Feb 8, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 168

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 168 Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Agri-Market Infrastructure Fund (AMIF)’ It is to be created with NABARD. It will provide subsidised loans to states and Union Territories for agricultural produce market committee (APMC) mandis and gramin agricultural markets (GrAMs). Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Which of the following are examples of Indo-Saracenic Architecture? Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi Madras High Court, Chennai Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) ‘Washington Treaty’ is associated with NATO Arctic Council The Quad NAFTA Q.4) Consider the following statements about ‘National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)’ Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006 provides for creating the National Tiger Conservation Authority It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Republic of Macedonia’ It is one of the successor states of the former Yugoslavia It is a landlocked country It borders Greece Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Feb 8, 2019 RSTV Video

RSTV IAS UPSC – Importance of Voting

Importance of Voting Archives TOPIC: General studies 2  Indian polity; Government laws and policies; Policy reforms  Democratic governance and society In News: This year, India is celebrating its 9th National Voters Day on January 25. The voters' day celebration was initiated in 2011 by the then President of India, Pratibha Devi Patil, on the 61st foundation day of Election Commission of India. National Voters' Day 2019 was celebrated in over six lakh locations covering about ten lakh polling stations all over the country. 'No voter to be left behind' is the chosen theme for this year's celebration and it is also the focus in the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections. In a democracy, elections offer every citizen an opportunity to choose a representative. Creating, correcting and maintaining a democracy is important for every member in varying degrees, and is in essence a public good. Why is voting important for democratic countries? “Casting vote is a sacred duty and those who do not use the democratic right should feel the ‘pain’ of not exercising their franchise.” – PM Narendra Modi Voting is a basic process that helps to form a country's government. One can choose their representatives through voting. Voting rights enables people with the right to question the government about issues and clarifications. It also provides a sense of freedom to express opinion in major decision making for the benefit of the country in a democratic nation. Costs that the voter is willing to pay, if ready to vote The costs aren’t limited to taking the time out to vote, finding your polling booth or standing in the winding queues all morning, but also acquiring information about the candidates, campaign promises, and most importantly, analysing who is good for you and your fellow constituents. Despite this, voters might like to vote to signal that they care about contributing to this public good. Numerous empirical studies have shown that a combination of a sense of civic duty, moral responsibility and social pressure brings voters to the polling booths. Once a voter has decided to turn up, then she might as well vote for the candidate that she prefers, even if it is a mild preference. That still makes her go through the cognitively demanding task. One solution is economic voting—you re-elect the party/candidate if the economy is doing well and vote them out otherwise and this can be seen from our national election data as well. Another option is to look at elections as a grade card on incumbents—reject an office holder who did not meet your expectations in general or re-elect and retain the ones who did. Then there is whole other issue – Voting remains home-bound While millions criss-cross the country for work, the vote remains homebound as there is little effort to make it possible for migrant workers to vote from where they are. After each election, parties look to the Election Commission (EC) to find out the percentage of people who voted for them. But what often gets overlooked is the number of people who did not turn up to vote — even though sometimes their number is higher than the winning margin. True, there are some who don’t vote because they couldn’t care less. But there are many who are very involved but can’t vote because they are not registered in the place where they are “ordinarily resident”. A large number of them are migrant workers, who are enrolled in their native places but have moved elsewhere for work. Section 20 of the Representation of the People (RP) Act says a person can be registered as a voter in any constituency where he is “ordinarily resident”. In case he migrates to another constituency, all he needs to do is fill up a voter enrolment form at the new place while requesting that his name be deleted from the old list. However, not many migrants, most of whom are poor and not very educated, bother to have themselves enrolled every time they move to a new place for work. The process of enrolling takes time. It requires the migrant worker to submit proof of the new residence, which is not always available. On voting day, not many migrant workers can go to their native place to vote, as their employers may not give them leave or they may not be able to afford the journey. So, they end up not voting. What they obviously need is a facility allowing them to vote from where they are. This is a facility the government wants to introduce for NRIs, with the Lok Sabha passing a bill last August to amend the RP Act for facilitating proxy voting by NRIs from their countries of residence. But there’s no such plan to facilitate voting for domestic migrants. Tata Institute of Social Sciences had the following suggestions for EC to increase voter participation at polls: The “ordinarily resident” clause for enrolling as a voter should be treated as multi-local identity for internal migrants. EC says one has to be “ordinarily resident of the part or polling area of the constituency” where they want to be enrolled, which means one’s residential address is tied to the place of voting Political parties should debate the suitability of multiple voting mechanisms like postal, proxy, absentee, early and e-voting The short-term/seasonal migrants should be identified, especially among workers belonging to the poor and disadvantaged sections The Contract Labour and The Inter-state Migrant Workmen (Regulation Of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979, needs effective implementation. The Act aims to regulate the employment and safeguard interests of inter-state migrant workers, and as such requires registration of establishments employing them. That would provide a database of migrants for improving voter participation Voter ID and Aadhaar number should be merged to aid portability of voting rights A common, singlepoint, one-time voluntary registration system should be introduced at the destination place for migrant workers Electoral support services should be provided for migrants at the source and destination areas EC should organise campaigns to raise awareness about voting rights among domestic migrants Helplines should be opened for migrants at their destination place, with staff speaking different languages Note: The Constitution (Sixty-First Amendment) Act, 1988 had lowered the threshold voting age from 21 years to 18 years. Connecting the Dots: Illustrate the contribution of Election Commission in strengthening democracy in India.   Active participation in a democracy should be voluntary. Is compulsory voting against democracy? Substantiate your answer with a critical examination of the above statement.

Feb 7, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 07th February 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 07th February 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Sabarimala Row: Faith versus Equality Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Fundamental Rights; Fundamental Duties; Role of Judiciary In news: A total of 65 petitions challenged the authority of the court to intervene in a centuries-old belief that the Sabarimala deity is a ‘Naishtika Brahmachari’, whose penance should not be disturbed by the entry of women worshippers of the menstruating age of 10-50. Some advocates who fought the odds to enter the temple premises said – It was the fundamental duty of citizens under Article 51A (h) of the Constitution to “develop scientific temper, humanism, spirit of enquiry and reform.” That is what the Supreme Court judgment urges citizens to do. Restrictions on women based on biological factors is discriminatory and as a result violates Articles 14 (right to equality), 15 (prohibition of discrimination), 17 (untouchability), and cannot be protected by “morality” based on Articles 25 (freedom to practice and propagation of religion), 26 (Freedom to manage religious affairs). Article 25 (1) mandates freedom of conscience and right to practice religion. “All persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practise and propagate religion…” However, the Nair Service Society sought a review of the verdict on the ground that the exclusion was not based on gender or sex, but on religious faith in and character of the deity. The temple’s chief priest argued that “every devotee has a fundamental right to worship in a temple in a manner which is in sync with the character of the deity.”  He further said – “In Hindu religion, God is worshipped in different manifestations...Devotees have to worship in sync with the characteristics of that manifestation to attain salvation.” Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/02/07/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_01/6b034d69_2716726_101_mr.jpg Panel defers resort project at Andamans Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Development versus Environment; Biodiversity; Conservation In news: An expert committee of the Union Environment Ministry has “deferred” clearance to a ₹100 crore proposal by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited (ANIIDCL). The project was expected to develop an island resort, as well as put up “premium tents” and “tree houses”. Clearance was not issued on the grounds that it doesn’t take into account the biodiversity of the islands’ coast. Do you know? Home Ministry revived an Island Development Agency that would coordinate infrastructure projects to aid tourism in the A&N islands as well as Lakshadweep. The Centre has been working on a long-term plan to make several of the islands more conducive to tourism. Centre bans Kashmir outfit Part of: GS Mains III – Security issues In news: The Union Home Ministry has banned the Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen (TuM) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for promoting terrorism and radicalising and recruiting youth for terrorist activities in India. According to the Minsitry, TuM (which was set up in the 1990s) claims to be fighting for the “liberation of Kashmir”. The TuM carried out a number of terrorist attacks besides subversive acts, namely grenade attacks, weapons snatching incidents, supporting other terrorist outfits such as Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HuM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), etc. in terms of financial and logistic support in the recent past. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/02/07/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_11/299f015b_2716771_101_mr.jpg Do you know? Last year, eight TuM men were killed in various operations by security forces. Mostly, well-educated and belonging to urban settlements. India’s communication satellite GSAT-31 launched successfully In news: India’s latest communication satellite, GSAT-31 was successfully launched from the Spaceport in French Guiana. GSAT-31 has a unique configuration of providing flexible frequency segments and flexible coverage. The satellite will provide communication services to Indian mainland and islands. GSAT-31 will provide DTH Television Services, connectivity to VSATs for ATM, Stock-exchange, Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG) and e-governance applications. The satellite will also be used for bulk data transfer for a host of emerging telecommunication applications. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/02/07/CNI/Chennai/TH/5_11/25a32f4b_75b479d2_101_mr.jpg (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL/HEALTH ISSUE TOPIC: General studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders India needs a leap in healthcare spending Concerns in Health Sector: Poor public health spending Government aims to increase public health spending to 5% of GDP. However, current health spending is only 1.15-1.5% of GDP. To reach its target, the government should increase funding for health by 20-25% every year for the next five years or more. Poor allocation in Interim Budget The recent Interim Budget failed to adequately respond to the needs of the health sector. The total allocation to healthcare is ₹61,398 crore (an increase of ₹7,000 crore from the previous Budget). However, there is no net increase since the total amount is 2.2% of the Budget, the same as the previous Budget. The increase roughly equates the ₹6,400 crore allocated for implementation of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). Per capita spending on health Public per capita expenditure on health increased from ₹621 in 2009-10 to ₹1,112 in 2015-16. Per capita spending on health for 2018 is approx. ₹1,500. Despite the doubling of per capita expenditure on health over six years, the public spending figure is still abysmal. Comparison between two large democracies U.S.’s health expenditure is 18% of GDP, while India’s is still under 1.5%. In U.S. allocation for healthcare is 23.5% of the Budget. Per capita spending on health in the Budget is $3,150. In India, allocation for healthcare is merely 2.2% of the Budget. Per capita spending on health in the Budget in India is approx $30. $4,000-$5,000 per capita spending in OECD countries. Per capita Budget expenditure on health in India is among the lowest in the world. This requires immediate attention. High out-of-pocket expenditure Out-of-pocket expenditure in India is at a massive 67%. The ₹6,400 crore allocation to Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY in the Interim Budget will help reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on health. The way ahead: Increase the public health spending by 20-25% every year for the next five years or more. Increase the per capita Budget expenditure on health. Set up more health and wellness centres Health and wellness centres should focus not only on preventive health, screening, and community-based management of basic health problems. It should also include health education and holistic wellness integrating modern medicine with traditional Indian medicine. Policies should focus on long-term commitment and resource allocation. NITI Aayog has proposed higher taxes on tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy food in order to revamp the public and preventive health system. A focused approach in adding tax on tobacco and alcohol, to fund non-communicable disease prevention strategies at health and wellness centres, should be considered. Do you know? ₹250 crore has been allocated for setting up health and wellness centres under the National Urban Health Mission. Under the National Rural Health Mission, ₹1,350 crore has been allocated for the same. Nearly 1.5 lakh health and wellness centres would be set up under Ayushman Bharat. The non-communicable diseases programme of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Strokehas been allocated ₹175 crore, from ₹275 crore. Allocation to the National Tobacco Control Programme and Drug De-addiction Programme is only ₹65 crore, a decrease of ₹2 crore. Conclusion: Increase of GDP alone does not guarantee health, since there is no direct correlation between GDP and health outcomes. However, improvement in health does relate positively to GDP, since a healthy workforce contributes to productivity. PMJAY must be linked to quality and health sector must be made a priority area, like defence. Only if we invest more for the long-term health of the nation will there be a similar rise in GDP. Connecting the dots: Can increase in scope of private financing to fund public health care be a rational option? Evaluate. What do you understand by universal health coverage? Explain the measures taken by the government to achieve universal health coverage in India. POLITY/HEALTH ISSUE TOPIC: General studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders Centre-State Relations; Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. Will Ayushman Bharat hurt the spirit of cooperative federalism? Context: We know that – Prime Minister had rolled out the centre’s flagship Ayushman Bharat The scheme includes National Health Protection Scheme renamed as Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojna (PMJAY) and Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs). The scheme will also subsume two ongoing centrally sponsored health insurance schemes namely Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna (RSBY) and the Senior Citizen Insurance Scheme (SCHIS) About Ayushman Bharat It is an integrated approach covering primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare through – access to Health and Wellness centres (HWCs) at the primary healthcare level and financial protection for accessing curative care at the secondary and tertiary levels through PMJAY. Ayushman Bharat is assumed to be giant leap towards providing accessible and affordable health care to the common man. With PMJAY, the government is taking healthcare protection to a new aspirational level. This would be the world’s largest government funded healthcare program targeting more than 50 crore beneficiaries. Against the spirit of cooperative federalism? However, some states - West Bengal, Telangana, Delhi and Odisha – have not joined Ayushman Bharat. Therefore, the question arises whether the scheme is hurting the idea of cooperative federalism. 1. Health is State Subject – Since, the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution makes States responsible for hospital services, the States have their own schemes to provide financial risk protection to those seeking medical relief. The constitution endows upon the state government autonomous powers. They are directly elected by the people of their respective states and are voted to power on certain promises. 2. Entire credit to the current administration – The insistence to prefix Ayushman Bharat to existing State names and the despatch of a personalised letter to 7.5 crore families with only the Prime Minister’s photograph were seen as attempts to attribute the entire credit to the current administration, though State governments are equal partners — funding 40% of the scheme, bearing the responsibility of its implementation and covering double the number of beneficiaries. 3. Creating of National Health Authority (NHA) – NHA to provide standardised procedures, costs, build an institutional architecture and access all data for effective monitoring. This standardisation can stifle innovation and entail costly structures that may not accommodate local conditions, preferences, and cost-effective solutions. 4. Some of the State Schemes are better than Ayushman Bharath – For instance, Punjab’s Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Bima Yojna (BPSSBY) scheme covers 29.3 BPL families whereas Ayushman Bharat covers only 14.96. Telangana’s Arogyashri and Odisha’s BSKY is already a step ahead of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. Odhisa has a unique PPP project called Affordable Healthcare Project (AHP). Under this project, the state is encouraging private participation not only in providing healthcare but also in building requisite infrastructure by way of providing viability gap funding. The scheme, Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), is touted to be an improved version of what Ayushman Bharat is. It covers more people with a higher cover. The AAP government is critical of the scheme because they believe it has been launched without adequate budgetary support or other means of resource mobilization. Moreover there has not been commensurate focus on developing requisite infrastructure to make the scheme of this scale work. Conclusion: Providing more funds to the States, subject to achieving certain goals, would have provided more scope to innovate, model the design to fit their context, resource base, epidemiological status, level of development, take total ownership and be accountable for outcomes. Only when the federal constituents are given freedom to accept or reject proposal by the central government, democracy gets its nutrition and prospers in a sustainable way. Connecting the dots: Will Ayushman Bharat hurt the spirit of cooperative federalism? Critically examine. (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 about centre’s flagship Ayushman Bharat scheme: The scheme includes National Health Protection Scheme renamed as Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojna (PMJAY) and Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs). The scheme will also subsume two ongoing centrally sponsored health insurance schemes namely Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna (RSBY) and the Senior Citizen Insurance Scheme (SCHIS) Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both None Q.2) Consider the following statements about National Health Protection Scheme It covers 10 crore poor and vulnerable families It is a flagship programme under Ayushman Bharat It will provide coverage upto Rs 5 lakh per family per annum in secondary and tertiary care institutions Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above MUST READ Tough-talking: On Taliban reconciliation process The Hindu Ayodhya and the challenge to equality  The Hindu Trump and his generals The Hindu Square pegs, round holes Indian Express A Crossroads In Kabul Indian Express A labour of law Indian Express Missing the gender-infrastructure link Indian Express  

Feb 7, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 167

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 167 Archives Q.1) The ‘World Investment Report’ is published by World Economic Forum (WEF) World Trade Organisation (WTO) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) International Monetary Fund (IMF) Q.2) ‘India Rural Development Report (IRDR)’ is published by IDFC Rural Development Network National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Small Industries Development Bank of India NITI Aayog Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Know India Programme’ It is a flagship initiative for diaspora engagement which familiarizes Indian-origin youth with their Indian roots and contemporary India It is organised by the Ministry of Culture Select the correct statements: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Which of the following is classified as ‘Girmitiya countries’? Mauritius Fiji Suriname Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) ‘Spratly Islands’ is located in which of the following Danube River South China Sea Gulf of Maine Pacific Ocean To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Feb 7, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 06th February 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 06th February 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Bullet train gets green light via flamingo haven, national park Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Biodiversity; Conservation of animals; Protected Areas In news: Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan-led panel gave nod to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed train corridor. The corridor is said to encroach some of the forest land of Thane Creek Flamingo Wildlife Sanctuary and the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, home to leopards, in Mumbai. The first lot of bullet trains are expected to ply on six high-speed corridors by 2022-23—Delhi-Mumbai; Mumbai-Chennai; Delhi-Kolkata; Delhi-Nagpur; Mumbai-Ahmedabad; and Mumbai-Nagpur. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/02/06/CNI/Chennai/TH/5_09/6d812531_dfe39d88_101_mr.jpg PM-JAY app and National Health Authority In news: Union Health Minister recently launched PM-JAY app and also inaugurated the newly-constituted National Health Authority (NHA) which aims to effectively implement PM-JAY. The app has been introduced within just four months since the launch of the scheme and is aimed at helping users get easy access to information on the scheme, check eligibility, find hospitals nearby and get assisted help. The National Health Authority with a stronger mandate would be able to prevent, detect and control frauds, abuse and redress grievances, thus resulting in the reduction of leakages. The National Health Authority would be chaired by Union Health Minister and have representation from the Government and domain experts. About PM-JAY Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan, also known as Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest health scheme which will serve a population that equals 27-28 European countries. The beneficiaries are almost equal to the population of Canada, Mexico and US put together. The scheme aims to provide cashless treatment to beneficiaries identified through the Central Socio-Economic Caste Census. The scheme covers 1,350 medical conditions ranging from caesarean section to coronary stenting and joint replacement. It is a government-sponsored health insurance scheme. It will provide free treatment for up to Rs.5 lakh a family a year in any government or empanelled private hospitals all over India. Do you know? PMJAY has completed 100 days. The project is billed as the world’s largest state-funded health scheme. The medical journal, Lancet, has praised the prime minister for prioritising universal healthcare through the PMJAY. PMJAY is one step towards Universal Health coverage. PMJAY has created an excellent opportunity for the country to improve its health care.  It is critical for reducing the disease burden of the country. India spends just 1.4% of GDP on healthcare which is less than even some developing countries. It should increase the funding and involve the private sector effectively. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2 Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.  Institutional Decay and Role of Institution in Democracy Context: We recently read about unreleased National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) report which revealed that India's unemployment rate touched a 45-year high of 6.1% (especially after demonetization). Despite getting all required clearances, the government chose not to publicly release the NSSO report. This suppression of data/information has created massive controversy and resignation of two members of the National Statistical Commission, a statutory body which releases the NSSO reports. By suppressing its own data on current employment, or rather job loss, the current Government has, thereby, compromised the autonomy and the standing of the National Statistical Commission. Institutional decay Under the current NDA’s rule, an unprecedented and dire situation has arisen, as key institutions – pillars of the republic – have squirmed under the overbearing pressure of interference. Although institutions have always had to negotiate with political rulers, and there have been periods in India’s past when things came to a flash point, but never before has such a sweeping discontent been visible to the people. It poses a danger for the country’s democracy if institutions like the Supreme Court, RBI, Election Commission, CBI, CIC etc. are pressurised to function for political ends. Such sordid story of institutional decay in India is not confined to current ruling government but even the previous governments undermined key institutions. The internal Emergency imposed on the country from 1975 to 1977 initiated the process. The then government tried to tame bureaucrats as well as the highest court in the land. Postings and appointments were manipulated to suit the ruling dispensation. However, the current government has earned the dubious distinction of sabotaging the autonomy of several political institutions in rapid succession. Why institutional decay needs to be checked? Institutional decay affects ordinary citizens in disastrous ways. Arbitrary expansion and unlawful exercise of power by democratically elected government violates constitutional rights to freedom, equality and justice. Therefore, there is a need to limit the power of government. Role of institutions Institutions, as the embodiment of formal and informal rules, assure citizens that the government exercises power according to some norms that enable as well as regulate state capacity. Institutions embody ‘strong evaluations’. Institutions, which stand independently of us, give us standards that allow us to evaluate what is right and wrong, better and worse, and higher and lower. It provides us a position to judge whether the power exercised by political parties is fair or unfair. Rules make our worlds predictable. We know what the boundaries of the freedom of expression are, we know that if the police arrests us tomorrow, we have the right to appoint a lawyer and appeal to the judiciary. Without institutions and rules our life would be chancy, unpredictable and fickle. We would inhabit a space empty of certainties, expectations, aspirations and evaluations. Conclusion: In a democracy, individuals are governed by institutions, and not by men. If we do not live in an institutional universe, we will be at the mercy of capricious individuals. The present government has tampered with institutions by appointing its own people to positions of authority, and by using the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax authorities, the Central Bureau of Investigation and the police as bulldozers to flatten out any site of opposition. In civil society, human rights organisations have been pulverised by blockage of funds, raids and arrests without proper evidence. All this testifies the government’s subversion of the rule of law. Such development contravenes the spirit of the freedom struggle. Connecting the dots: In a democracy, individuals are governed by institutions, and not by men. Elucidate. Essay: In a democracy, individuals are governed by institutions, and not by men. ECONOMY TOPIC: General studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.  Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.  Timely review: On Angel Tax Context: We read that Centre has decided to set up a five-member working committee to look into the angel tax issue and come up with guidelines soon. (05 Feb 2019 DNA – Centre may relax angel tax norms for start-ups) Therefore, start-ups which were troubled by the so-called angel tax may soon receive some concession from the government. About Angel Tax Angel tax is a term used to refer to the income tax payable on capital raised by unlisted companies via issue of shares where the share price is seen in excess of the fair market value of the shares sold. The excess realisation is treated as income and taxed accordingly. The tax was introduced in the 2012 Union Budget by then finance minister Pranab Mukherjee to arrest laundering of funds. It has come to be called angel tax since it largely impacts angel investments in startups. Issue with Angel Tax Start-up owners have complained that income tax officials have asked many start-ups to cough up money when they try to attract capital into their entities by issuing new shares. However, IT department fears that start-ups may be used as convenient tools to launder illegally acquired money, so a tax on investments beyond a certain threshold is necessary to deter such shady operations. But while the intent of such an angel tax may be justifiable, the arbitrary nature of it means the cost of unintended consequences could be larger than the supposed benefits. Investors, foreign or domestic, may become wary of investing in new ideas when they are taxed while risking money on untested ventures. Do you know? In trying to curb money-laundering, Section 56(2)(viib) of the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961 gives income tax officials a free hand to harass even genuine start-ups looking to raise investments for their growth. Under the Act, the IT department is free to arbitrarily decide the fair value of a company’s share and tax start-ups if the price at which their new shares are sold to investors is higher than the fair value of these shares. In crux, the broad-brush tax on all investments means an unnecessary cost is imposed on the wider start-up community simply because of the lack of better means at the government’s disposal to tackle black money. Therefore, the government has set up a committee to raise the threshold beyond which new investments into start-ups will be taxed. The committee is expected to recommend provisions that make life easier to a certain extent for angel investors and start-ups. It’s high time to review the above provisions, make necessary changes and provide impetus to the start-ups. After all, some of today’s start-ups will be billion-dollar companies tomorrow. Therefore, they deserve a soft touch in their initial years. Connecting the dots: What is Angel Tax? Do you think Angel tax is an impediment to entrepreneurship and start-ups? Discuss. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Sanjay Gandhi National Park is located in - Rajasthan Jammu and Kashmir Maharashtra Madhya Pradesh Q.2) Which term refers to a specialized firm that finances young, start-up companies? Venture Capital Firm Finance Company Small-Business Finance Company Capital-Creation Company Q.3) Consider the following Angel investors invest their own money into businesses, but venture capitalists invest money contributed by several investors. Angel investors are found in virtually all industries, and they have diversified portfolios. Venture capitalists are involved in limited industries (mostly technology and infrastructure), and they have limited portfolios. Select the correct statement/s 1 only 2 only Both None Q.4) Consider the following statements with reference to angel investors in India Only an individual can qualify as an angel investor in India, contrary to global experience where even a body corporate can become an angel investor. For the capital invested, they must be provided preferential shares by the company. They are focused on helping the business succeed, rather than reaping a huge profit from their investment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Only 1 1 and 3 Only 3 1, 2 and 3 Q.5) Which of the following bird species are migratory in nature? Pelican Flamingo Northern Duck Amur Falcon Select the correct answer using the code given below. 1 and 3 only 1 and 4 only 2, 3, and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4 MUST READ  A series of unfortunate missteps The Hindu Risks to global growth The Hindu A Grand Narrative Indian Express Budget’s blind eye Indian Express With an ocean of salt Indian Express A new temple, a new mosque Indian Express Time to rethink policies for FDI in e-commerce Indian Express

Feb 7, 2019 UPSC Interview Discussion-TRP

Interview Discussion IAS UPSC: Think, Rethink and Perform (TRP)-Day 16

Interview Discussion: Think, Rethink and Perform; (TRP)- Day 16  ARCHIVES Set 1: Ask these questions to yourself; contemplate and come out with a concrete answer (not to be discussed on this forum). Invest at least 30 minutes on this set of questions. What is your idea of religion? Should a person be religious? Why? Are you religious? If yes, why? If not, why not?   Set 2: Analyse the following issue: Many a times we witness legal prudence conflicting with religious sentiments. We are witnessing this in places like Sabarimala, Ayodhya etc. In a constitutional democracy, it becomes difficult to reconcile the two. Isn’t it? What are your views in this regard? Is there a way that can bring in coherence between these two? Think out of the box and try to evolve a response.  

Feb 6, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 05th February 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 05th February 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Emission levels rising faster in Indian cities than in China Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Ecology issues; Pollution In news: Greenhouse gas emissions from urbanization (esp. from vehicles) in India rising at a faster than in China. There is a link between population density and emissions from transport. According to a study - In China a 1% increase in urbanisation was linked with a 0.12% increase in CO2 emissions whereas, in India, it translated into 0.24% increase in emissions Do you know? The experience in most developed countries was that urbanisation led to a reduction in emissions — more urbanisation meant shorter distances between the workplace and home and thereby, a preference for public transport. However this don’t effectively apply to developing countries. In spite of being the 4th largest emitter, India's per capita emissions are much lower than the world average of 4.2 tonnes. Delhi had the highest commuting emissions per capita — a factor that also contributed to its high level of pollution — and the national capital region had 2.5 times higher commuting emissions than Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. 67% cancer patients in SE Asia die before 70: WHO Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Health issue Key facts: According to WHO – In 2018, 18.1 million new cases of cancer developed worldwide. 6 million people died from the disease in 2018 70% of the deaths occurred in low and middle-income countries 67% cancer patients in SE Asia die before 70 In 2017, just 30% of low-income countries reported having cancer treatment services available. One woman dies of cervical cancer every eight minutes in India. For every two women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, one woman dies of it in India Asian Elephant Alliance Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Biodiversity; Conservation of animals In news: Asian Elephant Alliance to secure 96 out of the 101 existing corridors used by elephants across 12 States in India. The joint venture is aiming at raising £20 million (₹187.16 crore) to secure the 96 remaining elephant corridors, old and new, in the next ten years. About Asian Elephant Alliance Asian Elephant Alliance, an umbrella of five NGOs, was launched to reverse crisis facing elephants. The initiative aims to stem the crisis facing the world’s remaining Asian elephants – thought to number only 35,000 – 45,000. Habitat loss, along with ivory poaching, has devastated the population of wild Asian elephants, a distinct species from their African cousins. Survival for these few remaining elephants requires urgent action. Therefore, a new coalition - the Asian Elephant Alliance - has been formed to tackle the crisis. The member organisations are Elephant Family, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), IUCN Netherlands, Wildlife Trust of India and World Land Trust. Centre may relax angel tax norms for start-ups Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III - Indian Economy and issues related to it In news: Centre decides to set up a five-member working committee to look into the angel tax issue and come up with guidelines soon. Start-ups have come under the scrutiny of tax officials for having raised capital above the fair value of their shares. Reforms proposed: Start-ups whose aggregate amount of paid-up share capital and share premium after the proposed issue of share does not exceed ₹10 crore are eligible for exemption from the tax. Definition of a start-up will be amended to include companies that have been in operation for up to 10 years rather than the previous limit of seven years. What is ‘Angel Tax’? The ‘angel tax’ is the tax on share premium paid to acquire new shares in a company that the tax authorities regard as excessive. It is a 30% tax that is levied on the funding received by startups from an external investor. However, this 30% tax is levied when startups receive angel funding at a valuation higher than its ‘fair market value’. It is counted as income to the company and is taxed. Angel tax was introduced in 2012, with the purpose of keeping money laundering in check. Why is Angel tax problematic? There is no definitive or objective way to measure the ‘fair market value’ of a startup. Investors pay a premium for the idea and the business potential at the angel funding stage. However, tax officials seem to be assessing the value of the startups based on their net asset value at one point. Several startups say that they find it difficult to justify the higher valuation to tax officials. In a May, 2018 notification, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) had exempted angel investors from the Angel Tax clause subject to fulfilment of certain terms and conditions, as specified by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP). However, despite the exemption notification, there are a host of challenges that startups are still faced with, in order to get this exemption. ‘Urban Naxals’: Term used to silence those who dissent Context: On August 28, the Pune police raided the homes of five activists – academic and public intellectual Anand Teltumbde, lawyer Sudha Bharadwaj, retired professor and poet Varavara Rao, human rights lawyer Arun Ferreira, activist Vernon Gonsalves, and human rights activist Gautam Navalakha. Describing them as “Urban Naxals”, the police confiscated their computers and mobile phones and took many of them into custody. In news: Dalit scholar and rights activist Anand Teltumbde said the “urban maoism” terminology is a “formula” to silence voices of those people who show courage to question the government policies and speak for safeguarding their democratic rights. Abrupt arrests are part of a larger conspiracy against intellectuals and people fighting for democratic rights. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL/SECURITY TOPIC: General studies 2 Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.  General studies 3 Role of external state and nonstate actors in creating challenges to internal security. Challenges to internal security  Security challenges and their management in border areas Assam NRC Process: Opaque, Unreasonable and Discriminatory Context: The below article provides the concerns associated with the ongoing National register of Citizens process in Assam. Concerns highlighted in the National register of Citizens process Process of adding person to NRC list is too complex and confusing – riddled with legal inconsistencies and errors. Instances of arbitrary rejection of the gram panchayat certificates. Bewildering and opaque rules and an uncaring bureaucracy. Absence of legal-aid by the state Faults on part of the Supreme Court Lack of proper monitoring process Failed to ensure legal clarity over the manner in which the claims of citizenship could be decided Failed to understand the implications of the results, and after effects as well as recourse that should be made available for people who have failed to be recognized as citizens of the State Inability to comprehend the further political and policy actions in case of loss of citizenship Absence of public compassion Names of several highly impoverished, mostly rural, powerless and poorly lettered residents were dropped from the draft NRC only because of minor differences in the spelling of Bengali names in English in different documents. A person could be excluded from citizenship even if their age differs in different documents. Tougher on women Women are especially in danger of exclusion from the citizenship register. Reasons – they have no birth certificates, are not sent to school, and are married before they become adults. They live in villages after marriage, which are different from those of their parents. They have no documents to prove that they are indeed the children of the people they claim are their parents. Opaque processes One more concern is that the process empowers the Assam Police to identify anyone it suspects to be a ‘foreigner’. Police claim in most cases is that the person was unable to show them documents establishing his or her citizenship. All cases referred by the police are heard by Foreigners’ Tribunals (FTs). Earlier, retired judges were appointed to these tribunals. However, the current government has appointed many lawyers who have never been judges. There are now FTs in which not a single person has been declared an Indian citizen over several months. Even if an FT confirms a person to be an Indian citizen, another FT and often the same FT can again issue notice to the same person to prove her legitimate citizenship once more. Conclusion: A person is never allowed to feel secure that the state has finally accepted that she is an Indian citizen. NRC process is masked by opaque, unreasonable and discriminatory practices. It is important and essential for the union government to proactively come out with an equitable, predictable and transparent plan on the way forward, for those who will be identified as ‘foreigners’. Connecting the dots: Is the National Register of Citizens (NRC) update process going to settle the issue of illegal foreigners in Assam? Do you think the ongoing exercise is masked by opaque, unreasonable and discriminatory processes? Examine. NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2 Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.   Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. Rohingya issue and India’s moral obligation Introduction: The UN had expressed its concern over India sending back Rohingya refugees to Myanmar without the world body's refugee agency ascertaining if they are voluntarily returning. In January, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) called for a report from India on the deportation of a group of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar in October 2018. It has sought clarification from India on the circumstances under which the asylum seekers were sent back. According to the UN – Conditions are not safe for the Rohingyas to return home. India’s repatriation of the refugees contravenes international principles on refugee law as well as domestic constitutional rights. Attacks on the Rohingyas that led to their fleeing Myanmar is a case of "ethnic cleansing". Do you know? There are an estimated 18,000 Rohingya refugees and asylum-seekers registered with UNHCR in India, living across different locations. However, around 40,000 Rohingya refugees are believed to be in India. According to 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, “no contracting State shall expel or return a refugee in any manner whatsoever to the frontiers of territories where his life or freedom would be threatened on account of his race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.” (PRINCIPLE OF NON-REFOULEMENT) Refugee law is a part of international human rights law. Indian context: It is often argued that since India is not a party to both 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol, the principle of non-refoulement is not binding on India. However, the prohibition of non-refoulement of refugees constitutes a norm of customary international law, which binds even non-parties to the Convention. India lacks a specific legislation to address the problem of refugees, in spite of their increasing inflow. The Foreigners Act, 1946, fails to address the peculiar problems faced by refugees as a class. It also gives unbridled power to the Central government to deport any foreign citizen. Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides that everyone has the right to seek and enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution. Article 51 of the Constitution imposes an obligation on the state to endeavour to promote international peace and security. Article 51(c) talks about promotion of respect for international law and treaty obligations. Therefore, the Constitution conceives of incorporation of international law into the domestic realm. Fundamental rights - While all rights are available to citizens, persons including foreign citizens are entitled to the right to equality and the right to life, among others. Conclusion: Thus the argument that the nation has not violated international obligations during the deportation is a mistaken one. The Rohingya refugees, while under the jurisdiction of the national government, cannot be deprived of the right to life and personal liberty. The deportation of refugees by India is not only unlawful but breaches a significant moral obligation. Connecting the dots: India’s reticence on the Rohingya crisis undermines its democracy and global standing. Do you agree? Critically analyse. “Refugee crisis is more of a global security concern than humanitarian crisis”. 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) Consider the following statements with regard to Asian Elephant Alliance: The Alliance aims to secure a safe future for the wild elephants of India, which make up approximately half of the world’s wild Asian elephants. The Alliance calls for Corporate India and the government to commit a £20m investment in elephant corridors by 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both None Q.2) Consider the below statements with regard to Angel Tax: It is a term used to refer to the income tax payable on capital raised by unlisted companies via issue of shares. Since it largely impacts angel investments in startups, it is called angel tax. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both None Q.3) Asian Elephants are Endangered Critically Endangered Extinct Vulnerable Q.4) Consider the following statements Satpura Range is spread over 2 States only Aravalli Range is the oldest range of Fold Mountains in India Eastern Ghats are not as high as the Western Ghats Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 2 Only Q.5) Consider the following statements regarding ‘Refugees’ India has recently signed the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention on the Status of Refugees World Refugee Day is celebrated on 20th June The 1951 Convention the only instrument relevant to the rights of refugees Select the incorrect code 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 Only 2 Q.6) ‘Rakhine State’ has been in the news for quite some time for large scale exodus of migrants and severe human right violations. In which of the following countries does it exist? Palestine Syria Yemen Myanmar MUST READ  An appeasement Budget The Hindu Visa crackdown: On Indian students’ arrest The Hindu America has lost the Afghan war The Hindu The danger of cash transfers  The Hindu Managing the stimulus Indian Express Meaning Of A Visit Indian Express Raja Mandala: Secularism comes to Arabia? Indian Express Missing the healing touch Indian Express A budget for Bharat and India Indian Express

Feb 6, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 166

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 166 Archives Q.1) Which is the first State to set up a price monitoring and research unit (PMRU)? Maharashtra Kerala Bihar Rajasthan Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Asian Infrastructure Finance 2019 report’ I was published by Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) It notes that the trade frictions and market volatility have increased uncertainty around project pipelines It highlights that rising geopolitical tensions and a busy election cycle will increase investor caution Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Hindu Kush’ Range Tirich Mir is the highest mountain of the Hindu Kush range It stretches from central Afghanistan to northern Pakistan Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Mahila Samridhi Yojana’ It is implemented through National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) Under this scheme Government provides microfinance to women entrepreneur belonging to the backward classes Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) ‘Bhagoria Haat Festival’ is celebrated in which state? Maharashtra Odisha Madhya Pradesh Uttarakhand To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Feb 6, 2019 Topper's From IASbaba

UPSC/IFoS RESULT-Topper 2018, CHIRAG JAIN, Rank 10, IASbaba ILP's Most Favorite Student

Dear Friends, If you remember in the introduction write up of ILP 2018, we had taken Chirag Jain as our ideal student and confidently predicted that one day he will score a top rank. Well, today is the day!!! He has bagged Rank 10 in IFos!! UPSC/CSE Awaited. We hope to hear a lot more positive results from our ILP students in near future. We wish him very good luck and a bright future ahead :) 

Feb 5, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 04th February 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 04th February 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Social/Welfare issue; Government schemes and policies In news: PM-KISAN Scheme aims to extend direct income support at the rate of Rs. 6,000 per year to farmer families, having cultivable land upto 2 hectares. This income support will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of beneficiary farmers, in three equal instalments of Rs. 2,000 each. Around 12 Crore small and marginal farmer families are expected to benefit. This programme will be funded by Government of India. This programme will entail an annual expenditure of Rs.75,000 crore. PM-KISAN would pave the way for the farmers to earn and live a respectable living. Endosulfan agitation ends Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Social/Welfare issue; Health issue In news: Victims of endosulfan poisoning in Kerala ended their five-day long indefinite hunger strike. They have been fighting a long and frustrating battle demanding financial aid, adequate rehabilitation packages and healthcare facilities. Environmental activists call it the biggest pesticide tragedy in India. Why the agitation? People living in more than 20 gram panchayats in Kasargod district were exposed to the insecticide endosulfan – a highly potent neurotoxin – between 1975 and 2000, when the public sector Plantation Corporation of Kerala sprayed the chemical aerially on its 12,000-acre cashew estates. Its residues spread far and wide via wind and rain, leaving a trail of destruction in the district and neighbouring regions of Karnataka, killing more than 1,000 people. It poisoned more than 6,000 people. Thousands of children were born with congenital disabilities, hydrocephalus, diseases of the nervous system, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and severe physical and mental disabilities. The Plantation Corporation of Kerala stopped spraying endosulfan in 2001, but its impact is still being felt in Kasargod – babies continue to be born with genetic disorders and physical deformities. Victims have been fighting a long and frustrating battle demanding financial aid, adequate rehabilitation packages and healthcare facilities. Do you know? Endosulfan is an off-patent organochlorine insecticide and acaricide that is being phased out globally. Endosulfan became a highly controversial agrichemical due to its acute toxicity, potential for bioaccumulation, and role as an endocrine disruptor. Because of its threats to human health and the environment, a global ban on the manufacture and use of endosulfan was negotiated under the Stockholm Convention in April 2011. Endosulfan pesticide was used widely on crops like cashew, cotton, tea, paddy, fruits and others until 2011, when the Supreme Court banned its production and distribution. The health effects of the chemical include neurotoxicity, late sexual maturity, physical deformities, poisoning, among others. People, especially newborns, have suffered deformaties, health complications and loss of family members due to exposure to the agrochemical. Millet Village Scheme Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Government schemes and programmes; Agriculture In news: The Project “Millet Village” was started in year 2017-18 in Attapady, Kerala. The project is intended for rejuvenating the traditional tribal agriculture. The project aims at protecting seeds of traditional varieties of millets and ensures food security and livelihood for tribals. Apart from production of Millets, Pulses, Oilseeds, Vegetables and Apiculture, it is proposed to start Procurement, Processing, Packing, Labelling and Marketing of value added finished products of millets. Similar projects will be implemented throughout the State in suitable locations. Do you know? Kerala Agriculture Department has sought Central support under the national-level mission for promoting millets. Millets are considered as ‘superfood’ and ‘eat smart’ strategies. Under the Millet Village scheme, the department had harvested ragi (finger millet), thina (foxtail millet), cholam (sorghum) and kuthiravaali (barnyard millet) in 1,200 acres. Additionally, a pilot scheme for cultivating Chia, a Central American plant, which is gaining popularity in India as yet another superfood, was progressing at Attappady. High protein content, short growing season, climate change resilience and low water requirement make millets an ideal crop for the State. Millets can grow in poor soil conditions with less water, fertiliser and pesticides. They can withstand higher temperatures, making them the perfect choice as ‘climate-smart’ cereals. Miscellaneous: Centre’s crackdown hits Greenpeace In news: Greenpeace has been forced to close two of its regional offices and “considerably” reduce its staff in India because of a government crackdown on allegedly unlawful foreign funding of NGOs. The organisation has been campaigning on environmental issues in India for nearly two decades. Do you know? Greenpeace India had its foreign funding blocked in 2015 as part of a nationwide crackdown on charities. (MAINS FOCUS) POLITY/NATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2 Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. Separation of powers between various organs. The Doctrine of Basic Structure of the Indian Constitution: A Critique Introduction: One of the most fundamental and equally ambiguous concepts that underlies Indian Constitutional Law is the ‘basic structure doctrine’. It has now been more than 45 years since the Supreme Court ruled in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala that Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution was not unlimited, that the Constitution’s basic structure was infrangible. Criticisms: While there is no denying its significance the doctrine has often been criticized – It is ambiguous and allows the judiciary to tread on the toes of other branches of Government. The phrase “basic structure” finds no mention anywhere in the Constitution. Therefore, some experts even call it undemocratic as unelected judges can strike down a constitutional amendment. The doctrine accords the judiciary a power to impose its philosophy over a democratically formed government – “tyranny of the unelected”. Of recently there has been severe disapproval of the document, because of the Supreme Court’s occasionally confused interpretation of what the Constitution’s basic structure might be. Positives of the doctrine: However, rejecting the doctrine altogether is not a good idea, as – It possesses substantial moral value important to strengthen democracy as it limits the power of a majoritarian government to undermine the Constitution’s central ideals. It implies limitations on the amending powers of the Legislature. Restrains Legislature from stepping into the treacherous realm of arbitrariness by misusing article 368 of the Indian Constitution. It is critical to upkeep the spirit of the constitution document. It performs an important democratic role in ensuring that majoritarian governments do not destroy the Constitution’s essential character. To protect the country’s federal structure, safeguard human rights and established constitutional principles such as the state’s democratic and social order. Parliament is a creature of the Constitution. It should not, therefore, make changes that have the effect of overthrowing or obliterating the Constitution itself. Basic structure doctrine is a safety valve against majoritarianism and authoritarianism; it safeguards citizens’ liberties and preserves the ideals on which the Constitution is based. Conclusion: A Constitution needs to be a living Constitution, to endure the tides of time and adapt to the changing requirements of generations. A Constitution is like a machine, a lifeless thing. It acquires life because of the men who control it and operate it and India needs today nothing more than a set of honest men who will have the interest of the country before them. The basic structure doctrine is a mean to give a momentum to the living principles of the ‘Rule of Law’ and connotes that none is above the Constitution and the Constitution is supreme. Connecting the dots: Does in your opinion the basic structure doctrine undermine parliamentary sovereignty? Critically examine. Examine the doctrine of basic structure, its evolution and significance. NATIONAL/ECONOMY TOPIC: General studies 2 and 3 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Indian Economy and issues related to it. NBFCs and its significance Introduction: India has 10,000 active NBFCs that are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), of which some 275 are systemically important (SI). There are a lot of disruptions taking place in banking sector, but still NBFCs would have an upper hand. Many NBFCs have doubled their balance sheet sizes, whereas majority of the banks either did nothing or got entangled in mess. Unlike banks, NBFCs are insulated from the vagaries of farm loan waivers and priority lending. The NBFC sector in India, which serves a genuine need, has undergone a significant transformation over the past few years. Basic: What is NBFC? Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) refers to a financial institution. NBFC is a type of company engaged in the business of receiving loans and advances, acquisition of stocks or shares, leasing, hire-purchase, insurance business, chit business under Companies Act 2013. The main business activity of the NBFCs is to raise capital funds from public depositors and investors and then lend to borrowers as per the rules and regulations prescribed by the Reserve Bank of India. NBFCs are becoming alternative to the banking and financial sector. In NBFC there is a requirement of minimum net owned fund of Rs. 2 Crore. What is the difference between Banks & NBFCs? Banks are the government authorized financial intermediary that aims at providing banking services to the general people. Whereas NBFC provides banking services to people without carrying a bank license. NBFC is incorporated under the Companies Act whereas a bank is registered under Banking Regulation Act, 1949. NBFCs are not allowed to accept deposits which are repayable on demand whereas banks which accepts demand deposits. In NBFC, foreign Investments up to 100% is allowed. Whereas in case of private sector banks they are eligible for foreign investment, but which would be not more than 74%. Banks are an integral part of payment and settlement cycle while NBFC is not a part of this system. It is mandatory for banks to maintain reserve ratios like CRR or SLR. Whereas in case of NBFC it is not required to maintain reserve ratios. Deposit insurance facility is allowed to the depositors by Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). In case of NBFC, this type of facility shall not be available. Banks can create credit whereas in case of NBFC they are not involved in the creation of credit. Banks can provide transaction services to its customers such as providing overdraft facility, issue of traveler’s cheque, transfer of funds, etc. Whereas these type of services cannot be provided by NBFC. Significance of NBFCs Credit access in our country is vastly under-penetrated, and businesses need constant capital to grow. NBFCs with use of technology and innovation, wide reach, customised products, smart credit underwriting and strong risk management capabilities have been able to control bad debts. With better understanding of clients, they have created clusters and niches which would be impossible for the banks to replicate or cater to. Projects like ‘Make in India’ and the boom in startups are offering huge opportunities. In fact, NBFCs remain a good proxy to bet on the new, agile India. NBFCs serve customer segments that are un-served or under-served by banks. Though their cost of funding is higher than that of banks, a decent spread and lower cost of operations can do the job for them. NBFCs have, so far, achieved a tremendous feat by meeting their massive short-term /commercial paper obligations in this quarter. They have weathered many storms in the past (since the 2008 global financial crisis to demonetisation in late 2016) and seems to have almost overcome the current liquidity crisis as well. NBFCs have evolved strongly over the recent years. The next decade could well belong to them and their shareholders. However, NBFCs in India are going through a rough phase following defaults by infrastructure lender, Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS). Banks are the major resource avenue for NBFCs. After defaults by IL&FS, both public sector and private sector banks almost stopped lending to NBFCs and housing finance companies (HFCs). Such defaults might also keep potential investors away from the debt instruments of companies. Need for an Unified Financial Authority Indian non-banks are governed by a regulatory hodgepodge of RBI, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), NHB, the ministry of corporate affairs (for NIDHI companies) and state governments (for chit funds). Cooperation is on an ad hoc basis and often post-event. The commission chaired by former justice B.N. Srikrishna, also called Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC), recommended that SEBI, IRDA, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority and the Forward Markets Commission (since merged with SEBI) be merged under one regulator to be called the Unified Financial Authority. The FSLRC recommended for a strong legal framework added to Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC). Implementing FSLRC recommendation, with a more focused scope for RBI and creating a unified regulator with teeth for macro-prudential supervision will help NBFCs avoid falling into such crisis. It is time to focus on systemic risk and the only way to do that is to simplify and give that specific scope to one regulatory agency. Connecting the dots: The idea of forming an umbrella regulator for all the financial institutions and related agencies will go a long way in overhauling the financial ecosystem of India. Do you agree? Discuss. Discuss the rationale behind constituting Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). Are they successful? How are they different from the banks? (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) Supreme Court banned production and distribution of ‘Endosulfan’. It caused which of the following? Abnormalities related to male reproductive system Physical deformities Neurobehavioral disorders Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) Which of the following statements are correct about endosulfan? Endosulfan is acutely neurotoxic to both insects and mammals. Endosulfan has high potential to bio-accumulate and bio-magnify. Endosulfan is banned across the world under Stockholm convention. Endosulfan is the cause of death of Indian vultures. Select the code from the following: 1 and 2 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 4 1, 2, 3 and 4 Q.3) Consider the following with regard to Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme: It is a scheme funded by Government of India. It aims to extend direct income support at the rate of Rs. 6,000 per year to farmer families, having cultivable land upto 2 hectares. It is a loan waiver scheme which transfers Rs. 2,000 into the bank accounts of beneficiary farmers in three equal installments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.4) Which of the following statements are true w.r.t millets? They are kharif crops. Major millets grown in India are Jowar, bajra and ragi. Bajra is grown in moist areas whereas jowar is grown in dry areas. Select the correct code 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 1,2 and 3 Q.5) Consider the following statements: Kerala is the India’s leader in the millet sector Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) operates under the aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.6) Which of the following are ‘Millets’? Sorghum Ragi Bajra Select the correct code 1 and 2 2 only 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3 MUST READ Afghanistan at a crossroads The Hindu  Imagining alternative futures The Hindu  Budget’s how question Indian Express The techno dystopia Indian Express The boundaries of welfare Indian Express