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IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs 1st Sep, 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 1st Sep 2017 Archives NATIONAL/ECONOMY 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 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Demonetisation: Success, Failures and Lessons learnt In news: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released numbers that show how most of the currency notes that were cancelled were deposited in banks. Now that we know that 99% of demonetised money has come back, the government’s estimates of how much black money would be extinguished have been proven wrong.  As the RBI’s latest annual report has confirmed, Rs 15.28 lakh crore or 99 per cent of the Rs 15.44 lakh crore worth of the notes withdrawn overnight on November 8 was turned in. Thus, almost all demonetised notes have been returned to the central bank, including the stock of black money held as cash. How money laundering took place? The total reduction in black money was much smaller than what might have been envisaged. To the extent that it was possible to exchange money legally, individuals did so. After that it was done illegally. Those who could not exchange money legally found money changers. When the government announced that old notes could no longer be exchanged, but only deposited, new ways of changing the stock of unaccounted cash emerged. Individuals with bank accounts, including Jan Dhan accounts, and companies showing cash accrual from sales came into business. Large amounts could be laundered through this route as it did not involve immediate cash payouts by banks, since cash shortages still persisted with the RBI and banks scrambling to remonetise the economy. Even when people have to pay tax on their hoarded cash, and a change fee they preferred to do that rather than lose the whole amount. Data from Prowess, a database of companies in India, shows that in the quarter of demonetisation, when purchasing power had fallen sharply, net sales by companies rose significantly. At the same time, the number of tax payers and tax collections rose. The tax department is said to have found thousands of shell companies which were possibly engaging in the activity of depositing money in their accounts during the demonetisation period, claiming that it was cash from sales. This provided a means for laundering money. There is no doubt that those with holdings of unaccounted cash lost some of their wealth in the process of laundering it. To some extent, taxes were paid on it in the process of legitimising it. But in addition to that, illicit wealth was redistributed from black money holders to money launderers. Whether the money launderer was a company owner, a bank employee or a Jan Dhan account holder, there was now a need breed of criminals with wealth obtained from illegal means. Objective seems unachieved: The objective of reducing counterfeit currency seems unachieved. In 2015, the National Investigation Agency established that at any point only Rs. 400 crore of counterfeit currency is in circulation. That’s 0.028% of total currency. Now, CNBC has calculated only 0.0007% of the returned Rs. 1,000 notes as being fake and only 0.002% of the Rs. 500 notes. In value terms the total is just Rs. 41 crore. So either a lot of fake currency hasn’t been detected or didn’t exist. In terms of tackling terror funding, the Finance Ministry has said: “As a result of demonetisation of specified bank notes, terrorist and Naxalite financing stopped almost entirely.” But no proof has been provided. Reduced dependence on cash: Both in number and value, digital transactions increased sharply after November but also dipped sizeably thereafter. There were 671.49 million transactions in November, rising to 957.50 million in December before shrinking to 862.38 million in July. So, the use of cash initially diminished but has been steadily increasing thereafter. Negative economic consequence of demonetisation: The disruption of unorganized supply chains that are dependent on cash transactions; it is still not clear how smoothly they were being rebuilt as the economy was remonetized. No less has been the damage to institutional credibility. The RBI is yet to convincingly demonstrate that the demonetisation decision was not forced on it. At any rate, it was ill-prepared to deal with the aftermath, in terms of making available adequate quantity of replacement notes in the right denominations. That remonetised notes are mostly of the illiquid Rs 2,000 denomination — constituting over 50 per cent of the total value of currency in circulation even as late as March 31 — didn’t help matters. The economic costs— whether manifested in a crash in farm produce prices or a wide swathe of cash-dependent informal enterprises going bust, not to mention the sheer time wasted waiting in lines — are incalculable. In the period immediately after demonetisation, there was expectation that it would bring a windfall for the Centre. To the extent that the scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination notes were not deposited or exchanged at banks — especially by those who had hoarded their ill-gotten wealth significantly in cash — the resultant reduction in the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) currency liabilities would generate a “profit”, which it could then distribute as dividend to the government. But this did not happen. Potential advantages of demonetisation: Attack on the scourge of black money, tackling corruption, counterfeit currency, terror funding and reducing dependence on cash Salient lessons learnt: The government did not seek the advice of experts before going ahead. The strategic decision to surprise holders of illegal wealth would anyway have restricted the circle of those who could be informed, but it seems that the idea didn’t come from experienced policy advisers. Good policy design should take into account how people will respond to any change in the rules of the game. In other words, incentives matter. Most rational human beings will adjust their behaviour to further their self-interest. Those who had illegal wealth held in cash obviously gamed the cash exchange process. Good incentive-compatible policy design is thus as important as good policy intent. Political dynamics can be quite different from economic dynamics. That voters have continued to back the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) despite the pain imposed by demonetisation shows that the ruling party has gradually redefined its typical voter from the traditional trading base that supported the Bharatiya Jana Sangh to the aspirational middle class that has a lower tolerance for corruption. International evidence suggests that few countries address the problem of black money by demonetising their currencies. If the problem is large-scale crime, corruption, bribery, bureaucrat-politician nexus, rent seeking, tax evasion etc. the answer lies in reforming the criminal justice system, law and order, administrative reforms, bringing transparency in the functioning of the state and rationalisation and simplification of the tax system. In this context, the GST will be a far more effective mechanism to bring down tax evasion in indirect taxes considering the greater incentive for compliance that its design holds. This episode in India’s policy-making highlights an essential tenet of policy-making — the need for a cost benefit analysis. For any objective that is to be achieved, we need to examine various policy options and analyse their costs and efficacy. For an economy on the path of reform, with many more reforms still to come, long-term sustainable impact can be achieved only when we strengthen the policy-making process as well. Conclusion: It is still quite possible that demonetisation will have positive consequences over a longer period— the growth in the direct tax base, the switch in the financial holdings of households from cash to bank deposits, and the increased use of digital payments. The question to be asked is whether the potential long-term benefits will be greater than the short-term costs that the Indian economy had to bear. Connecting the dots: What were the objectives of demonetisation? How far was it successful? Critically analyze. The demonetisation drive in many ways proved to be a fialed one. Discuss. What are the lessons learnt when it comes to policy-making in future. SECURITY TOPIC: General Studies 3 Government Budgeting. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. First phase of reforms in armed forces In news: The Centre has approved major reforms for the Indian Army aimed at enhancing combat capabilities and rebalancing defence expenditure. This will be the first such exercise since Independence and will involve restructuring British era systems. Posts of 57,000 officers, soldiers and civilians will be restructured and the Army would have state of art regimen and better logistic support units after the overhaul. This phase of reforms, which concern only the army, will be completed by end-2019. There will be major changes to optimise signal establishments that handle the Army’s communication networks, restructuring repair echelons, redeploying ordnance echelons, better utilisation of transport echelons and closure of military farms and Army postal establishments in peace locations. Benefits: It will help improve operational efficiency. The idea is to improve the army’s “teeth to tail” ratio, that is, increase the number of soldiers actually doing the fighting against those needed to support them to fight. For example, additional vacancies for commissioning officers in combat units like infantry, artillery, armour and mechanised infantry will be allotted to overcome these deficiencies. This way the ‘teeth to tail’ ratio (combat units to administrative +logistics ratio) would improve. Restructuring by the Indian Army is aimed at enhancing combat capability in a manner that the officers/JCOs/ORs will be used for improving operational preparedness and civilians will be redeployed in different wings of the Armed Forces for improving efficiency,” a defence ministry statement said. The savings can be utilised for overcoming deficiencies in combat arms, especially for officer cadre. Pic credit: https://img.etimg.com/photo/60299381/gurung-fff.jpg Background: These reforms emanate from the recommendations of an expert committee headed by Lt General D.B. Shekatkar (retd), which was tasked to recommend measures for enhancing combat capability and rebalancing defence expenditure. The committee submitted its report in December last year, and its 188 recommendations have been studied and debated by the ministry and the defence services. The defence ministry has chosen 99 recommendations which pertain to the army, navy and air force — 65 of them, which are internal to the army, have been approved for implementation in this phase. It is believed that the other 34, which are internal to the air force and the navy, will also be implemented soon. Way ahead: The rest of the recommendations of the Shekatkar committee, which deal with higher defence management, defence ministry and other organisations, such as the DRDO, ordnance factories and DGQA must also be implemented. The ministry has been silent about these steps which would have far-reaching effects towards reforming and modernising the decision-making structure for national security. Also, following proposals from various committees needs to be implemented- Chief of Defence Staff should be created. Ensuring 2.5-3 per cent of GDP as defence expenditure, Political and bureaucratic consensus beyond the scope of the defence ministry but have not been debated so far. The recommendations of both the Arun Singh Committee, following the Kargil Review Commission, and of the Naresh Chandra Committee needs to see the light of the day. Conclusion: The approval of the Union cabinet for the first phase of reforms in the armed forces is a welcome step. With a live threat from both China and Pakistan, defence reforms are an urgent need of the hour. The first steps with restructuring the army are important but they must be quickly followed by implementation of other recommendations, particularly those of higher defence management. Anything less will be another opportunity lost. Connecting the dots: The central government has already initiated army reforms based on recommendations of Shetkar committee. What are these reforms? Also explain how it must be quickly followed by implementation of other recommendations, particularly those of higher defence management. MUST READ Understanding the Chinese mind The Hindu Is it time to review Section 377? 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AIR

All India Radio (AIR): Indo German Relationship

Indo German Relationship ARCHIVES Search 30th May 2015 http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora. In a recent meeting between Indian PM and German Chancellor, the two sides signed a joint declaration of intent on cyber politics, development initiatives, sustainable urban development, continued development of cluster managers and skill development, cooperation in the field of digitalisation, cooperation in the field of railway security, promoting vocational training and continued cooperation on an Indo-German centre for sustainability India and Germany India is one of the first countries to end the state of war with post-war Germany in 1951 and amongst the first countries to recognize the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). India and Germany have a ‘strategic partnership’ since 2001, which has been further strengthened with two rounds of Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC). There have been regular interactions between Parliamentarians of the two countries. The Indo-German Parliamentary Group in the German Bundestag, established in 1971, has contributed to strengthening links between the two Parliaments. The closeness in relation with Germany started in 2000 when special green cards were introduced for Indians to encourage Indian students to go to Germany and also encouraged business visas so that Indian business can go to Germany and there is better flow of trade between India and Germany. Impact of closeness between India and Germany Germany seems to be in driver’s seat when it comes to EU. India’s relation, as it gets better with Germany will help consolidate its position as one of the major players in Asia. The time is right for India to partner with Europe as it is said that this century belongs to Asia. This move of Germany to partner with India is expected to be followed by other EU countries who in the past used to favour china over India. After Pokhran, Germany and France stood solidly with India after basic criticism. This made the EU change its policy towards India. India will have to engage much more with Germany and France after Brexit as far as bilateral relationship is concerned. This is good for India as Germany comes with good source of investment and are not protectionist. German partnership is very important for making Skill India Mission successful. If 800 million Indian youth get skill as per the global standards, then the youth power can contribute to India’s development. Germany has set global parameters in skill development which are very apt for India. Germany and India were part of G-4 to fight for permanent membership of UN Security Council. This was huge step forward in India German relationship. Also, in NSG, Germany and France have supported India. The question is if they will be able to pressure china to de-link India’s candidature from Pakistan’s candidature. There is no way that can be compared but the Chinese are trying to do that. Terrorism India and Germany have established a joint working group on counter terrorism which has led to critical sharing of intelligence. On the perception of need to fight international terrorism, Germany is supportive of India’s position, including in the UN that India has a threat from neighbourhood which threatens the unity of India. Now that terror has started emanating from Europe’s soil, German Chancellor is one of those who said from the beginning that it was important for Europe to combat with this issue in a unified way. Migration Germany is one of the few countries in western liberal world that still stands for immigration. The German Chancellor was courageous to open German borders for refugees when public opinion in Germany did not support it at that time. As a result of this, Germany has taken a very large number of upper elite of Syrian society who are highly qualified at the time when Germany was facing a shrinking population. This was a smart thing by Germany because today it has large reservoir of respected and qualified Syrians who will work for Germany’s prosperity. India EU FTA While India is growing in significance as a trading partner for Germany there is clearly a great deal of potential to be realized. Apart from traditional sectors, knowledge driven sectors hold good potential for collaboration in the fields of IT, ITES, biotechnology, auto components, renewable energy, green technology etc. The negotiations for FTA is going on for many years. the FTA, the problem lies with ‘investment’ and many issues which have to be sorted out. The sovereign debt crisis and economic crisis in Europe and increased protectionism hasn’t helped negotiations. There is a model BITA which India shares with Germany. It is to be renewed to further engage in increased trade between both countries. Germany and China The Germany-China economic relationship is pretty deep, though both sides have been in long negotiations on an investment and trade pact, like India. Germany was much more China-positive, but this tide appears to have turned in recent years as it has expressed reservations about China's predatory trading practices. Although Germany sent an official-level delegation to the OBOR summit, it has asked for the OBOR process to be made more transparent, in accordance with WTO. It is not about free trade but driving the world towards sino-centric trade. Also, Germany wondered how could OBOR succeed without India on board as far as trade and connectivity is concerned. According to it, this initiative could be a debt trap for the countries who are joining OBOR. Germany’s present reactions The German Chancellor doesn’t seem to be happy with the US as NATO is not being supported strongly by USA and also that President Trump is reluctant in supporting the Paris climate change. Today the perception is, the US President is turning back on Europe and India is reaching out to Europe. Moreover, German chancellor also said that it was high time Europe started dealing with its problem on its own. Climate change Europe appreciates India’s position to move to non-conventional sources of energy.  India and Germany’s collaboration in areas like renewable energy is gaining momentum. Although US is out of Paris accord, India is expected to keep its momentum to tackle climate change challenges. Connecting the dots: India is increasing its bilateral relations with Germany. Critically examine how this relationship is expected to boost India’s strategic and economic interests.

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs 31st Aug, 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 31st Aug 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 Giving priority to health services over medical services: Background: The tragedy of children with encephalitis dying in a Gorakhpur hospital has caused much outrage about hospital mismanagement. Far more outrageous is the fact that encephalitis threatens many thousands of lives every year in Gorakhpur alone, and this in the 21st century. Neglecting health services at the cost of health services: “Focusing on clinical services while neglecting services that reduce exposure to disease is like mopping up the floor continuously while leaving the tap running.” Health services in India have prioritized medical services, neglecting public health services that seek to reduce the population’s exposure to disease. This neglect is evidenced in many ways, such as the explosive growth of an array of mosquito-borne diseases. Faecally transmitted diseases, which include infections from a whole cafeteria of parasites, viruses and bacteria, cause widespread debility and can be fatal. Treatment for such diseases is sought on a huge scale across the country, while faecal waste continues to be poorly managed. Studies show that major Indian rivers now contain antibiotic-resistant matter, supplying water that can threaten immunity to available drugs. Reducing exposure to communicable diseases: This should be at the highest priority in public health services, as their spread causes severe negative spillovers. These services save incalculable medical costs. An indirect indicator of the gains from communicable disease control is the small gap in life expectancy between the richest and the poorest in the US, despite their vast differences in living conditions and access to healthcare. Indian public funds could improve health outcomes far more if spent on public health instead of subsidizing health insurance. What needs to be done? Streamlining MGNREGA: India’s employment guarantee schemes could use lessons from the US’ Depression-era public works programme. Case: In areas badly affected by malaria in US, the labour was used for large-scale drainage and other works to control malaria, with technical inputs from public health personnel and sanitary engineers. The Swachh Bharat campaign could also use such technical expertise to maximize its impact in reducing exposure to diseases. Charitable foundations can emulate the Rockefeller Foundation’s efforts to improve public health and sanitation. Case: In the early 20th century, the foundation found that 40% of school-aged children in the southern US had hookworm, an aggressive faecally transmitted parasite that can cause listlessness and stunting. They sponsored demonstration projects combining deworming treatment, campaigns to raise people’s awareness of the problem, and technical assistance in building latrines in homes and public buildings. The state health authorities learnt from this approach and applied it widely. A study finds that programme beneficiaries gained in school attainment and earnings. Strengthen public health service delivery: The Central government can do much in this regard. Case: Tamil Nadu offers some basic organizational principles whereby other states can strengthen their public health systems within their existing administrative and fiscal resources. The Central government could link its fiscal support to states with phased progress in: (1) The establishment within the state health departments of separate public health directorates with their own budgets and staff, managed by medical doctors trained in public health administration. (2) The enactment of public health Acts to provide the basic legislative underpinning for public health action. (3) The revitalization of public health cadres. These measures can help use public funds more effectively for protecting people’s health. The government can do much else with more innovative and better-focused use of other programmes such as the employment guarantee programme and the Swachh Bharat campaign. Conclusion: The state must improve sanitation and public health services to reduce the prevalence of the communicable diseases, despite lack of public demand for such services. Most countries around the world have made this a priority, viewing it as essential to building development infrastructure, improving human capital and labour productivity, and reducing poverty. Connecting the dots: The state must improve sanitation and public health services to reduce the prevalence of the communicable diseases, despite lack of public demand for such services. Critically analyze. The government is focusing on clinical services while neglecting services that reduce exposure to disease. Do you agree. Discuss the implications of it. INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 India and its neighborhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. Challenges for India at BRICS Background: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to travel to Xiamen for the September 3-5 summit of BRICS, it is important to see how the bilateral relationship and several other changes in geopolitics are now going to change the course of the BRICS engagement as well. The power of five: BRICS (BASIC was later disbanded) went from a modest 16-paragraph joint statement at Yekaterinburg in June 2009 to the more substantive 110 paragraphs that the five countries agreed upon in the Goa Declaration of October 2016, developing common positions not just on climate change but also on terrorism, energy, and world politics. The valuation of the BRICS grouping, that represents 40% of the world’s population and a quarter of its growth at $17 trillion did well with more and more investment being driven into the five economies, mainly led by India and China. Not only did the BRICS countries better their positions in the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, they also struck a small blow against Bretton Woods institutions, and the BRICS New Development Bank set up in 2015 has already given out about $6 billion in loans for 23 projects across BRICS countries. This is no mean feat given the vast differences in size and political systems, and internal turmoil in BRICS countries. Above all, BRICS has furthered the cause of a multipolar world. Xiamen Summit: The most challenging one BRICS now faces its most challenging summit, not because of the West or the developed world, but because of growing differences between its two biggest members, India and China. The Xiamen summit follows a gruelling two and a half months during which the rhetoric between India and China — especially the latter’s — has been quite sharp. While diplomats smoothed out a victory over more hawkish elements by disengaging the troops at Doklam and obtaining a Chinese assurance that it would not continue its road construction at the tri-junction area, more needs to be done to restore the situation to pre-June terms. The bilateral tensions will no doubt spill over to the multilateral negotiations at Xiamen. Beyond the bilateral issues over the boundary, Nuclear Suppliers Group membership for India, terrorism, the Dalai Lama and others, the rift over China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is also likely to dominate discussions at BRICS. India’s refusal to be a part of the BRI over sovereignty issues, coupled with its broader objections to the transparency and agenda of the project, was a cause for tensions before the Doklam stand-off. There is little doubt that China will aim to bring the BRI on the table for negotiations at BRICS, to win a statement of endorsement as it did at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation last year. India will have to use considerable leverage with other members to ensure that its concerns prevail. Also Russia and South Africa are important parts of BRI, and while Brazil is not, it is no less a recipient of Chinese investment, with a $20 billion Brazil-China infrastructure fund inaugurated this May. Another challenge for India is likely to arise from China’s plan for a “BRICS-Plus” or “Friends of BRICS” grouping, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s plan to include Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Mexico to an expanded version of BRICS. Meanwhile Russia, which was the prime mover for the grouping, has moved closer to China and away from India; this could affect the language of the joint statement, especially on issues like Afghanistan, on which BRICS members had previously been on the same page. Russia’s estrangement from the U.S. and Europe post-2014 and the Ukraine crisis in particular have increased its dependence on its east and south, mainly in the direction of the $300 billion Russia-China oil pipeline that China is funding. At both the BRICS conference in Goa last October, as well as the Heart of Asia summit in December, Russian officials cavilled at backing India’s strong language on terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The road ahead: The Modi government must be credited for ensuring that it won peace at Doklam without building the outcome up as a defeat of China, which would have made their rivalry at BRICS that much more intense. BRICS has fared better than two other groupings, SAARC and the Non-Aligned Movement, whose last summits India skipped, and appears to have abandoned. Conclusion: The two countries must chart a road map to repair ties. This could provide a realistic understanding of where the road ahead leads for BRICS as well, and whether post-Xiamen it can still bear out the potential that was promised a decade ago in Yekaterinburg and Copenhagen. How India and China repair ties at the Xiamen summit will determine the future of BRICS itself. Connecting the dots: The growing difference between India and China may put one of the most important grouping's (BRICS) future at stake. The bilateral tensions will no doubt spill over to the multilateral negotiations. Discuss. The challenges for India at BRICS has only increased with time. Critically analyze. MUST READ Rainbow of possibilities The Hindu Powering aspirational India The Hindu Managing embankments The Hindu The threat of nuclear war The Hindu Stand against reform Indian Express Religion at state expense Indian Express A tragic trilogy Indian Express Making the Doklam standoff useful for India Livemint Build it and they will come Livemint Forced PSU bank mergers won't work Business Line India and its Himalayan strategy Business Line

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs 30th Aug, 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 30th Aug 2017 Archives NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. General Studies 1 Social empowerment Population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues Improving maternal and newborn health Background: Despite the remarkable global progress made in maternal and newborn survival over the last decade, the situation remains grim: 6 million babies still die in their first year of life—nearly three million in the first 28 days. India loses more children under age 5 each year than any other country. Countrywide, more than half of these deaths occur in the neonatal period, most often because babies are born prematurely, suffer from birth asphyxia, or have neonatal infections. Of the 27 million babies born in India annually, approximately 13% (3.5 million) are born preterm and 28% (7.6 million) with low birth weight, increasing their risk of dying in the neonatal period. The maternal mortality for India continues to be high, with 167 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Welcome development: The good news is that there is an upsurge in collective efforts in India to improve neonatal and maternal health in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Many state governments in India are making efforts to address public health challenges in their states. Maharashtra has a home-based newborn care programme in Gadchiroli to reach women in settings where public health infrastructure may be limited. In Odisha, the government is using self-help groups and community participation to address the equity and quality of delivery of public health programmes. The Union government’s safety net programmes, such as the public distribution system, integrated child development services, and midday meal schemes, while challenged by inefficiency, play an important role in offering social protection and ensuring that poor families do not go hungry. The training and posting of auxiliary nurse midwives in newly built health sub-centres, under the supervision of block medical officers, is another positive step to improve access to health services in rural areas. The recent decline in maternal and infant mortality rates is a positive example of public health intervention in India. Several initiatives, such as the Janani Suraksha Yojana and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, are paying increasing attention to scaling up through institutional delivery, which has a greater impact. Efforts are under way to implement both facility-based newborn care (FBNC) and home-based newborn care (HBNC) programmes to further reduce maternal and infant mortality. By ensuring better nutrition for mothers and newborns during the first 1,000 days after birth, we can greatly reduce malnutrition and help infants survive and stay healthy. A simple step like promoting early exclusive breastfeeding has the potential to prevent 13% of global deaths annually for children under five years. The government of India is moving in the right direction with the recent release of guidelines for comprehensive lactation management centres, kangaroo mother care, and for FBNC. Challenges: Major challenges remain, especially around ensuring that small and isolated populations, women and children in particular, in vulnerable locations can access the healthcare they need. Addressing the complex socio-economic and environmental factors: The complex socio-economic factors leading to ill health in children and women in India. Neonates born to vulnerable populations, such as the urban and rural poor, and traditionally marginalized and excluded communities, such as Adivasis and Dalits, have a higher probability of being excluded from health services and are at high risk of morbidity and mortality. As compared to males, newborn deaths among females are higher at the district level—newborn care units typically admit approximately 30% fewer female neonates than male neonates. Studies show that the average expenditure on healthcare during the neonatal period is nearly four times higher in households with male newborns than those with female newborns. These socio-economic factors continue to persist in spite of numerous efforts by governments and civil society to address them. To solve challenges successfully, we need urgent and more coordinated collaborative efforts: We need better oversight and governance through the engagement of civil society organizations and information technology (IT)-enabled platforms, which can lead to the generation of real-time data for better decision making. Addressing environmental factors: Germs are not the only cause of disease; environmental factors, such as lack of nutrition, safe water, sanitation and hygiene, can also play a role. Without addressing these environmental factors, we will be stuck forever in the reactive treatment mode. Instead, we need to adopt the more proactive and preventive mode, which requires long-term planning and commitment of resources, both human and material. Conclusion: There are gaps in impact, and the interventions remain inadequate due to limited coverage, governance challenges, and the shortage of health workers in primary healthcare facilities. India’s march towards more development will be faster only if all its current and future citizens have an equal chance to lead a healthy life. Connecting the dots: While India has made remarkable global progress made in maternal and newborn survival over the last decade, there is much more which remains to be done. Discuss. ENVIRONMENT TOPIC: General Studies 2 Urbanization, their problems and their remedies. General Studies 3 Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. Protecting Indian Lakes In news: Bellandur lake in Bengaluru has been much in the news in recent months for the surge of foam and froth from the polluted lake, and the rise of smoke and flames from the area surrounding it. In May 2015, the Bellandur lake itself was on fire, creating enormous fear and anxiety in the minds of the people living in the area. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) submitted a report to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, highlighting the sustained inflow of untreated sewage and industrial effluents as the principal forces behind the phenomena of froth and fire. Subsequently, an expert committee set up by the state government submitted its report on rejuvenation of the lake in October 2016. Bellandur: Only one such example Bellandur is only one example of what we are doing to most of our lakes, streams and rivers in urban India. Out of 480 million litres per day (MLD) of wastewater discharged to the lake, only 308 MLD is treated. According to the CPCB, 75 per cent of the measured pollution in our rivers from point sources is from municipal sewage and 25 per cent is from industrial effluents. Issues with Indian lakes: Indian cities and towns have abused their surface water bodies. Sewerage networks are supposed to ensure that sewage or wastewater is conveyed to a sewage treatment plant, treated and then discharged into water bodies. The sewage treatment is only 30 per cent of the sewage generated for all Indian cities and towns. Since the “unofficial” groundwater that is used by city residents from private bore-wells is not included in the definition of water consumed by the city, wastewater or sewage (estimated as 80 per cent of the water consumed in the city) is typically under-estimated. The situation with respect to sewage treatment is therefore worse than it appears for all cities. As the untreated wastewater or sewage finds its way to local waterbodies, it feeds the growth of water-weeds, which blankets surface water. Surfactants are clearly a cause of foam formation. What needs to be done? There are no short-cuts to protecting our catchments for freshwater. Waste management is critical — solid waste (garbage), liquid waste (sewage), and acquatic waste. Urban planning in India must ensure that wetlands which are natural recharge zones are typically not disturbed. Also, natural drains which provide a safe exit to storm-water including flood-water and also recharge ground water, should be protected from encroachment. Removal of silt from the lake is required. Treatment of municipal sewage which is going into the water body. Closure of polluting industries. Ban on dumping of municipal solid waste around the lake. Penalty on apartment buildings in the area which are sending untreated sewage to the lake. An environmental fine on anyone found dumping waste in and around the lake. International example: The problem of Eutrophication was identified when Lake Erie, on the US-Canada border, turned green and its aquatic life began dying for want of oxygen, as dying plants sank to the bottom and rotted, consuming dissolved oxygen from the water. This is called eutrophication. Both countries rapidly responded with an international treaty in 1970 which, has since 1973, limited the phosphorus content in their detergents to a maximum of 2.2 per cent. The European Union followed suit. We need similar regulations in India, that is, the surfactants in detergents must be biodegradable. It is extremely important that a lower limit closer to the global norm is placed on phosphorus content in the detergents and its labelling becomes mandatory for all detergents in the Indian market so that caring citizens can make eco-friendly purchasing choices. Conclusion: The National Green Tribunal expressed extreme dissatisfaction on the unhealthy condition of the lake in its successive hearings. The NGT has asked all departments of the government to work together to prepare an Action Plan by September 7 for cleaning up the lake. This action plan must be prepared immediately and implemented effectively. This could can then act as a model for other states. Connecting the dots: Bellandur lake in Bengaluru was in news in recent months for the surge of foam and froth. It is only one example of what we are doing to most of our lakes, streams and rivers in urban India. Discuss the reasons behind such a grim situation of Indian lakes and what should be the way forward. MUST READ Lessons from Doklam The Hindu Dera through Punjab lens The Hindu The online shape of you The Hindu Right to Privacy Indian Express Unease of doing business Indian Express The art of winning Indian Express India's perverse political equilibrium Livemint Financial inclusion and the right to privacy Livemint Improving efficiency in the power surplus era Livemint The new commanding heights Livemint The storm that humans helped Business Line Deal on Doklam Business Line  

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 34]

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 34] Archives Q.1) Consider the following M Nagaraj Case Mandal Commission Indra Sawhney Case They are concerned with Reservation Section 377 National Judicial Appointments Commission Capital gains tax Q.2) With reference to Market Stabilisation Scheme (MSS), consider the following statements: It is a tool used by the RBI to suck out excess liquidity from the market through issue of securities on behalf of the government. The money raised under MSS is parked in the government account or utilised to fund its expenditure. Which of the statements given above is/are true? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Which of the following states granted minority status to Jews? Gujarat Maharashtra Goa Kerala Q.4) Which of the following prices is/are fixed by the central government? Minimum Support Price (MSP) Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) Both (a) and (b) Neither (a) nor (b) Q.5) Consider the following statements about strike-slip faults In this fault, the two plates move parallel but in opposite direction from one another The chances of a tsunami, in this case, are less likely. 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 29th Aug, 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 29th Aug 2017 Archives ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana: A success story Background: This month marks the completion of the third anniversary of the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), the financial inclusion scheme implemented by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. Benefits of PMJDY: Opening of a bank account. The account holders get access to credit and pension facilities and also a debit card with a built-in accident insurance cover for Rs1 lakh. The account holders can get government subsidies delivered to them in cash, directly into their accounts. Beyond enabling account ownership and the use of financial services, the PMJDY also facilitated financial inclusion for a variety of demographics. A paper (Who Wants To Be An Entrepreneur?, May 2016) suggests that, “Financial development facilitates economic growth by moving workers out of less productive, informal entrepreneurial activity into formal jobs in more productive firms.” In other words, there are multiple benefits arising out of access to finance for the poor. If this were to happen, India could reasonably aspire to resemble the prosperous high-growth economies of the West. Success: Various studies have made noteworthy points which shows success of PMJDY scheme. The government’s flagship financial inclusion drive, by virtue of sheer scale, is one of the grandest policy initiatives of its kind. With an initial target of opening 75 million accounts by January 2015. The government mobilized an oft-recalcitrant state apparatus to expand access to basic savings accounts with additional benefits in the form of debit cards, insurance cover, and overdraft facilities. Working at breakneck speed, the government has opened more than 294 million accounts as of August. As per the website of PMJDY, as of 16 August, there were 295.2 million beneficiaries or account holders, with a total bank balance in their accounts of Rs658.45 billion (a little over $10 billion). That is a little under half a per cent of the Indian gross domestic product (GDP) of around Rs150 trillion. It is similar to the mobile phone connectivity that India achieved for its citizens in the first decade of the millennium. PMJDY accounts are increasingly being used actively: “70% of the accounts migrate out of dormancy into active use. Activity levels in PMJDY accounts increased over time, a pattern not necessarily seen in non-PMJDY accounts. In few low-income states socioeconomic hurdles were attenuated: women, low-income individuals, rural residents, and the less educated enjoyed greater account ownership following the PMJDY. Owning an account also appeared to weaken significant constraints like large household size, distrust of financial institutions, and distance to the nearest bank branch. More needs to be done: Much more remains to be done to make India truly financial inclusive. In order to create formal jobs following issue needs to be resolved: One is the issue of non-performing assets (NPA) in the banking system. The government has passed the bankruptcy legislation and empowered the central bank to direct the banks under its supervision to invoke its provision to recover their dues. The big challenge that banks face is the share of bad assets in the overall loan portfolio, and it has shown no sign of peaking yet. The other is the absence of dynamism in the formal business sector. Scope for improvement: While the programme has performed admirably at removing barriers to financial access important gaps remain in ensuring active use. Account duplication and dormancy remain key stumbling blocks. Misunderstandings about the policy are widespread. A study noted that the government’s push to route direct benefits transfers through these accounts was a possible driver for duplication, with several beneficiaries opening second accounts expressly to receive benefits. There is a higher account inactivity rate among women, rural residents, and below- poverty-line individuals overall, the same groups were more likely to report being unaware if their account was opened under the PMJDY. Regional variation is another arena with room for improvement. Large asymmetries exist in both account ownership and activity across Indian states. While business correspondents contributed significantly to realizing last-mile banking, they were relatively underutilized for regular financial services—a consequence of low and irregular commissions per transaction. Conclusion: There is much to learn from successes, as there is to learn from failures. The PMJDY is a success story. It is a rare case of a popular policy that delivers political and long-term economic benefits. Hence, the government applied itself to the task. It needs to repeat the formula for economically pragmatic, in contrast to popular, decisions. While the programme has made significant headway towards genuine financial inclusion, it is clear that improving policy communication, widening and deepening progress in low-income states, and ironing out the kinks in the bank-agent model will be crucial if these hard-fought gains are to prove sustainable. Connecting the dots: The PMDY is a success story. Discuss how it has been successful in ensuring financial inclusion. What lessons can government take from the success of the scheme. INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 India and its International relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. US's new Af-Pak Policy Introduction: In a dramatic reversal from his earlier position on the war in Afghanistan, US President Donald Trump has recast the Barack Obama era’s “Af-Pak” policy dramatically. Trump’s plan will lead to the deployment of an additional 4,000 soldiers to train and buttress Afghan forces. The new strategy, we are told, will be dictated by “the conditions on the ground” not “arbitrary timetables”. Along with an expansion in American military footprint, the second aspect of the new strategy is a strong focus on Pakistan to make sure it abides by its commitments. “Pakistan often gives safe haven to agents of chaos, violence and terror. Trump observed in his speech. “We can no longer be silent about Pakistan’s safe havens for terrorist organizations, the Taliban and other groups that pose a threat to the region and beyond,” he added. The third part of the Trump strategy is his outreach to India, saying a “critical part” of his administration’s South Asia policy is to further develop the US’s strategic partnership with India. “We appreciate India’s important contributions to stability in Afghanistan, but India makes billions of dollars in trade with the US, and we want them to help us more with Afghanistan, especially in the area of economic assistance and development,” Trump said, underlining India’s role in Afghanistan and the need to do much more. New Delhi has welcomed the new approach, saying it shared Mr Trump’s concerns over safe havens and “other forms of cross-border support enjoyed by terrorists.” The Pentagon deems such a move necessary to avoid the collapse of the US-backed government in Kabul. Trump acknowledged that although his “original instinct was to pull out ... a hasty withdrawal would create a vacuum for terrorists,”—an outcome Washington clearly wants to avoid. Challenges: Pakistan has leveraged its centrality in America’s Afghanistan policy for decades now, securing billions of dollars in US civilian and military aid. Given the geographical constraints facing the US supply lines, reliance on Pakistan has been a constant. Indeed, during previous tensions between Washington and Islamabad, Pakistan has restricted the movement of trucks carrying supplies to US forces in landlocked Afghanistan. Confronting Pakistan is, therefore, easier said than done. Iran, Russia and China have moved beyond simply siding with the enemies of the Taliban and are busy cultivating influence with the main Afghan jihadist movement. Pakistan also has a new benefactor in China which was quick to leap to its defence, saying that, “We believe that the international community should fully recognize Pakistan’s anti-terrorism efforts.” Pakistan also feels buoyed by the diplomatic support it has received from old friends in Beijing and the new suitors in Moscow. It has postponed different levels of consultations with Washington and is dispatching its foreign minister on a defiant visit to China, Russia and Turkey. The objective is to demonstrate that the US can’t isolate Pakistan. Some point to the fact that support for terror sanctuaries has become too entrenched in the Pakistan army’s domestic and regional calculus. Jihad as foreign policy was indeed encouraged by the US in the 1980s and blessed by many leading Islamic countries, Western Europe and China as part of the global effort against the Soviet army’s occupation of Afghanistan. Pakistan’s support to violent extremism played a key role in trapping and bleeding the Russian bear in Afghanistan. It was critical in compelling Moscow to accept a humiliating withdrawal from Afghanistan at the end of the 1980s. If the US wants to have troops in landlocked Afghanistan, it needs Pakistan’s logistical support. Thus, there is need of Pakistan’s intelligence cooperation in the global war on terror. Rawalpindi has publicly rejected Trump’s demands to shut down terror sanctuaries and has outlined its own counter demands — like getting Kabul to end its support to the groups fighting Pakistan and Delhi to make concessions on Kashmir. The Taliban predictably panned Trump’s strategy, warning that “the Afghan Mujahid nation is neither tired nor will it ever get tired in pursuit of winning their freedom and establishing an Islamic system.” But the Taliban are no longer a cohesive force and are being challenged by the Islamic State. On the other side, the anti-Taliban camp is also a divided one with regional states playing one faction off another. Implications for India: Trump’s policy is a remarkable turnaround for Washington which had wanted to keep India out of its “Af-Pak” policy for long for fear of offending Rawalpindi. India was viewed as part of the problem and now Trump is arguing that India should be viewed as part of a solution to the Afghan imbroglio. It is now for New Delhi to effectively leverage the positive trend in America’s South Asia policy—not only for its own interests but also for the greater good of its regional friends such as Afghanistan. Way ahead in dealing with Pakistan: Leaving aside symbolic measures like sanctioning military personnel linked to terrorism, Trump could also directly target the Pakistani military, denying it spare parts for equipment like its F16 combat jets, its P3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft and AH-1F Cobra attack helicopters. Trump, of course, has blunter instruments, too. The United States has the capacity to target jihadist infrastructure and individuals deep inside Pakistan. It could also unleash its Afghan allies’ covert assets to execute retaliatory terrorism in Pakistan. However, no-one can be certain where coercive action would lead. Iraq holds out a grim warning that defeating militaries doesn’t lead to victory — Pakistan, moreover, has nuclear weapons. Conclusion: The pillars of the new South Asia strategy — open-ended commitment to the Afghan war, with the use of all the instruments of American power, a greater role for New Delhi there, strategic partnership with India and destroying terror safe-havens in Pakistan — are meant to annihilate jihadism, and with it, growing Iranian, Chinese and Russian influence. Connecting the dots: The pillars of the new South Asia strategy by Trump gives an opportunity to India to re-align its space in the region. Discuss. Also read: Mr. Trump's new assertive policy in Afghanistan MUST READ A right for future The Hindu Spot the similarities The Hindu Agreeing to disagree The Hindu The problem of plenty Livemint Uttar Pradesh's child health crisis Livemint Another godman disrobed Business Line Sour grapes and remedies Business Line A battle won but the war remains Business Line  

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 33]

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 33] Archives Q.1) FDI is prohibited in which of the following? Nidhi Company Trading in Transferable Development Rights (TDRs) Atomic Energy Chit Funds Select the correct code: 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 4 1, 3 and 4 All of the above                                                  Q.2) Consider the following statements about RIMES (Regional Integrated Multi-hazard Early Warning System for Asia and Africa) It is an international and intergovernmental institution, owned and managed by its Member States, for the generation and application of early warning information It provides regional tsunami watch within the framework of Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO) Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Which of the following is known as ‘Royal Disease’? Haemophilia Gout Alzheimer's disease (AD) Gulf War syndrome Q.4) Underemployment is Same as disguised unemployment Those workers who are highly skilled but working in low paying jobs Unemployment that results from time spent between jobs when a worker is searching for, or transitioning from one job to another Unemployment caused by fundamental shifts in an economy and exacerbated by extraneous factors such as technology, competition and government policy Q.5) Which of the following statements is/are correct? A minority educational institution is one that has been set up by either a linguistic or a religious minority group The Constitution of India provides for minority educational institutions 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 28th Aug, 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 28th Aug 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. General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Puzzling State of Rural Economy Introduction: The state of India’s rural economy is puzzling. There is enough evidence to support two opposing statements: One, that the rural economy has improved; and, two, that the rural economy is in the doldrums. On the one hand, some indicators are positive- The unemployment rate has been falling while rural wages have been rising. On the other hand, instances of rural distress are rife and rural consumer sentiment has weakened. There has been a surge of demands for farm loan waivers. Four states have already announced waivers worth about 0.5% of national gross domestic product (GDP). Four more are threatening to do the same. What triggered the distress? The large fall in food prices and the resulting shift in the terms of trade (the cost of producing food versus the income derived) to the detriment of rural India triggered the distress. Causes of falling food prices: Immediate cause- The causes of falling food prices are one-time (for example, a bumper crop). Short lived cause (such as demonetization and goods and services tax related uncertainties). Long term cause: lack of structural improvements in food distribution. Solving the puzzling state of rural economy: About 70% of rural households own less than a hectare of land. (Let's call them landless). The landless rural population has a negative income-consumption gap, which basically means that its income is hardly enough to cover its consumption requirements. Those who have more than one-hectare land are more indebted as a group than the landless. They also use more formal sector sources of credit than the landless. A majority of the income for the landless comes from wages while that of the landed from cultivation. What explains the puzzling state? After a two-year drought, the good monsoon rains in 2016 increased the demand for labour. As a result, real wages have risen gradually and the unemployment rate has fallen in tandem. This has largely benefited the landless, given that the majority of their income is from wages. In contrast, the landed, who pay these wages and depend more directly on income from cultivation, have borne the brunt of falling food prices, as what they have received from selling farm produce has been lower than expected. Real indebtedness for this group has been growing at a faster clip than real incomes since FY14, which explains the growing clamor for bank farm loan waivers. The fact that the landed and landless are not yet moving in the same direction is throwing up confusing signals about the health of the rural economy. Farm loan waivers- More harm than good: They spoil the credit culture, making formal finance more nervous about serving rural India. They also erode macro-economic stability. In particular, a rapid rise in farm loan waiver expenses could bind India’s states in a vicious cycle, increasing their interest bill or lowering the quality of their spending, or both. and, if they do, waivers could rise to 0.75% of GDP, endangering a hard-won reduction in debt and deficit ratios. Way ahead: Off reforms cannot improve an economy. There needs to be a series of reforms, each supporting the other. One reform should be supported by other. Example: Inflation-targeting was a welcome reform with distinct economy-wide benefits. But the large fall in inflation that it helped engineer has hurt the indebted by increasing “real” indebtedness, i.e. debt relative to inflation. What is needed now is another spate of reforms to help those who have been hurt. Agricultural reforms, such as in irrigation and warehousing infrastructure, can help increase farm productivity and therefore incomes. They will not just help fund consumption expenditure, but will leave extra funds in the hands of rural India, which can then be used to service the higher real debt bill. Conclusion: Rural distress is a recurring theme in India. Every few years, farm loan waivers or a good monsoon provide some short-lived respite. Clearly, the benefits from neither are sustainable. The panacea for rural distress can only be reforms that will help raise farm productivity and incomes. Connecting the dots: Rural economy is in a puzzling state. While on one hand unemployment rate has been falling and on the other instances of rural distress leading to demand for farm loan waivers is on rise. Discuss the reasons behind. The panacea for rural distress can only be reforms that will help raise farm productivity and incomes. Critically analyze. NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 1 Social empowerment 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 Understanding the rise of Dera Sacha Sauda sect: In news: The Dera Sacha Sauda sect headed by Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is a fascinating phenomenon which cannot be analysed through the standard upper middle-class lens that dismisses it as a criminal or law and order problem. Cause of concern: The demographic emergence of millennial ashrams is a source of concern and curiosity. How do these ashrams, which deal with small-town meaning and modernity, appear and become global phenomena? How do they acquire so much freedom so as to become parallel communities which challenge the official? How long have they been beyond the scrutiny of law and order forces? How could so many of them assemble arsenal? It is almost as though these ashrams are enclaves of secession, of groups which have diffused their life and lifestyles as different from the mainstream. What leads to rise of such sects? Lack of public service delivery: The spirituality related to Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim is just a front for something very real and very positive that the dera offers to its followers. Dignity, social support, medical help, and food security. These are precisely the things that the modern Indian state — at least in its Haryana/Punjab version — refuses to offer to the people. These sects cater to the diversity of livelihoods in a way that social workers cannot match. Democracy and modernisation have not delivered equality. The lower castes, the Other Backward Classes needed an imagination beyond the aridity of socialism and Marxism, the promises of equality that offer little. Dysfunctional system: It took fifteen years to decide upon a rape charge. This is an indicator of a dysfunctional state system marked by a dysfunctional system of justice. The Law Ministry (2016) tells us that this is to be expected given that there are only 18 judges per million population, while the Law Commission (1987) had recommended a minimum of 50 judges per million. This makes hard-pressed people reach out to deras and babas and panchayats to provide them a semblance of justice since the state refuses to improve its systems of delivery. To make matters worse, the foot soldiers of justice, the police, over-worked, understaffed, and politically compromised, simply do not have the capabilities to ensure that the authority of the state is asserted routinely, regularly, justly and without rancour. The leaders of the society are also complicit with the rioters — like Haryana Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma, who explained on the record, that “Section 144 cannot be imposed on faith”. Unpreparedness and ineffective handling: In allowing tens of thousands of followers of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect to gather for a show of strength when their leader, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, was awaiting a judicial verdict in a rape case, the Haryana government abdicated its responsibility of maintaining law and order, and protecting life and property. Prohibitory orders were not enforced, with the government evidently viewing the looming protests as pressure relief valves instead of as trigger points for violence. In the absence of preventive detention where appropriate, and of restriction on movement and assembly in public spaces, matters spiralled out of control once the court pronounced the cult leader guilty of rape. The government failed to foresee violence on such a large scale, and no viable security plan was in place until after several hours of lawlessness. Despite intelligence inputs about the Dera followers storing fuel, and knives and stones, the government machinery was woefully slow to react. Religious sects such as the Dera Sacha Sauda that command a huge following are often handled with kid gloves by governments as they can deliver votes in blocks. Clearly, godmen and cult leaders believe they are above the law. It is for the government and law enforcement agencies to disabuse them of that notion, especially when, as in the case of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, they face charges of rape and murder. Way ahead: We have to go beyond the knee-jerk celebrations and dismissals. The old notion of civil society of the secular NGO, the idea of public does not quite fit our democracies today. Our biggest NGOs are religious groups, which are often little multinationals in terms of the power they wield. Dismissing these groups as bad faith will not do. Connecting the dots: Rising of sects like Dera Sacha Sauda sect headed by self-proclaimed Godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is a cause of worry for democratic and secular nation like India. Discuss. MUST READ Mission indefinite The Hindu How privacy stacks up The Hindu That old spark The Hindu No silver bullet Indian Express Supreme Court's  lost chance Indian Express Tall tale for farmers Indian Express Afghanistan and a new hyphenation Livemint Public health isn't about state-run hospitals Livemint Sterling judgement on right to privacy Livemint A brave new world of individual rights Business Line

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 32]

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 32] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act 2017 It authorises RBI to issue directions to banks to initiate insolvency resolution process to recover bad loans. RBI can specify authorities or committees to advise banks on resolution of stressed assets and the members on the committees will be appointed or approved by the RBI. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) River Tungabhadra flows through Maharashtra Karnataka Madhya Pradesh Gujarat Q.3) Which of the following statements is/are correct? Rakhine State is a coastal state in Bangladesh Myanmar is bordered by India, China, Bangladesh, Thailand and Cambodia Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements about Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) All the members of ASEAN have a coastline ASEAN is an official United Nations Observer Select the correct code 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Consider the following statements about Crime and Criminal Tracking Networks and Systems (CCTNS) Project Digital Police Portal is launched under the CCTNS Project It facilitates a pan-India search of crime and criminal records of individuals through a national database 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 - 20th Aug to 26th Aug , 2017

IASbaba PIB Weekly: Press Information Bureau - 20th Aug to 26th Aug , 2017 ARCHIVES GS-1 Nuakhai Juhar (Topic: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society) An agricultural festival mainly observed by people of Western Odisha in India Nuakhai is observed to welcome the new rice of the season This is the most important social festival of Western Odisha and adjoining areas of Simdega in Jharkhand GS-2 Digital Police Portal under CCTNS project launched (Topic: e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential) Enable citizens to register FIRs online Offer seven Public Delivery Services in 34 States & UTs, like Person and Address Verification e.g. of employees, tenants, nurses etc., permission for hosting Public Events, Lost & Found Articles and Vehicle theft etc. Enable restricted access to law enforcement agencies on topics such as Antecedent Verification and make assessment of FIRs Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) Will provide investigator the complete record history of any criminal from anywhere across the country CCTNS portal will be a huge game changer, force multiplier and revolutionize the way Police works in the country CCTNS portal will form the backbone of the Criminal Justice System and this database will be subsequently linked with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) database on vehicle registrations Commission to examine the Sub-Categorization within OBCs (Topic: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies) It has been set up under article 340 of the Constitution to examine the issue of sub-categorization of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) Proposed terms of references of the Commission: To examine the extent of inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation among the castes/communities included in the broad category of OBCs, with reference to the OBCs included in the Central list. To work out the mechanism, criteria, norms and parameters, in a scientific approach, for sub-categorization within such OBCs, and, To take up the exercise of identifying the respective castes/communities/ sub-castes/ synonyms in the Central List of OBCs and classifying them into their respective sub-categories. Commissioning of Second Ship of Landing Craft Utility MK-IV ‘IN LCU L52’ (GRSE Yard 2093) (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) LCU L52 - Second Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Mk-IV class to be inducted into the Indian Navy The ship has been indigenously designed and built – another manifestation of the potential of the country’s indigenous design and ship building capability. An amphibious ship with the primary role to transport and deploy Main Battle Tanks, Armoured Vehicles, troops and equipment from ship to shore. Fitted with state-of-the-art equipment and advanced systems like Integrated Bridge System (IBS) and Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) Will be deployed for multirole activities like beaching operations, search and rescue, disaster relief operations, supply and replenishment and evacuation from distant islands. The induction of these ships will contribute to the nation’s maritime security needs and is in consonance with the ‘Make in India’ drive. Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) UDAN – ‘Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik’; Key component of the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) which was launched with the prime objective to facilitate / stimulate regional air connectivity by making it affordable for the masses Proposes that at least half the seats on every flight should have a fare cap of Rs2,500 per seat per hour of flying The government will provide subsidies to regional airlines to offer half the seats on a discounted rate. However, the subsidies will mainly be provided by taxing the air passengers on other domestic routes in the form of a ‘small’ levy. The subsidy to airlines will be provided through a reverse bidding process, which means if there is a demand from multiple airlines to fly on regional routes, the ones asking for the least financial support will get the subsidy. In routes where a proposal comes from only one airline, the government will give the subsidy based on normative pricing, meaning it will calculate the subsidy amount based on various parameters. Opportunities India has highly untapped civil aviation opportunities. In the first round of bids, 11 new or existing airline operators pitched for more than 200 routes. The Centre has approved 27 proposals from five players, adding 128 routes to India’s aviation map. The estimate is that this will add 6.5 lakh new seats with a subsidy of Rs.200 crore. Of these, six proposals for 11 routes don’t seek any subsidy under the scheme, proving there is an untapped economic potential. The benefits for tourist hotspots such as Agra, Shimla, Diu, Pathankot, Mysuru and Jaisalmer would now be just a short flight away, replacing cumbersome road or rail journeys. The multiplier effects of aviation activity, including new investments and employment creation for the local economies of other destinations could be equally profound. If this model is sustainable and more regional flights come up under the scheme, it will support the capacity-constrained airports such as Mumbai. The second airport at Navi Mumbai may help ease congestion. However, it is still years away and so initiation to develop such airports has to begin soon. In cities where new airports have been developed, such as Bengaluru, abandoned old facilities could be revived as dedicated terminals for low-cost and regional flights. Separately, new no-frills airports must be encouraged where traffic is expected to hit saturation point in coming years. It is time to revisit provisions that offer existing private operators of large airports (burdened by debt) the right of first refusal on any new airport proposed within 150 km. The regional civil aviation development must start a rethink within the Indian Railways, as it could now ease traffic on some routes. Even if there is less of passenger traffic, the cargo traffic will keep the airports alive. Challenges There still needs to be creation of enabling conditions for RCS to be successful. One of it includes right size of aircrafts. Many of the airports (identified for RCS) do not have big runways, so they can’t take regular aircraft. Thus there need to be smaller aircraft for short runways for short takeoffs and landings. However, such kinds of aircrafts are not present in India. Such aircraft needs specialized crew. There is shortage of pilots and crew which demands urgent attention. Training to the aviation personnel takes time. For training, there requires adequate infrastructure, trained manpower and sufficient funds to turn out pilots and crew. Viability Gap Funding under the RCS need to be extended from the proposed three to five years or more as these airfields might take even longer to become financially sustainable. There are fears that a flight from an UDAN location will be low priority for air traffic controllers in big cities. This may not be favourable for air carriers as well as passengers. Solve: Question India’s Exclusive Rights to Explore Polymetallic Nodules from Central Indian Ocean Seabed Basin Extended by Five Years (Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate) Exclusive rights are over – 75000 sq. km of area in international waters allocated by International Seabed Authority for developmental activities for polymetallic nodules. The estimated polymetallic nodule resource potential is 380 million tonnes, containing – 7 million tonnes of nickel 29 million tonnes of copper 55 million tonnes of cobalt 59 million tonnes of manganese Polymetallic Nodules: Known as manganese nodules, are rock concretions formed of concentric layers of iron and manganese hydroxides around a core Considered as the precipitates of hot fluids from upwelling hot magma from deep interior of the oceanic crust, discharged through mineralized paths Besides manganese and iron, they contain nickel, copper, cobalt, lead, molybdenum, cadmium, vanadium, titanium. Of these metals nickel, cobalt and copper are considered to be of economic and strategic importance India – First country to have received the status of a pioneer investor in 1987 and was allocated an exclusive area in Central Indian Ocean Basin by United Nations (UN) for exploration and utilization of nodules One among the top 8-countries/ contractors and is implementing a long–term programme on exploration and utilization of Polymetallic Nodules through Ministry of Earth Sciences. This includes survey and exploration, environmental studies, technology development in mining and extractive metallurgy, in which significant contributions have been made. Importance – Open up new horizons for resources of commercial and strategic value Enhanced presence in the Indian Ocean water where other major international players are also active Adopting blue economy strategies on par with international standards is a step in the right direction to balance economic development with environmental sustainability Open new doors for mining of oil and gas reservoirs which are potent for India’s energy security International Seabed Authority (ISA) UN body established in 1994, under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to regulate the exploration and exploitation of marine non-living resources of oceans in international waters. India actively contributes to the work of International Seabed Authority. Last year, India was re-elected as a member of Council of ISA. United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Also known as the Law of the Sea treaty or the Law of the Sea Convention It characterizes the rights and obligations of countries regarding their utilization of the world’s seas, setting up rules for organizations, the earth, and the administration of marine natural resources, and calls for innovation exchanges in the technological field from developed to undeveloped countries. Solve: Question 1 Question 2   MoU between India and Nepal on Drug Demand Reduction and Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations) MoU On Drug Demand Reduction and Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and precursor chemicals and related matters Lists out the areas of cooperation on drug matters between the two countries and indicates the mechanism of information exchange and the competent authorities in the two countries who are responsible for the implementation of the MoU and exchange of any information The MoU provides that the Parties shall endeavour to: - Develop mutual cooperation with a view to effectively resolving the issue of illicit traffic in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, cooperate in drug demand reduction through prevention, awareness, education and community based programmes, treatment and rehabilitation; and Exchange information of operational, technical and general nature in drug matters, exchange literature on their existing laws, rules, procedures, best practices and methods of curbing illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors and any further amendments to the existing legislation. GS-3 In-principle approval for Public Sector Banks to amalgamate through an Alternative Mechanism (AM) (Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment) Aim: Facilitate the creation of strong and competitive banks in public sector space to meet the credit needs of a growing economy, absorb shocks and have the capacity to raise resources without depending unduly on the state exchequer The decision regarding creating strong and competitive banks would be solely based on commercial considerations. The proposal must start from the Boards of Banks. The proposals received from Banks for in-principle approval to formulate schemes of amalgamation shall be placed before the Alternative Mechanism (AM). After in-principle approval, the Banks will take steps in accordance with law and SEBI’s requirements. The final scheme will be notified by Central Government in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India.   Tariff based competitive bidding process for procurement of solar power (Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways ,etc.) Enhance transparency and fairness in the procurement process Protect consumer interests through affordable power Provide standardisation and uniformity in processes Provide a risk-sharing framework between various stakeholders involved in the solar PV power procurement Help in reducing off-taker risk and thereby encourage investments, enhance bankability of the Projects and improve profitability for the investors EESL to procure 50 lakh Smart Meters for realization of Smart Grids in India (Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc.) Help in reducing AT&C losses, power theft and also help in monitoring of round the clock power supply eventually leading to greater efficiency and 24X7 power, for all The meters are being procured for implementation of smart grid projects in the states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh – these meters will help these states in not only significantly reducing their AT&C losses way of increased billing efficiency, but will completely change the way in which electrical energy is presently being consumed and paid for by the ordinary consumers. To make the entire project feasible and affordable, EESL has unbundled the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project into two parts viz. procurement of smart meter and arranging the system integrator. Installation of these smart meters along with its associated communication and IT infrastructure will enable the DISCOMs to obtain real time energy consumption data of each consumer for subsequent analysis and will pave the way for initiating various smart measures by DISCOMs like Time Of Day (TOD)/Time Of Use (TOU) billing Prediction and management of peak demand Providing real time energy consumption data to consumer Prepaid billing facility Remote connection and disconnection of load Accurate billing Obviate the need for the meter reader’s visit to each and every consumer   Ministry of Defence approves delegation of Powers to Border Roads Organisation (Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas) In News: Administrative and financial powers have been delegated to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) right upto the level of Chief Engineer and Task Force Commander Reason: Revision of various powers of delegation will lead to improvement in the pace of road construction in border areas with the BRO being able to complete ongoing/new projects in compressed timelines Border Roads Organisation Functions under the control of the Ministry of Defence since 2015 Engaged in road construction to provide connectivity to difficult and inaccessible regions in the border areas of the country The Ministry of Defence intends to bring transformational changes in the organization in order to improve the pace of execution of works and to achieve the desired outcomes according to the requirement of the Armed Forces Solve: Question Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (Topic: Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management) SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters) has been renamed as "Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)” Objective: To supplement agriculture, modernize processing and decrease agri-waste Creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet Provide a big boost to the growth of food processing sector in the country Help in providing better prices to farmers and is a big step towards doubling of farmers’ income Create huge employment opportunities especially in the rural areas Help in reducing wastage of agricultural produce, increasing the processing level, availability of safe and convenient processed foods at affordable price to consumers and enhancing the export of the processed foods Food Processing Sector: Has emerged as an important segment of the Indian economy in terms of its contribution to GDP, employment and investment To provide impetus to investment in food processing and retail sector, govt. has allowed 100% FDI in trading including through e-commerce, in respect of food products manufactured and / or produced in India. This will benefit farmers immensely and will create back - end infrastructure and significant employment opportunities. Set up a Special Fund of Rs. 2000 crore in NABARD to make available affordable credit at concessional rate of interest to designated food parks and agro processing units in the designated food parks. Food and agro-based processing units and cold chain infrastructure have been brought under the ambit of Priority Sector Lending (PSL) to provide additional credit for food processing activities and infrastructure thereby, boosting food processing, reducing wastage, create employment and increasing farmers' income. Please Note “Sankalp Se Sidhi” programme – Being organized across the country to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Quit India Movement. Doklam standoff – Between India and China 3Ds on which today's global engagements need to focus their energy upon – A common shared goal of De-carbonization of the energy space To look at more Decentralization of energy space More and more Digitalization of the energy space ‘Andhra Kesari’ – Tanguturi Parkasam, the first Chief Minister of Andhra State Mechi River – At Indo-Nepal border (Locate) National Sports Museum to be established at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi Rural Games or Grameen Khel Mahotsav will kick-start from Delhi NITI Aayog's Three Year Action Agenda: Published to recommend policy changes and programmes for action from 2017-18 to 2019-20, the last three years of the Fourteenth Finance Commission – Download the document Right to Privacy is a fundamental right: SC verdict – Read in detail here: Link Also read: Right to privacy: “I have nothing to hide” argument Plug Aadhaar loopholes with comprehensive privacy law on personal data protection RSTV- The Big Picture : Are Privacy Concerns over Aadhar Valid? IASbaba’s MINDMAP : Issue – Right To Privacy Solve: Question 1 + Question 2 + Question 3  

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