different Acts — the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951, and the Arms Act, 1959. Now, items are listed in three categories — defence aircraft, warships of all kinds, and allied items of defence equipment. This move is also expected to help foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) looking for partnerships with the private sector. U.S. withdraw from Syria Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – International affairs In news: President Donald Trump’s National Security Adviser said that U.S. will withdraw from Syria only after security of Kurds is ensured. US wants a guarantee from Turkey that Kurds in Syria would be protected. Do you know? Kurdish-led forces control a large swathe of Syria’s north and northeast, some of it seized from the Islamic State group. A U.S. withdrawal could leave them exposed to an attack by neighbouring Turkey and its Syrian proxies. Aadhaar and driving licence may be linked In news: Government may soon make it mandatory for linking Aadhaar with driving licences. Aadhaar linkage will help to catch the guilty person who causes an accident. At present, the guilty person who causes an accident flees the scene and gets a duplicate licence. This helps him go scot-free. However, with the Aadhaar linkage one can change his/her name but cannot change their biometrics, neither iris nor fingerprints. Therefore makes it easy to hold the culprit. Person in news: Tahawwur Rana Why in news? Tahawwur Rana is a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case. Rana was arrested in 2009 and is serving a 14-year prison term in the U.S. for providing material support to terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which planned and executed the attacks. Rana, a Chicago-based businessman, helped David Coleman Headley open an immigration firm in Mumbai, which was a cover to conduct reconnaissance on targets that were attacked on November 26, 2008. The NIA also has registered a forgery case against Rana for opening the immigration centre based on fake documents. India-U.S. Extradition Treaty of 1997 Government of India had engaged with U.S. authorities under this treaty for custody of U.S.-based individuals for their role in the November 26, 2008, terrorist attacks in Mumbai. “Innovate2Cultivate” programme Part of: GS Mains III – Role of NGOs or CSOs; Science and Technology In news: “Innovate2Cultivate” programme - organized by a non-profit organisation connects start-ups with farmers of specific crops so that innovations are nurtured and taken to the farms. The start-ups have developed or are working on technologies and solutions such as organic micro nutrients and alternatives to pest management and soil management. ISS crew could grow beans in 2021 Part of: GS Mains III – Science and Technology In news: After cultivating lettuce in space three years ago, crew members aboard the International Space Station could be growing beans in 2021. Food grown in space could be crucial to sustain the astronauts in future deep space missions. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2 Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies General studies 4 Integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government institutions; Federal polity and national agencies in India Background CBI has had its roots as an anti-corruption wing of the British Indian government known as the Delhi Special Police Establishment. Due to its competence and professionalism that from such humble origins it rose to national eminence and in 1963 it became the CBI. In the past some States occasionally blocked the CBI probe in specific cases. Now, the situation changed that hereafter a State’s refusal to allow the CBI probe in its territory is likely to be based not so much on the merits of a case but on political equations between that State and the ruling party at the Centre. Impacts on credibility of CBI Previously, people use to demand a CBI probe into any crime or scam involving influential persons. But now civil society’s lack of confidence in the agency’s competence and neutrality is very much evident. Giving credence to the doubts about the CBI’s integrity, the families of Govind Pansare and Gauri Lankesh have determined to oppose a combined CBI investigation into their killings as well as that of Narendra Dabholkar and M.M. Kalburgi. Centre-State implications Under the Constitution, the State governments have exclusive jurisdiction in matters related to law and order. The Centre can claim its jurisdiction over its departments located in States, such as railway property, and on matters like terrorism, sedition, counterfeit currency, etc. Even in these cases the Central agencies cannot discharge their duties without active cooperation from the State government concerned. Raising the concerns over integrity of CBI, the governments of Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal withdrew ‘general consent’ to the CBI to register fresh cases under its purview. Now CBI will have to obtain the State’s consent case by case; this will give a State government the opportunity to both ensure that the CBI is not acting at the behest of the ruling party at the Centre, or insert its own politics into investigations. The agency may technically go ahead with cases it already registered in these States, but that logic holds only on paper. Without a State government’s active cooperation, the CBI or any Central agency cannot carry out its operations in that State. Impact on other agencies It is not the CBI alone that will be caught in the cross hairs of Centre-State feuds in future. Other agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), etc. may find it hard to smoothly carry out their operations in States that are not politically aligned with the ruling party at the Centre. For example: unlike the CBI act (the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act) which mandates States’ consent, the NIA Act does not place such a restraint on the NIA. However, the NIA would be no more effective than the CBI when a State refuses to cooperate, whether that refusal is de jure or de facto. Way forward There is urgent need to define and delineate ‘federal crimes’ as recommended by the Malimath Committee in 2003. The task should be to bring in States as partners in solving a national problem,rather than declaring them as federal problems. There is need to calibrate different tiers of government and bring about political consensus so as to ensure India’s constitutional scheme delivers on its promise. A first step in this direction has to be the willingness of political parties to recognise the danger they pose to each other as well as to the entire polity. And then arrive at a modus vivendi. Elected executive must refrain from ‘monitoring’ investigations; a provision for more effective judicial oversight at all stages of criminal investigations; and the resolve to ensure bureaucratic neutrality. Conclusion Institutional collapse is like a disease and it has entered a critical phase. If not tackled in time, it may inflict system-wide damage. The task of restoring the credibility of investigative agencies cannot be rocket science. Moreover, it is now in the self-interest of all political parties. The time is ripe for ideas to strengthen our federalism. Ideas for reforms will spring up and fructify only if elite consensus creates conducive environment. Connecting the dots: Bureaucratic professionalism and neutrality of national investigative and regulatory agencies, is key to success for constitutional federal polity in India. Comment. INTERNATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 2 Current events of national and international importance International disputes and agreements Lessons for Kashmir from the Kuriles Introduction The Second World War left behind many problems inherited from history, some of them were in respect of multiple disputed territories. One of them concerns four islands in the Kurile chain, that are claimed by Japan but occupied by Russia as successor state of the Soviet Union. Despite the passage of over 70 years, this dispute has defied solution and prevented the conclusion of a Russo-Japanese peace treaty to draw a final curtain over the detritus of the war. About Kuriles The Kuriles are an archipelago of some 56 islands. All of them are under Russian jurisdiction but Japan claims the two large southernmost islands, Etorofu and Kunashiri, and two others, Shikotan and Habomai, as its ‘northern territories’. These islands were occupied by the Soviet Union in August 1945, after which the entire Japanese population, numbering less than 20,000, was evicted. The islands are now populated by the various ethnic groups of the former Soviet Union, but only eight of them are actually inhabited. The prime value of the islands, however, is strategic. The Russians have deployed missile systems, plan a submarine project there, and intend to rule out any American military use of the islands. Opinions of; public and governments Public opinion in both countries is totally against any concession. Russians recalls the Japan-Russia war (1904-05) and the Japanese intervention with the U.S. and Europe during the early years of the Russian Revolution. Moscow’s legal claim is based on the post-war settlements of Yalta and San Francisco, whereas the Japanese claim is founded on the Russia-Japan treaties of 1855 and 1875. Leaders in both Russia and Japan are aware that their domestic political positions would be severely at risk from right-wing and conservative circles were they to suggest even the slightest compromise. Among hyper-nationalist circles, territorial issues have always been questions of utmost sensitivity. The Progress on Kurils In 2016, both countries embarked on some joint undertakings on the islands without calling in question the claims and legal positions of either side. They agreed to joint field surveys and joint economic activities with the identification of specific projects, the enterprises that would undertake them, and various levels of supervision. These proposals cover marine species and aquaculture, greenhouse strawberry and vegetable cultivation, development of package tourism, wind power generation, and the reduction and disposal of garbage. They also agreed to scheduled visits by Japanese families who sought to visit the graves of their ancestors. The Japanese have further proposed safe opportunities for fishing salmon and trout without using prohibited driftnet methodology, and cooperation in disaster prevention. These may seem small steps, but underlying them is a serious purpose: to build trust. Summits and Foreign Ministers’ meetings have become commonplace. Concerns of Russia Moscow is concerned about Tokyo amending Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, which disallows Japan from maintaining a military force or using force to settle international disputes Russia views with anxiety the fact that Japan is among the world’s biggest spenders on defence and has a very powerful military. Japan plays host to American bases and missile systems, and plans to spend $240 billion up to 2024 on cruise missiles, missile interceptors, fighter jets and aircraft carriers. Responsible for this military build-up are apprehensions about threats from China and North Korea. Japan and South Korea seem to be inching towards a future of relative independence from the U.S. in wartime operations. Causes Japanese engagements with Russia Japan’s wish to engage with Russia stems from the rapid rise of China and the perceived threat from North Korea. Russia is now seen in Japan as the lesser enemy, and improving relations with Moscow might drive a wedge in the growing quasi-alliance between Russia and China, a break-up desired by the U.S.-led Western alliance. Russian far east is endowed with plentiful natural resources which are in need of investments, but is hampered by a small population, whereas China has 100 million citizens along that shared land border. Japan has no territorial or demographic ambitions in Russia other than the Kuriles, and has the capacity to transform the vast contiguous areas of Russia. The two countries agreed to resolve the Kurile islands dispute by concluding a peace treaty without any further delay. Conclusion: Lessons for India Although no two international problems are analogous, there are important lessons to be drawn from the manner in which traditionally hostile neighbours can identify common interests and explore unorthodox avenues along which to proceed in search of innovative solutions to apparently insoluble disputes. This requires strong leadership and a bold imagination. Neither India nor Pakistan lacks either attribute. Kashmir is essentially a territorial dispute of almost equal vintage as the Kuriles. But if both sides keep waiting for the most propitious time to make the first move, it will never come about. Connecting the dots: India and Pakistan can learn from Japan and Russia on seeking innovative solutions to territorial disputes. Comment. (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) In the context of Indian economy, Open Market Operations’ refers to Borrowing by scheduled banks from the RBI Lending by commercial banks to industry and trade Purchase and sale of government securities by the RBI None of the above Q.2) If the RBI implements an expansionist open market operations policy, this means that it will? Buy securities from non-government holders Offer commercial banks more credit in open market Sells G-securities (government securities) in open market Openly announces to the market that it intends to expand its credit Q.3) Which of the following are instruments of Monetary Policy? Repo Rate Liquidity adjustment Facility Cash Reserve Ratio Open Market Operations Select the code from below: 1 and 4 2 and 3 1,2 and 4 All of the above Q.4) Consider the following statement about Call Money Market: Borrowing and lending of funds take place on overnight basis. Participants in the call money market in India currently include all the scheduled commercial banks (SCBs), cooperative banks, insurance. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 None Q.5) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) acts as a bankers’ bank. This would imply which of the following? Banks keep their deposits with the RBI RBI provides loans to banks whenever they are in need It rediscounts the Bills of exchange Choose the correct answer using the codes given below. 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only All of the above Q.6) Which among the following are government’s measures to enhance tax revenues? expansion of the GST taxpayer base improving the return filings compliance detect tax evasion PSU dividends Choose the correct options: 1 and 4 2 and 3 1,2 and 3 All of the above MUST READ India’s options and the Pashtun factor The Hindu India’s Atlantic challenge The Hindu Carryovers from 2018 Indian Express In 2019, a new outreach Indian Express An answer to rural distress Indian Express Lopsided spatial development in India needs to be fixed Livemint The distressing lack of enjoyable open spaces Livemint

Jan 7, 2019 PIB

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 31st Dec to 6th Jan - 2018

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 31st Dec to 6th Jan - 2018 ARCHIVES GS-2 Menstrual Hygiene for Adolescent girls Schemes (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Objective: To address the need of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls residing primarily in rural areas Funds are provided to States/UTs through National Health Mission for decentralized procurement of sanitary napkins packs for provision primarily to rural adolescent girls at subsidized rates as per proposals received from the States and UTs in their Programme Implementation Plans. This scheme encompasses the following: Increasing awareness among adolescent girls on Menstrual Hygiene Improving access to and use of high-quality sanitary napkins by adolescent girls in rural areas. Ensuring safe disposal of Sanitary Napkins in an environmentally friendly manner. Provision of funds to ASHAs to hold monthly meeting with adolescents to discuss issues related to menstrual hygiene. A range of IEC material has been developed around Menstrual hygiene Scheme, using a 360 degree approach to create awareness among adolescent girls about safe & hygienic menstrual health practices which includes audio, video and reading materials for adolescent girls and job-aids for ASHAs and other field level functionaries for communicating with adolescent girls. ASHAs across the country are trained and play a significant role in promotion of use and distribution of the sanitary napkins. Department of Health Research, under the Ministry of Health, is involved in assessment of all newer, alternative, environment friendly menstrual hygiene products to look into their safety and acceptability features. Cabinet approves/apprised of MoU between India and Morocco on Cooperation in the area of Cyber Security: The MoU intends to promote closer cooperation for exchange of knowledge and experience in detection, resolution and prevention of security-related incidents between India and Morocco. Implementation of the MoU will result in significant mutual benefits in the Cyber Security sector, through institutional and capacity building with Morocco in the field of Cyber Security. High level committee to implement Clause 6 of Assam Accord Several Longstanding demands of Bodos also approved: After Assam agitation of 1979-1985, Assam Accord was signed on 15th August, 1985. Clause 6 of the Assam Accord envisaged that appropriate constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, shall be provided to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people. The Committee shall examine the effectiveness of actions since 1985 to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, will hold  discussions with all stakeholders and assess the required quantum of reservation of seats in Assam Legislative Assembly and local bodies for Assamese people. The Committee will also assess the requirement of measures to be taken to protect Assamese and other indigenous languages of Assam, quantum of reservation in employment under Government of Assam and other measures to protect, preserve and promote cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of Assamese people. First-ever three-way merger in Indian Banking with amalgamation of Vijaya, Dena and Bank of Baroda: with Bank of Baroda as the transferee bank and Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank as transferor banks. The amalgamation will be the first-ever three-way consolidation of banks in India, with the amalgamated bank being India's second largest Public Sector Bank. Help create a strong globally competitive bank with economies of scale and enable realisation of wide-ranging synergies. Leveraging of networks, low-cost deposits and subsidiaries of the three banks has the potential of yielding significant synergies for positioning the consolidated entity for substantial rise in customer base, market reach, operational efficiency, wider bouquet of products and services, and improved access for customers. The amalgamated bank will be better equipped in the changing environment to meet the credit needs of a growing economy, absorb shocks and capacity to raise resources. Economies of scale and wider scope would position it for improved profitability, wider product offerings, and adoption of technology and best practices across amalgamating entities for cost efficiency and improved risk management, and financial inclusion through wider reach. It would also enable creation of a bank with scale comparable to global banks and capable of competing effectively in India and globally. Strengths of individual banks - such as Dena Bank's relatively higher access to low-cost CASA deposits, Vijaya Bank's profitability and availability of capital for growth, and the extensive and global network and offerings of BoB will translate into advantages in terms of market reach, operational efficiencies and the ability to support a wider offering of product and services. The amalgamated banks will have access to a wider talent pool, and a large database that may be leveraged through analytics for competitive advantage in a rapidly digitalising banking context. Benefits would also flow as a result of wider reach and distribution network and reduction in distribution costs for the products and services through subsidiaries. Public at large shall benefit in terms of enhanced access to banking services through a stronger network, the ability to support a wider offering of product and services, and easy access to credit. Amendment to the Trade Unions Act, 1926 to make provisions regarding Recognition of Trade Unions: The approval will facilitate: Recognition of Trade Unions at Central and State level; Ensure true representation of workers in the tripartite bodies; Check on the arbitrary nomination of workers’ representatives by the Government; and Reduce litigations and industrial unrest. Restructuring of National Health Agency as "National Health Authority" for better implementation of Pradhan Mantri - Jan Arogya Yojana: With this approval, the existing society "National Health Agency" has been dissolved and will be replaced by National Health Authority as an attached office to Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Continuation of Rastriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram Scheme: The Scheme aims to develop the personality and leadership qualities of the youth and to engage them in nation building activities. Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan(NYKS) National Youth Corps (NYC) National Programme for Youth & Adolescent Development (NPYAD) International Cooperation Youth Hostels (YH) Assistance to Scouting & Guiding Organizations National Discipline Scheme (NDS) National Young Leaders Programme (NYLP) The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2018’ for revision in list of Scheduled Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh: After the Bill becomes an Act, member of the communities newly listed in the revised list of Scheduled Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh will also be able to derive benefits meant for STs under the existing schemes of the Government. Continuation of Umbrella scheme for "Family Welfare and Other Health Interventions" during 2017-18 to 2019-20: The five schemes listed in the proposal are crucial to attaining the goals and objectives laid out in National Health Policy (NHP) 2017, and international commitments in the form of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SwasthaNagrikAbhiyan(SNA): For dissemination of information on health issues to create awareness among citizens of India of ail age/sex/locations and appropriately influence their health seeking behavior to encourage healthy lifestyles and empower the citizens. Free Supply of Contraceptives: For providing free supply of contraceptives including   condoms, Oral Contraceptive Pills, Pregnancy Test Kits, other contraceptives, etc. to States with a view to improve Maternal and Child Health and achieving population stabilization. MIS Scheme now proposed as Health Surveys and Health Research (HSHR): For sourcing of data on population, health and nutrition for India and its States including through periodically conducted National Family Health Survey, which is one of the largest surveys of its kind worldwide. The NFHS provides valuable data for policy and programmes right up to the district level. Social Marketing of Contraceptives: For branding, attractively packaging, marketing arid selling of products and services related to Family Planning for low-income groups at affordable prices. Population Research Centres (PRCs): For third party evaluation of the scheme on PRCs and specially of those centres which are being considered for continuation will be carried out. Indo-US 2+2 Dialogue (Topic: 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) The launch is a reflection of the shared commitment by Prime Minister Modi and President Trump to provide a positive, forward-looking vision for the India-U.S. strategic partnership and to promote synergy in their diplomatic and security efforts. They resolved to continue meetings in this format on an annual basis. Celebrating over 70 years of diplomatic cooperation, the Ministers reaffirmed their view that India and the United States, as sovereign democracies founded on the values of freedom, justice, and commitment to the rule of law, must continue to lead global efforts to promote peace, prosperity, and security. Recognizing their two countries are strategic partners, major and independent stakeholders in world affairs, the Ministers committed to work together on regional and global issues, including in bilateral, trilateral, and quadrilateral formats. The two sides further decided to establish secure communication between the Minister of External Affairs of India and the U.S. Secretary of State, and between the Minister of Defense of India and the U.S. Secretary of Defense, to help maintain regular high-level communication on emerging developments. Strengthening the Defense and Security Partnership: The Ministers reaffirmed the strategic importance of India’s designation as a Major Defense Partner (MDP) of the United States and committed to expand the scope of India’s MDP status and take mutually agreed upon steps to strengthen defense ties further and promote better defense and security coordination and cooperation. They welcomed the inclusion of India by the United States among the top tier of countries entitled to license-free exports, re-exports, and transfers under License Exception Strategic Trade Authorization (STA-1) and also committed to explore other means to support further expansion in two-way trade in defense items and defense manufacturing supply chain linkages. They welcomed the signing of a Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) that will facilitate access to advanced defense systems and enable India to optimally utilize its existing U.S.-origin platforms. The Ministers also announced their readiness to begin negotiations on an Industrial Security Annex (ISA) that would support closer defense industry cooperation and collaboration.   Recognizing their rapidly growing military-to-military ties, the two sides committed to the creation of a new, tri-services exercise and to further increase personnel exchanges between the two militaries and defense organizations. To encourage and prioritize co-production and co-development projects through the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), and to pursue other avenues of defense innovation cooperation. Partners in the Indo-Pacific and Beyond: Both sides committed to work together and in concert with other partners toward advancing   a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, based on recognition of ASEAN centrality and on respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, rule of law, good governance, free and fair trade, and freedom of navigation and overflight. Noting the importance of infrastructure and Connectivity for the Indo-Pacific region, both sides emphasized the need to work collectively with other partner countries to support transparent, responsible, and sustainable debt financing practices in infrastructure development.             The Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to a united, sovereign, democratic, inclusive, stable, prosperous, and peaceful Afghanistan. The two sides expressed support for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process. India welcomed the recent U.S.-North Korea summit. The two sides pledged to work together to counter North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction programs and to hold accountable those countries that have supported them.   The United States welcomed India’s accession to the Australia Group, the Wassenaar Arrangement, and the Missile Technology Control Regime and reiterated its full support for India’s immediate accession to the Nuclear Suppliers Group.        Promoting Prosperity and People-to-People Ties: Both sides committed to further expanding and balancing the trade and economic partnership consistent with their leaders’ 2017 joint statement, including by facilitating trade, improving market access, and addressing issues of interest to both sides. Both sides looked forward to full implementation of the civil nuclear energy partnership and collaboration between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and Westinghouse Electric Company for the establishment of six nuclear power plants in India. Observing the strong ties of family, education, and business, and the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation that unite their people, the Ministers highlighted the unmatched people-to-people ties between their countries and recognized the benefits to both nations and the world from these ties, including the free flow of ideas and collaboration in health, space, oceans, and other areas of science and technology. Must Read: Link GS-3 Reducing Carbon Emission by Altering the Method of Farming (Topic: Agriculture, Environment) Initiative have been taken to make agriculture more adaptive and resilient to climate variability and in the process to reduce carbon emission. Soil, water and crop management practices that reduce carbon emission include: Increasing the area under System of Rice Intensification (SRI) as an alternative to transplanted paddy. Deployment of zero tillage drill machines and other residue management equipment which enable planting of rabi crop in the standing residue of rice crop to avoid its burning. Alternate wetting and drying, direct seeded rice system of rice cultivation, use of slow release nitrogen fertilizers, integrated nutrient management practices, leaf colour chart-based nitrogen application, use of urea super granules etc. Mandatory Neem coating of urea. Promotion of micro irrigation under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)-Per Drop More Crop. Planting of trees under National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI), Sub-Mission on Agro Forestry (SMAF) and National Bamboo Mission (NBM). 45 models of Integrated Farming System (IFS) have been developed for replication in Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and in the States for enabling climate resilient agriculture. Climate resilient villages have been developed by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), one in each of 151 districts. Climate Vulnerability Atlas has been prepared under National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA).  District Agriculture Contingency Plans have been developed for 633 districts in order to give real time agro advisories for overcoming climate risks. National Bamboo Mission (NBM) (Topic: Schemes and policies under Agriculture) The scheme aims to supplement farm income of farmers with focus on the development of complete value chain of bamboo sector to link growers with consumers.   Major objectives of the Mission are: To increase the area under bamboo plantation in non-forest Government and private lands to supplement farm income and contribute towards resilience to climate change as well as availability of quality raw material requirement of industries. To improve post-harvest management through establishment of innovative primary processing units near the source of production, primary treatment and seasoning plants, preservation technologies and market infrastructure. To promote product development keeping in view market demand, by assisting R&D, entrepreneurship & business models at micro small and medium levels and feed bigger industry. To rejuvenate the under developed bamboo industry in India. To promote skill development capacity building, awareness generation for development of bamboo sector from production to market demand. To re-align efforts so as to reduce dependency on import of bamboo and bamboo products by way of improved productivity and suitability of domestic raw material for industry, so as to enhance income of the primary producers. Prelims oriented News: 1st rank in ‘Swachh Survekshan’ 2017: Indore Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) was established in National Housing Bank (NHB) with an objective to improve the affordability of the target group to own their homes. The “Ease of Living” Index is an initiative of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to help cities assess their liveability vis-à-vis global and national benchmarks and encourage cities to move towards an ‘outcome-based’ approach to urban planning and management. CITIIS (Cities Investments to Innovate Integrate and Sustain) was launched in partnership with Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and European Union. A Loan of EUR 100 million will be extended by AFD which shall be given as a grant to Smart Cities for implementation of 15 innovative projects selected through the All-India Challenge. The projects would be in four sectors- sustainable mobility, public open spaces, urban governance & ICT and social and organizational innovation in low-income settlements. Technical support with global expertise will be provided for preparation and implementation of selected demonstrative projects. Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA): The core objective of this transformative legislation is to ensure regulation and promotion of real estate sector in an efficient manner and to protect the interest of home buyers. Municipal bonds are an important instrument to mobilise financial resources for investment in Urban Infrastructure. I-Metros (Indian Metro Rail Organisations’ Society) - a platform to exchange ideas, pooling of knowledge and sharing of experience, best practices, innovations etc. among the Indian metro rail companies to nurture excellence in performance Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme being implemented in the statutory towns in the country for reducing the poverty and vulnerability of urban poor households since April 2014. The primary target of DAY-NULM is urban poor, including urban homeless & urban street vendors and emphasis is laid on mobilisation of vulnerable sections of urban population into Self Help Groups (SHGs). The World Bank has recently released the Doing Business Report (DBR) 2019 and the country’s rank in Construction Permits indicator has gone up to 52 from 181, a year ago. This could be possible due to the reforms implemented and consistent efforts of the Municipal Corporations of Delhi and Mumbai in facilitating Ease of Doing Business in construction permits. National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) to enhance the experience of religious tourists visiting prominent heritage sites is being implemented in 12 cities, namely, Ajmer, Amaravati, Amritsar, Badami, Dwaraka, Gaya, Kancheepuram, Mathura, Puri, Varanasi, Velankanni and Warangal. Setting up of two Defence Production Corridors: One each in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Tamil Nadu INSV Tarini: The first-ever all-women crew circumnavigated the globe in an indigenously built 56-foot Indian Navy Sailing Vessel Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) 'Tejas': India joined the elite group of nation which have developed the Air-to-Air refuelling system for military class aircraft when Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) 'Tejas' successfully completed mid-air refuelling trial by wet (actual) engagement, transferring 1,900 kgs fuel from IAF IL78 mid-air refuelling tanker Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti: To migrate from the culture of seeking Transfer of Technology (ToT) from foreign sources to generating Intellectual Property in India, to achieve the goal of self-reliance in Defence sector. Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) a scheme of Department of Defence Production (DDP), formulated in collaboration with Start Up India and Atal Innovation Mission, with the objective of bringing Start-ups to solve problems of defence production, innovate new technologies required by defence forces and reduce dependence on imported technology. iDEX is aimed at creation of an ecosystem to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging Industries including MSMEs, Start-ups, Individual Innovators, R&D institutes and Academia and provide them grants/funding and other support to carry out R&D. ShaGun (from the words Shaala and Gunvatta) which has two parts i.e., one is a Repository of good practices, photographs, videos, studies, newspaper articles etc on elementary education, State /UT wise has been developed. Its purpose is to showcase success stories and also to provide a platform for all stakeholders to learn from each other, and instill a positive competitive spirit among all the States and UTs. The second part is the online monitoring module of Shagun which measures state-level performance and progress against key educational indicators which enables the Government of India and the State and UT Departments of education to conduct real-time assessments which normal paper-based monitoring mechanisms did not allow. Through Shagun, the data collection and reporting processes have been simplified; resulting in a totally transparent and efficient system. Shaala Siddhi is a School Standards and Evaluation Framework, developed by the National University of Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA), which enables the schools to self-evaluate based on seven key domains. e-PATHSHALA: a single point repository of e ­resources containing NCERT textbooks and various other learning resources has been developed for showcasing and disseminating all educational resources including textbooks, audio, video, periodicals, and a variety of other print and non-­print materials. Diksha Portal: The portal envisages to help teachers boost their teaching skills and create their own separate profile with their skills and knowledge, and help in improving quality of education with use of latest technologies in education sector. Rashtriya Gokul Mission: Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries has been implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission with the aim of development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds. Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme: Under the CHCDS, need based funding is provided for various interventions like technology upgradation, product development, setting up of Value Addition Centre, Common Facility Centre (CFC), Marketing Complex, Dye House and Corpus Fund for Yarn Depot Under the scheme, various projects like setting up of Common Facility Centre, Dye House, Garmenting Unit, Silk Spinning Unit, Automatic Silk Reeling Unit etc. have been taken up in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, which are functional. The scheme is under implementation in eight mega handloom Clusters i.e. Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Sivasagar (Assam), Virudhanagar (Tamil Nadu), Murshidabad (West Bengal), Prakasam & Guntur districts (Andhra Pradesh), Godda & neighbouring districts (Jharkhand), Bhagalpur (Bihar) and Trichy (Tamil Nadu). BhoomiRashi portal: In the past years, acquisition of land for the purpose of National Highway projects, payment of compensation to the land owners etc were done manually by physical movement of documents in the form of files. However, in that procedure some constraints viz. delay in issuing notification, errors in the land/area details etc were being faced. In order to overcome these issues, to cut short delays and avoid parking of public funds with the Competent Authority for Land Acquisition (CALA), Ministry has developed a web-based Utility –BhoomiRashi to fully digitize and automate the entire process of land acquisition. With the operation of this Portal, the land acquisition process has been expedited significantly, become error-free and more transparent and the notifications at every stage are being processed on real time basis. While the physical processing of the cases usually took considerable time, ranging from weeks to even months, and there were errors whose rectification caused further delays, the processing time using this portal has been reduced to less than two weeks in a majority of cases and even a few days in some cases. Samagra Shiksha scheme focuses on improvement of quality of education by providing support for  different interventions like; in-service training of teachers and schools heads, conduct of achievement surveys at National and State level,  provision of textbooks as per Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, remedial teaching for academically weaker students, ICT and digital initiatives, vocational education, composite school grant to every school for providing a conducive learning environment  has been increased and from this year provisions for library grants and grants for sports and physical education have also been introduced. Geographical Indications (GIs) are registered as per the provisions of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999. As on 24.12.2018, 330 GIs have been registered. GIs have been defined under Article 22(1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement as: "Indications which identify a good as originating in the territory of a member, or a region or a locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographic origin." The GI tag ensures that none other than those registered as authorised users (or at least those residing inside the geographic territory) are allowed to use the popular product name. Darjeeling tea became the first GI tagged product in India, in 2004-05 List of GI products from India The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP): A proposed Free Trade Agreement between ten ASEAN member states and their six Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners namely India, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and Republic of Korea Expected to provide market access for India’s goods and services exports and encourage greater investments and technology into India. It would also facilitate India’s MSMEs to effectively integrate into the regional value and supply chains. India is not a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) which is a grouping of twenty-one countries in the Asia Pacific region with an aim to deepen and strengthen economic and technological cooperation amongst APEC member countries. INDO-France Pact for Sustainable Development India and France are today the leading nations in the fight against climate change. The joint hosting by India and France of the Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) on 11th March 2018 in New Delhi and the first General Assembly in New Delhi from 2nd to 5th October 2018 has bolstered our joint resolve to fight climate change. The second India-France Dialogue on Africa, which took place on 11th December 2018, provided both countries an opportunity to exchange views on the latest developments in Africa as well as to explore possibilities for joint endeavour to contribute towards peace, stability and prosperity in Africa. Ministry of Food Processing Industries Mega Food Parks: Mega Food Parks create modern infrastructure facilities for food processing along the value chain from farm to market with strong forward and backward linkages through a cluster-based approach. Common facilities and enabling infrastructure is created at Central Processing Centre and facilities for primary processing and storage is created near the farm in the form of Primary Processing Centers (PPCs) and Collection Centers (CCs). Integrated Cold Chain: Ministry of Food Processing Industries is implementing the Scheme of Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure as one of the component of Pradhan Mantri Kisan SampadaYojana with the objective of arresting post-harvest losses of horticulture & non-horticulture produce and providing remunerative price to farmers for their produce. The integrated cold chain and preservation infrastructure can be set up by individuals, groups of entrepreneurs, cooperative societies, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), NGOs, Central/State PSUs, etc.

Jan 7, 2019 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC - G-20 Summit and the changing Global Scenario

G-20 Summit and the changing Global Scenario ARCHIVES Search 1st December, 2018 Spotlight 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 Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. G20: The G20 (or Group of Twenty) is an international forum for the governments and central bank governors from 19 countries and the European Union. It was founded in 1999 with the aim to discuss policy pertaining to the promotion of international financial stability. India: Member of G20 Other members: The G20, short for "Group of 20", is made up of 19 countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States, plus the European Union. Spain is a permanent guest and always participates in the G20 summits. Together, the G20 members represent – Two thirds of the world population. 85% of the global gross product. 75% of international trade. 80% of global investments in research and development. Because the G-20 is a forum, its agreements or decisions have no legal impact, but they do influence countries’ policies and global cooperation. Why was the G20 created? The G20 was conceived in 1999, while the repercussions of the Asian financial crisis of 1997 still lasted. The committee’s inaugural meeting took place in Berlin in December 1999. In a meeting of finance ministers and presidents of central banks of the G7, it was decided to expand the group and make it more representative in order to generate policies that have an impact In the economy. They decided to invite a group of key emerging economies to a new forum of finance ministers and presidents of Central Banks, which would later become the G20. With the start of the global financial crisis of 2008, the G20 became the main instrument to face the debacle. And for that it was essential to involve the highest ranking officials. Thereafter, presidents and heads of state joined the G20. What impact does the G20 have? The G20 is the most important forum for international cooperation. During the meetings, the main challenges of the world are discussed and the main policies are coordinated at the global level. In the face of an uncertain international context, international cooperation is key, and thus the G20 acquires even more relevance. The main achievements of the G20 include: The increased participation of emerging countries in global issues, The reform of international financial institutions, The monitoring of national financial institutions, The improvement in the regulations of the economies whose problems led to the crisis and the creation of safety nets to prevent problems in the future. The G20 also specifically helped to provide emergency funds during the 2008 crisis and plays an important role in financing for development. The Way Ahead: G20 members should start by endorsing the terms of reference of the G20 trade and investment working group (TIWG), and define it as a sustainable platform for trade and investment cooperation. Will show the existence of a consensus on the value and potential of a trade and investment working mechanism. Will be effective in helping trade ministers reach agreements on various important issues. Leaders at the G20 Summit should inject a stronger political impetus for trade and investment cooperation by highlighting a few key principles and frameworks. Trade ministers have made progress in agreeing on a couple of substantial issues, including plans to combat trade restrictive measures, to increase the coherence of trade and investment policies, and to enhance the transparency of regional trade agreements. Ensure there are regular interactions between G20 officials and independent, specialized experts. They bring and generate independent and global views. Participating officials and experts do not represent their countries or institutions; instead, they are global citizens discussing possible trade and investment cooperation under the G20 in a free and non-negotiating environment. This helps G20 officials prepare for the TIWG with a clear global picture in addition to their own countries’ perspective. These interactions provide specialized expertise. There have been so many new developments in such a short space of time in the area of trade and investment, which means there’s a real need for a safe space for mutual learning between officials and experts. Note: India will chair the G20 in 2022. The G20 Troika: Every year, when a new country assumes the presidency (Argentina in 2018), it works hand in hand with the previous presidency (Germany) and the next presidency (Japan) in what is known as the troika. This ensures continuity in the group’s agenda. Where is the G20 headquarters? The G20 does not have permanent offices or employees. The country that presides over the group (in a year) takes care of all the organization and the logistical coordination of the meetings. Connecting the Dots: Is G20 really what the world really needs? Or is this merely a club where leaders meet annually to issue insipid and irrelevant communiqués? Examine Note: For the first time, India will host the annual G20 summit in 2022, coinciding with the country's 75th anniversary of Independence. Connecting the Dots: Despite passing more than a decade of its establishment, the G-20 organisation has not been successful to attain its purpose and objectives. Critically comment with suitable examples. Even though the G20 platform is meant to promote global economic recovery, promote sustainable development and discuss the roadmap for combating climate change, the recent terrorist attacks have brought terrorism at the forefront of discussions. It only shows that global prosperity and development is possible only in an atmosphere of peace and harmony. Comment.

Jan 7, 2019 RSTV Video

RSTV IAS UPSC – Transforming Indian Cities

Transforming Indian Cities Archives General Studies 1: Urbanization, their problems and their remedies General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation In News: Indian cities will make up most of the fastest-growing cities in the world between 2019 and 2035, considering the year-on-year Gross Domestic Product growth. According to a Bloomberg report– Over 17 of the 20 top cities on the list will be Indian. Indian cities including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai will be among the strongest performers across the globe. India will dominate the top 10 cities in terms of economic growth over the span of 20 years. Surat, a commercial centre for textiles in Gujarat, will witness the fastest GDP growth by an average exceeding 9%. While economic output in many of those Indian cities will remain rather small in comparison to the world’s biggest metropolises, aggregated gross domestic product of all Asian cities will exceed that of all North American and European urban centres combined in 2027. By 2035, it will be 17 percent higher, with the largest contribution coming from Chinese cities. Little will change at the top of the list of the world’s biggest cities between now and 2035. What is Urbanisation? The Census of India, 2011 defines urban settlement as, all the places which have municipality, corporation and cantonment board or notified town area committee. Additionally, all the other places which satisfy following criteria: A minimum population of 5000 persons ; At least 75 % of male main working population engaged in non-agricultural pursuits ; and A density of population of at least 400 persons per square kilometre Urbanisation: A transformative force By 2030, 600 million Indians, or 40 per cent of the country’s population, would be residing in urban areas. If this urbanisation is to happen in a planned manner, we will need to build 700 to 900 million square meters of properly designed residential and commercial space in urban areas every year from now to 2030. It is imperative that the country moves from being a “reluctant urbaniser” to one that embraces urbanisation as a transformative force that can deliver an improved quality of life for all its citizens. Missions at the forefront of the urban transformation Swachh Bharat Abhiyan or Clean India Mission, the objective of which is 100 per cent open-defecation-free India and 100 per cent solid waste management; to be achieved through a multi-level, multi-stakeholder model, where the Union government works in close partnership with state governments as well as civil society and the private sector. While a key objective of the Mission is to build adequate sanitation infrastructure, at its core it is about a behavioural change in the mindset of the average Indian. The PM Awas Yojana (PMAY) or Housing for All attempts to fulfill a dream common to all Indian citizens: Owning a house of their own. Significantly, the ownership title will be solely or jointly in the name of the woman of the house, a step that has already provided a great fillip to gender empowerment. Two key factors prevented Indians from this basic need: Callous urban management led to the creation of slums that were at the mercy of vote-bank politics; and a corrupt builder-politician nexus cheated home-buyers of their money. Those who move to urban centres in search of livelihoods, access to services and a better quality of life, often end up in poorly constructed slum dwellings due to lack of funds and distorted real estate prices. Under the PMAY, the government is committed to building affordable homes for this entire section of society, allowing them to live a life of dignity. By categorising housing as “infrastructure”, lowering rates under GST and providing credit-linked subsidies, the government has mobilised the real estate industry to supply housing for low-income and economically weaker sections. The process of in-situ development of slums allows the residents to retain their links with jobs, schools and medical facilities and protects them from the displacement caused by eviction. The Smart Cities Mission brings a fundamentally different outlook to urban planning, management and finance. Over the past 70 years, the absence of citizen participation coupled with the absence of vision and the lack of spatial, physical and economic planning, was largely responsible for the confounding mess that has defined Indian cities. The Smart Cities Mission looks to address the trust deficit between citizens and their municipal bodies, by ensuring proper delivery of infrastructure and services. It is participatory in nature and citizens define the choices and decisions made by the city. The Mission establishes an integrated approach where all departments of a city’s administration work together to offer holistic solutions by using information and communication technology, by bundling projects that can be executed together in the same area and making best use of the funds available from different sources, public and private. For the AMRUT scheme, which aims to provide urban infrastructure for universal coverage of piped drinking water, sewerage, and green spaces, the Centre has allocated Rs 50,000 crore over a five-year period from 2015-16 to 2019-20. Reforms proposed include development of e-governance at the urban local body (ULB) level, constitution and professionalization of municipal cadres, urban and city-level planning, review of building by-laws, municipal tax and fee improvements, collection of user charges, credit ratings of ULBs, and audits for utility services such as electricity and water. India’s cities need to address five systemic challenges in order to deliver better quality of life to citizens in a sustainable manner – Lack of viable spatial planning and design standards for public utilities – India has 1 urban planner per 400,000 people compared to UK’s 148 for the same Weak finances, both in terms of financial sustainability and accountability – more than half of the municipalities do not generate enough money to pay their salaries, 70% of the cities’ budget vary by 30% Poor human resource management – 35% average staff vacancy Powerless mayors and city councils, severe fragmentation of governance – multiple civic bodies, parastatals – multiple civic bodies with frequent change of toothless mayors, commissioners. Local government has the least amount of capability, quality of delivery and poor processes that are being followed. Most of the laws and policies that they are following are archaic. Total absence of systematic citizen participation and transparency – Only two cities have ward committees The Way Ahead Cities and their Foundation: There is a need to focus on building stronger foundations – not just focus on outcomes but also policies. Policies are very important and nobody talks about it. There is an urgent need of giving the highest importance to ‘urban designing’ and not just planning. Cities need to be seen as a unit of empowerment at the systems level. Cities and Reforms: Reforms in the big cities have been painfully slow also due to political instability. Smaller cities under AMRUT are witnessing better transparency, accountability and participation. Finances need to not just be generated but also be managed and accounted for. City people and City government: Government needs to meaningfully engage with the citizens. They need to update the citizens and push the envelope on the issue of discussions being done at the systemic level. City and local body of governance: There is a need to strengthen local body’s capability and capacity to deliver. A discussion on autonomy and devolution of power is long pending. Mayors need to be empowered with decision, and be trusted for the same. Absence of participatory citizen platforms: Citizens need to be involved and sensitized. More awareness programs in public places, schools and colleges need to be conducted. India cannot achieve double-digit growth and cannot become the world’s third-largest economy worth an estimated $10 trillion by 2030, if it’s long overdue urbanisation is further delayed. Indian cities must become safe, resilient and sustainable hubs of vibrant economic activity, enabled and regulated by appropriate planning and governance. The measure of our success will be the achievement of the sustainable development goals by 2030 and the delivery of a New India, where every citizen enjoys the “Ease of Living” that they truly deserve after 70 years of Independence. Connecting the Dots Bring out the significance of sustainable urban planning for Indian cities. What have we missed out in its absence? Discuss.    Urbanisation in India is taking place at a much faster pace. All of it being done without paying heed to ecological principles. This is a cause of concern. Discuss why. Also analyze what needs to be done so as to make our cities climate change proof.

Jan 7, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 145]

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 145] Archives Q.1) The recently constituted ‘UK Sinha Committee’ is associated with MSMEs Primary Education Non-Performing Assets Digital Payments Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Menstrual Hygiene Scheme’ It encompasses provision of funds to ASHAs to hold monthly meeting with adolescents to discuss issues related to menstrual hygiene Under the scheme, funds are provided to States/UTs through National Health Mission for decentralized procurement of sanitary napkins packs Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary’ It is a protected area in the Upper Gangetic plain in Uttar Pradesh It is part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) ‘Lkhon Khol’ is associated with Arunachal Pradesh Mizoram Nagaland None of the above Q.5) Consider the following statements about contingent convertible capital instruments (CoCos) They are also known as Additional Tier 1 bonds They are hybrid bonds that combine debt and equity elements Which of the following statements 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

Jan 6, 2019 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Art of Detachment – Inspirational Educative Articles

Art of Detachment: First, let’s understand what attachment is. Attachment begins with a desire of the mind; the root of all attachments is a desire. When the object of that desire begins to manifest, either in the form of a relationship or in the form of a fulfilled desire, then the mind subconsciously attaches itself to that object. The mind attaches itself to that object because it is deriving pleasure out of it and it does not want to let go, so the mind starts to create a bond between itself and the object of pleasure. Since attachment is so fundamental to the way we live, it is impossible to exist without being attached to something. In other words, attachment is necessary to the very process of living. It is like the web the spider weaves. Although the web is sticky, it serves a certain purpose for the spider. The spider knows the nature of the web, and it knows how to navigate through it. Our problem comes because we are not consciously aware of the process of attachment; therefore, we do not know how to navigate through its sticky nature. We just keep weaving our web and eventually get ourselves entangled in it. On the other hand, a spider knows how to navigate in her web, since her web was a conscious process. The way to navigate through the world of our attachments is to bring in the non-stickiness of mindfulness. Mindfulness is the only non-sticky nature of our mind. When we are conscious of what we are doing, when each and every action of ours is filled with this awareness, we will not become entangled in our attachments. There is a saying that everything idiotic in our life comes as a process of getting attached to some idea. The word “idiot” comes from the root word “idea,” and just means someone who completely subscribed to one idea of life and attached themselves to it. To understand this more deeply, we must see that attachment itself is idiotic. None of our attachments will last forever. They only serve a certain purpose in our lives; they come and go. The moment we become attached to something, it becomes a root for our pain and suffering. In fact, there is not much other pain besides detaching from something that we are attached to. All pain is just a variation of detachment. When detachment is sudden, like a breakup or a separation from a place where you have lived for a very long time, it causes deep pain and misery. However, if detachment is practiced as an art on a daily basis, as a conscious process, then detachment itself can be very illuminating. Not only will the practice of detachment separate us from unnecessary fears, worries, and disappointments, but the practice of detachment will also lead us to a sense of individuality. Detachment allows an individual to see the separateness from everything else around them and become complete within themselves, no longer dependent on their objects of attachment. Through the practice of detachment, you become the very source of your attachment, and you become a complete individual in that process. The best way to become detached is simply to observe the process of attachment. First, acknowledge and accept that we are attached to something and that attachment is the cause of our pain and suffering. Buddha said, “Desire is the root cause of all suffering.” The reason he said that is because we are tormented by nothing else apart from our desires, and we have no control over our desires. We have absolutely no say in which direction our desires are pushing or pulling us. A mind that is continuously tormented by desires can never find peace or happiness. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Inner Revolution and IASBABA.”

Jan 5, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs [IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam] – 5th January 2019

Daily Current Affairs [IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam] – 5th January 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Open defecation continues Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Government schemes and policies; Health issue In news: Research and study on the impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission shows that – Toilet ownership has increased, however, percentage of people who owned toilets but continued to defecate in the open has remained unchanged between 2014 and 2018. Almost 60% of households covered by the survey which did not have a toilet in 2014 had one by 2018. Mission has been more successful at toilet construction than at driving behaviour change. Approximately 44% of people over two years old in rural Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh still defecate in the open. Do you know? According to the Mission, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are already open defecation free or ODF states. Bihar has achieved 98.97% coverage of toilets for every household, while Uttar Pradesh has achieved 100%, according to government data, although the state has yet to be declared ODF. Crux – Open defecation levels are still above 40% in ODF States; Swachh Bharat has not brought behavioural change. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/01/05/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_05/0311d6b1_2644582_101_mr.jpg Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban and ODF++ certification Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Government schemes and policies; Health issue In news: According to the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban: Seven cities – all in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh – have been certified ODF++ The certification, an extension of the ODF or Open Defecation Free protocol, means that all the faecal sludge and sewage in these cities is treated scientifically before discharge. Do you know? These are the first cities to qualify under the government’s new extended protocol to sustain gains made under the basic ODF protocol. Under new norms, cities and towns wanting to be declared ODF+ (Open Defecation Free Plus) must also be free of public urination and not just open defecation. The ODF+ and ODF++ protocols (released recently by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs) are the next step for the SBM-U and aim to ensure sustainability in sanitation outcomes. The Urban Affairs Ministry is setting up a sub-mission on faecal sludge management under its AMRUT scheme for 500 cities and towns. Difference between ODF protocol, ODF+ and ODF++ Original ODF protocol issued in March 2016, said – “A city/ward is notified as ODF city/ward if, at any point of the day, not a single person is found defecating in the open.” The new ODF+ protocol, issued last week, says that a city, ward or work circle could be declared ODF+ if, “at any point of the day, not a single person is found defecating and/or urinating in the open, and all community and public toilets are functional and well-maintained.” The ODF++ protocol adds the condition that “faecal sludge/septage and sewage is safely managed and treated, with no discharging and/or dumping of untreated faecal sludge/septage and sewage in drains, water bodies or open areas.” Survey of childcare institutions Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Government schemes and policies; Child issue In news: Research and survey of 9,589 shelters across nation found that – Most children at childcare institutions are not orphans, but belong to family structures that are unable to look after them. More than a lakh inmates are from single parent homes (unwed mothers, abandoned wives, widows and in some cases single fathers). In other words, children of single parents constituted a third of the total number of total children in homes. Miscellaneous Wi-Fi facility at 2,000 rail stations soon Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Government schemes and policies; Infrastructure In news: Railway Minister has instructed officials - to provide Wi-Fi facilities at a minimum of 2,000 stations as soon as possible. to set up a single helpline number for all non-security railway complaints. to distribute point of sale (PoS) machines in all trains to each catering staffer to address complaints related to overcharging by the caterer (to ensure transparency in catering services) replace conventional coaches with modern LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) design coaches in all long distance trains A.P. recently unveiled second largest petroglyph site   Part of: GS Prelims and Mains I – Indian Art and Heritage; Culture In news: Petroglyphs are images created by removing part of a rock surface by incising, picking, carving, or abrading, as a form of rock art. A.P. recently unveiled second largest petroglyph site at Mekala Benchi, in Kurnool district. These petroglyphs, or rock carvings, underscore Kurnool’s importance as a major site of Neolithic settlements in south India. The term Neolithic Period refers to the last stage of the Stone Age. China Chang’e-4 lunar probe and ‘Yutu 2’ China has named the lunar rover, which was deployed recently to carry out a string of experiments on the unexplored far side of the moon, as ‘Yutu 2’. What is a marketplace and inventory based model of e-commerce? Marketplace based model of e-commerce means providing an information technology platform by an e-commerce entity on a digital & electronic network to act as a facilitator between the buyer and seller. Inventory based model of e-commerce means an ecommerce activity where inventory of goods and services is owned by e-commerce entity and is sold to the consumers directly. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL 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 India’s role in Afghanistan after the inevitable exit of US India must be prepared for the potential consequences of withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that regional players like Russia, India and Pakistan should be more involved in stabilising the situation, and mocked India for not doing enough.   As a result, the U.S. war in Afghanistan, that began as revenge for the 9/11 attacks, evolved into a mission for ensuring democracy and prosperity in Afghanistan. Challenges: Resurgence of the Taliban: The Taliban has re-emerged as a formidable fighting force and are going from strength to strength.   As Mr. Trump now moves to cutting American presence to a few well-guarded military bases, India must consider the consequences closely. Do you know? Casualties of Afghan National and Defence Security Forces in May-September 2018 were the “greatest it has ever been” compared to corresponding periods since 2001, and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan “documented more civilian deaths in the first nine months of 2018 than they had during the same nine-month reporting period since 2014”. Shift in policy It is also time to recognise that the U.S.’s South Asia Strategy for Afghanistan (announced by Mr. Trump in August 2017) has been discarded. Mr. Trump had defined the strategy with three features: that U.S. troops would remain involved in the country until “conditions” mandated their return; that the U.S. would put Pakistan on notice for its support to the Taliban and a political settlement with the Taliban would only follow “after an effective military effort”; and that the policy would hinge on further developing the strategic partnership with India However, today, we can easily see that each element of the U.S.’s policy on the ground has shifted, if not been entirely reversed. The appointment of special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad in September to lead talks with the Taliban shows that the U.S. is no longer waiting for military operations to take effect. Mr. Trump wrote a letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan thanking him for his efforts. Mr. Khalilzad’s direct talks with the Taliban didn’t even have President Ashraf Ghani in the loop and  the National Unity government (NUG) in Kabul was cut out. This reversed the previous U.S. position not to engage the Taliban until it engages the NUG. Exit of Defence Secretary James Mattis is one more concern. Mr. Mattis had pushed most strenuously to keep India in the Afghan game by swinging a waiver for India on Chabahar and Iran oil purchases. It remains to be seen whether Mr. Trump will continue those waivers past May this year. Conclusion: The internal situation in Afghanistan is aggravated now by the uncertainty of the democratic process. Doubts have been casted against Government’s inability to conduct Parliamentary elections. Presidential elections have been postponed. For India, these developments may appear discouraging. The removal or reduction of the U.S. presence from most theatres of action has created space for regional players: leaving Syria to Iran and its allies; Yemen to Saudi Arabia; Afghanistan to players like Russia, Pakistan and Iran; and Pakistan to China. India’s best course with Afghanistan remains its own regional strategy, not becoming a part of any other country’s strategy. Close bilateral consultations has earned India immense popularity and goodwill.   Connecting the dots: New challenges confront India and Afghanistan in their bilateral relationship which requires India to tread cautiously. Examine. A stable Afghanistan is key to India’s policy towards Central Asian countries. Comment. Also examine the associated challenges. NATIONAL/POLITY TOPIC:General studies 2 Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. NITI Aayog’s proposal for All India Judicial Service Introduction The vision document titled ‘Strategy for New India @ 75’, released by the NITI Aayog proposes a spate of judicial reforms. The think-tank recommends for the creation of an All India Judicial Service, akin to the other central services like the IAS and the IPS. It believes that All-India Judicial Services (AIJS) will help promote federal governance. Do you know? The idea of an All India Judicial Service (AIJS) has been deliberated since Independence. In fact, the first law commission — 14th Report on Reform of Judicial Administration — also suggested for the need for creating a separate all-India service for judicial officers. Subsequently, a crucial step towards formalising the process for setting up an AIJS was taken under the infamous 42nd Constitutional Amendment during the Emergency in 1976. The Constitution of India was amended in 1977 to provide for an All-India Judicial Services under Article 312. The Chief Justices conferences in 1961, 1963, and 1965 favoured creation of All-India Judicial Services and even the Law Commissions (1st, 8th and 11th, 116th) had suggested the creation of the service. However, each time it was faced with opposition. Arguments in favour of All-India Judicial Services Efficiency and efficacy of judiciary would be increased. Transparent and efficient method of recruitment would be followed. The pendency and issue of delay of cases would be done away with. Corruption, nepotism etc would be strongly dealt with. Best legal talent across the country would be selected on the basis of merit. Public faith in the judiciary would be restored. The Supreme Court is not averse to the idea of AIJS as in its 2 judgments of 1991 and1993 it supported the idea of AIJS. Arguments against All-India Judicial Services There will be an issue of local laws differences. Local languages and dialects would be a problem. Nine High courts are against this proposal and hence disapproving this proposal. The conflict between Centre and State would start. The status of legal education in India is very much mismanaged. Except for a few national law schools, others do not prioritize the legal education too much. Law is taken as the last report who do not get into medicine, IITs etc. Unremunerative pay is a big issue. Despite an effort by the Supreme Court to ensure uniformity in pay scales across States in the All India Judges’ Association case, it is still very low. Also, the judiciary has fewer avenues for growth, promotion and limited avenues for career advancement. There is low district judge representation in the High Courts, as less than a third of seats in the High Courts are filled by judges from the district cadre. The rest are appointed directly from the Bar. It will be difficult for the less privileged background to enter the profession. Again coaching institutes etc would flourish and education would be commercialized. Currently, the judges of subordinate courts are appointed by the governor in consultation with the High Court which will not be so if AIJS is implemented. Hence it will be against the Independence of Judiciary as some other body will have a control in appointment and integration because in the judiciary, higher level controls and evaluates lower level. Both the decentralized approach of each High Court conducting its own appointment and a centralized one seem to have roughly the same efficacy in filling up the vacancy. Connecting the dots: Analyze the merits and demerits of creation of an All India Judicial Services in India. (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) Which of the following are not part of Open Defecation Free (ODF) States of India, according to Swachh Bharat Mission? Bihar Rajasthan Uttar Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Uttarakhand Select the correct code 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 5 1 and 3 Only 1 Q.2) Which among the following protocol deals with the condition that “faecal sludge/septage and sewage is safely managed and treated, with no discharging and/or dumping of untreated faecal sludge/septage and sewage in drains, water bodies or open areas? Open Defecation Free Plus Open Defecation Free Open Defecation Free Plus Plus Open Urination Free Q.3) Which of the following is not a part of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)? Every household should have access to tap and sewerage line. Developing greenery and well maintained open spaces e.g. Parks Reducing pollution by switching to public transport and constructing facilities for non-motorized transport like walking/cycling. Providing government broadband internet connection to all households through optical fiber network. Q.4) The chief characteristic features of the Neolithic culture include: Practice of agriculture and domestication of animals Polishing of stone tools Manufacture of pottery The new technology of smelting metal ore and crafting metal artifacts Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 1, 2, 3 and 4 MUST READ Telangana’s ‘villages of widows’ The Hindu A global slowdown? The Hindu How Dhaka fell in 1971 Indian Express Citizens and them Indian Express We don’t need career judges India Indian Express Jobs, in perspective Indian Express

Jan 4, 2019 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC - India’s Nuclear Triad INS Arihant

India’s Nuclear Triad INS Arihant ARCHIVES Search 6th November, 2018 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Audio-Archive-Search.aspx TOPIC: General studies 3 Security challenges and their management in border areas In News: INS Arihant, the country's first indigenous nuclear submarine, completes India's nuclear triad – puts India among a handful of countries having the capability to design, construct and operate SSBNs (Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine). The completion of the maiden deterrence patrol by India’s first indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine is a momentous development in terms of the country’s ability to defend itself in a rough neighbourhood where it faces challenges from certain inimical powers. It signals not only India’s capability, along with a handful of nations, to build and operate a SSBN or nuclear submarine armed with ballistic missiles, but is a key step towards a survivable nuclear triad, or the ability to launch a nuclear second strike from sea, air or land in view of the country’s “no first use” policy for its nuclear arsenal. The successful completion of the deterrence patrol ensures that India will have the necessary second-strike capabilities with the country's nuclear shield now complete. A nuclear response option is only feasible if the country's nuclear triad- air, land, and sea, is ready for engagement with enemy forces. India’s nuclear Triad – What is it? India earlier had the capabilities to launch nuclear weapons from the Air, mounted largely on its Mirage 2000 and Jaguar Aircraft, and by land-based missiles, ranging from its Agni 1 missile, with a range 700-900 km, to Agni 5 Missiles, with a range of 5500 km. Its aim has been to develop a “credible nuclear deterrent”, with capabilities to deliver nuclear weapons from multiple locations on land, air and sea, to all strategic areas and centres, in its two nuclear-armed neighbours —China and Pakistan. The Arihant provides India with a capability to hit either neighbour from 300 meters under the sea. The sea-based missiles envisaged for this purpose are the Sagarika with a range of 750 km and the K-4, with a range of 3500 km. While land-based missile sites can be attacked and destroyed, a submarine-based deterrent is virtually impregnable against a missile attack. India is the only country having a sea-based nuclear deterrent, which is not a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council. Image source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/as-nuclear-sub-arihant-returns-after-first-deterrence-patrol-indias-nuclear-triad-complete/articleshow/66515624.cms Image Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/ins-arihant-completes-indias-nuclear-triad-pm-modi-felicitates-crew/articleshow/66509959.cms Policy in place India has put in place a robust nuclear command and control structure, safety assurance architecture and strict political control, under its Nuclear Command Authority. The country remains committed to the doctrine of Credible Minimum Deterrence and No First Use. India’s nuclear doctrine stated that its nuclear weapons would only be used in retaliation against a major attack on Indian territory, or on Indian forces anywhere, in which nuclear weapons are used. India also retains the right to use nuclear weapons in the event of major attacks on its territory, or on Indian forces anywhere, in which chemical or biological weapons are used. Pakistan, on the other hand does not have a formal nuclear doctrine. China maintains deliberate ambiguity on its nuclear doctrine, when it comes to dealing with India. Many legitimately ask whether this is meant to signal to Pakistan that China will come to its aid in any nuclear exchange Pakistan has with India, even if it is initiated by Pakistan. This Chinese ambiguity only adds to India’s determination to strengthen its “Triad” of land, air and sea-based nuclear weapons. The Way Ahead While India has a well-organised, streamlined nuclear command structure headed by the Prime Minister and Cabinet Committee on Security, it needs to address serious issues on the archaic structure of its Ministry of Defence. Most importantly, the key military figure in the Nuclear Command structure is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, who generally holds office for less than a year. This is hardly the time adequate for him to become fully familiar the complexities of our Strategic Nuclear Command. Experts believe a real sea-based deterrence requires at least three atomic-powered submarines, two of which would be on patrol along the eastern and western seaboards while one undergoes a refit at any given time. The submarines will also need to be armed with missiles with a range of up to 5,000 km to give India the wherewithal to counter regional powers; China has a force of more than 60 undersea vessels, including SSBNs. The distance between India officially unveiling its plans for a nuclear triad and the first deterrence patrol took 15 years. Other milestones in this important programme shouldn’t take as long. Connecting the dots: In the light of India’s nuclear triad, critically examine the state of India’s nuclear deterrence.

Jan 4, 2019 RSTV Video

RSTV IAS UPSC – India-Bhutan New Vistas

India-Bhutan New Vistas Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 India and its neighbourhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests In News: India and Bhutan are looking to strengthen further old and time-tested ties between the two nations with the arrival of Bhutan’s new Prime Minister Lotay Tshering. In a joint statement released after the wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr. Tshering... India announced Rs 4,500 crore financial assistance to Bhutan for its 12th five-year plan. Indian assistance will account for 15% of the outlay for the five-year-plan, which is the lowest proportion ever. India also contributed Rs 4,500 core for the 11th five-year plan, but it accounted for 23% of the smaller outlay. ISRO will complete building a ground station in Bhutan for the South Asian Satellite that will help the Himalayan nation in weather information, tele-medicine and disaster relief in the far-flung areas. The Bhutanese PM is on a three-day visit to India. It is his first foreign visit after taking charge as PM of the Himalayan nation last month. Modi, too, had chosen Bhutan to be his first foreign port of call after being elected India’s Prime Minister in 2014. India - Bhutan Relations Diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan were established in 1968, and the basic framework of India- Bhutan bilateral relations was the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 between the two countries, which was revised in February 2007. The India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty not only reflects the contemporary nature of our relationship but also lays the foundation for their future development in the 21st century. The Golden Jubilee of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan is being celebrated in the year 2018. The India-Bhutan relationship is often characterised by the grants and aid that India has extended to the small country, principally to the hydropower plants that provide Bhutan its largest single source of revenue. The political relationship, though, precedes the hydropower projects by decades, and is best seen in the context of Tibetan issues. History After India gained independence, Bhutan was one of the first countries to reach out to the new India. Formal bilateral relations between Bhutan and India were established in January 1968 with the appointment of a special officer of the Government of India to Bhutan. The basis for bilateral relations between India and Bhutan is formed by the Indo-Bhutan Treaty of 1949. On August 8, 1949 Bhutan and India signed the Treaty of Friendship, calling for peace between the two nations and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. However, Bhutan agreed to let India “guide” its foreign policy and decided that both nations would consult each other closely on foreign and defence affairs. The treaty also established free trade and extradition protocols. The Treaty of 2007 The treaty of 1949 between India and Bhutan was updated in 2007. The most significant change was in Article 2. Article 2 was the most important provision in the treaty, according to which, “The Government of India undertakes to exercise no interference in the internal administration of Bhutan.” On its part, the Government of Bhutan agrees to be guided by the advice of the Government of India in regard to its external relations. The point that had provoked some amount of criticism or controversy pertains to the second part of this Article since it tries to qualify Bhutan’s external relations. Bhutan’s Significance to India Geography Bhutan’s significance to India stems from its geographic location. Nestled in the Himalayas, it is sandwiched between India and China. Thus, it serves as a buffer between the two Asian giants. Bhutan’s value as a buffer soared after China annexed Tibet in 1951. As the 2017 crisis in the Doklam region revealed, India will strongly oppose, even militarily, any Chinese attempt to assert control over mDoklam. Securing Bhutan’s present borders especially its western border is clearly important for India. Doklam in the hands of a hostile power would heighten the vulnerability of India’s Siliguri Corridor, a narrow strip of land that links India to its Northeastern states. So vital is Doklam to India’s defence that India has a permanent and sizeable military contingent and an army hospital in Haa district, where Doklam is located. Economy India dominates Bhutan’s economy. It is Bhutan’s largest trade partner; around 79% of Bhutan’s total imports are from India and India provides a market for 90% of its exports. Additionally, India is Bhutan’s largest aid donor. Between 2000 and 2017, Bhutan received $4.7 billion in aid from India, the lion’s share of India’s total foreign aid. Energy, Infrastructure & Security Bhutan is a strategically important country for India due to its location, and both sides have been ramping up overall cooperation, including in areas of defence and security, and energy, over the past a few years. India’s Border Roads Organisation has completed construction of a strategically key road in Bhutan, linking the neighbouring country’s border town of Phuentshogling with its capital city of Thimphu. Under the 2007 India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty, the two sides have agreed to “cooperate closely with each other on issues relating to their national interests. Neither Government shall allow the use of its territory for activities harmful to the national security and interest of the other.” During the Doklam standoff between troops of India and China last year, Bhutan had extended support to New Delhi Conclusion This development, instead of being seen as a deviation from the norm, presents an enormous opportunity for India to seize the moment and graduate from being Bhutan’s largest developmental partner to Bhutan’s largest investor and business partner. For India, the challenge is to align with the rising expectations of an impatient people who are seemingly no longer satisfied by the philosophy of “Gross National Happiness” as concrete economic challenges of a credit crunch, high loan interest rates, unemployment and high inflation loom. Many in Bhutan feel that the country’s traditional goodwill towards India should now be linked to enhanced Indian generosity in providing it with development support. Must read: Mindmap + India-Bhutan Ties post Doklam

Jan 4, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs [IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam] – 4th January 2019

Daily Current Affairs [IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam] – 4th January 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Trump’s remarks on India and India’s response (with regard to role in Afghanistan) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – India and the World; International Relations In news: At a recently held cabinet meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump said countries which are near to Afghanistan (India, Russia and Pakistan) should be fighting the Taliban instead of U.S. Trump particularly took aim at India and mocked at PM Modi for funding a "library" in Afghanistan, saying it is of no use in the war-torn country as he criticised India and others for not doing enough for the nation's security. India’s response India rejected Trump’s remark, said that developmental assistance can play a major role in transforming the war-ravaged country. India has been implementing a range of mega infrastructure projects (such as 218 km road from Zaranj to Delaram, the Salma Dam and the new Afghan Parliament building) as well as carrying out community development programmes in Afghanistan as per requirement of its people. Such assistance would go a long way in making the country economically empowered and stable. India has also been supplying military equipment to Afghanistan besides providing training to hundreds of Afghan security personnel. India plays a significant role in the country as its development partner and that the partnership is built on the specific needs and requirements worked out with the Afghan government. India seeks to build capacities and capabilities of Afghan nationals and its institutions for governance and delivery of public service, develop socio-economic infrastructure, secure lives and promote livelihood. Besides mega infrastructure projects, India is implementing 116 new ‘High Impact Community Development Projects’ in 31 provinces of Afghanistan, including in the areas of education, health, agriculture, irrigation, drinking water, renewable energy, flood control, micro-hydropower, sports infrastructure, administrative infrastructure. India does not send its armed forces abroad except under the specific mandate of UN Peacekeeping Operations. Chang’e-4 lunar probe Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – International affairs; Science and Technology; Space Missions In news: China's Chang-e'4 lunar probe lander-rover touched down on the lunar far side. The probe, which has a lander and a rover, touched down at a targeted area near the moon’s south pole in the Von Karman Crater. The tasks of the Chang’e-4 include astronomical observation, surveying the moon’s terrain, land form and mineral make-up, and measuring the neutron radiation and neutral atoms to study the environment of its far side. Do you know? Chandrayaan-1 was India's first lunar probe. It was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation in October 2008, and operated until August 2009. The mission included a lunar orbiter and an impactor. (Status: Partial success) Chandrayaan-2 will be India’s second moon mission. Chandrayaan-2 is scheduled to be launched in Feb/March 2019. (MAINS FOCUS) ECONOMY TOPIC:General studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. Government Budgeting. For achieving sustained high growth Context: 2018 has been a mixed bag, both globally and domestically. Globally, the growth rate in 2018 was high, particularly in the United States. But strong signs of a trade war emerged, dimming hopes of faster international trade. Britain is passing through the pangs of separation from the European Union. Domestically, the first quarter growth rate was high. But signs are not good for the balance of the year. (Fall in rupee, crude oil prices rose, agrarian distress accentuated) Indian context India’s growth rate in 2018-19 is forecast at 7.4% by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). However, it looks like a touch-and-go situation. More likely, it will be slightly lower.   Reasons: Even though the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has stabilised, much will depend on the pickup in the investment rate and the productivity of capital or its inverse incremental capital-output ratio. The international environment is not that conducive for growth in our foreign trade; this will have an impact on our exports and, therefore, growth. High oil prices, emerging market stress as the era of easy money draws to a close, and policy paralysis ahead of elections. The impact of higher global oil prices compounded by sharp rupee depreciation raises the cost of households’ consumption basket, and will weigh on households’ capacity for other expenditures. Borrowing costs have already risen because of tightening monetary policy. Sluggish demand, possible state spending cut pose risk to growth. Five issues that need to be addressed comprehensively if India is to achieve sustained high growth: Raising the investment ratio Putting the banking system back on the rails Employment generation through better growth Enhancing export growth to contain the CAD; and Removing agrarian distress by increasing productivity and consolidation of small landholdings. Raising the investment ratio The growth rate depends on the investment rate and the productivity of capital or its inverse incremental capital-output ratio. Productivity and ICOR depends upon a multiple number of factors such as quality of labour (education and skill development levels) and technology, which is constantly changing. Putting the banking system back on the rails An important factor affecting economic growth is the condition of our banking system. Non-performing assets (NPAs) and stressed assets should be taken care. As many as 11 public sector banks are under Prompt Corrective Action (PCA), which will restrict the lending abilities of these banks. Added to this, the non banking financial company (NBFC) system is also under stress. Recapitalisation of public sector banks will partly solve the problem. Their inability to lend affects the availability of working capital as well as capital expenditures. The growth rate in the industrial sector will depend on how quickly the banking system comes back to normalcy. Employment generation Employment in the informal sector is much larger. Jobless growth – Even though growth is around 7%, there is no corresponding growth in employment. It is growth which is led by new investment that leads to a significant increase in employment. Increase in employment seen in the period between 2004-05 and 2009-10 was because of the rapid growth of the information technology (IT) and financial sectors. The IT sector has slowed down. The financial sector is under stress. Thus, even from the point of view of employment, the key factor is the pickup in investment. Enhancing export growth India’s external sector has grown and is well integrated with the rest of the world. India’s trade in goods and services as a percentage of GDP has grown to 42% of GDP. Therefore, what happens in the rest of the world affects India’s growth very much. India’s balance of payment situation has been comfortable since liberalisation. However, there are some vulnerabilities seen in September-October 2018, when the value of the rupee suddenly plummeted when crude oil prices rose. This also led to capital outflows. RBI intervention and the subsequent fall in crude prices have restored the value of the rupee. Thus, India’s exports of goods grew by 11.6%. Strong growth in exports is a must if we have to keep the current account deficit (CAD) at a manageable level. The forecast for world trade and output is not encouraging. There are too many uncertainties – such as intensification in the trade war, protectionism etc.   Removing agrarian distress The future growth also depends on the performance of agriculture. Effective government procurement, improving financial capacity of the government to procure, adequate physical arrangements to procure and store will help. Increasing productivity and enabling farmers to achieve increased output and better prices should be the end goal. Loan waivers are at best short-term solutions. Consolidation of landholdings by small farmers, combined attack to increase productivity and improving marketing is needed to assure farmers of better income. Connecting the dots: Can the Indian economy really achieve double digit growth? Discuss what measures are needed if India has to achieve sustained high growth. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TOPIC:General studies 3 Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology Science for Society: ‘ease of living’ through ‘ease of doing science’ Context: At the 102nd Indian Science Congress held in Mumbai in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said – The arms of science, technology and innovation must reach the poorest, the remotest and the most vulnerable person. There should be pragmatic use of science and technology to aid growth and development in India. Promote ‘ease of living’ through ‘ease of doing science’. The key address by PM was an attempt at motivating scientists and researchers to direct their focus towards resolving the issues that disrupt the life of the common man. Outcome: The transformation in the last four-and-half years has been remarkable. From engaging with Nobel laureates to brainstorming with India’s scientific community, from interacting with young minds engaged in Hackathons to posing questions for innovators and startup founders, the PM has made science the fulcrum of New India. In the last four years, the government has tried to enhance collaboration between various scientific streams to enhance the productivity of our research and development. Government procedures and approvals for scientists and researchers have been placed online and made transparent, thereby assuring “Ease of Doing Science”. Various schemes have been introduced to improve the quality of research institutes, for the promotion of technology business incubators (Atal Incubation Centres) and research parks that promote innovative ideas until they become commercial ventures. This has opened up new opportunities for tech start-ups, propelling India to become the world’s third-largest technology start-up hub with the incorporation of 1,000 new companies in 2017. The popularisation of science has been given a strong impetus. Platforms like “Innovate India” promote and recognise innovations happening across the nation by enabling citizens to share their innovation.   Atal Tinkering Labs ensure that dedicated workspaces are created for students to innovate and develop ideas that will go on to transform India. Scholarship schemes have been revamped and new schemes introduced to inspire young researchers and students to become active members of India’s growth story. The current government used international visits to explore collaborations in various fields like clean energy, agriculture, fintech, biotechnology, medicine, healthcare and futuristic technologies, such as AI and Blockchain. India’s partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines was strengthened further with IRRI opening a regional centre in Varanasi. India’s collaboration with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) in the US improved with our scientists participating in LIGO experiments. India’s quest for clean energy was cemented with our instrumental role in forging the International Solar Alliance. The quantum leap of 21 places in the Global Innovation Index in two years, has also been noticed by the international community. The Fourth Industrial Revolution, comprising of artificial intelligence, machine learning and smart robotics will create multiple opportunities for Indian scientists to create new tools that are relevant to India and are environmentally sustainable. Do you know? The key achievements of Indian science this year (2018) were: the production of aviation grade biofuel; Divya Nayan — a reading machine for the visually impaired; devices for the diagnosis of cervical cancer, TB and dengue; and a real-time landslide warning system in the Sikkim-Darjeeling region. Conclusion: Science is a continuous journey.  Ease of Doing Science will indeed be the cornerstone of Ease of Living. As more bright youngsters take to science, they shall endeavour to find solutions in areas such as nutrition, agriculture, clean energy and the environment. The results shall certainly augur well for India. Connecting the dots: Discuss how India can become a global science & technology leader. Also examine why Ease of Doing Science is as vital as Ease of Doing Business. (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) Route 606, also known as Delaram-Zaranj Highway connects which of the following countries? India and Myanmar India and Bhutan Iran and Afghanistan China and Pakistan Q.2) Salma Dam is a landmark infrastructure project undertaken by Government of India  on river Hari Rud, in Herat province of - Bangladesh Bhutan Afghanistan Nepal Q.3) Which of the following statement is incorrect regarding the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)? Atal Innovation Scheme (AIM) is working to establish 500 ATLs in Central Universities across India. The AICs under Atal Innovation Scheme will help start-ups to expand quicker and enable innovation-entrepreneurship, in core sectors of the economy such as manufacturing, energy, transport, education, agriculture, water and sanitation, etc. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) will provide financial support of Rs.10 crore and capacity building for setting up of each AIC. Atal Innovation Scheme (AIM) is working to establish 500 ATLs in schools across India. Q.4) Consider the following statements about ‘Online Labs’ It hosts experiments in Physical, Chemical and Biological sciences for the students from classes 9 to 12 with content aligned to NCERT /CBSE and State Board Syllabus It is funded by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology It will be established at Atal Tinkering Labs established across the country as a part of the Atal Innovation Mission Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) Consider the following statements about Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs): It is part of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) Mentor India Campaign will engage leaders who can guide and mentor students at Atal Tinkering Labs ATLs can be established in schools (Grade VI – XII) managed by Government, local body or private trusts/society. Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.6) Which of the following is under the aegis of NITI Aayog? Atal Pension Yojana Atal Tinkering Lab Atal Innovation Mission Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above MUST READ A case of unprincipled criminalization The Hindu Dark side of the moon: on China's moon mission The Hindu Dark recesses Indian Express The country’s counsel Indian Express A judgment, a foundation Indian Express Will farm loan waiver go the way of the property tax repeal? Livemint Impending hazards: The case of farm loan waivers Livemint