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IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 03rd October 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 03rd October 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) International Sanitation Convention Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Environment and Ecology; Health In News: PM Modi addressed an international sanitation convention on the fourth anniversary of the cleanliness mission. He said - India was taking the lead on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal on sanitation and was on course to fulfil its commitments 11 years early. More than 94% of rural households across the country have now been declared open defecation free in comparison to just 39% when the mission was launched four years ago. Modi also said that the membership of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) — so far restricted to countries between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn — would be expanded to include all member countries of the United Nations. He urged world leaders to move towards a future of ‘one world, one sun, one grid’ in which countries around the world would share electricity so that none is without it. About Sustainable Development Goals (Fast Recap) 17 SDGs were adopted by UN member nations in 2015. The deadline to meet them is 2030. How to remember all 17 Goals? I Can HELP Yes, “I Can HELP” is your answer I2 1.     Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 2.     Inequality Can5 3.     Clean water and Sanitation 4.     Clean Energy 5.     Climate Change 6.     Cities and Communities 7.     Consumption and Production H2 8.     Hunger 9.     Health E3 10.  Education 11.  Equality 12.  Economic Growth, Decent Work L2 13.  Life below water 14.  Life on land P3 15.  Poverty 16.  Peace and Justice 17.  Partnerships for the Goals Champions of the Earth Award Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Ecology In news: United Nations Environment Programme honours PM Modi with United Nation's Top Environmental Award - Champions of the Earth The UN recognised Modi with its highest environmental honor in the policy leadership category for his efforts to eliminate all single use plastic in India by 2022. President of France, Emmanuel Macron has also been awarded in the same category for his work on the Global Pact for the Environment. They were selected for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance. Do you know? India and France had together launched the ISA on sidelines of the UN climate conference (COP21) in Paris in 2015. The ISA is an inter-governmental body of solar rich nations whose objective is to galvanise actions for increasing solar power footprints in 121 potential member countries across the globe. The ISA is headquartered in Gurugram near New Delhi in India. India's Cochin International Airport - the world's first fully solar-powered airport - is also selected for the award. It is selected in the Entrepreneurial Vision category for its leadership in the use of sustainable energy. The annual 'Champions of the Earth' prize is awarded to outstanding leaders from government, civil society and the private sector whose actions have had a positive impact on the environment. UNESCO Global Geopark Network status Part of: GS Prelims and Mains I and III – India Art, Culture and Heritage; Heritage sites; Tourism In news: Geological Survey chooses heritage locations in Maharashtra and Karnataka for UNESCO site status. Heritage locations Lonar Lake – An ancient circular lake created by a meteorite strike in Maharashtra Mary’s Island and Malpe beach – A hexagonal mosaic of basaltic rocks in an island off Udupi – The above heritage locations are poised to become global geoparks. Criteria to become Geopark: An aspiring Global Geopark must have – a dedicated website, a corporate identity, comprehensive management plan, protection plans, finance, and partnerships for it to be accepted. Do you know? The Geopark tag is akin to that of a ‘World Heritage Site’ for historical monuments that can bring India’s famed geological features to the global stage. (50,000 years old) Lonar lake is the only known meteorite crater in basaltic rock and is world famous. Mary’s island is a unique phenomenon that has been preserved well - estimated to be an 88-million-year-old formation that goes back to a time when Greater India broke away from Madagascar. Odisha launches own food security scheme Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Centre State Relations; Government schemes and policies for welfare of people In news: The Naveen Patnaik government launched its own food security scheme on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. The scheme is expected to benefit 25 lakh people who were left out of the National Food Security Act. The State government had decided to launch its own food security scheme after the Centre did not respond to its request to add additional beneficiaries under the NFSA. Toilet-for-all: WHO calls for more investment Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Role of International organisations; Health issue In news: Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the world’s largest dome at the Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT)’s World Peace University (MIT-WPU) campus at Loni Kalbhor on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The dome is built atop the MIT World Peace Library and the World Peace Prayer Hall, which are named after the 13th century poet-saint and philosopher Dnyaneshwar — a pivotal figure of the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra. World Health Organization (WHO) recently launched its first global guidelines on sanitation and health. WHO said that by adopting its new guidelines, countries can significantly reduce diarrhoeal deaths due to unsafe water and poor sanitation and hygiene. Do you know? Worldwide, 2.3 billion people lack basic sanitation (with almost half of them forced to defecate in the open). They are among the 4.5 billion without access to safely managed sanitation services – in other words a toilet connected to a sewer or pit or septic tank that treats human waste. Sanitation is a fundamental foundation of human health and development and underpins the core mission of WHO and ministries of health worldwide. The WHO developed the new guidelines on sanitation and health because current sanitation programmes are not achieving anticipated health gains and there is a lack of authoritative health-based guidance on sanitation. India sends relief material to Indonesia Part of: GS Prelims and Mains Paper III- Disaster management; International Relations In news: IAF aircraft and naval ships on the way to tsunami-hit Palu The Navy has diverted its ships INS Tir, Sujata and Shardul on deployment to Singapore to Palu in Indonesia. The IAF has deployed one C-130J and one C-17 transport aircraft to ferry medical teams and relief material. Indians to be hit by U.K. immigration plan Part of: GS Mains II – International Relations; India and the World In news: Under the new system, immigrants will be able to bring their immediate families only if they are sponsored by employers The move would be the biggest shake-up of Britain’s immigration system in decades. Under the existing system, employees are able to bring family members with them if they meet certain criteria, including crossing a certain salary threshold. The system is already extremely restrictive for workers from India and this is going to make it even more so. Laser pioneers win Physics Nobel Persons in news In news: Three scientists won the Nobel Physics Prize for inventing optical lasers that have paved the way for advanced precision instruments used in corrective eye surgery. Arthur Ashkin of the U.S., Gerard Mourou of France and Donna Strickland of Canada Ashkin, 96, was honoured for his invention of “optical tweezers” that grab particles, atoms, viruses and other living cells with their laser beam fingers. With this he was able to use the radiation pressure of light to move physical objects Mourou, 74, and Ms. Strickland ,59 won for helping develop a method to generate ultra-short optical pulses, “the shortest and most intense laser pulses ever created by mankind. Their technique is now used in corrective eye surgery.   (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC:   General Studies 1, 2 and 4 Persons in history, India after independence Social justice, empowerment of vulnerable sections of the society Ethics and integrity, leadership qualities Why Shastri matters today Introduction The nation must not only pay homage to its leaders on their birth and death anniversaries, but also make the younger generation aware of their stellar contribution to the good of the country. One such statesman is Lal Bahadur Shastri, who is remembered every year along with the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on October 2. The man of integrity Like millions of Indians, Shastri drew inspiration from the Mahatma and plunged into the freedom struggle when he was in his teens. More than 60 years ago, Shastri showed what probity and integrity in public life are all about. Following a train accident at Ariyalur in Tamil Nadu, in which more than 140 people were killed, he resigned as railway minister taking moral responsibility for the incident. Lauding him for his integrity, the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru said that he was accepting his resignation because it would set an example in constitutional propriety, although Shastri was in no way responsible for it. A rational and moral personality He displayed a broad outlook at a very young age and dropped his caste-based surname when he was in the seventh standard. His progressive attitude came to the fore when he asked for khadi cloth and a spinning wheel as dowry. His maiden Independence Day speech in 1964 is as relevant today as it was then. Shastri observed: “We can win respect in the world only if we are strong internally and can banish poverty and unemployment from our country. Above all, we need national unity. Communal, provincial and linguistic conflicts weaken the country. Therefore, we have to forge national unity. I appeal to all to work for national unity and usher in a social revolution to make our country strong. In the ultimate analysis, the strength of the country does not lie in its material wealth alone. It requires people like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Rabindranath Tagore. It requires the force of character and moral strength. I appeal to our young men to inculcate discipline in themselves discipline and work for the unity and advancement of the nation”. His stress on character and moral strength acquire special significance today, when we see all-round degeneration of values in various fields. Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan During the Indo-Pakistan war in 1965, Shastri gave the immortal slogan, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” which continues to inspire every Indian even today. During his prime ministerial tenure, which unfortunately was cut short by his untimely death, Shastri boosted the morale of the nation by leading India to victory over Pakistan. His vision for self-sufficiency in foodgrains led to sowing the seeds of the Green Revolution, and promotion of the White Revolution. The country owes it to him in no small measure that we are self-sufficient in foodgrains production today. During his speech at death anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati he said : “The nation cannot afford to relax. It is difficult to say what the future holds for us. Pakistan had not yet given up her policy of aggression. The duty of the nation is therefore clear. The country’s defences have to be strengthened. The people should spare no efforts to strengthen the defences. Side-by-side, food production has to be increased. Food self-sufficiency is as important as a strong defence system. It was for this reason that I raised the slogan, ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’. The kisan is as much a soldier as the jawan”. Many years later, former Prime Minister A B Vajpayee added “Jai Vigyan” to Shastri’s slogan in order to hail achievements of Indian scientists. Country's interests first Shastri placed the country’s interests above everything else. Although he was wedded to the principles of peace, Shastri showed that he was made of sterner mettle when it came to protecting India’s unity and integrity. His response was swift and decisive in ordering the Indian armed forces to retaliate against Pakistan’s unprovoked aggression. Shastri’s love for the motherland was evident when he responded to Mahatma Gandhi’s call to join the Non-Cooperation Movement at the young age of 16. An incident from his life shows that he was a man of deeds. Before appealing to the countrymen to skip one meal a week in the wake of the foodgrain shortage, he implemented the measure at his house. His appeal had an electrifying impact and many households across the country responded positively to his call. A visionary man His humane quality was reflected in another instance. As Uttar Pradesh’s Minister of Police and Transport, he ordered that the police should use water jets instead of lathis to control unruly crowds. The fact that Shastri was the first transport minister to open the post of bus conductors to women showed how forward-looking he was. His visionary outlook is reflected in the observations he had made at a rural projects meet in Delhi in 1964. “We must inject new elements in the services. Let us introduce professors, economists, teachers, engineers and others, even outsiders, so that there is some freshness, a real exchange of views, a meeting of different approaches,” he said. Perhaps, the government’s decision to open 10 senior civil services positions for lateral entry is in line with this philosophy. Conclusion The present times require every Indian to emulate the simplicity, humility, humanism, austerity, hard work, dedication and nationalism displayed by the unassuming second prime minister of India. Following his ideals would be a fitting tribute to him on his birth anniversary. The nation must always remember the contributions of leaders such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, B R Ambedkar, Lal Bahadur Shastri and Syama Prasad Mookerjee and many others, in independent India. Connecting the dots: What are the contributions of Lal Bahadur Shastri to post-Independent India’s polity and economy? Do you think he is relevant in today’s time? NATIONAL/DISASTER MANAGEMENT TOPIC:  General Studies 1 Physical Geography of India Earthquakes and their causes General Studies 3 Environment conservation Disaster management Studying fault lines Introduction Recent Kerala floods started the debates and studies about dams and resrviors, and their sesimic effects. Even very small reservoirs impounding water seasonally can cause deformation in the neighbouring region. Such deformation may add to the stress of a nearby fault, which if already critically stressed, can trigger an earthquake. Prone areas of reservoirs induced seismic activity A 6.3-magnitude earthquake near the Koyna dam that struck in December 1967, killing about 180 people, occurred about five years after it was built. Many smaller quakes occur each year. Based on Global Positioning System and satellite data, a team of researchers led by Vineet Gahalaut of the National Centre for Seismology, found crustal deformation in four reservoirs — Koyna, Tehri, Ukai, and Dharoi. These are of varying sizes and are located in different geological zones in India. There are no reports of any earthquake from the other three reservoirs. But that does not mean there are no earthquakes. It is just that we don’t have adequate seismic monitoring network to collect data in these places. Study on seismic activity induced by reservoirs In two papers published recently in the journal Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, the researchers concluded that there is “no lower threshold on the size of the reservoir to cause deformation” in the surrounding area. The researchers found that the eastern block of the Koyna-Warna fault zone is moving about 0.7 mm faster per year than the western block. Such anomalous motion adds stress to the fault, leading to earthquakes. Differences in the rock composition could be causing the differential movement. Lubricating the fault The strength of the fault reduces when the reservoirs are full. Impounding of water causes stress, and the water that percolates from the reservoir lubricates the fault, thus reducing the frictional force, leading to reduced strength of the fault or even aiding the fault to fail, causing an earthquake. In addition to deformation caused by loading of the reservoir, tectonic movement of crustal plates causes stress build-up. The fault fails, causing an earthquake, when the combined stress caused by the two factors crosses a critical point. Conclusion Along with disaster management and Environment conservation, there is need to invest in Research and developments. Integrated approach for R&D in related fields like civil engineering, environment and ecology, seismology, etc. can help in mitigating the negative effects of large infrastructure projects. Connecting the dots: What is reservoir induced seismic activity? Explain with examples; also suggest some measures to mitigate the disasters. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements: India and France had together launched the ISA on sidelines of the UN climate conference (COP21) in Paris in 2016. The ISA is an inter-governmental body of solar rich nations whose objective is to galvanise actions for increasing solar power footprints in 121 potential member countries across the globe. The ISA is headquartered in Gurugram near New Delhi in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 3 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Which of the following programmes are under the International Solar Alliance? Scaling Solar Applications for Agricultural Use Affordable Finance at Scale Scaling Solar Mini Grids Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) Which among the following heritage sites were chose by Geological Survey recently for UNESCO Global Geopark Network status? Rani ki vav Lonar Lake Mary’s Island Pattadakal Choose correct answer: 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 2 and 4 only 1 and 3 only Q.4) Consider the following statements about ‘Lonar Lake’ It is a caldera lake It is a saline lake created during the Pleistocene Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Recently, Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the world’s largest dome at – Karnataka Andhra Pradesh Maharashtra Gujarat MUST READ  In the court of last resort The Hindu A flight path with obstacles The Hindu   ‘Swachh Bharat has become a people’s movement’ The Hindu  In bad company Indian Express A Cure Called Inclusion Indian Express  From Plate to Plough: Get smarter on the farm Indian Express The Mahatma’s economics Indian Express    Indian agriculture’s problem of scale Livemint Blended finance for meeting the SDGs Livemint

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 02nd October 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 02nd October 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) IL&FS Crisis and role of National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy and related issues About: IL&FS Group sent shock waves through credit markets when it began missing debt repayments. The IL&FS, India's leading infrastructure finance company, is facing a serious liquidity crisis and has failed to make over a dozen payments. IL&FS’ problems could threaten India’s economic growth as lenders cut exposure to non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) or shadow banks. More concerning is that potential defaults at so-called shadow banks could cripple many mutual funds that are heavily invested in their commercial paper. In news: Government intervenes in the IL&FS crisis. The government moved National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to supersede the IL&FS board and change the company management. The company is listed as “systemically important” by the Reserve Bank of India, and with over ₹1,15,000 crore of assets and ₹91,000 crore of debt, it is too big to fail. The interlinkages between IL&FS and other financial sector entities such as banks, mutual funds and infrastructure players are too strong and the company would have taken them all down with it if it were allowed to fail. Do you know? About National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) The Central Government has constituted National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) under section 408 of the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013) w.e.f. 01st June 2016. NCLT is a quasi-judicial body, exercising equitable jurisdiction, which was earlier being exercised by the High Court or the Central Government. The Tribunal has powers to regulate its own procedures. The establishment of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) consolidates the corporate jurisdiction of the following authorities: Company Law Board Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction. The Appellate Authority for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction. Jurisdiction and powers relating to winding up restructuring and other such provisions, vested in the High Courts. Powers of NCLT The NCLT has been empowered to exercise the following powers: Most of the powers of the Company Law Board under the Companies Act, 1956. All the powers of BIFR for revival and rehabilitation of sick industrial companies; Power of High Court in the matters of mergers, demergers, amalgamations, winding up, etc.; Power to order repayment of deposits accepted by Non-Banking Financial Companies as provided in section 45QA of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934; Power to wind up companies; Power to Review its own orders. The NCLT shall have powers and jurisdiction of the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR), the Appellate Authority for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (AAIFR), Company Law Board, High Courts relating to compromises, arrangements, mergers, amalgamations and reconstruction of companies, winding up etc. Thus, multiplicity of litigation before various courts or quasi-judicial bodies or forums have been sought to be avoided. The powers of the NCLT shall be exercised by the Benches constituted by its President. Gir sees 21 lion deaths in 19 days Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Animal conservation; Biodiversity In news: As many as 21 lions have died in Gujarat’s Gir forest since September 12. Gir is considered as only abode of Asiatic lions in the world. Gir is home to India's entire population of around 500 wild Asiatic lions. Reason - Infighting and infections in liver and kidney are the main causes for the recent death of lions. Relentless development near Gir — roads through the forest in the 1,400-square kilometre-wildlife sanctuary, expanding villages and illegal mining — is also forcing animal-human proximity. Do you know? IUCN Status: Endangered The lion is one of five pantherine cats inhabiting India, along with the Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, snow leopard and clouded leopard. It was also known as "Indian lion" and "Persian lion". Early Warning for Tsunami and Earthquake Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III - Disaster management About– Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC), which is based at & operated by Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad has all necessary infrastructure and capabilities to give tsunami advisories to India as well as to Indian Ocean countries. Working of ITEWC ITEWC is providing tsunami warnings and related services to all countries in the Indian Ocean Rim (24 Countries) beyond fully serving the India’s coastline / Islands. The centre is capable of detecting tsunamigenic earthquakes occurring in the Indian Ocean as well as in the Global Oceans within 10 minutes of their occurrence. Key inputs for developing strategic plan for addressing issues of Climate Change impacts on the Himalayan ecosystem. As soon as the earthquake is detected, warning centre transmits information about location of earthquake, its magnitude, depth and other characters of the event. In news: Though ITEWC scientists detected the earthquake on the Pacific Ocean bed, they failed to detect any unusual activity in the oceanic buoys and sea level tide gauges. Scientists puzzled by ‘peculiar’ tsunami, which struck Palu, Indonesia. India and China: “Wuhan spirit” Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – India and its neighbours; International Relations In news: After the Wuhan summit, mutual confidence between China and India was promoted. Experts and academicians feel – “China and India can cooperate under two-plus-one formula” to bring development in countries such as Maldives, Afghanistan and Nepal. The 2+1 mechanism (Wuhan Spirit) was proposed by China at Wuhan, where New Delhi and Beijing would coordinate their responses while engaging a third country in South Asia. The mechanism can enhance mutual trust between China and India and may also prevent other South Asian countries from being caught in between. Person in news: Justice Gogoi In news: Justice Gogoi will take over on October 3 as India’s 46th Chief Justice of India and the first top judge from Assam. Person in news: Gita Gopinath In news: International Monetary Fund (IMF) appointed India-born Gita Gopinath as Economic Counsellor and Director of the IMF’s Research Department. Person in news: Tasuku Honjo and James Allison In news: S.-Japanese pair win Nobel Medicine Prize Two immunologists, James Allison of the U.S. and Tasuku Honjo of Japan, won the 2018 Nobel Medicine Prize for research into how the body’s natural defences can fight cancer. Unique research: They figured out how to help the patient’s own immune system tackle the cancer more quickly. Do you know? T-cells are a type of white blood cell that play a central role in the body’s natural immunity to disease. CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4) is a protein receptor that, functioning as an immune checkpoint, downregulates immune responses. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC:  Paper I: Essay General Studies 1: Personalities in Indian national movements General Studies 4: Ethics; Indian thinkers and philosophers Gandhi: Philosophy and significance in present times Introduction The world prepares to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary in 2019, also mourning the 70th anniversary of his assassination in January 1948. Opinions and views about his person and his non-violent technique of struggle remain deeply divided. For some, he was a puritanical, conservative critique of modernity. For them he created and perpetuated unrealistic and confused ideas about economic development and technological progress For his admirers, Gandhi was a man of spiritual truthfulness and democratic action, both at the public and personal levels, with a unique method of struggle that combined political pragmatism with ethical integrity. Some among these admirers evaluate Gandhi’s impact on human history as being as significant as that of Jesus, Buddha and Karl Marx. Two Gandhis In the minds of people around the world, Gandhi represents two different and contradictory characters. The first Gandhi is the political Gandhi who fought against British colonialism and is the father of the modern Indian nation. This is the man Albert Einstein lauded as “a leader of his people, unsupported by any outward authority, a politician whose success rests not upon craft nor the mastery of technical devices, but simply on the convincing power of his personality.” The second Gandhi is the Ashramic Gandhi who is more of a mystic than a politician, who used fasting as a method of struggle, and who Rabindranath Tagore considered as the “Mahatma”, the “Great Soul”. Quest for spiritual cause; Satya In Gandhi’s autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth, one can find the idea that life is nothing but a spiritual experience with truth, and a struggle against all forms of untruth and injustice. As such, Gandhi claimed that his life was his message, simply because he extended his practice of satyagraha to all walks of life. Gandhi, in short, was a leader looking for a spiritual cause. He found it, of course, in his non-violence and, ultimately, in independence for India. Truth, Satya, was the central axis of the Gandhian system of thought and practice. For Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, everything turned on Truth — satyagraha, swaraj, ahimsa, ashram, brahmacharya, yajna, charkha, khadi, and finally, moksha itself. Gandhi's life and ideas arranged around the axial principle of Truth: “Truth is not merely that which we are expected to speak and follow. It is that which alone is, it is that of which all things are made, it is that which subsists by its own power, which alone is eternal.” Truth alone triumphs? An example is the on-going controversy in the United States about the proposed appointment of Federal Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court as the nominee of the Republican Party, even as he stands accused of sexually assaulting a lady, when they were both teenagers. Outcome hinges exactly on the truth of her testimony versus his defence. Only one can be true. When Truth is rendered negotiable and dispensable, the balance of justice is disastrously upset. Arguably Americans, too, could have recourse to Gandhi, though perhaps not in the way that we in India might. Gandhi strained to hear the “small, still voice” within himself, the voice belonging to one he called “antaryami”, “atma” or “God” — an inner prompt, the self as a guide and a compass – so that he could keep moving ever closer to Truth. It was this voice that he followed, sometimes to the bafflement of others who could not hear it. This was the voice that made him undertake life-threatening fasts his health wouldn’t permit; withdraw from active politics at the most crucial junctures of India’s anti-colonial struggle; and many other decisions which are still difficult for us to understand. Even close and loyal associates like Jawaharlal Nehru and Vallabhbhai Patel were often confounded by Gandhi’s actions and decisions; more sceptical and antagonistic peers like M.A. Jinnah and B.R. Ambedkar couldn’t make sense of his motivations at all. No power on earth is able to steer Gandhi away from his self-charted path towards Truth. “The strangest experiment” was Gandhi’s move to have his young grand-niece Manu sleep next to him, as he travelled through ravaged Hindu and Muslim settlements in Bihar and Bengal during the height of communal violence on the eve of Partition. No matter what the reactions of his colleagues, for Gandhi it was not strange, precisely because it was one of his ‘experiments with truth’. Home and the world Of late, many musicians in south India have faced vicious attacks from rightwing Hindutva groups for singing hymns and psalms, thereby allegedly hijacking “Hindu” Carnatic music for “Christian” evangelical aims. This despite the fact that the violin, central to the Carnatic system in modern times, is a European gift to Indian music. Both Christian and Muslim religious lyrics and poetry have been a constitutive part of the Carnatic repertoire throughout the 20th century. Gandhi made great use of the Bible in his prayers, teachings, writings and Ashram liturgies. He was often accused of being a crypto-Christian. However, he flatly refused to give preference to the Vedas over the Bible. He is no Sanatani Hindu who is narrow, bigoted and considers evil to be good if it has the sanction of antiquity and is to be found supported in any Sanskrit book. Just before the Kristallnacht (an incident known as “Kristallnacht”, Nazis in Germany torched synagogues, vandalized Jewish homes, schools and businesses and killed close to 100 Jews), Gandhi advised European Jews to relocate to Palestine and make it their homeland only with the cooperation and goodwill of native Arabs, and not otherwise. This appalled even sympathetic Jews like Buber and Magnes, who had admired and supported Gandhi at the time of the Salt March in 1930, before the Nazi takeover of Germany. But now the tables are turned, and a rightwing Israeli state under Benjamin Netanyahu seems hell-bent on exterminating the Palestinians. Gandhi’s counter-intuitive Truth informs the civil disobedience, passive resistance and non-violent protest of both Arab and Jewish activists who oppose the continuing occupation and takeover of dwindling and defenceless Palestinian territories by bellicose Israeli forces. Gandhi a political thinker and a social reformer There is more to Gandhi which makes him a political thinker and a relevant social reformer. Gandhi was a dialogical thinker who was open to other horizons of thinking. He firmly believed that the spirit of genuine reciprocity and solidarity is not just a moral requirement, but also a geopolitical necessity. Gandhi rejected the idea that there is one privileged path to god. He also believed that all religious traditions are an unstable mixture of truth and error. He encouraged inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue, so that individuals could see their faith and culture in a comparative and critical reflection of the other. As such, Gandhi considered interculturalism as a call for simultaneous awareness of commonalities, acceptance of differences, and recognition of shared values. Interestingly, Gandhi was a political thinker and a social practitioner who was constantly experimenting with modes of comparative and cross-border cultural constellations. In Gandhi’s political thinking, the experience of freedom derives not only from constitutional rights but mainly from the diverse modes of participation of the individual in a common humanity. Today, many around the world consider Gandhian ideas as impractical, not to say utopian. Gandhian ethics of social and political reconstruction are more relevant than ever, since they represent an act of self-transformation of humanity rather than an illusory dream of a political leader. Gandhi wanted to change the values that govern the social, political and economic activities in human society. Gandhi believed that decentralised politics and an egalitarian economy function better at the level of micro-communities, where citizens can operate in relations of reciprocity and mutuality. For him, it was clear that neither society nor the individual can live without a moral vision of the world. Gandhi had his moral and political dreams of changing humanity. Conclusion There are ample events and incidents insisting that we can continue to consult Gandhi on all manner of issues that may trouble our individual or collective conscience. Truth is the key to Gandhi’s philosophy, and we rely on Gandhi even decades after his death and long after his supposed lapse into political irrelevance. To be sure, Gandhi certainly deserves the honour as a courageous fighter, a deep thinker, and a great leader of men and ideas. Gandhi was a man of experimentation, a man who insisted on the quest for truth. Therefore, it should not come to us as a surprise that the literal meaning of satyagraha is “asserting for truth”. As a dreamer who looked for a harmonious universe, Gandhi was a hedgehog, but as a pragmatist who had a devastating sense of reality, he was a fox who knew many things about the insane world of human beings filled with hatred, revenge, greed for power and violence. Connecting the dots: Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. (UPSC 2018: GS I; 10 marks) (Note: Above article has been prepared by analysing two lead editorials, “The voice that is great within us” and “Gandhi: a fox or a hedgehog?” Case studies given in the article will be help full to prove the relevance of Gandhi in present times.) ENVIRONMENT  TOPIC: General Studies 3 Government policies and issues arising out of their design and implementation Environment pollution, control and mitigation Up in the air Introduction The onset of the winter season has come to be associated with toxic atmospheric pollution in north India. This year will be a crucial test for a scheme piloted by the Union government to address the winter haze. Causes of winter pollution in Delhi The road dust and pollution from heavy vehicles are primarily responsible for the noxious pall that sets on Delhi and other urban centres. The burning of paddy stubble by farmers to clear their fields for the next crop is considered to be responsible for 20% of the smog. Given Delhi’s geography, low wind speeds and a spike in local pollution (from vehicles, biomass burning, firecrackers, etc.) raise the particulate matter count dramatically during winter. Government Steps To address this, and under directions from the Supreme Court-constituted Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority, or EPCA, the Centre is partnering with Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to provide farmers with a range of mechanised implements to clear their fields of paddy crop residue to prepare for sowing wheat. There is a 50% subsidy to farmers, and a 75% waiver to cooperative societies, agencies that rent out equipment, farmers’ interest groups or gram panchayats to buy such machines. States have got nearly Rs. 650 crore to help farmers buy subsidised equipment such as Happy Seeder, paddy straw choppers and Zero Till Drill. Punjab, which of the three States has the largest acreage under paddy, has a target of procuring 24,315 machines by October 15. A task force, headed by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister and comprising Environment Ministry officials and Chief Secretaries of these States, have been meeting since January to prepare for the winter. Concerns Reports suggest that many farmers, particularly those with land holdings of less than 5 acres, remain sceptical of the efficiency of these machines. Among their concerns is whether these machines will affect productivity. Many have told officials that they are worried there could be damage to the soil. Ironically, it was technology that contributed to the problem in the first place. The rising cost of labour nudged farmers to adopt mechanised equipment that, while efficient, left behind much longer stalks of paddy than what the traditional practice of removing them by hand did. Way forward Just making technological tools available may not be enough; there needs to be proactive engagement to both persuade and reassure farmers. The greater availability of machines and the zero-tolerance policy need to be seen as works in progress to derive lessons on how to refine the crop-clearing process in an ecologically sound manner. There must also be a sense of proportion, as 80% of the atmospheric pollution in Delhi in winter draws from sources other than burning stubble. To be effective, the fight against pollution must necessarily be broad-based. Connecting the dots: What are the causes of air pollution in Delhi, during winter season? Suggest measures to control it, also mention steps taken by central and local administration. (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) National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) is appellate tribunal for which of the following? Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India Competition Commission of India (CCI) National Company Law Tribunal(s) All the above Q.2) Consider the following statements about National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) It is under the Ministry of Law and Justice It replaced the Company Law Board (CLB) It is set up at Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai only  Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? Only 1 1 and 2 Only 2 1 and 3 Q.3) Consider the following statements with reference to Asiatic Lion: The species are listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on IUCN Red List. The lions face threat from poaching and habitat fragmentation. Currently, these are protected only in the Gir National Park. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 3 Only 1 Only 2 1,2 and 3 Q.4) Consider the following statements about Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) It is under the aegis of Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) It is a permanent member of the Indian delegation to Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Which of the following correctly defines ‘swell waves’? High waves generated by high tide during Spring Tide. High waves generated during Tsunamis. Collection of waves produced by storm winds raging hundreds of miles out to sea. Waves at the beach produced by change in local winds Q.6) Consider the following statements about Tsunami The speed of tsunami waves depends on ocean depth rather than the distance from the source of the wave. These are generated by high magnitude earthquakes in the ocean floors or violent under sea volcanic eruptions or by massive undersea landslides. Select the correct answer using the codes below: 1 only 2 only 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ  The voice that is great within us The Hindu  Up in the air — on stubble burning The Hindu  The algebra of dissent The Hindu  Gandhi for the young  Indian Express Why Shastri matters today Indian Express   Creating an India Consensus for growth Livemint  How Swachh Bharat created disruption Livemint

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 79]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 79] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about ‘Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI)’ It is an indicator of the economic health of the manufacturing sector The PMI is based on new orders, inventory levels, production, supplier deliveries and the employment environment A PMI of more than 50 represents contraction of the manufacturing sector when compared to the previous month Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1 Only 1 and 2 2 and 3 All of the above Q.2) ‘Variable Infiltration Capacity Model’ which was in news recently is associated with Ethanol Blending Reverse Osmosis Solar Energy Soil Moisture Q.3) Consider the following statements about ‘Asian Development Bank (ADB)’ ADB raises funds through bond issues on the world's capital markets. ADB is an official United Nations Observer. ADB provides direct financial assistance to private sector companies, for projects that have clear social benefits beyond the financial rate of return. Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 1 and 3 All of the above Q.4) Consider the following statements about ‘Black Spotted Turtles’ It is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN  Red List of threatened species. It is native to South Asia Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) ‘Agricultural Marketing & Farm Friendly Reforms Index’ is released by NITI Aayog Indian Council of Agricultural Research NABARD The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : U.S Scraps Military Aid to Pakistan

U.S Scraps Military Aid to Pakistan ARCHIVES Search 3rd September, 2018 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Audio-Archive-Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2 India and its neighbourhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Why did U.S scrap $300 million in military aid to Pakistan? Reason: Islamabad’s lack of ‘decisive actions’ in support of American strategy in the region i.e., its perceived failure to take decisive action against terrorists and militants – including stabilising Afghanistan and according geo-political primacy to India. US officials accuse Islamabad of ignoring or even collaborating with groups, which attack Afghanistan from safe havens along the border between the two countries. The White House believes that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence agency and other military bodies have long helped fund and arm the Taliban for ideological reasons, but also to counter rising Indian influence in Afghanistan. It also believes that a Pakistani crackdown could be pivotal in deciding the outcome of the long-running war in Afghanistan. What does U.S want to achieve – The South Asia Strategy The administration's "South Asia Strategy" as enunciated by President Trump encompasses Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, the Central Asian nations and parts of Southeast Asia, and is aimed at strengthening American security by – Bringing peace to Afghanistan with India's help, and Further developing US strategic partnership with India. Pakistan, which has long positioned itself as an equal to India with claims of longer and closer ties to Washington, as both resented and resisted this. Bad news for Pakistan By announcing that aid would be "reprogrammed", the administration has left open the possibility that it could be reconstituted if Pakistan fell in line with U.S objectives, while signaling it is ready with even harsher steps if Islamabad remained defiant – Cutting off the international financial assistance Pakistan's frequent forays for support at IMF and the World Bank The Trump administration has also been quietly cutting scores of Pakistani officers from coveted training and educational programmes that have been a hallmark of bilateral military relations for more than a decade. What are the possible steps that Pakistan can take? Pakistan may start looking to other countries for support, particularly its longtime ally China. Pakistan’s confidence that it has an alternative in China has grown, with Beijing’s pledge of more than $100 billion in loans for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor infrastructure, power projects, and so on. Can Beijing deliver Pakistan from economic troubles? If America is to follow this up by cutting off World Bank and IMF assistance, Pakistan's economy can go into a tail spin. China can mitigate the effect only partially. With low oil prices, the Arabs are also not of much help. Does it mean anything to India? By degrading Pakistani military capability, the US is indirectly helping India. Pakistan is decisively in the Chinese camp and the US needs India to balance China in Asia. Bolstering India's conventional military capability, against China, which is likely, is in America's strategic interest. This year, with American backing, India has become a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime as well as the Wassenaar Arrangement that controls dual use technology. With technology curbs no longer in operation, India can produce high tech weapons on its own. Even with Chinese help, Pakistan cannot match this. China is not a member of these regimes and is miles behind the US in military technology. All in all, this is a win win for India, but… It is particularly important that the U.S. follow through on its ultimatums in this respect. However, all American statements so far focus on Pakistan’s support to terror groups that threaten Afghanistan, and more particularly, the U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Therefore, action against the groups that threaten India is unlikely to be an immediate priority. New Delhi must also be mindful of the impact of a more fractured U.S.-Pakistan relationship on regional security. Above all, the U.S.-Pakistan relationship, like that between India and the U.S. and India and Pakistan, is a long-standing bilateral one. While welcoming all moves to address India’s core concerns on terror, New Delhi must ensure it doesn’t get ensnared or triangulated in the equation between Washington and Islamabad. Conclusion Despite the provocations, the US does not want to completely rupture its relationship with Pakistan, where anti-American sentiment already runs high. Washington’s footprint in Afghanistan is much smaller than it was at the height of the war, but it needs access to Pakistan’s supply lines and airspace. Pakistan is still believed to have the strongest influence over the Taliban, making its co-operation necessary for peace talks.

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 78]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 78] Archives Q.1) ‘Middle East Strategic Alliance’ is a brainchild of United States of America Gulf Cooperation Council Saudi Arabia United Arab Emirates Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCFT)’ It is an international forum of 29 countries and the European Union with an overarching mission of reducing the vulnerability of people worldwide to terrorism by preventing, combating, and prosecuting terrorist acts and countering incitement and recruitment to terrorism. India is one of the members of the GCFT Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Recently, The Government has constituted a Competition Law Review Committee to review the Competition Act to ensure that the legislation is in sync with the changing business environment. It is chaired by Injeti Srinivas Uday Kotak Amitabh Kant Ratan Watal Q.4) The report 'Reinvigorating Trade and Inclusive Growth' was released by the International Monetary Fund World Bank and World Trade Organization Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) ‘Goyna Bori’ is A basket that is traditionally used by the people of Kashmir to keep them warm by keeping burning charcoals in it It is a pictorial narrative painted on a cloth-based scroll It is an embroidery technique using beautiful designs of flowers on shawls, scarves, and saris A fine art of using lentil paste mix to create exquisite designs To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

RSTV Video

RSTV - Sabarimala Women of All Ages Allowed

Sabarimala Women of All Ages Allowed Archives TOPIC General studies 1: Role of women and women’s organization, women related issues, Social empowerment General studies 2: Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections In News: The Supreme Court paved the way for entry of women of all ages into the Ayyappa temple at Shabrimala in Kerala, reversing the Kerala shrine’s tradition of barring girls and women of menstruating age—10-50 years. ''Right to pray'' in the temple for women between 10 and 50 years of age won over the 'right to wait' campaign as the Supreme Court condemned the prohibition as "hegemonic patriarchy". Patriarchy cannot trump freedom to practice religion Logic behind the ban: The restriction imposed on entry of women in Sabarimala is because of the nature of the deity worshipped there as a ‘naishtika brahmachari’ (celibate). Some argue that it is not because of any discriminatory attitude towards women based on biological factors such as menstruation. But many are of the opinion that it is due to the age-old practice and belief that the presence of women deviated men from celibacy. This places the burden of a men's celibacy on women thus, stigmatising women and stereotyping them. Individual dignity of women could not be at the mercy of a mob. Morality was not ephemeral. It transcended biological and physiological barriers. SC underlines the Constitution’s transformative power (Points can be used in mains answer and essay) The Constitution protects religious freedom in two ways – It protects an individual’s right to profess, practise and propagate a religion Assures similar protection to every religious denomination to manage its own affairs. Observations made by the Judges: The argument that the practice is justified because women of menstruating age would not be able to observe the 41-day period of abstinence before making a pilgrimage failed to impress the judges. To Chief Justice Dipak Misra, any rule based on segregation of women pertaining to biological characteristics is indefensible and unconstitutional. Devotion cannot be subjected to the stereotypes of gender. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said stigma built around traditional notions of impurity has no place in the constitutional order, and exclusion based on the notion of impurity is a form of untouchability. Freedom of religion Generally, the right to freedom of religion of both individuals and groups is recognised as an intrinsic facet of a liberal democracy. The Constitution memorialises these guarantees in Articles 25 and 26. The former recognises a right to freedom of conscience and a right to freely profess, practise, and propagate religion, subject to common community exceptions of public order, morality, and health, and also, crucially, to the guarantee of other fundamental rights. Article 25(2)(b) creates a further exception to the right. It accords to the state a power to make legislation, in the interests of social welfare and reform, throwing open Hindu religious institutions of public character to all classes and sections of Hindus. Article 26, on the other hand, which is also subject to limitations imposed on grounds of public order, morality, and health, accords to every religious denomination the right, among other things, to establish and maintain institutions for religious purposes and to manage their own affairs in matters of religion. Connecting the Dots: The decision reaffirms the Constitution’s transformative character and derives strength from the centrality it accords to fundamental rights. Discuss.

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 77]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 77] Archives Q.1) ‘Oont Kadal’ is located in middle of which of the following lakes? Dal Kolleru Chilika Lonar Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal’ It is a 14th century hunting lodge It was built by Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about ‘Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism’ (CCIT) It is proposed by India in 1996 and is now adopted by the UNGA It addresses the issue of Pakistan’s alleged support for cross-border terrorism in South Asia Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Global Hunger Index (GHI) is published by World Health Organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) None of the above Q.5) SAFAR – India, an initiative of the Government of India, aims at Providing financial and technical assistance to young start-up entrepreneurs Disseminating information regarding air quality on real time Promoting the Self Help Groups in rural areas Financial inclusion scheme monitored by business correspondents (BC) in rural areas To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 01st October 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 01st October 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) India-Pakistan: Concerns Part of: GS Mains Paper II – India and its neighbours; International Relations In news: India called off the meeting with the Pakistan Foreign Minister in New York. New Delhi had cited the brutal killings of three policemen in Jammu and Kashmir. India also cited stamps issued by Pakistan to “glorify” Hizb militant Burhan Wani as a reason for cancellation. India’s stand: India had never eyed someone else’s territory maliciously. This in itself was our commitment and dedication towards peace. India is one of the largest contributors to various United Nations Peace Keeping Forces in terms of sending its personnel. India’s brave soldiers wearing blue helmets have played a stellar role in ensuring maintenance of world peace. SATAT initiative Part of: GS Mains Paper II – Government schemes and Policies In news: SATAT is an initiative aimed at providing a Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) as a developmental effort that would benefit both vehicle-users as well as farmers and entrepreneurs. It is a joint initiative of IndianOil, BPCL and HPCL to turn waste into green energy. Petroleum Ministry with PSU Oil Marketing Companies inviting Expression of Interest (EoI) from potential entrepreneurs to set up Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) production plants and make available CBG in the market for use in automotive fuels. Benefits of Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) There are multiple benefits from converting agricultural residue, cattle dung and municipal solid waste into CBG on a commercial scale: Responsible waste management, reduction in carbon emissions and pollution Additional revenue source for farmers Boost to entrepreneurship, rural economy and employment Support to national commitments in achieving climate change goals Reduction in import of natural gas and crude oil Buffer against crude oil/gas price fluctuations Do you know? The Government of India had launched the GOBAR-DHAN (Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources) scheme earlier this year to convert cattle dung and solid waste in farms to CBG and compost. Amul alternative economic model: PM In news: PM said a cooperative like Amul is a viable economic alternative to capitalist and socialist models. ‘It is controlled neither by govt. nor by capitalists’, PM said. Place in news: Mansar Lake In news: Mansar Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the Shivalik range of the Jammu region. The lake is facing an existential threat due to human intervention and climate change. National Park/Sactuary in news: Locate and mark the following location on your Atlas/Outline map of Odisha state Simlipal National Park Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary Satkosia Tiger Reserve Ushakothi (Badrama) Wildlife Sanctuary Bhitarkanika National Park Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Indian Constitution: Right to equality, Freedom and dignity Social justice and governance Dumping an archaic law Introduction The Supreme Court delivered series of land mark judgments this month, including Section 377, Sabrimala, and decriminalisation of the offence of adultery by holding Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) unconstitutional. As previously: Adultery an offence India was one of the few countries in the world that still considered adultery an offence. The Indian definition of this crime was that it did not punish the erring spouses, but instead punished the adultering man, or rather ‘the outsider’, for having extra-marital relations with a woman who he knows to be married. It was only an offence if the husband had not consented to this relation, implicitly suggesting that the wife was the property of her husband. Hence, the husband was considered to be the “victim” of adultery and could file a case. The same recourse was, however, not available to the wife. Moral wrong as crime For any act to be a crime, it has to be committed against society at large. The main argument for retaining the criminal provision was that the outsider should be punished for breaching the matrimonial unit and that the law should mandate punishment for such a moral wrong. This violation was seen as a crime against the institution of marriage, thus justifying it to be a breach of security and well-being of society, this argument was unanimously dismissed by the bench. Observations of the SC The court observed that the issue of adultery between spouses was a private matter, and could be a ground for divorce under civil law. It did not warrant the use of criminal sanction against any party involved. Moreover, no justification can be given by the state for penalising people with imprisonment for making intimate and personal choices. Addressing the issue of making the penal provisions of adultery gender neutral, the court held that even then the matter was private, and anything otherwise would be a grave intrusion into the privacy of individuals. As the law previously stood, the victim would be the husband alone, whose property (i.e. the wife) was trespassed upon. The court dismissed this regressive patriarchal notion of women being “chattels” of their husband. The court held that Section 497, as it existed, denied women ownership of their sexuality and agency over their own relationships. Rights violated by Section 497 of IPC The court relied on K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India to explain this deprivation of autonomy as a violation of their right to privacy and to live with dignity, thus violating their fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution. The adultery provision also violated the right to equality guaranteed under Article 14. The fact that the commission of the offence would have been in the absence of the husband’s consent proved the inequality between the spouses. Section 497 consumed the identity of a wife, as an individual with rights as an equal partner to the marriage, tipping the scales to favour the husband. Justifications given in support of Section 497 Previous challenges to this provision claimed that exempting women under Section 497 from prosecution and being prosecuted was ‘protecting’ them. Also claimed, was in consonance with Article 15(3) of the Constitution that allowed the state to make laws for the benefit of women and children. This provision was made when bigamy was prevalent and Lord Macaulay, the drafter of the IPC, did not find it fair to punish one inconsistency of the wife when the husband was allowed to marry many others. Misconception in this reasoning was pointed out by the court — the law that takes away the right of women to prosecute, just as her husband had the right to proceed against the other man, could not be considered ‘beneficial’ and was, in fact, discriminatory. Conclusion The court rightly explained: “Marriage in a constitutional regime is founded on the equality of and between spouses. Each of them is entitled to the same liberty which Part III [of the Constitution] guarantees.” Therefore, not affording both parties to a marriage equal rights and opportunities would be discriminatory and a violation of their right to equality. It is surprising to see that even after the verdict many have opposed this decision of the Supreme Court, most countries around the world have done away with this practice. While the struggle for equality in many other spheres still continues, the decision to scrap this archaic law is definitely a step in the right direction. Connecting the dots: The Indian civil and criminal codes (IPC and CrPC) designed and drafted by colonial lawmakers should be scrapped and redrafted again, according to needs of modern Indian democratic society. Do you agree? Elucidate. NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Indian Constitution : Elections, Parliament Democratic governance and society Decriminalisation of politics: In Parliament’s court Introduction The issue of candidates facing criminal charges getting elected to Parliament and State legislative Assemblies is often raised, but initiatives to minimise the problem, if not eliminate it completely, have been rather slow. In a recent judgment, the Supreme Court has left it to Parliament to legislate on the subject, with regard to preventing such candidates from contesting elections. Steps taken by Supreme Court Some important changes in the electoral laws — making it mandatory for candidates to submit an affidavit with full disclosure of criminal cases, if any, and details of their asset and income — were made mandatory by the judiciary. The court made it mandatory for political parties and candidates themselves to make public disclosure through print and electronic media. Providing an option to voters to exercise None of the Above (NOTA) in case they do not want to vote for any of the candidate contesting an election, was also introduced by the judiciary in 2003 on the basis of the PIL filed by People’s Union for Civil Liberties. The court mentioned that it was not within its powers to disqualify politicians facing criminal cases from contesting election, but recommended that Parliament enact a strong law. Concerns and challenges There is serious doubt whether this judgment would in any way help in making our politics cleaner than before. The chances of Parliament acting fast on this issue are dim. No political party is free of this problem. The use of muscle power along with money power is a weapon used by all political parties to maximise electoral gains. In such a scenario, any move to ban candidates with a criminal record from contesting elections would mean political parties inflicting self-harm. Public opinion too is not firm on this. A survey found that opinion was divided when people were asked whether they would be willing to vote for a honest candidate who may not get their work done, or a tainted candidate who could get their work done. What data show? Data from the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) indicate that 179 out of the 543 elected Members of Parliament in the present Lok Sabha have some kind of criminal case pending against them. While it is true that some of these may be of a frivolous nature, it is also true that many of these cases concern allegations of their involvement in serious crimes. In the case of over 100 MPs, the cases were of a very serious nature such as crimes against women and kidnapping. There seems to be very little improvement in this regard in the last five years. In the previous Lok Sabha (2009), 163 had criminal cases pending against them, many of which were of a serious nature. The profile of members of the Upper House is no better; of 228 members of the Rajya Sabha for whom data could be analysed, 20 have cases of serious crimes pending against them. Among the current ruling party's MPs (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), 107 (32%) have criminal cases pending against them. Of them, 64 (19%) have cases of serious crimes pending against them. The Congress is only a shade better than the BJP; 15 MPs (15%) have criminal cases pending against them, of whom eight (8%) have cases of serious criminal offences pending against them. There is hardly any difference between the national and regional parties in this regard. In the Shiv Sena, 18 MPs (86%) have criminal cases pending against them, of whom 10 (48%) are alleged to be involved in serious criminal cases. Of all MPs, six each of the Nationalist Congress Party (55%) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (67%) have serious criminal cases pending against them. Going by the ADR’s estimates, there are more than 1,500 MPs and MLAs in Parliament and State Assemblies with criminal cases pending against them. Conclusion While political parties raise concern about candidates with a tainted background contesting elections and getting elected, none of them come forward to set an example for others when it is time to act. The issue is far more important and serious than the attention being paid to it by the policy makers. While the Election Commission has limited powers to legislate on such laws, it is only Parliament which can legislate to bring about the desired change. Connecting the dots: Merely relaying on electoral reform for decriminalisation of politics is not sufficient. There is need of multidimensional approach to wipe out this disease. 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) Sunabeda National Park was in news recently. The national park is located in - Tamil Nadu West Bengal Arunachal Pradesh Odisha Q.2) SATAT is an initiative associated with – Rural Electrification Solar Pumps Compressed Bio-Gas Sustainable and Affordable Housing Q.3) Consider the following statements: Mansar Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the Shivalik range of the Jammu region. Surinsar-Mansar Lakes is designated as Ramsar Convention. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both None MUST READ  An ongoing quest for equality The Hindu  The road to e-vehicles The Hindu   Liberty without statism Indian Express  The House not in order Indian Express  Looking beyond the legality of abortion Livemint Time to review India’s reservation policies Livemint

PIB

IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau – 23rd Sep to 30th Sep, 2018

IASbaba Press Information Bureau 23rd to 30th September, 2018 ARCHIVES GS-2 PM launches Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) (Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, etc. Health and Social Security) Vision: To provide the poorest of the poor, and the underprivileged sections of society, with better healthcare and treatment Focus is on both: "Affordable Healthcare" and "Preventive Healthcare" Two major initiatives: Health and Wellness Centre: Foundation of India’s health system 1.5 lakh centres will provide – comprehensive health care, including for non-communicable diseases and maternal and child health services, provide free essential drugs and diagnostic services The budget has allocated Rs.1200 crore for this flagship programme Contribution of the private sector through CSR and philanthropic institutions in adopting these centres is also envisaged. National Health Protection Scheme: Will cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) Coverage of up to ₹5 lakh a family a year will be provided for secondary- and tertiary-care hospitalization (50 crore beneficiaries) Must Read: Link1 Three Best Performing States in “Ease of Living Index” (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Andhra Pradesh Odisha Madhya Pradesh Ease of Living Index: Launched by: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) Ease of Living Index is a transformative initiative of the Ministry to help the cities assess their livability vis-à-vis national and global benchmarks Will encourage all cities to move towards an ‘outcome-based’ approach to urban planning and management and promote healthy competition among cities Seeks to assist cities in undertaking a 360-degree assessment of their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats The government hopes that it will lead to a healthy competition between cities, based on the rankings, and generate acute interest, comparisons, critiques and analysis by citizens. Ease of Living framework Comprised four pillars namely Institutional, Social, Economic and Physical which are further broken down into 78 indicators across 15 categories (governance, identity and culture, education, health, safety and security, economy, affordable housing, land use planning, public open spaces, transportation and mobility, assured water supply, waste-water management, solid waste management, power, and quality of environment). It has close linkage with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Of the 17 SDG goals, 8 goals are directly linked to India’s ease of living assessment framework with SDG 11 SDG 11: Aimed at making our cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable and is measured through a set of 30 indicators. Cabinet Approves: National Digital Communications Policy-2018 The key objectives of the policy are: Broadband for all Creating four million additional jobs in the Digital Communications sector Enhancing the contribution of the Digital Communications sector to 8% of India's GDP from ~ 6% in 2017 Propelling India to the Top 50 Nations in the ICT Development Index of ITU from 134 in 2017 Enhancing India's contribution to Global Value Chains Ensuring Digital Sovereignty The policy aims to: Provide universal broadband connectivity at 50 Mbps to every citizen; Provide 1 Gbps connectivity to all Gram Panchayats by 2020 and 10 Gbps by 2022; Ensure connectivity to all uncovered areas; Attract investments of USD 100 billion in the Digital Communications Sector; Train one million manpower for building New Age Skill; Expand IoT ecosystem to 5 billion connected devices; Establish a comprehensive data protection regime for digital communications that safeguards the privacy, autonomy and choice of individuals Facilitate India's effective participation in the global digital economy; Enforce accountability through appropriate institutional mechanisms to assure citizens of safe Secure digital communications infrastructure and services MoU between India and Uzbekistan On Mutual Cooperation in Combating Illicit Trafficking in Narcotics, Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursors: The MoU will help in Mutual cooperation in regulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and in combating drug trafficking It is an effective framework to deal with all issues requiring mutual assistance and cooperation in the areas identified. Facilitate effective institutional interaction between both the Governments Help in curbing transnational narcotics trafficking. Cooperation in the Sphere of Law & Justice: The MoU takes care of concerns and requirements in the field of exchange of experience by legal professionals, Government functionaries and their training and effective legal aid mechanism for resolution. The MoU will facilitate greater cooperation between India and Uzbekistan in providing legal services in both countries in the field of exchange of experience through information sharing visits, and training between both countries on enhancing legal capacities of Government functionaries. For strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism: Will help the two countries in creating an institutional mechanism for enhancing cooperation in the tourism sector Help in increasing foreign tourist arrivals from Uzbekistan to the country. This in turn will result in economic development and employment generation. The MoU shall create favourable conditions for long-term tourism cooperation for the mutual benefits of all stakeholders within the broader framework and areas of cooperation.   It will explore to incorporate the best practices in order to implement the measures that will realizes the objectives set out in it. On cooperation for establishment of Uzbek-Indian Free Pharmaceutical Zone in the Andijan region of Uzbekistan: The MoU will create an enabling framework of cooperation for setting up an Uzbek-Indian Free Pharmaceuticals Zone in Andijan region of Uzbekistan. It will also facilitate Indian pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies to invest in and establish production facilities in the Uzbek-Indian Free Pharma Zone of Andijan for manufacture of Pharmaceutical Products. On cooperation in the field of Agriculture and Allied sectors: Exchange of information regarding laws, standards and product samples of mutual interest; Establishment of joint agriculture clusters in Uzbekistan; Exchange   of experience   in the field   of crop production   and their diversification; Exchange of experience in the field of seed production based on modern technology; exchange of information concerning certification of seed in accordance with the legislation of the States of the Parties; exchange of samples of seeds on beneficial terms. Application of technology for enhanced water use efficiency in agriculture and allied sectors, including irrigation; Conduct of joint scientific research on genetics, breeding, biotechnology, plant   protection, soil productivity conservation, mechanization, water resources, and mutual application of scientific results; Development and extension of cooperation in the field of plant quarantine; Exchange of experience in the field of animal husbandry, including animal health, poultry, genomics, setting up of quarantine facilities; Exchange of information between research institutes in the fields of agriculture and food industry on scientific and practical activities (fairs, exhibitions, conferences, symposia) Cooperation in agricultural and food trade; Explore setting up of food processing joint ventures; On cooperation in health and medical science: Expanding opportunities for the development of business cooperation in the field of medical equipment, including equipment for teaching and research laboratories of institutions of medical education, and pharmaceutical products; Strengthening of primary health care and setting up of health care facilities; Medical and health research development, as well as exchange of experience in these areas; Exchange of experiences and technologies in the field of telemedicine and electronic-health information systems; Maternal and child health protection; Development and improvement of the techniques and strategies for epidemiological surveillance and communicable and non-communicable diseases control; Regulation of drugs and pharmaceutical products MoU between India and South Korea for enhancing cooperation in Applied Science and Industrial Technology: To promote bilateral cooperation in the fields of applied science and industrial technologies for the purposes of promoting sustainable development and enhanced quality of life. MoU between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) ICAI and ICPAK will provide opportunities to key members of the reciprocal body's staff to learn from their knowledge and experience through informal work placements to be agreed through a work schedule. Jointly promote activities to raise awareness and the overall visibility of the ICAI/ ICPAK strategic partnership and the collaboration outlined in this MoU with members. ICAI and ICPAK will collaborate on benchmarking initiatives and trainee accountant exchange programmes. Major impact: India is Kenya's sixth largest trading partner and the largest exporter to Kenya. The Kenyan economy is expected to be amongst the top performers in Africa in 2017 in terms of growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).  Kenya has a largely diversified economic base and aims to seek increased access to the Indian market for Kenyan goods, while India is interested in exploring ways to become Kenya's top foreign trading partner. Considering that Kenya's economy is one of the top amongst the African countries and the kind of investments and trusts entrusted by the two counties in the recent past, India's Chartered Accountants have already been playing a significant role in the economic growth of the country; there is a lot of scope for professional opportunities for Indian Chartered Accountants in Kenya. India and the United Nations to sign a Five-Year Sustainable Development Framework (2018-2022) (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) Government of India-United Nations Sustainable Development Framework (SDF) 2018-2022 outlines the work of UN agencies in India, to support the achievement of key development outcomes that have been identified in consultation with the government and are aligned to the national priorities. The NITI Aayog is the national counterpart for the UN in India for the operationalization of the UNSDF. The UNSDF 2018-22 comprises of seven priority areas that outline the work that UN agencies will undertake jointly or individually, fully aligned with the priorities of the GoI. The seven priority areas outlined in the UNSDF are: Poverty and Urbanization; Health, Water, and Sanitation; Education and Employability; Nutrition and Food Security; Climate Change, Clean Energy, and Disaster Resilience; Skilling, Entrepreneurship, and Job Creation; and Gender Equality and Youth Development GS-3 Launch of Financial Inclusion Index (Topic: Indian Economy – Financial Inclusion and Inclusive Growth) By: Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance Will be a measure of access and usage of a basket of formal financial products and services that includes savings, remittances, credit, insurance and pension products. The index will have three measurement dimensions: Access to financial services Usage of financial services Quality The single composite index gives a snap shot of level of financial inclusion that would guide Macro Policy perspective – The various components of the index will also help to measure financial services for use of internal policy making. Financial Inclusion Index can be used directly as a composite measure in development indicators. It enables fulfilment of G20 Financial Inclusion Indicators requirements. It will also facilitate researchers to study the impact of financial inclusion and other macro-economic variables. Air pollution control device WAYU (Wind Augmentation PurifYing Unit) (Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation) Developed by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) as a part of Technology Development Project being funded by Department of Science and Technology. The prototype device that has been indigenously developed has the capacity to purify air in an area of 500 meter square. The device consumes only half a unit of electricity for 10 hours of running and has a maintenance cost of only Rs. 1500 per month. The device works on two principles – Wind generation for dilution of air pollutants and Active Pollutants removal. The device has filters for Particulate Matter removal and activated carbon (charcoal) and UV lamps for poisonous gases removal such as VOCs and Carbon Monoxide. The device has one fan and filter for sucking and removing Particulate Matter. There are two UV lamps and half kg of activated carbon charcoal coated with special chemical Titanium Dioxide. To launch SATAT initiative to promote Compressed Bio-Gas as an alternative, green transport fuel (Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation) SATAT, the initiative is aimed at providing a Sustainable Alternative towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) as a developmental effort that would benefit both vehicle-users as well as farmers and entrepreneurs. Has the potential to boost availability of more affordable transport fuels, better use of agricultural residue, cattle dung and municipal solid waste, as well as to provide an additional revenue source to farmers. To be launched on the penultimate day of the ongoing Swachhta Hi Seva fortnight, a mass movement to fulfil Mahatma Gandhi's vision of a Clean India, this initiative holds great promise for efficient municipal solid waste management and in tackling the problem of polluted urban air due to farm stubble-burning and carbon emissions. Background Bio-gas is produced naturally through a process of anaerobic decomposition from waste / bio-mass sources like agriculture residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud, municipal solid waste, sewage treatment plant waste, etc. After purification, it is compressed and called CBG, which has pure methane content of over 95%. Compressed Bio-Gas is exactly similar to the commercially available natural gas in its composition and energy potential. With calorific value (~52,000 KJ/kg) and other properties similar to CNG, Compressed Bio-Gas can be used as an alternative, renewable automotive fuel. Given the abundance of biomass in the country, Compressed Bio-Gas has the potential to replace CNG in automotive, industrial and commercial uses in the coming years. There are multiple benefits from converting agricultural residue, cattle dung and municipal solid waste into CBG on a commercial scale: Responsible waste management, reduction in carbon emissions and pollution Additional revenue source for farmers Boost to entrepreneurship, rural economy and employment Support to national commitments in achieving climate change goals Reduction in import of natural gas and crude oil Buffer against crude oil/gas price fluctuations The potential for Compressed Bio-Gas production from various sources in India is estimated at about 62 million tonnes per annum. It is planned to roll out 5,000 Compressed Bio-Gas plants across India in a phased manner, with 250 plants by the year 2020, 1,000 plants by 2022 and 5,000 plants by 2025. These plants are expected to produce 15 million tonnes of CBG per annum, which is about 40% of current CNG consumption of 44 million tonnes per annum in the country. At an investment of approx. Rs. 1.7 lakh crore, this initiative is expected to generate direct employment for 75,000 people and produce 50 million tonnes of bio-manure for crops. National Policy on Biofuels 2018: Emphasises active promotion of advanced bio-fuels, including CBG GOBAR-DHAN (Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources) scheme: To convert cattle dung and solid waste in farms to CBG and compost. The scheme proposes to cover 700 projects across the country in 2018-19. The programme will be funded under Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) component of Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G) to benefit households in identified villages through Gram Panchayats. Compressed Bio-Gas can be produced from: Various bio-mass/waste sources, including agricultural residue, municipal solid waste, sugarcane press mud, distillery spent wash, cattle dung and sewage treatment plant waste. The other waste streams, i.e, rotten potatoes from cold storages, rotten vegetables, dairy plants, chicken/poultry litter, food waste, horticulture waste, forestry residues and treated organic waste from industrial effluent treatment plants (ETPs) can be used to generate biogas. Distribution: Compressed Bio-Gas networks can be integrated with city gas distribution (CGD) networks to boost supplies to domestic and retail users in existing and upcoming markets. Besides retailing from OMC fuel stations, Compressed Bio-Gas can at a later date be injected into CGD pipelines too for efficient distribution and optimised access of a cleaner and more affordable fuel. Prelims Oriented News 23rd September: International Day of Sign Languages (Theme: With Sign Language, Everyone is Included!) Rail Heritage Digitisation Project: The project is a landmark effort, first of its kind in this part of the globe, to showcase country’s Rail Heritage to National and International audience (in collaboration with Google Arts & Culture) 20th Livestock Census: A breed-wise Livestock Census which will be helpful for framing policies or programmes for breed improvement. The initiatives on collection of breed-wise reliable information of various species will give vital information for determination of threatened indigenous breeds and to take initiatives for their conservation. Brand Ambassador of Tribes India (TRIFED): Ms. Mary Kom PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana: Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters – a comprehensive package which will result in creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet. Agmark online system: To conduct quality control functions – through the Agmark online system, certificate of authorisation (domestic), permission of printing press, permission of laboratories (domestic) and services related to laboratory information management system will be provided online. Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna For Insured Persons (IP) covered under the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 This scheme is a relief payable in cash directly to the Bank Account in case of unemployment and while they search for new engagement. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s initiative towards creation of standardized infrastructure for delivery of skill training which are equipped to run industry-driven courses of high quality with focus on employability and create an aspirational value for skill development training. Sikkim: Sikkim's first-ever airport: At Pakyong (part of the UDAN scheme); first airport in the Himalayan State, and the 100th airport in the country. First "Organic State" of India (Union Government has initiated the "Mission Organic Value Development for North Eastern Region.") First "Open Defecation Free" (ODF) State of India Young cricketer from Sikkim, Nilesh Lamichanay, recently became the first cricketer from the State to score a century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA): e-Vidhan to make the functioning of the State Legislatures paperless and integrate all 40 Legislative Houses on to ‘One Nation One Application’ Jan Dhan Darshak: Will act as a guide for the common people in locating a financial service touch point at a given location in the country. Successful Flight Test of Astra BVR Air-to-Air Missile Astra, the indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) The flight test assumes significance as it was part of the series of final pre-induction trials. Astra is the best in class weapon system and has undergone more than twenty developmental trials. Quotes The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind On Swachh Bharat Drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene are central to Sustainable Development Goal 6, especially targets 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3. Target 6.2 of the Sustainable Development Goals calls for countries to end open defecation, ensure everyone has access to a basic toilet and put in place systems for safe management of excreta. Improving access to sanitation and eradicating open defecation have enormous implications. They are critical social and economic investments. The absence of a suitable toilet and appropriate hygiene and sanitation practices can lead to malnutrition and life-long disadvantages. Therefore, for us in India – as elsewhere – a mission such as Swachh Bharat is critical to securing our human capital and our demographic dividend – and to giving our children a better future. No young girl should have to give up school only because a girls’ toilet is not available. Such an occurrence would be a scar on our collective conscience. Swachh Bharat is a revolution playing out in real time. As an instrument of mass mobilisation, as a people’s movement, and as a national goal towards which there is near total commitment, Swachh Bharat represents the spirit of our Independence movement. India is striving to eliminate open defecation in its entirety by October 2, 2019. Five important themes that countries may choose to adopt while meeting the problem of insufficient sanitation. These are – Ensure people lead the planning, implementation and management of sanitation programmes; Use smart and affordable technologies for effective and efficient service delivery; Eliminate all forms of inequalities in service delivery; Create innovative financing instruments to fund and sustain the sanitation movement; Develop capacities within the government to plan, implement and monitor sanitation programmes The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu On Smart Cities Social development should be at the core of every project undertaken by Smart Cities – asked city planners to accord highest priority to the livelihood, security, health, education and skilling of the poor, migrants, and women and said that vulnerabilities of the marginalized sections of the society must be kept in mind. Vulnerabilities of the marginalized sections of the society must be kept in mind India cannot afford lopsided development by allowing the villages to lag behind – Develop Smart Village at par with Smart Cities Pedestrian non-motorized zones are the need of the hour Need to address the concerns of air, water, soil and sound pollution in cities, apart from the need to promote energy efficiency, recycling urban waste, sustainable soil and land use Governance at door step is the key objective of smart cities and he asked authorities to work towards digitization of city governance, services, certifications and approvals without unnecessary personal interface. No line but online should be the mantra to cut down red tape and provide citizen-centric services. This singular step will save the time and effort of citizens and enhance the overall efficiency of the city On Indian cuisine Indian food heritage is a mixture of art and science and is exceptionally vast and diverse. The rich cultural diversity, native ethnicity, unique flavor of each region and different customs are best encapsulated by the Indian cuisine, which became enriched over thousands of years due to the intermingling of people belonging to different religions, languages and eating habits. ‘Annam Parabrahma Swaroopam’, loosely translated as ‘Food is like God’ is a part of our collective conscience and our ethos. Indian cuisine reflects the culture and tradition of the country which includes varied landscapes, linguistic diversity, colorful festivals, and multi-ethnicity

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Learning from mistakes – Inspirational Educative Articles

Learning from mistakes: If there is any one fundamental factor that determines and differentiates success from failure, it has to be the ability to learn from mistakes. If you think about this a little, you will see how fundamental and crucial is the ability to learn from mistakes if one has to succeed. We are all born with pretty much the same set of abilities. Nobody takes birth as Einstein or Edison. Even Einstein himself must have been very ignorant and stupid when he was a child. If all of us are born with the same faculties, then what is it that separates one individual from another? Ability to learn from mistakes has to be that all-important of factors. Plainly because, nothing teaches us as much as failure; we learn more from our failures than from another process of life. In fact, there is no other process of learning than learning from failures. If we are not learning from failures, then we are not learning at all. This is where one individual gets separated from other. Successful people don’t succeed all the time. In fact successful people fail as much as unsuccessful people, sometimes even more. It is not the number of failures that sets individuals apart. It is rather the individual’s ability to quickly learn from mistakes and never forget the learning. There is nothing worse than making the same mistake again and again. One cannot move towards a goal in any meaningful way without learning from mistakes. If we don’t learn from our mistakes, we simply keep going in circles endlessly. Registering the mistakes deeply in our memory and always remembering to not repeat it is probably the most important skill an individual can develop. Successful people learn so quickly and so fully from their mistakes that they can re-look at problems and situations from a completely new light. They can clearly see their past mistakes and know how to steer away from them. Really, that is all there is to success. Success is all about learning from our mistakes fully. A lot of us think that we are good at learning from mistakes. But when we introspect closely, we will realize that that is not at all the case. Very few of us have mastered the art of learning from our mistakes. Most of us are so adamantly stuck in our egos that we even refuse to learn from our own mistakes. We keep blaming external circumstances and go on making the same mistakes again and again. Learning from mistakes requires a completely objective way of looking at situations and circumstances. There cannot be any involvement of the ego when you are trying to learn from your mistakes. The most important thing one has to remember to learn from mistakes is that there is no other way to become better at something other than through the process of learning from mistakes. We are very far from being naturally good at anything. Life is hard precisely because of this; we have to learn from our mistakes and that too in a hurry. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.”

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