Aug 29, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 29th August 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 29th August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Audit of child shelters ‘frightening’ Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Social/Welfare issue; Child issue In news: National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is carrying out an audit of child care institutions and other bodies such as children homes, open shelters, observation homes, special homes, places of safety, specialised adoption agencies and fit facilities under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and Model Rules. The audit is being conducted in compliance with a Supreme Court order on May 5, 2017. Preliminary contents of a social audit conducted by the NPCR highlighted that – Out of a total of 2,874 children’s homes surveyed, only 54 institutions could be given positive reviews. Out of 185 shelter homes audited across the country, only 19 had “all the records of a child that they are supposed to maintain.” Of the 203 special adoption agencies, only eight deserved positive reviews. Similarly, only 16% of the 172 observation homes had all the required records of the children, like case histories and who are residing there. Again, out of 80 special homes/place of safety only 13% have the complete set of records. Important Value Additions: About NCPCR NCPCR is a statutory body set up in 2007 under Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005. NCPCR is country’s apex child rights body. Objective of this commission is to protect, promote and defend the child rights in India including the rights adopted in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children, 1989, ratified by India in 1992. The Chairperson of NCPCR should be a person of eminence who has done outstanding work on promoting the child rights. The Commission's Mandate is to ensure that all Laws, Policies, Programmes, and Administrative Mechanisms are in consonance with the Child Rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Do you know? The Child is defined as a person in the 0 to 18 years age group. India’s most polluted: 30% have no clean up plan Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Pollution In news: There are concerns as good numbers of India’s most polluted cities have failed to clean up their act. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had asked polluted cities (or ‘non-attainment’ cities) to implement 42 measures aimed at mitigating air pollution - as part of the National Clean Air Campaign (NCAP). These included steps such as implementing control and mitigation measures related to vehicular emissions, re-suspension of road dust and other fugitive emissions, bio-mass, municipal solid waste burning, industrial pollution, and construction and demolition activities. However, prominent non-attainment cities such as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Nagpur and Jaipur are yet to submit their plans. Do you know? The non-attainment cities are those that have fallen short of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for over five years. Recently, World Health Organisation said that Delhi and Varanasi were among 14 Indian cities that figured in a global list of the 20 most polluted cities in terms of PM2.5 levels. Other Indian cities with very high levels of PM2.5 particulates were Kanpur, Faridabad, Gaya, Patna, Lucknow, Agra, Muzaffarpur, Srinagar, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Patiala and Jodhpur, followed by Ali Subah Al-Salem in Kuwait and some cities in China and Mongolia. Objective of NCAP The NCAP aspires to overcome the deficits of the ongoing government initiatives targeted towards air pollution control. It lays down a comprehensive strategy framework for enhanced management of air quality. Augmentation of existing air quality monitoring network by increasing number of existing manual and continuous monitoring stations, introducing rural monitoring stations, identifying alternative technology for real-time monitoring network and augmenting capabilities of existing monitoring stations to measure PM2.5 concentration, are  integral components of the strategy framework. Kudumbashree: a fine model of community service Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Self Help Groups; Role of SHGs; Disaster Management In news: Workers of the women empowerment programme (Kudumbashree) have so far cleaned more than 1.1 lakh flood-hit houses in Kerala. The gesture can be described as a fine model of community service by the self-help group in post-disaster reconstruction. Important Value Additions About Kudumbashree Launched by: Government of Kerala in 1998 Aim: To wipe out absolute poverty from state through concerned community action under the leadership of local self-government Organization: Largest women empowering projects in the country; it covers 50 percent of the households in Kerala. A government agency having a budget and paid staff and is responsible to the department of local self-governments. Manned space mission before 75th I-Day: ISRO chief Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Science and Technology In news: Gaganyaan - India’s ambitious manned spaceflight mission ISRO aims to launch three Indians into space by an Indian rocket (before the 75th Independence Day). Do you know? ISRO began work on the manned mission in 2004 and some of these technologies have been demonstrated successfully through various tests — Space Capsule Recovery Experiment, Crew module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment and Pad Abort Test. The total programme is expected to cost less than ₹10,000 crore. Miscellaneous: Rudrasagar - is an artificial lake about 50 km from Agartala (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS TOPIC: General Studies 2 India and its neighbourhood- relations Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests Pieces of the Asian dream: India, China and Asia-pacific Introduction: When the U.S. and China are caught up in geopolitical rivalry in the Asia-Pacific, all eyes are towards India, and strategic positioning India is gearing itself. In Singapore, India proclaimed her ambitions to garner influence in the Indo-Pacific region by increasing engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), developing friendship with China, maintaining cordial ties with Russia, pursuing interests with Australia and engaging more with the U.S. Tug of power The tug of power between India and China continues to impact sea lanes and chokepoints, with these two Asian giants pursuing interests in the littoral states spread across the Indo-Pacific. While India pursues influence through heightened diplomatic, bilateral and military engagement, China has started to garner influence through hard investments in cash-strapped littoral nations suffering from massive infrastructural deficits. China in Asia Pacific The influence of China on certain ASEAN states like Cambodia has been such that during the 2016 ASEAN ministerial meeting, it refused to endorse the joint communiqué if it referred to the international court ruling against Beijing. China is today Cambodia’s largest provider of foreign aid and has invested in dams, oilfields, highways, textile operations and mines. Philippines have been seeking for harmonious relations with China, especially after 2016, when U.S. legislators blocked the sale of about 26,000 M4 rifles. Beijing provided rifles and guns to the Philippines police to fight against extremists in the city of Marawi. ASEAN’s trade with China far surpasses that with India, and Chinese foreign direct investment in ASEAN is nine times higher than India’s. China’s heavy investments in ASEAN nations have brought these nations closer into its orbit of influence to the point where despite an international ruling against its activities in the South China Sea (SCS), the ASEAN as a bloc agreed to cooperate with China on a Code of Conduct instead of pursuing the international ruling. China’s multibillion dollar investments in Sri Lankan ports and cities have inched the country much closer to China, and last year Sri Lanka handed over its Hambantota port to China, on a 99-year lease. Under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has over the years promised billions to littoral states in the Indian Ocean Region to build a series of ports, something resource-constrained India will find difficult to match. India in Asia Pacific The overt-assertiveness of China has driven many countries in East and Southeast Asia to seek friendship with India, and today Indonesia and Singapore are looking to bolster relations with India. ASEAN has a cultural affinity with India with its shared religious diversity, ancient ties and a sizeable Indian diaspora in countries like Singapore and Malaysia. After the U.S., India enjoys global soft power through its art, literature, music, dance and cinema. India is perceived by many in East Asia as a friendly democracy, making the country a safe ally to have in the long run. Japan has significantly increased its engagement with India and the two countries enjoy robust military ties. India and Australia have initiated the ‘2+2’ dialogue signalling Canberra’s interest in deepening a maritime security partnership with India. Although India enjoys cordial relationship with all ASEAN nations, it is unlikely that diplomatic hobnobbing alone will help garner the grouping’s support for its Indo-Pacific strategy against China’s raw cash power and growing military presence. India also has so far failed to provide any concrete plans for its immediate neighbourhood in South Asia, with countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka demonstrating interest in partnering with China. Souring of relations with Nepal due to the 2015 fuel blockade and failed strategic interventions in Sri Lanka have both undermined India’s regional leadership. Recent thaw So far, in this year, from the informal summit at Wuhan in April to Prime Minister Modi’s keynote speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in china, a reset of India china relations has been observed. At the SCO Summit, China renewed its agreement with India on sharing data on the cross-border flow of waters from the Brahmaputra during the flood season. The two countries signed a protocol that would enable all varieties of rice exports from India to China, a demand India has been pressing for quite some time to rectify its adverse balance of payments against China. Mr. Xi has also suggested a trade target of $100 billion by 2020, signalling a gradual thaw in relations. Way forward With China, India can strike a better strategic bargain compared to the smaller states in the region. It would be difficult for China to take forward the BRI without participation from India, which has reservations on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). By demonstrating a willingness to join the BRI, India can positively influence China to re-evaluate the details of the CPEC. With a strategic partnership with China, India can better pursue its own regional groupings like the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) initiative. Since India can’t match China’s resource spending, strategic understanding with China can help streamline regional connectivity projects and help India gain influence in the region. India have to develop a strategy to leverage its soft power in South, East and Southeast Asia and optimise its military power to effectively counter China’s cash and hard power. Conclusion: India is clearly seeking its rightful place in the league of nations by outlining its geopolitical role, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. With the limited resources, India’s ambitions will have to play out against a resourceful and assertive China. Connecting the dots: Briefly provide an overview of the geopolitical realities of Asia Pacific and different stakeholders involved, which makes it necessary for India to showcase her diplomatic skills. NATIONAL TOPIC: Paper 1: Essay General Studies 2 Indian Constitution; Fundamental rights Functioning of Judiciary Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors The final frontier of populism? Judiciary and Majoritarianism Introduction Crucial constitutional questions are being fought in the highest courts in the world’s largest democracies. If a baker refuses to make a wedding cake for a same sex couple citing his religious beliefs, is that an exercise of religious liberty or a case of discrimination against homosexuals? The Colorado Civil Rights Commission in the U.S. ruled it was a case of discrimination. The U.S. Supreme Court reversed the Colorado commission’s order. The Indian Supreme Court is seized of the conflict between a religious belief and charges of discrimination in a case on Sabarimala, the Kerala temple where women of a particular age are not allowed entry. When questions such as these come up in the context of executive or legislative action or inaction, it becomes the task of the judiciary to test them against the Constitution. There is a long-running debate on how the judiciary should interpret the Constitution. One school of thought, the originalists, believes that the constitutional text ought to be given the original meaning or intent that it would have at the time it was written. The evolutionists believe that the Constitution is a living document and the meaning of its text changes over time, as social attitudes change, and that the judges should interpret it accordingly. (Covered in detail: 28 August 2018 DNA) Tensions in a democracy Judges are not impervious to public opinion but they are not meant to be its slaves either. They do not need to win popular votes. This one layer of insulation from instant public opinion enables the judiciary to be the guardian of the fundamental values of the society, which too change but over a longer period of time. The tensions between the legislative or executive branches and the judiciary are unavoidable, and to some extent desirable, in a democracy. Varying degrees of judicial review provide a way to negotiate a balance between public opinion and values in democratic societies. In India, the judiciary can review even constitutional amendments. When a society is in the midst of conflict over its elemental values, such tensions become more fraught. The legislative and executive branches are quicker in responding to people’s will and often, shaping it. India also has seen such phase, when the judiciary resisted progressive legislative measures such as land reforms in the early years of the republic. Those tensions continued all the way until an equilibrium was reached, with the Supreme Court establishing the concept of the basic structure of the Constitution in the 1970s. At the core of the tensions between the judiciary and the more political branches was the search for a balance between justice and liberty, a perennial source of conflict in a democracy. Conclusion: The turbulence within the Indian judiciary and in its relations with the political executive and the legislature could also be seen in the context of the ongoing populist project to reshape the country. It is one thing to expect the judiciary to be aware of evolving notions of rights and justice in a society, but quite another to demand the remaking of the judiciary in accordance with a majoritarian agenda. A judiciary dismissive of the popular will could disrupt the balance of power among the branches; but a judiciary subservient to majoritarianism will certainly undermine democracy. Connecting the dots: Do you think populism in democracy affects judiciary? Elucidate. (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) With regard to National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Consider the following statements. As defined by the commission, child includes those up to the age of 18 years. Chairperson of the commission is ex-officio member of National Human Rights Commission Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 None Q.2) Consider the following statements with reference to the National commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) It is a statutory body established under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. It defines a Child as a person in the 0 to 18 years age group. The commission works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women & Child Development. Which of the statements given above are correct? 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3 Q.3) Air quality of Indian cities is a major concern these days. Which of the following pollutants are considered in India to make the Air Quality Index? Carbon di Oxide PM 2.5 Ozone Lead Select the code from following: 2 only 2, 3 and 4 1, 2 and 3 All of the above Q.4) Consider the following statements about National Air Quality Monitoring Programme: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has been executing a nationwide Programme of ambient air quality monitoring known as National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP). Annual average concentration of SOx levels are within the prescribed National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The NAAQS has undertaken 5 pollutants only. Which if the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 MUST READ Stagnation post-summit The Hindu Listen to the deluge Indian Express Cities at crossroads: No more cover-ups Indian Express Gender 5.0 Indian Express

Aug 28, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 28th August 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 28th August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) India and Pakistan: Indus treaty talks Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – India and its neighbourhood- relations In news: India, Pakistan will hold two-day discussions on Indus Water Treaty and related issues. The Pakistani side will reiterate its objections over two water-storage and hydroelectric projects being built by India during the talks. Pakistan would raise its concerns over the 1000-MW Pakal Dul and the 48-MW Lower Kalnai hydroelectric projects on the Chenab river. Do you know? The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank and signed by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and former Pakistan President Ayub Khan, administers how the waters of the Indus River and its tributaries that flow in both the countries will be utilised. The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) deals with river Indus and its five tributaries, which are classified in 2 categories: Eastern rivers: Sutlej, Beas and Ravi Western rivers: Jhelum, Chenab and Indus According to treaty, All the water of eastern rivers shall be available for unrestricted use in India. India should let unrestricted flow of water from western rivers to Pakistan. The treaty says that India can use the water in western rivers in “non-consumptive” needs (such as irrigation, storage and even for electricity production). The treaty allocates 80% of water from the six-river Indus water system to Pakistan. A Permanent Indus Commission was set up as a bilateral commission to implement and manage the Treaty. Though Indus originates from Tibet, China has been kept out of the Treaty. Female genital mutilation Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Social issue; Religious reforms; Health issue About: Female genital mutilation (FGM) includes procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. FGM is in news after a group of Dawoodi Bohra women who were subject to FGM, recently began speaking about it publicly. Bohra community describes it as khatna, khafz, or female circumcision - is the ritual cutting or removal of some or all of the external female genitalia. The practice is found in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and within communities from countries in which FGM is common. FGM is mostly carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15. The procedure has no health benefits for girls and women. FGM is often motivated by beliefs about what is considered acceptable sexual behaviour. It aims to ensure premarital virginity and marital fidelity. Practitioners often believe the practice has religious support. Procedures can cause severe bleeding and problems urinating, and later cysts, infections, as well as complications in childbirth and increased risk of newborn deaths. FGM is a violation of the human rights of girls and women. Do you know? WHO strongly urges health professionals not to perform such procedures. In 1997, WHO issued a joint statement against the practice of FGM together with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). In 2008, WHO together with 9 other United Nations partners, issued a statement on the elimination of FGM to support increased advocacy for its abandonment, called: “Eliminating female genital mutilation: an interagency statement”. In December 2012, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on the elimination of female genital mutilation. Supreme Court’s views on FGM practice: FGM leaves permanent emotional and mental scars in a young girl. Constitution does not allow a person to cause injury to another. The practice needs to be tested in the light of constitutional morality and just because something is “essential to religion”, does not mean it is above constitutional morality. If we do not go by the Constitution, then morality is left to the mob. The people on the streets will say what is moral and what is immoral. A.P. emerging as electronics hub Part of: GS Mains III – Indian Economy; Infrastructure In news: Foxconn and Holitech, a leading Chinese manufacturer of compact camera modules supplying exclusively to smart phone maker Xiaomi, inks pact with Andhra Pradesh to establish unit at Tirupati. AP Minister is heading to China, scouting for more investments in the electronics manufacturing sector. AP government’s objective is to make the State a hub for electronics manufacturing but not limit the scope to mobile phones. It targets to meet the requirement of even the defence establishments. P. government has also roped in Reliance Jio to set up its mobile phone and set-top box making unit near Tirupati in 125 acres. Flextronics, a major player in designing, assembling and testing of printed circuit boards, is setting up its unit in the electronics manufacturing cluster at Tirupati. Online registration of drones must from Dec. 1 Part of: GS Mains III – Security; Science and Technology In news: Drones, their operators and pilots will have to be mandatorily registered on aviation regulator DGCA’s online portal, effective December 1. Remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) have been divided into five categories – nano (less than 250gm), micro (between 250 gm and 2kg), small (between 2 and 25 kg) and large (more than 150 kg). Users will have to go online to seek a unique identification number for each drone as well as an operator’s permit licence. They will have to provide details of flight path to be undertaken for every flight. However, nano drones are exempt from all these pre-requisites. Do you know? Drones are barred from being flown near airports, international border, coastline, Parliament, Secretariat complex in State capitals, military installations and eco sensitive zones. Small and large drones can fly up to a maximum height of 400 feet. Nano drones must not fly beyond 50 feet and micro drones must be within 200 feet from ground level. ‘Jaipur Foot’ camp in Vietnam Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – India and the world; International Relations In news: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj inaugurated the ‘Jaipur Foot’ camp in Vietnam (free India-made prosthetic limb to 500 Vietnamese beneficiaries). The initiative aims at deepening India’s strategic cooperation with Vietnam and Cambodia — the key countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. Myanmar Army had ‘genocidal intent’: UN Report Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – International Relations; Role of International organizations In news: UN report highlights the following – Myanmar’s military carried out mass killings and gang rapes of Muslim Rohingya with “genocidal intent”. Commander-in-Chief and five generals should be prosecuted for the gravest crimes under international law. Report calls for the UN Security Council to set up an ad hoc tribunal to try suspects or refer them to the International Criminal Court in the Hague. It calls for targeted sanctions against individuals most responsible for crimes. The report also criticised Facebook for allowing the world’s biggest social media network to be used to incite violence and hatred. Iran asks UN to act against ‘economic strangulation’ by U.S. Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II  - International Relations In news: Iran demanded the UN’s top court to suspend U.S. nuclear-linked sanctions against Tehran, accusing Washington of plotting its “economic strangulation”. The Islamic Republic launched a suit at the International Court of Justice over U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to reimpose the sanctions that had been lifted in a 2015 accord. The sanctions target financial transactions and imports of raw materials, cars and aircraft among other things. A second wave of punitive measures is due to hit Iran, targeting its vital energy sector including oil exports. Miscellaneous: Tribe in news: Khasi tribe : : Meghalaya Oil from jatropha seeds (Biofuel) was blended with aviation turbine fuel - propelled the country’s first ever bio jet fuel-powered flight. International standards permit a blend rate of up to 50% biofuel with ATF. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 1 Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. Role of women and women's organization Social empowerment General Studies 2 Indian Constitution; Fundamental rights Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors Ways to read the Constitution Introduction: The arguments before the Supreme Court around the entry of women of a certain age to the Sabarimala temple in Kerala raise issues about religious freedom, gender equality and also constitutional interpretation. In support of the petitioners Ban is against freedom of religion, right to equality and right against discrimination. The petitioners have argued that discrimination based on biological reasons is not permissible going by the constitutional scheme. A specific argument made in the court, based on Article 17, it was argued that the exclusion is a form of ‘untouchability’ since the exclusion is solely based on notions of purity and impurity. Argumennts against petition: The Devaswom Board and others in support of the ban have cited it as an age-old custom. It forms a part of ‘essential religious practice’ of worshippers under Article 25 of the Constitution. It was also urged that matters such as who can or cannot enter the temple are covered under the rights to administer and manage religious institutions, under Article 26. Argument under Article 17 was resisted on the contention that the prohibition of untouchability was historically intended only to protect the interests of the backward classes. The claim is that the makers of the Constitution never envisioned including women within the ambit of untouchability. A specific acknowledgment Article 17 is emphatic in its wording: “Untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. The enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law.” It is peculiar since it abolishes a social practice in any form. All the other provisions in the same chapter lay down substantive fundamental rights. In spite of the specific equality and anti-discrimination guarantees in the Constitution, Article 17 is inserted to specifically acknowledge and remove the social stigma associated with certain castes. It was enacted in an attempt to eradicate historical inequality. Two approaches for interpretation of constitution The first approach — the ‘original intent’ This approach is based on the intent of the framers of the Constitution when they drafted the text. For example, an originalist will adopt a certain understanding of a constitutional right — say, the right to same-sex relationships under the right to liberty promised under Article 21 only if she is convinced that the drafters intended that. She may argue that the framers never thought of such a situation and, therefore, a same-sex couple cannot have a constitutional right under Article 21. A similar argument has been made in the debates in India on homosexuality. Article 15 enjoins the state from discriminating on grounds such as religion, caste and sex. By relying on the originalist approach, it was asserted that the makers of the Constitution meant the word ‘sex’ under Article 15 only in the binary sense of ‘male and female’. Over time, originalism as a method of constitutional interpretation has been subject to serious criticism for being too rigid and inflexible. The Canadian Supreme Court, while rejecting originalism, said that such a method would mean that “...the rights, freedoms and values embodied in the Charter in effect become frozen in time to the moment of adoption with little or no possibility of growth, development and adjustment to changing societal needs.” The second approach — the ‘living tree’ doctrine It involves understanding the Constitution to be an evolving and organic instrument. For the living tree theorists, it matters little what the intentions were at the time of Constitution making. What matters the most is how the Constitution can be interpreted to contain rights in their broadest realm. The moral reading of the Constitution, propounded by Ronald Dworkin, also complements the living tree approach. Dworkin says in Freedom’s Law that “according to the moral reading, these clauses must be understood in the way their language most naturally suggests: they refer to abstract moral principles and incorporate these by reference, as limits on government’s power.” Originalism in India: an evaluation The ‘living tree’ approach — being an alternative and a finer reading of the Constitution — supports a broader interpretation of Article 17. Even if the framers of the Constitution intended this provision to address a specific category of discrimination, the constitutional court can adopt an interpretation to include women under Article 17. Women have been kept out of Sabarimala because of menstruation. As a distinct class, they are being discriminated against. If certain castes are considered ‘impure’ because of their social status, menstruating women are considered to be so because of their gender. The criteria are different but the effect of exclusion is common. It seems that such an interpretation does not do any violence to the language and content of Article 17, but only emancipates it. The treatment which homosexuals experience today is similar in kind to that which ‘untouchables’ experienced and which prompted the adoption of Article 17, in that the treatment of homosexuals likewise flows from their social status. This is a case where discrimination is based solely on sexual orientation. Conclusion Therefore, in essence, the Sabarimala case is a test case not only for freedom of religion and women’s rights but also for constitutional interpretation. It presents to the court an exemplary opportunity for an alternative reading of the Constitution. If the court indeed reads Article 17 to have a wider meaning, it will signal a new era of transformative constitutionalism in Indian jurisprudence. Connecting the dots: Sabrimala case; a test for Indian jurisprudence. Comment INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 India and its neighbourhood- relations Dragon in the room: India – China relations Introduction: A year after the resolution of the gravest border crisis in recent times between India and China at Doklam, there are signs that things between the two Asian neighbours are finally moving back to normal. Post Doklam developments: The march towards normalcy started with the SCO summit last September and got an impetus with the informal summit between Indian Prime Minister and Chinese President in Wuhan in April. With the visit of Chinese Defence Minister to Delhi, and his discussions with his Indian counterpart, the two countries seem to have arrived at a path which will minimise chances of a major conflict and prevent differences from becoming disputes. General’s delegation comprised top officials from the Central Military Commission, the highest military decision-making body, and the Western Theatre Command, which is responsible for the entire Chinese border with India. Both countries have decided to expand the engagement between the armed forces relating to training, joint exercises and other professional interactions. Both sides have also decided to work towards a new bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence exchanges and cooperation to replace the earlier MoU signed in 2006. Bothe the countries agreed to work towards full implementation of the on-going confidence-building measures along the disputed border, a lesson from the Doklam crisis. This is based on the strategic guidance provided to the two militaries after the Wuhan summit, and will involve working out SOPs and mechanisms to avoid tensions between soldiers on the disputed border. This will be achieved by having greater interaction at lower levels — at unit and brigade level — an idea which came from the Chinese. Officials will now work out a standard protocol for these meetings, which should then allow the two sides to deal with Doklam-like situations with restraint and maturity. Way forward India and China have still not been able to operationalize a hotline between the two armies, even as Indian attempts to upgrade border infrastructure continue to raise Chinese hackles. Reports suggest that Chinese soldiers continue to occupy parts of Doklam, and the ghost of 1962 continues to drive India’s mistrust of China. Beijing has also been courting India’s neighbours in South Asia, thereby diminishing India’s area of influence and causing anxieties in Delhi. But the biggest elephant — or dragon — in the room is the disputed border between India and China, which shows no signs of resolution even after scores of rounds of talks between diplomats of the two countries. The two Asian neighbours need to find a way to move forward on the border dispute if, as PM Modi put it, India-China relations are to be a factor of stability in the world. Connecting the dots: Explain in brief the history of territorial disputes between India and China. Also give an insight into recent Doklam standoff and its aftermath. (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 within 24 hours. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Which of the following statements are correct regarding the river Indus? Indus has the second largest drainage basin in India after Ganga. It originates in Tibet near Mansarover lake. Satluj, Chenab, Beas, Ravi and Jhelum are its right bank tributaries. Select the code from below: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) Indus Water Treaty is considered to be one of the most successful river water sharing treaties of the World. Which of the following are correct provisions of IWT? The water of Jhelum and Chenab is allocated to Pakistan and water of Ravi, Beas and Satluj is allocated to India. India is allowed to use 20% water of Indus. The Disputes regarding water sharing and breaching of treaty are World Bank. Select the code from below: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements It is the largest tributary of Indus. It is also known as Chandrabhaga. It flows for more than 1000km before entering into Pakistan. Choose the river which best suits the above statements Jhelum Chenab Satluj Beas Q.4) Consider the following statements regarding the Eastern Hills and mountains Khasi hills and Mizo hills are part of Patkai Range. Khasi hills are also known as Lushai hills in local language. Phawngpui or ‘Blue Mountain’ is the highest point of Mizo hills. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.5) Cherrapunji and Mawsynram of Meghalaya which receives highest rainfall are in Garo hills Khasi Hills Jaintia Hills None of the above Q.6) Which of the following statements are NOT correct regarding the ‘International Criminal Court’ (ICC)? It is primary Judicial Branch of The United Nations. It has the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. India became first country ever to leave the ICC. Select the code from below: 1 and 2 2 only 1 and 3 All of the above MUST READ   Rescue, relief and renewal The Hindu Restoring dignity: on stigma attached to leprosy The Hindu How dams can control floods The Hindu   Toxic silence The Hindu Fact Fighting Indian Express Supporting farmers, the middle way Indian Express Raja Mandala: Privatising the Afghan war Indian Express

Aug 28, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 54]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 54] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements ‘CAT Bonds’ It is a high-yield debt instrument that is usually insurance-linked and meant to raise money in case of a catastrophe The primary investors in these bonds are long-term bond investors such as life insurers, and primary pension fund managers Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Which of the following are properties of ‘Carbon Fibre’? High chemical resistance High temperature tolerance Low thermal expansion Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) ‘Rights of Passage’, recently in news is a study associated with Elephants Cargo Ships Global Oil Checkpoints NAFTA Q.4) Which of the following is/are correctly matched?        Biosphere Reserve          State Nokrek                         Mizoram Seshachalam                Karnataka Cold Desert                  Himachal Pradesh Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 3 Only 1 and 3 Q.5) List of "Non-Cooperative Countries or Territories" (NCCTs) is prepared by Financial Action Task Force International Monetary Fund World Bank None of the above To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Aug 28, 2018 PIB

IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau – 20th Aug to 26th Aug, 2018

IASbaba Press Information Bureau 20th to 26th August, 2018 ARCHIVES (This week’s PIB is prelims focussed. Hence, enlisting only the important matter to be remembered) Vinesh Phogat: Won Gold in 50kg wrestling event Saurabh Chaudhary: Won gold in Men’s 10m Air Pistol event Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan: Won Gold in Men’s Doubles Tennis event Indian Rowing Team: Won Gold at Asian Games- 2018 Gift a Skill: An appeal to the nation to ‘Gift a Skill’ to sisters on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. IIT – PAL: Designed for helping students to prepare for JEE Advanced Exam; will be extended and made available through the SWAYAM portal Rashtriya Poshan Maah (National Nutrition Month): The month of September There can be a complete turnaround in the area of malnutrition if the Poshan Mission is taken up on warfooting as was the case in the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao programme. Celebrating the Poshan Maah will give an early thrust to Poshan Abhiyan It is now time to clearly decide the quality of food, the delivery mechanism and outline the responsibilities of aganwadi workers to make the system completely efficient so that it brings ultimate benefit to the children being covered under the ICDS scheme Must Read: Link 1 + Link 2 About Poshan Abhiyaan: The Rs. 9,000-crore mission will strive to reduce stunting, under-nutrition, and low birth weight by 2 per cent and anaemia (among young children, women and adolescent girls) by 3 per cent annually over the three-year mission period. Anganwadi supervisors have been roped in for the mission. The focus of the Abhiyaan is on the first 1000 days of the child and preventive care for adolescent girls, women and mothers. Home-based Care for Young Child(HBYC) would be a crucial component of the Abhiyaan. In HBYC, ASHAs supported by Anganwadi workers will visit the homes of children aged between 3 to 15 months and sensitise mothers on energy density and diet of child Development of National Logistics Portal: To ensure ease of trading in the international and domestic markets. The portal will link all the stakeholders of EXIM, domestic trade and movement and all trade activities on a single platform. The portal will be implemented in phases and will fulfil the commitment of the Government of India to enhance trade competitiveness, create jobs, boost India’s performance in global rankings and pave the way for India to become a logistics hub. Life events of Gautama Buddha: Kapilvastu (Piprahwa), where he spent his childhood Bodhgaya, where he attained Enlightenment Sarnath, where he delivered his first sermon Kushinagar, where he embraced Mahaparinirvana The Buddhist Circuit: To facilitate travel and pilgrimage experience for the approximately 500 million-strong community of Buddhists that lives across Asia and other parts of the world. Ministry of Tourism has identified the Buddhist Circuit as one of the thematic circuits for development under its Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Five projects, with a combined outlay of more than 350 crore rupees, have been sanctioned for the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Note: ‘Buddha Charita’ is the biography of Buddha and was written by Ashvaghosha in Sanskrit. It is the first ever biography written in India. Ashwaghosa was a Buddhist scholar during the reign of Kanishka. Mudras of Buddha Bhumisparsha mudra – Buddha gesturing to touch the ground to call upon mother Goddess to witness his awakening Abhay Mudra – Palm facing the audience. Gesture of reassurance, blessing and protection Dhyana Mudra – This mudra signifies meditation, concentration of the Good Law and the saṅgha. The two hands are placed on the lap, right hand on left with fingers fully stretched and palm facing upwards. Karana Mudrā: This hand gesture is also called warding off the evil. It expels demons and removes obstacles such as sickness or negative thoughts. It is made by raising the index and the little finger, and folding the other fingers. A famous painting of 10 headed Buddha is found in these caves: Kanheri caves are a group of caves located in Salsette Island, Mumbai. Gandhara art: Promoted by Mahayana sect of Buddhism; flourished during the Kushana rule in India The main theme was the new form of Buddhism – Mahayanism– and the evolution of an image of Buddha. Constitution states… Under Article 49 of the Constitution, the State is under obligation to protect every monument, place or object of artistic or historic interest declared to be of national importance from spoilation, disfigurement, destruction, removal, disposal or export, as the case may be. (DPSP) Under Article 51A(f) of the Constitution, there is fundamental duty to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture. (Fundamental Duties) Attempt: “Buddhism was not just a religious revolution, but a social revolution too.” Comment. Critically analyze the contributions of Buddha to the religion and philosophy of India. What were his main principles and how did he manage to have such a large following? The theme of Lord Buddha in meditation finds a prominent place in the rich visual art forms of India. Discuss. Exercise Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Peace Mission 2018 Latest in 'Peace Mission' series Formally started on 24 August 2018 at Chebarkul, Russia. The exercise will provide an opportunity to the armed forces of SCO nations to train in counter terrorism operations in urban scenario in a multinational and joint environment (Indian and Pakistani armed forces will participate together).   The scope of the exercise includes professional interaction mutual understanding of drills & procedures establishment of joint command and control structures Elimination of terrorist threat in urban counter terrorist scenario. Remember: India has been accorded full membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) along with Pakistan. HQ: Beijing, China Established in: 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders 6 countries viz. China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan G20 Members The G20 membership comprises a mix of the world’s largest advanced and emerging economies, representing about two-thirds of the world’s population, 85 per cent of global gross domestic product and over 75 per cent of global trade. Current G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Meeting: In Salta, north-west of Argentina Members: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union. 5 Thematic Reports on Sustainable Development in Indian Himalayan Region Recognizing the uniqueness of the Himalayas and the challenges for sustainable development, NITI Aayog had set up 5 Working Groups (WGs) to prepare a roadmap for actions in 5 thematic areas. Mountain specificities require specific solutions for resilience building that address socio-economic and environmental challenges in the mountain setting. The reports from the five working groups discuss the significance, the challenges, the ongoing actions and a future roadmap. The themes include:    Inventory and Revival of Springs in Himalayas for Water Security: Nearly 30% of springs crucial to water security of people are drying and 50% have reported reduced discharge. Sustainable Tourism in Indian Himalayan Region: Himalayan Tourism growing annually at 6.8% has crated huge challenge related to solid waste, water, traffic, loss of bio-cultural diversity etc.. With the projected arrival of tourists in IHR States to more than double by 2025, urgent actions will be needed to address critical issues of waste management and water crisis in addition to other environmental and social issues. Transformative Approach to Shifting Cultivation: In the north eastern States, thousands of the households continue to practice slash and burn (shifting cultivation) that need to be addressed in view of ecological, food and nutritional security. Strengthening Skill & Entrepreneurship Landscape in Himalayas: Predominantly unskilled workforce remains a challenge for the mountains as well that need high priority to address migration of youths. Data/Information for Informed Decision Making: Challenges related to data availability, data authenticity, compatibility, data quality, validation, user charges for Himalayan States need addressal for informed decision making at different levels of governance. The key messages from reports include: Spring Mapping and Revival, using 8 steps protocol be taken up across Himalayan States in phased manner. Apply carrying capacity concept to all major tourist destinations; implement and monitor tourism sector Standards and apply performance based incentives for States faring well on the standards. Assessment of nature & extent of Shifting Cultivation area, improved policy coherence, strengthened tenurial security & improved access to related programs/schemes are key recommendations to transform shifting cultivation. Strengthening of skill & entrepreneurship will require focus on identified priority sectors where mountains have advantage, investment in trainers, assessors and training centers in industry partnership. Having a Central Data Management Agency for Himalayas to provide data with high fidelity scenario while addressing data sharing, access, authenticity and comparability issues will go a long way in addressing data related issues. The call for action include: Setting up of a Himalayan Authority for coordinated and holistic development of entire Himalayan region and launching of “Himalaya Calling”: An Awareness to Action Campaign as people’s movement. The call for actions  also includes suggestions for setting up of Mission on Spring Water Management in Himalayas, National Mission/Program  on Transforming Shifting Cultivation in North Eastern States, demand driven network of skill and entrepreneurship development Centers in Himalayan States, consortium of institutions of high learning for mountain specific research and technology, link  with Hindukush Himalaya Monitoring and Assessment program (HIMAP) and Setting up Central Data Management Agency for Himalayan Database at GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development. 2nd Protocol Amending India – Singapore CECA Signed The signing of the Second Protocol, amending CECA, will boost bilateral trade between India and Singapore. Expand the coverage of tariff concessions Liberalize the Rules of Origin Rationalize Product Specific Rules Include provisions on Certificate of Origin and Cooperation on its verification Singapore is the second largest trading partner of India within ASEAN and India is the largest trading partner of Singapore in South Asia, with a bilateral trade of USD 17.7 billion in 2017-18.  Singapore’s trade with India constitutes about 21.8% of our total trade with ASEAN and 2.3% of our global trade. India had a trade surplus of USD 2.73 billion with Singapore in 2017-18. Quotes: Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu Expressing concern over the increasing cancer cases in the county Awareness, regular check-ups and screening crucial in dealing with Cancer. Efforts are needed drastically bring down costs of Cancer treatment. India contributes to nearly 60 per cent of head and neck cancer patients worldwide and the number is expected to be double by 2030. This is really a worrisome trend and concrete steps need to be taken arrest this trend. A majority of the cancers are being detected in advanced stages for the simple reason that most of the patients are not presenting themselves early. It should be noted that many developed countries, including Europe and the U.S.A have shown reduction in cancer spread due to effective screening programmes. Research & innovation in agriculture Research and innovation in the field of agriculture must reach farmers. He has urged scientists and researchers to collaborate with farmers to make agriculture more affordable and viable. Empowering farmer and strengthening agriculture would help in developing rural India Farming technique tested across Andhra Pradesh can be a model for sustainable agriculture as it reduces the heavy input cost on agriculture and help boost productivity. The Zero Budget Natural Farming has the potential to enhance the income or profit margins for farmers who are often under distress owing to debt. Called on both farmers, officials and scientists to make united efforts to facilitate farmers understand new technologies and reduce input cost of agriculture.

Aug 28, 2018 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : Defence Industrial Corridor

Defence Industrial Corridor ARCHIVES TOPIC: General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. What is defence industrial production corridor? A defence corridor refers to a route or a path along which domestic productions of defence equipment by public sector, private sector and MSMEs are lined up to enhance the operational capability of the defence forces. Defence industry is not only one of the 25 identified sectors under the Make in India programme, but it is also part of the 10 ‘Champion Sectors’ that have been identified for focused attention because of their “potential to become global champions, drive double digit growth in manufacturing, and generate significant employment opportunities.” The government has now opened up private investment in defence production including liberalising foreign direct investment. The Defence Industrial Corridor has the potential to attract investment worth Rs 50,000 crore and create 2.5 lakh job avenues in the next five years. India’s defence industry constitutes 8 defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) 41 Ordnance Factories (OFs) 49 Defence Research and Development Organisations (DRDO) Where? North: In Aligarh; the corridor would pass through six districts --- Aligarh, Agra, Jhansi, Kanpur, Lucknow and Chitrakoot. South: Starting from Tamil Nadu, linking Chennai and Bengaluru. The locations of these corridors are strategically decided by the Defence Ministry while taking into account a natural ecosystem that could be utilised for enhancing the existing defence network. Why? Need to indianise defence production With China and Pakistan as adversaries, there is a need to keep our armed forces modernised India is the largest arms importer in the world and spends annually on an average about $3.6 billion, which is more than the combined imports of both Pakistan and China. This means that we are not only sending our money abroad but also that we are at the mercy of these modern countries when it comes to protecting our own country. How will it affect India? Both the UP corridor and the one coming up in Tamil Nadu will be built on Existing defence production facilities Create a supply chain of MSMEs and manufacturers Testing and export facilitation centres Benefits: Improve the connectivity of the defence forces Encourage domestic production of defence equipments and benefit all small and medium manufacturers along the corridor Make the Nation self-reliant for meeting our defence needs Conclusion: India is handicapped in the sense it has no client state to which it could export and geopolitical as well as internal political factors often constrain its ability to export to certain countries in the neighbourhood and beyond who may be willing to import arms from India. With the policy and procedures being in a state of flux for a long time, defence manufacturing – and consequently exports – have not really picked up in a big way. Our defence equipment manufacturing should be explored to tap the global market. Efforts should be made to increase export market of defence equipment. Government needs to bring out an industry friendly Defence Production Policy 2018 to promote domestic production. But to actually tap the domestic market, India requires a firm policy and adequate budgetary support. Industry, particularly the private sector, has long demanded special incentives such as infrastructure status for their investment, and deemed export benefits for certain types of procurement, to incentivize their entry into the defence production sector. It would be worthwhile for the government to examine the feasibility of such incentives. The Dhirendra Singh committee report (2015) deals with this issue at length, noting that “India at present does not have a structured framework and a robust system to prepare its human resources to address all issues connected with building and sustaining defence systems”. The report recommends several measures to bridge this skills gap—from changes to academic curriculum to setting up institutions that specialize in defence and security to raising a new generation of system integration managers. The government must consider these carefully. Connecting the Dots There is a need for extra efforts to build a “defence industrial ecosystem” that will not only support the country’s military requirements but also emerge as an important economic lever—generating exports, creating jobs, and spurring innovation. Discuss.

Aug 27, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 27th August 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 27th August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) National Park/Sactuary in news: Nauradehi sanctuary  Animal in News: Cheetah Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Ecology; Biodiversity/Animal Conservation In news: Nauradehi sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh forest department has written to the National Tiger Conservation Authority to revive the plan to reintroduce cheetahs in the State’s Nauradehi sanctuary. Do you know? Cheetah — is the fastest land animal. India was once home to many cheetahs, but the last of them was killed in 1947 (in Chhattisgarh) and the cheetah was declared extinct in India in 1952. It is the only large mammal to have been declared extinct in our country in recorded history. NTCA is a statutory body under the Union Environment Ministry. The Wildlife Institute of India at Dehradun had prepared a ₹260-crore cheetah re-introduction project six years ago. According to the earlier action plan, around 20 cheetahs were to be translocated to Nauradehi from Namibia in Africa. The Namibia Cheetah Conservation Fund had then showed its willingness to donate the felines to India. However, the State was not ready to finance the plan contending that it was the Centre’s project. Reintroducing this beautiful animal will ensure the restoration of our natural heritage. Most importantly, it will contribute towards the conservation of the dryland (grassland, scrubland and open forest) ecosystems that the cheetah inhabits. IUCN status – In the 2015 update of the IUCN Red List, the Asiatic cheetah is considered regionally extinct in Iraq, Central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. The Asiatic cheetah has been listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List since 1996. Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and avifauna observatory Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Ecology; Biodiversity/Animal Conservation In news: BNHS is one of India’s premier avian research institutes. It will start operating its regional centre on the campus of Wetland Research and Training Centre near Chilika Lake from Monday. The avifauna observatory will be inaugurated by BNHS. The centre will carry out research on avian disease by collecting samples and monitor the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary. About BNHS: BNHS-India, a pan-India wildlife research organization, has been promoting the cause of nature conservation for the past 133 years, since 1883. BNHS Mission: Conservation of Nature, primarily Biological Diversity through action based on Research, Education and Public Awareness BNHS Vision: Premier independent scientific organization with a broad based constituency, excelling in the conservation of threatened species and habitats. Map work: Locate and mark the following location on your Atlas/Outline map of Orissa state Simlipal National Park. Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary. Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary. Satkosia Tiger Reserve. Ushakothi (Badrama) Wildlife Sanctuary. Bhitarkanika National Park. Strategic Partnership model Part of: GS Prelims and mains III – Defence and Security In news: Major step towards boosting private sector participation in domestic defence manufacturing: Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had approved the implementation of Strategic Partnership guidelines. Strategic Partnership model aims to revitalise defence industrial ecosystem and progressively build indigenous capabilities in the private sector to design, develop and manufacture complex weapon system for future needs of armed forces. The SP model has four segments — submarines, single engine fighter aircraft, helicopters and armoured carriers/main battle tanks — which would be specifically opened up for the private sector. Under this policy one Indian private company would be selected in each segment which would tie-up with shortlisted global equipment manufacturers to manufacture the platforms in India under technology transfer. However, foreign companies say there is still some clarity required on crucial legal, liability and technology transfer issues. Do you know? For the first time, under the SP model, Indian private companies will get to tie up with global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and build major defence platforms in India under technology transfer. So far, it was defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) which played the lead role. All procurements under the SP model would be executed by specially constituted empowered project committees (EPC) to ensure timely execution. India and Maldives Part of: GS Mains Paper II – India and its neighbours; International Relations About: We have already learnt or aware of the following concern areas between India and Maldives – Turbulent Maldivian politics: Maldives continues its descent into political anarchy with democratic institutions facing an unabated onslaught under the authoritarian regime of President Abdulla Yameen. Maldives growing “closeness” with China: Both China and Pakistan stepping up their strategic inroads into the Maldives Religious radicalization: The island-nation (Maldives) is being radicalized by the Saudi funds and influence ISIS threat: Growing Islamic radicalisation in the tiny island-nation of about four lakh people once known for its tolerant practices has many foreign governments, including India, deeply concerned. No FTA with India: Maldives and India do not have a Free Trade Agreement. However Maldives and China entered into Free Trade Agreement. Yameen government had asked India to remove its Dhruv advanced light helicopters from Maldives (which India had gifted in 2013). Yameen government has alleged that tensions over the presence of the two Indian helicopters in two strategically important locations in the Laamu and Addu atolls have been growing. Work permits are not currently being issued to Indian Nationals. In news: Maldives to extend visa of support staff. After several rounds of talks, there has been indication from the Maldives on its willingness to keep the two helicopters along with the crew and support staff. G20 Digital Economy Ministerial meeting Part of: GS Mains III and Prelims – Economy; International/Multilateral relations In news: G20 Digital Economy Ministerial meeting was held in Argentina. G20 member nations agreed to promote policies that will contribute to bridging all forms of the digital divide, with special attention to the digital gender divide. The countries agreed to promote digital government and digital infrastructure, strengthen the digital skills of the workforce, deepen the analysis towards digital economy measurement, and to share experiences and lesson learned. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources Welfare schemes, mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections  General Studies 3 Economic development Science and technology: Indigenization Learning from the past: On medical device pricing Introduction After having brought down the prices of drugs, the government has medical devices on its agenda. It will soon announce its decision on the method of rationalizing trade margins for medical devices from the first point of sale. Findings on Profit margin According to the report of the committee of high trade margins in the sale of drugs, released by the department of pharmaceuticals in 2016, the price to the distributor for both global and indigenous companies was considered from the first point of sale. This report clearly identifies that it is the margin between the price to the distributor and maximum retail price (MRP) that results in the escalation of the latter, and recommends that this should be capped. The data published by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)—also available in the public domain—shows that margins are indeed skewed towards hospitals. Rationalizing trade margins: The National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Policy, 2012 (NPPP-2012) provides a pointer to understanding which method to opt for when rationalizing trade margins. Till 2012, the practice followed by the NPPA was a maximum allowable post-marketing expense (Mape) over standardized manufacturing cost or over landing cost of the product. According to the observations documented in NPPP-2012, the manufacturing cost/landing cost methodology of price capping had led to “possible manipulation” of cost data, resulting in entry barriers. This was neither good for the patient nor for industry growth, and it impacted “the industry’s ability to invest in enhancing in capabilities”. The techniques that were used for knee and stent price capping, failed. The idea of price capping based on manufacturing cost/landing cost as per Drug Price Control Order 1995 was an unmitigated disaster. The emphasis on price control starting at the bulk drug and formulation stages resulted in drug manufacturing shifting away from notified bulk drugs and formulations under price control. As a result, patients were adversely affected. Considering the need for investment in skill development, in-clinic support, innovation and after-sales service of equipment, the scale of investment in pharmaceuticals is less than what it is for the medical device industry. If any cost-based price control is imposed for the medical device industry, the magnitude of the adverse effect will be higher. On the demand side The demand for medical devices comes from doctors at the primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare levels. They need to be aware of the availability of various medical devices for different conditions before treating a patient so that they can guide patients and form an effective referral chain to super-specialty care. For this, the global research-based companies need to invest and support clinicians in education and skill building. Every year, around 2.3 million healthcare professionals are trained by these companies. We need to do much more if we are to have universal coverage. Who will invest in skill development and therapy awareness if medtech companies and their subsidiaries find margins capped unreasonably from landing cost? If a patient feels a certain medication is not effective, he will go back to the doctor to change it, but this is not the case when it comes to medical devices. The risk factor is high, as medical devices can’t be replaced without re-operating on patients. So a doctor needs to be well informed about the quality and functionality of the devices for better clinical outcomes. Way forward: The government’s previous attempts to cap high trade margins in the sale of drugs show that getting the balance wrong can hurt patients. In this Union budget, the government focused on the healthcare sector, launching the world’s largest government-funded healthcare programme, Ayushman Bharat. Besides providing health insurance to 100 million poor families, the government also plans to open 150,000 health and wellness centres to provide comprehensive healthcare with free diagnostics and treatment. For the success of these initiatives, a lot of skill-building activities are required. In such a situation, the department of pharmaceuticals’ recommendation on trade margin rationalization from the first point of sale is the most viable solution. It will not only allow global companies to sell innovative products, but also enable them to invest in skill development along with therapy awareness, while still ensuring affordability by correcting the skewed margins in the supply chain. Connecting the dots: Without pharmaceuticals’ market reform, Ayushman Bharat will be a distant dream. Elucidate. NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these Odisha’s plan calls for a national policy on the utility of a second chamber in States Introduction: Odisha government is planning to create legislative council or upper house. If it does so successfully, it will be eighth such state having upper house. The State Cabinet has approved a 49-member Legislative Council, accepting the report of a committee set up in 2015 to study the functioning of the second chamber in other States and make recommendations. Do you know? (Constitutional provisions about State Legislative Council) Article 169: Abolition or creation of Legislative Councils in States Parliament may by law provide for the abolition or creation of the Legislative Council of a State, if the Legislative Assembly of the State passes a resolution to that effect by a majority of the total membership of the Assembly and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of the Assembly present and voting. Article 171: Composition of the Legislative Councils The total number of members in the Legislative Council of a State shall not exceed one third of the total number of members in the Legislative Assembly of that State, and shall in no case be less than forty. Article 171: Of the total number of members of the Legislative Council of a State— One-third shall be elected by electorates consisting of members of municipalities, district boards and such other local authorities in the State One-twelfth shall be elected by electorates consisting of persons residing in the State who have been for at least three years graduates One-twelfth shall be elected by electorates consisting of persons who have been for at least three years engaged in teaching not lower than secondary schools One-third shall be elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly of the State from amongst persons who are not members of the Assembly The remainder shall be nominated by the Governor, persons having special knowledge or practical experience in respect of Literature, science, art, co-operative movement and social service. The advantages of having a bicameral legislature An Upper House provides a forum for academicians and intellectuals, who are arguably not suited for the rough and tumble of electoral politics. At least on paper, it provides a mechanism for a more sober and considered appraisal of legislation that a State may pass. If there was any real benefit in having a Legislative Council, all States in the country should, and arguably would, have a second chamber. The objections to the second chamber Rather than fulfilling the lofty objective of getting intellectuals into the legislature, the forum is likely to be used to accommodate party functionaries who fail to get elected. It is also an unnecessary drain on the exchequer. The graduates are no longer a rare breed, with dipping educational standards, a graduate degree is no guarantee of any real intellectual heft. Why should graduates be privileged as people’s representatives in a democracy? Legislatures draw their talent both from the grassroots level and the higher echelons of learning. There are enough numbers of doctors, teachers and other professionals in most political parties today. The Rajya Sabha’s case is different as it represents the States rather than electoral constituencies. It is also a restraining force against the dominance of elected majorities in legislative matters. The fact that there are only seven such Councils suggests the lack of any real advantage, apart from the absence of a broad political consensus on the issue. Conclusion: Legislative Councils are subject to varied and inconclusive discussions around their creation, revival and abolishment. Given all this, Odisha’s proposal may give the country at large an opportunity to evolve a national consensus on Legislative Councils. Connecting the dots: Do you think that state legislative councils are relevant in today’s modern and educated Indian democracy? (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 within 24 hours. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements about National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006 provides for creating the National Tiger Conservation Authority It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Project Tiger is administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Which of the following big cats can roar? Leopard Lion Tiger Cheetah Select the code from following: 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 4 1, 3 and 4 All of the above Q.3) With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 3 only 2 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.4) Consider the following statements about Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) It is the partner of BirdLife International in India. It is selected as an ENVIS Centre for avian ecology and inland wetlands. Select the correct statement 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ The larger picture on GDP numbers   The Hindu Article 35A and the basic structure The Hindu Until dams do us part The Hindu  Her rightful place Indian Express A suitable governor Indian Express

Aug 27, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 53]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 53] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about ‘Rhesus Macaque’ It is found through most of Southern Asia It is diurnal and omnivorous It is listed as ‘Endangered’ under IUCN Red List Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) ‘INS Vikramaditya’ is a/an Aircraft carrier Frigate Submarine Corvette Q.3) Consider the following statements about ‘Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)’ The inaugural IOC will be held in Vietnam. It is organised by Indian Foundation along with the partners from Singapore, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) OSIRIS-Rex is a NASA study and sample return mission of which of the following asteroid? Florence Phobos & Deimos Bennu Ceres Q.5) In, India, markets in agricultural products are regulated under the Food Products Order, 1956 and Meat and Food Products Order, 1973 Essential Commodities Act, 1955 Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937 None To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Aug 26, 2018 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Excessive Thinking – Inspirational Educative Articles

Excessive Thinking: Modern man can boast of one accomplishment through which he has left his predecessors far behind; his ability to think nonstop. Thinking is such a constant part of our reality that we rarely pause to reflect on what exactly we are thinking about. We have simply assumed that whatever it is that we are thinking about, it has some purpose and it offers some benefits to our lives. Thinking is not always a useful phenomenon. Just because we are addicted to the process of thinking, it does not mean that it is solving any great purpose. Just think about it, how much of your daily thought process is simply a collection of random thoughts which have absolutely no purpose whatsoever. Excessive nonstop thinking is partly due to the constant stimulation from the society around us. Everybody wants to put an idea into your mind. We even have a saying – an empty mind is a devil’s workshop. But in reality it is empty moments of our lives that add any meaning to the phenomenon of life. More often than not, thinking can simply confuse us with over stimulation. We can simply keep on going in circles chasing one thought after another. If we do not learn how to pause our thought process and quieten it for a while, we can even go crazy. Just think about it, would you be able to enjoy music if it is not interspersed with silence. What if you are made to listen to a monotone continuously without any pause or break? Would you not get irritated? The beauty of music is actually not in the sound; rather it is in silence. Music is simply ornamentation for silence. Music is just a way of glorifying the silence that is already within us. This is why music is such a subjective personal experience, because most of what is necessary for the music to happen is already within us. Without the silence within us, it is impossible for such a thing as music to exist. Just like the beauty of music can be enhanced by interspersing it with silence. We can beautify our life by interspersing our thought process with moments of thoughtlessness. Only when we learn how to find the off switch for our mind and learn how to turn it off when not required, we can experience some inner peace, relaxation and contentment. A thought is always a part of the problem. It is never a part of the solution. The more we indulge in thoughts, the more problems we create for ourselves to solve. The only way to find a solution for the real problems of life is to learn how to step away from our thoughts. Stepping away from thoughts is not escapism. It is a way of refreshing ourselves to look at the next set of thoughts freshly. If thinking is one dimension of life, silence is another dimension of it. The only way to have a balanced life is by learning how to quieten the constantly chattering mind. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.”

Aug 26, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 25th August 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 25th August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) NITI Aayog on health Part of: GS Mains II – Health issue; Social issue In news: NITI Aayog has identified three major sectors -- health, education and children’s health -- as priority sectors for intervention. About 38% of children are malnourished while 50% mothers anaemic. NITI Aayog wants to get rid of the malnourishment and anaemia from the country. ‘The Urban Commute and How it Contributes to Pollution and Energy’ Report Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Pollution In news: The report titled ‘The Urban Commute and How it Contributes to Pollution and Energy’, compiled by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), was released recently. An analysis of 14 Indian cities, including six megacities and eight metropolises, on how they fare when it comes to pollution and energy consumption from urban commuting. Result: Kolkata - top-performing megacity. Bhopal leads the list on the lowest overall emissions. Delhi fares the worst on the two counts. Do you know? Road transport was the sector showing the highest increase in emission of greenhouse gases. According to the report, though metropolitan cities scored better than megacities due to lower population, lower travel volume and lower vehicle numbers, they were at risk due to a much higher share of personal vehicle trips. Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act (CAF Act), 2016 and Forest Rights Act CAF Act and FRA were in news. Just remember the following basics for now. About CFA Act, 2016: The legislation provides an institutional mechanism to ensure utilization of amounts realised in lieu of forest land diverted for non-forest purpose. The amount is used to mitigate impact of diversion of such forest land. About FRA, 2006: The law concerns the rights of forest-dwelling communities to land and other resources, denied to them over decades. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Indian Constitution Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein  Strengthening the federal link Introduction: State finance commission has been created to rationalise and systematise State/sub-State-level fiscal relations in India. But, there has been inadequate appreciation of the significance of this institution by the Union, States as well as the professional community State Finance Commissions (SFC): The State Finance Commission (SFC) is an institution created by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. Its primary task is to rectify growing horizontal imbalances in the delivery of essential public services to citizens. At a regular interval of 5 years, under Article 243 I of the Constitution, State Finance Commissions are to be constituted. The purpose is to assign it the task of reviewing the financial position of the Panchayats and making recommendations on the sharing and the assignment of various taxes, duties etc. It is also to look at grants-in-aid to be given to the Panchayats from the Consolidated Fund of the State. The Conformity Acts of the Constitution Amendment Act are required to provide for the composition of the Commission, the qualification for its Members and the manner of their selection. Importance of State Finance Commissions SFCs: The task of the SFC to correct horizontal imbalances is extremely onerous as it has to consider nearly 2.5 lakh local governments to promote minimum essential services in rural and urban areas. An SFC is the institutional agency to implement the golden rule of cooperative federalism that every citizen should be assured minimum public goods irrespective of her choice of residence. Article 280(3) has been amended to add clauses (b) and (c) in order to take measures to augment the resources of Panchayats and Municipalities on the basis of the recommendations “made by the finance commission of the state”. These sub-clauses affirm the organic link between local governments and SFCs to fiscal federalism. Articles 243G and 243W give mandate of planning “for economic development and social justice”. The Constitution treats a local government on a par with a State government, especially when it comes to sharing of financial resources. Causes of financial inefficiencies at Local level Constitution of finance commission and irregularities Article 243I of the Constitution mandated the State Governor to constitute a Finance Commission within one year of the Constitutional Amendment came to force. That means, this is to be constituted before April 24, 1994 and thereafter every five years. Till date, only Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala have submitted their fifth SFC reports. Many States are yet to cross the third SFC stage. The seriousness, regularity, acceptance of recommendations and their implementation are conspicuously absent and moreover the composition of SFCs reveals the overwhelming presence of serving and / or retired bureaucrats rather than academics. Problems being faced by SFCs: It is important to disabuse the notion among several politicians, policymakers and even experts that SFCs and the local governments they deal with have an inferior constitutional status when compared to the UFC. The SFC is undoubtedly modelled on the UFC created under Article 280 and exemplified in Articles 243I and 243Y. SFCs face a crucial problem of reliable data: Unlike the financial reporting system of the Union and States, local governments with no proper budgetary system are in deep disarray. Constitutional Provisions Ignored by the States: Articles 243G and 243W talks about planning for economic development and social justice, Article 243ZD mandates that every State constitute a District Planning Committee for spatial panning and environmental conservation at the sub-State level. The Constitutional Amendment left the task of adequately empowering the local Govts. to discharge constitutional obligations to the States. Failure of Union Finance Commissions (UFCs): UFCs have failed to play a hand-holding role in placing decentralised governance properly in the cooperative federal map of India. The hard truth is that no UFC has done its homework in reading and analysing SFC reports. Without presenting a consolidated account of the reality at the sub-State level or highlighting which report went wrong, where and how, no UFC can legitimately guide States or contribute to improving the goals of constitutional amendments. Way Forward: All the terms of reference of UFCs (since the 11th) iterate the need for suggesting measures to augment the resources of Panchayats and Municipalities as a core task. Both centre and state must sit together to make a concrete approach to redeem the situation and work towards a good local governance system. Their well-designed grant scheme to incentivise States was not given a fair trial. Till now, SFCs have not been provided with the necessary environment to play their rightful role in Indian fiscal federalism. A great opportunity to build regional equity in India should not be undermined but to enhance the opportunity towards the Fiscal and Cooperative Federalism. Connecting the dots: There must be recognition of the potential of State Finance Commissions in building regional equity. Critically examine the present status of fiscal federalism at state-local government level. ENVIRONMENT/ECOLOGY TOPIC: General Studies 2  Climate Change Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Trouble in the hill Introduction: The catastrophic monsoon floods in Kerala and parts of Karnataka have revived the debate on whether political expediency trumped science? Kerala is a part of Western Ghats, spread over 1,29,037 sq km according to the Gadgil Panel estimate and 1,64,280 sq km as per the Kasturirangan panel. Western Ghats and reports: Seven years ago, the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel issued recommendations for the preservation of the fragile western peninsular region. Madhav Gadgil, who chaired the Union Environment Ministry’s WGEEP, has said the recent havoc in Kerala is a consequence of short-sighted policymaking, and warned that Goa may also be in the line of nature’s fury. The State governments that are mainly responsible for the Western Ghats — Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Maharashtra — must pay heed to the reports of both the Gadgil Committee and the Kasturirangan Committee, which was set up to examine the WGEEP report. The entire system is globally acknowledged as a biodiversity hotspot. But population estimates for the sensitive zones vary greatly, based on interpretations of the ESZs. In Kerala, for instance, one expert assessment says 39 lakh households are in the ESZs outlined by the WGEEP, but the figure drops sharply to four lakh households for a smaller area of zones identified by the Kasturirangan panel. Challenges before: The task before western states is to initiate correctives to environmental policy decisions. This is not going to be easy, given the need to balance human development pressures with stronger protection of the Western Ghats ecology. The issue of allowing extractive industries such as quarrying and mining to operate is arguably the most contentious. Another issue is the calculation of what constitutes the sensitive core and what activities can be carried out there. Way forward: The goal has to be sustainable development for the Ghats as a whole. The role of big hydroelectric dams, built during an era of rising power demand and deficits, must now be considered afresh and proposals for new ones dropped. Other low-impact forms of green energy led by solar power are available. A moratorium on quarrying and mining in the identified sensitive zones, in Kerala and also other States, is necessary to assess their environmental impact. A way out could be to create the regulatory framework that was proposed by the Gadgil panel, in the form of an apex Western Ghats Ecology Authority and the State-level units, under the Environment (Protection) Act, and to adopt the zoning system that it proposed. This can keep incompatible activities out of the Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZs). Public consultation on the expert reports that includes people’s representatives will find greater resonance now, and help chart a sustainable path ahead. Connecting the dots: What are Hotspots? Suggest some measures to conserve Western Ghats, in the light of Gadgil Committee report. Economic development and environment conservation, evaluate the Kasturirangan Committee report’s (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 within 24 hours. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Which among the following constitutes Photochemical pollutants? Ozone Oxides of nitrogen Ethylene Chromium Benzene Select the correct code given below: 1, 2 and 3 1, 2, 3 and 4 1, 3 and 5 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Q.2) Which of the following statement [s] is/are correct with reference to India’s Air Quality Index (AQI)? The index is launched under Swacch Bharat Abhiyan PM10 , PM 2.5 and Lead are considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index Both Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board administer National Air Monitoring Program Choose the appropriate code 2 only 1 and 2 only 1, 2 and 3 None of the above Q.3) Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 Q.4) Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) have been set up under Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act 2016. The Objective of CAMPA is To ensure expeditious and transparent utilization of amounts realized in lieu of forest land diverted for non-forest purpose. To ensure competitive market price of the forest produce to the Tribal communities. To relocate tribal communities to similar geographical locations and provide them constant income for sometime in case a public project has come up in the native area. None of the above MUST READ A blasphemous law Indian Express  To plug the data spill Indian Express A feeling of homelessness Indian Express

Aug 25, 2018 RSTV Video

RSTV- Floods and Dam Management

Floods and Dam Management Archives In News: In June, the Central govt. had approved the proposal for introduction of the Dam Safety Bill, 2018 which aims to develop uniform countrywide procedures for ensuring the safety of dams. Kerala which witnessed its worst floods since 1924 is home to 53 large dams.  As rain poured unabated and rivers overflowed, at least 35 of these dams were thrown open releasing water on to the already flooded areas downstream. Current issue surrounding Dams: Dams are considered to be a vital element for the economic and energy growth. In our country, over the years, dams have played a lay role in fostering rapid and sustained agricultural and rural growth, and a substantial investment has been done in building dams and related infrastructure. The failure of 36 dams in the past have proved that a poorly maintained, unsafe dam can be a hazard to both human life and environment. Let’s talk in numbers: India has more than 5000 large dams – 75 percent of these are more than 25 year old About 164 dams are more than 100 year old. Is Kerala merely the latest victim of poor dam management? There is a very strong correlation behind the Kerala floods and in the way these dams were being managed by the authorities, particularly in the state of Kerala where we have what is called an urban truly continuum – where the city ends and where the village begins. Reasons behind the calamity: Increase in the sand mining areas Unplanned development, particularly in construction and quarrying The Western Ghats, an eco-sensitive mountain range, is prone to degradation. Depletion of the forest cover has amplified the flow The construction boom in recent years has taken a toll on the state’s wetlands and river valleys. With farming becoming uneconomic, paddy fields have been turned into real estate and released for construction. This has reduced the area available for rain and flood waters to spread. Large tracts of land in Kerala are actually below sea level so flooding is a very serious problem The floods in Kerala have brought the focus back on an almost forgotten 2011 report on the Western Ghats that had made a set of recommendations for preserving the ecology and biodiversity of the fragile region along the Arabian Sea coast. The 2011 report had recommended the zoning off of ecologically fragile areas, with no developmental activity allowed in areas classified as falling under zone 1. But it was vigorously opposed in Kerala, with detractors saying that it was impractical to do so in a densely populated State. The Way Ahead: Overall we need to take a look at integrated management of human settlements, rural settlements and dam management flood control – the problem is that we are not looking at all these together. We are looking at each of these in isolation or as individual entities. There is a need for Robust system of information of the inflows, and what is the downstream conditions of the river or reservoir, what are the levels. Understanding of the hot spots so we ensure that more settlements do not come up in those hot spots and there are safer areas where we should encourage people to move into River dredging so the rivers can carry more water than they're currently carrying Better management of watersheds to reduce the intensity of the floods. Better planning and co-ordination in the opening of dams to phase out the release of excess storage from reservoirs, limiting the extent of the floods. The government may need to revisit the Gadgil Committee report on conservation of the Western Ghats and restrain certain types of environment-unfriendly activities in the hills. The protection of wetlands will also need to be pursued urgently and necessary corrections made in development plans. Even in the Uttarakhand disaster, uncontrolled construction, large hydropower plants and deforestation were assessed to have aided the scale of destruction. Hence, there is a need to learn lessons from past tragedies, and increase the resilience of disaster-struck areas through sustainable and long-term development that would involve minimal intervention in natural processes. Proposal for enactment of Dam Safety Bill, 2018:  Why? The Dam Safety Bill, 2018 address all issues concerning dam safety including regular inspection of dams, Emergency Action Plan, comprehensive dam safety review, adequate repair and maintenance funds for dam safety, Instrumentation and Safety Manuals. It lays onus of dam safety on the dam owner and provides for penal provisions for commission and omission of certain acts. This shall also help in safeguarding human life, livestock and property. The proposed Bill - The Bill provides for proper surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of all specified dams in the country to ensure their safe functioning. The Bill provides for constitution of a National Committee on Dam Safety which shall evolve dam safety policies and recommend necessary regulations as may be required for the purpose. The Bill provides for establishment of National Dam Safety Authority as a regulatory body which shall discharge functions to implement the policy, guidelines and standards for dam safety in the country. The Bill provides for constitution of a State Committee on Dam Safety by State Government. Must Read: Link 1 + Link 2 + Link 3 + Link 4 + Link 5