Jan 2, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs [IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam] – 29th December 2018

Daily Current Affairs [IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam] – 29th December 2018 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Changes to POCSO Act Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Children issue; Sexual Assault In news: Cabinet approved changes to Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 to protect all children under 12. In other words, the amendment will bring punishments for sexual assaults on boys on a par with those against girls. These include the provision of death penalty when the child is under 12 years and when a penetrative sexual assault is committed by a relative. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/12/29/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_01/2d221946_2625913_101_mr.jpg Do you know? After Kathua rape case, the government has initiated to bring changes that include death penalty for gang rape of a girl under 12 years and 20 years in jail or death penalty for rape of a girl under 12 years. Gaganyaan: Indian into space by 2022 Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Science and Technology; Space Missions In news: The Union Cabinet approved the ambitious Gaganyaan programme, which will send three Indian astronauts to space for up to seven days by 2022 at a cost of ₹10,000 crore. As part of the programme, two unmanned flights and one manned flight will be undertaken. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed the launch vehicle GSLV MK-III, which has the necessary payload capability to launch a three-member crew module in low earth orbit. Do you know? Escape system tested – The ISRO has also tested the crew escape system, an essential technology for human space flight. Elements of the life support system and the space suit have also been realised and tested Animal in news: Hangul Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Biodiversity; Animal Conservation In news: Hangul is a sub-species of the European red deer, in Kashmir. It is state animal of Jammu and Kashmir. It is an endangered species. (IUCN Status: ‘critically endangered’) Majorly confined to the Dachigam National Park. Important Value Additions: Kashmiri Red Stag or Hangul is known for its giant antlers bearing 11 to 16 points. Only one viable population left today in the wild is largely confined to the Greater Dachigam Landscape (1,000 sq.km.), encompassing the Dachigam National Park (NP) and adjoining protected areas. It is one of three critically endangered species in Jammu and Kashmir. The other two are markhor, the Tibetan antelope or ‘chiru’. It was designated as State Animal of Jammu & Kashmir in 1980’s. It is listed under Schedule-I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and J&K Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1978 and has also been listed among the top 15 species of high conservation priority by the Government of India. States get greater say over coastal regions Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Indian Polity; Centre-State Relations In news: Union Cabinet approved the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification 2018 (after comprehensive review of the provisions of the CRZ Notification, 2011). The 2018 notification is aimed at streamlining of Coastal Regulation Zone clearances, enhancing activities in the coastal regions and promoting economic growth while keeping in mind conservation principles of coastal regions. According to the new notification – Only such projects which are located in CRZ-I (Ecologically Sensitive Areas) and IV (area covered between Low Tide Line and 12 nautical miles seaward) will require the necessary clearance from the Union Ministry. The powers for clearances with respect to CRZ-II (the areas that have been developed up to or close to the shoreline) and III (areas that are relatively undisturbed) have been delegated to the State level. The construction norms on Floor Space Index (FSI) or the Floor Area Ratio (FAR), which was frozen at 1991 Development Control Regulation (DCR) levels, have been relaxed and will now be based on laws which are in vogue. The new notification also relaxed the No Development Zone (NDZ) criteria. Densely populated rural areas with a population density of 2,161 per square kilometre, falling under CRZ-III A, now have NDZ of 50 metres from the High Tide Line (HTL) as against 200 metres stipulated in the CRZ Notification, 2011. For islands close to the mainland coast and for all backwater islands in the mainland, the new norms stipulate an NDZ of 20 metres. The notification also permits temporary tourism facilities such as shacks, toilet blocks, change rooms, drinking water facilities etc. in beaches. Such temporary tourism facilities are also now permissible in NDZ of the CRZ-III areas. The new notification may “boost tourism in terms of more activities, more infrastructure and more opportunities and will certainly go a long way in creating employment opportunities in various aspects of tourism”. Also, in order to address pollution in coastal areas, setting up of treatment facilities have been made permissible activities in CRZ—I B area subject to necessary safeguards. Defence and strategic projects have been accorded necessary dispensation, the order said. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/12/29/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_11/db99b0f5_2625945_101_mr.jpg India-Bhutan ties: ₹4,500-cr. assistance for Bhutan Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – India and its neighbours; International Relations In news: India to support Bhutan’s development needs by providing ₹4,500 crore. (For Bhutan’s 12th five-year plan) Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering who visited India assured his government’s commitment to maintain warm ties with India. India to continue to be a reliable partner in development assistance. Do you know? Bhutan remains one of the key recipients of development assistance from India. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India provided ₹4,500 crore for the 11th five year plan that lasted between 2013 and 2018. Now, India is committed to supporting Bhutan’s next five-year plan to begin shortly. On sharing South Asian Satellite - Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is moving ahead with plans to set up a ground station in Bhutan that will help in telemedicine, disaster relief and climate trends. Mangdechhu hydro power project to be completed soon. Hydroelectricity is the main source of revenue for Bhutan and negotiations to fix the tariff rates on major projects continue. Draft National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2018 Part of: GS Mains II – Government schemes and policies In news: Union Cabinet has approved the draft National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2018. National Commission for Indian System (NCIM) will promote availability of affordable healthcare services in all parts of the country. Do you know? The draft Bill will enable the constitution of a National Commission with four autonomous boards for the purpose of conducting overall education in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Sowarigpa. To assess the standard of teachers before appointment and promotions, the Bill proposes an entrance and an exit exam that all graduates need to clear to get practising licenses. (MAINS FOCUS) SOCIAL/WELFARE TOPIC:General studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Social empowerment Social issues Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. Why 2018 Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill is seriously flawed? Introduction: We had earlier covered about Transgender Persons Bill, 2018, whether the current Bill is a progressive step towards extending constitutional protection to the highly marginalised community. (For more - Transgender Persons Bill, 2018: Rights, revised) We came across what were the positives in new bill and concerns in the revised Bill. Today’s editorial covers the major short comings in the revised bill – Lack of proper definition for transgenders No provision for self-determination of gender No reservations Criminalises begging Sexual Harassment not addressed Civil rights ignored Concerns: 1. No provision for self-determination of gender In the landmark NALSA v. Union of India judgment, Supreme Court laid down that – Transgender and intersex persons have the constitutional right to self-identify their gender as male, female or transgender even without medical intervention. No one should be forced to undergo medical procedures, including SRS, sterilization or hormonal therapy, as a requirement for legal recognition of their gender identity. In other words, medical procedures should not be required as a pre-condition for any identity documents for transgender and intersex persons, nor should there be any requirement of a mental health assessment. Requiring a person to submit proof of medical treatment or mental health assessment of their gender identity violates one’s right to dignity, the right to be free from unwanted medical treatment and the right to be free from discrimination. However, the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2018 which was passed by the Lok Sabha recently, has caused great alarm. The 2018 Bill in Section 6 establishes a District Screening Committee for the purpose of recognition of transgender persons. The District Screening Committee includes a chief medical officer and a psychologist/psychiatrist, which goes to show that medical and psychological tests would be required for grant of change of gender identity. The Bill also does not allow for recognition of gender identity as male or female. It only allows for an identity certificate as ‘transgender’. This goes against the above decision of the Supreme Court, which recognised the right to self-identify oneself as male, female or transgender and would also be forcing intersex persons to get a gender identity as “transgender”. 2. No reservations The Supreme Court, in the landmark April 2014 NALSA judgment, had issued a directive “to extend all kinds of reservations in cases of admission in educational institutions and for public appointments” by treating transgender persons as socially and educationally backward classes. However, the 2018 Bill has failed to provide for any reservation for transgender and intersex persons in educational institutions and in public employment. 3. Criminalises begging The Bill also makes it a criminal offence for anyone to compel a transgender person into begging. However, a large number of people from the trans and intersex community are engaged in begging and sex work due to discrimination and not having any other opportunities. This provision would lead to members of the trans community being criminalised. 4. Civil rights ignored The Bill does not have a whole gamut of positive rights such as the rights of trans and intersex persons to inheritance of property, rights within the family such as adoption and to be free from domestic violence, rights of political participation such as the right to vote and hold public office, and the right to health to include free sex reassignment treatments. 5. Sexual Harassment not addressed It also does not make sexual violence against transgender and intersex persons a criminal offence. The current law on rape is gender specific and transgender persons have no recourse under criminal law for sexual assault. Do you know? U.K.’s Gender Recognition Act 2004 was the first law in the world allowing people to change gender without surgery. Since then other countries, including Argentina, Ireland and Denmark, have passed laws that allow people to ‘self-declare’ their gender, rather than seek approval from a panel of medical experts. The way ahead: The Transgender Bill omits positive rights and ignores the protections of the ‘NALSA’ judgment. District Screening Committee needs to be removed from the 2018 Bill. The Bill needs to state explicitly that no medical or mental health examination will be required and applicants will simply need to submit an affidavit attesting the request for a change of gender identity. There should be horizontal reservation in education and employment provided to them. (crucial for their social inclusion) The policy makers should ensure that the constitutional rights of transgender and intersex persons are realised. Connecting the dots: Can the new Bill passed for the Transgenders community prove to be an ally for them or just one more element in their exploitation? Discuss. NATIONAL/INFRASTRUCTURE TOPIC:General studies 2 and 3 North East Development Fostering development in North East India Infrastructure Bogibeel: A bridge across the Brahmaputra Introduction: Bogibeel, the longest railroad bridge of India, spanning nearly five-km across the Brahmaputra link Dibrugarh with North Lakhimpur district of Assam and parts of eastern Arunachal Pradesh. Sixty-eight years after being ravaged by a devastating earthquake and the ensuing floods, Dibrugarh is reclaiming its lost glory. It used to be a thriving centre of the plantation industry during the colonial times. For the people of the region, it remains a hub of higher education and medical treatment. However, for decades, the only recourse for people to cross the Brahmaputra would be to chug along for over an hour, in a diesel-propelled ferry, which would also carry their vehicles and goods, even cattle. Crossing the river could be a costlier proposition than flying between Mumbai and Goa. Major significance behind this bridge construction Commissioning the bridge has reduced the journey time across the river to less than five minutes, bringing relief to people living in these remote parts. The single biggest factor which has shackled the development of the Northeast region is the absence of robust connectivity. It has the potential to infuse economic dynamism in the region and provide opportunities for the expansion of tourism, industrial development and trade. Bogibeel must be viewed alongside other infrastructure developments in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh. The iconic Bhupen Hazarika bridge over the Lohit river was commissioned recently by the prime minister. A 7.5 km long bridge over the Dibang river was dedicated to the nation a few days ago. The Trans Arunachal Highway has seen considerable progress, especially in the eastern part of the state. An airport has been commissioned at Pasighat, barely two hours away from Dibrugarh. One of the most pristine parts of Arunachal Pradesh has now become accessible to the rest of the world. This could give a fillip to tourism, given that the region has abundant wildlife and is ideal for river rafting and angling. However, an imaginative roadmap of tourism development, promotion and branding needs to be crafted, centred around the region’s tribal ethos. Dibrugarh lies at the heart of a crucial oil and gas axis in Assam, given its proximity to Digboi and Duliajan oilfields. Further east lie the Kharsang gas fields and Kumchai oilfields of Arunachal Pradesh. The district also has significant coal deposits. There are more than 200 tea factories in Dibrugarh. Commissioning of the bridge has raised the prospects of industrial development and opportunities for productive employment for the youth, especially in the mining and plantation sectors. Improving geo-political relations and reaching to the natural resources Bogibeel is the gateway to the historic Stilwell Road, which connects Ledo in Assam to Kunming in China, passing through Myanmar’s Kachin state, via Arunachal Pradesh. The 1,800 km long route was used for transporting arms to the Chinese by the Americans during World War II. Its revival for trade is well within grasp now. The route could well become the centrepiece of the ambitious Act East Policy. It would follow the Asian Highway (AH )14 and reach Kunming along AH3. The Chinese stretch has a six-lane highway, while the Indian side in Arunachal Pradesh has a two-lane highway. Infrastructure in Myanmar, of course, would need to be strengthened and the land customs station at Nampong in Arunachal Pradesh revived. Trade could revitalise economic activity, in what is otherwise one of the most backward parts of Arunachal Pradesh. From a strategic standpoint, movement of troops has become a much quicker, efficient and reliable proposition. Conclusion: The road beyond Dibrugarh leads to the frontier parts of Arunachal Pradesh, with a fully functional advanced landing ground of Air Force at Walong, barely 100 km from the Chinese border. This was a theatre of armed incursion in 1962. Now access to one of the remotest border outposts in Anjaw has been made much easier. Bogibeel is poised to usher winds of change in this part of the world. However, the advantage of connectivity must be accompanied by an imaginative blueprint of economic development, drawing upon the region’s advantages. The symbolism of Bogibeel goes well beyond the Brahmaputra. Connecting the dots: Discuss the significance of Bogibeel Bridge in fostering development in North East India and advantage it offers to Act East policy. (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 about Hangul It is listed as ‘critically endangered’ under IUCN Red List It is the state animal of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir It is listed under Schedule-I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and J&K Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1978 Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) Dachigam National Park is located in - Arunachal Pradesh Jammu and Kashmir Assam Meghalaya Q.3) Consider the following about the Dhola–Sadiya Bridge, also referred to as the Bhupen Hazarika Setu: The bridge connects the northeast states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The bridge spans the Lohit River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River. It is the longest bridge in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2 and 3 only 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.4) The river serves as an international border dividing India and Bhutan. It is a major tributary of Brahmaputra river. It is the main river flowing within a famous national park. Dibang Lohit Manas Kameng MUST READ  Gandhi and the audacity of hope The Hindu Strange deal: on new e-commerce police The Hindu  A shot at peace  Indian Express  When the state plays I spy Indian Express  

Jan 1, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs [IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam] – 28th December 2018

Daily Current Affairs [IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam] – 28th December 2018 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Animal in news: Ganges River Dolphins Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Biodiversity; Animal Conservation In news: In India, the Ganges River Dolphin is threatened by river water pollution and siltation, rise in salinity in the water system, accidental entanglement in fishing nets, and poaching for their oil. In addition, alterations to the rivers in the form of barrages and dams are separating populations. Various organizations, including the WWF-India in Uttar Pradesh, have initiated programs for conservation and re-introduction of the River Dolphin. Important Value Additions: Ganges River Dolphins are considered as National aquatic animal IUCN status: Endangered Aspirational Districts Programme Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Social/Developmental issue; Government schemes and programmes; Inclusive growth In news: NITI Aayog released Second Delta Ranking under the Aspirational Districts Programme. The ranking will measure the incremental progress made by districts between June 1, 2018 and October 31, 2018. The districts have been ranked in a transparent basis on parameters across Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Water Resources, Financial Inclusion & Skill Development, and Basic Infrastructure through key performance indicators. The first Delta ranking for the Aspirational Districts was released in June 2018. It ranked the Aspirational Districts on improved performance across five developmental areas of Health and Nutrition, Education, Agriculture and Water Resources, Financial Inclusion and Skill Development, and Basic Infrastructure, over the months of April and May 2018, on the basis of self-reported data. Highlights: N. district Virudhunagar shows most improvement among country’s 111 underdeveloped areas. Jharkhand’s Pakur reflected the least improvement. Virudhunagar is followed by Nuapada in Odisha, Siddharthnagar in Uttar Pradesh, Aurangabad in Bihar and Koraput in Odisha. Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara topped the list for ‘fast movers’ for showing initiative and displaying a qualitative jump in scores between June and October 2018. In the first delta ranking, Kupwara had topped the list for ‘least improved aspirational districts’. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/12/28/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/615b9700_2623835_101_mr.jpg About Aspirational Districts Programme It was launched by PM Modi in January The ‘Transformation of Aspirational Districts’ programme aims to quickly and effectively transform most-underdeveloped districts. In line with government’s commitment to raising the living standards of its citizens and ensuring inclusive growth for all – “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas”. “Adopt a Heritage” programme Part of: GS Prelims and Mains I and II – Conservation of India’s Heritage and Culture; Government schemes and programmes About the Adopt a Heritage programme: The scheme is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and State/UTs It was launched in September 2017 on World Tourism Day by President Ram Nath Kovind. The Project aims to develop synergy among all partners to effectively promote “responsible tourism”. It aims to involve public sector companies, private sector companies and corporate citizens/individuals to take up the responsibility for making our heritage and tourism more sustainable through development, operation and maintenance of world-class tourist infrastructure and amenities at ASI/ State heritage sites and other important tourist sites in India. In news: Soon, tourists visiting Amer Fort (Rajasthan), Kaziranga (Assam), Colva Beach (Goa), Kumarakom (Kerala) and Mahabodhi temple (Bihar) will be able to avail themselves of an audio guide through a mobile application. Ministry of Culture signed an agreement with a private entity for the initiative (under “Adopt a Heritage” programme). The Ministry also awarded a Letter of Intent to seven agencies under its “Adopt a Heritage” programme which allows public and private sector companies to operate, maintain and develop amenities at heritage sites. These iconic tourist attractions include monuments of Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh) and Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), awarded to Dalmia Bharat Private Limited, as well as Bhimbetka rock shelters (Madhya Pradesh) and Aalampur Temple (Telangana), among others. Earlier this year, the Dalmia group was awarded an agreement to develop and maintain Red Fort in Delhi for a period of five years. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL/SECURITY TOPIC:General studies 1 and 3 Secularism, Communalism and its impacts Freedom versus Security Security issues India needs ‘individual acts of bravery’: Growing Vigilantism on Communal Lines Context: Events over the past few years have prompted many to revisit the idea of individual freedom. Indeed, not just in India, but elsewhere too, the idea of individual freedom is under intense scrutiny. There are instances where governments across the world increasingly posing a threat to liberty. For example, recent incidents in India – Killing of Police inspector Subodh Kumar over cow slaughter protest, Killing of Journalist like Gauri Lankesh, Protest over individual Freedom like Naeeruddin Shah, Carnatic Musical Vocalist T M Krishna – highlight that we are at a juncture where fundamental notions of Modern India are under existential threat. Secularism: Western Model of Secularism- western notion of secularism is complete separation of church/religion from state. India’s secularism is not based on western notion of complete separation. India’s Secularism- India is home to religious diversity; faith is so central, the constitution maker adopted the principled distanced, ethical sensitive and politically negotiated model of secularism. Secularism and Personal Freedom- Personal freedom is very often associated with secularism, which, as received from the Western canon, is the separation of church from state. One particular freedom that has come under fire is the freedom of practicing one's own religion. Religion and Secularism: Though secularism is complete separation of religion and state, but at its heart, true secularism would be driven by universal values of truth, compassion and equality, which are fundamental values that straddle all religions. Because secularism is focus on freedom so as adhering of these values too, which are complementary and originated from religion. Truth, not to be confused with belief, has no sole custodian. Truth is based on observation, evidence, and inference, and is accessible to all. Compassion comes from an understanding of suffering: a compassionate person does not kill not because their faith tells them not to, but because they know that killing causes immense suffering. And the universal value of equality comes from recognition of both truth and compassion, empowering people to never substitute “uniqueness” with “superiority". Everyone may be unique in their own way, but they are all still equally unique — no one being more specially so than the other. Ultimately, we cannot find truth, or learn compassion, or appreciate equality if we have no freedom to think, to question, to seek, to find these for ourselves. These freedoms are, ultimately, the most valuable. Religion and Communalism: Having faith on one's religion is not bad, but feeling of superiority of one's religion over other religions with communal colour is bad. Reasons for Growth in Communalism- Religious heads for the sake of their interest created myths and enforce the religion as the prime identity over others identity. And moreover there has been emphasis on religious superiority of one over other by religious leaders. Political leaders instead evolving national identity and containing religion as one of the identity, used it for mobilisation of masses and further obstruct the path of nation building as India is still a poly-communal society. Implication of Communalism- Communism curb the value of tolerance, freedom and liberal thinking. And rise of communalism in extreme form can gave rise to Fascism as both communism and Fascism is based on myths and propaganda used for mobilisation of Masses. Tenants of Fascism Myths- Fascism always promises to return us to a mythic past. Similarly, fascist politicians use propaganda, for example, about portraying racial superiority of Germans and inferiority of Jews (Myth by Hitler). Hyper Nationalism- Dissent, particularly in universities and public spaces, is being curbed. Sloganeering and flag raising have become tests for nationalism. Journalists, political activists and intellectuals, who are trying to reveal the myths and propagate their views were blown out of proportion, and misunderstood as an expression of disloyalty to the country. Anti-intellectualism- For the "enemy of fascism is equality,” and the target of such anti-intellectual campaigns are places of learning, like universities. Only the mythical “common man” can know what is right. (Note the emphasis on “man”, which includes no women, or racial and sexual minorities.) Unquestionable domination of Majority- Unlike liberal democracies, based on freedom and equality, fascist regimes posit the dominant group's interests as the ultimate, unquestionable truth. The dominant group is also always the victim of the situation. They rely on conspiracy theories to justify calls to power. And most tellingly, fascist politicians promise a law and order regime designed not to seek out offenders, but to criminalise outliers, who are usually ethnic, religious or sexual minorities. Way ahead: India's nearly 70-year-old liberal manifesto - The Constitution - contains all the declarations essential to a nation that preserves individual liberties. It is for us to protect it from neglect and disrepair. According to B.R. Ambedkar, “The assertion by the individual of his own opinions and beliefs, his own independence and interest as over and against group standards... is the beginning of all reform.” The ordinary citizen [must] stand up and loudly confront people who engage in... fascist rhetoric and not be afraid. Those millions of acts of individual bravery, if we can stitch together, will save us. Thus active public participation in political sphere, practicing right to vote, in scrutinizing the policies of government, reporting the unevil incidents and stopping wherever possible is must. Connecting the dots: Lynching by mobs and vigilantism on communal lines has become a recurring phenomenon in India. What can be the possible factors behind this trend? Examine. Also suggest ways to address it. Why does communalism remain a potent political tool in 21st century India? Why haven’t forces of development overcome communal factors? Analyse. NATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 2 Social/Welfare Issue Government Schemes and Policies  Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes Social Problems in India - Poverty; Inequality  The safety net of the future Introduction: Social inequality is the most acutely felt social problem in India, insecurity, more than poverty, is the most acutely felt economic problem. While most measures suggest that only one-fifth of the population today is under the official poverty line, large sections of those even much above that line are subject to brutal economic insecurities of various kinds (due to weather or health risks, market fluctuations, job losses). Background of the loan waivers A bad idea plays havoc with the banking culture (just as that of loan waivers for corporate defaulters does), but most of it goes to help the middle and large farmers (more than two-thirds of our farmers are marginal farmers with less than 1 hectare of land, who take only 20 per cent of institutional loans, and owe the rest to private lenders, which the waiver programme will not touch). So some politicians are now paying attention to the politically successful Rythu Bandhu example of income support to Telangana farmers (at about Rs 10,000 per hectare). All this distress arises directly or indirectly from India’s singular failure in creating enough secure jobs. The farm distress is ultimately because of low productivity (due to lack of enough irrigation, cold storage and extension services, apart from the effects of climate change), and the low-earning farmers themselves want to move to non-farm jobs. This has been a failure of all political parties over many decades. The absence of secure jobs is also behind agitations on job reservations even by dominant castes (Marathas, Patidars, Jats, Kapus) and various incidents of hateful violence and minority lynchings. Task of creating a sufficient number of secure jobs a long-term project. One idea is that of a Universal Basic Income Supplement (UBIS), which avoids some of the problems for loan waivers and farm income support per hectare, and also some of the administrative and perverse incentive problems of most insurance schemes. What about the fiscal cost of the UBIS? We know that the highly defective loan waiver programme, if applied to all states in India, will easily cost more than Rs 4 trillion. The feasibility of UBIS, depends on the political will to increase the tax-GDP ratio, and (assuming that none of the existing major anti-poverty programmes will be significantly scaled down) to cut down on various subsidies largely enjoyed by the better-off sections of the population. Way forward It has been estimated that the latter subsidies (for the central and state governments together) currently come to about 6 per cent of GDP; another 6 per cent of GDP is in the form of “revenues foregone” in the central budget. All this adds to about 10 per cent of GDP. But at least a quarter of these resources can pay for a decent UBIS for everybody to start with, give it only to women, which will halve the cost. The potential is there to tax (and reduce the subsidies for) the better-off and address India’s staggering problem of economic insecurity. Connecting the dots: Will a universal basic income work in India? Discuss the pros and cons, and challenges of implementing universal basic income (UBI) in India. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following pairs and select the correct pair/s from the code given below: Heritage Site : : Associated State Mahabalipuram : : Tamil Nadu Aalampur Temple : : Andhra Pradesh Bhimbetka rock shelters : : Madhya Pradesh Khajuraho : : Maharashtra Code: 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 1, 2, 3 and 4 Q.2) Consider the following with regard to “Adopt a Heritage” programme: The scheme is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and State/UTs It aims to involve public sector companies, private sector companies and corporate citizens/individuals to adopt the sites. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins? Construction of dams and barrages on rivers Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers Select the correct answer using the code given below 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only All of the above Q.4) Which of the following statements are correct regarding recently launched ‘Adopt a Heritage scheme’? The scheme has been launched by Ministry of Tourism. Indian tourists visiting a heritage site are promoted to adopt that site and contribute for the development and maintenance of the site. Tourists adopting one site will have to keep the picture of that site as their social media display picture in order to promote tourism in the region. Select the code from following: 1 only 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) ‘Monument Mitras’ refers to: An NGO which works closely with Archaeological Survey Of India for the protection of Historical Monuments. Public or private or Individual who adopts the heritage sites / monuments via bidding. A battalion of territorial army raised for protection of heritage sites / monuments. Government appointed tourist guides in heritage sites. MUST READ  Snooping or saving? on proposed online surveillance The Hindu Are India’s laws on surveillance a threat to privacy? The Hindu  The numbers don’t add up  Indian Express The evolving role of a secretary  Indian Express From aid to trade Indian Express  An attempt to understand and contextualise farmer suicides Livemint Levelling the playing field for online vendors Livemint

Jan 1, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs [IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam] – 27th December 2018

Daily Current Affairs [IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam] – 27th December 2018 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Andhra Pradesh, Telangana to have separate High Courts Part of:  GS Prelims and Mains II – Indian Polity; High Courts In news: President Ram Nath Kovind ordered the separation of the “common” Hyderabad High Court into the separate High Courts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Both will function separately from January 1, 2019. Do you know? Article 214 of the Constitution provides for a High Court for each State. The principal seat of the Andhra Pradesh High Court is Amaravati, the capital of the State. The High Court in Hyderabad will function separately as the High Court of the State of Telangana. The Constitution of India provides for a high court for each state, but the Seventh Amendment Act of 1956 authorized the Parliament to establish a common high court for two or more states or for two or more states and a union territory. The territorial jurisdiction of a high court is co-terminus with the territory of a state. Similarly, the territorial jurisdiction of a common high court is co-terminus with the territories of the concerned states and union territory. Animal in news: olive ridley turtles Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Biodiversity; Animal Conservation In news: Odisha forest department is all set to add another olive ridley mass nesting site to its wildlife map. Bahuda rookery is being developed as a possible olive ridley mass nesting site. Do you know? Rushikulya rookery in Odisha is a major mass nesting site of olive ridleys on the Indian coastline. Olive ridley eggs incubate on their own by the heat of the sand under which they are buried. The hatchlings come out in 45 to 50 days and after that the covering of the eggs decompose and mix with the sand. Important Value Addition Unique mass nesting behavior Only two species of marine turtles display a unique mass nesting behavior. This behavior is known as an ‘arribada’. Arribada- Spanish term meaning arrival; a mass nesting behavior. An arribada is a unique nesting phenomenon common to both the Olive ridley and the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. This reproductive phenomenon was first observed by the scientific community in 1961. By producing large numbers of offspring most organisms like sea turtles can insure their survival even after predation occurs. The Olive ridley is endemic to the Pacific coasts of Mexico, Central America, and India. It is known to be a nocturnal nester. The Kemp’s ridley is endemic to the Gulf of Mexico. It ranges from Galveston, Texas to Tampico, Mexico. Kemp’s ridley turtles display unique diurnal arribadas. Olive Ridley: IUCN Status-Vulnerable Major nesting sites in Odisha: The Gahirmatha beach The mouth of the Debi river The Rushikulya rookery coast in the Ganjam district The Gahirmatha beach is the largest mass nesting site for olive ridley turtles along the Indian coastline, followed by the rookery at the mouth of the Rushikulya river. Anti-trafficking Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Government schemes and policies for vulnerable section; Women and Children issue; Welfare/Social issue About: Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA), 1986 – It is the primary law on trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation. It punishes offences including procuring a person for the purpose of prostitution, living on the earnings of prostitution of another person and keeping or using a brothel. Do you know? Voluntary adult sex work is not illegal in India under certain circumstances, such as when a woman provides the service in her own home without any solicitation. The United Nations (UN) World Day against Trafficking in Persons is observed every year to raise awareness of the plight of human trafficking victims, and promote and protect their rights. It is observed on 30th July. Concern: Currently, there is absence of a clear distinction between the victims of sexual exploitation or human trafficking and persons who voluntarily opt to provide sex to make a living. Russia successfully tests hypersonic missile Part of: GS Prelims – International affairs; Defence/Security In news: Russia has a new type of strategic weapon which would render existing missile systems obsolete. Intercontinental “Avangard” system would be ready for use from 2019. The hypersonic missile could fly at 20 times the speed of sound and manoeuvre up and down, meaning that it could breach defence systems. Do you know? The final test was conducted after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to pull out of a key Cold War-era nuclear weapons pact, the three-decade-old Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF). Bimal Jalan to head six-member panel on RBI’s economic capital framework Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy and issues related to it In news: RBI constituted a Skilled Committee on Financial Money Framework. The Committee will be headed by Bimal Jalan. The panel will come to a decision on the suitable measurement of reserves that the RBI ought to preserve and the dividend it ought to give to the governing administration. The committee will also review best practices followed by the central banks globally in making assessment and provisions for risks, to which central bank balance sheets are subjected. Person in news: Jyoti Randhawa and Mahesh Virajdar Why in news? International golfer Jyoti Randhawa was arrested for allegedly poaching variety of endangered species in a forest range in Uttar Pradesh. National shooter Mahesh Virajdar was also arrested. A dead fowl and hides of Sambhar deer and boar were seized. They were charged under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Indian Forest Act, 1927. Person in news: Chitran Namboodirippad Why in news? Chitran Namboodirippad (who is aged 99) trekked in the Himalayas for the 29th time this month and aims to do it again next year. He is a Kerala resident and former Additional Director of the Kerala Education Department. What is the secret of his fitness and sharp memory? “Moderation in food, words and lifestyle,” he says. He is a strict vegetarian, goes for a walk every day, and does yoga. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests India and its neighborhood relations Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests India’s foreign policy: For more regional integration Context: If South Asia is one of the world’s least integrated regions, India is considered to be one of the world’s least regionally-integrated major powers. Structural impediments (posed by both India and its neighbours) in fostering regional integration: India’s ideational disinclination towards its neighbourhood Successive regimes have considered the neighbourhood as an irritant and challenge, not an opportunity. India’s policies have failed to display a sense of belonging to the region or a desire to work with the neighbourhood for greater integration and cooperation. Relations and ties have become more transactional, impatient and small-minded towards our neighbourhood which has, as a result, restricted our space for manoeuvre in the regional geopolitical scheme of things. Absence of a coherent and well-planned regional policy India’s past policies have ensured a steady decline in its influence and goodwill in the region. There is a persistent absence of a coherent and well-planned regional policy. India’s foreign policy planners therefore need to reimagine the country’s neighbourhood policy before it is too late. India’s faltering diplomacy India has failed to build strong friendships with its neighbours. One of the major reasons for India’s growing unpopularity in the regional capitals is its increasing tendency to interfere in the domestic affairs of its smaller neighbours, either citing security implications or to offset the target country’s unfriendly strategic choices. Despite making an impressive start with its neighbourhood-first policy, the Modi government is increasingly battling resentment in the region. It tried to interfere with the Constitution-making process in Nepal and was accused of trying to influence electoral outcomes in Sri Lanka. While India’s refugee policy went against its own traditional practices, it was found severely wanting on the Rohingya question, and seemed clueless on how to deal with the political crisis in the Maldives. Current trend: 2018 seems to have brought some good news from the regional capitals – Arrival of an India-friendly Ibrahim Mohamed Solih regime in Male. Return of Ranil Wickremesinghe as Sri Lankan Prime Minister is to India’s advantage too. Nepal has reached out to India to put an end to the acrimony that persisted through 2015 to 2017. Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh are also positively disposed towards India. Relationship with Pakistan continues to be testy and directionless. Crux – New Delhi has a real opportunity today to recalibrate its neighbourhood relations. What India should avoid while dealing with a sensitive neighbourhood? India must shed its aggression and deal with tricky situations with far more diplomatic subtlety and finesse. The ability of diplomacy lies in subtly persuading the smaller neighbour to accept an argument rather than forcing it to, which is bound to backfire. India should keep in mind that meddling in the domestic politics of neighbour countries is a recipe for disaster, even when invited to do so by one political faction or another. Preferring one faction or regime over another is unwise in the longer term. New Delhi must not fail to follow up on its promises to its neighbours. It has a terrible track record in this regard. There is no point in competing with China where China is at an advantage vis-à-vis India. India simply does not have the political, material or financial wherewithal to outdo China in building infrastructure. Hence India must invest where China falls short, especially at the level of institution-building and the use of soft power. The way ahead: What India should do? India should invest a great deal more in soft power promotion. For example, India could expand the scope and work of the South Asian University (SAU) and ensure that its students get research visas to India without much hassle. If properly utilised, the SAU can become a point for regional integration. New Delhi must also look for convergence of interests with China in the Southern Asian region. There are several possible areas of convergence, including counter terrorism, regional trade and infrastructure development. For example, any non-military infrastructure constructed by China in the region can also be beneficial to India while it trades with those countries. India must shed its zero-sum style foreign policy-making, and work towards South Asian integration. New Delhi must invest in three major policy areas – Better regional trading arrangements: India should offer better terms of trade for the smaller neighbours, construct border infrastructure and ease restrictions on such border trade. Forge effective multilateral arrangements: Preference should be to deal with neighbours on multilateral forums. For instance, resurrecting the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). India must have a coherent and long-term vision for the neighbourhood: Connecting the dots: What are the roadblocks to greater economic and regional integration with India’s neighbours? Lack of regional integration will affect the prospect of both economic growth and development of all the South Asian countries and particularly of India. Do you agree? Discuss. The current ‘neighbourhood policy’ of India with an overdose of bilateralism is one of the main roadblocks for South Asian integration. Critically comment. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TOPIC:General studies 3 Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Technology as an agent of social change Context: If there is one thing that has defined the past 10 years, it has been the unprecedented growth of technology, especially use of mobiles. Technology is all-over and has become the source of fundamental transformation in our society. It is creating inclusivity for many, instead of exclusivity for the few. Role of Technology Technological developments driving inclusive growth Thanks to a series of policy initiatives and landmark judicial decisions, there has been a significant push towards inclusive growth. From opening bank accounts to financial health, from school enrolment to learning outcomes, technology has played an important role. However, issues like ease and affordability of owning a home, right to privacy and data protection have taken centre stage. Technological developments are driving entrepreneurship in a big way A new wave of purpose-driven entrepreneurs is bringing innovative business models to improve the lives of the aspiring middle and lower-income Indians. They will define the future of Indian entrepreneurship over the next few decades. Biggest drivers of social impact Mobile phone is one of the biggest drivers of social impact in India. With more mobile phone penetration and declining data costs, both businesses and governments can easily reach populations that they could not before. Today entrepreneurs can provide a range of services (access to information, education, healthcare, financial services, transportation, jobs and government services etc) via the mobile phone to the people who were previously been excluded or underserved. Conclusion: Despite India’s major strides over the last decade, a young and aspiring India wants even more rapid change. Increasingly, people from different walks of life are now confidently stepping up to tackle some of India’s most difficult challenges. They believe that India’s growth and prosperity should benefit not just the “top of the pyramid” but all Indians. Their focus is on the underserved, excluded and disempowered in an India that is becoming increasingly digital. Over the next five years, 500 million Indians are going to come online for the first time through their mobile phones, a population we refer to as the Next Half Billion. Coming decade will offer an even bigger opportunity and technology entrepreneurs should focus on helping every Indian create a better life. Connecting the dots: Discuss how technology is an agent of social change. Discuss its positive and negative aspects. (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 Olive ridley and Kemp ridley are the only two species of marine turtles that display a unique mass nesting behaviour ‘arribada’. They are endemic to the Pacific coasts of Mexico, Central America, and India. Select the correct statements 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Which of the following statements are correct regarding Ujjawala scheme? It is a comprehensive scheme to prevent trafficking of women and children for commercial/sexual exploitation. The aim is to facilitate the rescue of victims and place them in safe custody. To facilitate the repatriation of cross border trafficking victims. Select the code from following: 1 and 2 2 and 3 All of the above None of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements regarding High Courts of India In India, every state has a High Court in its territory. The Constitution of India provides for a High Court for each state. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) The United Nations (UN) World Day against Trafficking in Persons is observed every year to raise awareness of the plight of human trafficking victims, and promote and protect their rights. It is observed on 28th December 29th December 30th July 31st January MUST READ Abandoned on the battlefield The Hindu  Bill of wrongs Indian Express Strangers in our midst Indian Express The state in contention Indian Express

Jan 1, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 141]

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 141] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Himalayan Griffon’ It is an Old World vulture in the family Accipitridae It is extinct in India Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) ‘Shailesh Nayak Committee’ is concerned with Coastal Zone Regulations Rate Hole Mining Merchandise Exports from India Non-Performing Assets Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘K2-236b’ It has a mass of about 27 Earth Mass and size of 6 Earth Radii It was discovered by India Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) ‘Clearing-House Mechanism’ is associated with Convention on Biological Diversity CITES International Solar Alliance Brasilia Declaration Q.5) Consider the following terms ENCORE-18 XPL-18 SHIKSHA-18 It is associated with Medicines developed by AYUSH GM Crops developed by Punjab University Missiles developed by DRDO None of the above To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Dec 30, 2018 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Handling Stress – Inspirational Educative Articles

Handling Stress: If we actually reflect on it, we can see that stress has been a part of our lives all along. We came into this world writhing and screaming in stress and pain. What can be more stressful than taking birth! We have lived in some kind of stress all of our lives since then. The most important thing we need to understand about stress is that it is not a genetic defect, chemical imbalance or a result of some extraordinary trauma that we have experienced. Stress is a natural part of our lives. There is no need to treat stress as some extraordinary ailment. Having said this, we don’t have to live with stress for the rest of our lives. The very functioning process of the mind causes us stress. Mind pushes us along the journey of life by constantly setting expectations and trying to attain to them. When the expectations are met, we experience a sense of happiness and relaxation, and when the expectations are not met, we experience stress and anxiety. This is the simple mechanism of stress. All forms of stress are simply components of our expectations and the varying degrees to which they are not met. This is why anybody can get stressed; rich, poor, smart, dumb, beautiful, ugly, successful, unsuccessful – all kinds of people can get stressed because stress is a result of the expectations we set for ourselves. This is the reason why it is so easy to get stressed about our finances. Unlike emotions and other experiences of life, numbers don’t have a grey area. With numbers, we always clearly know whether our expectations are met or not, hence it is extremely easy to get stressed about numbers. A drop in 10 rupees to 9 rupees can cause just about as much stress as a drop in 10,000 rupees to 9,000 rupees if we don’t know how to handle stress. Learning how to deal with our expectations and our constantly expecting mind is the key to learning how to handle daily stress and anxiety. We know very well that we cannot stop expecting, otherwise there would be no reason for us to wake up in the morning and look forward to the new day. Expecting is a part of our reality and we don’t have to change it. What we can do instead is become aware of our expectations. This can be done only at the moment when an expectation is being set; neither before nor after. If we are fully alert and conscious to the process of expectation setting, we can detach ourselves from the impact of its results. This might sound like a very simplistic solution, but it works every time. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Inner Revolution and IASBABA.”

Dec 28, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 140]

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 140] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Lytein River’ It runs a course through the Ladakh It flows along the entire length of Pakistan to merge into the Arabian Sea Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘Sambar’ It is native to the Indian subcontinent only It is listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) ‘Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary’ is located in Uttar Pradesh Nepal Uttarakhand West Bengal Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘North-East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) 2017’ It includes reimbursement up to the extent of Central Govt. share of CGST and IGST for 5 Years from the date of commencement of commercial production by the unit The industrial unit set up under the scheme can claim Reimbursement of Centre's share of income tax for first 5 years including the year of commencement of commercial production by the unit. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Consider the following statements and identify the correct ones: RBI transfers the surplus funds to the government after keeping all provisions and contingency buffers, according to its statutory mandate under Section 47 of the RBI Act. Central Government has formed Bimal Jalan committee to review the RBI’s existing economic capital framework (ECF). Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Dec 27, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 139]

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 139] Archives Q.1) ‘Net metering’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of promoting the Use of piped natural gas in the kitchens of households Installation of CNG kits in motor-cars Installation of water meters in urban households Production and use of solar energy by the households/consumers Q.2) ‘Project Tsang-da’ is associated with Snow Leopard Waste management Road Connectivity Interlining of rivers Q.3) ‘Florianopolis Declaration’ is associated with Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia International Whaling Commission Greek government-debt crisis Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Hongyun project’ It is led by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp. (CASIC) It aims to provide broadband internet connectivity to users around the world 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 ‘Paika Rebellion’ It was not supported by the tribals It was led by Baxi Jagandhu Bidyadhara Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Dec 27, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs [IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam] – 26th December 2018

Daily Current Affairs [IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam] – 26th December 2018 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Animal in news: 260 leopards poached since 2015 Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Biodiversity; Animal Conservation In news: According to Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) – At least 260 leopards were poached in the country between 2015 and 2018. Uttarakhand accounted for 60 cases and Himachal Pradesh reported another 49. Central Indian States like Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh also recorded a high number of cases of leopard poaching in the past four years. There are also several incidents of leopard deaths on account of road kills, particularly in States such as Maharashtra and Karnataka. Do you know? According to the Delhi based Wildlife Protection Society of India, 163 cases of poaching and seizures of body parts were recorded in 2018, an increase from 159 in 2017. Since leopards live in close proximity to human habitations and are found all across the country, the cases of poaching too are spread countrywide. IUCN status: Vulnerable 30 mn newborns cry out for help Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Health issue; Social/Child issue In news: According to a study, ‘Survive and thrive: Transforming care for every small and sick newborn’ – 30 million newborns require specialised care in hospital every year urges countries to invest in healthcare to prevent neonatal deaths India witnesses 25.4 newborn deaths per 1,000 births and .64 million annually. Do you know? The Sustainable Development Goal for neonatal deaths requires all countries to bring down the figure to 12 deaths or less per 1,000 births by 2030. Universal access to quality care could prevent 1.7 million neonatal deaths or 68% of the deaths that will otherwise occur in 2030. Bangladesh-India relationship Part of: GS Mains II – India and its neighbours relations; International Relations Positive areas: Bangladesh-India relationship has taken a giant leap forward. In the last decade, the relationship has reached new heights — almost all outstanding issues have been amicably settled, including the demarcation of boundaries, resolution of adverse territorial possessions and cross-border purchase of electricity. Bus, railway and waterways connectivity Connectivity is fostering sub-regional cooperation and bringing benefits to India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. Concern areas: It is often argued in Bangladesh that India has not done enough. Unresolved issues - Teesta water agreement India is concerned about unchecked foreign donations received by the Bangladesh. (Funding of about 550 mosques and madrasas by Saudi Arabia) China factor – Bangladesh has ensured that it will not allow its territory to be used by any foreign power against any other country. On the Rohingya issue, since the signing of the initial agreement, not one refugee has gone back to Myanmar. India is committed not to repatriate the Rohingya unless Myanmar is safe for the return of the refugees. Foreign fund outflows highest since 2008 Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy and issues associated with it. In news: For the Indian equity markets, year 2018 will end as the worst in terms of foreign money outflows since 2008 when markets across the globe were reeling under the sub-prime crisis and Lehman Brothers filed for the largest bankruptcy in history. Reasons – weakness in the rupee, trade war between U.S. and China and the volatility of the stock markets The biggest factor that spooked everyone, especially foreign investors, was the fall in the rupee that moved from around 64 level to 74 against the dollar during the year. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/12/26/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_13/68755468_2619532_101_mr.jpg Miscellaneous RTI activists living dangerously in Bihar – 2018 alone has seen the death of five Right to Information (RTI) activists Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/12/26/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/0b9ad402_2619661_101_mr.jpg (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests Chabahar tidings: Benefits and Upcoming Challenges Introduction: The below editorial provides possibilities and challenges for India as the country takes over the port operations in Iran. The opening of the first office of Indian Ports Global Limited at Iran’s Chabahar and the takeover of operations of the Shahid Beheshti port is a milestone in India’s regional connectivity and trade boost. Importance of Chabahar: Chabahar port opens up a permanent alternative route for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia, given the hurdles in the direct route through Pakistan. It facilitates India’s role in Afghanistan’s development through infrastructure and education projects. It further cements India’s bilateral ties with Iran, a major oil supplier and potential trade market for India. To transform Chabahar as regional hub for transit and trade: To promote Chabahar and to study ways to make the route more attractive and decrease logistic costs, an international event in February 2019 will be held with partnership of India, Afghanistan and Iran. About 500 companies have registered with the Free Trade Zone authority Keeping timelines and delivery of New Delhi’s commitments will be key to the port becoming a regional hub for transit trade, steel and petrochemicals. It will be necessary to encourage Afghan companies to use the route more, in line with President Ashraf Ghani’s desire to have a commercial fleet under the Afghan flag setting sail from Chabahar. Geopolitical Challenges to the game-changer vision of Chabahar: US Sanction on Iran – The Chabahar port has received a waiver from the U.S. sanctions on Iran for the moment, but these concessions could be withdrawn any time, given the constant upheaval in the administration. Security concerns associated with US withdrawal from Afghanistan – The possibility of the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, after the pullout from Syria, will add to security concerns for Afghanistan and impact on the Chabahar route as well. Importance of Geostrategic Location of Pakistan – The reconciliation process with the Afghan-Taliban is likely to see the regional powers, the U.S. and Russia engaging Pakistan more. This could give Islamabad space to play spoiler in Chabahar, which is seen as a rival warm water port to Pakistan’s Gwadar. Opening up of Special Cargo Corridor – Afghanistan government is hedging its bets on trade via Chabahar. In recent months, special cargo corridors have been opened with China, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Europe, Russia, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, with more trade diverted through them than with traditional partners Pakistan and India. Way Ahead: For India, it will be important to operationalise the port quickly and smoothen the route to Afghanistan. Till now, India has done well to keep a place in the intricate connectivity network of the region. Given all the competing interests that criss-cross over Chabahar, it will require sustained and nuanced diplomacy to address the geopolitical challenges. Connecting the dots: Development of Chabahar port is a significant step towards securing India’s strategic and economic interests. Comment. Despite the strategic importance of Chabahar for India, there has been very little progress on it. Discuss the challenges faced by India in this regard and suggest some strategies for the same? ECONOMY TOPIC:General studies 3  Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. Government Budgeting Analysis of NITI Aayog’s ‘Strategy for New India’ Context: Recently the government think tank NITI Aayog had unveiled the ‘Strategy for New India @ 75’ which defines clear objectives for 2022-23. While there are many refreshing improvements in NITI Aayog’s ‘Strategy for New India @ 75’ from the erstwhile Planning Commission’s plans, there are also concerns about some of the strategies recommended. Analysis of the Recommendations: Participatory Approach in policy making based on ground realities – The intent to change the approach from preparations of plans and budgets to the creation of a mass movement for development in which “every Indian recognises her role and experiences the tangible benefits” is laudable. However, it will be worthwhile for NITI Aayog to get feedback from quality stakeholders on whether it has improved the process of consultation substantially or not. Corporate Feedback Initiative will make it more dynamic. Focus on improvement of policies based on 2nd ARC Report – The NITI Aayog strategy emphasizes the need to improve implementation of policies and service delivery on the ground, which is what matters to citizens. Its resurrection of the 15 reports of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission and recommendation that they must be implemented vigorously are welcome. The shape of the overall growth – NITI Aayog’s vision document emphasizes on achieving rapid growth (9-10 per cent by 2022-23). It also talks about making growth to be inclusive, sustained, clean and formalised. However, it is the shape of growth that matters more than size. The employment-generating capacity of the economy is what matters more to citizens than the overall GDP growth rate. Manufacturing Sector – Vision document aims to improve manufacturing sector growth from 16% to 25% of the GDP. It emphasizes on more capital-intensive industries and overall goal is size of sector. However, it should lay more emphasis and target labour intensive industries. The growth of industry and manufacturing is essential to create more employment, and to provide bigger opportunities to Indians who have been too dependent on agriculture so far. Thus labour-intensive industries are required for job creation. The strategy does say labour-intensive industries must be promoted, but the overall goal remains the size of the sector. Indian statistical systems must be improved quickly to measure employment in various forms, formal as well as informal. Cluster Approach for Small Enterprise for Competitive lndustrial Sector- - A big weakness in the Indian economy's industrial infrastructure is that middle-level institutions are missing due to labour laws, as if enterprise have more than 10 employees, it should be formalized and follow labour laws to provide social security and others benefit, thus enterprise remains small, or too large. Rather than formalising small enterprises excessively, clusters and associations of small enterprises should be formalised. Small enterprises cannot bear the burden of excessive formalisation, which the state and the banking system need to make the informal sector ‘legible’ to them. Professionally managed formal clusters will connect the informal side of the economy with its formal side, i.e. government and large enterprises’ supply chains. NITI Aayog’s plan for industrial growth has very rightly highlighted the need for strong clusters of small enterprises as a principal strategy for the growth of a more competitive industrial sector. Managing Trade-off between Human development and Capital Investment – The strategy highlights the urgency of increasing the tax base to provide more resources for human development. It also says financial investments must be increased to strengthen India’s production base. However, managing this trade-off will not be easy. If tax incentives must be given, they should favour employment creation over capital investment. Means capital investment is needed but it should not get priority over human development. Labour Laws – Document recommends complete codification of central labour laws into four codes by 2019. While this will enable easier navigation for investors and employers through the Indian regulatory maze, what is required is a fundamental reorientation of the laws and regulations — they must fit emerging social and economic realities. Universal Social Security – The nature of work and employment is changing, even in more developed economies. It is moving towards more informal employment, through contract work and self-employment, even in formal enterprises. In such a scenario, social security systems must provide for all citizens, not only those in formal employment. Indeed, if employers want more flexibility to improve competitiveness of their enterprises, the state will have to provide citizens the fairness they expect from the economy. The NITI Aayog strategy suggests some contours of a universal social security system. These must be sharpened. Strengthening Worker Unions with More Flexibility to Employee – Workers negotiation power is weak than the employer thus they must have associations to aggregate themselves to have more weight in the economic debate with owners of capital. Rather than weakening unions to give employers more flexibility, laws must strengthen unions to ensure more fairness. Indeed, many international studies point out that one of the principal causes of the vulgar inequalities that has emerged around the world is due to the weakening of unions. The NITI Aayog strategy mentions the need for social security for domestic workers too. This will not be enforceable unless domestic workers, scattered across millions of homes, have the means to collectively assert their rights. Treat worker as an Assets – All employers in India should realise that workers must be their source of competitive advantage. India has an abundance of labour as a resource, whereas capital is relatively scarce. Human beings can learn new skills and be productive if employers invest in them. Employers must treat their workers, whether on their rolls or on contract, as assets and sources of competitive advantage, not as costs. Conclusion: The shape of the development process matters more to people than the size of the GDP. True development must be by the people (more participative), of the people (health, education, skills), and for the people (growth of their incomes, well-being, and happiness). (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) The Project leopard is aimed at conserving the leopard by improving its prey base, mitigating conflicts with humans and controlling poaching. Which state was the first to launch India's First Leopard Conservation Project? Rajasthan Uttarakhand Maharashtra Karnataka Q.2) Imagine that you are a multi-millionaire based in the U.S. and are looking for your next investment opportunity. You have decided to buy a large stake in a company or companies that makes industrial machinery in India. This is an example of - Foreign direct investment Foreign portfolio investment Mergers and Acquisitions Acquisitions only  Q.3) Consider the following statements with reference to the Foreign Direct Investment FDI inflows are highly volatile as the capital can leave the country overnight FDI is preferable over debt financing as it does not create interest obligations Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Decline in interest rates: Will lead to large outflow of foreign portfolio investment Will lead to large inflow of foreign portfolio investment Will not affect foreign portfolio investment May affect or not affect portfolio investment Q.5) Chabahar Port, recently in news is located in the Persian Gulf Gulf of Oman Gulf of Aden Red Sea Q.6) India recently took over the operations of the Shahid Beheshti port. The port is located in – Iran Yemen Oman Israel MUST READ   On a shaky foundation The Hindu  Delhi, after 1984 Indian Express The afterlife of e-goods Indian Express The Walmartisation of the Indian mind: Bigger is better Livemint  When privacy, the word of the year, came into its own Livemint

Dec 27, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs [IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam] – 25th December 2018

Daily Current Affairs [IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam] – 25th December 2018 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Bid to prevent fake news Part of: GS Mains III – Internal Security; Security issues; Cyber security In news: The government has proposed amendments to the Information Technology (IT) Act. The amendment seeks to make it mandatory for platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter to trace “originator” of “unlawful” information, while also removing such content within 24 hours after being notified. As per the draft ‘The Information Technology [Intermediaries Guidelines (Amendment) Rules] 2018’, the intermediary after being notified by the appropriate authority should remove or disable access to unlawful content within 24 hours in the “interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence, on its computer resource without vitiating the evidence in any manner…” The intermediary is also expected to preserve such information and associated records for at least 180 days for investigation purposes as against 90 days now. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/12/25/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_01/eddf175f_2617643_101_mr.jpg Do you know? Number of lynching incidents were reported in 2018 mostly owing to fake news being circulated through WhatsApp and other social media sites. State startup Ranking Report, 2018 Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy and related issues; Development issues In news: According to the Central government’s State startup Ranking Report, 2018 – Maharashtra is placed in 25-50 percentile ‘emerging’ category (i.e., the State has ranked in the bottom half). Gujarat claimed the top spot Reasons for Maharashtra’s poor ranking – Maharashtra announced its startup policy only in 2018. Andhra Pradesh was the first State in the country to announce a startup policy in 2014, following directions from the Centre to all States. Maharashtra’s industrial growth rate is falling continuously, from 7.2% in 2015-16 to 6.5% in 2017-18. Maharashtra’s ease-of-doing-business rank has come down from eight in 2015 to 13 in 2018. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/12/25/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_04/8de9bd8f_2617728_101_mr.jpg Development - ‘bone of contention’ between govt and Maoists Part of: GS Mains II and III – Development issues; Gove schemes and policies in vulnerable areas; Security issues In news: Development has been the ‘bone of contention’ between the government agencies, including the security forces, and the banned CPI (Maoists). While security agencies and the authorities claim that development would ease the hardship of the tribal people in the under-developed region, the Maoists feel that it would bring in multi-national companies into the forest to exploit the resources that belong to the tribal population under the Schedule 5 of the Constitution. Do you know? Government’s strategy to contain Maoists is through building cell towers and better road connectivity. As towers would enable the tribal people to access information on climate, agriculture, health and education. Central government has sanctioned huge funds under the Road Connectivity Project in Left Wing Extremist Area project. However, the Maoists have strongly opposed against it. India-Bhutan: golden jubilee of the diplomatic relations Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – India and its neighbours relations; International Relations In news: India to host newly elected Bhutan PM (Dr. Lotay Tshering) His visit will take place to mark the golden jubilee of the diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan India-Bhutan ties likely to witness sealing of important power projects to be implemented by both sides. Bhutan assured that it will continue to have special ties with India and avoid establishing diplomatic ties with any of the permanent members of the UN Security Council. Bhutan hopes to finalise India’s assistance for the 12th Five-Year Plan. Miscellaneous 1. Bogibeel Bridge About: India’s longest rail-road bridge Total expenditure - ₹5,920 crore to build 94 km Bogibeel is the fourth bridge across river Brahmaputra Located in Assam 2. Foxconn unit in Sriperumbudur (TN) will start manufacturing Apple iPhones. Sriperumbudur is located on the Chennai–Bengaluru Highway. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL/SECURITY TOPIC:General studies 2 and 3  Issues with Fundamental Rights and Constitutional Values Right to Privacy Challenges to internal security through communication networks Security issues Privacy-Security trade-off: Requires reform of the surveillance framework Introduction We read about Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notification authorising 10 Central agencies to intercept, monitor, and decrypt “any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer.” The MHA order has caused a furore in both Parliament and the wider civil society. MHA notification lays bare the lopsided character of the surveillance framework in India, and highlights an urgent need for comprehensive reform. The problem The existing surveillance framework is complex and confusing. Currently, two statutes control the field: telephone surveillance is sanctioned under the 1885 Telegraph Act (and its rules), while electronic surveillance is authorised under the 2000 Information Technology Act (and its rules). 1997 Supreme Court judgment had ordered that surveillance requests have to be signed off by an official who is at least at the level of a Joint Secretary. There are three features about the current regime. It is bureaucratised – Decisions about surveillance are taken by the executive branch , with no parliamentary or judicial supervision . (Flaw - an individual will almost never know that he/she is being surveilled and then challenging it before a court, is a near-impossibility.) The surveillance regime is vague and ambiguous – very wide phrases such as “friendly relations with foreign States” or “sovereignty and integrity of India” have been directly copy pasted from Article 19(2) of the Constitution into Section 69 of the IT Act. Current regime is opaque – There is almost no information available about the bases on which surveillance decisions are taken, and how the legal standards are applied. Surveillance is essential to ensure national security and pre-empt terrorist threats. However, a heavily bureaucratised and minimally accountable regime of surveillance does nothing to enhance security, but does have significant privacy costs. In the famous ‘privacy-security trade-off’, it is exceedingly important to assess the balance on the basis of constitutional principles and fundamental rights, rather than blindly accepting the government’s rhetoric of national security. The way ahead: The law should specify clearly ‘how, when, and what kind of surveillance’. Any impingement upon the right to privacy must be proportionate and stated goal should be achieved. For instance, if the goal is protecting national security and if it can be achieved by a smaller infringement upon fundamental rights, then the government is constitutionally bound to adopt the method that does, indeed, involve minimal infringement. The law should fix the above mentioned three parameters – its bureaucratic character, its vagueness, and its opacity – as the existing surveillance framework is unconstitutional, and must be reconsidered. There must be parliamentary oversight over the agencies that conduct surveillance. All surveillance requests must necessarily go before a judicial authority, which can apply an independent legal mind to the merits of the request. The broad and vaguely worded phrases should be specified clearly. This will help the process of judicial review. Evidence obtained through unconstitutional surveillance must be statutorily stipulated to be inadmissible in court. It is crucial to acknowledge that every act of surveillance, whether justified or not, involves a serious violation of individual privacy. To implement the suggestions above will require a comprehensive reform of the surveillance framework in India. Such a reform is long overdue. Connecting the dots: Existing surveillance framework in India needs to be revisited and reconsidered. Do you agree? Critically examine. Also suggest some measures for better surveillance framework. NATIONAL/POLITY TOPIC:General studies 2  Indian polity; Government laws and policies; Policy reforms  Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.  Indian Constitution : Elections, Parliament Democratic governance and society Implementing NOTA in the right spirit Important pointers: 2013 People’s Union for Civil Liberties v. Union Of India Case: Supreme Court ruled that a None of the Above (NOTA) option “may be provided in EVMs” so that voters are able to exercise their “right not to vote while maintaining their right of secrecy”. Excerpt of SC judgment – (Understanding the spirit of the judgment) “For democracy to survive, it is essential that the best available men should be chosen as people’s representatives... This can be best achieved through men of high moral and ethical values, who win the elections on a positive vote. Thus, in a vibrant democracy, the voter must be given an opportunity to choose NOTA..., which will... compel the political parties to nominate a sound candidate. By providing NOTA button in the EVMs, it will accelerate effective political participation and the voters will be empowered. When large numbers of people are expressing their disapproval with the candidates, the political parties will realize and accept the will of the people. There will be a systemic change and the political parties will field candidates who are known for their integrity. What happens if a situation arose where the number of NOTA votes exceeded the number of votes polled by any of the candidates? According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the candidate with the highest number of votes would be declared winner. This was in accordance with Rule 64 of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961. Concerns: The above provision made the NOTA option almost redundant. In other words, a NOTA vote would not have any impact on the election result and the spirit of judgment has failed. Candidates have begun campaigning against NOTA, telling voters that choosing the option meant wasting a vote. The way ahead: Democracy is all about choice. This choice can be better expressed if voters are given an opportunity to verbalize themselves unreservedly and by imposing least restrictions on their ability to make such a choice. If NOTA has received highest number of valid votes, then the said election for that particular seat should be countermanded and fresh elections should be held for such post. There should also be a provision that same candidates should not contest the new election, because the result could be the same as earlier. All such contesting candidates who secured less votes than NOTA should not be eligible to re-file the nomination/contest the re-election. Such provisions can compel political parties to nominate sound candidates and are forced to accept the will of the people. Connecting the dots: Critically analyse the importance of NOTA in Indian democracy. Also examine if NOTA option has met its original objectives. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Which 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.2) Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding India’s National Informatics Centers – Computer Emergency Response Team (NIC – CERT)? It is an initiative of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. NIC-CERT has been setup with the objective of creating a comprehensive framework that integrates world class security components and inbuilt threat intelligence for detection, prevention and incident response. Select the code from below: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements with reference to National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) It has been created under the Information Technology Act, 2000. It identifies banking, financial services and insurance as one of the ‘critical sectors’. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) With reference to the 'None of The Above' (NOTA) option, consider the following statements: It gives the citizens to exercise their right to reject. NOTA are counted, but are considered 'invalid votes' Select the correct statements Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Which of the following statements is/are correct about RajyaSabha elections? Unlike use of secret ballots in Loksabha elections, open ballots are used in RajyaSabha elections. Similar to LokSabha elections, the use of NOTA (None of the above) option is allowed in RajyaSabha elections too. Select the correct code Only 1 Only 2 1 and 2 None MUST READ A solution in search of a problem The Hindu  Promise rights, get votes The Hindu Mind the knowledge gap Indian Express His master’s bureaucracy Indian Express  The farm in the spotlight Indian Express Global economic events predict pathos in the coming year Livemint  A step closer to a single standard GST rate Livemint

Dec 26, 2018 RSTV Video

RSTV IAS UPSC – Transgender Persons Bill, 2018

Transgender Persons Bill, 2018 Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation In News: Lok Sabha passed a bill seeking to empower the transgender community by providing them a separate identity. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, seeking to define transgenders and prohibit discrimination against them, was introduced in the Lok Sabha two years ago. Amid din, five members participated in the debate, questioning the provisions of the legislation. The amendments moved by the government, along with some others moved by the opposition members, were considered. Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot said that the Bill was sent to a standing committee and the government has accepted its 27 amendments. Brief History of Transgender in India Numbering approximately 4,90,000 as per the last count (2011), transgender people in India are perhaps one of the most visibly invisible population in the country. Historically, Indian society has been tolerant of diverse sexual identities and sexual behaviours. The “hijra” community evolved to form a unique subculture within the Indian society, existing alongside the ubiquitous heterosexual unit of the family. They had cultural and social significance across the country in various avatars. The same is evident in Indian mythology and ancient literature such as the Kamasutra, or the epics such as the Mahabharata, in which the transgender community has been portrayed with dignity and respect. However, transgender people have been increasingly recognised as one of the most socio-economically marginalised communities in the country. Since the late 19th century, they have been pushed to the margins of society, and have lost the social-cultural position they once enjoyed. Often shunned as a menace to society, they are now only visible on the streets and localities where they are found begging, never as a part of the mainstream. They are subject to extreme forms of social ostracisation and exclusion from basic dignity and human rights. They remain highly vulnerable to gender-based violence. As a direct result of their acute mistreatment, vilification, ostracisation and dehumanisation, they also remain highly vulnerable to fatal communicable diseases like HIV-AIDS. The typical lifecycle of a transgender person in India can, perhaps, be construed as one of the most painful. Most often, boys who do not conform to the gender construct binary in our society leave, or are forced to leave their families, and live in vulnerable conditions. More often than not, these children or young individuals begin their journey alone and in search of individuals of their kind, a journey that is marred by unspeakable hardships and abuse. Despite laws, policies and their implementation, the community continues to remain quite marginalised and highly vulnerable. We have numerous examples of higher education institutions providing quota and giving special consideration to transgender people, but the takers remain few and far between. This is mostly because the school education of most transgender people either remains incomplete or non-existent. The lack of basic schooling is a direct result of bullying and, hence, transgender persons are forced to leave schools, which remain unequipped to handle children with alternate sexual identities. 1st Acceptance – As “others” during Elections In 2009, it was brought to the notice of the Election Commission that some voters weren’t getting registered as they refused to declare themselves as male or female — the traditional gender binary, earlier found on voter registration forms to be filled in order to get registered as a voter. This is especially significant for the local body elections in constituencies which are reserved for women. As a result, in November 2009, appropriate directions were issued by the EC to all provinces to amend the format of the registration forms to include an option of “others”. This enabled transsexual people to tick the column if they didn’t want to be identified as either male or female. This decision of the EC also went a long way towards opening the nation’s eyes to the realities of a deprived community that still continues to be at the margins. 2nd Acceptance: National Legal Services Authority Vs. Union of India (2014) The Supreme Court in National Legal Services Authority Vs. Union of India (2014) recognised them as the “Third Gender”. In the landmark ruling, Justice K S Radhakrishnan, who headed the two-judge bench, observed that “recognition of transgenders as a third gender is not a social or medical issue, but a human rights issue”. Only a year after the verdict, it was encouraging to see India’s first transgender mayor of Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, Madhu Kinnar, elected to office, in 2015. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016, was passed in the Rajya Sabha. What were the objections? Lack of proper definition for transgenders: The amendments passed on Monday include a change in the previous definition of transgender persons as “neither wholly female or wholly male”, which was criticised as being insensitive. The new definition terms a transgender person as one “whose gender does not match the gender assigned to that person at birth and includes trans-men or trans-women, persons with intersex variations, gender-queers, and persons having socio-cultural identities such as kinnar, hijras, aravani and jogta”. No provision for self-determination of gender: Instead, the bill envisions a district screening committee which will be invested the power to certify people as trans or not. A person who wishes to transition from one gender identity to another will be certified as male/female only after a gender reassignment surgery — in effect, turning an issue of personal identity into a medical procedure, and making vast swathes of marginalised persons dependent on the whims of an often hostile bureaucracy. In fact, the Nalsa judgment had specifically laid out that “any insistence on surgery for declaring one’s gender is immoral and illegal”. No reservations: The Supreme Court, in the landmark April 2014 NALSA judgment, had issued a directive “to extend all kinds of reservations in cases of admission in educational institutions and for public appointments” by treating transgender persons as socially and educationally backward classes. They were to be given reservations under the 27 per cent OBC quota, a suggestion that was also endorsed by the National Commission for Backward Classes in its recommendations to the Social Justice Ministry in 2014. Criminalises begging: To make matters worse, the Bill criminalises begging, thereby targeting transgender persons who rely on begging for sustenance. Such provisions disregard the lived realities of transgender persons for whom begging often is the last resort. In fact, provisions such as these could give immunity to the police to exert force on transgender persons and “rehabilitate” them in beggars’ homes or detention centres against their will. Such harsh measures of detaining marginalised individuals under the garb of rehabilitation have also been criticised by the Delhi High Court in Harsh Mander v. Union of India, 2018, declaring provisions of the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959 as unconstitutional on grounds that it violates Article 14 (equality before the law) and Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty), and affects the rights of persons who have no other means of sustenance but to beg. Sexual Harassment not addressed: The Bill fails to extend protection to transgender persons who might be victims of sexual assault or rape, as the Indian Penal Code recognises rape in strict terms of men and women as perpetrator and victim, respectively. While the Bill makes “sexual abuse” punishable, with a disproportionate punishment of imprisonment only up to two years, it does not define the acts that constitute sexual offences, making it complicated for transgender persons to report such crimes and access justice. Civil rights ignored: The Bill does not grapple with the realisation of civil rights such as marriage, civil partnership, adoption and property rights, thereby continuing to deprive transgender persons of their fundamental rights and the constitutional guarantee provided by the Supreme Court in NALSA. Conclusion The need of the hour is a robust Bill with strong anti-discrimination provisions that will remedy the historical injustices faced by the transgender community, which continues to fight for the most basic rights even today. There is much good intention behind the welfare provisions, but social legislation is much more than high-minded clauses. It needs to be followed up with zealous implementation and framing of deadlines to achieve specific objectives. A multi-pronged approach is needed on a war footing in the form of mass awareness campaigns, generating avenues for dignified employment, gender sensitisation and affirmative action. Connecting the Dots: What are the problems faced by the Transgenders in India socially and in terms of policy implementation? What are the corresponding measures that are needed to be taken to address problems in both the areas? Can the new Bill passed for the Transgenders community prove to be an ally for them or just one more element in their exploitation? Discuss.