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IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 17th November 2017 Archives NATIONAL TOPIC: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; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections Tackling Inequality through Gender and Region-based Reservations Introduction: A report released by Credit Suisse revealed that the richest 1% Indians owned 53% of the country’s wealth, while the share of the top 10% was 76.30%. In other words, 90% of India owns less than a quarter of the country’s wealth. The main theme of World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meet 2017 which took place in Washington, DC during October month focused on tackling inequality. IMF 2017 Annual Meet Main Theme: “Fiscal Monitor, Tackling Inequality” The Fiscal Monitor observed that inclusive growth is receiving attention because of rising inequalities and slowing economic growth. Tackling Inequality is important as excessive inequality can erode “social cohesion, lead to political polarization, and ultimately lower economic growth”. IMF Fiscal Monitor also observed that inequality of opportunity is higher in emerging countries and recommended that effective public policy, especially on education, can help address this inequality which can lead to enhancing human capital and productivity. India’s position: India is characterised by high inequality – due to diversity in income, language, religion, culture and social status. Nearly one third of youth (especially of under-privileged classes) are unemployed and are not engaged in training or learning institutions. The literacy rate in India remains lower than most emerging economies. Inequality in access to education is large. In 2015, nearly 60 per cent of employers had reported difficulties in recruitment because of talent shortages and nearly half of our skilled youth are unemployable. There is also a need to do more to integrate North-East with the rest of India. In the North-Eastern States, unemployment, and poverty rates are generally higher than that of All-India. These unemployed youth are most vulnerable to drug abuse, as in Punjab, and other anti-social activities within the country. Illustratively, the incidence of stone pelting in Kashmir for payment of Rs. 500 per day as was widely reported in media, is a clear example of unemployed youth being vulnerable to exploitation by vested interests. Tackling inequality by expanding reservations: To provide equality of status and opportunity in education and employment, the principle of reservation was adopted so that the underprivileged classes could come at par with so-called privileged classes. India’s affirmative action policy has largely been confined and practised in the government sector, including jobs, and public education institutions. Indian government now considers expanding reservation to other social parameters, for instance – expanding reservation based on gender and region-based. Gender-based reservation: The participation of women in economic and formal workforce has been rather low. Nepal has 80 per cent of women are in the formal workforce while in India only 31 per cent are in the economic workforce. In emerging economies, as well as advanced countries, female participation is significantly higher than that of India. There are empirical studies, including those from the multilateral institutions like the IMF, demonstrating that female participation enhances economic growth. Also, following principles of Gandhiji, it would be useful to consider having more women through gender-based reservations in educational and vocational institutions, and in work places. Region-based reservation: In order to usher prosperity and achieve better integration with rest of country, the Union Government had mooted the idea of Second Green Revolution in North-East. However, the policy of reservation can be effectively used to achieve objectives such as – education, employment and to tackle inequality in North East. The government through University Grants Commission has launched special schemes like Ishan Uday and Ishan Vikas to encourage undergraduate students. Components of Ishan Uday and Ishan Vikas: Visit of Class IX and Class XI students to 22 premier institutes [IITs, National Institutes of Techonology (NITs) and Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs)] Summer Internship for Engineering College students of the North-East for a duration of seven weeks at the Premier Institutes like IITs, NITs and IISERs. The Ministry of Human Resource Development has approved release of Rs. 605.45 lakhs from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to IIT, Guwahati under the Ishan Vikas programme. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched “Ishan Uday” a Special Scholarship Scheme for North East Region (NER) from academic session 2014-15. Under the scheme ten thousand fresh scholarships are to be provided for general degree course, technical and professional courses including medical and para-medical courses. Also, the Government has been making numerous efforts in spreading quality education in different states by opening institutions of excellence like All India Institutes of Medical Sciences, Indian Institutes of Technology and Indian Institutes of Management. Conclusion: It looks more prudent now to consider and expand such ‘Gender and Region-based reservations’ along with ‘Caste-based reservation’ not only in areas of education but others such as employment. In a diverse country like India, to begin with, the government could consider such reservations in employment in government educational institutions and public sector enterprises. Annual reports of government institutions could publish a diversity index where region-wise employment status could be provided along with traditional caste-based reservation status. This adequate diversity of both language and culture, could help in achieving one and new India as in the case of the Naga, Assam or Madras regiments in the Indian Army. The lack of opportunity to different citizens of India, which prides in diversity, could also be stifling economic growth. Therefore, the increase in gender and regional diversity in workforce will achieve sustainable and inclusive growth, as well as equitable distribution of progress and income. Connecting the dots: Reservation is an affirmative action taken by the Government to cater to the needs of the backward classes. However, there is a need to compliment Caste-based reservations with Gender and Region-based reservations for tackling inequality effectively. Elucidate. Critically examine the need for expanding reservations to effectively tackle inequality, enhance human capital and productivity. HEALTH/NATIONAL 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 Antimicrobial Resistance: On rise In news: Antibiotic awareness week is being observed globally. Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global threat and developing countries like India are at the epicentre of this problem. The emergence of drug resistant pathogens happens when bacteria adapt to the presence of low dose antibiotics. Public health at risk: AMR poses big challenges to treating common infectious diseases, resulting in prolonged infection, disability and death. Without effective antimicrobials, to check and treat infections, medical procedures such as organ transplantation, chemotherapy, diabetes management and major surgeries become high-risk affairs. This situation becomes a public health issue but it also threatens to undermine the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. How grave is the situation? The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) AMR surveillance network recently reported that resistance to the broad-spectrum antibiotics was more than 70 per cent in case of various bacteria. All classes of antibiotics have been reported for resistance in at least some of the pathogens they have been intended to treat. The emergence and spread of resistance mechanisms to last-resort antibiotics is a major threat for infection control and treatment worldwide. Main sources of AMR: Pharmaceutical industry effluents: In India, effluents generated from pharmaceutical industries are treated as per the pharmaceutical wastewater discharge guidelines prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board. The current standards do not include antibiotic residues, and they are not monitored in the pharmaceutical industry effluents. No consensus guidelines on the antibiotic residue discharge limits in industrial waste globally. The existing framework under the WHO (2016) is restricted to drug safety and does not include environmental safeguards. Discharge of untreated urban waste: The uncontrolled discharge of untreated urban waste is another major source for AMR. Large proportions of the wastewater from hospitals, communities and urban runoff is discharged untreated or partially treated into rivers, lakes and seas. Veterinary source: Antibiotic consumption in animal food. The misuse of antibiotics in poultry, livestock and fish to treat and prevent infections is very common. National Action Plan: In India, a national action plan, meant to deal with the issue of AMR, focuses on six priority areas — Awareness and understanding through education. Communication and training. Strengthening knowledge and evidence through surveillance. Infection prevention and control. Optimised antimicrobial use in health, animals and food. AMR-related research and innovation and strengthened leadership and commitment at international, and national. It highlights the need for the integrated approach in multiple sectors such as human health, animal husbandry, agriculture and environment to overcome the AMR issues. Global action plan (GAP) on AMR, 2015: It was developed by the WHO, the Food and Agricultural Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health. Way forward: The issue of substandard drugs must be dealt with by enforcing tighter regulations. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has set standards for antibiotic residues in food products of animal origin. Improving the implementation of existing regulations around antibiotic use in poultry, livestock and fisheries will help in reducing unnecessary use of antibiotics in veterinary sector. A global standard must be developed on limits of antibiotic residue in industrial discharge. Conclusion: AMR threatens to undo the gains made by India in the control of infectious diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, HIV and other infections. Addressing the issue is the need of the hour. Given the complex nature of the problem, no individual nation has the capacity to address this problem independently and thus a global cooperation is required. Connecting the dots: Antimicrobial resistance in India is only rising despite the National Action Plan, for tackling the same, in place. In this light discuss what more needs to be done in India and the need of global cooperation. Further reading: New Rules on Antibiotic Resistance by WHO PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS National Anti-Profiteering Authority Part of: Main GS Paper III - Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment The Union Cabinet recently approved the creation of the National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA). Key PT Pointers: NAA, the apex body is mandated to ensure that the benefits of the reduction in GST rates on goods or services are passed on to the ultimate consumers by way of a reduction in prices. The authority has been granted wide ranging powers, including to cancel the registration of offending firms in extreme cases. Central focus: According to the rules, if the NAA confirms that there is a need to apply antiprofiteering measures- It can order the sup plier to reduce its prices or return the undue benefit availed by it along with interest to the recipient of the goods or services. If above can’t be done, then the company can be ordered to deposit the amount in the Consumer Welfare Fund. Article link: Click here International Conference on SDGs held in India Part of: Main GS Paper III - Environment and Ecology, Pollution, Health Issue Key PT pointer: The first major international conference on the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be organised in India, was held in Mysuru. Keynotes: Values of sustainable living must be imbibed at a young age if planet Earth had to be saved. By 2070 the world will be 70% urban, and therefore, the future of the world was one with the future of cities. Goal 11 of the SDGs pertained to sustainable cities. The challenge facing us now is that the “do-how” or ways of adopting change is lacking. The youth of today are going to be the force to make the change possible. Article link: Click here Al-Qaeda's vernacular push Part of: Main GS Paper III - Internal Security Key pointers: Al-Qaeda has launched its first organised campaign to use the Internet to recruit support across India. In the Indian Subcontinent it has begun online distribution of Tamil, Bengali and Hindi translations of key jihadists. The organisation’s vernacular push reflects the increasing reliance of the jihadist movement on recruits from states in the southern, western and eastern regions. The organisation appears to want to use the online world to raise its image, as the Islamic State did. Article link : Click here Universal Health Coverage definition Part of: Main GS Paper II - Social issue, Welfare and Health WHO’s definition of UHC: One of the goals of sustainable development the definition includes- Financial risk protection (against medical expenses). Access to quality essential health care services. Access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all. In 2011, a high-level expert committee, was formed by the erstwhile Planning Commission. It submitted its report on UHC but nothing much came of it. TB elimination in India: Steps being taken India has adopted the National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Elimination 2017-25. TB kills an estimated 480,000 Indians every year and more than 1,400 every day. India is spending $3 billion of domestic funds towards TB elimination. The three pillars of TB elimination are Aadhaar, Jan Dhan Yojana and Nikshay, a web-based platform for notification and tracking of TB patients. Commercial serological tests for TB has been banned and every district is being provided with a GenExpert machine (for TB detection). Article link : Click here MUST READ The ASEAN outreach The Hindu About dignity Indian Express Reflections from inside a toxic city Livemint Upgrading the public education system Livemint A story of skewed priorities Business Line
UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 83] Archives Q.1) Réunion, an island in Indian Ocean is an French Territory British Territory Spanish Territory Dutch Territory Q.2) What does virtual water (VW) imply? Volume of heavy water required to replace ordinary water Volume of water required to produce a commodity Volume of water saved by using rainwater harvesting Volume of water utilized by an effective flood control Q.3) Consider the following statements The Headquarters of the International Organisation for Standardization are located in Rome. ISO 9001 is related to the quality management system and standards. ISO 14000 relates to environmental management system standards. Which of the statements is/are correct? 1, 2 and 3 3 only 2 and 3 None Q.4) Who among the following repealed the Vernacular Press Act? Lord Dufferin Lord Ripon Lord Curzon Lord Hardinge Q.5) Universal Product Code (UPC) is associated with? Against adulteration eatables Earthquake-resistant building code Fire safety code in buildings Bar code To Download the Solution – Click here All The Best IASbaba
Economic Survey Volume 2 ARCHIVES Search 13th August 2017 http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. Till now, the second part of economic survey was given before budget. But as the budget was advanced by a month, the first part was given in February and the second part was given in August. This part talks about mid-term review of performance of economy in country. This economic survey has projected the economic growth wherein in comparison to that given in first part- 6.75%-7.5% of GDP, the second part has moderated that it may not reach or achieve the upper limit of the range given in first part. In the last 6 months, the economy and policy has moved in direction where as compared to the earlier stance of 7.5% GDP looking more achievable, the chances are that GDP growth rate would end up to lower range, which is 6.75%. Some reasons are: Farm loan waivers Lack of interest rate cut in economy Twin balance sheet problem due to NPAs Expenditures increase due to pay commission recommendation Lack of growth in real economy Impact of new policy reforms Though introduction of GST and demonetisation has created some hiccups in the initial stages of implementation, their impact would bring positives which would be apparent from next financial year. So the projection is in a balanced manner with growth projection below 7%. But if the government maintains policy stance and comes out with reforms, then year afters will be better. Critical of RBI’s stand This economic survey is directly hitting at RBI. Even the fiscal deficit projection and the target. The survey says that the fiscal deficit would be around 3.5% and inflation at 3%. The survey says this is achievable as the tax revenue is buoyant and there is good amount of foreign exchange reserve. So on the lower side of fiscal deficit, good balance of account situation. The government objective is to push growth but RBI has different objective for growth. Its priority is to maintain inflation at the committed level +/-2% to +/-6%. The inflations is expected to be below 4% level in next year. If the RBI thinks that inflation might come under pressure which is 4%, then it will maintain the higher interest rates. There is no guarantee that even if RBI cuts 50 or 75 basis points, the economic activity will pick up immediately. Hence to spur growth in the economy, there has to be one eye on global appetite for demand and another on the domestic demand, global and domestic investment in India. Investment scenario There is substantive growth in FDI in India as it is raised to $43.4 billion in 2016-17. FDI in services, telecom and banking sector is more. Majority of FDI came from Singapore, Mauritius and Japan. Thus, India has historic level of FDI in country. There has been investment opportunities from world and it is because of the demand expected which is more than domestic investment. There are indication that foreign companies and countries are interested in India and growth projection around 7% is a big factor. But until and unless domestic demand, domestic investment picks up and there is optimal capacity utilisation in the economy and the government tackles persisting challenges, it will be difficult to take the economy to 7.5 to 8% level. How to spur growth? Interest rate cuts depend on how RBI sees inflation projection Reform areas- the government has established the fact that it can undertake big measures. So now, labour reforms should be taken up at the earliest. Bankruptcy code- the government has given RBI the powers so that NPA are tackled. Air India privatisation- if such big privatisation policies are taken, it will be good in long term for fiscal policy. FDI liberalisation- more areas if possible Land acquisition bill changes revival Current situation suggests that if these incremental reforms are taken and done then in next 2-3 years, investment will start taking up. Agriculture in economy Agriculture has 16% contribution in GDP but the population dependence is more than 50%. Due to this factor, farm loan waiver has become a political fashion. This is not going to help as it will be a recurring problem. The states have come in competition to woo farmers for their political gain. Agriculture needs special attention. There has been liberalization in food retail. But in agriculture, the basics have to be changed the way food production is tackled, the way the government buys food and the way government provides subsidies to the farmers. Once FDI enters in multi-brand, with new capital new technology will come. India is suffering from highest wastage of food grains. With FDI, the agriculture will get mechanized in India. In last 30-40 years, production of wheat and rice is taken by FCI. The requirement is to shift rice production from Haryana and Punjab to eastern India and bring more cash crops over there with high technology and less water consumption. The farmers get subsidies in fertilizers, electricity, seed, irrigation etc. The government will have to identify a scheme where there is composite subsidy. Farmers who need subsidy can be given per hectare subsidy in form of cash. There has to be one market for agriculture and bring in private companies in food retailing to conserve food. Thus, there is a need for gradual and incremental reforms. Growth Outlook summary Balance of risks to growth has shifted to the downside Structural decline in inflation and inflation outlook create scope for lower rates Neutral nominal rates based on RBI studies of neutral real rates between 5.25 and 5.75%. if growth below potential and there is economic slack, actual rate must be below neutral For fiscal outlook, Downside risks include GST receipts, growth outlook, spectrum receipts, 7th Pay Commission but the upside is compliance benefits from the GST and Demonetization For agriculture, there should be remunerative MSPs backed by effective procurement. Also, time is ripe to consider whether direct support (as opposed to indirect support) can be more effective Connecting the dots: Highlight the critical points of Volume 2 of Economic Survey.
Pakistan Role in South Asian Terror Archives TOPIC: General Studies 3 Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security. Pakistan government has withdrawn terrorism charges against Mumbai terror attack master mind JuD chief Hafeez Saeed, paving the way for his release. In January Hafeez Saeed and his four aids were detained for 90 days under preventive detention under the anti-terrorism act of 1997. This action was taken by the financial action task force by freezing their assets just to hold off possible US pressure. They had been house arrest since then. With the release, it is being becoming clear that Pakistan is going back on the commitment to fight terror. The so called house arrest was never really enforced. The present decision was bound to follow given the ISI’s change in tact where the terrorist organizations are used as a political party. This is at the army’s prompting. They want the counterweight to the main political parties. When these people are streamlined into Pakistani politics, they automatically get out of terrorist label and are accorded certain level of legitimacy by Pakistani state. This complicates Hafeez Saeed’s case against him as he can legitimately say that he is not associated with terrorism. The Mumbai terror attack case was not going to be opened in Pakistan so there was no way Hafeez Saeed was to remain under house arrest for more time. Pakistan combating terrorism- An eyewash? Pakistan too has been a victim of terror. The distinction between good and bad terrorism has hurt Pakistan. They have always teamed the Lashkar or JuD as good part of terrorism. Yet, Pakistan was never serious in dealing with terrorism. They considered it their natural ally and asset by nurturing organisations like JuD and LeT againt India. Haqqani group and Taliban factions are operating in Afghanistan, including US. Thus, Pakistan is using terrorism as its ally to use against its potential enemies. Legitimizing terror outfit Mainstreaming JuD has certain objective of legitimizing them in a domestic political role because JuD has anti-sectarian image. Its record in Pakistan is that it has never involved itself in killing shias and also killing minorities in Pakistan. It has not been hostile to them. The Lashkar has been hostile to kafirs abroad, i.e. in India. So it is an agent of state. It has supported the military line that violence or jihad is justified if it is used by state or authorized by state. The army seems to hope to control the hardline elements within these outfits and present better face to international audience. Role of US There was elation in India when US said that India has to play a bigger role in Afghanistan and also went to the extent to blame Pakistan to sponsor terrorism. However, India has to keep in mind that US government policy are in their interests and not India’s. US under trump shouldn’t be taken seriously. India should act in the best interest it fits without worrying about what US means to do. US will never leave Pakistan because it is a frontline state and they need them logistically. Thus, Pakistan will make use of this advantage. Pakistan knows that US’s South Asia policy is not going to succeed without Pakistan and hence they don’t take US warnings seriously. As long as US is not looking at clear cut exit from Afghanistan, troops from US and NATO are on ground, and improvement in relationship with Iran, there is not much scope of alternate route, which is why Pakistan has known this situation well and exploited it. There is another concern that if US pushes Pakistan too much, it can go towards China and Russia and take weapons from there. US certainly doesn’t want that and so it is hardly expected to leave Pakistan’s side. Conclusion India has to deal with Hafeez Saeed and such people operating out of Pakistan. If he is an international terrorist and so labeled with 10 million bounty for actionable evidence against him, why should Indian agencies be stopped to take him out and take bounty. But the point is that it is a policy decision which is left to US, UN and not do it ourselves. If Hafeez Saeed is the problem, it is necessary to deal with the problem. India has to deal on its own by having a strong policy on how to deal with Pakistan. Surgical strikes have shown India’s intent but internationally, still India has to convince people of what Pakistan is doing with state terrorism. Internally, India has to be always vigilante on infiltration and other internal security matters. Even after surgical strikes, there were attacks during peace time. Internal security mechanism is what India has to strengthen. US and Russia will not help India in it. If US is keen to sell aircrafts and oil ships to India, India has to leverage it in its own interest on what US can do with respect to Pakistan on terrorism issue. Connecting the dots: Pakistan has been harbouring terrorism through its state support. Examine role of India in dealing with this menace.
IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 16th November 2017 Archives ENVIRONMENT/ECOLOGY TOPIC:General Studies 3 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Landscape Restoration Approach for sustainable development Why this article is important for UPSC? It deals with land degradation and climate change mitigation strategy. It highlights the flaws in certain Indian State governments’ tree cover and landscape restoration policy/models. It suggests for innovative models and approaches to achieve the country’s climate goals. Introduction: We know that climate change is already having a significant impact on ecosystems, economies and communities. To prevent dangerous levels of global warming governments should act to limit global warming to less than 2ºC by taking concerted action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, restoring forest landscapes is recognized as one of the strategies for tackling some of the major environmental problems of our time, notably climate change, loss of biodiversity and desertification. International efforts: The Paris Agreement Countries across the globe adopted an historic international climate agreement [Paris Agreement] at the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris in December 2015. Long-term goals of the Paris Agreement: to hold the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C; to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C; and to achieve net zero emissions in the second half of this century. Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) Countries publicly outlined what post-2020 climate actions they intended to take under the Paris Agreement, known as their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). INDCs are the primary means for governments to communicate internationally the steps they will take to address climate change in their own countries. The climate actions communicated in these INDCs largely determine whether the world achieves the above provided long-term goals of the Paris Agreement. Bonn Challenge The Bonn Challenge is a global effort to bring 150 million hectares of deforested and degraded land into restoration by 2020 and 350 million hectares by 2030. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) UN Convention on Biological Diversity (2011-2020) sets the bold goal of restoring at least 15% of the world’s degraded ecosystems by 2020. National efforts: In 2015, India made a Bonn Challenge commitment – to restore 13 million hectares of degraded land by 2020 and an additional 8 million hectares by 2030. India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) have also pledged to sequester 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent additionally by 2030 through enhanced tree cover. The National Mission for Green India (GIM) is one of the eight Missions outlined under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). It aims at protecting; restoring and enhancing India’s diminishing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures. To achieve this, India will need to extend tree cover on at least 28-34 million hectares, outside of the existing forest cover. Flaws in tree cover/landscape restoration policy: To achieve the above commitments, different States are working on various models and approaches to improve the ecology. For example, in July this year, Madhya Pradesh planted 66 million trees in 12 hours to enter the record books, overtaking Uttar Pradesh’s record of planting 49.3 million trees in a day, in 2016. Other States are also expected to follow suit. However, studies highlight that there is an over-reliance on plantations and neither the Bonn Challenge nor the NDCs are about large-scale plantations alone. Need for improving the ecology through landscape approach: The Bonn Challenge lays emphasis on landscape approaches — a model aimed at improving the ecology of a landscape as a whole in order to benefit local livelihoods and conserve biodiversity. The NDC lays emphasis not only on carbon sequestration but also adaptation to climate change through a strengthened flow of benefits to local communities that are dependent on forests and agriculture for sustenance. India’s policy framework on forests also lays emphasis on a landscape approach to manage forest and tree cover, so that the flow of multiple ecosystem services — including food security, climate mitigation and adaptation, conservation of biological diversity and water supplies — is secured. Final crux: Landscape approaches are better than large-scale plantations. Landscape approaches seek to provide tools and concepts for allocating and managing land to achieve social, economic, and environmental objectives in areas where agriculture, mining, and other productive land uses compete with environmental and biodiversity goals. (Limitations of large-scale plantation drives) In this context, large-scale plantation drives alone –often do not lay stress on species selection, do not lay stress on the quality of planting materials or survival rates, nor recognize tenure and resource or rights to ensure that the benefit flows to communities, do not really achieve the Paris agreement goals. Way ahead: Shift from Large-scale plantations to Large-scale tree-based interventions Restoration requires more than just planting the right species in large-scale. It has to consider and lay stress on species selection, quality of planting materials and survival rates. It should also consider social, economic, environmental objectives and the benefits to communities. There is a need for improvement of degraded land on a large scale that rebuilds ecological integrity and enhances people’s lives. India has numerous models that are suited for different regions and farm household sizes to draw upon, and must not rely on plantation drives alone to secure environmental and developmental outcomes. Examples of some successful models: The nation practises at least 35 types of agroforestry models that combine different trees that provide timber, fruits, fodder, fuel and fertilizers with food crops. This diversifies income from farming, and improves land productivity. Farmer-managed natural regeneration (FMNR) systems where farmers protect and manage the growth of trees and shrubs that regenerate naturally in their fields from root stock or from seeds dispersed through animal manure can also deliver several economic and ecosystem benefits. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development’s (NABARD’s) ‘Wadi’ model and the Foundation for Ecological Security’s re-greening of village commons project are good examples of tree-based interventions which are proving to have great value in terms of cost-effectiveness as well as the range of benefits they deliver to communities. An important success factor in large-scale tree-based programmes is security of tenure and land rights. Therefore, India needs to design its tree-based programmes better to meet climate goals. It is also important to have in place a performance monitoring system to quantify tree survival rates and the benefits to communities. This can be achieved through a combination of remote sensing, crowd sourced, ground-level monitoring with support from communities and civil society organisations. Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM) As we regenerate trees through different interventions, it is critical to ensure that owners have the right to manage and use these trees. It is also critical to use scientific evidence-based methodology with a participatory approach to determine the right type of tree-based interventions most suitable to a certain land use. Towards this end a tool called the Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM) is being used in 40 countries to find the best methods for landscape restoration. About ROAM The Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM) is a tool produced by IUCN and the World Resources Institute (WRI). It provides a flexible and affordable framework for countries to rapidly identify and analyse areas that are primed for forest landscape restoration (FLR) and to identify specific priority areas at a national or sub-national level. The tool includes rigorous analysis of spatial, legal and socio-economic data and draws on consultations with key stakeholders to determine the right type of interventions. In India, this tool is being piloted in Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh. Therefore through ROAM India can design its tree-based programmes better to meet climate goals. Conclusion: India has the policy framework, the political will and financing to endorse landscape restoration. What we really need now is innovation and imagination to build replicable and scalable models with a participatory approach to achieve the country’s climate goals through landscape restoration. Connecting the dots: What do you understand by the term ‘landscape restoration’? What is its significance for a developing economy like India? Discuss. NATIONAL TOPIC:General Studies 3: Indian economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Disaster and disaster management. Managing urban floods: Revamping hydrological cycle Issue: The ongoing torrential rain in Chennai has once again triggered intense debates on how to prevent a repeat of 2015 Chennai flood disaster. Massive flooding and water logging within a span of few days of torrential rains has become almost a recurring phenomenon. Sadly, the great flood in Chennai in 2015, which left many dead and families impoverished, has not resulted into a policy course correction. Prime reason for the threat of a massive devastation: Chennai’s location - located along the highly volatile coast of Bay of Bengal, where heavy rains and cyclonic storms are common phenomenon. Global warming. Unplanned urban development and poor drainage systems. Uncontrolled growth with no hydrological plan. Role of waterbodies in absorbing excess water: Generally, when there is heavy rain, the natural lakes, ponds, tanks, rivers and inter-linked drainage systems helps replenish the groundwater, hold back some water and release the excess to the ocean. According to Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report, Chennai had more than 600 small water bodies in 1980s, which acted as a natural flood discharge channel and drained the spillover. But currently, only a fraction of them could be found healthy as most of them are encroached upon to make way for concrete structures. For instance, Chennai’s airport is built entirely on the floodplains of Adyar river. The encroachment has resulted in the gradual reduction in the size of some major rivers and lakes. Marshlands over the years have become the largest dumping site for solid waste. In such a case, where open spaces and drainage courses have become the centre of human habitation, the rain water runoff settles on the roads causing extensive flood. The problems exist at pan-India level: The threat of a flooding and encroachments on ecologically sensitive wetlands is not happening in Chennai alone. Recent floods in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Surat shows that most urban centres of India fail to manage their drainage channels. The Standing Committee on Water Resources (2012-13) on “Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies”, in its 16th report underlined that most of the water bodies in the country were encroached upon by municipalities and panchayats. Way forward: Natural disasters cannot be prevented, but better planning ican help mitigate the hazardous effects of such disasters. A constructive urban planning with proper drainage system is the need of the hour. Governments should take stringent action against encroachments on natural reservoirs, which is reducing water storage capacity. A new legislation can be enacted to make encroachments on water bodies a cognizable offense. The community can be involved to monitor the health of the tanks and lakes so that encroachers can be kept out. The key to resolving both the issues of water shortage and flooding lies in repairing, restoration and renovation of small water bodies which have been largely encroached. It is imperative to impose a blanket ban on all construction works in the marshlands. Desilting of small water bodies and drainages should be undertaken in regular intervals. Parks must have ponds and large development areas must have at least a two-acre retention area which will in turn recharge the aquifers. Poor waste management leads to blocking of drains, canals and lakes and the ill-planned road projects are cutting off flood flows. These have to be addressed. Conclusion: The initiatives listed above need to be undertaken on priority basis. Or else the flood related problems will become a recurring phenomenon. Absence of proper drainage, and encroachment of marshlands and water bodies are choking the Indian cities. This should stop. Connecting the dots: Absence of proper drainage, and encroachment of marshlands and water bodies are choking the Indian cities resulting into repeated floods in cities like Chennai. Elaborate how revamping the water bodies and drainage cycle will help solve the issue and what needs to be done in this regard. PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS Early introduction of BS-VI fuel in Delhi Part of: Main GS Paper III – Environment and Ecology, Pollution, Health Issue Key pointers: The Centre has decided to implement BS-VI fuel norms in Delhi by April 1, 2018, instead of the scheduled deadline of April 2020. For the rest of the country, the earlier deadline would remain. This has been done to deal with the critical pollution situation in the national capital. Challenge: Launching of BS-VI vehicles only for Delhi will be challenging as the fuel will not be available outside the capital and BS-VI vehicles cannot run on BS IV fuel. Benefits of early introduction: Early rollout of BS-VI fuel in Delhi gives an opportunity to the vehicle manufacturers to test and validate the BS-VI vehicles being developed by the auto industry so as to be fully ready for the April 2020 deadline. The step will serve as the first stage in shifting the entire country onto BS-VI from BS-IV. Article link: Click here Tripura model Part of: Main GS Paper III – Security, Naxalite issue, Extremists issue Key pointers: In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Tripura embarked on a unique path to peace. They did not dependent solely on security measures but involved investment in human development and people’s participation in the implementation of socio-political and economic policy as well. Note: One can provide Tripura model as an example where human development consequences of peace have been remarkable. Economic and social investments and people’s involvement were essential components of the Tripura model which led to peace process in the State. Repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, or AFSPA, in 2015 was an outstanding symbol of the success of this model. Rated Highways soon Part of: Main GS Paper III – Infrastructure, Road Accidents, Role of NGOs Key pointers: India Road Assessment Programme (IndiaRAP) - to rate highways’ safety levels, and seek to eliminate the most unsafe roads. The move is intended to make Indian roads safer and curb fatalities. Ratings: The ratings are assigned on the basis of the level of safety which is ‘built-in’ to a road for vehicle occupants, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. Five-star roads are the safest while one-star roads are the least safe. The IndiaRAP programme is being supported by different stakeholders (including NGOs) and will be hosted by the Asian Institute of Transport Development – to assess existing highways and promote the use of better design to make roads safer. Article link: Click here MUST READ An itinerary in search of a strategy The Hindu The Tripura model The Hindu A plan for Asia Indian Express Strengthening India's institutions Livemint Dealing with China's naval assertiveness Business Line
UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 82] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about the Ocean Energy Systems Technology Collaboration Programme (OES) It is established by the International Energy Agency India was one of the inaugural signatories to the OES Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Which of the following countries is not a part of BASIC countries? South Africa South Korea China Brazil Q.3) Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood release the sex workers form their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers release the bonded labourers from their bondage and rehabilitate them Q.4) Consider the following statements about Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) It is the sum of years of potential life lost due to premature mortality and the years of productive life lost due to disability. It was originally developed by Harvard University for the World Bank in 1990 Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Which of the following are sexually transmitted diseases? Syphilis Gonorrhoea Chlamydia Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above To Download the Solution – Click here All The Best IASbaba
Government Efforts in Combating Terrorism ARCHIVES Search 12th August 2017 http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 3 Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism Background The challenge faced by India today was from terrorist organisations that were not only equipped with the latest technologies and have immense access to funds, but were having active backing of various external agencies. There are different outfits active in J&K to create disturbances. Jaish-e-Mohammad, LeT and Haqqani Network. Also, earlier there was Punjab militancy, then there was north east militancy and now there is J&K. Indian security forces go one after another. This is not the end of tackling terrorism but a beginning. Pakistan continues to abet trained terrorists into J&K. But now, suddenly new areas have been found to be vulnerable- Gurdaspur and Pathankot. Government has taken lot of measures to neutralise the terrorists and militants. In Jammu and Kashmir, there have been successes in combating terrorism along of the line of control guarded by BSF as well as Indian Army. There has been highest success in counter insurgency- counter terrorism grid (CICTG). A total of 130 terrorists were killed this year. However, lot of measures have to be taken while doing such operations- taking into consideration human right values, local perception and no or minimum collateral damage. Measures taken There has to be two fold action- Stopping infiltration through border Take on the hinterland militants These actions have to go side by side. This is being done but more coordination is required in terms of intelligence sharing and operations planning. More importantly, the government has taken good action against the financial network of militants. This is going to pay big dividends as it is was not touched earlier. This is going to give boost to anti-militancy operation. Currently, NIA is investigating against Hurriyat leaders in J&K. They have been arrested by NIA for having channelized various funds into stone felting or militancy in the state of J&K. These people have been in the front of face of separatists in the valley. The separatists now face two problems- demonetisation and tracking of their assets. Hence, the new breed of militants is not going to emerge strong as they won’t be able to survive without finance. External opinions and actions UN and US have been harsh on Hafeez Saeed and Dawood Ibrahim who have aided and abeted militancy in past. China backs ban on certain militants of Pakistan. But, China’s ban or no ban shouldn’t be bothered by India. India needs to clean its own area and not depend on someone else and neither be bothered by other influences. Focus should be on borders with Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries with problems on borders as well as in hinterland. Extremism and terrorism Many areas in India have been attacked other than J&K. Kashmir militancy is only a gateway for militant action all over India. There is also presence of left wing extremism in India but there was no fool-proof evidence about operational relationship between militants and left-wing extremists. J&K is more of religion based than LWE. Thus, India shouldn’t consider militancy as part of only J&K and pan India movement. So the anti-terrorist approach and policy should be pan-India based. Lifting of AFSPA is frequently talked about as the act gives security powers to function in such areas affected by extremism. As it is said that, if the body is septic, the part should be severed to stop the poison from going ahead. Militancy is same septic for the nation and it is going to damage the nation if not severed. Way foward The new militant from cross the border cannot do any fidayeen attack immediately. He needs to have good linkage, get network and financial support. It takes longer time to understand and have networking with the locals to carry out attacks. So when security forces cleanse up the terrorists and militancy, the breeding of their kind becomes difficult over a period of time. Another notable fact is that the profile of terrorists is getting younger. This means that they are unable to indoctrinate the people with proper sensibility. The young people get monetary benefit back home and these are generally are coming from poor families with financial constraints. This makes them come here. Some of them may not do anything and merge with the population. That way it is limited motivation given by ISI for them to come for this kind of operations. The LAC part has to be more vigilante. The benefit is that there is freedom to retaliate as the enemy is Pakistani. But in hinterland, it is a trivial job as the fight is against the unknown enemy as well as sometimes it’s the fellow citizen. Thus, difficulty is at different level which needs different kind of tackling. Though there has been presence of insurgency in north east, some of them like nagas and mizos have agreement with government of India to maintain their autonomy, culture and also have a balanced relationship when it comes to sharing of resources. Yet, some are still there in Myanmar and parts of Bhutan. It was insurgency which started moving towards criminalisation and then extortionist. So more than militancy, there is now administrative issues which should be resolved by government. Armed retaliation should be the last resort. Responses to terrorism must be similar across geographies and cultures and differential standards must not be accepted. The Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT) is an encouraging development because combating terrorist usage of Internet has stakeholders beyond the government. Many major social networking sites emphasised their shared ambition to prevent terrorists from exploiting the Internet to radicalise, recruit and spread propaganda, and to protect their users from terrorists and violent extremists online. Connecting the dots: Government is taking adequate measures to tackle militancy and extremism across India. Identify the areas affected by militancy and extremism and actions taken to deal with them.
IASbaba’s MINDMAP : Issue – Teacher Reforms 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)
15th BIMSTEC meeting ARCHIVES Search 11th August 2017 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 BIMSTEC Countries Picture credit: http://www.maeeshat.in/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Bay-of-Bengal-Initiative-for-Multi-Sectoral-Technical-and-Economic-Cooperation-BIMSTEC.jpg In brief In 1997, a new sub-regional grouping was formed in Bangkok and given the name BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand Economic Cooperation). In 2004, leaders of the group agreed that the name of the grouping should be known as BIMSTEC. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is South Asian and South East Asian countries which are dependent on the Bay of Bengal. In 2017, the 20th anniversary of BIMSTEC is celebrated. India and BIMSTEC India is an active participant of BIMSTEC and is considered an extension of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Look-East Policy. However the achievement in last 15 years have not been much. SAARC has hit a road block because of Pakistan. As far as trade and economic cooperation is concerned, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka are unhappy. So for India it is an important forum to link remaining countries of SAARC with South East Asia particularly with Myanmar and Thailand. There is an important strategic value. Lot of economic and technical cooperation can be there once moved forward through BIMSTEC. When it comes to regional cooperation, BIMSTEC can take place of SAARC because there are no differences among 6 member countries and India is willing to play a leadership role. There are well identified areas where progress has been made by India and other countries bilaterally- Free trade, national security, disaster management etc. As all the countries see these issues in the same perspective and importance, so practical areas of cooperation are being identified and there is progress in those areas. India and Bhutan India and Bhutan met in backdrop of doklam standoff. Bhutan is caught in difficult situation as they have border difference with china which is unresolved. Bhutan is not in a position to challenge china but they have stated that china is trying to be intrusive in the disputed territory. Whatever china does adversely affects India’s security. China has become aggressive in a peaceful area as shows in Chinese policy to gradually increase their areas of possession in all parts of neighbourhood- South China Sea, towards Japan, towards Bhutan. So India comes as friend of Bhutan as well as security partner of Bhutan and also safeguard India’s security. They did not expect India to confront them because in South China Sea, the countries protested but they did not have the capacity to confront china. India and Nepal India and Nepal relationship has seen many ups and down and recently it has not been smooth. China has briefed Nepal over doklam standoff but it has remained neutral so far. Nepal has signed on the OBOR. India has many investments in Nepal and aid in different forms for roads, universities and social hospitals etc. China is trying to create gulf between India and Nepalese establishment. As far as doklam is concerned, the nepalese PM has said that it will remain neutral. Bhutan has prospered by allowing India to explore its water resources and making hydroelectric projects. Nepal has been reluctant to allow India to tap into its potential. India wants Nepal to reconsider this behavior as it will help it to prosper as there are areas where India can cooperate with Nepal easily. Connectivity In this region, the projects initiated by India which connects the neighbourhood has been a priority of India. The major connectivity project is India-Myanmar-Thailand road on which work has been speeded up. There is direct road from northeast to Thailand to Myanmar. There are other important aspects of connectivity- transportation from Nepal to India to Bangladesh. If Indian truck goes from Bangladesh to north east and then to Myanmar without much paper work, it is in true essence promoting better access to trade and economy across border. License, transit permit, custom regulations should be easy so that trade, transit and transport, tourism is easy. Even OBOR is essentially a connectivity project. So connectivity across nations plays a great role in fostering relations. Other neighbourhood relations Sri Lanka’s role has been unclear. China is targeting countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar so that it can have some kind of naval basis there. The modus operanda is to offer some credit, technology and labour to create facilities and infrastructure and then make use of it. In Sri Lanka, China invested more than 1 billion dollar in port. Now it has been given on lease to china because it could not produce enough revenue. This is a direction India has to advice Sri Lanka not to go and safeguard their own interest and also India’s security interest. Way forward There can be a regional grouping of South East Asian nations, South Asia nations and keep Pakistan out of it. This has been achieved in certain extent. Initially Bhutan and Nepal were not in BIMSTEC but now they are there. Objective of Indian policy is to create a regional group that doesn’t have Pakistan so that there is more coherence and harmony and achievements. The future of BIMSTEC stands in strong technical and economic cooperation. The focus and synergies in one direction will allow the group objectives to be fulfilled. If all countries work to focus, it will be at advantage to all countries and that should be the way forward. Connecting the dots: BIMSTEC countries can formulate a new regional group in South Asia and South East Asia. Elaborate.
