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IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Revamping Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus]- 15th November 2017

Revamping Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus]- 15th November 2017   Hello Friends, At IASbaba, we strive hard to provide the best quality content to ease your preparation. Our initiatives are known for their quality approach and guidance. The significance of our Daily Current Affairs needs no mention to sincere aspirants. Continuing with our vision towards "One Stop Destination for UPSC Preparation", IASbaba is happy to announce the new addition to our Daily Current Affairs Analysis which was hitherto, Mains oriented. From now on, we will have quality coverage of both Prelims and Mains so that this initiative aptly becomes your 'One-Stop Destination for Current Affairs'.  More to come from IASbaba :)  MAINS FOCUS GOVERNANCE AND INTERNAL SECURITY TOPIC: General Studies 2: Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability and institutional and other measures. General Studies 3: Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate Reforming Indian Police Service Background: Two separate but similar tales of horrific murders of school-going children. Common to both incidents is the widespread public outrage that they rightly aroused, the serious charges of incompetence and complicity against the respective local police, and the dramatic twist in the two investigations that came about after the cases were handed over to the CBI. Case study 1: On July 6, 2017, the body of a 16-year-old girl was found in the forest near Kotkhai, a town approximately 80 km from Shimla. Rape and murder were evident from the scene. The Himachal Police constituted an SIT. In less than three days, the SIT claimed to have cracked the case and arrested six accused. However, widespread public anger forced the state government to transfer the case to the CBI. The CBI took up the investigation and within a few days ended up arresting two senior members of the SIT, including the then IG Shimla, a senior IPS officer. While the CBI too has not been able to solve the rape and murder case, their investigation suggests a tale of shocking police brutality and criminality, sheer insensitivity, and outright incompetence. Case study 2: On September 8, 2017, seven-year-old Pradyuman Thakur was found murdered in the toilet of the Ryan International School in Gurugram. A few days later, Gurugram Police claimed to have solved the case and arrested a school bus conductor named Ashok Kumar and also recovered a knife that was allegedly used in the attack. On September 22, the CBI took over the case. On November 8, the CBI claimed to have solved the case with the arrest of a Class 11 student of the same school for this gruesome murder. The two cases are yet to be finalised and much work remains to be done in both investigations. Troubling questions being raised: Why would the police falsely implicate innocent people? Even if they were not able to identify the guilty correctly, why couldn’t they establish the innocence of those wrongly accused? During the initial investigation, at what level of the police hierarchy was the available evidence analysed and conclusions drawn? What was the role of the media? Was there external pressure to take shortcuts and conclude the investigations? What can be done to ensure that an Ashok Kumar or a Suraj Singh are not falsely accused of murder and suffer dishonour or worse, torture and death, allegedly at the hands of the police during the investigation itself? Need for reform: A handful of conscientious officers apart, there is general entropy in the professionalism and social skills of IPS brass leading the Police forces. The IPS is therefore in urgent need of reform to ensure effective policing. The elitist feeling among the IPS is at the root of the ailing police system. This makes it difficult for them to comprehend ground realities and prevents them from becoming leaders rather than managers. Their aim remains to contain political fallout and focus on managing politicians, leaving day-to-day work to lower functionaries. Common people are rarely the focus. Restraining media pressure: Succumbing to media pressure and the desire to become instant heroes in the public eye by quickly “solving” cases is an ill-tendency. When the media and the public are seeking instant answers in sensational cases, it takes leadership to step up to the limelight and resist the pressure for instant answers. There are no instant answers in heinous offences. It takes courage to acknowledge that publicly. Way forward: Political interference and non-implementation of police reforms are blamed for all the ills of the police system. While that may be true to some extent, police leadership must take initiative to implement measures within their realm of authority. The IPS leadership must take steps to change the perception of police from exploiters to facilitators so that the public stops despising and making fun of them. They need to transform the character of police to that of “service” as opposed to “force”. Proactive crime prevention and follow-up investigation has to be the priority in order to ensure reduction in crime and improvement in the conviction rate. Modernisation should focus on training and other aspects of human resource management, apart from incorporating modern investigative practices and forensics rather than simply acquiring vehicles and computers. A total overhaul of the recruitment system is the need of the hour. The aim of direct recruitment to the IP (Imperial Police) was to perpetuate the British rule and not for any higher purpose of ensuring impartiality. Having qualified in a fiercely competitive exam, IPS officers are mostly chair-bound. They must develop an eye for detail and become proficient in matters of policing to be able to properly guide their subordinates. An alternative method of recruitment could be on lines similar to that of Defence Services Officers through an institution similar to NDA immediately after qualifying class 12 and being put through rigorous academic, social skills and professional training through a four-year training programme. The curriculum should be focused on practical aspects and social skills. Policing in states is also adversely affected due to the irrational deputation policy. Policymakers, therefore, need to seriously review the existing deputation policy to ensure that all officers obtain at least 15 years of core policing experience at the district level. A methodology to link promotion to performance at every level must be devised. Other areas that need fixing: The chronic under-investment and under- staffing. The relentless political interference. The unconscionable delay in implementing the 11-year-old SC judgement on police reforms. Conclusion: Effective policing is the first step towards creating a safe, crime-free, and just society. The police leadership has an extremely important role to play in ensuring this aim. It is therefore essential that the police leadership consist only of the most suitable and conscientious officers. Urgent reforms in selection and training of IPS officers is therefore the need of the hour. Connecting the dots: Effective policing is the first step towards creating a safe, crime-free, and just society. However, the Indian policing system is facing various issues. Discuss these issues and reforms to be taken. Further Reading/Revise Mind Map RSTV Discussion Police Reforms in India   DEFENCE/SECURITY TOPIC: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. General Studies 3: Mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment Indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Boosting India's military capabilities Background: The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Manila produced a significant resolution – that two of the world’s great democracies should also have the world’s greatest militaries. The meeting highlighted the shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region and pledged to enhance bilateral defence cooperation. Trump would like nothing better than to sell more American military equipment to India. This would not only be a geostrategic move to shore up India’s military capabilities vis à vis China but also help create American jobs. Poor indigenous defence production- A major challenge: While India’s security challenges have multiplied from terrorism to low-intensity conflict to being prepared for a two-front war, its armed forces continue to face the issue of sub-optimal weapons platforms. A key reason for this is the inability to boost indigenous defence production. Indigenous projects are afflicted by inordinate delays, which usually make the finished product out of date. Examples: While the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft is yet to become combat ready after being in the making for over three decades, the Arjun main battle tank has proved to be too heavy in operational deployment and suffers from poor serviceability. The air force is grappling with just 33 fighter squadrons when 42 are needed to counter the threat perception from China and Pakistan. Several squadrons of ageing Russian fighters are set to retire. At the same time acquisition of foreign weapons platforms is expensive. Such shortcomings hamper the combat-readiness of our armed forces. Way out: Facilitate greater private sector participation in the defence industry. Establishing an American-style military-industrial complex that significantly reduces the time between research and field deployment. The defence ministry has finalised the strategic partnership policy earlier this year. The policy envisages Indian private companies producing cutting-edge weapons through joint ventures with foreign partners. This is where American defence manufacturers can help. Connecting the dots: Boosting India's military capabilities is the need of the hour. America's support in this regard should be taken with caution. Critically analyze. Further Reading Indian Defence Manufacturing Defence status and Budget 2017-18   PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS Diabetes in Women Part of: Main GS Paper II – Social issue, Welfare and Health, Women issue Key PT pointers: World Diabetes Day is observed on 14th November 2017 Theme: ‘Women and Diabetes — Our Right to a Healthy Future’ Central focus: Women Health One in 10 women are living with diabetes Poor access to healthcare, screening and awareness A diabetic female faces four times higher risk of developing heart ailments than men Article link: Click Here The Maternity Benefit Act: Concerns Part of: Main GS Paper II – Social issue, Welfare and Health, Women and Child issue Key pointers: Amendments to the Maternity Benefit Act were introduced this year. Path­breaking changes/measures - provisions of 26 weeks of paid maternity leave and the mandatory crèche facility. Amendments seek to improve infant mortality rate (34 per 1,000 live births) and maternal mortality rate (167 per 100,000 live births). Central focus: Maternity leave and crèche facility. One of the key goals of any maternity benefit policy is to facilitate breastfeeding by working mothers. To ensure that working women are not forced to discontinue breastfeeding. Concerns: Financial burden of implementing these measures squarely on the employers. Set up of crèche facility are cost­ intensive, therefore may deter employers from hiring or retaining pregnant women. Making employers solely liable is not a viable option: 2014 ILO report had specially cautioned against making employers solely liable for the cost of maternity benefits. Advocated that maternity benefits should be provided either through compulsory social insurance or public funds. Standing Committee on Labour in 2007 had suggested that the government should create a corpus fund to partially sponsor the costs to be incurred by the employer to provide maternity benefits. Article Link: Click Here Climate change and UNESCO natural sites: IUCN Report Part of: Main GS Paper III – Environment and Ecology, Biodiversity, Impacts of Climate Change Key pointers: Impact of climate change on UN-listed natural heritage sites, including coral reefs, glaciers, and wetlands have doubled — according to IUCN report. The number of UNESCO natural sites at risk has grown to 62 from 35 in 2014. 29% of UNESCO natural sites faced “significant” threats. UNESCO natural sites at critical risk: Everglades National Park in the United States Lake Turkana in Kenya Coral reefs: Most affected Among the ecosystems most threatened by global warming are coral reefs which bleach as oceans heat up, and glaciers which melt. The following three World Heritage-listed coral reefs — have been affected by “devastating” bleaching events over the last three years. the Aldabra Atoll in the Indian Ocean, the Belize Barrier Reef in the Atlantic, and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the biggest on Earth. Article Link: Click Here India, Japan, US, Australia hold first 'Quad' talks Part of: Main GS Paper II – International Relations, India and the World, India-China issue, India's Act East Policy Key pointers: Officials from India, Australia, the US and Japan met in Manila (capital of the Philippines). Seen as a first move to set up a quadrilateral grouping to pursue common interests. They agreed that a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region serves the long-term interests of all countries in the region and of the world at large. The move to set up the quadrilateral comes in the backdrop of growing Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea. Common interests: Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Promotion of peace, stability and prosperity. Addressing common challenges of terrorism and proliferation linkages impacting the region as well as on enhancing connectivity. Note: The Indian side highlighted India's Act East Policy as the cornerstone of its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. India also said it was open to working with like-minded countries on issues that advance its interests. Part of Post-Doklam measures by India. Article Link: Click Here India’s Health Divide Part of: Main GS Paper II – Social issue, Welfare and Health Key pointers: Lancet published report on the ‘India State-Level Disease Burden’ highlights - severe inequalities in the disease burden in different States every State in India has a higher burden from non-communicable diseases and injuries than from infectious diseases contribution of non-communicable diseases to health loss has doubled (unhealthy diets, high blood pressure, and blood sugar) Air pollution and tobacco smoking continue to be major contributors to health loss suggests need for more specific health planning malnutrition continues to be the single largest risk for health loss in India (higher among females) life expectancy at birth improved significantly during 1990 to 2016 under-5 mortality also improved in every State Kerala – better performing state Note: You can quote reports or findings of Lancet in your Mains answer. MUST READ A question of probity The Hindu Warm, warmer The Hindu A monumental failure Indian Express A lack of fit Indian Express Human rights and wrongs Indian Express From instincts to evidence a policymaking Livemint Fortifying the insolvency resolution framework Livemint Pollution a national issue Business Line  

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 81]

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 81] Archives Q.1) Louisiana Purchase is associated with USA and Russia Japan France United Kingdom Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘Project Saksham of Indian Railways’ It is a mass skilling exercise Only employees associated with Railway Safety will undergo this exercise Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) The term ‘White Helmets’ which is often in news, is a Volunteer organisation that operates in parts of rebel-controlled Syria NGO known for its projects in war-torn regions and developing countries affected by endemic diseases Humanitarian organization that promotes road travel safety through education and advocacy Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 Q.4) Consider the following statements about ‘Mahabalipuram Stone Sculpture’ It is characterised by art and architecture that flourished in period of the Pallavas. Geographical Indication (GI) Registry and Intellectual Property India presented the Geographical Indication Tag status to Mahabalipuram stone sculptures Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Cayman Islands, an overseas territory of the United Kingdom France Netherlands Spain To Download the Solution – Click here All The Best   IASbaba

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 14th Nov 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 14th Nov 2017 Archives NATIONAL  TOPIC: General studies 2: Structure, organization and functioning of the Judiciary The institution of judiciary facing crisis of credibility: A conflict between Supreme Court judges In news: The Supreme Court of India is facing its worst crisis of credibility since the Emergency. What happened? An order was passed by Justice J Chelameswar to constitute a five-judge bench in a petition filed by CJAR. The conflict is over a plea by the Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms that has sought the setting up of a SIT to probe the role of Orissa High Court judge Ishrat Masroor Quddusi in enabling private medical colleges to admit students to MBBS courses despite the Supreme Court barring the institutes from doing so. Quddusi, an Orissa High Court judge between 2004 and 2010, has been accused by the CBI of legally guiding the private medical colleges and assuring them of favourable settlement of their cases in the Supreme Court. Justice J Chelameswar constituted a bench and had heard the matter despite orders from the Chief Justice of India (CJI) that his bench cannot hear the matter. He said judges cannot assign matters to themselves. Issues: Can the chief justice be part of the hearing, since the scandal allegedly criminalises a judgment the CJI himself wrote? - As done by the Chief Justice. By setting himself up as a judge in his own cause and setting up a bench whose composition looks arbitrary, he has undermined the authority of the judiciary. Could a constitution bench be constituted bypassing the chief justice in violation of the current procedure through which such benches are constituted? Justice Chelameswar’s order setting up a five-judge bench also made the judiciary vulnerable. Surely, there were better ways of securing the removal of the chief justice from the case and setting up a bench in a way that did not depart from existing court procedure or humiliate the chief justice. A robust judicial consensus would have been built rather than judges projecting their own individual heroism. An analysis: It is the CJI’s prerogative, and his alone, to constitute a bench and to direct that a particular matter be heard by that or any other bench. The argument that Justice Chelameswar did so in order to prevent a conflict of interest is undermined by the ill-judged manner in which Justice Chelameswar sought to make his point. The distrust amongst judges, as evident in the ways benches are being constituted, seems extraordinarily high. Many have defended Justice Chelameswar’s move by invoking Article 142 that gives judges the power to do whatever it takes to secure justice. But the use of Article 142 has also become a sign of immense judicial indiscipline, where judges can overlook procedures. Other instances denting the authority of the Supreme Court: The quality of the court’s reasoning. The abdication of its constitutional role in some cases. Judicial overreach in some instances. Corruption within the judiciary- There are issues of corruption in the courts. The judiciary has failed to find a mechanism to deal with allegations of corruption within its ranks. Every justice in the court needs to be above suspicion. Challenges: Caution needs to be taken so that the anti-corruption measures taken do not undermine the independence of the judiciary. It has to be done in a way that does not make the judiciary vulnerable to implicit blackmail and leads to undermining its independence. Reforms that undermine independence in the name of accountability has to be avoided. At stake, now, is the reputation and credibility of an institution that has earned itself the title of India’s most trusted, a protector of citizens’ freedoms, an upholder of the constitutional poise. What is more, this public display of divisions within comes at a time when the court appears at its most vulnerable without. In the last three years or so, the independence of the judiciary has often seemed besieged in the face of a strong political executive that has sought to use the electoral mandate to subdue dissent and circumscribe other institutions, including in the crucial matter of the appointment of judges. The court’s loss of external credibility combined with internal anarchy does not bode well for Indian democracy. The court has itself become a reflection of the worst rot afflecting Indian institutions. The institutional crisis that the Supreme Court has now created will create the conditions under which it will be easier to legitimise diluting judicial independence. Way forward: At the CJI’s door lie two key questions: How to address potential conflict of interest issues and how to assert the primacy of his position in a manner that strengthens rather than divides the institution. Between a chief justice who does not recognise conflict of interest, and justices who think the only recourse is public grandstanding, the judiciary will not be able to survive. Conclusion: Judicial corruption is an important issue but the judiciary cannot address it by turning on itself. If its senior-most judges give the impression of using a case to settle issues with each other, the institution will only be prone to be attacked by the executive. Most of all, it will be failing in its duty to live up to the trust and faith that the people of India have come to vest in it. Connecting the d0ts: A conflict emerged amongst the senior-most judges of the Supreme Court. Discuss the issues associated with the conflict and how such instances hurt the credibility of the highest judiciary. NATIONAL TOPIC : General Studies 3: Infrastructure: Energy Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Power Sector reforms: Rationalizing coal cess Background: India is a power-starved country. With annual per capita consumption of about 1,100Kwh, India lags behind most of the other developing countries. In countries such as Iran and South Africa, this exceeds 2,500 and 4,000, respectively. The global average stands at around 2,500. There is sizeable power capacity in the country, yet there are large pockets of unmet power demand. Systemic and regulatory shortcomings have been responsible for this irony. Supply side issues: The average PLF (plant load factor) for coal-based power plants, which constitute about 60% of India’s total power generation capacity, continues to languish below 60%. What is PLF? It is a measure of the output of a power plant compared to the maximum output it could produce. A lower PLF indicates inefficiency in production and distribution and low-capacity utilization. Issue arising because of low PLF: Low-capacity utilization is causing extreme financial strain on the entire power value chain—right from the lenders to the power distribution companies, to the power users. Way forward: India’s power generation can grow comfortably at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 12% over the next five years—subject to demand. Improved utilization of existing power capacities. A healthy pipeline of new capacities. Demand side issues: Poor availability at the consumer end. Low affordability. Way forward: Strengthening Discoms’ power affordability can be a powerful way to enhance power consumption. Rationalising coal cess: Issue: The total taxes on thermal coal work out to more than 65%, on an average, over Coal India’s basic price. The GST compensatory cess (that has replaced the clean environment cess that existed before the GST roll-out) is about 40% of the average coal price. Total tax on the common grades of coal is more than 80%, which is higher than taxes on even alcohol, cigarette or luxury cars. Although optically these taxes and cess are applicable on coal miners and, hence, on power generators, ultimately, they are borne by end consumers across socio-economic segments, despite power being a basic necessity. Such a high rate is unfair, futile and self-defeating, given that coal usage cannot be stopped for the 195 gigawatts (GW) coal-based power capacity (plus the 50 GW in the pipeline) in India. The GST compensatory cess has been put in place after the implementation of GST to compensate state governments for the potential revenue shortfall from GST. This cess may seem like a good way to smoothen the issues in GST implementation. However, burdening an important sector like coal and power that is already suffering from many issues with such a steep tax seems unjustifiable. Way forward: Taxes on this part of power’s value chain need urgent rationalization. Removing the GST compensatory cess on coal can curb the cost of power. The tax revenue—about Rs 22,000 crore—that the Central government would forgo if this were to happen would effectively be transferred, in the shape of lower power cost, to discoms and thus to the state governments. So, the country’s total fiscal deficit math wouldn’t change much. The thrust on shutting down older, inefficient and highly polluting power plants should be intensified. Conclusion: Redressal of the flaw in our taxation system can be a game changer not just for the power sector, but for the entire economy, through the multiplier effect that it will result into. Reforming power sector can drive improvements in the standard of life for a large proportion of Indians and aid small and medium enterprises. Connecting the dots: Apart from demand and supply side issues in power sector, an unreasonable coal cess is hurting the sector and overall Indian economy. Critically analyze. MUST READ Loan waiver is not the solution The Hindu Eastern promise The Hindu On maternity benefits The Hindu A hazy policy Indian Express Not of the people Indian Express Moving towards a more effective GST Livemint Shining a spotlight on sexual harassment Livemint Air pollution, a public health emergency Business Line Clearing the clutter Business Line  

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 80]

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 80] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about Clouded Leopard It is only found in Asia It is the state animal of Meghalaya Clouded leopard is the mascot for 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘Coriolis Force’ It is invisible force that appears to deflect the wind is the Coriolis force It is zero at the Equator Coriolis Effect cause storms in the north swing counter-clockwise Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements about Kakatiya dynasty Sri Kasi Visweswara Temple belongs to the Kakatiya period Rudradeva II was the last ruler of the Kakatiya dynasty Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Global Financial Development Report is released by World Bank WEF WTO IMF Q.5) Vedic Literature deals with Music Mysticism Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 To Download the Solution – Click here All The Best   IASbaba

AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : PM Addresses District Collectors

PM Addresses District Collectors ARCHIVES Search 10th August 2017 http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Recently, PM reached out to collectors with a plan on theme of “New India – Manthan.” The plan asks the district collectors and district administrators to make list of priorities of things needed to be addressed by 2022. The citizen put lot of faith in DCs to deliver things across the spectrum of department. Many districts still lack basic services even when such schemes such as providing gas connection, providing electricity, providing irrigation support have been made simple to understand and more accessible. There is a communication gap which despite the advancement of technology in communication has happened. For instance, the BHIM app has not reached everyone in the country which provides an easy medium to digital transaction. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is not getting the momentum as message has not reached the last man. GST has been a beneficial policy yet people have not been convinced about the same. Thus, all the initiatives taken at the top if have actually come to the bottom is not known. For the population, going through various tiers of government is a tedious process. So now the collectors have been directly reached. In this mission mode plan, there is no top to bottom approach where a plan made at centre is implemented in state and district. Earlier the basic facilities were transport, electricity and water. Now they include education and health. The districts have to identify their problems and then formulate plan more suited to them. The collectors have to do manthan- brainstorm and prepare list of priorities applicable to their districts. Some district may be lagging behind in providing electricity and some in health. So a flexibility is given to them which will work through such diversities. When socio-economic conditions improve in the 100 most backward districts, it would give a big boost to the overall development parameters of the country. This puts an onus on the collectors of these districts to work in a mission mode. This opens the door to new ways of funding and also designing policy. India has had homogenous policy design. The collectors are asked to go into the field and talk about the scheme. Know what facilities are available to people and what should be done to have peoples need fulfilled. Interaction with colleagues, intellectuals of the district, and students of schools and colleges will help them prepare a vision document, or resolution document for their district. This process will be a like a relay race- one collector will pass on the work to other collector upon transfer where the main goal will be to fulfill the priorities of the districts and emerge as winners. Conclusion There has to be a culture change. Collectors need more autonomy than they have. In last two decades, there is a new system. Every district, the state government appoints district minister, guardian minister who is supposed to be the super collector of the district. The central government has not reached them as they belong to political parties, sometimes different and then there is tussle of power which doesn’t lead to materialization of good projects on ground. The central government has to coordinate with state governments to make sure the beneficial projects reach the last mile and last beneficiary they are intended for. Connecting the dots: The central government reached out to the district administrators for solving the basic issues. Analyse if democratic decentralization helps in achieving democratic values.

MindMaps

IASbaba’s MINDMAP : Issue – Indo-Pacific Quadrilateral

IASbaba’s MINDMAP : Issue – Indo-Pacific Quadrilateral 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 – 13th Nov 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 13th Nov 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 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Conflict between the Aadhaar-based Biometric Authentication and Public Distribution System Case study: In October 2017, the death of an 11-year-old Dalit child, Santoshi Kumari, of Jharkhand, was widely reported. She had been pleading with her mother to give her rice as she slipped into unconsciousness and lost her life. The government insists that she had malaria but in video testimonies, her mother, Koyli Devi, says she had no fever. According to the State Food Minister, their ration card was cancelled in July because they failed to seed it with Aadhaar. Target: For months, the Central government has been insisting on 100% Aadhaar “seeding” across schemes such as the PDS, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and pensions. What is seeding and why is it required? Seeding refers to the practice of entering Aadhaar numbers for each household member on the ration card. It is a pre-requisite for the Aadhaar-based Biometric Authentication (ABBA) system, the practice of using an electronic point of sale (PoS) machine to authenticate each transaction. The government has made seeding and the ABBA mandatory in the PDS. Seeding: An important barrier Issue: The seeding has been made mandatory resulting into various issues. In their zeal to achieve 100% Aadhaar-seeding targets, some field functionaries just deleted the names of those who did not submit Aadhaar details. Others waited till the deadline and then struck off names. The government claims that all of these were “fake”, detected due to Aadhaar, thus saving crores of rupees. Lack of awareness: Some people blame the aggrieved for failing to seed Aadhaar. But many of them are unaware of the seeding requirement. When pensions in Jharkhand suddenly stopped for many pensioners, they had no idea why. No one had told them about Aadhaar. In some cases, the middlemen had seeded it wrongly. Others still had tried repeatedly and failed. High biometric failure rates: The Finance Ministry’s latest Economic Survey, based on micro-studies, reports high biometric failure rates. In Rajasthan, government data for the past year show that around 70% of cardholders are able to use the system successfully. The rest have either been tripped up by one of the ABBA hurdles or, less likely, they did not attempt to buy PDS grain. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana it is used to disburse MGNREGA wages and pensions: biometric failure rates are between 8 and 14%. In some months, one in four pensioners returns empty-handed. Many families could not collect rations because of a biometric mismatch at the PDS shop. ABBA and corruption: The ABBA has not much role in reducing corruption. Quantity fraud is the practice of cheating on quantities sold. Neither seeding nor the ABBA can stop quantity fraud. In a survey in Jharkhand, dealers continue to swindle people by cutting up to a kg of their grain entitlement despite successful ABBA authentication. Identity fraud, for example in the form of duplicate ration cards, only requires Aadhaar-seeding; the ABBA is unnecessary. Two issues related to seeding are: it can be foolproof against identity fraud only in a universal system. More seriously, it raises privacy issues. Further, in Aadhaar’s rulebook for example, an elderly person asking a neighbour to fetch their grain would count as identity fraud. In fact, it is flexibility that is lost when the ABBA is made mandatory. Five meaningless hurdles: Thus, each month, people are being forced to cross five meaningless hurdles in order to have access to their ration. The hurdles are: Power supply. Functional PoS machine. Connectivity, State and Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR) servers. Fingerprint authentication. Failing any one hurdle even once causes anxiety in subsequent months. The resultant anxiety defeats the very purpose of such forms of social support. Failure in consecutive months leads to people giving up entirely. They stop trying. Way forward: The ABBA should be withdrawn immediately from the PDS and pensions in favor of alternative technologies such as smart cards. This will allow us to take the advantage of offline PoS machines with smart card and get rid of the issues associated with Internet dependence and biometric authentication. Insisting on the ABBA will result into failure of PDS, which is a lifeline for the poor. Connecting the dots: Insisting on Aadhaar-based Biometric Authentication (ABBA) will result into failure of PDS, which is a lifeline for the poor. Critically analyze. NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Tackling Pollution: Strengthening coordination among states Background: The air quality index for Delhi is in the region of 470-500, whereas anything greater than 300 is considered ‘hazardous’ and a reading below 50 considered ‘good. As temperatures dip during winters, pollutants hover around the surface of the city and do not waft upwards. Smoke from burning farm waste descends on the capital from surrounding states at this time. Government's failure to tackle the issue of straw burning: The Punjab government has not been able to abide by the National Green Tribunal’s order to implement a ban on burning paddy straw — nearly 20 million tonnes of it. The farmers are not at fault — they need to clear the land in quick time to prepare for the wheat crop, whereas the combine harvesters leave too tall a stubble of paddy straw for it to be manually removed, both expediently and cheaply. The technological solution — ‘the super straw management system’ which, when attached to a mechanical harvester, shreds the waste to small bits so that it need not be burnt and can instead be put to better uses such as biomass and ethanol and electricity production — has not worked out because of subsidy issues between the Centre and the States. Pollution and federalism: Every state blames the other resulting into weak policy response. This is an indication of an institutional vacuum to deal with public goods issues in a federal political system. The intervention should focus on the root of the problem—stubble burning, in this case. The distortion should be dealt with directly. We need to change the incentives for farmers who burn biomass. In the case of the smog in north India, it could mean that farmers should be paid to invest in better technologies to deal with the stubble left over from the previous harvest. A subsidy will change their incentives. The more practical solution is that the state governments of Delhi, Punjab and Haryana be considered the representative agencies for their respective citizens. They should negotiate on how the cost of changing farming practices will be shared. A first step will be to estimate the amount to be paid for every hectare of farmland that is shifted away from stubble burning. Global example: The New York City Watershed Agreement of 1997. New York had been asked by government regulators to build an expensive water filtration plant to improve the quality of water it supplied citizens. To reduce costs, the city negotiated with upstream farmers who were polluting the watershed area to either buy out their land or pay them to change farming methods. Challenge: The lack of an institutional structure to deal with such federal negotiations, especially when the three state governments are run by three different political parties. Way out: This is where the Union government needs to step in as a coordinating agency. It can also offer to bear half the fiscal costs of any green bargain between the three states. A better solution over the long term is to set up a federal agency like the Environmental Protection Agency in the US, with powers to get states to the bargaining table. The exact contours of such an agency will need to be debated by climate change scientists, economists, environmental activists and political parties. The current institutional vacuum needs to be filled. Tackling vehicular pollution: Buses, which can run both long distances in cities, as well as provide last-mile connectivity to and from metros and local railway stations. Reserved bus lanes are the most cost-efficient and egalitarian means of city transport, which penalise the polluters — cars and two-wheelers — and carry commuters comfortably and cleanly. Restricting the number of vehicles: The pollution caused by private vehicles, whether they are four- or two-wheelers, can be curbed by restricting their numbers, as Beijing and other Chinese cities have done successfully even as public transport is greatly increased. Global examples: Shanghai, for instance, has emulated Singapore’s example of setting a limit on the number of cars permitted on its roads. Singapore allows market forces to decide the price of such a license, which can exceed the cost of a car sometimes. Parking fees ought to be drastically increased, and payable even at night time. And, following London’s example, the proceeds should be ploughed back into bettering the bus service. Strengthening public transport: The solution for large cities is to ramp up public transport (Delhi’s bus fleet has actually been falling, and it needs land for bus depots) and encourage a shift away from cheap industrial fuel to solar, clean thermal power and natural gas. But the fight for better air quality cannot be successful without citizens exercising lifestyle choices to that end. Focusing on other cities too: North India continued to fare among the worst on the globe, with Gwalior second, Allahabad third, Patna sixth and Raipur seventh. While Delhi continues to get all the attention on this score, one should pay heed to children and senior citizens in these other beleaguered cities. These residents can’t afford air purifiers like many of the capital’s well-to-do and diplomats. Conclusion: The winter smog that chokes millions of people every year needs to be dealt with through a long-term institutional strategy rather than hasty administrative responses each time pollution level goes very high. Connecting the dots: The lack of an institutional structure to deal with federal negotiations, especially when the three state governments are run by three different political parties is a major challenge while dealing with air pollution in northern India. Discuss. Also read:  Air Pollution in Delhi: GRAP   MUST READ Contours of a counter-BRI The Hindu The AI battlefield The Hindu Delhi to Manila Indian Express Gujarat model for Madrasas Indian Express Ranking games and the woes of workers Business Line Needlessly demonising demonetisation Business Line

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 79]

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 79] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about Aflatoxins They are carcinogenic They cause frameshift mutations They are sometimes found in beer Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements DNA methylation is a method for gene silencing through short RNAs. The process of RNA inactivation by siRNAs is termed as RNA disfunction. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Union Cabinet has recently approved creation of National Testing Agency (NTA).  Consider the following statements It will be registered as a society under the Indian Societies Registration Act It will conduct those entrance examinations which are currently being conducted by the CBSE Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) EcAMSat mission is associated with Jupiter Saturn Mars None of the above Q.5) Consider the following statements about Bonnet macaque This species occurs in peninsular India It is found only in evergreen and deciduous forest Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 To Download the Solution – Click here All The Best   IASbaba

PIB

IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau – 6th Nov to 11th Nov, 2017

IASbaba Press Information Bureau 6th to 11th November, 2017  ARCHIVES GS-2 Grahak Sadak Koyla Vitaran App (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Coal India is addressing its customer needs in a big way and made ‘ease of doing business’ a major consumer commitment. The launching of the app is also one of the initiatives of CIL towards achieving the much cherished goal of ‘Digital India’ and transparency. Helps achieve transparency in despatch operations, as a tool to monitor, whether the despatches are made on the fair principle of ‘First in First Out’ and keeps track of all the activities from issuance of Sale Order to physical delivery of coal by road. Helps in logistics planning for lifting of coal in tune with the loading programmes The app provides date-wise, truck-wise quantity of coal delivered against the Sale Orders. SHe-Box Online Complaint Management System (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) To ensure the effective implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act (the SH Act), 2013 A historic step since it is probably the first ever time that the government of any country has launched an online portal to receive complaints of sexual harassment at workplace Once a complaint is submitted to the portal, it will be directly sent to the ICC/LCC of the concerned employer. Through this portal, WCD as well as complainant can monitor the progress of inquiry conducted by the ICC/LCC. This is a proactive step taken by MWCD in the wake of the worldwide social media campaign #MeToo, where women have related their experience of facing sexual harassment and abuse. Link to the SHe-Box portal: http://shebox.nic.in/ Cabinet Approves – MoU between India and Philippines on agriculture and related fields: Will improve bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture and will be mutually beneficial to both countries. Will promote understanding of best agricultural practices in the two countries and will help in better productivity as well as improved global market access. Provides for cooperation in the fields of rice production and processing, multi cropping system, dryland farming systems, bio-organic farming, solid and water conservation and management, soil fertility, sericulture, agro forestry, livestock improvement etc Provides for constitution of Joint Working Group composed of equal number of representatives; The Joint Working Group shall meet once every two years alternatively in the Philippines and India. Agreement between India and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on income: Will stimulate flow of investment, technology and personnel from India to HKSAR & vice versa, prevent double taxation and provide for exchange of information between the two Contracting Parties. It will improve transparency in tax matters and will help curb tax evasion and tax avoidance. Protocol amending the Agreement between India and Kyrgyz for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income Joint Interpretative Declaration between India and Colombia regarding the Agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investments signed: would impart clarity to the interpretation of the existing Agreement as it includes interpretative notes to be jointly adopted for many clauses, including, the definition of investor, definition of investment, Fair and Equitable Treatment (FET), National Treatment (NT) and Most Favoured Nation (MFN) treatment, expropriation, Investor - State Dispute Settlement provision and Denial of Benefits. Appointment of Second National Judicial Pay Commission for Subordinate Judiciary in the country: Will examine the present structure of emoluments and conditions of service of Judicial Officers in the States and UTs The Commission aims to evolve the principles which would govern pay structure and other emoluments of Judicial Officers belonging to the Subordinate Judiciary of the country It will examine the work methods and work environment as also the variety of allowance and benefits in kind that are available to Judicial Officers in addition to pay and to suggest rationalization and simplification thereof. The Commission will devise its own procedures and formulate modalities necessary for accomplishing the task. The Commission also aims at making the pay scales and conditions of service of Judicial Officers uniform throughout the country. The recommendations of the Commission will help in promoting efficiency in Judicial Administration, optimizing the size of judiciary etc. and to remove anomalies created in implementation of earlier recommendations. Continuation and Restructuring of National Rural Drinking Water Programme: to make it outcome-based, competitive and better monitored with increased focus on sustainability (functionality) of schemes to ensure good quality service delivery to the rural population Creation of National Testing Agency (NTA) to conduct entrance examinations for higher educational institutions: In view of the need to have a specialized body in India like the most advanced countries, the Finance Minister in the Budget speech of 2017-18 had announced setting up of a National Testing Agency (NTA) as an autonomous and self-sustained premier testing organization to conduct all entrance examinations for higher educational institutions. Utilisation of pulses from the buffer stock through Central Government Schemes having nutrition component: The objective of the approval is to enable the concerned administrative Ministries/Departments to ensure that pulses from the buffer are utilized as in 'kind' component of the Centre's contribution in such schemes, in lieu of its financial contribution of equivalent amount. India Signs Loan Agreement with World Bank for US$ 119 Million for “Odisha Higher Education Programme for Excellence and Equity (OHEPEE) Project (Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate) Objective of the project: To improve the quality of 'students’ equitable access to selected institutions and enhance governance of the higher education system in Odisha. Project Component: Result Areas are Improved quality of and students’ equitable access to selected institutions of higher education: Institutional Development Plan (IDP) Grants (performance –based Financing Enhanced governance of the higher education system: Improvement of governance in colleges & Improvement of financial and procurement management and accounting in all government and government-aided colleges. GS-3 Transportation Awards: (Topic: Infrastructure: Transportation) Best City Bus Services Award for succeeding in attracting 87% of the private vehicle and auto rickshaw users to use city buses – Surat Best Non-Motorised Transport – Mysuru for Public Bicycle Sharing Best Urban Transport Initiative Award for completing its Metro Rail Project in a quick time besides integrating the metro with other modes of transport – Kochi ‘Commendable Initiative Award’ under ‘Best Intelligent Transport Project’ category – H-TRIMS of Hyderabad, the Traffic Integraged Management initiative; enables automatic adjustment of signal timings based on traffic flows, pedestrian controlled signals and SMS based alerts to the citizens. This initiative brought down waiting time at traffic junctions by over 33%. ‘Commendable Initiative Award’ for the city police’s initiative for improving road safety – Chittor; Chittore police introduced ‘no helmet-no petrol’ policy for two wheelers COP23 climate change summit in Bonn: All you need to know about (Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation) UN Climate Change Conference 2017 Aims for Further, Faster Ambition Together The world’s nations are meeting for the 23rd annual “conference of the parties” (COP) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which aims to “prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system”, ie halt global warming. Aim: launching nations towards the next level of ambition needed to tackle global warming and put the world on a safer and more prosperous development path; The Conference, coming just two years after the landmark adoption of the Paris Climate Change Agreement, will also further fuel momentum among cities, states, regions, territories, business and civil society in support of national climate action plans, the internationally-agreed temperature goal and the wider objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Will be presided over by Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama of Fiji — the first time that the small island nation will be at the helm of a major international climate conference Two critical and inter-linked areas of action: Governments working to increase climate action under the terms of the Paris Agreement and the UN Climate Change Convention Showcasing, fostering and launching new and expanding global climate action initiatives by all actors with a view towards better coordination that aligns efforts in more efficient, effective and transformative ways. Major Talk Points- The 2015 Paris accord set a target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. But diplomats didn't agree on the details of how their nations will reach that ambitious goal. The Bonn talks will flesh out the rule book that countries have to abide by. This includes coming up with international standards for how to measure carbon emissions, to make sure that one nation's efforts can be compare to another's. A second debate centers around how countries take stock of what's been achieved and set new, more ambitious goals for curbing carbon emissions after 2020. The third big issue concerns money. Experts agree that shifting economies away from fossil fuels and preparing countries for some of the inevitable consequences of climate change will require vast financial resources — including some from the US administration of President Donald Trump, which is doubtful about man-made climate change. Conference Going Green Germany is setting aside a part of the 117 million euro ($136.3 million) budget for a fleet of bicycles and electric buses to ferry people between venues. Each participant will receive a bottle to fill with tap water — a move that will save half a million plastic cups. Germany's environment ministry is also investing in renewable energy projects to compensate for the greenhouse gas emissions caused by people from all over the world flying into Bonn for the talks. In its NDC, India had promised to Reduce its emissions intensity— greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP—by 33 to 35 per cent below 2005 levels by the year 2030 To ensure that at least 40 per cent of its energy in 2030 would be generated from non-fossil fuel sources, like solar, wind or bio-fuels Rapidly increase its forest cover so that an additional carbon sink equivalent to 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide is created by the year 2030 Policies and institutional mechanisms to advance India’s climate actions Though India’s per capita emissions are only one-third of global average, and its contribution to global stock of carbon dioxide is less than 3%, it has still moved ahead with implementation of path breaking initiatives Achieving about 58.3 GW of Renewable Energy Capacity out of a targeted 175 GW for 2022 Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for providing free LPG connections and Ujala for embracing energy efficient LED bulbs dedicated towards supporting citizens move towards sustainable lifestyle. The broad policy initiatives of the central government are supplemented by actions of the State Governments. 32 States and Union Territories have put in place the State Action Plan on Climate Change attempting to mainstream climate change concerns in their planning process. As part of our mission on strategic knowledge on climate change, we have established 8 Global Technology Watch Groups in the areas of Renewable Energy Technology, Advance Coal Technology, Enhanced Energy Efficiency, Green Forest, Sustainable Habitat, Water, Sustainable Agriculture and Manufacturing. India is one of the few countries where, despite ongoing development, forest and tree cover has increased transforming country’s forests into a net sink owing to national policies aimed at conservation and sustainable management of forests. A number of schemes for transformation and rejuvenation of urban areas have been launched including Smart Cities Mission, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation. These schemes have integrated appropriate adaptation and mitigation measures for environment protection. Swachh Bharat Mission has been launched with aim to make India clean and litter free. Government has recently revised following waste management rules to make them more effective, efficient and stringent. Government has revised six waste management rules which are more effective, efficient and stringent. These include rules for solid waste, Plastic waste, E-waste, bio-Medical and Hazardous and Construction and Demolition Waste. Greening of India's extensive Railway routes and Highways is being undertaken. Air Quality Index launched in over 30 cities to provide real-time data of air pollution on daily basis. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana has been formulated with the vision of extending the coverage of irrigation and improving water use efficiency ‘More crop per drop'. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana has been launched for farmers’ welfare. Another scheme has been launched to provide Soil Health Card to every farmer. Further Government of India has set up the goal is to double the income of the farmers by 2022. Second Phase of Science Express Climate Action Special train with the aim to create awareness among various sections of society, especially students, on the science of climate change, the observed and anticipated impacts, and different possible responses as to how climate change can be combated. Government has launched “Skill India” with the target to provide skill training in various sectors including sustainable development to about 400 million people by 2022. Zero Effect, Zero Defect is a policy initiative to enhance energy efficiency and resources efficiency in Medium & Small Industries. Another important initiative relating to rivers is the National Mission for Clean Ganga which seeks to rejuvenate the river along its length of more than 2,500 km. Digital India has been launched to transform India into digital empowered society and knowledge economy. Note: India has been ranked as the sixth most vulnerable country in the world in a fresh list of nations facing climate risk India’s theme for COP 23 – “Conserving Now, Preserving Future” Climate Risk Index (CRI): CRI is based on an analysis of the number of deaths (due to climatic conditions) per 100,000 inhabitants, extent of financial losses and loss per unit of GDP of countries. India was at number four last year in CRI ranking. Economic and population data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was taken into account while arriving at the rankings.   DRDO Conducts Successful Flight Trial of 'NIRBHAY' Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile (Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology) India’s first indigenously designed and developed Long Range Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile which can be deployed from multiple platforms. The missile has the capability to loiter and cruise at 0.7 Mach, at altitudes as low as 100 m. The flight test achieved all the mission objectives completely from lift-off till the final splash, boosting the confidence of all scientists associated with the trial. The guidance, control and navigation system of the missile is configured around the indigenously designed Ring Laser Gyroscope (RLG) and MEMS based Inertial Navigation System (INS) along with GPS system. Please Note: Guru Ghasidas Jaitkham: At Girodhpuri in Chhattisgarh Guru Ghasidas was a remarkable social reformer among the dispersed community of this region almost 200 years ago. He struggled against social evils and injustice, and fought for the poor and downtrodden. His message was simple: that truth and noble conduct are synonyms for God. He made efforts to eliminate the practice of untouchability, and emphasised fraternity and social harmony. He also stressed women’s rights and supported widow marriage. ‘Paradise Papers’ [based upon expose done by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ)] indicate that out of 180 countries represented in the data of offshore entities held by persons of different nationalities, India ranks 19th in terms of number of names. AstroSat, India’s multi-wavelength space telescope, has successfully accomplished the extremely difficult task of measuring X-ray polarisation. BharatNet – a flagship project of the Government of India to provide Broadband services in rural and remote areas Indian Boxer Mary Kom clinches the gold at the ASBC Asian Confederation Women’s Boxing Championships Chennai has been included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for its rich musical tradition Blue Economy is a catalyst in India's progress: The major ports in India have recorded a growth of 3.27% during the period April to September, 2017 and together handled 383 Million Tonnes of cargo as against 371 Million Tonnes handled during the corresponding period of previous year. 1.5 MW Small Hydro Power Plant in Biaras Drass, Kargil (J&K) becomes first project to be commissioned under Prime Minister's Ladakh Renewable Energy Initiative Notable points from ‘India Disaster Response Summit’ – India needs to prepare itself for moving towards Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) from an approach of traditional Disaster Management. Disaster Mitigation Strategy should be areas of priority for addressing Disaster Risk Management. Reaching out to the people and communities is the primary responsibility of all stakeholders and efforts should be to make people aware, informed and to guide them during emergency situations. Community groups and stakeholders should find innovative ways to inform people on time in scenarios of Disaster Management. The efficacy of Disaster Management requires a well-defined guideline and the role of media is vital when disaster strikes and even in executing rescue and relief operations. Communities should come forward with new techniques of sharing information on real time basis for better handling of situation at disaster scenario. Technology can be leveraged in providing a quick response and information to people at time of need. Collaboration with various stakeholders including NGO’s and private players could provide the necessary base for response with a vision towards ‘Capacity Building’ to handle disaster risk situation for addressing emergency rescue situations. Government will act as facilitator towards information and communication among various stakeholders by helping evolve new modes of communication for better contact between the ‘Government and the People’. Social media affects everybody’s life and common sources of communication through social media have played a vital role in day-to-day information communication, which needs to be leveraged in proper direction. Efforts should be in the direction of better planning towards evolving technology in line with better communication tools for disaster response planning. Disaster Information Volunteers (DIV) programme is where a network of trained volunteers would provide supplementary information on disasters in their local communities to assist Government relief efforts through the Facebook Workplace platform. Facebook will now share its disaster maps, developed using aggregated, de-identified data, with NDMA. These maps can aid swift disaster response by providing real-time, actionable information.  

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Change Where it Matters – Inspirational & Educative Articles

Change - Where it Matters: You step out of your house at noon and decide to go on a short drive. You begin to drive and realize that the afternoon sun is glaring in your eyes, making it difficult to see. What will you do? Will you go on a campaign to protest against the sharp rays of the sun or will you open the dashboard of your car and put on a pair of shades. It is not enough to recognize what needs to be changed; you have to know where to make the change. If you pick the wrong place to make the change, it can take you years, even decades to solve a simple problem. Knowing where to make the change is probably more important than knowing what to change or how to change it. This is where most of you are simple going in circles in order to solve a problem. If you don’t address the individual who is at the center of all experiences, you are not addressing the problem at all. You can change the whole world, but if the problem is in you, all that change you make on the outside is simply useless. What happens to the world on a day when you are sick and suffering from some ailment? The whole world looks sick, dull and boring. Not because the world is that way, but because you are that way. At each and every moment of your life, the way you are experiencing the world is the only thing that matters. Any change you want to make to the world has to begin with you. Once a foolish king wanted to take a walk and tour his kingdom. The ministers advised the king that the streets are covered with stones and thorns, and it would make it very difficult for him to walk. The king thought about it for a while and ordered the entire kingdom to be carpeted before he takes the walk. A wise old man interrupted the king and said, ‘Why don’t you wrap that carpet around your leg, in that way you will have a carpet under your feet, wherever you go!’ The story of the king is the story of our foolish mind. Mind enjoys solving complex problems. In fact it enjoys it so much that it will create bigger problems just to solve them. Understanding this nature of the mind and identifying the root cause of our problems is the first step towards solving them. You are the center of all experiences. Every single experience has to pass through you before it becomes your reality. If you can make changes within you, the changes will reflect in everything you do. The change you make to your thoughts, desires, emotions and fears is the most important change you will ever make. This is the only place where a change will stick and become a part of your reality. If you paint your room with pretty colors, you can experience this change only as long as you are in your room. If you can paint your mind with pretty colors, you can see the change where ever you go. You cannot go anywhere without your mind, can you? Make changes where it matters, then you will see how easy it is to solve even the most complex problems of your life. “The articles are a copyright of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.”

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