Aug 7, 2018 RSTV Video

RSTV- Right to be forgotten

Right to be forgotten Archives In News: A government-appointed panel on the data protection law has pointed to the need to have a balanced approach on right to be forgotten. Recommendation by: Justice BN Srikrishna Committee The appropriateness of a right to be forgotten in specific circumstances would require that the right to privacy be balanced with the freedom of speech It called right to confirmation, access and correction to be included in the data protection law. Proposed Data Protection Authority (DPA) to deal with such complaints So what is the right to be forgotten? It refers to the ability of individuals to limit, de-link, delete, or correct the disclosure of personal information on the internet that is misleading, embarrassing, irrelevant, or outdated. Such disclosure, may or may not be a consequence of unlawful processing by the data fiduciary. As it was envisioned in the European Union (EU) after a landmark 2014 ruling by the European Court of Justice, the right to be forgotten allows a person to demand that links to online information about them be removed from search engine results if the data are outdated or irrelevant. India: In a recent case, the Karnataka High Court had upheld the right to be forgotten in a petition filed by a woman saying an internet search should not reflect her name in a previous criminal order passed by it. India and Right to be Forgotten First step really as far as this issue is concerned to get the law in place first and only then will everything else fall into place - the pieces will come together. There should not only be a right to be forgotten but there should be a right to get the data deleted. The search engines might not show results but one should have the right to object for the processing of data. The right to get the data deleted needs to be put in place. There is a need to have enabling provisions in the law to go through this process which will make the process more simplified; free of lengthy procedures and time taking and money minting legal help. This right should not be confused with two things: It shouldn't be confused with the ability to take down illegal data which already exists – anything that is obscene or definitely can already be taken down The right to be forgotten should be interpreted narrowly so that it doesn't become a shortcut to defamation law. Defamation is used in India to stifle free speech from powerful interests and by people who have unlimited funds. Connecting the Dots: In today’s age of cloud computing is it truly possible to implement the Right to be forgotten clause in the Srikrishna committee's draft data protection bill? Discuss.

Aug 7, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 39]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 39] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about recently launched ‘SPARK initiative’. It is aimed at skilling engineering graduates from IITs in Defence technology. It was jointly launched by DRDO and the Defence Ministry Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) An interim mechanism called the ‘Peace Clause’ is available for developing nations. It is concerned with World Trade Organisation (WTO) International Solar Alliance (ISA) International Monetary Fund (IMF) UNFCC Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to Organisation of American States (OAS) It is a continental organization formed in the wake of 2008 Financial Crisis India is an observer state of the OAS Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) ‘Innocenti Declaration’ is associated with Breastfeeding Differently abled Diplomatic Immunity Polio Eradication Q.5) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Cabotage’ It refers to the practice of imposing restrictions for movement of domestic cargo by foreign flag vessels. The policy of cabotage restriction is governed as per the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Aug 7, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 06th August 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 06th August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Controversy over Article 35A Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Indian polity; Indian Constitution About: We had dealt about Article 35A and controversy surrounding it during June, 2018. The Article, which was unknown to the public domain till recent times, has raked up an intense debate in the country when a Kashmiri woman, Charu Wali Khan filed a petition to change the constitutional provision as she wanted succession rights in the state though she is settled outside the state. An NGO, ‘We the Citizens’ had also filed a writ petition to strike down Article 35A. The NDA Government wants to have a larger debate over the Article 35A challenging the constitutional validity of the clause. What is Article 35A? Article 35A of the Indian Constitution is an article that empowers the Jammu and Kashmir state's legislature to define “permanent residents” of the state and confer on them special rights and privileges in public sector jobs, acquisition of property in the State, scholarships and other public aid and welfare. The provision mandates that no act of the legislature coming under it can be challenged for violating the Constitution or any other law of the land. It was added to the constitution through a presidential order of 1954 with the then J&K government's concurrence. Article 35A does not allow people from outside the state of Jammu & Kashmir to work, settle or own property in the state. In news: J&K tense ahead of SC hearing on question of Article 35A. Complete shutdown in Kashmir Valley to defend Article 35A. (For time being, let us remember only this. Analysis part will be dealt in future once we come across any editorials or op-eds after the apex court hearing) Pic courtesy: The Hindu RISECREEK: Project Shakti Part of: GS Prelims – Science and Tech; Indigenous Technology In news: RISC-V Workshop in Chennai, India, hosted by IIT Madras, achieved a significant milestone by booting Linux on its first ever RISC-V based silicon chip processor named Shakti. The team (which is partly funded by MeiTY, GOI as part of the India Microprocessor development project) aims to create a critical mass of CPU architects in India. According to industry analysts, RISC-V based chips such as Shakti could be major players in IoT, and AI with an extensive ecosystem is in place. The initial batch of 300 chips named RISECREEK, produced under Project Shakti, have been fabricated free at Intel’s facility at Oregon, U.S., to run the Linux operating system. About MeiTY Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) To promote e-Governance for empowering citizens, promoting the inclusive and sustainable growth of the Electronics, IT & ITeS industries, enhancing India’s role in Internet Governance, adopting a multipronged approach that includes development of human resources, promoting R&D and innovation, enhancing efficiency through digital services and ensuring a secure cyber space. Animal in news: Indian star tortoise Part of: Prelims - Environment and Biodiversity; Animal Conservation In news: 1,125 Indian star tortoises seized from train passengers. They were to be smuggled to Bangladesh. IUCN: Vulnerable The Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is a threatened species of tortoise found in dry areas and scrub forest in India and Sri Lanka. This species is quite popular in the exotic pet trade, which is the main reason it is endangered. The species is listed in the Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and prohibited from export under the Foreign Trade Policy. The species are liable for confiscation under the Customs Act, 1962. Chandrayaan-2 proposed Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Science and Tech; Space programmes In news: Chandrayaan-2: India’s second moon mission Chandrayaan-2 to be delayed till January 2019 It will be ISRO’s first time attempt to land a rover Recent launches by ISRO Earlier this year, the ISRO had launched GSAT-6A, a military communication satellite. Launch of GSAT-11 from Kourou, French Guiana PSLV- C39 mission, carrying the IRNSS-1H navigation satellite - failed after the heat shield refused to open and release the satellite. Do you know? GSAT-6A, the second predominantly S-band communications satellite, was launched. It will complement GSAT-6, which has been orbiting since August 2015 at 83 degrees East longitude. Miscellaneous Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is in Karnataka ‘Tebori’ is a century-old Japanese method of tattooing by hand with a needled rod, is gaining ground Government-backed mass breastfeeding event organised in Philippines. The World Health Organisation and the United Nations Children’s Fund recommend that children be given breast milk within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for their first six months. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL/ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 2 and 3: Important International institutions, agencies and forums, their structure, mandate. Economic Developments The Problem at the WTO Introduction: After Second World War, World economy was completely shaken. With the aims to help rebuild the shattered post-war economy and to promote international economic cooperation, Bretton Woods conference was held. This created institutions like World Bank and IMF. And paved way for establishment of WTO in 1994. History and Evolution of WTO: World Bank and IMF are called Bretton Wood institutions; they were established at Bretton Wood Conference in 1944. The original Bretton Woods agreement also included plans for an International Trade Organisation (ITO) International Trade Organisation (ITO) was to be created to establish multilateral rules for the settlement of trade disputes and to resist protectionist demands and provide for greater legal certainty. The ITO never came into existence as it was eventually rejected by the U.S. The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) came to replace the ITO. This ad hoc and provisional mechanism (GATT) was replaced by WTO in 1994. U.S.’s ire S. rejected the idea of ITO, and four decades later herself drove the agenda to establish World Trade Organisation (WTO). S. has been proven isolationist and protectionist. It doesn’t embrace those ideas which challenge her leadership. At the Doha round of trade negotiations the U.S. destroyed the negotiation process in formulating excessive demands that no country was prepared to meet. Most recent examples of U.S. ire against its very creations NAFTA and TPP, also against NATO and UNESCO are proof of her hard-headed wish for uncontested leadership against multilateralism. Dispute Settlement Crisis at WTO: The U.S. has systematically blocked the appointment of new Appellate Body members (“judges”) and de facto impeded the work of the WTO appeal mechanism. With only four working members out of seven normally serving office in July 2018, the institution is under great stress. If no appointment is made, it will simply be destroyed by December 2019, since the Appellate Body requires a core of three members to decide a dispute. The U.S. is not willing to be judged by an independent multilateral quasi-judicial institution. Other Concerns Related to Dispute Settlement at WTO: Over the politicisation of the Appellate Body appointment and reappointment process The quasi-attribution of permanent Appellate Body seats to the U.S. and the European Union (EU). There is concern that China may be on its way to having a permanent seat. The “Overreaching” or judicial activism of United States. The WTO dispute settlement mechanism is not a world trade court. The process remains political and diplomatic. In trade wars, the objective is not to settle a dispute; it is to win the battle. The very existence of an appeal mechanism is now paradoxically questioned at a time the global community criticises the absence of the same mechanism in Investor-State Dispute Settlement. Who could be WTO’s saviour? China is trying to establish herself by its assertiveness in rule based WTO system. China, EU, and to some extent India, and a few others, is now the main supporter of multilateralism. The recent EU-China proposal to promote the reform of the WTO is said to combat “unilateralism and protectionism” but might well fail to address unfair trade issues raised against China itself. Conclusion: The world has changed and multilateral institutions now have to embed these changes. This WTO crisis might well be the final battle to retain control over a Western-centric organisation. The time has come for the emerging economies and the developing world to have a greater say in how to shape multilateralism and its institutions. Connecting the dots: The Protectionist stand of Developed nations and assertiveness of Developing countries has left the WTO ineffective, Comment.   NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 1, 2 and 4 Ethics History of the Society Women issues Governance and polity Social justice Religion versus Ethics Introduction: In the light of recent incidences such as Sabrimala Temple entry, child trade by missionaries and observance of practices like Triple Talaq, Nikah Halala or Confession before priest, question arises, whether religion and morality goes hand in hand? Recent Observations: Temple washed by Ganga Jal after visit by a Dalit woman leader Women raped by church priest, when she confessed her past in front of him as a religious practice Muslim woman got death threats when she filed a case against Nikah halala and instant triple talaq. Judicial Interventions: Ban on instant triple talaq Reserves the order that the bar on entry of women aged between 10 and 51 in Sabrimala temple was a violation of their fundamental right. Government enactments: Hindu marriage Act Hindu Succession Act Triple Talaq Bill Debate: whether government should interfere in religious customs and matters? Article25 (1) of the constitution of India provides for freedom of religion and Conscience. Article 25 (2) of the Indian constitution provides for regulation (by the government) of secular activities related to religious practices. Government can enact rules and regulations to protect the religious and conscience freedom of vulnerable section of the society (women, SC/ST, etc) as well as under provisions of Article 25 (2). Why Religion should be regulated? Empirical evidences suggest that, with the passage of time, religious practices become biased and unfavourable towards vulnerable section of the society. In India too, sati, child marriage, deprivation of education for women and specific castes of the society were some of the evils which were evicted from the society with the help of government legislation and various schemes and policies. Bhakti Movement in medieval and socio-religious reform movements in modern Indian history are evident that religions need reforms with the change in society. Current events (mentioned above) also push hard for government intervention and reforms from within society. Conclusion: Historically, it may be true that religions were created to regulate the society, but the rising radicalisation, exploitation and crime in the name of religion concludes, time has come that society needs to regulate religion. Connecting the dots: Religion and Morality does not necessarily go hand in hand. Comment citing examples. (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 Article 35A It is a part of original constitution. The provision discriminates against a woman’s right to property. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements Article 35A was added to the Constitution as a testimony of the special consideration the Indian government accorded to the ‘permanent residents’ of Jammu and Kashmir Article 370 of the Indian Constitution is a 'temporary provision' which grants special autonomous status to Jammu & Kashmir Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the below statements with regard to Indian star tortoise: The species is listed in the Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and prohibited from export under the Foreign Trade Policy. IUCN status is Vulnerable Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Which of the following is/are INCORRECTLY matched? Navigation Satellites- INSAT Series and GSAT series Earth Observation Satellites- CARTOSAT, RESOURCESAT, OCEANSAT Geostationary Satellites- GAGAN and IRNSS Select from the given code: 1 and 2 2 only 1 and 3 1, 2 and 3 Q.5) Aditya L-1 mission is associated with Sun Moon Mars Jupiter Q.6) Consider the following statements about Mangalyaan, launched by ISRO: It is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission It made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA It made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.7) Consider the following statements regarding Bretton Woods Conference It was held in 1944 formally known as United nations monetary and financial order. It created IBRD in order to promote stability of exchange rates and financial flows. It created IMF to speedup reconstruction after second world war and to lend for building infrastructure. It recommended for International Economic cooperation. Choose the correct statement/s 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 4 All of the above Q.8) Bretton Woods Conference is one of the most historic event post Second World War. Which of the following is correct? The UN Monetary and Financial Conference held post Second World War established the international trading regime called General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs. WTO is part of whole set up of UNO and thus is guided by the actions its member bodies. IMF follow voting by consensus pattern by which each member gets to ensure their idea is considered. WTO doesn’t have weighted voting as the World Bank or the IMF and goes by the system of one member one vote. MUST READ  Citizenship and compassion The Hindu  Anatomy of an outbreak The Hindu Change gears: amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act The Hindu Clarifying asylum The Hindu From Plate to Plough: Timidity and technology Indian Express Dear IIT students Indian Express  Trump’s foreign policy: An unlovely triangle Indian Express  Plato and Sophists: Arguments for the weak Indian Express

Aug 6, 2018 PIB

IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau – 22nd July to 4th Aug, 2018

IASbaba Press Information Bureau 22nd July to 4th August, 2018 ARCHIVES GS-2 Launch of National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Goal: Ending viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 in the country Aim of the initiative: To reduce morbidity and mortality due to viral hepatitis Key strategies include: Preventive and promotive interventions with focus on awareness generation Safe injection practices and socio-cultural practices Sanitation and hygiene Safe drinking water supply Infection control and immunization Co-ordination and collaboration with different Ministries and departments Increasing access to testing and management of viral hepatitis Promoting diagnosis and providing treatment support for patients of hepatitis B &C through standardized testing and management protocols with focus on treatment of hepatitis B and C Building capacities at national, state, district levels and sub-district level up to Primary Health Centres (PHC) and health and wellness centres such that the program can be scaled up till the lowest level of the healthcare facility in a phased manner Launch of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Flagship programme of: Ministry of HRD Aims: To link the Higher Education Institutions with set of atleast (5) villages, so that these institutions can contribute to the economic and social betterment of these village communities using their knowledge base To create a virtuous cycle between the society and an inclusive university system, with the latter providing knowledge base; practices for emerging livelihoods and to upgrade the capabilities of both the public and private sectors Inspired by: The vision of transformational change in rural development processes by leveraging knowledge institutions to help build the architecture of an Inclusive India Objective of the scheme are: To engage the faculty and students of Higher Educational Institutions in understanding rural realities Identify and select existing innovative technologies, enable customization of technologies, or devise implementation methods for innovative solutions, as required by people To allow Higher Educational Institutions to contribute to devising systems for smooth implementation of various Government Programs. Proposed National Policy for Domestic Workers (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Inclusion of Domestic Workers  in the existing legislations Registration of Domestic workers Right to form their own associations, trade unions Right to have minimum wages, access to social security, protection from abuse, harassment, violence Right to enhance their professional skills Protection of Domestic Workers  from abuse and exploitation Domestic Workers to have access to courts, tribunals, etc. Establishment of a mechanism for regulation of placement agencies Cabinet approves Extension of Concessional Financing Scheme (CFS) to support Indian Entities bidding for strategically important infrastructure projects abroad Prior to the introduction of CFS, Indian entities were not able to bid for large projects abroad since the cost of financing was very high for them and bidders from other countries such as China, Japan, Europe and US were able to provide credit at superior terms, i.e., lower interest rate and longer tenures which works to the advantage of bidders from those countries. Also, by having projects of strategic interest to India executed by Indian entities, the CFS enables India to generate substantial backward linkage induced jobs, demand for material and machinery in India and also a lot of goodwill for India. Re-structuring of the Agricultural Scientists' Recruitment Board (ASRB) It would support in expediting the recruitment process which would be beneficial for the agrarian community and agriculture at large. It will ensure more transparency and efficiency in recruitment of meritorious scientists to various scientific positions in lCAR, the premier agency for agricultural research and education in the country. Policy Framework for exploration and exploitation of Unconventional Hydrocarbons This policy will enable the realization of prospective hydrocarbon reserves in the existing Contract Areas which otherwise would remain unexplored and unexploited. With this policy dispensation, new investment in Exploration and Production (E&P) activities and chances of finding new hydrocarbon discoveries and resultant increased domestic production thereof is expected. Exploration and exploitation of additional hydrocarbon resources is expected to spur new investment, impetus to economic activities, additional employment generation and thus benefitting various sections of society. This will lead to induction of new, innovative and cutting-edge technology and forging new technological collaboration to exploit unconventional hydrocarbons. National Policy on Biofuels-2018 (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Awareness in the field of bio-technology) The policy categorizes biofuels as “Basic Biofuels”,i.e., such as bio ethanol & biodiesel and “Advanced Biofuels” such as Second Generation (2G) ethanol, bio-CNG, Third Generation Biofuels, etc. to enable extension of appropriate financial and fiscal incentives under each category.  It also includes promotion of advanced biofuels through various incentives, off-take assurance and viability gap funding. Objective Ensuring adequate and sustained availability of domestic feedstock for biofuel production Increasing Farmers Income Import Reduction Employment Generation Waste to Wealth Creation The Policy Allows production of ethanol from damaged food grains like wheat, broken rice etc. which are unfit for human consumption Additionally, during an agriculture crop year, when there is projected over supply of food grains as anticipated by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, the policy allows conversion of surplus quantities of food grains to ethanol, based on the approval of National Biofuel Coordination Committee. Use of damaged food grains and surplus food grains for production of ethanol will increase its availability for Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, resulting in increasing the blending percentage, increasing farmer’s income, saving of foreign exchange and addressing environmental issues. GS-3 Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor (Topic: Infrastructure: Roads) Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved US $631 million, in loans and grants, for VCIC, comprising a Multi-tranche Financing Facility as follows: US $500 million two-tranche MFF to build key infrastructure US $125 million two-tranche Policy Based Loan (PBL) to support policy reforms and institutional development in the state US $5 million grant from the multi-donor Urban Climate Change Resilience Trust Fund (UCCRTF) to build climate change resilient infrastructure in Visakhapatnam US $1 million technical assistance to help the Andhra Pradesh Government implement policy reforms Four nodes namely: Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Kankipadu-Gannavaram and Yerpedu-Srikalahasti of Andhra Pradesh, have been identified for development in Vishakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC) on the basis of Conceptual Development Plan (CDP) prepared by ADB. Recommendations of Shekatkar Committee (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Defence) For: To enhance combat capability and rebalance defence expenditure Measures as recommended by the Committee and taken up for implementation include: Optimization of Signals Establishments to include Radio Monitoring Companies, Corps Air Support Signal Regiments, Air Formation Signal Regiments, Composite Signal Regiments and merger of Corps Operating and Engineering Signal Regiments Restructuring of repair echelons in the Army to include Base Workshops, Advance Base Workshops and Static / Station Workshops in the field Army Redeployment of Ordnance echelons to include Vehicle Depots, Ordnance Depots and Central Ordnance Depots apart from streamlining inventory control mechanisms. Better utilization of Supply and Transportation echelons and Animal Transport Units. Closure of Military Farms and Army Postal Establishments in peace locations Enhancement in standards for recruitment of clerical staff and drivers in the Army Improving the efficiency of the National Cadet Corps Please Note: ‘Yobin’ community: State of Arunachal Pradesh The Committee to Draft National Education Policy: Constituted under Dr. K. Kasturirangan to prepare the Draft National Education Policy IRNSS-1A: Provide messaging services like disaster alerts and other societal applications Reusable Launch Vehicle: India became the fifth nation to successfully conduct the flight demonstration of a scaled down version of a winged-body reusable launch vehicle, thereby validating the critical technologies such as autonomous navigation, guidance & control, reusable thermal protection system and re-entry mission management. This flight represented the first baby step towards the realisation of a future fully reusable Two Stage To Orbit (TSTO) space transportation system. Making of Green Propellant: ISRO is developing green propellants for use in future rocket & satellite propulsion systems To minimise environmental impact while improving overall efficiency and economy ISRO has made a beginning by developing an eco-friendly solid propellant based on Glycidyl Azide Polymer (GAP) as fuel and Ammonium Di-Nitramide (ADN) as oxidizer at the laboratory level, which will eliminate the emission of chlorinated exhaust products from rocket motors ISRO is also carrying out various technology demonstration projects involving green propellant combinations such as Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2), Kerosene, Liquid Oxygen (LOX), Liquid Methane, ADN-Methanol-water, ADN-Glycerol-water etc. 'Police' and 'Public Order': State subjects State Governments are responsible for controlling crime, maintaining law and order, and protecting the life and property of the citizens. They are empowered to enact and enforce laws to curb crime in their jurisdiction. KHELO INDIA launches unique programme to nurture sporting talent: 734 youngsters shortlisted for complete scholarship under the KHELO INDIA TALENT DEVELOPMENT Scheme National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM): Digitized 283 lakh pages of 2.96 lakh manuscripts Launched by the Ministry of Culture for documentation, conservation, preservation and digitization of manuscripts To establish a Digital Manuscripts Repository at IGNCA in which researchers and scholars can view and consult the manuscripts to understand our past in its totality. ‘Study in India’: To make India an education hub for foreign students Improve the soft power of India with focus on the neighbouring countries and use it as a tool in diplomacy To rapidly increase the inflow of inbound International Students in India through a systematic brand-building, marketing, social media and digital marketing campaigns To increase India’s market share of global education exports Improvement in overall quality of higher education To reduce the export-import imbalance in the number of international students Growth in India’s global market share of International students Increase in global ranking of India etc.              e-pathshala: Developed by NCERT (National Council for Educational Research and Training) For showcasing and disseminating all educational e-resources including textbooks, audio, video, periodicals and a variety of other print and non-print materials. SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active learning for Young Aspiring Minds): A Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) platform The portal is offering various online courses for school education and higher education SWAYAM PRABHA: A programme for utilization of satellite communication technologies for transmission of educational e-contents through 32 National Channels i.e. SWAYAM PRABHA DTH-TV SARANSH: Tool for comprehensive self-review and analysis for CBSE affiliated schools and parents. Enables them to analyse students’ performance in order to take remedial measures SARANSH brings schools, teachers and parents closer, so that they can monitor the progress of students and help them improve their performance. Samagra Siksha: To treat school education holistically without segmentation from pre-school to Class XII To ensure inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels of school education It envisages the ‘school’ as a continuum from pre-school, primary, upper primary, secondary to senior secondary levels. Innovate India Platform: Collaboration between the Atal Innovation Mission and MyGov, a citizen centric platform of the Government of India. The #InnovateIndia portal will serve as the common point for all the innovation happening across the nation. National Career Service (NCS) Project: A plan scheme for transformation of the National Employment Service to provide a variety of employment related services like job matching, career counselling, vocational guidance, information on skill development courses, etc. Mission Satyanishtha: Program on Ethics in Public Governance by Indian Railways Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA): By the Ministry of Human Resource Development with the aim of promoting access, equity and quality, central assistance to States for creation of one Model Degree College each in 60 Educationally Backward Districts (EBDs) SAATHI (Sustainable and Accelerated Adoption of efficient Textile technologies to Help Small Industries): To sustain and accelerate the adoption of energy efficient textile technologies in the powerloom sector and cost savings due to use of such technology Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY): For sustainable management of ground water New Nuclear Power Plants Nuclear Power Reactors under Construction: State Location Gujarat Kakrapar Rajasthan Rawatbhata Tamil Nadu Kudankulam Kalpakkam Haryana Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Reactors accorded administrative approval and financial sanction: State Location Haryana Gorakhpur Rajasthan Mahi-Banswara Karnataka Kaiga Madhya Pradesh Chutka Tamil Nadu Kudankulam   Sites accorded ‘in principle’ approval for setting up more reactors in future: State Site In Cooperation with Maharashtra Jaitapur France Andhra Pradesh Kovvada United States of America Gujarat Chhaya Mithi Virdi West Bengal Haripur Russian Federation Madhya Pradesh Bhimpur Indigenous PHWR *Nominal Capacity  The names of the countries with whom negotiations have been held for the supply of fuel for the Atomic Power Plants are Russia, Kazakhstan, Canada, Uzbekistan, France and Australia. Quotes: Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu On Culture Culture is a way of life and Religion is a way of worship. One should remember five things in their life – Mother, Mother tongue, Birth place, Motherland and Teacher who gave knowledge. On Information Technology It must focus on Agri-Business and Agri-Markets Upgradation of skills and innovative new skills are needed Urban-rural divide must be bridged The only way to stay on top of the tech wave is to constantly innovate and develop new technologies and solve business problems in multiple verticals using these newer technologies. This requires regular upgradation of skills. On Insurance Industry Insurance Industry must play a pivotal role in India’s growth story by offering innovative risk covers, policies and schemes. The overall insurance penetration reached only 3.69 per cent in 2017. The Insurance Industry that is projected to grow to US $ 280 billion by 2020 must take the responsibility and make India fully insured. Insurers must develop products that are effective and efficient on both covers and the claims Asked the insurance companies to leverage demographic dividend to impart employable skills to the youth. Long-term and constant skill development and enhancement is imperative for India so that it can keep up with the best in the world

Aug 6, 2018 RSTV Video

RSTV- CAATSA: Waiver for India?

CAATSA: Waiver for India? Archives In News: A US congressional conference report paved the way for waiver to countries such as India from the punitive Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA, which is primarily aimed at targeting Russian intelligence agencies and other entities engaged in cyberattacks. The Senate and House Armed Services Committee in a joint conference report to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)-2019 provided a modified waiver to section 231 of CAATSA. The proposed modified waiver requires presidential certifications designed to protect US alliances, military operations, and sensitive technology. What is CATSA? CATSA was signed into law in August 2017 and went into effect in January this year; mandates the Trump administration to punish entities engaging in significant transaction with the defence or intelligence sectors of Russia. India uses a large amount of Russian military equipment, from combat planes to ships and submarines, and is in the final stages of negotiating a $6 billion deal to buy S-400 long range surface to air missile systems from Russia. The law is designed to punish Russian President Vladimir Putin for the 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine Involvement in the Syrian civil war Meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election Conditions under which Trump can seek a waiver for allies: The administration has to certify that A country is reducing arms imports from Russia Is expanding defense cooperation with the United States. Conclusion The waiver should make for some happy talk during the India-US 2+2 dialogue on September 6 in New Delhi. It should also create momentum for forward movement on pending issues. There are certain areas in advanced technologies where India and the US should now push forward – the Defense technology trade initiative; as what is lacking is a strong leadership. One of the biggest factors which we need to understand is that the Indian diaspora has actually come of age. There is a rise in the number as well as influence of Indian diaspora, which will ensure the rise in Indo-US relations.

Aug 6, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 38]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 38] Archives Q.1) ‘Portuguese man-of-war’ was recently in news. What is it? A carnivorous marine organism with venomous tentacles Artificial Intelligence based Voice recognition system High-speed travel technology Blockchain Technology Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘Unified Payments Interface (UPI)’ It is a system that powers multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application It is built over the IMPS infrastructure It uses two-factor authentication Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) Which of the following countries do not border ‘Kyrgyzstan’ Kazakhstan Uzbekistan Tajikistan Turkmenistan Q.4) Consider the following statements Article 35A was added to the Constitution as a testimony of the special consideration the Indian government accorded to the ‘permanent residents’ of Jammu and Kashmir Article 370 of the Indian Constitution is a 'temporary provision' which grants special autonomous status to Jammu & Kashmir Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Katas Raj Temple was in news recently. Where is it located? Cambodia Nepal Pakistan Afghanistan To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Aug 5, 2018 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Virtue of Patience – Inspirational Educative Articles

Virtue of Patience: We are certainly living in a time when the hardest commodity to find is probably patience. Fast has become the new normal. Fast food, fast lanes, fast forwards and fast lifestyles. Slow is almost a negative word now. Are we missing something in this mad rush? Are we forgetting certain basic principles of life? Are we missing the experience of life in a mad rush to get somewhere? We have paid a heavy price for this new fast lifestyle. We have paid it with our peace of mind, happiness and simplicity. Not to get all preachy but we have to take a moment to reflect on the importance of slowing down. We have to get back to the good old virtue of patience. We can all agree that it takes time and effort in order to accomplish anything. Things that are accomplished in no time disappear from us in no time. Only those things for which we have invested our time and effort become a part of our reality, lending some meaning to life. Patience is still one of those all-important virtues a young mind should pay attention to. When everybody is moving towards instant gratification, very few understand the importance of slowing down and understanding the value of patience. Success is nothing but deferred gratification. When we postpone this need to satisfy ourselves in a hurry, we can put our minds together to accomplish certain important goals. If there is any differentiating line between those who attain to their dreams and those who fail, it has to be the level of patience one possesses and displays. Those who are impatient invariably loose interest in their pursuits and give up too easily. If you are consistently failing at something, pay attention to your ability to stay focused and remain patient. When a new seed of possibility is given to you, what will you do with it? Will you sit in front of it and expect it to grow and produce fruits instantly or will you find a fertile ground for it, plant it, nurture it and wait for it to product the fruits. Why have we forgotten that it takes time for a seed to germinate, become a plant, and then produce fruits? Why have we become so impatient with life? Impatience is destroying our peace of mind. Impatience is spoiling all our human relationships. Impatience is isolating us from our friends and family. Impatience is not allowing us to even enjoy a few quiet moments with ourselves. Let us not forget that impatience is not a virtue, it is rather a sign of immaturity. Just because we are moving fast, doesn’t mean that we are getting somewhere. Sometimes patience is the only way out of difficult and tricky situations of life. Sometimes, patience is our only refuge. When you have been trying too hard to accomplish something and failing at it consistently, it might be a sign of your impatience. Certain unknown dimensions of intelligence open up when you are calm and patient. If a fast hyper paced lifestyle is leaving you confused and lost, give patience a chance. It will certainly not disappoint you. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.”

Aug 4, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 04th August 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 04th August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Quota in promotion for SCs/STs Part of: GS Prelims and Mains – Dalit issue; Social issue In news: Centre pushes for quota in promotion for SCs/STs Centre calls on Supreme Court to revisit 2006 Nagaraj ruling If implemented it provides for “accelerated promotion with consequential seniority” for members of the Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes (SCs/STs) in public employment. Dalit communities have suffered years of deprivation at the hands of society. They had been deprived of access to temples, schools and the basic facilities of life. Recent examples - Even today, Dalit grooms cannot ride horses; people denying drinking water to a woman Dalit officer; Temple purified in U.P. after visit by Dalit woman MLA. 2006 M. Nagaraj judgment of the Supreme Court Government cannot introduce a quota in promotion for its SC/ST employees unless they prove that the particular Dalit community is backward and inadequately represented, and such a reservation in promotion would not affect the overall efficiency of public administration. Now the government wants larger Constitution Bench to re-examine and create possible situation for providing accelerated promotions with consequential seniority for the SCs/STs in government services. Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G) In news: WHO report compliments Swachh Bharat’s rural component. Highlights of WHO report SBM-G to prevent more than three lakh deaths due to diarrhoea and protein-energy malnutrition between 2014-October 2019 (as per WHO report) India’s rural sanitation coverage escalated to 89.07% 19 States and Union Territories were declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) By 2019, the initiative aims to achieve 100% sanitation coverage. 14 million Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) can be avoided between 2014 and 2019 Important Value Additions Fast Recap: Swachh Bharat Mission We already are aware of the following – Swachh Bharat Mission was launched on 2nd Oct, 2014. It aims at making India clean by October 2, 2019 with a two-fold objective: Making the country 100% free from open defecation Ensuring 100% modern and scientific municipal solid waste management. The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) has two sub-missions – SBM (Rural) and SBM (Urban). The SBM is in sync with the Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals which commits the countries of the world to achieve universal access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation and hygiene to all in the next 15 years. Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation SBM-G seeks to eliminate open defecation in rural areas by 2019 through improving access to sanitation.   It also seeks to generate awareness to motivate communities to adopt sustainable sanitation practices, and encourage the use of appropriate technologies for sanitation. Funding for SBM-G will be through budgetary allocations of the central and state governments, the Swachh Bharat Kosh, and multilateral agencies.   The Swachh Bharat Kosh has been established to collect funds from non-governmental sources. Major schemes of the central government to improve rural sanitation Central Rural Sanitation Programme (1986) Total Sanitation Campaign (1999) Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (2012) Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) (2014) Mattala airport: Sri Lanka Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – India and the world; International Relations In news: India had sought Sri Lanka’s cooperation in swift completion of joint ventures The two governments have agreed that India, with a 70% stake in the joint venture, will contribute $225 million to revamp and run the airport, while the Sri Lankan side will invest the balance. India will operate the airport on a 40-year lease, as per the draft agreement India-assisted projects such as – joint venture to run the Mattala airport in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province; an LNG terminal near Colombo, and the joint development of the oil storage facility in the eastern port town of Trincomalee Zero imports of telecommunications equipment by 2022 Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Infrastructure In news: India aim at net zero imports of telecommunications equipment by 2022 Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommended the setting up of a ₹1,000 crore fund for promoting research and innovation in the sector. TRAI recommendations aim at enabling Indian telecom equipment manufacturing sector to transition from an import-dependent sector to a global hub of indigenous manufacturing. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNAL SECURITY TOPIC: General Studies 3: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security. Challenges to internal security through communication networks. Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism. Checking the new abnormal: Lynching Fast recap: From previous articles, we are aware of the following key points - India is witnessing increasing number of cases of lynching What may have started out as isolated acts by fundamentalist right-wing groups has now become a widespread malaise Tehseen S. Poonawalla v. Union of India (July 17, 2018) verdict - The apex Court condemned the recent spate of lynchings as “horrendous acts of mobocracy” and told Parliament to make lynching a separate offence. It directed the Parliament to draft a new legislation to effectively deal with incidents of mob lynching. It also directed the police to register an FIR under Section 153A of the IPC and do everything in their power to ensure that social order was maintained. Taking law in own hands ushers in anarchy, chaos, disorder and, eventually, there is an emergence of a violent society. Rajiv Gauba Committee: High-level committee headed by Rajiv Gauba, had been constituted to check cases of “mob lynching”. Do you know? As per the Constitution, ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects and State governments are responsible for controlling crime, maintaining law and order and protecting the life and property of the citizens. Solution: Prevention is better than cure The preventive guidelines require every State to designate a senior police officer, not below the rank of Superintendent of Police, as the Nodal Officer in each district. A special task force should be constituted to collect intelligence on persons likely to commit such crimes. Nodal Officers should take step to prohibit instances of dissemination of offensive material through different social media platforms or any other means. Both the Central and State governments have been directed to broadcast public notifications on radio, television and other media platforms. Speedy trials and justice: investigation and prosecution of such cases is strictly carried out, the charge sheet filed within the prescribed time period, and the trial concluded through fast-track courts within six months. Strict punishment and various offences be awarded. Executive should immediately implement the directions of the Supreme Court.  There is a need for an anti-lynching law. Conclusion: We need more than just laws to deal with the deep-rooted hate which appears to have set in below the surface. Most cases of lynching have the appearance of premeditated acts of violence. There appears to be an attempt to change the social and cultural fabric of India forever, deepening the divide between ‘us’ and ‘them’. Fundamentalist agenda cannot be fought by court directives, legislation and police procedures alone. It must be fought politically. Connecting the dots: “Morality cannot be legislated, but behaviour can be regulated. Judicial decrees may not change the heart, but they can restrain the heartless.” Do you agree? Bring out what does the statement mean to you in the present context of mob violence and lynching. (GS IV Ethics perspective) Mob violence and lynching are emerging as a serious law and order problem in India.  Analyze how making law would not be enough and why effective enforcement machinery is the need of the hour? NATIONAL/SOCIAL ISSUE 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 Life after Rescue: Human Trafficking and sex trade Introduction: Article 23 and Article 24 of constitution of India provides for rights against exploitation. Article 23 of constitution of India specifically Prohibits trafficking of human being. There are constitutional provisions, still, according to NCRB data 8,132 cases has been recorded in the country in the year 2016. Some Facts: The latest figures of the National Crime Records Bureau, released in 2017 Total cases of human trafficking registered 8,132 (January to December 2016). 3,579 cases (around 44%) were from West Bengal. Only one third of registered cases were charge sheeted. Reason of being easy target of human traffickers: Poverty Child marriages Unemployment Lack of education Problems Faced by victims after Rescue: Physical and mental health issues; Trauma Sexually transmitted diseases Social Rejection and living with stigma Struggle for Justice and compensation Examples of organisations working for Rescue and Rehabilitation: Shakti Vahini, a Delhi-based NGO Utthan, a trafficking survivors’ collective Birangana Seva Samity, Canning based NGO (West Bengal) What Government did? Compensation awarded by SLSA (State Legal Services Authority) Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018 passed by Lok Sabha POCSO Act Provisions Under Criminal Procedure Code Help lines and Collaboration with NGOs. Way forward: Speedy justice and immediate compensation Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018 should be enacted as soon as possible Legalising prostitution can be considered to keep record of sex trade and track human trafficking. Social security schemes need to penetrate till the last needy person. There is need to spread awareness against social stigma towards the survivors. Connecting the dots: Do you think sex trade (Prostitution) and human trafficking go hand in hand? Suggest measures to balance between right to profession and right against exploitation. (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) 2006 M. Nagaraj judgment of the Supreme Court deals with Offences Relating to Marriage Criminal Breach of Contracts of Service Benami Transactions Quota in promotion for its SC/ST employees Q.2) The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) is in sync with which of the following ‘Goals of the Sustainable Development Goal’? Goal 1 Goal 3 Goal 7 Goal 6 Q.3) Chronologically arrange the following events happening during election process. Total Sanitation Campaign Central Rural Sanitation Programme Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan Swachh Bharat Mission Select the correct code 2-3-4-1 2-1-3-4 3-4-2-1 3-2-4-1 Q.4) India's proposed joint venture to run the Mattala airport is in – Myanmar Sri Lanka Bangladesh Madagascar MUST READ Impasse ends: on K.M. Joseph's elevation The Hindu Engaging Naya Pakistan The Hindu   Accountable & adventurous Indian Express A short-term fix Indian Express Hindu Pakistan? Not Quite Indian Express The fake news on GST Indian Express Delhi and Canberra, a lost chance Indian Express

Aug 4, 2018 RSTV Video

RSTV- Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018

Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018 Archives In News: The Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill has been passed by Lok Sabha, and will now have to be passed by the Rajya Sabha. What is the Bill about? The bill empowers authorities to attach and confiscate properties and assets of economic offenders like loan defaulters who flee the country. Aimed at preventing culprits of economic offences from evading the legal process and fleeing the country Re-establish the rule of law as the accused will be forced to return to India and face trial for his offences. This would also help the banks and other financial institutions to achieve higher recovery from financial defaults committed by such fugitive economic offenders, improving the financial health of such institutions. When will this Bill come into effect? Cases in which the total value involved in such offences is Rs. 100 crore or more – in order to ensure that courts are not over-burdened with such cases. Who is a fugitive economic offender? As per the original bill of 2017, the “fugitive economic offender” means any individual against whom a warrant for arrest in relation to a scheduled offence has been issued by any court in India, who: (i) Leaves or has left India so as to avoid criminal prosecution; or (ii) Refuses to return to India to face criminal prosecution. What comes under Economic offences? Offences under the following Acts: Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881; Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934; Central Excise Act, 1944; Customs Act, 1962; Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988; Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002; and Indian Penal Code Provisions: Making an application before the special court for a declaration that an individual is a fugitive economic offender; Attachment of the property of a fugitive economic offender and proceeds of crime; Issue of a notice by the special court to the individual alleged to be a fugitive economic offender; Confiscation of the property of an individual declared as a fugitive economic offender or even the proceeds of crime; Disentitlement of the fugitive economic offender from defending any civil claim; and Appointment of an administrator to manage and dispose of the confiscated property under the act. The Way Forward Special court will obviously require a lot of technical expertise. We need to talk about how can we strengthen these special courts, how can we man them with experts how can we get them outside help in terms of consultants or of people who can support them and understand the technicalities. It is important for the time-bound nature of the how these trials are supposed to proceed and how it may get impacted. The capacity of our legal system needs to get better. The issue of lack of time, and domain knowledge and expertise needs to be taken care of. Government needs to focus a lot on how the rules are made and framed in a manner that they reflect the true spirit of the law. Govt. needs to reach out to different countries with whom we don't have as yet the arrangement to have enforcement of the provisions under the law. We need to really expand that list to make sure that very few countries are left; as a matter of fact no country should be left out of the purview of the contracting laws. Refer: Mindmap Connecting the Dots: Critically analyse the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018.

Aug 3, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 03rd August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy; Corruption In news: The prosecution of accused persons (of almost 100 confirmed cases) under Benami Act stuck. Reason: Special courts meant for the purpose have not yet been set up across the country. Assets worth more than ₹5,000 crore have been attached by the Income-Tax Department under the law. Important Value Additions What is a ‘benami’ transaction? When a transaction is done in name of a person other than the one who finances, is called benami transaction. If person A pays the money for Property X, but the property is transferred in name of person B, person B is benamdar and Property X is called benami property. Person A is the real owner About Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act It is an Act to prohibit benami transactions and the right to recover properly held benami. It extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Act provides that the Central government, in consultation with the Chief Justice of the respective High Courts, will establish special courts. Special court is to conclude the trial within six months. Similar scheme to curb black money: Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 to catch those with undisclosed foreign assets. SC on Adultery law Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Social issue; Polity In news: It was commonly accepted that it is the man who is the seducer and not the woman. SC has said that the time has changed and the archaic law which makes adultery an offence punishable only for men and not the consenting women needs to stand the test of right to equality. Wife as commodity Section 497 in the Indian Penal Code, which defines adultery, says that a man could be punished up to five years in jail if he has sexual intercourse with another man’s wife. However, it is not an offence if the sexual intercourse is with the “consent or connivance” of the husband of the woman. The above IPC Section treats a married woman as “chattel” (a personal possession) of the conniving husband, which is “absurd”. When a woman is treated as chattel, her right to dignity is affected, SC said. Do you know? The SC bench seeks to strike down the provisions as unconstitutional (decriminalise adultery) and looking to make its provisions gender neutral. Most countries have done away with adultery as a criminal offence, including Bhutan, Sri Lanka, China, South Korea. 123rd Constitutional Amendment Bill Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Indian Polity; Constitutional amendment In news: 123rd Constitutional Amendment Bill seeks to grant constitutional status to National Commission for Backward Classes. A constitutional amendment under Article 368 needs to be passed by both Houses separately with a special majority. The bill if passed will insert Article 338 B in the Constitution, which provides for a Commission for the socially and educationally backward classes with a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and three other members, all of whom shall be appointed by the President of India. About NCBC NCBC was established in 1993 by an act of Parliament. It is a statutory body. It considers inclusions in and exclusions from the lists of castes notified as backward for the purpose of job reservation. It falls under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment Saving Dal Lake Part of: GS Prelims and Mains  - Environment and Biodiversity; Conservation of lakes In news: J&K Governor seeks Navy’s assistance to save Dal Lake Assessments show that the size of the water body has come down by half Encroachments of water channels and clogging have diminished the circulation and inflows into the lake, leading to the extensive growth of hyacinth. Important lakes in Jammu and Kashmir Dal lake Pangong Tso Wular lake Tso moriri (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL/SECURITY TOPIC: General studies 2 and 3 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population and betterment of these vulnerable sections   Security issues and Cyber security Data Protection: Right to Privacy and National Security The draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018 It has provisions to protect personal data as an essential facet of information privacy. The objective of the Bill is to balance the growth of the digital economy and use of data as a means of communication. The Bill applies to the personal data which have been processed within India, by persons or agencies governed by Indian Law. The Bill also brings within its ambit the processing of personal data by data fiduciaries or data processors located abroad in connection with business or profiling of data principals within the territory of India. The proposed law defines personal data as information relating to a natural person. Breach of personal data involves unauthorised or accidental processing of personal data that compromises the confidentiality, integrity or availability of personal data to a data principal. Data fiduciaries should retain personal data “only as long as may be reasonably necessary to satisfy the purpose for which it is processed". The Bill allows processing of personal data for “prompt action” only if it is necessary for any function of Parliament; or any State Legislature to render service or benefit to citizens; or in response to any medical emergency to the data principal; or in cases of epidemic, outbreak of disease, disaster or breakdown of public order. The Bill includes the ‘right to be forgotten’, which is the right of a data principal to restrict or prevent continuing disclosure of personal data by a data fiduciary. The Bill calls for a copy of user data to be mandatorily localised in India, it will “boost” law enforcement efforts to access data necessary for investigation and prosecution of crimes. Criticism on Data localization: The Indian law enforcement relies on an out-dated Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) process to obtain data stored by U.S. This scenario will not change even after technology companies relocate Indian data to India. Localisation can provide data only for crimes that have been committed in India, where both the perpetrator and victim are situated in India. Transnational terrorism, cybercrimes and money laundering that the committee rightly highlights will often involve individuals and accounts that are not Indian, and therefore will not be stored in India.  The data protection bill is an opportunity for India to be a partner under the CLOUD Act What is CLOUD Act? Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data (CLOUD) Act, passed by the U.S. Congress seeks to de-monopolise control over data from U.S. authorities. The law will for the first time allow tech companies to share data directly with certain foreign governments having an executive agreement with the U.S. Such foreign country have to certify that the state has robust privacy protections, and respect for due process and the rule of law. Why India need to partner with US? The Justice Srikrishna Committee in its report accompanying the draft Personal Data Protection Bill released on July 27 notes that eight of the top 10 most accessed websites in India are owned by U.S. entities. The CLOUD Act creates a potential mechanism through with countries such as India can request data not just for crimes committed within their borders but also for transnational crimes involving their state interests. Conclusion: The Bill, while recognising principles of legality, necessity and proportionality for data processing in the interest of national security and investigation of crimes, fails to draw procedural rules necessary for actualising these principles. By improving on short comings of our Data Protection policy we can partner with US under CLOUD Act to have access to data stored with and processed by US fiduciaries and other global partners. Connecting the dots: With the increase in debates on right to privacy verses National Security, there is an urgent need of Data Protection Policy in line with global standards. ECONOMY/TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT TOPIC: General studies 3 Science and Technology – developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; developing new technology. Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention. Draft National Policy on e-commerce Introduction: In India there is no single law or single regulator for multibillion dollar e-commerce business industry. Currently it is being regulated by various laws such as IT Act, 2000 and FEMA, etc. Why we need National Policy on E-commerce? India’s e-tail business, estimated to be worth around $25 billion.  Over the coming decade, it is expected to swell to $200 billion, fuelled by smartphones, cheaper data access and growing spends. First eight months of 2017-18, over 50,000 e-commerce grievances were made to the Consumer Affairs Ministry helpline. Traditional retailers seeking level playing field. Provisions under Draft National Policy on E-commerce: The draft policy proposes the creation of a single national regulator to oversee the entire industry. It also provides for consumer protection norms to guard online shoppers from possible frauds. There is a sunset clause on discounts that can be offered by e-commerce firms and restrictions on sellers backed by marketplace operators. Foreign direct investment restrictions on players who can hold their own inventory are sought to be lifted, but there must be a majority Indian partner and all products have to be made in India. Drawbacks: Licensing and price controls can depress the sector. Government deciding on who can offer how much discount and for how long, instead of letting consumers exercise informed choices, would be a regressive step for the economy. The local procurement diktats that are not easy to meet or monitor, may cause rise in e-tailer costs. Stipulating payments via Rupay cards will raise questions from both consumers and firms. Note: Draft policy is in the nascent stage. Keep following further developments. Connecting the dots: E-commerce should be regulated or should it be left to run on free market mechanism? (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) For which of the following conditions the term parallel economy is used? Online movement of money and transactions Economy of a neighboring country Black market economy Barter System economy Q.2) Which of the following steps has been recently taken by the government with the aim to fight Black Money? GST Demonetisation Voluntary Disclosure scheme No acceptance of party fund in cash over Rs 2000 Select the code from following: 1,2 and 3 2, 3 and 4 1,3 and 4 All of the above Q.3) Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code is concerned with Offences Relating to Marriage Criminal Breach of Contracts of Service Benami Transactions Offences affecting the Human Body Q.4) Which of the following Commissions fall under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment? National Commission for SCs Central Social Welfare Board Central Commissioner for Disabled Persons National Commission for Backward Class Select the code from below: 1, 2 and 3 1, 3 and 4 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) The Constitution (123rd Amendment) Bill, 2017 was recently in news. It seeks to Grant constitutional status to the National Commission on Backward Classes (NCBC) Grant constitutional status to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) Grant constitutional status to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) Grant constitutional status to the National Commission for Tribal Areas (NCTA Q.6) Which one among the below given bodies is not a statutory body? National Commission for SCs/STs National Commission for Women National Commission for Protection of Child Rights National Commission for Backward Classes Q.7) Consider the following statements about National Commission for Backward Classes Act: It extends to the whole of India including Jammu and Kashmir. Backward classes means such backward classes of citizens other than the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes as may be specified by the Central Government in the lists. The Commission shall examine requests for inclusion of any class of citizens as a backward class in the lists. Which of the statements above is/are correct? 1, 2 and 3 only 2 and 3 only 3 only 2 only Q.8) The name - "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir" or "Srinagar's Jewel" - is associated with Dal lake Pangong Tso Wular lake Tso moriri MUST READ  Managing perceptions: on amending the SC/ST Act The Hindu Wolf in priest’s clothing The Hindu   Import of dual-use tech from US: Dual use, multiple benefits Indian Express  For Assam To Rise Indian Express  For a capitalism less stigmatised Indian Express  Lessons from Tham Luang Indian Express