YOJANA & KURUKSHETRA Magazine: FEBRUARY 2018
Archives Friends, Here we are with the FEBRUARY 2018, edition of Yojana and Kurukshetra. Yojana/Kurukshetra: FEBRUARY 2018 – Download Download Mind Maps 1. Click Here 2. Click Here 3. Click Here
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IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan- Prelims Test 2018 POLITY & CURRENT AFFAIRS [Day 5]
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
RSTV- The Big Picture : Ayushman Bharat: Breaking Health Barriers
Ayushman Bharat: Breaking Health Barriers Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders Presently, India is in a state of health transition. The country is not just confronting infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, dengue, H1N1 pandemic influenza and antimicrobial resistance; but also the emerging problem of chronic non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer which are now the leading cause of mortality. Climate change, globalization, urbanization and changing lifestyles are further fueling this transition. This has resulted in the health infrastructure undergoing severe strain. Nearly 60 million people are pushed into poverty every year. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, while announcing the National Health Protection Scheme said, “Lakhs of families borrow or sell assets to receive inpatient treatment and the government is concerned about the consequent impoverishment of poor and vulnerable families” Ayushmaan Bharat – An attempt to transform India’s Healthcare Map Innovative and path-breaking scheme in the history of public health in India. It may have a transformative impact if implemented in an effective and coordinated manner. Aim: To make path-breaking interventions to address health holistically, in primary, secondary and tertiary care systems Objective: Prevention + Promotion (Health & Wellness) Full proof mechanism while allowing States to accommodate the existing schemes, keeping the flavour of Digital India intact Budget States: Rs 52,800 crores for the health ministry, up from Rs 47,352 crore during the previous year signifying an increase of 11% (yet as a percentage of the GDP, it is still among the lowest in the world) Increase the levy of health cess from 3 to 4% Two major initiatives: Health and Wellness Centre: Foundation of India’s health system 1.5 lakh centres will provide - comprehensive health care, including for non-communicable diseases and maternal and child health services, provide free essential drugs and diagnostic services The budget has allocated Rs.1200 crore for this flagship programme Contribution of the private sector through CSR and philanthropic institutions in adopting these centres is also envisaged. National Health Protection Scheme: Will cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) Coverage of up to ₹5 lakh a family a year will be provided for secondary- and tertiary-care hospitalization (50 crore beneficiaries) Facts: Data of families will be derived from the SECC Data Increase in Health budget over the previous one: Approximately 11.50% Ayushmaan Bharat Vs. Rashtriya Swasthiya Bhima Yojana: The new scheme builds on the already existing Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna (with the entitlement of up to Rs 30,000 per annum for diseases requiring hospitalization) but has a bigger outreach plan. Implementation model: Insurance Model – Public or Private Trust Model – Found effective in states like Andhra Pradesh Ayushmaan Bharat can be a Game Changer only if: Collaboration is the key: The Central government collaborates successfully with State governments and the industry, and focusses aggressively on the operational and implementation aspect of these initiatives. Government and industry should develop partnerships with the focus on improving the coverage and providing access to quality healthcare services to the people. Capacity building of the existing resources: Increased capacity-building of the resources at hand during policy formulation. Technology: Strong emphasis on the adoption of technology by the entire healthcare ecosystem to provide accessible and affordable patient care to the last mile of the country. Role of States: State ownership and commitment of them is critical as the states are expected to agree for 40 per cent share under the NHPS (Health: State subject). Also, absorptive capacity of States needs to be increased. Clarity on the Services being provided: More clarity on the kind of services that will be provided by government health facilities and for which conditions patients will have to use private parties and what mechanisms are being thought of. Price matters: Establishment of uniform pricing systems for various health interventions, including diagnostics and medicines, and making them transparent by displaying them in hospital premises. Community Engagement: Continuum of care system needs to be established by linking institutions or hospitals, with health centres and the community. Community engagement is thus crucial in planning and implementation of the programme and in ensuring that the health and wellness centres and the primary health centres are responsive to the needs of the community. Special Unit to measure success, course correct: For effective implementation, an independent body or unit may be set up within the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to plan, coordinate, and provide technical backstopping to states, including in capacity building and development of standards and guidelines for the programme. Such a unit will ensure uniform and systematic approach to programme implementation across the country. Connecting the Dots: “Only healthy people can build a strong and prosperous nation”. Comment. Can Ayushman Bharat prove to be a game changer? Discuss.
IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 6th March 2018
IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 6th March 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Committee to look into issues relating to Fintech space Part of: Mains GS Paper III- Indian Economy Key pointers: The Centre has set up a steering committee to go into various issues relating to Fintech space in India. The committee will be headed by Subhash Chandra Garg, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs. The committee will consider means of using data with GSTN and data residing with information utilities such as credit information companies (CICs) and others in open domain with a view to developing applications for financing of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It will also develop regulatory interventions e.g., regulatory sandbox model, that will enhance the role of Fintech in sectors identified for focused interventions. The ideas is to facilitate ease of doing business in the Fintech sector. The committee has also be asked to consider how Fintech could be leveraged in critical sectors of economy. The committee will work with government agencies such as UIDAI to explore creation and use of unique enterprise identification number. It will also look into the possibility of international co-operation opportunities in Fintech with countries such as Singapore, the U.K., China and others. Article link: Click here Enhancing women safety by using technology Part of: Mains GS Paper I, II - Social empowerment, Government interventions Key pointers: Enhancing the safety net for women - especially for those travelling in cabs- Telangana police are integrating their HawkEye mobile application with the apps of online cab service providers and private companies. With this, an SOS message sent by a passenger travelling in a cab would automatically reach the Telangana police control room. Presently, such message sent through the app of an online cab service would reach only the company command centre. Once this is done, an SOS message sent by a passenger using Ola cab would simultaneously reach Telangana Police Control Room and the Ola company command centre. Police command centre staff would alert the local police station and the nearby police patrolling party using Global Positioning System tracking service. Article link: Click here (MAINS FOCUS) 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 Transforming the subcontinent: India-China-Pakistan cooperation Background: Despite being neighbors, India and Pakistan are among the least integrated nations in the world. Because of their unending mutual hostility, South Asia too has become the least integrated region in the world. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is in a coma. Sadly, the most populous region in the world has also remained home to the largest number of poor people in the world. Poor integration: There are no direct flights between their capitals — New Delhi and Islamabad. The frequency of Delhi-Lahore and Mumbai-Karachi flights have become minimal. At less than $3 billion annually, trade with Pakistan accounts for a meagre 0.4% of India’s growing global commerce. Arguments: On the Indian side, it is said that terror and trade cannot go together. The Narendra Modi government has raised the bar higher — terror and talks cannot go together. On the Pakistani side, resolution of the Kashmir issue has become a precondition for any substantial bilateral cooperation. The needs of common citizens of India and Pakistan- employment, education, health care and food-and-environmental security- can be met only through regional cooperation, not regional rivalry. BRI as part of the solution: A three-way India-China-Pakistan cooperation is possible, and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) provides a practical framework for such partnership. The government’s opposition to the BRI is based, among other things, on the basis that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under the BRI, violates India’s sovereignty since it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). It undermines India’s long-term development and security interests. Counter-arguments: CPEC does not recognise PoK to be Pakistan’s sovereign territory. Both China and Pakistan have stated that they are open to India joining CPEC. China has also expressed its readiness to rename CPEC suitably to both address India’s concerns and to reflect the project’s expanded regional scope. Benefits for India: The BRI will connect Lahore and Amritsar (also Delhi and the rest of India), the two sides of Kashmir (which all Kashmir-based political parties want), Sindh and southern Punjab with Gujarat and Rajasthan, and Karachi with Mumbai. By joining the renamed CPEC, India would gain land access, through Pakistan, to Afghanistan, Iran, Central Asia and western China. The CPEC-plus-India can also be linked to the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Corridor, thus creating a grand garland of connectivity and integration for the whole of South Asia. The rename CPEC is also indispensable for the success of two other mega projects that are critical for India’s energy security and accelerated economic growth — the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) and Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipelines. Connectivity, cooperation and economic integration are the only realistic bases for any future India-Pakistan settlement of the Kashmir dispute. Alternatives: An alternative connectivity project by the “Quadrilateral” of the U.S., Japan, Australia and India. This is unlikely to take off. Even if it does, its developmental benefits to India will be limited since it will seek to keep China and Pakistan out. India’s gains due to Chabahar are modest, and nowhere comparable to those that would accrue by India having a direct land access to Afghanistan through Pakistan. Conclusion: The proposed connectivity initiative would thus create strong new bonds of regional cooperation and interdependence, could also help resolve three long-standing geopolitical problems in the region, in which countless people have been killed — terrorism, Kashmir and Afghanistan. To realise this vision of a resurgent South Asia, two obstacles will have to be removed blind nationalism and the unfriendly designs of extra-regional powers. Connecting the dots: India-China-Pakistan cooperation can transform the subcontinent — joining a renamed CPEC would be a good start. Analyze. HEALTH TOPIC: General Studies 2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders For the success of Modicare (NHPS) Background: India recently began a bold experiment in the delivery of healthcare that, if successful, will bring medicine and treatment to 500 million poor and near-poor Indians. The success of the National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS)—known as Modicare, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi—depends crucially on whether people sign up for the service, whether they use it, and whether hospitals participate. Challenges: For India, the sheer scale of its programme magnifies its many challenges, including how to communicate the benefits of the plan, and how to encourage enrolment. Reference article: National Health Protection Scheme: Challenges The demand side: No matter how generous the eligibility criteria and coverage of Modicare, it will have limited effect unless eligible households enrol. Its predecessor, RSBY, suffered low uptake rates. Although it cost participants just Rs30 to enrol, only 54% of eligible families participated. Door-to-door enrolment may help. Modicare’s impact will also be blunted if households do not use the programme to obtain care. For example, RSBY only increased utilization by 1 percentage point, to 2.8% of households. Reasons being- many households attempted to use the card but failed, many others forgot their insurance card or did not know to use it, the hospital or insurance company could not process the insurance card or rejected coverage. Solution: The government must expend more effort on information and education campaigns. Structural changes planned under Modicare, such as using Aadhaar and hospital-based biometric ID, should reduce the paperwork and hassle costs for beneficiaries. In addition, Modicare must ensure that hospitals have functioning payment systems and do not turn away patients. The supply side: Health insurance is worthless without accessible healthcare facilities. This is a critical obstacle for Modicare. Nearly half of Indian children live in villages without such services. Solution: Modicare cannot fix this problem in the near term. However, over time, by increasing the number of covered patients, an insurance programme can incentivize the private sector to build more facilities. A study shows that only few hospitals registered under RSBY actually provide any treatment to RSBY beneficiaries. An important reason is that RSBY pays hospitals lower-than-market rates for care. Solution: To address this, Modicare must pay more for treatment, and it should scale prices depending on the cost of land and labour in different locations. Other factors: Sound financing and a strong data infrastructure are also important. Any financing scheme must be backed by a strong data backbone, without which claims can’t be tracked and paid, and without which the plan will ultimately fail. India must leverage its IT prowess to get the data backbone right. With programmes of this scale, roll-outs matter. At Rs5 lakh in annual per capita hospital expenses, Modicare is over 15 times more generous than the Central government’s previous health care programme (RSBY), and between two to three times more generous than any existing state programme. Insurance premiums are estimated at Rs1,100-1,200 per household per year, and the full programme could cost Rs12,000 crore. Efficient design and management are key to using these significant resources wisely. Conclusion: With an estimated 7% of India’s population pushed into poverty each year due to medical expenditures, Modicare intends to provide an essential safety net for the poor. The government can learn from the lessons of RSBY to get Modicare’s implementation right. The health of millions of Indians depends on it. Connecting the dots: Discuss key features of National Health Protection Scheme(NHPS). Also analyze the demand and supply challenges involved. 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All India Radio (AIR) : Bilateral Relations between India and Cambodia
Bilateral Relations between India and Cambodia ARCHIVES Search 27th January 2018 http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests Background Cambodia is the representative of the Indian cultural outreach to the wider Asian region. India-Cambodia relations go back to the 1st century AD when Hindu and Buddhist religious and cultural influences emanated out of India to various parts of South-East Asia. The pervading influence of Hinduism, Buddhism and Indian architecture are borne out by the magnificent structures at many places in Cambodia including world’s largest Hindu temple Angor Wat. Cambodia and India have enjoyed friendly relations for a long time. Both countries formally established diplomatic relations in 1952. Both the countries were architects of the non-aligned movement. Recently, India and Cambodia also signed MoUs on various issues such as prevention of human trafficking cultural exchanges through 2018-2020 cooperation in prevention, investigation of crimes and legal assistance in criminal matters Over and above this, India provides a line of credit to fund Cambodia’s Stung Sva Hab water resources development project worth USD 36.92 million. China’s presence in India’s bilateral relations India’s outreach to the ASEAN nation is mostly looked in backdrop of China. China has tried to continue their interest in the Indo-China regions specially Cambodia and Vietnam. But these countries wouldn’t like their hard won freedom to be bargained for money from china. China has benefitted a lot from the globalized economy. It became a very fast emerging economic power. Now they are trying to become more anti-status quo in the sense that they want to acquire more assets all over and they want to be Numero Uno in world. This is a matter of concern for many ASEAN countries as on one hand there is unstable North Korea which is constantly and Pakistan is spreading terrorism. Currently, Cambodia has moved close to china as it is its largest trading partner and plays an increasingly essential role in the country’s development. This was due to India’s lack of a substantive role in the region. But now, with promotion of “free and open Indo-Pacific” concept” and Act East Policy, India is trying to regain footing in Southeast Asia, by developing close ties with Southeast Asian countries in an attempt to balance China’s rising influence. Maritime cooperation It is a sensitive issue as china has taken an aggressive stand of late in the South China Sea. Maritime cooperation has stood out as some of the ASEAN countries are just few kms away from Indian continent including the island. However, not all ASEAN nations are on the same lines when it comes to dealing with china. Though the Pacific Ocean and SCS has seen many conflicts, Indian Ocean so far has been an ocean of peace. China’s building activities for bases, for taking over unilateral control over SCS despite the decision by UNCLOS is not in tune with the peaceful nature of the Indian Ocean. Initiatives like formation of QUAD and dialogues on Indo-pacific security are undertaken and more needs to be done to ensure the peace in the Indian Ocean region. New aspect of terrorism There seems to be united voice between India and ASEAN nations when it comes to tackling terrorism. Most of the ASEAN countries are suffering from movement of terrorist elements from Pakistan and Iraq-Syrian region where the American and Russian are pushing them out and hence are finding their basis in Asian countries. The Delhi declaration came out strongly against terrorism. India for last several decades has been talking about cross border terrorism but lately, Afghanistan and Bangladesh has also suffered terrorism emanating from Pakistan. China believes in neutralizing terrorists only in their country and not to be bothered with terrorism affecting other countries. India’s outreach to ASEAN nations ASEAN had come up during cold war days and at that time it was felt that India would be more friendly to the soviet union and ASEAN will provide basis to Americans even when some of the members were in non-alignment movement. At end of cold war, India started good relations with ASEAN. The ASEAN nations seem to be on a stronger footing. For a long time, the Indian foreign policy was not much focused on ASEAN. Conclusion India has developed the vision to work together with all other countries which have common interests. This is reciprocated by the ASEAN leaders and message is expected to reach all the people living in these countries. Cultural, economic and people to people ties between India and Cambodia are growing steadily. However, India wants to move beyond soft diplomacy and cultural interaction to commercial interactions, scientific interactions, digital interaction and defense cooperation as far as possible and maritime cooperation. Apart from the bilateral relationship, India and Cambodia can further enhance cooperation and relations through the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) mechanism, which aims to increase cooperation in areas of tourism, culture, education, and transport. Connecting the dots: India has contributed a lot to CLMV countries yet there is a notable tilt towards China. Critically analyse India’s foreign policy in these regards.
IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan- Prelims Test 2018 POLITY & CURRENT AFFAIRS [Day 4]
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
IASbaba’s MINDMAP : Issue – Micro-Insurance
IASbaba’s MINDMAP : Issue – Micro-Insurance Archives NOTE – Instructions to download Mind Maps/Images Right Click on the image and ‘Open in a new tab’ Remove/Delete the resolution part from the URl. Eg. “-1024×869” and Press Enter/Load Again Afterwards the URL will look something like this – “iasbaba.com/…./…/..-IASbaba.jpg” Right Click and Save As/Download (You’ll get the maximum resolution)
IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 5th March 2018
IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 5th March 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) India International Skill Centres (IISC) Part of: Mains GS Paper II- Inclusive development Key pointers: Workers will now have a chance to explore employment opportunities in a number of countries, including in West Asia and Japan, as part of the government’s skill development programme. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is working on establishing India International Skill Centres (IISC) to help those looking for jobs overseas get skills training. The IISCs will train the youth so that when they go abroad, they already have a skill. At present, most migrant workers who go abroad lead a difficult life initially. The scheme is being run along with the Ministry of External Affairs, which provides a pre-departure orientation training on language, culture and processes. Pact with Japan: The NSDC is also working on a programme to send youth to Japan, where they will be trained and will work for 3-5 years. The candidates will be trained in the newest technologies and live and earn in Japan for three to five years. The candidate will then have the choice to come back or to continue to work there. As part of the Skill India Mission, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has for long spoken of sending India’s surplus workforce abroad where skilled labour is required. Article link: Click here Silent revolution in Organic living Part of: Mains GS Paper II- Inclusive development Key pointers: Kottayam, the ‘land of lakes, latex and letters’ in Kerala and the first district in the country to achieve total literacy is now piloting a silent revolution in organic living, at the behest of the Mahatma Gandhi University headquartered there. The Inter University Centre for Organic Farming and Sustainable Agriculture at the University is driving the massive programme. Titled ‘Jaivam,’ this is a unique public education programme on organic means of living and chemical-free farm practices covering each household in the district. Jaivam will showcase the commitment of the university to transfer the knowledge generated in laboratories to the common man. Article link: Click here (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC:General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Creating enough jobs in India Background: India’s demographic dividend is both an opportunity and a challenge. By 2020 its estimated average age of 29 and dependency ratio of 0.4 will be the lowest in the world. But finding jobs for 12 million young people entering the labour force each year, and millions transferring out of low productivity agricultural jobs, is a major and continuing task. Positive trends: Allocation of labour is improving in areas where it is difficult to measure it. Productivity in the informal sector is growing at a higher rate compared to the formal. To some extent business is also migrating where labour is — to States and rural areas. The rapid growth in rural non-agricultural employment is one of the most promising ways rural incomes will rise. The rural share of India’s workforce may still be 70 per cent but agriculture now accounts for only 64.1 per cent of rural employment. India’s urbanisation is also proceeding faster than it is measured or recorded. Rapid growth in so-called census towns again suggests a rapid pace of non-rural employment growth. Shorter-term measures: These need to address current skills shortages and be flexibly adapted to the nature of the workforce and to industry requirements. Three-month training can equip first-generation literate rural school-leavers for retail malls. Three-month nano degrees can also re-train and equip industry workers with new skills. Such short-term training can provide quality ladders, allowing workers to improve from whatever their level is and industry to find the required skills. Removing two major bottlenecks- The completion certificate, government programmes require is difficult to get from the informal sector — this reduces the programme’s contribution in general and to upskilling the informal sector in particular. There is a fear that government funds will be misused without formal certification. Flexible big data and aadhaar-based verification should be designed and accepted. Industry training programmes are less effective because industry bodies do not agree to common standards. They tend to vary with their foreign collaborators’ needs. Regulators must ensure standardisation so that in-house technical training in one industry is relevant in another. In the medium term: Numbers available for the 2000s show employment elasticity in Indian manufacturing was only 0.09 compared to a world average of 0.3. In order to change this, labour laws that induce industry to substitute towards capital need to be modified. Relatively low-skill labour-intensive industries could be encouraged. These include textiles, electronics, chemicals and food processing. Skill programmes must better match industry requirements. Apart from manufacturing, construction has a higher employment elasticity of 0.19. Stimulus to low income housing, and signs of revival of construction in general, will improve job creation. The service industry will continue to be a major employer. Health and education services are severely under-provided. Their expansion at all levels will improve the capability of the workforce even while providing jobs. The Indian Medical Council that creates entry barriers and chokes the expansion in the supply of doctors and nurses needs to be reformed. New teaching facilities should be judged on the basis of accreditation and outcomes rather than infrastructure, and competition encouraged. Long-term measures: The quality of primary education needs to improve. Tackling automation- It is feared automation will destroy jobs especially low-skill ones. For example, robots are being developed to cut cloth so that textile production can also be automated. Answering robots are already replacing workers in call centres. But historically, although technological change makes some occupations obsolete, it also creates new jobs, and raises income levels. Mechanical jobs get taken away, but new complex tasks are created. Rising levels and quality of education are essential for the mastery and creation of new highly productive jobs that should define the India of tomorrow. Connecting the dots: In India, finding jobs for 12 million young people entering the labour force each year, and millions transferring out of low productivity agricultural jobs continues to be a challenging task. Discuss the measures to tackle this challenge. NATIONAL TOPIC; General Studies 1: Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. General Studies 2: 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 by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes. Section 24, LARR Act: Controversies Background: The government acquired land from private parties have long been the subject of heated dispute, often resulting in violent conflict. A constitution bench of five judges has been set up to look into land acquisition law. The Land Acquisition Act of 1894: The colonial law had codified powers of eminent domain in strikingly draconian fashion. Landowners were placed at the state’s mercy. Government was accorded vast discretion to expropriate land for supposed public use. Requirements of due process were scant. The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (LARR Act): The number of safeguards that the law legislates has made the process of acquisition manifestly fairer. For instance, it compels a social and environmental impact assessment as a precondition for any acquisition. Besides, it also acknowledges a need for a system of rehabilitation and resettlement for those whose livelihoods are likely to be affected by the transfer of land. The law provided for greatly enhanced compensation, consent of those whose land was sought to be acquired, and detailed rehabilitation and resettlement provisions (including employment, land for land, and other beneficial schemes). In other words, it changed the relationship between the state and the individual by empowering the latter against the former. It also included a retrospective clause. Section 24 of the new Act provided that under certain circumstances, acquired land could be returned to affected families. At least partly, these protections intend to alter the traditional relationship between the state and the citizen. Compensation is the key: Section 24 of the LARR Act This clause concerns acquisitions made under the 1894 law, where compensation payable to a landowner from whom land had been taken prior to the year 2009 has already been determined. In such cases, the new law stipulates, the state ought to have not only taken possession of the land but also paid the amounts determined as due, failing which the entire proceedings will lapse. This means that even where the state has put the land acquired to some use, its failure to pay the holder compensation would render the entire proceeding nugatory. The state argued that each of the landowners from whom land was acquired had specifically been told about the quantum of money that they were entitled to receive. Since they neither disputed the amount fixed nor came forward to receive the money, the government claimed it deposited cash payable by it into its own treasury. According to it, this action was sufficient to negate the operation of Section 24. Indore Development Authority v. Shailendra, 2018: Ruled that in cases where a landowner refuses compensation, a payment into the government’s treasury was sufficient, and that there was no attendant obligation on the state to deposit this money into court. The Supreme Court decision in the Indore case does two things: One, it relaxes the existing definition of compensation paid from the active requirement of offering the compensation and depositing the same in court. Now, an offer followed by deposit in the government’s own treasury is sufficient to qualify as compensation paid. Two, on the subject of physical possession, it lays down that the period where the government is prevented from taking possession of the land due to the operation of a stay order or injunction shall not be counted towards the stipulated five-year requirement. Given that it is at variance with other Benches on the issue, this has now led to the constitution of a five-judge Bench of the Supreme Court to decide whether the Section has to be interpreted expansively or in a narrow sense. Way ahead: A test had to be laid down to determine in which cases land could be returned to the original owners. The Supreme Court of India need to protect the individuals and make legislative safeguards stronger. Connecting the dots: Discuss the issues pertaining to Section 24 of the land acquisition act. MUST READ Avoid trade wars The Hindu How AI can help the Indian Armed Forces? Livemint The right cost benefit analysis for e-vehicles Livemint
IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau – 25th Feb to 3rd March, 2018
IASbaba Press Information Bureau 25th Feb to 3rd March, 2018 ARCHIVES GS-2 GOBAR-Dhan - Galvanizing Organic Bio Agro Resources (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Aim: To ensure cleanliness in villages and generate wealth and energy by converting cattle dung and solid agricultural waste into Compost and Bio Gas (Under the Swachch Bharat Mission (Rural)) People will be encouraged to consider dung and other waste not just as a waste but as a source of income Will be easier to keep the village clean and sanitized, livestock health will improve and farm yields will increase. Biogas generation will increase self-reliance in energy utilized for cooking and lighting. Farmers and cattle herders will be helped in augmenting their income. There will be novel opportunities for newer jobs linked to waste collection, transportation, biogas sales etc. An online trading platform will be created for better implementation of 'Gobar Dhan Yojana', it will connect farmers to buyers so that farmers can get the right price for dung and agricultural waste. Cabinet Approves: Cabinet apprised of a MoU between India and Fiji on Cooperation in Renewable Energy: To establish the basis for a cooperative institutional relationship to encourage and promote technical bilateral cooperation on new and renewable issues on the basis of mutual benefit equality and reciprocity. MoU between India and Macedonia on cooperation in the field of Health: The MoU covers the following areas of cooperation:- Capacity building and short term training of human resources in health; Exchange & training of medical doctors, officials, other health professionals and experts; Assistance in development of human resources and setting up of health care facilities; MoU between India and Jordan on Cooperation in Health Sector: The MoU covers the following areas of cooperation: Universal Health Coverage (UHC); Health System Governance; Services and Information Technology in Health; Health Research; National Health Statistics; Health Finance and Health Economy; Chronic Disease Control; Tobacco Control; Diagnosis, Treatment and Medication in Tuberculosis; Regulation of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices MoU between India and Jordan on Cooperation in the Field of Manpower: Aims at enhancing collaboration between the two sides in promoting best practices in the administration of contractual employment, reflects the latest reforms in recruitment processes and enhances the protection and welfare of Indian workers in Jordan. Collaboration between the two sides in use of online portal for recruitment of Indian manpower is expected to usher in greater transparency and curb malpractices in the recruitment process. Continuation of Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) beyond 12th Plan for three years from 2017-18 to 2019-20 Objective: Create sustainable estimated employment opportunities for 15 lakh persons in three financial years Nodal implementation agency at the national level: Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) PMEGP: A major credit-linked subsidy programme being implemented by the Ministry of MSME since 2008-09. The Scheme is aimed at generating self-employment opportunities through establishment of micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector by helping traditional artisans and unemployed youth in rural as well as urban areas. A total of 4.55 lakh micro enterprises have been assisted with a margin money subsidy of Rs. 9564.02 crore providing employment to an estimated 37.98 lakh persons from inception till 31.01.2018. The Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018: The Bill addresses one of the most pervasive yet invisible crimes affecting the most vulnerable persons especially women and children and broadly has the following features:- Addresses the issue of trafficking from the point of view of prevention, rescue and rehabilitation Aggravated forms of trafficking, which includes trafficking for the purpose of forced labour, begging, trafficking by administering chemical substance or hormones on a person for the purpose of early sexual maturity, trafficking of a woman or child for the purpose of marriage or under the pretext of marriage or after marriage etc Punishment for promoting or facilitating trafficking of person which includes producing, printing, issuing or distributing unissued, tampered or fake certificates, registration or stickers as proof of compliance with Government requirements; or commits fraud for procuring or facilitating the acquisition of clearances and necessary documents from Government agencies. The confidentiality of victims/ witnesses and complainants by not disclosing their identity. Further the confidentiality of the victims is maintained by recording their statement through video conferencing (this also helps in trans-border and inter-State crimes). Time bound trial and repatriation of the victims - within a period of one year from taking into cognizance. Immediate protection of rescued victims and their rehabilitation. The Victims are entitled to interim relief immediately within 30 days to address their physical, mental trauma etc. and further appropriate relief within 60 days from the date of filing of charge sheet. Rehabilitation of the victim which is not contingent upon criminal proceedings being initiated against the accused or the outcome thereof Rehabilitation Fund created for the first time. To be used for the physical, psychological and social well-being of the victim including education, skill development, health care/psychological support, legal aid, safe accommodation, etc. Designated courts in each district for the speedy trial of the cases The Bill creates dedicated institutional mechanisms at District, State and Central Level. These will be responsible for prevention, protection, investigation and rehabilitation work related to trafficking. National Investigation Agency (NIA) will perform the tasks of Anti-Trafficking Bureau at the national level present under the MHA. Punishment ranges from rigorous minimum 10 years to life and fine not less than Rs. 1 lakh. In order to break the organized nexus, both at the national and international level, the Bill provides for the attachment & forfeiture of property and also the proceeds for crime. The Bill comprehensively addresses the transnational nature of the crime. The National Anti-Trafficking Bureau will perform the functions of international coordination with authorities in foreign countries and international organizations; international assistance in investigation; facilitate inter-State and trans-border transfer of evidence and materials, witnesses and others for expediting prosecution; facilitate inter-state and international video conferencing in judicial proceedings etc. Launch of Aviation Multi Skill Development Centre (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) What: A first-of-its-kind Aviation Multi Skill Development Centre (MSDC), a CSR initiative of Airports Authority of India (AAI) Where: Chandigarh Set up: In collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and is supported by the Aerospace and Aviation Sector Skill Council (AASSC) of India Aim: To train about 2,400 youth and women in 8 aviation job roles over the next 3 years as th demand for aviation skilled personnel has been rising commensurately with the boom in the civil aviation sector witnessed in the last 3-4 years. Air connectivity for both passenger transport and air freight is increasing, with new air routes and operationalisation of unserved or underserved airports through the UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme. MRO and ground-handling demands for skilled personnel are also rising in tandem. Training Provider –BESTT– has been mandated to ensure job placement in the aviation and allied fields for at least 70% of the successfully trained students. International Conference on Sustainable Biofuels 2018 (Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate) Jointly organized by: Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India and Biofuture platform The event is bringing experts and delegates from 19 countries together in Sustainable Biofuels sector to take stock of current knowledge, share information and best practices, and build consensus on the actions most needed to move forward. Use of fossil fuels for transportation contributes significantly to global greenhouse gases (GHG) emission. The sustainable biofuels have ability to reduce the GHG emission load and this consideration led to establishment of Sustainable Biofuel Innovation Challenge (SBIC) under Mission Innovation (MI). Advanced or second-generation biofuels produced from non-food biomass materials and specially grown high yielding plants or algae, if managed sustainably can contribute to significantly reduce emissions. However, many of the advanced biofuels still remain in pre- or an early commercial stage of development and need innovations and breakthrough for low cost sustainable production. Sustainable Biofuel Innovation Challenge: Aims to accelerate research, development and deployment of low cost, high GHG impacting advanced biofuels. Conferences/Seminars: 20th Conference of the Commonwealth Education Ministers (20CCEM) Held in: Nadi, Fiji Theme of the Conference: “Sustainability and Resilience: Can Education Deliver?” MILAN International Maritime Seminar What: A congregation of littoral navies conducted biennially by Indian Navy at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, under the aegis of the Andaman and Nicobar Command. MILAN has now grown into a prestigious international event and encompasses participation by maritime forces from not just the Bay of Bengal and South East Asia but the larger Indian Ocean Region (lOR). Underlying theme: 'Friendship Across the Seas' Theme this year: ‘In Pursuit of Maritime Good Order - Need for Comprehensive Information Sharing Apparatus’ Besides fostering co-operation through naval exercises and professional interactions, MILAN also provides an excellent opportunity to the participating navies to come together in a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding to nurture stronger ties. Second India-Korea Business Summit: Aim of the summit – To strengthen the economic relationship Boost trade relations Increase investments between India and Republic of Korea. Please note: March 8: International Women's Day; women are felicitated with 'Nari Shakti Puraskar' – Swami Vivekananda said 'The idea of perfect womanhood is perfect independence' Swajal Yojana: Swajal is a community owned drinking water programme for sustained drinking water supply. Under the scheme, 90% of the project cost will be taken care by the Government and the remaining 10% of the project cost will be contributed by the community. The Operations and management of the project will be taken care by the local villagers. India’s first Trash Mahotsav: In Raipur, Chhattisgarh BIMSTEC: Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan & Nepal – a joint disaster management exercise involving these countries 28th of February: National Science Day International Gandhi Award 2017” Dr. M.D. Gupte for his outstanding contribution to the global programme of elimination of leprosy Dr. Atul Shah for humanitarian services to alleviate the suffering of leprosy - affected persons. Note: In 2012-13, India recorded 83,000 leprosy cases with a prevalence of 0.68 per 10,000 population. Until 1st April 2012, 33 States and Union Territories had attained the levels of leprosy elimination of less than 1 case per 10,000 population. 542 districts out of 640 had also achieved elimination by March 2012. Need of the hour - Intensify our efforts towards early detection of leprosy cases + Provide equitable access to appropriate treatment + Provide integrated leprosy services + Empower those who have been socially discriminated through advocacy and information dissemination + Conduct research on the development of diagnostic tests and new vaccines Indo-US Delegation Meets for Defence Cooperation (8th Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) Inter Agency Task Force Meeting): The aim of DTTI is to bring sustained leadership focus to the bilateral defence trade relationship and create opportunities for co-production and co-development of defence equipment. SRIJAN (Station Rejuvenation Initiative through Joint Action): An idea competition for development of 635 stations for redevelopment of around 600 major Railway stations across the country Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced UAN-Aadhaar linking facility for the convenience of members using EPFO Link in UMANG Mobile App. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank: What: AIIB is a multilateral development bank founded to bring countries together to address Asia’s daunting infrastructure needs; began operations in January 2016 and has now grown to 84 approved members worldwide. Headquarter: Beijing, AIIB Mission: To improve economic and social development in Asia by investing in high-quality, financially viable and environmentally friendly infrastructure projects. 2018: Theme: “Mobilizing Finance for Infrastructure: Innovation and Collaboration,” in recognition of the private sector’s vital role in bridging the infrastructure gap. Launch of the inaugural Asian Infrastructure Forum, which will gather infrastructure practitioners in a practical and project-driven discussion, focused on matching innovative finance to critical infrastructure needs. People in News: Chandrashekhar Azad Bharat Ratna (1954), Sir C.V.Raman Was awarded the 1930 Nobel Prize for his outstanding work on light scattering. He discovered that when light traverses a transparent material, some of the deflected light changes wavelength. This phenomenon, subsequently known as Raman scattering, results from the Raman Effect. Quotes: By Gandhi: “We need to preserve the multi-cultural nature of our country and the world. I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as friendly as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet.” Writing in 'Harijan' in November 1947, Gandhiji said "Leprosy work is not merely medical relief; it is transforming the frustration in life into the joy of dedication, personal ambition into selfless service. If you can change the life of a patient or change his values of life, you can change village and the country". By PM of India, Shri Narendra Modi: The relentless quest to ask questions for knowing the truth is very important. And this is the very essence, the real inspiration behind scientific inventions and discoveries. Never rest till every ‘why’, ‘what’ & ‘how’ are answered. Three important factors of economy together: Democracy: The system based on liberal values which ensures free and fair play towards one and all; Demography: A vast and talented pool of young and energetic workforce; Demand: A big and growing market for goods and services Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu Two GDPs critical for the ‘Gross Domestic Product’: ‘Growth Driving Power’ from among whom are the ‘Great Dedicated Persons’
All India Radio (AIR) : Significance of PM’s visit to Davos
Significance of PM’s visit to Davos ARCHIVES Search 21st January 2018 http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests In news: PM addressed the plenary session at world economic forum in Davos. Every year, there is a meet of around 3000 leaders of governments of world, corporate leaders. This year, PM focused on three issues- climate change, terrorism and protectionism. Significance of visit The Indian PM visited the WEF summit after 21 years to join world’s top business leaders. In global context- in 2017, Chinese president talked about friction less world and announced the arrival of Chinese economy in the global scenario. They are preparing themselves to take over the leadership of the world. This year, Indian PM talked about India’s global positioning, response to global issues, what are its aspirations. It is important in a world that is repositioning itself in the light of US not playing a big role in the global arena and china trying to take its position. In economic context- the world wants to hear from India on what the Indian economy, which presently is the fastest growing major economy in the world, its actions on reforms. India has undertaken several key actions such as demonetization, GST introduction, digitization programme, attack on black money, attempt to reduce inequality in Indian society etc. This has helped the investing community is interested in knowing what India has to offer. Diplomacy in soft power India has to send an important message of it being a crucial soft power in this fractured world. India has made its recognition that world is facing leadership vaccum and for that, India has answers to evils of the world. It is widely known that credibility and acceptability of India is more than China. Also, Yoga is potent display of soft power. Apart from it, India has lot to offer on economic, political and cultural fronts. While concluding- India’s economic growth potential will be put forward in context of current year’s agenda which is ‘shared future and fractured world.’ India’s recent rise in the ease of doing business index, upgrade of rating by moody’s are milestones being achieved to become world’s 3rd largest economy in next decade. The tone of ‘India mean business’ is now identified as Indian economy’s openness. Identifying that protectionism in era of globalization is harmful and countries should take care about it. Climate change mitigation will have full support from India’s side. Thus, India has pitched for itself ‘a statesman like position’ for the country to counter the protectionism and domestic rhetoric. Connecting the dots: India’s growth as 3rd largest economy in the world will see its impact on India emerging as world leader in geo-politics. Discuss.