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IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus]- 5th December 2017

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 5th December 2017 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Merger of scam-hit NSEL with FTIL Part of: Mains GS Paper III- Economy In news: The Bombay High Court verdict upheld the Ministry of Corporate Affairs’ order directing the merger of scam-hit NSEL with Financial Technologies (India) Ltd (FTIL). Background: In February 2016, the MCA had passed a final order directing the merger of scam-hit NSEL with FTIL. It was the first case of the government ordering the merger of two private sector companies (under Section 396 of Companies Act, 1956). 5,574-crore payment crisis had erupted at NSEL. A merger of NSEL with FTIL would result in the latter assuming all the liabilities of the scam-hit spot exchange, which is now a subsidiary of FTIL. Negative implications: The order would have a serious impact on the limited liability concept by lifting the corporate veil by an executive order and without running a full evidence-led adjudication. Even in the case of consensual merger of two government companies, the principle of natural justice, constitutional validity and stakeholder voting (which are shareholders, creditors and employees) are taken into account. In this case, where two private companies are involved, the rule book and shareholder compensation has been ignored. Article link: Click here Agreement on IUU fishing and overfished stocks: At WTO Part of: Mains GS Paper III- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Key pointers: India will not agree to a commitment against subsidies for illegal, unregulated, unaccounted (IUU) fishing and overfished stocks at the WTO Ministerial meet to be held in Buenos Aires in December. New Delhi’s firm stand on the matter is important as the livelihood of millions of artisanal farmers will be at risk if subsidy reduction commitments are undertaken without safeguards. Global stand: Countries including Malaysia, Cameroon, Oman, Paraguay and the Philippines, too, have spoken out against commitments to reduce subsidies at the Ministerial meet while others such as the EU and New Zealand want their inclusion. The Africa Group has expressed its willingness to go along with commitments on disciplining fisheries subsidies as long as developing and less developed countries are exempt. China said it can support subsidy prohibitions but only for IUU fishing and not for overfished stocks. Article link: Click here Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister on a visit to South Korea Part of: Mains GS Paper II- Federalism, International relations Key pointers: The Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (EDB) entered into a letter of intent (LoI) with a group of 37 South Korean companies. The CM appealed to the Korean companies to draw inspiration from Kia Motors and come forward to invest in the State. The group has shown interest in investing ₹ 3,000 crore in A.P. and providing employment to 7,171 people. Benefits for MNCs in A.P. The government has provided many facilities and has created the ecosystem for growth of industry. Proximity to Bangalore airport and Krishnapatnam port. Infrastructure is in place. There are no law and order problems. Neither there is labour unrest. Article link: Click here SC directs centre to repeal laws that discriminate against leprosy patients Part of: Mains GS Paper II- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health Key pointers: ·         Centre told to respond in eight weeks to a call to repeal 119 laws that discriminate against leprosy patients. ·         Twenty-first century society cannot justify shunning persons affected by leprosy or keeping them hidden in homes and away from the mainstream. ·         The court asked the Centre to respond in eight weeks to a call to repeal 119 Central and State laws in practice since the 1950s that discriminate against leprosy patients, stigmatise and isolate them despite the fact that modern medicine completely cures the disease. ·         Statutory laws continue to recognise superstitions that leprosy is “infectious and has something to do with genetics”. How laws discriminate against leprosy patients? Cause stigmatisation and indignity to persons affected by leprosy. Isolate/segregate persons affected by leprosy. Deny them access to public services. Impose disqualifications on them under personal laws. Bar them from occupying or standing for public posts or office. These laws rob persons affected by leprosy by denying them equal treatment under personal laws, in matters of employment and appointment or election to public office, as well as access to and free movement in public places. Article link: Click here (MAINS EXCLUSIVE) 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 Focusing on Indo-Pacific Background: Indo-Pacific as an idea gained attention during 2017. Its time India must think on another expansive geopolitical construct — Eurasia. The concept of Indo-Pacific and Eurasia: Like the Indo-Pacific, the concept of Eurasia is quite familiar to geographers. Marine bio-geographers use the Indo-Pacific to describe the large stretch of tropical waters from the east coast of Africa to the Western Pacific that has many common features. For geologists, Eurasia refers to a tectonic plate that lies under much of what we know as Europe and Asia. It is in the domain of politics that the terms Indo-Pacific and Eurasia holds significance. There was a resistance in Delhi to the idea of the Indo-Pacific. For many, the Indo-Pacific was a suspicious American invention. Like India, America was not quite sure. It was President Donald Trump who ended American ambivalence by consistently using the term “Indo-Pacific” during Asian tour last month. Recent developments: The Indian political and policy establishment must adapt to the slow but certain integration of India into a single geopolitical theatre. The Chabahar port on the south-eastern coast of Iran, formally launched on Sunday by President Hassan Rouhani, opens up not just an alternative route to Afghanistan but also facilitates India’s overland connectivity with Central Eurasia. At the annual gathering of the heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Sochi, Russia- Delhi, along with Islamabad, has been accepted earlier this year as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The membership of the SCO covers the heart of Eurasia. The annual summit of an organisation called C-CEEC was held at Budapest, Hungary. It promotes cooperation between China and 16 Central and East European Countries. It is more popularly known as “sixteen plus one”. That India is hardly interested in this new forum underlines the problem it has in dealing with a changing Eurasia. Change in discourse: The rise of China is connecting up the Pacific and Indian Oceans, Beijing is breaking down the idea that Europe and Asia are two different continents. By exporting large amounts of capital for infrastructure development, drawing its economies east ward, and creating new political groupings, China has begun to undermine the Western hubris and Russian self-regard in Central Europe. It also widens the strategic options for Central European states. Challenges for India: Delhi’s world-view, traditionally defined in terms of an irreconcilable tension between “East and West”, “North and South” or “Europe and Asia” is becoming unsustainable as China’s massive Silk Road Initiative begins to integrate Europe with Asia. Chinese expansion and American retrenchment is reshaping the political and economic geography of Eurasia. The government has put India back in play in the maritime world by accepting the Indo-Pacific idea. But Delhi is yet to come to grips with continental Eurasia. Delhi has been reluctant to walk though the open door in Europe. Focused as it is on bilateral relations with France, Germany and Russia, Delhi has neglected the European Union and ignored Central Europe. Conclusion: There is thus an imbalance between how India deals with the concept of Indo-Pacific on one hand and the concept of Eurasia on the other. Correcting the imbalance is the first step towards a more purposeful Indian engagement with Eurasia. Connecting the dots: While Delhi has focused on bilateral relations with France, Germany and Russia, it has neglected the European Union and ignored Central Europe. Critically analyze. NATIONAL/SOCIAL ISSUE TOPIC: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources General Studies 4: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships. Need for Law against Torture About Convention Against Torture (CAT) The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (commonly known as the United Nations Convention against Torture (UNCAT)) is an international human rights treaty, under the review of the United Nations, that aims to prevent torture and other acts of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment around the world. The Convention requires states to take effective measures to prevent torture in any territory under their jurisdiction, and forbids states to transport people to any country where there is reason to believe they will be tortured. Convention Against Torture (CAT) and India The Convention Against Torture (CAT) came into force in 1987 and India signed it in 1997, however it is yet to ratify it. Efforts to bring a standalone law against torture have lapsed. Today, the CAT has 162 state parties; 83 are signatories. In refusing to ratify the CAT, India is in the inglorious company of Angola, the Bahamas, Brunei, Gambia, Haiti, Palau, and Sudan. In 2008, at the universal periodical review by the Human Rights Council (HRC) of the UN, country after country recommended that India expedite ratification. India’s response was that ratification was “being processed”. In 2011, desiring to be appointed on the HRC of the UN, India took a voluntarily pledge to ratify the CAT. Once on the Council, India forgot its commitment. In 2012 review, once again countries overwhelmingly recommended that India “promptly” ratify the CAT to which India responded “supported”, which indicates agreement. Need for ratifying the CAT and enacting Prevention Against Torture Act: In recent times there is a fresh note of urgency attached to the need for early ratification, as the country has pending requests for the extradition of its nationals from other countries. The National Human Rights Commission has been strongly urging the government to recognise torture as a separate crime and codify the punishment in a separate penal law. Torture cases have escalated in India: India’s NHRC had reported a significant number of torture cases involving police and security organisations. In Raghbir Singh v. State of Haryana (1980), the Supreme Court said it was “deeply disturbed by the diabolical recurrence of police torture.” In Shakila Abdul Gafar Khan v. Vasant Raghunath Dhoble (2003), the Supreme Court said that “torture is assuming alarming proportions... on account of the devilish devices adopted. The concern which was shown in Raghubir’s case has fallen on deaf ears”. In Munshi Singh Gautam v. State of M.P. (2004), the Supreme Court said: “Civilisation itself would risk the consequence of heading towards total decay resulting in anarchy and authoritarianism reminiscent of barbarism.” India has been making promises but doesn’t seem intent on keeping them. India has undermined its prestige by repeatedly promising — and failing — to ratify the CAT. In an era of increasing international cooperation on criminal matters, India will be better served if it is seen as adhering to international treaties, especially its obligations under the CAT. This is a serious lacuna for a country that otherwise has a commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Does India needs an Anti torture law? There may be some doubt whether India needs a fresh law to prevent and punish torture. Provisions relating to causing hurt or grievous hurt, especially with a view to extracting a confession, criminal intimidation and wrongful confinement already exist in the Indian Penal Code. However, the idea of a stand-alone law ought to be ultimately seen as a more tangible way of expressing commitment to eliminating torture. A concrete step towards enacting a law was made when the Prevention of Torture Bill, 2010, was passed by the Lok Sabha in 2010, but it was referred to a Select Committee in the Rajya Sabha. In its report submitted in the same year, the committee recommended exhaustive amendments to the Bill to make it consistent with the language and intent of the Convention. Thereafter the Bill lapsed. Given the pervasive nature of custodial violence and its complex policing requirements, the present legislative and administrative framework is obviously inadequate to prevent torture in a country of India’s size. Conclusion: In the age of global push for rights to all sections of the society laws against torture and inhuman treatment is a seminal necessity. India as a global voice against extreme violence should lead the way by bringing globally acceptable laws against torture. It is imperative that a strong law that criminalises torture, imposes stringent punishment for it and contains liberal provisions for those suffering torture to complain against their perpetrators, prosecute them and be compensated and rehabilitated, is passed at the earliest. Connecting the dots: Analyse the need for an exclusive anti torture law of global standards in India. Also discuss the significance of ratifying the Convention Against Torture (CAT). MUST READ Who swings the vote in India The Hindu The one election idea is farce The Hindu Stand up against torture The Hindu The interest of justice Indian Express Estonia has lessons for India's digital economy Livemint

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 95]

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 95] Archives Q.1) Which of the following are based on blockchain technology? Ethereum (ETH) Ripple (XRP) IOTA (MIOTA) Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements about Ka-226T choppers It will replace India's fleet of Cheetah and Chetak According to the inter-governmental agreement (IGA) between Russia and India, all the choppers will be fully built in India Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants It pledged to uphold the rights of refugees, help them resettle and ensure they had access to education and jobs It is legally binding in nature India has signed the declaration Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.4) Consider the following statements about TIR Convention It was adopted under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) The TIR system only covers customs transit by road Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) According to ‘Threats Predictions Report’ Ransomware attacks in the cyberspace are likely to increase and become more sophisticated in 2018 targeting high net worth individuals and corporates. The report is released by Kaspersky Symantec McAfee Microsoft To Download the Solution – Click here All the Best  IASbaba

PIB

IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau – 27th Nov to 2nd Dec, 2017

IASbaba Press Information Bureau 27th November to 2nd December, 2017  ARCHIVES GS-2 Launch of Insurance Khata (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) What: An inclusive financial plan that enables the mass market to avail insurance benefits with a convenient process. The plan takes in to account the possibility of seasonal income and provides the customer with the flexibility to pay premium in parts, as and when possible. It offers a structured platform that drives socially-inclusive and long-term development through community participation. The plan will leverage CSCs’ footprint of 2.7 lakh centres across the country, focusing to make insurance not only affordable but also accessible and attractive to the lower rungs of the social pyramid. Over time, bringing a less-acquainted market into insurance fold ensuring every strata of the society is covered against risks. Training program for Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) of Panchayati Raj Institutions (Topic: Important aspects of governance) Organized by: National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) of the WCD Ministry Why: Not many women sarpanches and EWRs come forward to take up their responsibilities and mostly allow their husbands to take the lead. So, they remain ‘sarpanchanis’ in name only. Training two lakh women sarpanches across the country will help bring following important changes: It will help to create model villages. It will help prepare women as political leaders of the future. The training program will include simple engineering skills will give them an insight into women’s issues as well as focus on education and financial matters. The Capacity building of Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) is critical to empower women to participate effectively in the governance processes. This will help them assume the leadership roles expected of them and guide their villages towards a more prosperous future. Cabinet approves MoU between India and Italy for cooperation in Agriculture and Phytosanitary issues: Provides for cooperation in the fields of Phytosanitary issues, agricultural production and a wide range of other sectors including animal husbandry, agricultural research, food processing and other additional fields as may be mutually decided by both the sides. Provision for exchange of information on the situation of agriculture and rural development, strengthening of technical exchange and production cooperation in respect of agricultural mechanization/farm machinery and agro-industrial infrastructures, removal of technical barriers and exchange experiences in animal husbandry sector including modern scientific researches and technologies etc. Provides for setting up of a Joint Working Group in order to promote bilateral exchanges in the field of agriculture, consider long-term initiatives for agricultural cooperation, and promote cooperation in order to reduce phytosanitary risks in exported goods also through the definition of specific joint procedures. Investment Cooperation and Facilitation Treaty (ICFT) between India and Brazil: Will result in increase of investment flows between the two countries. Provide appropriate facilitation to Brazilian investors in India and Indian investors in the Brazil. It is likely to increase the comfort level and boost the confidence of investors by assuring a level playing field and non-discrimination in all investment facilitation matters, thus providing conducive investment climate to investors. Help project India as a preferred Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) destination to all Brazilian investors. Setting up of National Nutrition Mission: NNM, as an apex body, will monitor, supervise, fix targets and guide the nutrition related interventions across the Ministries. The proposal consists of Mapping of various Schemes contributing towards addressing malnutrition Introducing a very robust convergence mechanism ICT based Real Time Monitoring system Incentivizing States/UTs for meeting the targets Incentivizing Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) for using IT based tools Eliminating registers used by AWWs Introducing measurement of height of children at the Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) Social Audits Setting-up Nutrition Resource Centres, involving masses through Jan Andolan for their participation on nutrition through various activities, among others. India Hypertension Management Initiative (IHMI) (Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources) Aim: Reduce disability and death related to cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death in India, by improving the control of high blood pressure (hypertension), reducing salt consumption and eliminating artificial trans-fats, leading risk factors for CVD. Strengthen the cardiovascular disease component of the Health Ministry’s National Program for Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS). Focus on strengthening hypertension management and monitoring at the primary health care level, within the existing healthcare system, and is aligned with WHO’s Global HEARTS Initiative and National Guidelines. IHMI: A collaborative project of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), State Governments, World Health Organization (WHO), and Resolve to Save Lives initiative of Vital Strategies. The IHMI is focused on five essential components of scalable treatment of hypertension – Support the adoption of standardized simplified treatment plans for managing high blood pressure Ensure the regular and uninterrupted supply of quality-assured medications Task sharing so health workers who are accessible to patients can distribute medications already prescribed by the medical officer Patient-centered services that reduce the barriers to treatment adherence. Data on hypertension will be improved through streamlined monitoring systems, and the lessons learned and practice-based evidence will inform further interventions to improve cardiovascular care. Please Note Hornbill Festival: The perfect showcase of rich Naga culture and traditions, preserved over the years in the form of music, dance and food. Mirabai Chanu has won gold at the World Weightlifting Championship. 2. Pankaj Advani wins his 18th world title in the recently concluded IBSF World Snooker Championship. 3. Kathakar: International Storytellers Festival: Kathakar is the only oral storytelling festival in India and is a part of Ghummakkad Narain- the Travelling Literature Festival which was started under the aegis of UNESCO in 2010. Kathakar is an attempt to not just preserve the art form but also create new audiences for the same. 4. Indian culture and its many attributes have evolved over centuries. The depth of time has given it a unique strength and character. It is integral and holistic, synthetic and accommodating. That is why it could survive the onslaughts of time and transcend the limits of space. Indianness is characterized by inclusive pluralism; it is rooted in the principle of DHARMO RAKSHATI RAKSHITAH that is - Dharma or the virtuous order, which when protected, protects all without exclusion. 5. First edition of International Symposium to Promote Innovation & Research in Energy Efficiency (INSPIRE 2017): Brings together various stakeholders such as policy makers, innovators, financiers, influencers to showcase best practices in the sector. It provides a platform for energy efficiency community to discuss energy efficiency policies, market transformation strategies, emerging technologies, delivery and business-model driven transformations. The event is further designed to provide global and national thought-leaders and implementers to expand perspectives on energy efficiency and spur ideas and solutions that will help leverage the full potential of energy efficiency and bring its multiple co-benefits to the fore. 6. Education: Education is for Emancipation Enlightenment Empowerment Employment Empathy Four Pillars of Learning as enunciated in 1996 UNESCO Commission on Education: Learning to Know (KNOWLEDGE) Learning to do (SKILLS) Learning to be (PERSONALITY) Learning to live together (Understanding, appreciation of interdependence) 7. Skill India partners with Airbnb to Upskill Hospitality Entrepreneurs: The MoU will provide hospitality skills training to hospitality micro-entrepreneurs in India. 8. India has taken several initiatives to address the issues related to climate change including taking forward the concept of “climate justice and sustainable lifestyles”, which forms an integral part of the Paris Agreement NDCs include reducing the emissions intensity of our GDP by 33 to 35 per cent by 2030 from 2005 level Achieve about 40 per cent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources by 2030 Creating an additional sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon-dioxide equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030. On the domestic front, India envisages an increase in the overall renewable energy installed to capacity to 175 GW by 2022. To achieve our climate goals, Government is implementing the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) which encompasses eight national missions. The broad policy initiatives of the government are supplemented by actions of the State Governments through their State Action Plan on Climate Change  

MindMaps

IASbaba’s MINDMAP : Issue – Doubling Farmers Income

IASbaba’s MINDMAP : Issue – Doubling Farmers Income 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

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus]- 4th December 2017

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 4th December 2017 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) 1st Phase of Chabahar port launched Part of: Mains GS Paper II- International relations. Key pointers: The first phase of Iran’s Chabahar port, which holds significant strategic and economic importance for India, was launched recently. The overall development of the port is planned in four phases. India, Iran and Afghanistan have signed an agreement to grant preferential treatment and tariff reductions at Chabahar to Indian goods headed toward Central Asia and Afghanistan. Significance of Chabahar port: The port allows India to bypass Pakistan and reach land-locked Afghanistan and Central Asian countries. New Delhi views the Chabahar port project as a strategic response to China’s development of the Gwadar port in Pakistan, and its aggressive pursuit of the Belt and Road Initiative. It is also key to accessing the Central Asian markets for Indian goods. Once the project is complete, Chabahar will be linked with the International North-South Transportation Corridor (INSTC), which currently stretches from the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas in the Gulf to Russia, Eurasia and Europe. The port will increase the capacity of loading and unloading of ships as well as the employment rate in the province, according to an official with the Sistan and Baluchestan Ports and Maritime Organisation. Article link: Click here US withdraws from the New York declaration Part of: Mains GS Paper II- International relations. Key pointers: New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants intends at protecting the rights of migrants. The declaration calls for a global compact on migration, and is expected to be adopted next year. Rationale given- staying in the agreement would be inconsistent with American immigration policy. The decision is consistent with efforts by the Donald Trump administration to limit incoming immigration and refugee settlement. Article link: Click here 'Green Habitat' Concept Part of: Mains GS Paper III- Environment and ecology. In news: Amid concerns about unscientific construction practises, the Kerala government is considering promoting a 'green habitat' concept giving thrust to eco-friendly and reusable building materials, natural water storage and solid waste management. The 'green habitat' concept: The buildings, under the concept, are planned to be designed in such a way that natural sunlight and wind is used to maximum and the usage of electricity reduces to the minimum. A rainwater harvesting or natural water storage system will be a feature of such 'green' buildings, where even kitchen and drainage water would be recycled and reused for other household purposes. Need: The danger posed by unscientific construction practices. The scarcity of conventional building materials. Article link: Click here (MAINS EXCLUSIVE) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 1 and 2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources Social empowerment Population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues India: The Hungry Nation ‘An empty stomach is not a good political advisor.’ —Albert Einstein Per capita food production in India has increased by 26% (2004-05 to 2013-14) It has doubled in the last 50 years. This kind of growth rate in food production is expected to reduce hunger significantly over time. However, Global Hunger Index (GHI) report prepared by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) shows India’s hunger level in very poor light. What does the Global Hunger Index (GHI) report highlights? The 2017 GHI score has ranked India 100 out of the 119 countries listed. India is identified as one among the worst performers and underachievers in addressing food and nutrition security. India’s 2017 GHI score is at the high end of the ‘serious’ category, and is one of the main factors pushing South Asia to the category of worst performing region on the GHI this year. As of 2015-16, more than a fifth [21%] of children in India suffer from wasting [low weight for height] — up from 20% in 2005-2006. India’s child wasting rate has not shown any substantial improvement over the past 25 years. India has made considerable improvement in reducing its child stunting rate, down 29% since 2000, but even that progress leaves India with a relatively high stunting rate of 38.4. Despite improvements, India still faces a problem of undernourishment and poor child health. India’s high ranking on the Global Hunger Index [GHI] again this year brings to the fore the disturbing reality of the country’s stubbornly high proportions of malnourished children. Even with the massive scale up of national nutrition-focused programmes in India, drought and structural deficiencies have left large number of poor in India at risk of malnourishment in 2017. About Global Hunger Index The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is designed to comprehensively measure and track hunger globally and by country and region. Calculated each year by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), the GHI highlights successes and failures in hunger reduction and provides insights into the drivers of hunger. By raising awareness and understanding of regional and country differences in hunger, the GHI aims to trigger actions to reduce hunger. The GHI, now in its 12th year, ranks countries based on four key indicators — the percentage of population that is undernourished; percentage of children under five years who suffer from wasting; percentage of children under five who suffer from stunting, and child mortality. The report ranked 119 countries in the developing world, nearly half of which have ‘extremely alarming,’ ‘alarming’ or ’serious’ hunger levels. Major factors responsible for poor ranking: Evidence shows that weight and height of children are not solely determined by food intake but are an outcome of a complex interaction of factors related to genetics, the environment, sanitation and utilisation of food intake. The IFPRI acknowledges that only 45% of child mortality is due to hunger or undernutrition. India’s ranking in terms of child mortality, child stunting and child wasting is 80, 106 and 117, respectively. Typically, groups with the least social, economic, or political power suffer hunger or malnutrition. This uneven distribution of hunger and malnutrition in all its forms is rooted in inequalities of social, political, and economic power. Socioeconomic class and geography intersect with, and often surpass, gender as an axis of inequality. “Power imbalances, often stemming from economic inequalities, are key factors in the way food systems operate”. Families’ income, social status, and location often appear to play a greater role in determining hunger. Hunger and inequality are inextricably linked. Recent policy actions: India has developed and launched an action plan on ‘undernourishment free India’ by 2022. The plan shows stronger commitment and greater investments in tackling malnutrition in the coming years. Article 47 of the Constitution, inter alia, provides that the state shall regard the raising of the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people and the improvement of public health as among its primary duties. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to which India is a signatory, also cast responsibilities on all state parties to recognise the right of everyone to adequate food. The Food Security Bill recognises the right to food which is the aim to a hunger-free nation. The Food security is not just a matter of the availability of food, but even more of the access of households and individuals to sufficient nutritious food. By committing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the international community promised to eradicate hunger and reduce inequality by 2030. Yet the world is still not on track to reach this target. Conclusion: India today is home to the third largest number of dollar billionaires in the world but, at the same time, harbours within its borders a third of the world’s poor and hungry. It’s high time to think whether we have to accept the bullet train or control hunger, malnutrition and child mortality. The governments must actively include in the policy-making process under-represented groups, such as small-scale farmers and disadvantaged groups, to reduce poverty and hunger. Connecting the dots: What do you mean by Global Hunger Index? India comes under the serious category in the report. This is despite multiple schemes launched by the government. Critically discuss the reasons behind. 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 Diversion of R. Brahmaputra by China In news: China is planning to divert the waters of the Yarlung Tsangpo (the upper stream of India’s Brahmaputra) to its water-starved Xinjiang province. Xinjiang, China’s largest administrative division, comprises vast swathes of uninhabitable deserts and dry grasslands. A 1000 km-long tunnel is being tested in order to transfer water. South-North Water Transfer project: The diversion has been a long-standing part of the grand South-North Water Transfer project conceptualised as early as in the 1950s by Mao Zedong. Understanding the flow of the river: The Brahmaputra is identified as the flow downstream of the meeting of three tributaries, namely Luhit, Dibang and Dihang, near Sadiya. Out of the total length of the Brahmaputra of 2,880 km, 1,625 km is in Tibet flowing as Yarlung Tsangpo, 918 km is in India known as Siang, Dihang and Brahmaputra and the rest 337 km in Bangladesh has the name Jamuna till it merges into Padma near Goalando. As a trans-Himalayan tributary, Yarlung is substantially fed by snow and glacial melts, in addition to rainfall. Snow and glacial melt, the main source of run-off in the Tibetan region, contributes negligibly to the total flow. Understanding the geography of the region: The Tibetan Plateau, often referred to as “the roof of the world”, stops the monsoon from the Indian Ocean reaching Xinjiang, leaving the Gobi Desert in the north and the Taklimakan desert in the south unsuitable for human settlement. The Xinjiang province of China comprises of this desert area. Adverse impacts: For India, national security implications follow as the Yarlung Tsangpo also flows into a disputed border region with China. Another concern relates to the impact of the projects on the sediment flows. Water diversion can affect sediment flow. The region is also earthquake-prone and it could lead to a huge natural disaster. Any project that diverts water from upstream Brahmaputra is likely to annoy both New Delhi and Dhaka, as the river is a major water resource for both northeastern India and Bangladesh. Key points: There are four critical points that emerge from the history of interactions over water between China and India- The Brahmaputra agreement between China and India is a suboptimal arrangement within broader bilateral relations. As per the current agreement, China has thus far agreed to share hydrological data on the Yarlung Tsangpo/Brahmaputra (YTB) during the monsoon seasons. The agreement, at best, is a piecemeal discount offered by China. Despite two decades of negotiation, further cooperation on water, however, is in a state of a deadlock. Discussions over the YTB have often been overshadowed by the border dispute. Sino-Indian history is replete with examples wherein despite tense bilateral relations, cooperation over transboundary rivers have occurred. For instance, despite border incursion by the Chinese army in the Depsang Valley in Ladakh in 2013, China and India went ahead to sign the extension of the 2002 Memorandum of Understanding on data sharing on the Brahmaputra river. However, there has been no progress in discussing more important issues of who has the right to how much water and the impact of dams and diversions on the upper reaches of the river. China’s approach to transboundary water sharing is shifting towards multilateral arrangements. In 2015, China signed the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) framework along with five other countries through which the Mekong flows. In South Asia, China has been insistent in establishing greater ties with Bangladesh on flood forecasting, water technologies, and water management. India, on the other hand, prefers bilateral relations, as it has with Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. China charges approximately $125,000 for the data it provides to India; at the same time, it sends similar data to Bangladesh for free. By way of improving relationship with Bangladesh, China could well be aiming to encircle India to reach a deal on the sharing of YTB that favours China’s objective of economic expansionism. The Indian approach to the YTB issue is influenced by developmental imperatives and domestic politics. The Brahmaputra is an important resource for India’s own water diversion plans – the national river interlinking project – and is considered a powerhouse to meet India’s energy demands in the future. India tends to play the lower riparian card to gain sympathy from its domestic political constituencies, especially of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. What India needs to do? India will need to be more adept in responding to Brahmaputra river-related issues. India needs to clearly envision the desired end goal and strategic outcomes for dealing with impending water conflicts. India needs to de-emphasise China’s role for the time being and re-strengthen its relationship with Bangladesh. It needs to push the impending Teesta river agreement and restore its image as a responsible upper riparian. India needs to mirror its strength and firmness in negotiations with China on water rights, as it did in the case of the Doklam stand-off and in opposing the Belt and Road Initiative, rather than projecting itself as a victim. Conclusion: There are currently no water treaties between India, China, and Bangladesh. India will certainly have to take a strong stand as far as this project goes, as it can be disastrous for India and Bangladesh. Connecting the dots: China is planning to divert the rivers of R. Brahmaputra by building 1000-km tunnel. Discuss the implications of such a diversion. Also suggest ways India needs to tackle the issue. 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Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 94]

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 94] Archives Q.1) BUNKER Convention is administered by OPEC OECD IMO WTO Q.2) Consider the following statements about Ballast Water Management Convention It aims to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms from one region to another and halt damage to the marine environment from ballast water discharge India has ratified the Ballast Water Management Convention Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) It is contagious It was first identified in India There is no vaccine for SARS to date Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.4) Consider the following statements Article 345 of the Constitution deals with official language or languages of a state Urdu was declared as the second official language of Telangana Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) India Youth Development Index and Report 2017 is released by NITI Aayog IIM Ahmedabad Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development None of the above To Download the Solution – Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Why So Serious – Inspirational & Educative Articles

Why So Serious? It takes a certain amount of effort to look at our lives and study the attitude we have towards who we are , what we are doing and where we are headed. Attitude is the invisible space between two actions that is filled by our personality and individuality. Understanding our attitude towards things reveals the underlying motives and desires driving our actions. Let us take an example of being serious about something. Most of us have simply assumed that being serious equals dedication, focus, determination and all other great qualities that are useful. Seriousness has become synonymous with hard working. The fact of it however is that there is absolutely no connection between being serious and being focused. Seriousness is just our excuse to remain unhappy and miserable. There is a part of us that really wants to be serious and miserable. This part of us goes on coloring all our activities with shades of seriousness. In fact seriousness is a kind of immaturity. It is a sign of fear and insecurity. The more unsure you are of what you are doing, the more serious you will be. We have a deep addiction to seriousness. We have a deep rooted subconscious belief that if we are not seriousness about something, we are wasting our time. This is reflected in almost everything we do. Not a day goes by without someone telling us, be serious about your life. This one statement has caused more pain and misery to humanity than anything else – Be Serious. It is funny how the word ‘serious’ applies both to a clinically ill patient and to someone who is trying to accomplish something important in life! Seriousness is a serious problem in our society now. Especially when so many people are taking it seriously! We have to do something serious to tackle this serious problem of seriousness. You see – How depressing the word ‘Seriousness’ sounds. Just using it a few times in a paragraph makes us irritated. Just imagine, we have been living with seriousness our whole lives and it has become an integral part of our lives. No wonder our life has lost its beauty, wonder, joy and simplicity. Seriousness has taken all the fun out of our activities. It has taken away our creativity and intelligence. It has made us dull and boring. Sincerity towards something is more than enough to be focused and dedicated to accomplish something. Effort is anyways an integral part of everything we do, why not just be sincere about it. Why make everything so serious. Something changes within us the moment we make the distinction between seriousness and sincerity and choose the later. A huge burden is lifted from our shoulders. We can be playful and joyful and still accomplish all our tasks. A new dimension of intelligence opens up when we drop seriousness. The articles are a copyright of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA

AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : Cooperative Movement in India

Cooperative Movement in India ARCHIVES Search 20th September2017 http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 1 Social empowerment General Studies 2 Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders Background The cooperative movement in India owes its origin to agriculture and allied sectors. Towards the end of the 19th century, the problems of rural indebtedness and the consequent conditions of farmers created an environment for the chit funds and cooperative societies. The farmers generally found the cooperative movement an attractive mechanism for pooling their meagre resources for solving common problems relating to credit, supplies of inputs and marketing of agricultural produce. The experience gained in the working of cooperatives led to the enactment of Cooperative Credit Societies Act, 1904. Under the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919, cooperation became a provincial subject and the provinces were authorised to make their own cooperative laws. Under the Government of India Act, 1935, cooperatives were treated as a provincial subject. In the Constitution of India, ‘Cooperative Societies’ is a State Subject under entry No.32 of the State List. At present As India has a rich history of cooperative movement, after independence, cooperatives assumed a great significance in poverty removal and faster socio-economic growth.  Cooperatives were an integral part of the Five Year Plans. There was green revolution where India got self sufficiency in food grain production. In late 1960s there was white revolution and national dairy development board was established which created the trusted and indigenous brand of AMUL. An important leader in the cooperative movement was Lakshman rao inamdar who made cooperatives an important part of people’s lives in Gujarat and Maharashtra. PM recently spoke about challenges for those involved in cooperative movement. Though there is success in milk and food grain production, but there is need to go into new areas. Few states have attempted new areas such as sugarcane production is through cooperatives in Maharashtra and In Gujarat, there is knowledge revolution where children of 1st to 12th standard have got computer access through cooperatives. Scope and future of cooperative movement The cooperative movement has been till now limited to agriculture and its allied sectors. In rural areas, there are many landless and agriculture as occupation. Either they will be agricultural labour or resort to allied activities. In the time period, the agriculture as an occupation has also shrunk and land holding became less because of population exposure. Thus, it is important to make more and more rural people understand that agriculture is not the only source of income for rural people. How to increase rural incomes? The new aim of India is to increase farmers’ income by 2022 where 65% of population is dependent on agriculture. At the same time, 2/3rd of population is below 35 years, so a lot of people are joining the working age group every year. Hence, skilling the youth every year is also important. Government can’t do everything. The industry is based on demand and supply mechanism. So therefore the greater scope available for the cooperative is to provide meaningful and gainful opportunities to youth of rural and urban areas As the GDP from agriculture is coming down and dependence of population on agriculture is coming down because of decreasing income from agriculture, now is the time for rural areas to either have mechanisation in the agricultural tasks they do to increase efficiency and hereby increase income or skill youth to earn their own livelihood. Education, skill development and cooperatives can play a role in increasing income of rural people. Cooperatives are lagging behind The future of cooperative movement is bright but it has to be handled with care. Deformities in cooperative movement have been found with regards to Chit fund scam in west Bengal, Odisha and Bihar. Due to such incidences, the trust of cooperative institutions have gone down, particularly in finances. Also, the movement has not spread to the northern states because of a cultural deficiency. In south it is popular as they don’t have sources and assets. In north they have sources such as land and assets which prefer them to work independently. Other areas of cooperatives Papad making business and masala making business by rural women has become successful. Neem coated with urea can have cooperative platform. Bee keeping doesn’t require agriculture land which can promote cooperative development. There is a huge market for honey as well as beewax Sericulture Sea weed culture in coastal areas where the produce can be utilised in pharma sector Conclusion The new areas are emerging with the advancement of technology. For example, there is Israeli technology in agriculture which requires skilled labour. Hence, Skill development centres can be run by cooperative societies in rural areas. To check irregularities in cooperatives, there have to be rules and stricter implementation. There should be market linkages for agricultural farmers as well as cooperative societies. The main issue is that they are not getting the market which doesn’t encourage cooperative development. In the end, the first principle of the cooperative movement is to unite everyone, even while remaining anonymous. The cooperative movement has the capacity to solve people’s problems. Connecting the dots: Describe the importance of cooperatives Indian economy.

IASbaba's Bimonthly Gist of EPW

Hello Friends,  Continuing our effort towards right guidance and quality coverage to assist you in all possible ways, we are glad to introduce this new initiative where Frontline, IDSA and Economic and Political Weekly (EPW) will be covered considering the relevance of UPSC Examination. This is the first edition of EPW- Bimonthly Magazine. Hope you all like it :) DOWNLOAD THE MAGAZINE

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