Apr 30, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 30th April 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 30th April 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) All villages in India are now electrified Part of: Mains GS Paper II, III- Government interventions, Inclusive growth Key pointers: All villages in India have now been electrified, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The milestone was achieved 12 days ahead of the 1,000-day deadline set by the government on August 15, 2015. Leisang in Manipur’s Senapati district became the last village to be connected to the national grid. As per official data, there were 18,452 villages without electricity when the NDA government took office in May 2014. The work of bringing power to India’s 597,464 census villages had been undertaken under the government’s Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana. According to government data, 1,236 villages are uninhabited and 35 have been notified as grazing reserves. Article link: Click here (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. Inter-State Water Dispute Inter-State frictions: Rejuvenating the Inter-State Council Background: A federal feud that has broken out over how taxes are to be shared between different states. This highlights the stark problem—India does not have adequate institutions to manage conflicts between states. The southern states have been complaining that the terms of reference of the Fifteenth Finance Commission are, in effect, punishment for their better economic performance. The government thus needs to breathe life into the moribund Inter-State Council. The Inter-State Council: It is a constitutional body that has representatives of the Union government as well as chief ministers of states. The council is chaired by the prime minister, and it also has a few Union ministers as permanent invitees. The Inter-State Council was set up in 1990 following the recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission. The constitutional roots of the council are to be found in Article 263, which recommends that the President of India set up such a council to deal with federal issues. Reasons the Constitution gives for setting up the institution are: It will be useful when it comes to “inquiring into and advising upon disputes which may have arisen between states”. To discuss subjects for which the components of the Indian union have common interests. To figure out how to coordinate policy. Issue: Most of the institutional architecture of Indian federalism is focused on relations between the Union government and the states. Even Articles 258 and 258A, which made their entry into the Constitution after the Seventh Amendment in 1957, can be seen as an attempt to provide space for state governments to legislate in areas that are usually the territory of the union, and vice versa. There is far less institutional space to settle inter-state frictions, especially since the Rajya Sabha is no longer treated as a council of states but as a parking lot for unelectable leaders of political parties. Regional divergence could lead to further inter-state tensions—and matters could get worse once the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies is unfrozen in 2026. Rejuvenating the Inter-State Council: A rejuvenated Inter-State Council will have an important role to play in the coming years, especially since its members are the political leaders of their respective states. The council is now just a discussion group, but it should have a greater say in federal coordination in the future. The GST council has an innovative voting structure, with the Union government having a third of the vote while the states share the rest equally, irrespective of the size of their population or economy. This is one option for a more empowered Inter-State Council. If the Inter-State Council is to emerge as the key institution to manage inter-state frictions, it first needs to have a regular meeting schedule. The council also has to have a permanent secretariat which will ensure that the periodic meetings are more fruitful. Conclusion: There is an institutional gap in the Indian union right now—and it needs to be filled before inter-state frictions get out of control. This gap can be fulfilled by rejuvenating the Inter-State Council. Connecting the dots: There is an institutional gap in the Indian union and it needs to be filled before inter-state frictions get out of control. This gap can be fulfilled by rejuvenating the Inter-State Council. Discuss. INTERNATIONAL TOPIC:General Studies 2: India and its neighbourhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests India-China: Wuhan Summit In news: An ‘informal’ summit meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Wuhan concluded recently. Significance of the summit: The summit was a much-needed one and has added to the ongoing attempts to bring the bilateral relations between the two Asian giants back on track. The Wuhan summit has underlined the necessity of an entente cordiale between the two countries, which have become increasingly distrustful of each other. The summit was about the desire to return to the negotiating table, not about negotiating anything specific. Background: India-China relations have been under great stress in recent years. The 2017 military standoff at the Doklam tri-junction vitiated a relationship that was already reeling under a great deal of pressure. However, the recent diplomatic activities including the Wuhan summit reflects a clear change of tone in Beijing and New Delhi, reflects a positive rethink on bilateral ties and a desire to avoid future military standoffs. China is unlike India’s other neighbors. It is India’s biggest trading partner, and in many ways unavoidable from an economic and geopolitical point of view. Wuhan Summit- Outcomes: The summit’s outcomes may have been limited but are very valuable to stabilize the relationship. The most significant outcome pertains to the contested border. Mr. Modi and Mr. Xi “underscored the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in all areas of the India-China border region. They decided to “issue strategic guidance to their militaries to strengthen communication”, essentially to avoid another Doklam-like confrontation. On the bilateral front, both sides addressed measures to better balance the ballooning trade deficit of about $52 billion (of about $84 billion bilateral trade), mostly by encouraging agricultural and pharmaceutical exports to China. Mr. Modi and Mr. Xi discussed a joint project in Afghanistan. The proposed joint economic project in Afghanistan could be instrumental in mitigating the trust deficit between the two sides. They attempted to reduce the heat over unresolved issues and so-called “irritants” in the relationship, such as China’s block on India’s NSG membership bid or the UN’s terror designation for Pakistan-based groups, and India’s opposition to the Belt and Road Initiative or its use of the Tibet issue. For this, existing mechanisms of dialogue will be strengthened, not allowing broader bilateral movement to be hit. The message from Wuhan is an overarching one: that despite bilateral and geopolitical differences, India and China can resolve differences peacefully and through prolonged dialogue. Conclusion: The Wuhan summit has recommitted India and China to managing bilateral relations in a manner that creates the conditions for the “Asian Century”, and Mr. Modi and Mr. Xi are well-placed to proceed along that path. Much will depend on whether the understanding developed can prevent skirmishes and drives both the countries toward mutual cooperation. Connecting the dots: Discuss the significance of the Wuhan Summit between India and China. MUST READ People as auditors The Hindu Saving our children Indian Express Draconian and dangerous Indian Express Unhealthy trend Business Line

Apr 30, 2018 PIB

IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau – 22nd April to 28th April, 2018

IASbaba Press Information Bureau 22nd to 28th April, 2018 ARCHIVES GS-2 Promulgation of Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance, 2018 (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance, 2018 (“the Ordinance”) lays down the measures to empower Indian authorities to attach and confiscate proceeds of crime associated with economic offenders and the properties of the economic offenders and thereby deter economic offenders from evading the process of Indian law by remaining outside the jurisdiction of Indian courts.     Need for the Ordinance: As there have been instances of economic offenders fleeing the jurisdiction of Indian courts, anticipating the commencement, or during the pendency, of criminal proceedings. The absence of such offenders from Indian courts has several deleterious consequences Hampers investigation in criminal cases Wastes precious time of courts of land Undermines the rule of law in India The Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance, 2018, inter alia provides for– 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 Launch of Atal New India Challenges (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Why: Came into being following Prime Minister’s clarion call to bring innovations and technologies relevant to the people. Applicants showing capability, intent, and potential to productize technologies will be awarded grants up to Rs. 1 crore. This grant support will be supplemented by mentoring, handholding, incubating and other support as needed at various stages of commercialisation while generating wider deployment. Under the Atal New India Challenge, which shall be run in collaboration with five ministries, AIM will invite prospective innovators/MSMEs/start-ups to  design market-ready products, using cutting edge technologies or prototypes across 17 identified focus areas, namely, Climate-smart agriculture Fog vision system for road and rail Prevention of Rail failure using emerging technologies Predictive maintenance of Rolling Stock Alternate fuel based transportation Smart Mobility      Electric Mobility Safe transport Instant Portable Water Quality Testing Affordable Desalination / Recycling Technology Waste management recycling / reuse Garbage composition devices Quality of compost Decentralized composting Mixing blades for composting Waste in public spaces Dissuading public littering Launch of Van Dhan Scheme (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Under: Ministry of Tribal Affairs Value addition assumes critical importance in ensuring remunerative prices to the tribals in this approach. Three stage value additions would be the corner stone for enhancing incomes of the tribals under the scheme. Under Van Dhan, 10 Self Help Groups of 30 Tribal gatherers is constituted.  They are then trained and provided with working capital to add value to the products, which they collect from the jungle.  Working under the leadership of Collector these groups can then market their products not only within the States but also outside the States.   Training and technical support is provided by TRIFED. It is proposed to develop 30,000 such centres in the country. The establishment of “Van Dhan Vikas Kendra” is for providing skill upgradation and capacity building training and setting up of primary processing and value addition facility. This first model Van Dhan Vikas Kendra in Bijapur is being implemented for training of 300 training beneficiaries with a total outlay of Rs.43.38 lakhs for training, providing equipment’s & tools for primary level processing and infrastructure & building for housing the Kendra. This Kendra to start with will have processing facility for Tamarind brick making, Mahua flower storage facility and chironjee cleaning and packaging. The Van Dhan Vikas Kendras will be important milestone in economic development of tribals involved in collection of MFPs by helping them in optimum utilization of natural resources and provide sustainable MFP-based livelihood in MFP-rich districts. Cabinet Approves Memorandum of Understanding between India and Sao Tome and Principe: For Cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy - enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries MoU between India and World Health Organisation: encourage cooperation between India and WHO to facilitate in improving the public health status of the people in India. MoU on cooperation in the field of regulation of medical products for human use amongst the medicine regulatory agencies of the BRICS countries - would facilitate better understanding about the regulatory aspects between the parties and could help in increasing India’s export of medical products to BRICS countries. Declaration of Scheduled Areas in respect of Rajasthan under Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of India: will ensure that the Scheduled Tribes of Rajasthan will get benefits of protective measures available under the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of India. The Scheduled Areas were first notified in the year 1950. Restructured National Bamboo Mission under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): The restructured NBM strives to - To increase the area under bamboo plantation in non-forest Government and private lands to supplement farm income and contribute towards resilience to climate change. To improve post-harvest management through establishment of innovative primary processing units, treatment and seasoning plants, primary treatment and seasoning plants, preservation technologies and market infrastructure. To promote product development at micro, small and medium levels and feed bigger industry. To rejuvenate the under developed bamboo industry in India. To promote skill development, capacity building, awareness generation for development of bamboo sector Impact: Bamboo plantation will contribute to Optimizing farm productivity and income thereby enhancing livelihood opportunities of small & marginal farmers including landless and women as well as provide quality material to industry The Mission will not only serve as a potential instrument for enhancing income of farmers but also contribute towards climate resilience and environmental benefits Help in creating employment generation directly or indirectly in both skilled and unskilled segments. India signs loan agreement with World Bank for US$ 125 million for “Innovate in India for Inclusiveness Project” (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) Objective: To nurture indigenous innovation, foster local product development and accelerate commercialization process by bridging critical skill and infrastructure gaps to promote affordable and innovative healthcare products generation for inclusive development and increasing competitiveness in India.   The project would support consortia of public, private, and the academic institutions to overcome the key market failures currently holding back the development of an innovative biopharmaceutical and medical devices industry in India. The project consists of the following parts: Strengthening of pilot-to market innovation ecosystem Acceleration of the pilot –to-market process for specific products and Project Management and monitoring & Evaluation Signing of Legal Agreements between Govt. of India and World Bank on National Biopharma Mission (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) Towards strengthening the emerging biotechnology enterprise in India, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology has initiated the Mission programme entitled: Industry-Academia Collaborative Mission for Accelerating Discovery Research to Early Development for Biopharmaceuticals – “Innovate in India (i3) Empowering biotech entrepreneurs & accelerating inclusive innovation”. Implemented by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) - a Public Sector Undertaking of Department of Biotechnology (DBT) Aim: To make India a hub for design and development of novel, affordable and effective biopharmaceutical products such as vaccines, biologics and medical devices for combating public health concerns. This Programme of DBT would strengthen Translational capability of academic researchers Empower bio-entrepreneurs and SMEs by decreasing the cost and risk during early stages of product development Elevate the innovation quotient of the industry The global experience of World Bank would be instrumental in building sustained global linkages, technical assistance and knowledge flow between public private partners for business promotion in biotech sector. GS-3 Achieving Land Degradation Neutrality by 2030 A Critical Need (Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation) Why: Nearly 24 billion tonnes of fertile soil and 27, 000 bio-species are lost every year Nearly 30 per cent of the world’s population lives in dry areas 8 out of 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in drylands Schemes launched for capacity-building of the stakeholders at multiple levels to arrest Land Degradation – Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): To provide insurance coverage and financial support to the farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crop as a result of natural calamities, pests & diseases. To stabilise the income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming. To encourage farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices. To ensure flow of credit to the agriculture sector. National Food Security Mission (NFSM): To bring about significant yield gain to the farmers resulting into increase in their income level; the Mission has target of additional production of 25 million tonnes of foodgrains comprising 10 million tonnes of rice, 8 million tonnes of wheat, 4 million tonnes of pulses and 3 million tonnes of coarse cereals Soil Health Card Scheme: Meant to give each farmer soil nutrient status of his/her holding and advice him/her on the dosage of fertilizers and also the needed soil amendments, that s/he should apply to maintain soil health in the long run. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PKSY): To ensure access to some means of protective irrigation to all agricultural farms in the country, to produce ‘per drop more crop’, thus bringing much desired rural prosperity. Swacch Bharat mission: Eliminating open defecation through the construction of household-owned and community-owned toilets and establishing an accountable mechanism of monitoring toilet use. National Rural Drinking Water Programme: Ensuring provision of safe and adequate drinking water supply through hand-pumps, piped water supply etc. to all rural areas, households and persons. Desertification Addressed for the first time in 1977 in the United Nations Conference on Desertification. This was followed by the adoption of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Paris on 17th June 1994. The Convention entered into force in December 1996. It is one of the three Rio Conventions, along with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). India became a signatory to the Convention on October 14, 1994 and ratified it on December 17, 1996. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the nodal Ministry to co-ordinate all issues pertaining to the Convention. Prelims oriented News: 24th April: National Panchayati Raj Day Justice Bindal Committee related to: Providing recommendations to Inter Country Parental Child Removal Disputes Resolution Authority Authority: To provide a one window solution in cases of inter country removal and retention of Children The Committee has recommended that the Authority may examine the inter country cases of removal and retention of children vis-a-vis the cultural context, merit of the case, and the best interest of the Child. Government of India and World Bank Signs Agreement to Improve Rural Road Network in Madhya Pradesh: to improve the durability, resilience and safety of the gravel surfaced rural roads and enhance the capacity of the state to manage its rural roads network. m-Awas: Mobile App (m-Awas) for allotment of General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) through Automated System of Allotment (ASA) - The app will facilitate the applicants of the Central Government accommodation in Delhi as well as those who are in waiting list, to apply for allotment, view waiting list and the allotment lists. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) granted First Licence to M/s Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Ltd for Liquid Chlorine on All India basis: This product is in liquid form and stored in metal containers. It is usually used as a gas obtained by evaporating the liquid from the metal container. It is used mainly in paper, pulp, textile bleaching, water sterilization and manufacture of chemicals. First city to run on 100% Renewable Energy during Daytime: Diu – Diu had been importing 73% of its power from Gujarat until last year. It has now adopted a two-pronged approach whereby a 9 MW solar park spread over 50 hectares rocky barren land has been developed besides installing solar panels on the roof tops on 79 government buildings thereby generating 1.3 MW annually. To further enhance its solar capacity, Diu offers its residents a subsidy of Rs 10, 000-50,000 for installing 1-5KW roof top solar panels. Diu is saving about 13,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year. Due to low-cost solar energy, power tariffs have been cut in residential category by 10% last year and 15% this year. Quotes: The Vice President of India, Shri Naidu On Environment Environment protection and Economic development must go together. Fundamental principle of forest management should be based on conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources. The symbiotic association of man and forest is deeply embedded in the religious and the socio-cultural mind set of our countrymen and it is getting disturbed in recent times due to increasing demand of natural resources and lack of understanding about Mother Nature.

Apr 30, 2018

IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan- Prelims Test 2018 POLITY & CURRENT AFFAIRS [Day 43]

Hello Friends,  The 60 Days Training has finally begun:) Before any competition, there is a preparatory phase. That phase involves a lot of sessions on strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the preparatory phase, the athletes train in a gradual manner. In the last phase, just before the actual competition, the training is done so as to sharpen their skills. This training requires complete focus and dedication. In this phase, the athletes do not try anything new or train in a new fashion rather focus on sharpening of skills, focusing on strength and precision. Similarly, the upcoming 60 days, is like the last phase (training session), just before the actual competition. Here, the focus should be on sharpening the concepts, consolidating the knowledge base and solidifying the learning with loads and loads of revision. CLICK HERE TO READ FULL DETAILS AND SOLVE QUESTIONS

Apr 29, 2018 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Reality Vs Imagination – Inspirational & Educative Articles

Reality Vs Imagination: Have you ever inquired about what part of your life is real and what part of it is purely imagined? This might seem like a simple question but when asked it reveals a very important aspect about your life that is normally hidden from view. Usually people assume that a 100% of their life is real. We tend to think that people generally have a clear idea of what they are doing and where they are headed. But in reality most people simply keep imagining the life they want to live while the reality might be something else altogether. This is especially true if you are young. Usually a young mind is filled with big dreams and desires. It is natural to have such big dreams because that is what people what you to have and it feels good to have big dreams. But very few people introspect on their current situation with ruthless honesty to see if they are headed towards their dreams or they are moving in some other direction. Most people simply leave it too late before they realize that they have been only dreaming about a certain life without ever paying close attention to their habits, thoughts, desires, friends, actions etc. Not everybody is born with a ready-made set of conditions that will help them to achieve what they want to. Most people have to change a lot of things in their life to be able to align their life in a certain direction. This is where it is extremely important to understand the difference between imagination and reality. Imagination is a simple projection of the desires of the mind and reality is an honest introspection of your past and present. There is an ocean of difference between these two but unless one pays close attention to this difference it is very easy to mistake one for another. You can live in your imaginary world very comfortably assuming certain things till one day reality hits you. If you have not been honest with yourself, the impact of it will be much greater. This is why most people struggle to understand their lives, because they are living in their constructed imaginary world. There is only one way to move from the imaginary world to reality; it is by paying close attention to what is happening around you. One of the most important skills you can develop to look at your life with clarity is a sense of detached objective observation. It is very easy to be biased when it comes to understanding our lives, because we are of course partial towards our own judgement and decisions. It takes a bit of courage and honest self-introspection to look at your life as if you are a third person and assess any situation. There are very few other more important skills than learning the art of stepping away from yourself so that you can see things clearly. It is much more easy to play football if the ball is not tied to your leg; it is much more easy to analyze your life if you are not attached to it fully.   “The articles are a copyright of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.”

Apr 28, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 28th April 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Khadi: A silent, transformational force in an aspirational India Part of: Mains GS Paper II, III- Government interventions, Inclusive growth Key pointers: The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has chalked out ambitious plans to double the sales of khadi to Rs. 5,000 crore in the next two financial years. KVIC has planned to open khadi outlets to promote the products in global markets. KVIC has also signed an MoU with NIFT for better design development and training at different khadi institutions. In an aspirational India, khadi has emerged a silent, transformational force. It is also a major job creator in Bharat, that is rural India. The low-profile, handspun cloth has seen its demand grow among the common people and the corporate world, suddenly witnessing a 34 per cent sales growth. The average growth of production in the khadi sector was only 6.24 per cent in the decade 2004-14, which has risen to 26.43 per cent in 2015-17. It is the only sector in the Indian economy to register a double-digit growth in the last three years. Article link: Click here INTERNATIONAL TOPIC:General Studies 2: India and its neighbourhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests India-China hostility- Undermining their own interests Background: Competition-cooperation-discord is an often-evoked term typology that reflects the contradictory nature of the India-China relationship. Last year witnessed all these facets play out: India’s critique of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). India’s entry into the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The dramatic crisis in Doklam on the northern frontiers. The acceleration of multilateral cooperation in the BRICS format and attempts to foster economic engagement. Build-up of negativity: The main reason has been a systematic build-up of negative images of how each side viewed the other’s foreign policies along with a collapse in geopolitical trust. For India, China’s attempt to raise its economic and political profile in the subcontinent was seen as an encroachment on, and an affront to, Indian authority in the neighbourhood. For China, India’s pursuit of deeper military engagement with the former’s main strategic rivals — the U.S. and Japan — was viewed as a serious challenge to its future security. Convinced that only an assertive policy would work, both Delhi and Beijing over the past two years began exploiting leverages and pressure points to keep the other side off balance. India tilted closer to the U.S., China towards Pakistan, and on a scale not witnessed even during the Cold War years. India-China hostility undermines the interests of both: An adversarial relationship with China brings no advantages and amplifies security problems that India can neither solve on its own nor address with the assistance of external powers who have shown little inclination to deflect Chinese influence in the subcontinent and its littoral. India-China friction enhances Pakistan’s ability to shape Beijing’s South Asia hand even though the latter itself would prefer a more balanced regional posture and a constructive equation with New Delhi. A contentious India-China relationship also reduces India’s bargaining leverage vis-à-vis the U.S. and Japan. Despite their differences with Beijing, both the U.S. and Japan truly value their interdependence with China. Sino-American cooperation on the Korean nuclear question and efforts to transform North East Asian geopolitics is just one example. Japan, with a $300 billion trading relationship with China, too wants to ensure it remains engaged with the world’s second largest economy. The promise of economic cooperation with China can only translate into meaningful outcomes if there is overall geopolitical stability. Very few economic actors will enter the fray if bilateral ties remain uncertain and turbulent. Conclusion: Since 2014, India’s discourse on China’s rise has swung back and forth from paranoia and deep suspicion to calmer assessments of its implications for Asia and the world economy. There is now a mutual recognition in both India and China that a posture of hostility has undermined their interests. The two governments need to take steps accordingly. Connecting the dots: Hostility between India and China has undermined interests of both. Comment. INTERNATIONAL TOPIC:General Studies 2: India and its neighbourhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests Defeating terrorism in Afghanistan In news: The Taliban has announced its new “spring offensive” and violence in Afghanistan had escalated dangerously this year. According to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, the number of casualties in the first three months of 2018 was already 2,258. Uncertainty of policy: Last year, the U.S. announced a new ‘South Asia policy’ for Afghanistan, which was officially welcomed by both New Delhi and Kabul and hailed as a game-changer for the region. Eight months later, the policy itself seems uncertain. The U.S. administration has taken some steps on Pakistani funding of terrorism across the Durand Line but it has clearly not yielded calm on the ground. Worrisome developments: In a recent attack the ISIS group, a majority of the victims were Shias, highlighting the sectarian turn in the conflict. The statement from the Taliban rejecting Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s offer of talks “without preconditions” and calling for the targeting of American forces in Afghanistan as part of a “spring offensive” signals the security challenge. According to the U.S., Afghan forces control just a little over half the territory today, down from nearly three-fourths in 2015. It seems that the U.S. policies guiding Afghanistan, and Kabul’s efforts to protect its people, aren't making any headway. It is necessary for both to take a more hard-headed, realistic view of the road ahead. What needs to be done? There is a need to stop the ‘Great Game’ for influence in Afghanistan. Growing U.S.-Russia tensions are creating space for proxies for both on Afghan soil, and the attacks by al-Qaeda and IS-related terror groups have their roots in the larger war between Iran and the Arab world. Tensions between India and Pakistan cast a shadow over Afghanistan, with India’s development assistance under attack. Driven by the desire to secure itself from Islamist groups, China is trying to build a rival military base in Afghanistan. Conclusion: Efforts have not been made for bilateral and multilateral peace talks in recent months, but each one has amounted to too piecemeal an effort. Defeating terrorism in Afghanistan needs every stakeholder to put aside differences and acknowledge that the current situation is a danger to all. Connecting the dots: In order to defeat terrorism in Afghanistan there is a need to stop the ongoing ‘Great Game’ for influence in the country. Discuss. MUST READ The elephant in the patent office The Hindu Robust job growth, not fake news Indian Express The Naga's right to know Indian Express

Apr 28, 2018 RSTV Video

RSTV- The Big Picture : CHOGM: India's Pivotal Role

CHOGM: India's Pivotal Role Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 India and its neighbourhood- relations Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests In News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), launched his Commonwealth outreach through a series of meetings with leaders of Indian Ocean Region, African, Caribbean and Pacific Islands. Plans to put India in the leadership position in the grouping where China is absent – part of India’s continuous outreach as key player in the Indian Ocean Region and Africa amid China’s inroads. It would help India strengthen its presence in areas where China is increasingly active, for example in Africa where India is building a development role, and in the Indian Ocean and elsewhere such as the Pacific and Caribbean where it could strengthen its relationship with the Commonwealth small island states. India’s focus at the meet is on common, fairer, secure, sustainable and prosperous future Announced a slew of funds for development and capacity building projects for countries in the grouping – Raising to £2 billion from £1 billion in the area of Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation Opening Commonwealth sub fund in India-UN fund as grants of $ 50 million for 5years Enhanced contribution for Commonwealth small state offices in New York and Geneva Training for cricket for 30 girls and 30 boys by BCCI. India’s pivotal role at CHOGM – An Analysis Opportunity for India to engage with other countries: Potential of CHOGM has not been realised yet – there is great value in this association. There exists great uncertainty and unpredictability on the global level – with China adopting a leading role. India is in a better position to shape policies today. Relevance of grouping: If it has to survive, it has to reorganise itself. Britain has realised that India needs to be brought in, in a much bigger way. At a time, when India is expanding its global footprint, the argument of CHOGM being a relic of the past, does not hold true. India should take this opportunity up; and re-look at how India can engage with other players. Britain’s expectations: Platform where its voice can be heard loud and clear As India occupies a significant position, Britain is very keen to engage India as its special partner. Britain is India’s gateway to Europe and if the ties are severed (post BREXIT), India’s bilateral relations with Europe might suffer, which India wants to persevere and promote. Expectations from India: Reimagine and shape policies for CHOGM Opportunity of promoting our views that affect our interests at the international level India should concentrate on developmental activities in the LDCs and engage with them as it will be logistically easier The Way Forward – Seize the Opportunity India must not squander the opportunity presented by the renewed interest in the Commonwealth. India should take active steps to – Bridge the gap between developing and developed members of the forum India should provide the leadership that will make the Commonwealth an effective multilateral forum – platform to reach out to wide variety of countries at one go for further collaboration Give shape to a model of international co-operation and partnership distinct from that of China – decide and shape the rules of the game; removes one obstacle to meaningful discussions Leverage partner countries’ technology and financial position for trade and schemes like Make in India, Smart Cities, etc. Commonwealth Facts: Founded: 1949 Head of the Commonwealth: Queen Elizabeth Member-states: 53 (31 small states, many of them islands) Population: 2.4 billion (60% under the age of 30) Smallest country: Tuvalu (11,000); largest: India (1.3 billion) GDP: $13 trillion by 2021 Commonwealth secretariat: Marlborough House, London Since the London Declaration of 1949, which established the modern Commonwealth, India has held a pivotal position in this voluntary association of 54 independent sovereign states. It was India’s decision in 1948, as a newly independent Republic, to remain in the Commonwealth which influenced other Asian and African countries to join the organisation and which opened the era of the modern Commonwealth. Since then, it was firmly established that joining the Commonwealth no longer necessarily involved continued allegiance to the British Crown. At the same time the word ‘British’ was dropped from the association’s title to reflect the Commonwealth’s changing character. Must Read: Link 1 + Link 2

Apr 27, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 27th April 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) NITI Aayog and ITC Ltd to strengthen farming systems in collaboration Part of: Mains GS Paper II, III- Government interventions, Indian agriculture Key pointers: NITI Aayog and ITC Ltd will collaborate in the agriculture and allied sectors in order to strengthen farming systems across 25 aspirational districts. Launched by the Prime Minister in January, the ‘Transformation of Aspirational Districts’ programme aims to improve performance of these districts. The 25 aspirational districts cover Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Jharkhand. ITC will promote best practices and technologies, set-up demonstration farms and also create master trainers from government extension workers. Master trainers will be created at the block level. The company will also work out the logistics to ensure the farmers are trained even at the gram panchayat level. NITI Aayog will work in close collaboration with the district administrations and ITC to build capacities. In order to ensure implementation, performance review and problem-solving, a Project Management Committee (PMC) at the district level will be set up. It is expected that over 2 lakh lead farmers (LF) in 25 districts will be trained as a part of the partnership. Article link: Click here (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 3: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources Issues relating to poverty and hunger Saving the newborns' lives in India In news: In February, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) released a report highlighting the grim state of the Indian health system for newborns. With an average newborn mortality rate of 25.4 deaths for every 1,000 live births, India leads the list of lower middle-income countries with the highest number of newborn deaths—a staggering 6.4 million per year, or about a quarter of the world’s total. Although India is undeniably on a path toward economic prosperity, losing millions of children every year to preventable deaths undermines this progress. Reasons behind newborns death: With the inclusion of vaccines against diarrhoea and pneumonia in the national immunization programme, India was able to reduce the under-five mortality rate by 34% between 1990 and 2006. However, because causes of newborn deaths are different, immunization programmes are unable to prevent these deaths. Some 80% of newborn deaths result from complications from labour and delivery: premature birth, low-birth weight, neonatal infections, and birth trauma. Out of these, infections such as pneumonia and diarrhoeal diseases, account for half of all newborn deaths. Instead of asking for more resources we need to improve the capacity of the existing health system. Improving the capacity of existing health system: Simple interventions around the time of birth: Such as hand washing, cleaning the umbilical cord with a regular antiseptic, ensuring the newborn is warm, dry, and fed—are affordable and more effective than previously thought and can reduce newborn death rates in low-resource settings. Most of these strategies do not require a specialist. Task sharing approach: It refers to strengthening of the capacity of the health system by distributing essential responsibilities among a larger group of health workers and emphasizing shared responsibility for high-quality outcomes. For instance, in obstetric care of a newborn, a trained birth attendant or midwife can handle routine cases, freeing up an experienced surgeon or obstetrician to handle complications. Case study: Recent evidence from Karnataka revealed that WHO birth attendant training in Essential Newborn Care reduced perinatal mortality to 36 per 1,000 live births, from 52. Stillbirth rates decreased by about 40%, to 14 per 1,000 live births, and early neonatal death fell by about one-fourth to 22 per 1,000 live births. Better training of midwives: About 70% of the Indian population currently resides in rural areas. Midwives already play a crucial role in delivering obstetrical care in these areas. Most midwives, however, have never been trained in practices of infection control or uembilical cord care. Strengthening midwifery practices through education, training, and regulation in low- and middle-income countries can result in more efficient utilization of resources and improved outcomes for both pregnant mothers and newborn children. The above mentioned low-cost and high-impact interventions can save millions of lives. Medical and nursing professional societies can play a critical role in the solution. Conclusion: We must empower and train healthcare providers who work in remote communities and serve populations that are unable to access safe and affordable obstetric care in the current health system. Losing almost a million lives every year to preventable causes is a travesty of sound health policy. The cost of inaction is too high. Connecting the dots: A Unicef report released recently highlighted the grim state of the Indian health system for newborns. The issue is more about poor capacity of existing healthcare system and less about lack of resources. Analyze. ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Preventing defaults: Reducing NPAs Background: Both Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi cheated the Indian banks of over Rs. 22,000 crore and are enjoying their ill-gotten gains after fleeing India. To put the matter into perspective Rs. 22,000 crore is a small fraction of the total Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) of banks that runs into lakhs of crores. A very large percentage of these NPAs are loans to corporates. Defaults by retail borrowers are small. From this it is obvious that the banking system is being exploited by willful defaulters — mainly large borrowers  to get their loans passed without a thorough scrutiny or project appraisal. These unscrupulous borrowers either exploit the inefficiencies in the banking system or collude with bank officials to defraud the system. Solution: It may not be possible to completely eliminate NPAs. But structural reforms in two areas could definitely improve the situation significantly: The management of PSBs. Handling of cases of bank frauds by investigating agencies. What needs to be done? Following steps which, if implemented, would go a long way in reducing NPAs over a period of time. Selection criteria: The system of selection and appointment of top officials — executive directors, board members and chairperson — in banks needs a complete overhaul. The person at the helm of the affairs can make or break an organisation. The quality of top management is one of the main problems in PSBs. There is political interference in the selection process. Merit is seldom considered as the main criteria. Expecting an official who paid for his or her promotion to be upright or righteous is difficult. Such officials would also be compelled to advance loans whenever ‘a request’ is received from his or her mentors in ‘Delhi’, often without an appropriate credit appraisal. The accountability systems in banks are practically non-existent. The first reform should thus be to put in place a mechanism to ensure selection of competent and honest bankers. Skilling senior staff: Ensuring that senior bankers are well trained in project appraisal. Project finance requires different skill sets than those acquired by bankers in routine banking operations. Earlier, development financial institutions such as ICICI and IDBI had strong project appraisal departments. The public-sector banks have no institutional mechanism to develop such skills. Strengthening the vigilance departments: Strengthen the vigilance departments. There is no effective vigilance mechanism in PSBs. Even if the vigilance finds any lapses on the part of top officials, they are seldom reported. An effective vigilance department would be able to detect a ‘quid pro quo’ in awarding a loan or a nexus between a bank official and a rogue borrower in flouting the norms. Time-bound probe: There is a need for time-bound investigations. Some cases of large NPAs which are in the public domain or there is evidence of willful default are referred to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The agency takes years to conclude a case, by the time many witnesses would have retired and forgotten the details of the case or even be dead. It should be made mandatory that every case should be concluded in two years. In exceptional (more complicated cases) situations, it could be extended to three years. Raising accountability: The government is the majority owner of PSBs and it has a big say in their management. Usually, the government is represented on bank board by bureaucrats from the Ministry of Finance. These officers often come with little experience or knowledge in banking. But being the representatives of the owner as well as being closer to the political powers, they exercise a disproportionately large influence on the decisions taken by the Board. Yet the irony is that they are never held responsible for the decisions. So the system needs to change. Appointing officers for a longer period of time in the same ministry and provide them with training in banking and financial services. Induction of professionals from the industry who could bring in necessary expertise. Finally, the regulator — the Reserve Bank of India — has a major role in safeguarding the health of banks. It cannot absolve itself from this responsibility just by ` announcing quick-fix-measures immediately after a fraud is unearthed. The RBI has enough powers even to replace a bank board when it comes to safeguarding the depositors’ money. Conclusion: The rot in the Indian banking system is deep but it can be treated. Unless the measures suggested are implemented effectively, the banking system would continue to burn cash for the politicians, bureaucrats, and businessmen. And the people of India, including the poorest of the poor would continue to pay the price. Connecting the dots: Eliminating NPAs needs structural reforms in two areas- the management of PSBs and the way cases of bank frauds are handled by investigating agencies. Discuss. MUST READ Anatomy of a reset The Hindu Saving Afghanistan The Hindu Ball's in Supreme Court Indian Express Couple therapy Indian Express Rampant evergreening in Indian pharma industry Livemint

Apr 27, 2018

IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan- Prelims Test 2018 ENVIRONMENT & CURRENT AFFAIRS [Day 42]

Hello Friends,  The 60 Days Training has finally begun:) Before any competition, there is a preparatory phase. That phase involves a lot of sessions on strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the preparatory phase, the athletes train in a gradual manner. In the last phase, just before the actual competition, the training is done so as to sharpen their skills. This training requires complete focus and dedication. In this phase, the athletes do not try anything new or train in a new fashion rather focus on sharpening of skills, focusing on strength and precision. Similarly, the upcoming 60 days, is like the last phase (training session), just before the actual competition. Here, the focus should be on sharpening the concepts, consolidating the knowledge base and solidifying the learning with loads and loads of revision. CLICK HERE TO READ FULL DETAILS AND SOLVE QUESTIONS

Apr 26, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 26th April 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 26th April 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 Part of: Mains GS Paper II- Government interventions Key pointers: The second stage of the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan is set to take off with a much wider spread than its first stage. It is a scheme of the Centre aimed at making higher education institutions provide solutions for problems of villages. While just 143 premier institutions like IITs and NITs took part in the first stage, UBA 2.0 will see open and much wider participation from many higher educational institutions. Both technical and non-technical institutions have been invited to build systems in villages as per their strengths. The idea is to have a coordinated approach where the government and institutions work together to facilitate rural development. It is expected to be a two-way learning process, where institutions share their knowledge with villages and also learn from the wisdom and commonsense of rural folk. The key points include helping villages achieve 100% school results, creating 25 jobs each in four sectors in each village where work would take place, increasing rural incomes, providing drinking water and sanitation to villages, disposing village garbage, among other things. Article link: Click here (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL TOPIC : General Studies 2: India and its neighborhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. Reinvigorating BIMSTEC Background: Since ancient times, regional partnerships have driven growth all over the world and brought prosperity. In today’s times also, we have witnessed how Indian foreign policy has engaged with trans-regional, regional and sub-regional initiatives to nurture shared goals of regional stability and development. BIMSTEC – What it stands for This year will mark the 21st anniversary of the establishment of BIMSTEC - Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. In this timeframe, this regional grouping has come a very long way. Though the desired level of collaboration has evaded the organisation so far, escalating pressures in the neighbourhood of South Asia and South-East Asia have renewed pragmatic hope for stronger ties between BIMSTEC member states. Importance for India: BIMSTEC stands at the very important intersection of ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East Policy’. Encompassing seven member States — five stemming from South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka) and two from South-East Asia (Myanmar and Thailand) lying in the largest bay in the world — the Bay of Bengal, BIMSTEC demonstrates regional unity as well as contiguity. BIMSTEC could enable integration and economic development of the North-East region. Issue: BIMSTEC is one of the least integrated regions of the world. Renewed foreign policy and strategic focus signalled by the 2016 BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit in Goa and several that followed provides timely encouragement for the private sector to articulate a proactive engagement strategy. Reinvigorating BIMSTEC In alignment with the Indian foreign policy focus on BIMSTEC, FICCI convened a Core Group on BIMSTEC in 2017. The resulting knowledge paper ‘Reinvigorating BIMSTEC, An Industry Vision for the Next Decade’ laid out powerful recommendations including- Creation of a BIMSTEC fund, strengthening of BIMSTEC Secretariat as well as improving government-to-business interface in the functioning of BIMSTEC. Lack of connectivity and timely availability of business information is the greatest hindrance to closer economic engagement. Multimodal connectivity and a speedy conclusion of the BIMSTEC FTA along with an effective energy sharing mechanism will have a multiplier effect on trade and investment. On a backdrop of shared history, new and fresh connections have to be forged between students and young entrepreneurs, youth icons, cultural and literary role models and elected representatives. Building Brand BIMSTEC by identifying such brand ambassadors would build soft power equity. Conclusion: BIMSTEC holds catalytic potential to transform economies of member states and create a peaceful, prosperous and integrated neighbourhood. The road from potential to reality will be successfully traversed only when all actors and stakeholders come together to play their role well to achieve a shared dream for peace, stability and prosperity for this dynamic region. Connecting the dots: The BIMSTEC holds catalytic potential to transform economies of member states and create a peaceful, prosperous and integrated neighbourhood. For this to happen, the stakeholders need to come together to see that the required steps are taken towards its actualization. Comment. AGRICULTURE/ECONOMY 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 Reforming Farmer Producer Organisations: Doubling farmers' income Background: The government has this lofty goal of doubling farmers’ income by 2022. Among the different instruments to achieve this goal, promotion of new and scaling up of existing Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) have been given focus. Concept: Given the extremely small landholdings, FPOs, through collectivisation, which leads to economies of scale, are supposed to address the problems and improve the bargaining power of farmers through backward (inputs) and forward linkages (marketing to processors and retailers). An analysis: Have FPOs been successful in reducing input costs and bridging the gap between farm and market prices — a marker of farmers’ bargaining power? Have they been successful in providing more markets and eased credit constraints of group members? Bihar case study: To address the above questions, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) implemented a study of FPOs in Bihar. The results show some success but also several challenges. The farmers seem to have tasted some success in getting information on crops and technology, inputs (seeds, fertilisers and pesticides) at cheaper rates, higher price for their produce, and linking with new markets. FPOs seem to falter in terms of risk mitigation. Sixty-five per cent FPO farmers rate sudden collapse in market price as their biggest fear. One of the biggest challenges for FPOs is ineptness in accessing capital (mere 3 per cent farmers reported improved credit access post-membership). One of the prime motives behind formation of FPO or FPC is to provide capital access. Around 59 per cent FPO farmers reported status quo in access to capital. The other challenges are lack of proper monitoring, no or incomplete record of farmer members, no penalties for wrongdoers, no incentives for good performance, and other problems like free-riding. Lack of proper monitoring and evaluation seems to be hampering the growth of FPOs. Many of them do not have records about members, and several farmers themselves do not know whether they are members or not. Way ahead: The FPOs need a proper selection mechanism for the promoters/organization as well as members based on merit. Optimal size determination: It is always convenient to monitor smaller group. Smaller sub groups, of 25-30 members, within a group could be easier to monitor and can also deliver better on attributes like quality and food safety. Optimal composition: Participation of members with different skills is important to reap the gains based on comparative advantage. Heterogeneity in that sense is desirable. Policy should try to minimise the entry barriers for farmers based on social, economic and political factors so benefits of different skills can flow. Product differentiation: FPOs can maximise prices for farmers if their products are differentiated. Product differentiation levers can be taken, such as freshness (plucked in the morning on day of sales), organic (small farmers hardly use fertilisers/pesticides for vegetables and fruits), and some local sourcing identifiers. There can also be differentiation of products by packaging. If farmers start packaging their products properly, they can command a price premium. Connecting the dots: Among the different instruments to achieve the goal of doubling farmers' income by 2022, promotion of new and scaling up of existing Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) have been given focus. Various survey shows FPOs aren't working as desired. Discuss the challengs and the way ahead. 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Apr 26, 2018 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : Protection of Human Rights (Amendments) Bill 2018

Protection of Human Rights (Amendments) Bill 2018 ARCHIVES Search 5th April, 2018 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests In News: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to the Protection of Human Rights (Amendments) Bill, 2018 for better protection and promotion of human rights in the country. Objectives: Strengthen the Human Rights Institutions of India further for effective discharge of their mandates, roles and responsibilities Will be in perfect sync with the agreed global standards and benchmarks towards ensuring the rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual in the country. Salient Features: It proposes to Include “National Commission for Protection of Child Rights” as deemed Member of the Commission – a welcome move as the child rights will be focussed on Add a woman Member in the composition of the Commission; Enlarge the scope of eligibility and scope of selection of Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission as well as the State Human Rights Commission; and Incorporate a mechanism to look after the cases of human rights violation in the Union Territories. Amend the term of office of Chairperson and Members of National Human Rights Commission and State Human Rights Commission to make it in consonance with the terms of Chairperson and Members of other Commissions. The Way Forward: The amendment to the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 will make National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) more compliant with the Paris Principle concerning its autonomy, independence, pluralism and wide-ranging functions in order to effectively protect and promote human rights. Although, the fine print and detailing is yet to come about, broadly, the intent and objective is reassuring. The commitment and wide vision of the government is very critical. National Human Rights Commission must live up to its mandate in letter and spirit. Connecting the Dots: Indian must step up its game when it comes to safeguarding human rights if it wants to become a global leader. Examine the statement in light of the recent events.