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AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : Safety Measures in Online Banking Transactions

Safety Measures in Online Banking Transactions ARCHIVES Search 7th July 2017 http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2 Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial General Studies 3 Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in science & technology In news: RBI has given specific instructions to the banks that in case of online frauds or unauthorised transactions, the entire responsibility of making it good lies on the banks only. It is nobody’s case that a hapless customer who goes to do an online transaction on laptop or mobile and gets trapped into a system whereby he gets cheated and finds that the money has been taken away by some online fraudulent hackers or unscrupulous elements. So the entire responsibility of secured online transactions has been given to banks alone. The categories of possible online frauds are Where a physical mode is required to be present like cheques, credit or debit card Where there is no physical document- like NEFT, online transactions etc. In both of them, if there is any unauthorised transaction and the customer who has been the victim, has to intimate his banker within 3 days, then the total loss will be borne by the banker. If reports from 4-7 days, then some limited liability on the customer depending upon the kind of account maintained in bank. If reported after 7 days, then the policy will be according to bankers’ board, hosted on website. Shared responsibility: This has come as big relief to customers. But he has to be alert all the time. If the loss is due to negligence of the account holder (eg: sharing payment credentials, PIN numbers etc.), the customer will bear the entire loss until the unauthorised transaction is reported to the bank. Hence, although the responsibility of covering the losses has been given to the bank, banks have been given instructions to put their system in place. Thus it is a two way call. Are the banks ready to build the huge backend infrastructure? Now the banks have to heavily invest into IT infrastructure and keep on educating their customers again and again. They have to tell the customers that bankers never call for their PINs or personal details which are linked to their bank account. All the banks and some regulatory bodies have been reaching out to customers through advertisement, public broadcasting and various other means that it never seeks such information and that such fraudulent mails are given from Fake email-IDs. In case when a fraudulent transaction takes place, in rural areas and urban areas, people don’t check their messages too often. But now online banking, credit and debit card is being used after demonetisation. So when the customers receive such SMS, they should carefully scrutinise the same. RBI speaking about this speaks about the enormity and gravity of the situation. According to RBI data, in April, the digital transactions were 843.5 million. (Digital transactions include transactions conducted via credit and debit cards, unified payments interface (UPI), unstructured supplementary service data (USSD), prepaid payment instruments (PPIs), internet banking and mobile banking.) To take online banking further, it needs more protection. In GST, the dealer cannot pay cash or cheque for tax if amount is beyond Rs. 10,000, this has to be done online only. Income tax has made change- any expenditure incurred for payment of purchases, cannot be made in cash if exceeding Rs. 10000 per person per day. So all the transactions are done online through cheques, NEFT, RTGS, etc. This makes cash restricted. Any person who receives cash of Rs. 2,00,000 or more in a single day against the transaction, penalty would be against the extent of that cash amount. When the cash transactions are being restricted more and more emphasis on electronic payment, mostly the businesses prefer latter mode. The Cyber security goes hand in hand with these. India has world class software engineers, R&D persons who are working on global projects in areas of banking, finance, cyber security. So there is a need to make use of those resources for India’s domestic purposes. Conclusion Lot more confidence building measures are needed looking at the growing business transactions and household transactions. RBI said to the banks to update the contact number of the customer with each bank account. Where the customer is not linking their contact number, then banker is free to not allow him online facilities. It has also said that a mandatory SMS facility has to be started whereby the customers will have to respond through the SMS. For this, the bankers have to update their IT infrastructure as when the SMS goes from the bank, how customers can respond to those SMS is a technical challenge as it is made through a software and not a personal mobile number. When the entire focus of government, industry and trade is digital so that there is transparency, ease of doing business is ensured, so the confidence of doing business online should also be ensured. Every transaction of purchase and sale will done through bankers. So the bankers have to use the cybersecurity infrastructure very strongly and educate their customers. Also, there can be an apex level authority which will only deal with issues of cyber security. If India wants to take leap from cash to less cash, it needs to be ensured that confidence is maintained. Connecting the dots: Digital transactions is pinned to be future of India’s pillar of growth story. What measures should be taken by consumers, businesses and cyber experts to ensure safety of such transactions?

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 65]

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 65] Archives Q.1) Patola, a double ikat woven sari is from which of the following states? Gujarat Rajasthan Maharashtra Madhya Pradesh Q.2) Consider the following statements about Hathkargha Samvardan Sahayata (HSS) It aims to provide financial assistance for technological upgradation to improve quality of the fabric and productivity. Weavers’ Service Centre (WSC) shall act as lead agency in purchase of technological up-gradation (looms/accessories) by the weavers from Empanelled Suppliers. Under HSS, financial assistance to the extent of 90% of cost of technological up-gradation item shall be borne by the Govt. of India while remaining 10% shall be borne by the beneficiary. Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) Exercise INDRA is between India and Russia France US Japan Q.4) Which of the following statements about ISI Mark is/are correct? It conveys that the product carrying the Mark conforms to the relevant Indian Standard certified by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) The license number given along with the ISI Mark helps in identifying the unit which has manufactured the product at a specific location Both (a) and (b) Neither (a) nor (b) Q.5) Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) is under the aegis of Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Famers Welfare (DAC&FW;) Department of Food and Public Distribution (DoFPD) None of the above To Download the Solution - Click here All The Best  IASbaba

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs 18th Oct, 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 18th Oct 2017 Archives NATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. Strengthening the position of Speaker Background: The position of Speaker has been brought into question at various instances in recent times. G.S. Dhillon, Speaker of the Lok Sabha (for two terms), was asked to step down by the Prime Minister in 1975, and made Union Minister for Shipping — a precedent that has allowed future holders of the position to harbour political ambitions. Issues: There have been numerous such instances in our polity where the Speaker of the Assembly has precipitated a political crisis by seemingly political decisions. For example, the Anti-Defection Law. The determination of whether a representative has become subject to disqualification, post their defection, is made by the presiding officer of the House, offering ample scope for Speakers to exercise discretion. Sixteen MLAs in the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly (out of a total of 41 of the ruling party) were disqualified by the Speaker, Nabam Rebia, in 2016 despite not officially leaving the party or defying its directives. Similarly, the Uttarakhand Assembly Speaker, Govind Singh Kunjwal, disqualified nine MLAs from the ruling party in 2016, despite the MLAs not leaving the Congress or voting against it in the Assembly. The position of the Indian Speaker is paradoxical. The holder of the position, whether in Parliament or in State Assemblies, contests the election for the post on a party ticket, and yet is expected to conduct himself or herself in a non-partisan manner, all the while being beholden to the party for a ticket for the next election. The need for reelection skews incentives for the Speaker. The absoluteness of the Speaker’s decisions can also be an incentive for potential abuse. Instances of suspension of almost all the MLAs of the Tamil Nadu Assembly in 2016, where members of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam were evicted en masse from the House while protesting, raise crucial questions about the health of our democracy. Such suspensions are increasingly becoming common across State Assemblies, with a partisan Speaker taking such decisions. Comparison with other constitutions: In Ireland, a parliamentary system close to ours, the position of Speaker is given to someone who has built up credibility by relinquishing his or her political ambitions. The Westminster system considers it a taboo to induct a Speaker into the cabinet. The British Parliament automatically elevates the Speaker to the House of Lords. Way ahead: Establishing conventions: Taking partisanship out of the post will require establishing other conventions. Until 1996, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha always belonged to the ruling party. The election of P.A. Sangma of the Congress, on a unanimous basis, set another convention – with the Speaker belonging to a party other than the ruling party. Promoting neutrality: As a democracy, we must condition ourselves to expecting and promoting neutrality in the Speaker. Instances where the Speaker is named on a list of MPs who withdraw support from the government (as was the case with Somnath Chatterjee in mid-2008; he subsequently defied his party) must be avoided, to prevent encroachment on the Speaker’s neutrality. Such neutrality should not be accompanied by political banishment. The CPI(M)’s expulsion of Somnath Chatterjee in July 2008, after the United Progressive Alliance government survived a no-confidence motion, for violation of party discipline, is a sad example of this. There is a need for greater clarity in the interpretations associated with the Anti-Defection Law. It might be better for such critical decisions, associated with representative disqualification, to be determined by the President instead, with inputs from the Election Commission. The Page Committee, headed by V.S. Page, suggested that if the Speaker had conducted himself or herself in an impartial and efficient manner during the tenure of his or her office, he or she should be allowed to continue in the next Parliament. This would help maintain neutrality of Speaker as no political decisions, keeping in mind the need for re-election, would then be taken. Conclusion: The Indian Constitution is supreme. The political party constitution should not be allowed to superseded. Maintaining neutrality of Speaker is essential for our democratic polity to function smoothly. Connecting the dots: There are numerous such instances in our polity where the position of Speaker has come into question. Discuss some of these instances. Also suggest remedial steps. HEALTH 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 Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders Important International institutions, agencies and fora their structure, mandate. Achieving Immunisation Goals Background: Today, as India makes strides in sustained living for its citizens, health is rightly placed at the centre of the conversation, as a crucial determinant of the power of its growing economy. For a country that has such a massive and diverse population, the progress made in the last 70 years is remarkable. However, the promotion of health to international standards is still an unmet goal for the country. The GVAP (Global Vaccine Action Plan): Launched in 2012, it has been a formidable step towards providing equitable access to vaccines for people living in low-income countries. Under GVAP, 194 countries came together to commit better healthcare for the world and with a promise for a disease-free future. India too stepped forward, making considerable efforts in enhancing its public health framework. India introduced its flagship immunisation programme — Mission Indradhanush — in 2014, calling into action India’s urgent need to improve the 65 per cent immunisation rate achieved in its Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) since 1985. Further, new vaccines were added to the UIP in realising India’s obligations to GVAP 2020. Gaps exists: Globally, the GVAP commitment has fallen behind in several ways. In 2017, WHO estimated that worldwide, 20 million infants still do not receive the most basic vaccines. Essential immunisation coverage rates in low-income countries have increased by a paltry 1 per cent since 2010. A whopping 68 countries, including India, fall well short of the 90 per cent basic immunisation target coverage. According to the 2016 midterm review of GVAP, India continues to have the highest number of unvaccinated children worldwide. This has hampered the overall progress of GVAP. Steps taken by the government: In response to the crisis, the Government identified 201 high-focus districts across 28 States that have the highest number of partially-immunised and unimmunised children and channelled resources to address the gap. In addition, India recently launched one of the world’s largest vaccination campaigns against measles, a major childhood disease, and congenital rubella, which is responsible for irreversible birth defects. The campaign will vaccinate more than 35 million children in the age group of 9 months to 15 years with the MR (measles and rubella) vaccine. Simultaneously, India continues to strengthen surveillance for measles and rubella, an important learning from the country’s polio eradication programme that helped identify appropriate strategies to eradicate the disease. Way ahead: Ensuring stakeholders participation: Sustainable exploitation of resources and timely execution of strategies are of primary importance, and this can only be achieved through participation from multiple stakeholders across the community. Building awareness about the value of vaccines: A crucial step towards delivering ‘Health for All’ is building trust in vaccines and in the healthcare system. Keeping in mind the epidemiologic situation in India, and the myriad cultural, religious and political settings, communicating the benefits of vaccines is vital. Community-based information provided by trusted sources can help address issues confronting vaccine hesitancy at large. Communities need to appreciate immunisation as their fundamental healthcare right, and not as government propaganda thrust upon them. Use of technologies to optimise delivery of existing vaccines: Low and middle-income countries (LMICs) like India face the challenges of inefficiencies in vaccine management and delivery, mostly in the use of antiquated logistics and temperature monitoring systems prevalent in vaccine delivery. It is imperative that all the available technologies for vaccine delivery are optimally used to improve efficiency. In this regard, it is very encouraging to see the use of eVIN technology (electronic vaccine intelligence network) as an example of India leading the world in indigenously developed technology that digitises vaccine stocks and monitors the temperature of the cold chain through smartphone applications. Investing in R&D for new vaccine development: New technologies aimed at lowering the dose of vaccine or reducing the required number of doses, reducing wastage and enhancing vaccine to stimulate the best immune response particularly in small children are needed. India must continue to invest in the development of new vaccines as well as adopt strategies to increase the efficiency of delivering existing vaccines. Increasing domestic investment in immunisation services — According to the World Bank, one of the most crucial elements in building equitable and sustainable immunisation coverage is intensification of domestic financing. To meet the goals of India’s UIP, improved financing will be essential not only to meet current targets but also to lower long-term healthcare costs. Such financial investments are sound healthcare strategies to ensure the overall human development. As an example, a recent report from the US suggests the introduction of rotavirus vaccines reduced the number of acute gastroenteritis-related hospitalisations by 3,82,000 from 2008 to 2013, saving $1.23 billion in medicals costs. This is a significant impact to the health and the economy of any country, where the return on investment is paid in the form of dividend over decades through a healthy and productive population. Ensuring accountability: Healthcare authorities should be encouraged to plan immunisation budgets while closely monitoring disbursements and immunisation programme activities, both at the national as well as the local level. Officials at the national and subnational level responsible for implementation of the immunisation plans, should be empowered and held accountable for programme monitoring and performance. Civil society organisations that can effectively advocate for greater commitment to vaccines and immunisations should be engaged proactively, and leveraged for increased effectiveness of delivery systems. Immunisation programmes must have robust training, management and knowledge-sharing structures for programme implementation to be effective. Conclusion: The future of healthcare lies in collaboration, innovative solutions and intelligent delivery designs. With a keen focus on the immunisation drive, the governemnt needs to make a remarkable progress in building a stronger healthcare environment across the country. And this will most certainly pave the way for a stronger and healthier India. Connecting the dots: While India has made great strides in ensuring large scale immunisation of its citizens, we are still away from the target of 100% immunisation. In this light analyze how encouraging stakeholder participation and ensuring accountability would help us achieve the target. MUST READ Making the internet disappear The Hindu Of faith and fever The Hindu Power of the hashtag The Hindu Possibilities amidst flux in South Asia Indian Express Gone girl Indian Express A woman VC for Banaras Hindu University Indian Express How many schemes does it take to light up a sky Livemint Teaching policing Indian universities Livemint Retrench India's farm economy to sustain it Livemint  

Motivational Articles

MOTIVATION: Isn’t Your Life in Your Own Hands? HAPPY DIWALI @ILP 2018 Family!

Hello Friends, A boy was travelling by train when people around him got talking. He was a shy fellow, so instead of participating in the conversation he just listened to what each one of them were saying. At one point, a person said, “How will the problem of poverty be solved? Isn’t it all dependent upon God?” Later in his diary he wrote the following words – Divine will – what is this divine will that people keep talking about? They are never tired of it. I just cannot seem to wrap my head around why would people just leave everything to divine will and blame everything on divine will. Yes, if somebody else is dying, somebody else is hungry, it must be divine will. But what will happen if my stomach is empty, or if my parents are dying of hunger. I will have to have my own plan, right? Simply put, I believe that whenever we have to do something about our lives, we have taken the issue in our hands. Whenever it comes to other people’s misfortunes, we always have a word to explain it: destiny. And what a convenient word it really is! Destiny – the perfect scapegoat, a way to deal with failure, a way to skip some uncomfortable situations. How many of us have the courage to really turn inward and stay away from all these instances of passivity? How many of us can stop playing the victim game and attempt to beautifully make our own destiny? And, look what has happened – ‘Polio’ is in our hands today! The very word ‘polio’ used to strike terror in the hearts of all. But political advocacy with the right amount of community participation led all of us to defeat all the obstacles, and led to the eradication of this deadly disease. This is what it’s like – To be Human! To be human you can mould situations you are living in the way you want them. And no, you do need divine intervention to pass the weekly tests. You just need to know who you are, and what your goals are. There is a famous saying that says that our destinies are written by us unconsciously. Anger, fear, anxiety, and stress – yes, everything does exist but it is your choice after all, if they will affect you. Taking destiny in your hands does not mean that everything will happen your way. The outside world consists of a lot of varied dynamics, and it will never happen a hundred percent your way. But when you are in pain, or stress, it is certainly time to look within yourself, not at the situation or the problems around you. When in sickness, it is you who needs the medication. When hungry, it is you who needs the food. But when you sit for a test and you do not score that well, it is not the fault of the teacher who set the paper, or your destiny who gave you that particular set. It is you – the only one who needs to be fixed, is you! Dear friend, whatever be the situation, make yourself in such a way that, whatever the events and situations around you, you don’t get crushed by them, but you ride them. Hola – it is time to wake up to a whole new you, with a different perspective and a different goal in mind – to take your life in your own hands. It is possible. It is a guarantee of your success. P.S- A very Happy Diwali to all of you from the Team of IASbaba :)  You all must be busy in buying gifts, sharing happiness and joy with friends and family and why not? This day is meant for this. When we first thought about Civil Services, by default, Social Service was in our mind. Whenever anyone asks, why you want to become a Civil Servant? "Because I want to do social service. Because I want to work for the society. Because I want to bring change in society”. Isn’t it? If we plot a normal distribution of UPSC aspirants 80% would fall under this.This post is for those aspirants. Offcourse there would be aspirants who would want it for money, power status alone. Now, in the atmosphere of celebration, festivals, and our own happiness, how many of us actually think about sharing our happiness & celebration with “Deprived/Needy Section of Society”? When we are buying stuffs worth thousands, they are struggling to buy one-time food for their survival. When we are spending extravagantly on clothes, food and gifts, they are struggling to sustain their livelihood. “Just think of your neighbour who is struggling to sustain with one meal a day” We should be sensitized enough to have empathy towards our surrounding, in this case, our neighbour or surrounding. This insensitivity is the actual cause of deprivation and poverty in our Country. We seldom care and ponder over our responsibility. Almost all of us blame Government and other authorities for this. And this sensitivity is the first step towards you being a successful administrator. Just imagine, if each one of us develops this sensitivity and empathy, the whole society will change. It is not the matter of providing food. That is just an example. The Big Picture is “Sensitivity and Empathy in spirit not in words”. Have you ever thought of giving a treat to children involved in Child Labour and are thrown on streets to beg? These children, biologically and psychologically share the same childhood and feeling as ours. On Diwali or other festivals, they also expect someone to give them gifts, crackers, sweets etc. Cannot you afford this for one such Child? Look around you. You will find Old People abandoned by their children, physically handicapped & deprived people, Children involved in Child Labor and begging on streets. Go to them, share the celebration with them. They are one of us. They too deserve to be happy. Our happiness and celebration are at the expense of their pain and sufferings. How can we celebrate without them? We have lost the basic thread that defines us as HUMAN. And that is Humanity. Let us take a pledge today! We will develop this “Sensitivity” in us. We will start social service from within. Are you waiting to become IAS officer to start social service? Common! Let’s do it from now. Let us share our happiness with all of them and share the experience to motivate others also. And this will be a wonderful step in your journey towards Mussoorie!

RSTV Video

RSTV- The Big Picture : UNSC meeting on Rohingya Crisis

UNSC meeting on Rohingya Crisis Archives TOPIC: General Studies 3 Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges General Studies 2 India and its neighbourhood- relations. In news: Myanmar cancelled visiting UNGA amidst spiraling crisis inside the country in Rakhine state. More than 3,70,000 minority Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh to escape violence in Myanmar. The violence in Rakhine state was sparked by the series of alleged attacks on government border posts by Rohingya militants. Internal problem of Myanmar- This case has additional problem as there is long standing issue in Myanmar if the Rohingyas are actually myanmarese nationals. The Myanmaris call them Bengalis. The 1982 constitution has deprived them of their citizenship. Countries receiving immigrants- There is not going to be an easy solution because the refugee situation in other parts of the world-west Asia who have migrated to Europe are not going to be sent back. So this is the crisis which the government is finding difficult to handle. The global community looking at the problem with close scrutiny Terrorist angle- Now terrorism has got into the picture with a terrorist organization called ARSA, which is being funded by Saudi Arabia, trained in Pakistan and then they attack civil and military force in Myanmar. Myanmar has long history of ethnic clashes with its neighboring states. In last few years, diverse ethnic conflicts in Myanmar have been stabilized because of agreements come into. However, there is big burden on Bangladesh which is bearing brunt of the crisis. Bangladesh is facing huge crisis. There are certain groups that are linked to Rohingyas and people like Masood azhar have come into the debate and has called for jihad. Presence of Rohingya and India’s role There are approximately 40000 Rohingyas in India at the moment. There is little India can do at present. There are intelligence reports that the Rohingya terror groups are in contact with Pakistani based terror groups and could possibly strike in India as well. With the illegal Rohingya immigrants in India, it means that there are yet porous borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar. These shows India’s internal control in poor light. On top of it, they are settled in Jammu and Kashmir where the demographics are so sensitive. The valley Kashmiris did not tolerate the settlement of Hindu refugees of 1947 and here the Rohingyas are in thousands. India will not be able to deport these Rohingyas as nor will Bangladesh or Myanmar accept them. So India has to now see that no more Rohingyas come into India. The Rohingyas have been able to access the voter ID cards, Aadhar cards and some are even applying for passport on forge documents. They have free movement from Delhi to Karnataka and then Hyderabad. Hence, these immigrants need to be monitored. There is a need for database of all the Rohingyas and to monitor their movements. For India, along with humanitarian aspect, the national security aspect is vital. The structure of Rohingya crisis apart from humanitarian crisis and people being prosecuted is a security concern. In addition to it, India can help Myanmar financially to develop the Rakhine state. This issue has to be dealt by India with extreme caution as India has huge stakes in Bangladesh and Myanmar. Conclusion The army still controls the police, defence, home ministry and key portfolios in Myanmar. The international community doesn’t fully understand the internal politics of Myanmar and criticism of their premier is exaggerated on no steps being taken to protect the Rohingyas. Earlier it was about military prosecution of Rohingyas in 1982. However, post 2001, religious colours have been given to the issue and radicalization has been done. The other countries are funding terrorism in Bangladesh through Rohingyas. Though everybody is criticizing India and Myanmar, no one from criticizing countries is coming forward to help them either. Kofi Annan report Citizenship issues Illegal immigration between Myanmar and Bangladesh Report by International Crisis Group A new fundamentalist organization in Saudi Arabia has been formed. They are now sending the funding to Rohingyas in Myanmar and are enticing them to attack the military of Myanmar. There is a radical group dimension to this which is serious. India has the right to look at it. The census of Rohingya is going very slow. Rohingya are themselves not cooperating. On the other side, Bangladesh is worried about its security situation. Thus, Bangladesh and Myanmar need to sort out this question first. India needs to have discussion with Bangladesh and with Myanmar. India has seen that illegal immigrants from Bangladesh are liable to be used by the fundamentalists group for terrorists groups in India. So India has to take utmost care while dealing with the Rohingyas. Also, Diplomacy and talks are needed. India has to send a clear message that any refugee group in India has been extended humanitarian support liberally. But if they are going to behave in a manner that is going to affect India’s national security then India cannot compromise on it. Also read Rohingya Issue- India caught in a difficult spot Connecting the dots: India has been facing refugee challenges from Bangladesh and Myanmar. Critically examine the balancing need between national security and promoting humanitarian aid.

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs 17th Oct, 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 17th Oct 2017 Archives DEFENCE/SECURITY TOPIC: General Studies 3: Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism. Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security. Strengthening Border Management System Background: The Jammu sector has witnessed quite a few instances of successful infiltration by terrorists during the past couple of years as a prelude to attacks on strategic installations — prominent among these being the Pathankot and Uri terrorist attacks in 2016. These incidents have not only raised serious concerns about the efficacy of the existing border security system in thwarting such breaches but also a consequent demand for the deployment of high-tech border surveillance equipment by the BSF. A high-level committee on Security and Border Protection under the chairmanship of Madhukar Gupta, a former Home Secretary, was constituted. Besides finding gaps in the fencing and other vulnerabilities along the India-Pakistan border and strengthening manpower, the committee was explicitly tasked to recommend technological solutions to secure the international border. The Madhukar Gupta Committee has given its recommendations broadly on the issues of Threats and Border Protection, assessment of force level, deployment on the border, infrastructure and technology issues for protection of border and administrative issues. Gaps in the present system of border security: The emphasis on the use of high-tech gadgets for border security is not new. Equipments like Passive Night Vision Goggles (PNG), Night Weapon Sights (NWS), Hand Held Search Lights (HHSL), Hand Held Deep Search Metal Detectors (HHMD), etc proved to be game changers and force multipliers by enhancing the detection capabilities of BSF personnel. Despite these successes, sustained and successful attempts by infiltrators in breaching the international border continued. An in-depth assessment of the existing border management system revealed that it suffered from a number of shortcomings which hampered effective functioning. Some of the shortcomings highlighted were: The high-tech equipment being used did not provide all-round security and did not work in adverse climatic conditions. Significant gaps remained at rivers and nullahs running along the fences. Being manpower intensive, the system was not effective in providing rest and relief to BSF troops. It is not an integrated system and therefore failed to provide a common operating picture at all levels. Given these shortcomings, the BSF argued that a new, efficient and high-tech surveillance system for border guarding is urgently required to prevent infiltration by terrorists and smugglers. The CIBMS: The CIBMS is seen as a more robust and integrated system that is capable of addressing the gaps in the present system of border security by seamlessly integrating human resources, weapons, and high-tech surveillance equipment. It has three main components: New high-tech surveillance devices such as sensors, detectors, cameras, ground-based radar systems, micro-aerostats, lasers as well as existing equipment for round-the-clock surveillance of the international border. An efficient and dedicated communication network including fibre optic cables and satellite communication for transmitting data gathered by these diverse high-tech surveillance and detection devices. A command and control centre to which the data will be transmitted in order to apprise the senior commanders about the happenings on the ground and thus providing a composite picture of the international border. The purpose of the CIBMS is to eventually replace manual surveillance/patrolling of the international borders by electronic surveillance and organising the BSF personnel into quick reaction teams to enhance their detection and interception capabilities. Other factors such as power back up, training of the BSF personnel in handling the sophisticated equipment, and maintenance of the equipment are incorporated into the CIBMS project. Issues: In the case of the CIBMS, a similar dependence on vendors for designing a suitable surveillance system can be observed. This clearly demonstrates that the BSF does not have the required technical expertise to offer clear guidelines to the vendors so that they can provide suitable products. This fact is further evidenced by media reports that the two attempts at testing the system were stalled due to technical mismatch and budgetary projections. The operation and maintenance of the existing sophisticated equipment remain a problem. At present, many of the high-tech surveillance devices deployed by the BSF are not optimally utilised because the required technical expertise is not uniformly available among the force’s personnel. The high cost of the electronic devices and the lack of easy availability of spare parts act as a deterrent against their use. Besides the lack of technical expertise, erratic power supply and adverse climatic and terrain conditions in the border areas could potentially undermine the functioning of the sophisticated system. Conclusion: Technical solutions are necessary to augment and complement the traditional methods of border guarding. They not only enhance the surveillance and detection capabilities of the border guarding forces but also improve the impact of the border guarding personnel against infiltration and trans-border crimes. However, caution must be exercised while advocating the use of high-tech and high-cost electronic devices for border security. The experiences of countries such as the United States that have employed high-tech devices demonstrate that not only are the costs of such devices prohibitive but that they also fail to provide a comprehensive solution to border security problems. Instead of high-cost and innovative technological solutions that require extensive technical expertise, a judicious mix of properly trained manpower and affordable and tested technology will yield better results. Connecting the dots: High-tech and high-cost equipment will ofcourse be helpful in border management. However, to yield better results it is required that a judicious mix of properly trained manpower and affordable and tested technology is adopted. Discuss in the light of present border management system that is Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System. 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 Universal Basic Income: Is it the best way to eradicate poverty? In news: Universal Basic Income is seen by many as an alternative to the existing system of subsidies, which is often associated with systemic inefficiencies. The latest Fiscal Monitor of the IMF, in its analysis, showed that the available fiscal space can finance an annual Universal Basic Income of Rs2,600 per person, with the estimated cost at about 3% of the gross domestic product (GDP). Background: Although the basic idea of Universal Basic Income is not new for India—the erstwhile Planning Commission had worked on it in the early 1960s—it has attracted significant attention in the recent past. A large proportion of the population in India still lives below the poverty line and a number of government programmes providing subsidies and support to the poor are marred by inefficiencies. There are leakages in the system, and often, people who actually need government support are left out. Therefore, it is argued that Universal Basic Income will overcome these problems by providing a basic income to all citizens. The 2016-17 Economic Survey argued that Universal Basic Income is “...more feasible in a country like India, where it can be pegged at relatively low levels of income but still yield immense welfare gains”. Is Universal Basic Income the best way to eradicate poverty in India? There are strong economic and political reasons why India cannot opt for Universal Basic Income, at least in the present circumstances. The biggest issue is that India doesn’t have the fiscal capacity to implement Universal Basic Income. The Economic Survey calculations showed that a 75% universality rate with an annual Universal Basic Income of Rs7,620 per year at 2016-17 prices will cost about 5% of the GDP. It is often assumed that resources can be raised by rationalizing subsidies and capturing a part of the revenue forgone on account of various tax exemptions, including in the personal income tax. These may not happen. Further, politically, it will be extremely difficult to roll back subsidies in order to create fiscal space for Universal Basic Income. It is always advisable for the government to work on reducing non-merit subsidies, but the gains should be used to increase capital spending, which will help boost growth in the medium-to-long term. Universal Basic Income can create distortions in the labour market. A steady, permanent and guaranteed income without any work is likely to affect labour mobility and participation. It is also likely to increase wages, as has been witnessed after the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Higher wages without a commensurate increase in productivity will affect India’s competitiveness. This could also have longer-term implications in terms of higher inflation and lower growth. The nature of Indian politics can create complications. It is highly likely that political parties, in order to improve their chances in elections, would want to increase the amount of Universal Basic Income or try to bring back subsidies in some form or the other, which will have fiscal implications. Way ahead: What India needs is not Universal Basic Income. Steps like rationalization of subsidies, better targeting and operational efficiency are needed. We need to move to cash transfers at an accelerated pace with the use of Jan-Dhan, Aadhaar and mobile. This will help reduce costs and spare resources for capital spending to augment growth. Conclusion: As history has shown, the best way to pull people out of poverty is sustained higher growth. Therefore, rather than creating permanent doles like Universal Basic Income for the entire population, which will be impossible to reverse in the future, the idea should be to save costs with better targeting. This will help create the necessary conditions for higher growth which will decisively lift people out of poverty. Connecting the dots: There are several constraints in adoption of universal basic income in India. Discuss these constraints and also outline how other steps like rationalization of subsidies, better targeting, cash transfers etc can go a long way in eradication of poverty. MUST READ Lessons from the Aarushi case The Hindu A dangerous proposition The Hindu Securing Somalia The Hindu Flip-flop on terror The Hindu Out of UNESCO The Hindu Misreading Sir Syed Indian Express New frontiers Indian Express Time for auto industry to go all electric Livemint Pushing evidence-based policymaking for the poor Livemint Toxicity- the bane of our food exports Business Line  

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 64]

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 64] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about National e-Governance Services Ltd. (NeSL) It is India’s first information utility (IU) for bankruptcy cases under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016. It is owned and promoted by leading public institutions like State Bank of India, Life Insurance Corporation among others Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about Trap Crops Trap crops are the plant stands that are grown to attract insects or other organisms to protect target crops from pest attack It is economical but not an environmental friendly technique Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) It is a mechanism describing energy transfer between two chromophores It is known as a radiation less mechanism Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Which of the following statements is/are correct? ‘Tele Law’ is a web based platform, through which interested lawyers can register themselves to volunteer pro bono services for the underprivileged litigants, who are unable to afford it. Nyaya Mitra scheme is aimed at reducing pendency of cases across selected districts, with special focus on those pending for more than 10 years. Both (a) and (b) Neither (a) nor (b) Q.5) Consider the following statements about Fjord A fjord is formed when a glacier cuts a U-shaped valley by ice segregation and abrasion of the surrounding bedrock. The longest fjord in the world is Scoresby Sund in Greenland 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

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs 16th Oct, 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 16th Oct 2017 Archives 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 Public Health Management Cadre: Need of the hour Background: The 12th Five Year Plan and the National Health Policy, 2017 have strongly advocated establishing a public health management cadre to improve the quality of health services by having dedicated, trained and exclusive personnel to run public health facilities. Recommended by various committees: The idea of having dedicated personnel for public health management goes back to 1959 when advocated by the Mudaliar Committee, which observed that “personnel dealing with problems of health and welfare should have a comprehensive and wide outlook and rich experience of administration at the state level”. It was echoed too, in 1973, by the Kartar Singh Committee, which said that “doctors with no formal training in infectious disease control, surveillance systems, data management, community health related problems, and lacking in leadership and communication skills, with no exposure to rural environments and their social dynamics, nor having been trained to manage a facility or draw up budget estimates, were ill-equipped and misfits to work in public facilities”. In 2011, a High Level Expert Group on Universal Health Coverage recommended creation of an All India Public Health Service Cadre "that should be responsible for all public health functions starting at the block level and going up to the state and national level. This cadre should be supported by a state public health cadre. This would be akin to civil services. Why have such a cadre? The idea is on the lines of the civil service — of having dedicated, professionally trained personnel to address the specific and complex needs of the Indian health-care delivery system which is grappling with issues such as a lack of standardisation, financial management, appropriate health functionaries and competencies including technical expertise, logistics management, and social determinants of health and leadership. Doctors with clinical qualifications and even with vast experience are unable to address all these challenges, thereby hampering the quality of our public health-care system. Doctors recruited by the States and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (through the Union Public Service Commission) are to implement multiple, complex and large public health programmes besides applying fundamental management techniques. In most places, this is neither structured nor of any quality. In the absence of a public health cadre in most States, even an anaesthetist or an ophthalmologist with hardly any public health knowledge and its principles is required to implement reproductive and child health or a malaria control programme. As most states have no public health cadres, theoretically, a district medical officer, required to implement public health programmes such as vector borne diseases or TB control, could be a radiologist or an orthopaedic doctor with scanty knowledge of public health principles and management. At the Ministry level, the highest post may be held by a person with no formal training in the principles of public health to guide and advise the country on public health issues. With a public health cadre in place, we will have personnel who can apply the principles of public health management to avoid mistakes such as one that led to the tragedy in Uttar Pradesh as well as deliver quality services. This will definitely improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Indian health system. With quality and a scientific implementation of public health programmes, the poor will also stand to benefit as this will reduce their out-of-pocket expenditure and dependence on prohibitively expensive private health care. In the process, we will also be saving the precious resources of specialists from other branches by deploying them in areas where they are definitely needed. Filling the post of director general in the Health Ministry from this cadre with similar arrangements at the State level including the posts of mission directors will go a long way in improving planning and providing much-needed public health leadership. Another benefit will be the freeing up of bureaucrats and their utilisation in other much needed places. What does All India Health Cadre imply? Instituting an AIHC would imply that doctors (and other non medical personnel) desirous of working in government would require to undergo training in health policy and work in district level hospitals for a period of time as a pre-qualification for promotions. Steps being taken: Tamil Nadu took the lead in this and there has been a great difference in the way health delivery is done there vis-à-vis Uttar Pradesh. For example, in U.P., even in a tertiary hospital, according to media reports, simple record keeping of oxygen cylinders is not followed. Recently, Odisha, with the support of the Public Health Foundation of India, has notified the establishment of a public health cadre in the hope of ensuring vast improvement in the delivery of health care. Despite the creation of a public health cadre finding mention in various reports and Plan documents, such a service at the all-India level has still to translate itself into reality any time soon due to a series of complex factors. The way forward: The All India Health Cadre will need to be contextualised within a holistic and comprehensive institutional reform that must begin with making health a concurrent subject (as was done in the case of education) and restructuring the administrative ministeries into two distinct departments – one devoted to public health. and the other to medical education and long term care/hospital services. An exclusive department of public health at both the levels of the Ministry and the States is required, this will help in developing the recruitment, training, implementation and monitoring of public health management cadre. Doctors recruited under this cadre may be trained in public health management on the lines of the civil service with compulsory posting for two-three years at public health facilities. Financial support for establishing the cadre is also to be provisioned by the Central government under the Health Ministry’s budget. Conclusion: A service, on the lines of the IAS, will improve India’s health-care delivery.  An all India health cadre is the need of the hour. However, it should be brought after adopting a wide consultative process and evidence – not on knee jerk or narrow political considerations. Connecting the dots: Various committees have recommended for the creation of All India Health Cadre. There are various administrative challenges being faced in the health sector which could be resolved by having a specialised cadre. Analyze. ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Strengthening state level enterprises Background: Given the downturn in economic growth and the daunting challenge of creating jobs for those already in and those about to enter the workforce in the country, the need to boost the manufacturing sector has become exceedingly urgent. The government at the Centre is committed to reviving manufacturing with initiatives such as the “Make in India” and “Digital India” programmes. It has correctly identified burdensome regulations as a major culprit for lagging manufacturing, resulting in a focus on easing regulatory hurdles in order to improve the “ease of doing business”. Issue: The issue is that many of the regulations that affect businesses fall within the jurisdiction of State governments. For instance, starting construction of any kind requires getting no-objection certificates (NOCs) and approvals from various departments of the municipality and State government. Firms that employ more than 10 workers are subject to meeting compliance requirements under State labour laws. The task of providing adequate water and proper roads falls to respective State government departments. Thus, the ultimate responsibility for easing regulations and improving the business environment lies with States even more than the Centre. Steps taken by the state governments: State governments are making earnest efforts to improve the ease of doing business. They have undertaken reforms across different areas of doing business, such as labour, environment, setting up a business, among others, in order to reduce the time and costs of meeting compliances. A majority of States have introduced single window clearance systems along with the necessary laws to make it simpler to start a business. Many now allow self-certification as well as third-party certification for granting various permits. The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) of the Union government introduced a detailed survey of State governments and it publishes a real-time annual ranking of States. This ranking reflects the number of reforms that states have implemented. This initiative has fostered competition among States in order improve their ranking and is taken very seriously by bureaucrats and politicians alike. What needs to be done? To fully understand how business is actually done and whether reforms by States are being implemented, it is necessary to ask enterprises or firms themselves – who bear the burden of compliance – about their experience in meeting mandated requirements. This will provide direct feedback to State governments about how their actions are helping the situation on the ground. This would be a complement, not a substitute, to DIPP’s survey. Variations in performance across the states: Along the lines of these World Bank Enterprise Surveys, NITI Aayog, in collaboration with IDFC Institute, published a report based on a State-level enterprise survey of more than 3,000 manufacturing firms across India. The survey reveals a wide variation in the time taken for getting various approvals and cost of doing business across States. It also shows that although States have implemented reforms and instituted improved processes, enterprises are often unaware of them. The results shows that: States that experience high growth have a better climate for doing business, suggesting a virtuous circle between a better regulatory environment and more rapid growth. What needs to be done? Repeated surveys of enterprises at the State level will provide sufficient data to reasonably measure whether States that have a better doing business climate as reported by firms also see better outcomes over time. They will also allow States to check whether their reforms are yielding results, how far they have come, how they fare in relation to other states, and recalibrate the measures undertaken. These State level report cards could not only be a means for getting feedback but also help build political and public consensus around reforms at the State level. Conclusion: An improved doing business climate due to reforms could deliver real gains in terms of increased investment in manufacturing and creating a large number of good jobs. India needs no less if we are to jumpstart growth and eradicate poverty. Connecting the dots: Analyzing the performance of state level enterprises and working on strengthening them is required if manufacturing sector is to be given a boost as many of the regulations that affect businesses fall within the jurisdiction of State governments. Discuss. MUST READ The right to read and be read The Hindu Between disarmament and deterrence The Hindu Toxic farming The Hindu All hype on energy Indian Express A black mark Indian Express Make in India- The smart phone challenge Livemint Strengthening India's corporate bond market Livemint Is it the end of the road for tax havens Business Line  

MindMaps

IASbaba’s MINDMAP : Issue - Civil Services - Lateral Entry

IASbaba’s MINDMAP : Issue - Civil Services - Lateral Entry 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)

PIB

IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau - 8th Oct to 15th Oct, 2017

IASbaba PIB Weekly: Press Information Bureau - 8th Oct to 15th Oct, 2017 ARCHIVES GS-2 Launch of Sampoorna Bima Gram (SBG) Yojana (Topic: 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) Primary objective: Coverage of all households in the identified Sampoorna Bima Gram village Under Sampoorna Bima Gram (SBG) Yojana: At least one village (having a minimum of 100 households) will be identified in each of the revenue districts of the country, wherein endeavour will be made to cover all households of that identified village with a minimum of one RPLI (Rural Postal Life Insurance) policy each.  Note: Postal Life Insurance (PLI), introduced in 1884, is one of the oldest life insurance schemes for benefit of Government and semi-Government employees. Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI), introduced on March 24, 1995 on recommendations of Malhotra Committee, provides insurance cover to people residing in rural areas, especially weaker sections and women living in rural areas. Low Premium and High Bonus is the unique feature of PLI and RPLI schemes.   India and Water (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) India supports 17 per cent of the global population – but has only four per cent of the world’s water resources. Currently, 80 per cent of water in India is used by agriculture and only 15 per cent by industry. In the coming years, this ratio will change. In urban India, 40 billion litres of waste water is produced every day (vital to adopt technology to reduce the toxic content of this water, and to deploy it for irrigation and other purposes. This has to be part of any urban planning programme.) In India, 54 per cent of people are dependent on farming for their livelihood. Yet, their share of national income is only 14 per cent. To make agriculture more remunerative and to improve the prosperity of farming communities, the government has introduced many new projects. These include: ‘Har Khet ko Paani’– Water for Every Farm: This requires enhancing the supply and availability of water ‘Per Drop, More Crop’: This requires using drip irrigation and related methods to improve farm productivity, while using the same volume of water ‘Doubling Farm Incomes by 2022’: To achieve this, the government is rapidly expanding the area under irrigation, and completing 99 long-pending irrigation projects. Sixty per cent of these projects are in drought-prone areas Mindmap Must Read: Link 1 + Link 2 + Link 3 + Link 4 + Link 5 + Link 6 + Link 7 + Link 8 + Link 9 Must Solve: Link 1 + Link 2   Cabinet approves – MoC between India and Japan on the "Technical Intern Training Program (TITP)": The Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) is an ambitious program to send Indian technical interns to Japan for on the job training for a period of three to five years. It is expected that the MoC will pave the way for bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the area of skill development. Signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between India and Japan on establishing a Liquid, Flexible and Global LNG Market: The MoC will promote bilateral relationship between India and Japan in the energy sector; will contribute to the diversification of gas supplies for India. This will strengthen our energy security and lead to more competitive prices for consumers. The MoC provides a framework to cooperate in facilitating flexibility in LNG contracts, abolition of Destination Restriction Clause and also explore possibilities of cooperation in establishing reliable LNG spot price indices reflecting true LNG demand and supply. Background: India and Japan are major consumers of energy in the world. In the LNG sector, Japan is the world's largest importer and India is the 4th largest importer. Under the Japan-India Energy Partnership Initiative signed in January 2016, the two sides had agreed to work together in promoting well-functioning energy markets and affirmed to promote a transparent and diversified Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) market through the relaxation of Destination Restriction Clause. MoU between Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Financial Services Commission (FSC), Gibraltar for mutual co-operation and technical assistance: The MoU is likely to promote further development of economic links and cooperation between the two regulators and aims at creating conditions for an effective development of securities markets in the two countries. It would also contribute towards strengthening the information sharing framework between the two signatories. MoU between India and Belarus for Cooperation in the field of Vocational Education and Training: This is for the first time MoU for cooperation in area of vocational education, training and skill development has been signed with Eurasian country. Belarus has a large concentration of industries, mainly into manufacturing and heavy industries, which draw their strength from available skilled manpower and a highly developed skill training system. The transfer of knowledge of their skilling methodology will immensely help in our initiatives like "Make in India" and "Skill India". This MoU would pave the way for systematic transfer of their expertise and knowhow in skilling the manpower especially in manufacturing sector. MoU by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) with Capital Markets Authority (CMA), Kuwait for mutual co-operation and technical assistance: The MoU is likely to promote further development of economic links and cooperation between the two regulators, and aims at creating conditions for an effective development of securities markets in the two countries. It would also contribute towards strengthening the information sharing framework between the two. MoU between India and Morocco on cooperation in the field of water resources: The MoU intends to enhance cooperation in the field of water resources development and management within the framework of their expertise and their respective legislations. The domains of bilateral cooperation under this MoU include Conception, realization and maintenance of the hydraulic infrastructure, notably big dams and water transfer projects; Integrated water resources management, i.e., conjunctive use of surface and ground water resources, enhancement of water use efficiency, resilience and adaptation to climate change, artificial recharge of aquifers, organisational, institutional and regulation aspects; Flood and drought management; Sustainable development and management of ground water resources including recharge augmentation; and Harvesting and valuation of rainfall water and resilience and adaptation to climate The cooperation also includes Exchange of visits and missions of experts; Exchange of information on programs, publications, expertise and results of research in the field of water resources; Develop projects in domains mentioned above, in Morocco and India: develop partnership mechanism with the socio-economic actors in the two countries; Ensure reciprocal participation of experts to the water related events and projects; Promote cooperation between Hydraulic Basin Agencies of the two countries with an aim to share the expertise on the implementation of the principles of integrated water resource management in the Hydraulic Basins. SANKALP & STRIVE Schemes to boost Skill India Mission: Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) and Skill Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) – Outcome focused schemes marking shift in government's implementation strategy in vocational education and training from inputs to results. It will create a national architecture for promoting convergence, ensuring effective governance and regulation of skill training and catalysing industry efforts in vocational training space. The architecture shall help, for the first time in the history of vocational education in India, to converge the efforts of various central, state and private sector institutions thereby avoiding duplication of activities and bringing about uniformity in vocational training thus, creating better impact. SANKALP envisages setting up of Trainers and Assessors academies with self-sustainable models. SANKALP aims at enhancement of inclusion of marginalized communities including women.   GS-3 Implementation of Value Engineering Programme in Highways Projects (Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.) Why: To promote the use of new technologies, materials, and equipment in highways projects executed either under PPP mode or public funding mode Objective: To use innovative technology, materials and equipment to reduce the cost of projects and make them more environment friendly, while simultaneously ensuring that the roads or bridges and other assets get constructed much faster, are structurally stronger and more durable. The Value Engineering Programme is expected to Increase speed of construction, Reduce construction cost, Increase asset durability and Improve aesthetics and safety. Please Note: ImTeCHO - an innovative mobile phone application to improve performance of ASHAs Mission Indradhanush: Link 1 Vayoshreshtha Samman – a scheme of National Awards for senior citizens The population of senior citizens in our country was approximately 10.5 crore, which was about 8.5% of our total population. The average life expectancy has increased in recent decades due to improvement in health services and other reasons. It is estimated that by the year 2050, the number of senior citizens will be approximately 19% of our total population. Must Read: Link 1 + Link 2 + Link 3 PM Ujjwala Yojana: In the last 15 months, we have already provided LPG connections to over 30 million households. Secondly, we have set the target to electrify 40 million un-electrified households in the next 15 months. – Refer: Mind map; Must Read & Solve: Link 1 + Link 2 + Link 3 Paul H. Appleby Awards: For distinguished services to IIPA and the field of Public Administration in India India’s first Sewage Treatment Plant under Hybrid Annuity Mode to come up in: Haridwar and Varanasi MITRA SHAKTI 2017: The fifth India-Sri Lanka Joint Training Exercise based on Counter Terrorist Operations and an Infantry company from both the countries is participating in the same. Ayurveda Day: 17th October; The First ever All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), set up as an apex institute under the Ministry of AYUSH, will be dedicated to the nation. AIIA will bring synergy between the traditional wisdom of Ayurveda and modern diagnostic tools and technology. Nation’s first Rail coach manufacturing Company: Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), a Public Sector Company under the Ministry of Defence and the premier manufacturer of rail products. It is the only Indian Company manufacturing State-of-the-Art Metro Cars and holds the Market share of about 50% in Metro segment competing with Global Players and is the sole supplier to Bangalore and Jaipur Metro Corporations World Post Day: Celebrated each year on 9th October with the purpose to create awareness of the role of the postal sector in people’s and businesses’ everyday lives and its contribution to the social and economic development of countries. Launch of International Tracked Packet service: Has been designed specially to meet the cross border requirements of e-Commerce sector in Asia-Pacific Region. At the beginning, the service will be available to 12 countries and gradually the whole world will be covered. This new service has many special features like Affordable price Track & trace Volume discounts Pick up facility Compensation for loss or damage and, therefore, high value for money Revise HELP policy: Link 1 + Link 2 + Link 3 + Link 4  

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