Aug 12, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 11th August 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 11th August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Ethanol blending in petrol: Saving forex Part of: Mains GS Paper II, III- Government interventions, Energy security Key pointers: India expects to make foreign exchange savings of up to Rs. 12,000 crore every year after four years through the ethanol blending programme. India has set course to produce nearly 450 crore litres of ethanol in the coming four years. Ethanol blending in petrol increased from 38 crore litres in the ethanol supply year 2013-14, to an estimated 141 crore litres in 2017-18. The government has also approved the National Policy on Biofuels in June. The Centre is pushing to bring more agricultural produce and waste to be converted to ethanol. Note:- PM Modi has launched a web portal PARIVESH, a single window for environmental, wildlife, forest and Coastal Regulation Zone clearances. ‘RUCO’ initiative Part of: Mains GS Paper II- Government interventions Key pointers: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil), an initiative that will enable collection and conversion of used cooking oil to bio-diesel. The initiative has been launched nearly a month after the food safety regulator notified standards for used cooking oil. FSSAI may also look at introducing regulations to ensure that companies that use large quantities of cooking oil hand it over to registered collecting agencies to convert it into biofuel. Under this initiative, 64 companies at 101 locations have been identified to enable collection of used cooking oil. The regulator believes India has the potential to recover 220 crore litres of used cooking oil for the production of biodiesel by 2022 through a co-ordinated action. (MAINS FOCUS) ECONOMY/ENVIRONMENT TOPIC: General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Investment models Environment Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. A climate for green funds Introduction: A recent HSBC Global Research report found India to be the most vulnerable of the 67 countries assessed for their vulnerability to and preparedness for climate change risks. The need to address the challenge of climate change is more urgent than ever. India’s Efforts: India is making big efforts in that direction. But more needs to be done. The India aims to source 175 GW of power from renewables by 2022 and for nearly 57 per cent of total electricity capacity to come from non-fossil fuels by 2027. India’s other INDCs and national, federal steps towards climate change and resilience building cannot be ignored. Climate Financing: Need: A climate-resilient economy cannot be a priority only for the government. Companies, regulators, banks and financial institutions need to be part of the effort. It has been estimated that approximately $100 trillion of additional investment will be required between 2016 and 2030 to sync the imperatives of global development with that of addressing the challenge of climate change. Financing clean energy infrastructure, sustainable transport, energy efficiency and waste management are among the key imperatives today. Knowledge sharing across regions and institutions is critical to ensure that initiatives that are successful in one location get replicated expeditiously. All of this will require billions of dollars worth of investments. Who can Finance? Banks and financial institutions are key intermediaries between investors who are keen to put more of their cash into low-carbon, sustainable projects and those requiring capital. Globally, green finance is gaining prominence as a medium to raise funds for environment-friendly and climate-resilient projects. The appetite for green investment opportunities is growing with European and US investors, in particular, committed to increasing their climate-related holdings. In India the concept of green financing is nascent. Take the green bond market. Green bond issuance in India rose sharply last year — to more than $4 billion from $1.3 billion in 2016. While this is a welcome development, it is just a drop in the ocean against India’s climate change-related investment needs. What India should do to receive climate financing? Measures to encourage green-bonds could help raise finances needed to “green” India’s economy. These could include steps to reduce some of the regulatory constraints that currently hamper international investments as well as local pools of capital. There is scope for guidelines asking provident funds, pension funds and insurance companies to invest a portion of their assets under management in green bonds. The government could offer tax incentives to encourage mutual fund and other onshore investors to invest in local green bonds. Currently, there is no incentive for onshore investors to buy labelled green bonds or make green investments. India could also look at issuing a sovereign green bond, like France did to great effect last year. This would help push climate-change considerations into the limelight and provide a welcome market benchmark. Allowing banks to claim “priority sector benefits” on their green investments would also help. These steps could help India to draw in more of foreign capital — this would be especially welcome given that global investors are increasingly factoring climate change into their assessments of a country’s overall economic performance. Conclusion: Amid all the issues that concern us — poverty, education, employment, health — it is easy to forget that global warming is one of the most critical challenges we face. We need to do a lot more and a lot sooner or risk an environmental crisis. Connecting the dots: Considering the vulnerability of India, there is a need to build a strong green finance ecosystem. Comment. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. Issues relating to poverty and hunger General Studies 3 Inclusive growth and issues arising from it General Studies 4 Determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; Ethical concerns and dilemmas in government Laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance Poverty, not poor: Decriminalisation of begging Introduction: The Delhi High Court has strike down as unconstitutional the provisions of the law which sanction punitive action against beggars, including imprisonment. Colonial legacy: Twenty-five sections of the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, which was extended to Delhi and serves as the template for other state laws criminalising begging, are off the books. These stigmatising provisions recalled the targeting of allegedly “criminal tribes” in British colonial territories and should never have been allowed to infest the statute books of a democracy. Delhi High Court Observations: In its observation court has sought to dispel the idea of begging as a disease — which leads to its stigmatisation and criminalisation — and to regard it as a symptom. The underlying disease is the failure of the state to protect citizens who fall through the social security net. The court has clarified what should have been obvious to generations of policymakers — that criminalising begging attacks the fundamental right of the most vulnerable, the poorest of the poor, to regain access to basic necessities like food and shelter. The very real problem of organised begging rackets will have to be addressed by other means, perhaps based on the law of trafficking. The ruling has accepted the basic premise of the PIL, that poverty cannot be a crime. Way forward: Poverty is a failing of the state and a civilised society must regard the poor not as criminals to be sentenced, but as candidates for protection. There is a need to reduce rising inequalities and establish an egalitarian society. The decriminalisation of those who fail usually has positive effects. For instance, Portugal, which decriminalised drug use and possession in 2001, has achieved the lowest rate of drug-related social costs, like death and crime, in the European Union. But part of its solution was to redeploy budgets spent on enforcement to the support of addicts. A similar step with regard to beggars — spending aggressively on rehabilitation — would yield similar outcomes, and turn what was regarded as a social problem into a dividend. Conclusion: The Delhi high court’s judgment reinforces the values of inclusiveness and tolerance in Indian society through its references to the principles of equality, liberty and dignity. It also reiterates the importance of judicial activism and the fact that courts, constituted as the ultimate interpreter of the constitution, have wide powers to promote dignitary values deeply rooted in our libertarian democracy. Connecting the dots: Instead of penalizing approach, there is a need to build the social and economic capacities of the state, which would care for its poor and marginalised citizens. Discuss, in the light of anti-begging laws in India. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section within 24 hours. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Which of the following is true regarding 'RUCO’ (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil) inititative. The initiative has been launched by Ministry of Food Processing Industries. It will enable collection and conversion of used cooking oil to bio-diesel. Various companies have been identified to enable collection of used cooking oil. Which of the following above statement is/are correct? Only 1 and 2 Both 1 and 2 Both 2 and 3 All statements are correct Q.2) Which of the following is true regarding 'PARIVESH’ portal? It is a single window for environmental, wildlife, forest and Coastal Regulation Zone clearances It is web portal where common people can file complaints regarding environment pollution. It is a portal to disseminate information regarding government steps taken towards environmental protection and regulation. None of the above. MUST READ Endless war The Hindu Inequality, myth and reality Indian Express Women of substance Business Line

Aug 12, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 10th August 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 10th August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) New constitution for BCCI Part of: Mains GS Paper II- Government interventions Key pointers: Pic: https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/7po9ao/article24648896.ece/alternates/FREE_660/09-krishnadas-LG574GKUV61jpgjpg The Supreme Court has finalised the new Constitution for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). It rejected the ‘one State-one vote’ recommendation of the Justice R.M. Lodha Committee and altering the cooling-off period for cricket bosses. It disagreed with Justice Lodha that cricket could prosper only if the BCCI was represented by every State and Union Territory. Instead, the court restored full BCCI memberships to three associations in Gujarat and Maharashtra each. Draft on the ‘National Health Stack’ (NHS) Part of: Mains GS Paper II- Government interventions Key pointers: The draft suggests that health data would be used for marketing. It defines the NHS as a national electronic registry usable by both the Centre and the States across public and private sectors. One of the components of the proposed project is to store every Indian’s Personal Health Records (PHRs). This will involve medical history, medication and allergies, immunisation status, laboratory test results, radiology images, vital signs, personal stats such as age and weight, demographics, and billing information, and use of multiple health applications. Various layers of the National Health Stack will seamlessly link to support national health electronic registries, coverage and claims platform, a federated personal health records framework, a national health analytics platform, as well as other horizontal components. The stack will embrace health management systems of public health programmes and socio-demographic data systems. The population level base of such an IT system would be individual health records logged through the Health and Wellness Centres in rural areas, and corresponding primary health care in urban areas. The National Health Stack rests on the JAM trinity of Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar, and mobile numbers. Crimes against children on rise Part of: Mains GS Paper I- Social issues Key pointers: In terms of cases registered, crimes against children — now in public focus amid revelations of sexual abuse in a shelter home in Muzaffarpur — have risen by 14% between 2014 and 2016, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reports for these years show. In 2016, the latest year for which figures have been compiled, cases registered under “crimes against children” crossed 1 lakh. Recent enhancement of punishment for rape of children aged below 12. The data show trends varying from state to state. In Assam, such cases have almost tripled in Assam. Telangana and Bihar too registered a steep rise. In Andhra Pradesh and Delhi, the number of cases has gone down since 2014. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2 Governance, Constitution, Polity Federal Structure   Historical Underpinnings of Article 35A Introduction: Constitutionality of Article 35A has been challenged in SC. Article 35A, when it was introduced in 1954, instead of giving the state a “special status”, its purpose was to take autonomy away from Jammu and Kashmir. Instrument of Accession: Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1947 which brought the State into the Union of India gave New Delhi control only over Kashmir’s defence, foreign policy and communications. On all other matters, the State government retained powers. India’s thin grasp over J&K was further complicated by New Delhi’s international commitment to hold a plebiscite in the State to decide its eventual fate. It is because of this weak India-Kashmir constitutional link that; Sheikh Abdullah became “Prime Minister” of Kashmir The State had its own Constituent Assembly and flag The Supreme Court did not have jurisdiction over key issues in the State Srinagar tried to send its own trade commissioners to foreign countries Only in the areas of defence, foreign affairs and communications was Jammu and Kashmir put on the same footing as the rest of India. India’s fundamental rights and directive principles were not applicable in Jammu and Kashmir at all. The Delhi Agreement In 1952 Jawaharlal Nehru invited Abdullah to discuss how India and Jammu and Kashmir could be more closely integrated. The result was the 1952 Delhi Agreement which, contrary to popular belief, still fell short of the 1954 Presidential Order. The 1952 agreement did not finalise financial integration and required the fundamental rights and citizenship to be granted to the State’s residents via the State Legislature. Before the Delhi Agreement could be implemented, the situation was altered radically because of three factors. First, any plans for an immediate Plebiscite were abandoned in 1954, which strengthened New Delhi’s hand. Second, in 1953, Nehru faced a nationwide campaign from the Hindu right-wing demanding greater integration of Kashmir. Third, in August 1953, Abdullah was arrested and replaced by Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed, who was far more amenable to integration with India. Presidential Order of 1954 and Birth of Article 35A: 1954, New Delhi negotiated a new agreement with Bakshi, which was passed by the Kashmir Constituent Assembly also, and eventually introduced through Presidential Order in May. It still left the State with enormous autonomy. All “residuary powers” rested with the State legislature. The State government could detain people who did not enjoy the right to appeal to the Supreme Court. It also retained its controversial land reforms measures and the final authority over any alteration of the State’s boundaries. The Article 35A was introduced as part of a larger Presidential Order package, which made several additions to the Constitution (not just Article 35A). The overall gist of this Order was to give the Government of India enormously more powers over the State than it had enjoyed before. First time, India’s fundamental rights and directive principles were applicable to Jammu and Kashmir and the State’s finances were integrated with India. The Order also extended the Indian Supreme Court’s jurisdiction over certain aspects of Jammu and Kashmir. Just as crucially, the Order had come about only after the Jammu and Kashmir government had agreed to it and passed a similar legislation in its own Constituent Assembly, making it clear that rather Jammu and Kashmir has given her powers to India. At the time of its introduction, the Order was celebrated in India as a great step towards further integration of Jammu and Kashmir into the Union of India. Today the only meaningful “special status” that J&K enjoys is Article 35A. Way forward: The whole project of federal nation-building requires constant negotiation between the nation state and its components. The debate over the Article should be seen as part of this larger decades-long process of the State’s integration into India. Should Article 35A be removed, it must be removed as an expression of the will of the people, through a political process which includes the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the discussion. It has to be remembered that the Article is not some special concession to Jammu and Kashmir but the last fragment of a broken promise that India had made to it decades ago. Connecting the dots: Discuss the historical context behind Article 35A. Also, examine the possible implications of abrogating Article 35A, on the state of Jammu and Kashmir. NATIONAL TOPIC: Essay, General studies 1 and 2 Role of Women and women’s organisations, poverty and related issues Social empowerment Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations. Social Issues Anti-trafficking legislation in India: Does the anti-trafficking Bill addresses trafficking? Introduction: Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018, was passed in Lok Sabha. Background: On the recommendation of the Justice Verma Committee, Criminal Law (Amendment) Act was passed by the Lok Sabha in 2013. Section 370 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was substituted with Sections 370 and 370A, which defined trafficking and laid out the punishment for it. However, mere criminalisation of trafficking is not enough — several laws have not been implemented in letter and spirit in the absence of a comprehensive legislative framework. In the case of trafficking, data show that despite the 2013 law, there has been an increase in the number of victims of human trafficking. Positive aspects of the Bill: 1. Multipronged approach Approaches to prevention, rescue and rehabilitation to create a robust policy framework against trafficking It places at its core the rights and welfare of victims of human trafficking. There are aggravated forms of trafficking which have been introduced, such as trafficking for the purpose of begging, or bearing a child, or for the purpose of marriage or under the pretext of marriage by administering narcotic drugs, hormones, or chemical substances for the purposes of early sexual maturity, and so on. The prosecution under these offences will be made timely and efficient by special public prosecutors. Protection to witnesses and confidentiality of victims by recording their statements through video conferencing and by in camera proceedings Time-bound trials and repatriation of victims 2.Rescue and Rehabilitation: A rehabilitation fund has been introduced for the first time. This will be used for the physical, psychological and social well-being of victims. Capacity building of victims by providing capital, infrastructure, education and skill development to empower them to access justice and to prevent further trafficking 3.National Anti-Trafficking Bureau: The National Anti-Trafficking Bureau will coordinate with authorities in foreign countries and international organisations, and facilitate inter-State and trans-border transfer of evidence and materials. It will strengthen the intelligence apparatus to improve the collection, collation and dissemination of operational intelligence. The Bureau will also coordinate actions and enforcement by various bodies or authorities established under this Bill. There will be State and District Anti-Trafficking Committees which will arrange for appropriate training and sensitisation of functionaries of all personnel. 4.Breaking the Network: It is crucial to note that trafficking is an organised crime. In order to break the organised nexus, at the national and international levels, the Bill proposes attachment and forfeiture of property and to remit the proceeds of crime in the rehabilitation fund. It will also freeze bank accounts of those whose funds have been utilised to facilitate trafficking. By doing this, the Bill handicaps the organised trafficking networks. The Bureau will also develop and monitor a database on every crime under this Act. Systematic surveillance of offenders will, in about three years, not only help prevent trafficking but pre-empt it. Criticism of the Bill: The Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018, fails in its fundamental purpose, i.e. it does not address the issue of trafficking. 1.Outlaws legitimate activity Offence of “trafficking for the purpose of begging”. Employing or causing someone to beg is already a criminal offence under anti-begging laws. Similarly, unauthorised immigration of citizens and foreigners is dealt with under the Passports Act, 1967, and the Foreigners Act, 1946, respectively. Illegal migration does not involve elements of ‘trade’ in human beings or trafficking. To term it an “aggravated form of trafficking” is questionable in itself. The Bill also states that “whoever solicits or publicises electronically, taking or distributing obscene photographs or videos or providing materials or soliciting or guiding tourists or using agents or any other form which may lead to the trafficking of a person shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment.”  Means a remote possibility of would be trafficking is sufficient to prosecute persons and shut down websites. Such clauses of the Bill have little to do with trafficking and more do to with imposing surveillance and restricting freedoms through punitive overkill. 2.Interplay with existing laws Existing laws have not been overruled or repealed. In order to try offences under the Bill, the prosecution will have to first prove the subsections of Section 370,  that the victim was received or transferred for the purposes of exploiting her/him by using force, abduction, deception, etc. Only then the provisions of the Bill take effect. For the police and the courts, implementing the numerous anti-trafficking laws will be a nightmare. Only persons accused of trafficking will benefit from the legal mess.   Instead of strengthening the existing anti-trafficking laws, the Bill calls for another law, one that is uncalled-for and sloppily drafted. The Bill clashes with existing laws, which will lead to confusion. The term ‘victim’ appears several times in the Bill but is shoddily defined. A victim is one who is ‘rescued’ by the raiding police. So, those rescued by NGOs, parents, friends, and so on are not victims. 3.Other Loopholes: The Bill is silent on many types of trafficking, such as trafficking for supply chains, commercial surrogacy, clinical trials, human organ trade, intergenerational trafficking, orphanage tourism and sex tourism. Traffickers get themselves ‘rescued’ by the police so that they can keep an eye on the rescued victims and silence them. In the absence of clarity, such traffickers who operate hand in glove with the police will be the first to get themselves ‘rescued’ and claim hefty compensations, rehabilitation, small capital for business, and worse, an absurd immunity for committing serious offences that are punishable. No new courts or judges are mentioned to expedite justice. The district courts are neither exclusively dedicated to trafficking cases nor will they address such cases on priority. This move will only undo the gains of the past many decades of evolving more sensitive and specialised courts such as Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act courts, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences courts, and family courts. Conclusion: The Bill is well-intentioned and has many positive features, but need a review on many provisions. The anti-trafficking Bill aims to solve an institutionalised socio-economic problem with a ‘crime and punishment’ model, relying on police stations, courts and jails. Connecting the dots: Critically examine the features of the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018. What are the causes of rise in Human Trafficking in this modern era? Note: overview of bill: http://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/the-trafficking-of-persons-prevention-protection-and-rehabilitation-bill-2018-5277/ (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 is true regarding draft National Health Stack project. The national health registry can only be used by the centre and not states. One of the components of the proposed project is to store every Indian’s Personal Health Records (PHRs). Individual health records will be logged through the Health and Wellness Centres in rural areas, and corresponding primary health care in urban areas. Which of the following above statement is/are correct? Only 1 and 2 Both 1 and 2 Both 2 and 3 All of the above Q.2) Which of the following recommendations given by Lodha committee regarding BCCI have been rejected? ‘One State-one vote’ BCCI should be represented by every State and Union Territory. No full membership to associations with no state entity. Choose right option: Only 1 and 2 Both 1 and 2 Both 2 and 3 All of the above MUST READ Perils of historical amnesia The Hindu A welcome retreat The Hindu Responding to widespread concern The Hindu Dear Prime Minister Indian Express Time for economic policy Livemint

Aug 11, 2018 IASbaba's Monthly Current Affairs Magazine

IASbaba’s Monthly Current Affairs Magazine-JULY 2018

ARCHIVES Hello Friends This is the 38th edition of IASbaba’s Monthly Magazine on Current Affairs for UPSC Civil Services Examination. This edition covers all important issues that were in news for the month of JULY 2018 DOWNLOAD THE MAGAZINE- CLICK HERE

Aug 11, 2018 IASbaba's OFFLINE CLASSES

IASbaba's SOCIOLOGY OPTIONAL OFFLINE CLASSES to Start from 2nd September 2018

Hi Friends, We will be starting off with SOCIOLOGY OPTIONAL OFFLINE CLASSES from 2nd September 2018 (Sunday). The classes will be taken by Mr Vamshi Krishna Sir (a Topper himself in Sociology in UPSC 2014, 2015), BDS, M.A in Sociology from IGNOU. Working as assistant administrative officer at CSIR NAL. Writes on social issues on blogs. Regular contributor to Research gate website on social issues. FEATURES OF THE PROGRAMME: Programme duration from September 2018 to February 2019 (6 MONTHS) Notes will be dictated and value-added notes (printed) would be provided. 12 Sectional tests plus discussion, correction and feedback +4 full-length Mock Tests. Complete coverage of topics. The focus will be on paper 2 where the majority of students face a problem [lack of material, application of paper 1 concepts, dynamic part (current affairs)]. One on One discussion with mentor with focus on answer writing improvement. The focus will be on building sociological concepts and answer writing especially for first time aspirants with focus on competing with experienced candidates on equal footing in Mains 2019. Duration of the Class : September 2018 to February 2019 (6 MONTHS) Timings : Classes will be held on Sunday's (10am-5pm) MODE OF ADMISSION: Interested students can fill up the registration form. Once registered you will get an invite, with the payment link. Once the payment is done, send the acknowledgement to offline@iasbaba.com. This confirms your enrollment to the program.  (OR) You can directly come to the office and make the payment and confirm your admission. The Office address is mentioned @ the end of the post. REGISTRATION FORM –> CLICK HERE FOR QUERIES: Office Address: No. 1737/37, MRCR Layout, Vijayanagar Service road, Vijayanagar, Bangalore – 560040. Landmark: Vijayanagar Metro station or Above Apple Showroom Office timings: 10.30 am – 4.30 pm Mail: offline@iasbaba.com Mobile No- 9035077800/6362224637 (10 AM to 5 PM) Thank You IASbaba

Aug 10, 2018 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : Bhutan India Bilateral Relations

Bhutan India Bilateral Relations ARCHIVES Listen to the Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2 India and its neighbourhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests In News: India and Bhutan held talks on development cooperation and Indian projects in the country during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay. The Bhutanese King’s visit assumes importance especially as it comes soon after India’s bitter military stand-off with Chinese forces that took place in the Doklam plateau region in Bhutan, which is close to the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction. Bhutan and India have a unique relationship matched by no two other countries. This is a relationship based on trust, built brick by brick from the Treaty of Friendship signed in Darjeeling in 1949. While Bhutan all through the years has appreciated India for its economic assistance, India, for its part, has been sensitive to Bhutan's developmental needs. During the recent meeting, the two prime ministers Reaffirmed their resolve to enhance co-operation in all areas of mutual interest To take the "exemplary bilateral partnership to new heights for the benefit of the two peoples". Reviewed the bilateral economic and hydro-power co-operation, including the progress in implementation of the India assisted-hydro-electric projects in Bhutan Modi complimented Bhutan government on its imminent graduation to a middle-income country, and for achieving economic progress while preserving its traditions and values, and combining sustainable development with enhanced happiness quotient of its people. The two countries are expected to further boost defence, security and strategic cooperation in view of recent developments on the region and also globally. 50 years of Diplomatic Relations As India and Bhutan celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations this year, it presents both the countries with an opportunity to reflect about further advancing ties between the two countries. It is a unique partnership built on the historical and cultural linkages between the two countries Bhutan’s Significance to India Geography Bhutan’s significance to India stems from its geographic location. Nestled in the Himalayas, it is sandwiched between India and China. Thus, it serves as a buffer between the two Asian giants. Bhutan’s value as a buffer soared after China annexed Tibet in 1951. As the 2017 crisis in the Doklam region revealed, India will strongly oppose, even militarily, any Chinese attempt to assert control over mDoklam. Securing Bhutan’s present borders especially its western border is clearly important for India. Doklam in the hands of a hostile power would heighten the vulnerability of India’s Siliguri Corridor, a narrow strip of land that links India to its Northeastern states. So vital is Doklam to India’s defence that India has a permanent and sizeable military contingent and an army hospital in Haa district, where Doklam is located. Economy India dominates Bhutan’s economy. It is Bhutan’s largest trade partner; around 79% of Bhutan’s total imports are from India and India provides a market for 90% of its exports. Additionally, India is Bhutan’s largest aid donor. Between 2000 and 2017, Bhutan received $4.7 billion in aid from India, the lion’s share of India’s total foreign aid. Energy, Infrastructure & Security Bhutan is a strategically important country for India due to its location, and both sides have been ramping up overall cooperation, including in areas of defence and security, and energy, over the past a few years. India's Border Roads Organisation has completed construction of a strategically key road in Bhutan, linking the neighbouring country's border town of Phuentshogling with its capital city of Thimphu. Under the 2007 India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty, the two sides have agreed to “cooperate closely with each other on issues relating to their national interests. Neither Government shall allow the use of its territory for activities harmful to the national security and interest of the other.” During the Doklam standoff between troops of India and China last year, Bhutan had extended support to New Delhi The Way Ahead India needs to act robustly to address Bhutanese concerns that are weakening the traditionally strong India-Bhutan bilateral bond, as a strong relationship with India could reduce the chances of Bhutan succumbing to Chinese pressure. A politically stable Bhutan is important to India. An unstable and restive Bhutan would not only jeopardize India’s investments in that country but also provide a safe haven for anti-India activities and anti-India militant groups. India needs to discard the tradition of offering economic subsidies and negotiating project proposals with neighbouring capitals and focus instead on enabling agreements, and let market forces leverage the existing economic and geographic complementarities. Demonetisation, GST have impacted on the ground in the Indo-Bhutanese relationship as well as with Nepal. GST has created a lot on confusion within Bhutan in terms of trade. The economy is small and largely dependent on Indian export. So these issues were required to be discussed. Refer: Mindmap + Link 1 Connecting the dots: Bhutan is India’s most trusted partner but it shouldn’t be taken for granted. Critically analyse relation between both countries.

Aug 10, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 42]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 42] Archives Q.1) ‘Naresh Chandra Committee’ is associated with Corporate Governance Higher Education Digital Payments Cryptocurrency Q.2) ‘Global Slavery Index’ is published by World Economic Forum World Bank International Labour Organisation None of the above Q.3) Which of the following countries is NOT a part of ‘Borneo Island’? Indonesia Philippines Brunei Malaysia Q.4) Which of the following countries is/are members of New Agenda Coalition (NAC)? Brazil New Zealand South Africa Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) Peru is bordered by which of the following countries? Ecuador Chile Brazil Argentina Bolivia Select the correct code: 1, 3 and 5 1, 2, 3 and 5 1, 2, 3 and 4 2, 3 and 5 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Aug 10, 2018 Yojana

YOJANA & KURUKSHETRA Magazine: JULY 2018

Archives Friends, Here we are with the JULY 2018, edition of Yojana and Kurukshetra. Yojana/Kurukshetra: JULY 2018 – Download Download Mind Maps -  1. Click here 2. Click here 3. Click here 4. Click here

Aug 9, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 09th August 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 09th August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Fall Armyworm In news: Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) has sounded the alarm after the invasive agricultural pest, Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), was discovered in Karnataka. Fall Armyworm is a major maize pest in North America, arrived in Africa in 2016. Since then, it has threatened the continent’s maize crop. The Karnataka finding is the first report of the pest in Asia. Scientists warn the insect could spread throughout Asia to become a major threat to global food security. The discovery is more worrisome because the pest feeds on around 100 different crops, such as vegetables, rice, and sugarcane. https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/08/09/CNI/Chennai/TH/5_10/68b99940_2306151_101_mr.jpg SC on Adultery Part of: GS Mains II - Social issue; Role of Judiciary In news: SC bench said - Jail term for adultery does not make sense. Adultery does not even qualify as a criminal offence and is a civil wrong. Adultery has a civil remedy: divorce. An adulterous relationship is carried on with the consent of the woman and it doesn’t amount to an offence. Centre’s stand on Adultery: Adultery should remain in the Indian Penal Code as it ensures the sanctity of the marriage, and is for public good. Donors can contribute funds from ATM Part of: GS Prelims and Mains – Environment and Pollution; National In news: Donors can contribute funds to the Clean Ganga Fund from ATMs. National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is in talks with SBI and other banks. About NMCG and CGF NMCG (under Union Water Resources Ministry) is executing the government’s ₹20,000-crore commitment to clean the Ganga. CGF is a separate corpus made up of donations from corporates and individuals. At present it has ₹250 crore in its kitty, which is being managed by the NMCG. Donations to the CGF qualify for income tax exemption. We had recently read that - as of now, about 90% of the CGF comes from State and Central government public sector units Do you know? The Clean Ganga Fund (CGF) was created in 2014 and envisioned as a source of funds from private companies, individuals and institutions. Clean Ganga Fund is for pooling money to be used for cleaning up Ganga river. Pak. troops to get training at Russian institutes Part of: GS Mains II – International Relations; India and the world; Security issues In news: For the first time, Pakistani soldiers will undergo training at Russian military institutes. Both the countries signed an agreement related to it, during Russia-Pakistan Joint Military Consultative Committee (JMCC) (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 2 Important aspects of governance; Civil Services Structure, organisation and functioning of executive and various departments of government Reforming the Civil Services: lateral Entry Scheme Introduction: A recent move by the Centre seeking applications from ‘outstanding individuals’ to fill in 10 posts of Joint Secretary, has caused anxiety amongst bureaucrats. Some apprehensions over lateral entry: Many serving IAS officers think this move may cause threat to their primacy. This move may end a “neutral and impartial” civil service with the likely induction of loyalists and politically indoctrinated persons into the system. This may mark the “privatisation of the IAS”. Private business houses may “plant” their people in order to influence government policies. The political leadership, by creating a ‘divide and rule’ mechanism, would further demoralise the ‘steel frame of governance’. How the Secretariat functions? The key officials in the secretariat decides on, how an abstract idea is to be given a concrete, implementable shape. Higher bureaucracy in the secretariat often has to examine proposals received from specialised departments/corporations. With the consultation of other ministries/departments they prepare a cohesive note to facilitate the Minister concerned or the Cabinet to take a final decision. The detailed procedures have been formulated for proper functioning which requires both expertise and experience. Though the original proposal is often prepared by technical experts, after the file moves through this long internal and hierarchical process, the final decision rests with the higher bureaucracy and finally the Minister/Cabinet. Generalist v. specialist Generalist view: The best leadership is provided by generalists who have a breadth of understanding and experience. Specialists, no matter how competent, tend to have a narrow vision and are not equipped to take a broader view. The domain knowledge has to feed into policy-making, but that can be accomplished by domain experts advising the generalist leader in decision-making. In this view, a good IAS officer can head the Department of Agriculture as competently as she would the Department of Shipping. Specialist view: Specialists like engineers, doctors, agricultural scientists, etc. have always had a substantial say not only in the decision-making process also in its implementation. Secretaries to the Departments of Atomic Energy, Science & Technology, Scientific and Industrial Research, Health Research, and Agricultural Research have always been scientists of eminence. Similarly, in departments like the Railways, Posts, etc., all senior positions are manned by Indian Railway or Postal Service officers. Generalised bureaucracy is not equipped to comprehend complex economic and technical issues in order to properly aid and advise the Minister. For increasingly complex matrix of decision-making is, specialists are more efficient than generalists. How apprehensions can be resolved? The government must ensure that only candidates, the likes of whom are not available in the existing system, are appointed. If they turn out to be truly outstanding, there should be provisions to induct them permanently in the government, with approval of the UPSC, and consider them for higher postings. Ideas have also been advanced for IAS and other officers to gain work experience, for a limited period, in the private sector. These fears can be reduced by letting the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) handle the recruitment process, after defining the job requirements more explicitly. Conclusion: The apprehensions on lateral entry are based on perceptions, a reality check is necessary. Also this is a bold decision that should be given a fair trial. The lateral entry scheme, if implemented properly, may foster more competitive spirit, break the complacency of the higher civil servants and eventually prove to be a pioneering initiative in public interest. Connecting the dots: Most of the developed countries of the world have the system of lateral entry on the basis of expertise and achievements. Do you agree with the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services? Comment. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2 Important aspects of governance, social justice Justice System General studies 3 Technology Security issues, Disaster Management The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 Introduction: The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 has been introduced in the Parliament, with a view to creating a national DNA database for solving crimes and identifying missing persons. About the Bill: The purpose of the bill is to expand the application of DNA-based forensic technologies to support and strengthen the justice delivery system of the country. By providing for the mandatory accreditation and regulation of DNA laboratories, the Bill seeks to ensure that the DNA test results are reliable and the data remain protected from misuse or abuse in terms of the privacy rights of our citizens. Bill’s provisions will enable the cross-matching between persons who have been reported missing on the one hand and unidentified dead bodies found in various parts of the country on the other, and also for establishing the identity of victims in mass disasters. The Bill includes provisions for the destruction of DNA samples and removal of innocent people’s DNA profiles from the database. Criticism on DNA bill: Creating large databases is often not a cost-effective way to solve more crimes, and limited resources must be targeted effectively. Using DNA effectively during criminal investigations requires proper crime scene examination, trained and reliable policing, a trusted chain of custody of samples, reliable analysis, and proper use of expert evidence in court. Without these prerequisites, a DNA database will worsen rather than solve problems in the criminal justice system (false matches or misinterpretation or planting of evidence, etc.). The Bill’s proposed DNA Regulatory Board is still too powerful and insufficiently transparent or accountable. There are provisions which give the government or the Board the power to amend aspects of the safeguards in the Bill, and to avoid accountability in court. A number of other privacy protections are also missing — the need to restrict DNA profiling so that it uses only non-coding DNA, a commonly used international standard for one. There is no attempt to assess the cost effectiveness of these provisions or to estimate the database’s likely size. Way Forward: Consideration should be given to an independent forensic science regulator. An independent ethics board should be set up. The Board’s responsibilities for privacy protections need an independent regulator. Privacy or data protection bill should be adopted first. Any international sharing of DNA profiles should also be covered by a privacy or data protection law, and meet international human rights standards. There should be separate the databases for missing persons and for criminals set up by the Bill, so that people who volunteer their DNA to help find their missing relatives are not treated as suspects for criminal offences. It is needed to specify that volunteers must be fully informed about future storage and uses of their genetic information before they give consent. International evidence shows that the success of a DNA database is driven primarily by the number of crime scene DNA profiles loaded on to it, not by the number of DNA profiles from individuals, so proper crime scene analysis should be the top priority. Conclusion: In short, important safeguards and a cost-benefit analysis are still lacking for this Bill, which needs full parliamentary scrutiny. Connecting the dots: The DNA technology (use and application) Bill, 2018 can establish a balance between right to privacy and right to justice. Evaluate with suggestions. (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) He was an Indian scientist who worked in the field of DNA fingerprinting technology in India, where he was popularly known as the "Father of Indian DNA fingerprinting". Lalji Singh Meghnad Saha Satyendra Nath Bose Venkatraman Radhakrishnan Q.2) An alien species is a species that is established outside of its natural past or present distribution, whose introduction and/or spread threaten biological diversity. Consider the following invasive alien species, Fall Armyworm Papaya Mealy Bug Cotton Mealy Bug Amazon Sailfin Catfish Which of the above is/are found in India? 3 only 3 and 4 only 1 and 3 only All the above Q.3) Consider the following statements about National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) It acts as implementation arm of National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga National Ganga Council is under the chairmanship of Prime Minister of India Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ Going by the numbers The Hindu New leader, same rules The Hindu Dissent & diplomacy: on the Saudi-Canada spat The Hindu The nuances of 35A Indian Express The Upward Push Indian Express To bee or not to bee Indian Express Truth fears no trolls Indian Express

Aug 9, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 41]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 41] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about Controller General of Accounts (CGA) CGA is responsible for exchequer control and internal audits CGA derives his/her mandate from Article 150 of the Constitution Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Global Nutrition Report is published by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) United Nations Development Programme World Economic Forum World Bank Q.3) When you travel in certain parts of India, you will notice red soil. What is the main reason for this colour? Presence of ferric oxides Abundance of magnesium Accumulated humus Abundance of phosphates Q.4) Kawad Bachana is a story telling tradition from Gujarat Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Q.5) The international crude oil price of Indian Basket is computed by Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Aug 9, 2018 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : Rise in MSP and its Impact

Rise in MSP and its Impact ARCHIVES Listen to the Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. In News: Government's decision to hike MSP for kharif crops is expected to impact GDP by 0.1-0.2 per cent besides adding to inflationary pressures. Two significant announcements in the 2018-19 budget: Decided to keep MSPs at least 50 per cent above the sum of cost of production (A2) – A2 is a comprehensive cost and includes paid or imputed costs of all purchased or own inputs like seed, fertiliser, manure, bullock labour and machine labour, interest on working capital, irrigation expenses, depreciation, rent paid for the leased-in land, costs of repair and miscellaneous expenses. Imputed wages for the time spent by the farmer and his/her family (FL) in crop production. Was this hike required? This hike in MSPs was required, given the current adverse conditions of prices and operating conditions of the farm sector, and is a key component of the prime minister’s goal of doubling farm incomes by 2022, which, in itself, is a must for sustaining an 8–9% GDP growth for India. However, MSP increases are, largely, a short-term fix and must be viewed in conjunction with other legs of the strategy. If the other components of the strategy are not implemented with urgency, the associated macroeconomic costs will be a significant drag on overall economic growth. Immediate Costs: All set to impact international price of rice and cotton—items topping list of agricultural commodities exported from the country – hike is expected to firm up cotton prices in India, largest exporter of natural fibre, and reflect in global market soon The move is expected to lead to higher inflation and widen fiscal deficit because of increase in food subsidy bill to over Rs 2 trillion from Rs 1.70 trillion provided in the Budget for 2018-19. Higher MSPs will add to inflationary pressures, fiscal slippage and this might prompt the central bank to go for another rate hike. For RBI, MSP increase poses an additional risk to their inflation view, besides fiscal slippage worries and higher oil prices. At a time when godowns are bursting with rice stocks and acreages under this water-intensive crop ought to be brought down, the latest increase will compound problems as well as be environmentally unsustainable What is MSP? MSP is a direct market intervention by the government to check distress sale by guaranteeing a fixed price in event of fall in price in open market. In case the market price for the commodity falls below the announced minimum price due to bumper production and glut in the market, government agencies purchase the entire quantity offered by the farmers at the announced minimum price. Prices announced: Before each summer and winter cropping season On the basis of the recommendations of: Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) Determinants of MSP till now: Cultivation costs Demand-supply and market price dynamics Inter-crop price parities Terms of trade between agriculture and non-agriculture sectors Implications on consumer inflation Introduction of a single pre-determined principle: Henceforth, MSPs will be set at 1.5 times the production cost. The higher the cost, the more is the MSP. Farmers growing crops consuming more water and energy, with their production costs naturally higher, get rewarded through increased MSPs. And when there is assured procurement and payment as well, it results in more production of paddy and sugarcane — even if at increasingly uncompetitive prices globally. Effect on Crops Expected to firm up cotton prices in India, largest exporter of natural fibre, and reflect in global market Although MSP covers just normal rice, it will push up price of basmati rice as well The higher assured price under MSP for paddy will encourage farmers to grow normal rice instead of basmati from next year in the country MSP will check cotton exports from India and ensure domestic supply during current season – The substantial increase in the price of cotton is expected to activate multi- national companies in domestic market as exports of raw cotton will be unviable now The increase in MSP will increase acreage under paddy, a crop that require substantial quantity of groundwater for irrigation. Conclusion: The most critical reform to revolutionise Indian agriculture requires no money. It requires something far harder to acquire — learning to unlearn yesterday’s wisdom. It is time for India to switch from price policy to income policy approach to redress farmers’ distress. India needs to devise an income policy (DBT) for farmers. Rather than opting for big ticket reforms, the government needs to look at marginal improvements. These, if consistently implemented over time, will deliver the required change. The system lacks the skill to diagnose its own incompetence. An independent commission of farmers must be constituted to review government programmes, which are supposedly benefiting the farming community. There has been a lot of farm distress and measures have been taken to alleviate these problems, this being one of them. This move was something that was necessary, but needs to be implemented in the right way to ensure they get what they need, to be able to cover up for the costs. While it is desirable to intervene in the markets when they fail to deliver remunerative prices to producers, excessive intervention in prices can have serious implications for the functioning of market, fiscal resources and imports and exports. The best prices for farm produce can be realised from a competitive market. This requires regulatory reforms, institutional changes, and the development of appropriate infrastructure to promote evolution of agricultural market system. A tendency is developing in the country — to hold the Centre responsible for the problems, and solutions, related to agricultural prices. The stakeholders need to differentiate areas for action by the Centre and the states. There is a particular need to put pressure on the states to undertake the required reforms to make agricultural markets more efficient, competitive and responsive to the needs of producers and consumers. State government needs to strengthen the procurement infrastructure in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh where grain purchase is dominated by private players and remuneration is much less than the assured price. Refer: Mindmap