Jan 1, 2018 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : Bharat Net Project

Bharat Net Project ARCHIVES Search 13th November 2017 http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. General Studies 3 Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Digital India is one of the flagship program by government of India. Many services like online education, e-health, telemedicine, e-governance and m-governance are being made possible in India to provide quality and time-bound delivery. For this to be a success, the basic requirement for the Digital India is broadband connectivity all over the country. Bharat Net aims to provide broadband in 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayat in the country. Recently, the government launched phase 2 of Bharat Net and phase 1 is expected to be completed by 2017 end. When phase 1 of the project is complete, broadband will be available in 1 lakh villages. This will be a big achievement as a study by Indian Culture for Research and International Economic Relations (ICRIER) says that even a 10% increase in broadband penetration in India would lead to a 3.3% increase in GDP. Provision of services is the goal The total cost of Bharat Net is around Rs 45,000 crore of which about 11,200 crores have been used for the first phase. The government has already laid 1.2 lakh of optical fibre network and broadband is already available in 75,000 villages and rest of the 25,000 villages will be connected with broadband by the end of 2017. By 2019, another 20 lakh kms of fibres will be laid and another 1.5 lakh Gram Panchayats will be connected. However, still all this is just the infrastructure, the backbone for the benefits to consumers. Though the fibre is being laid at fast pace, applications are being created to bring services to people, access is given to better infrastructure, the core question is availability of laptops, PCs, smart phones to use the infrastructure. At present, the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) fund which is basically implementing the project, there is no provision for providing laptops and smart phones. Hence for this, state governments, local governments and NGOs can set up another scheme to provide for terminals. USOF is an American concept where if a person asks a telecom service provider for a telephone connection (Ex: BSNL, Idea, Airtel etc.), these services provider cannot refuse him on pretext of non-feasibility due to its presence in a remote area. The idea behind USOF is that every citizen in the country gets connected irrespective of the cost and if it is not feasible for the telecom service provider to service him profitably then the telecom service provider should be subsidised to that extent. Even in the 2nd phase of Bharat Net Project, the government is subsidising 3600 crores to the private operators to do the last mile connectivity as private telecom operators are not capable to give service to the rural customers even at a breakeven point. Once the consumers have been connected, there will arise need of terminals which are either smartphones or laptops or PCs’. Content especially in local languages which can be understood by rural population is being created through many mobile applications and websites. There will be applications which are useful to them such as telemedicine, remote health diagnosis, banking services, market services and a lot of agricultural information including weather information, irrigation information and pest information. Communication of the same in local language will help to take quick actions. This medium will turn out to be a big cost and time saver where the rural people don’t have to go absolutely out of way to get services by keeping their livelihood at stake and there will be less burden on transport system. The farmers’ access to different mandis through e-portal will allow him to sell his produce at best price. Blow to corrupt practices Lot of vested interest are being hit because of digital India. The government is coming to the citizen rather than person having to visit the government offices to get his papers approved. Thus, through digital governance, it is possible to reduce corruption at local as well as state level. This is the reason officials who make the money from the corruption or having vested interests are certainly opposing this arrangement. Thus, last mile delivery in terms of infrastructure and services provided is important. New partnerships Now in the second phase, Bharat Net is aiming to get private sector in process. The private sector companies are capable to provide the last mile connectivity where they will buy bulk bandwidth from the Bharat Net and then serve the customers at the last mile in rural areas. Network in the 2nd phase will be laid by both central PSUs like BSNL, Railtel and Power Grid as well as state governments. The telecom ministry is expected to sign agreements with seven states Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand which will roll out the project on their own with partial funding from the central government. But there still are some apprehensions regarding support by state governments as they do not have previous experience of implementing telephone networks. So initially it looks as a challenge as it may slow down pace of the project due to possible separate process of preparing equipment and even delay in projects due to lack of experience. However, in reality, it is actually the state government and local government which has to deliver much more than the central government as they are more answerable to the population.  The biggest problem in optical cables is the right of way of laying cable because roads have to be dug, sometimes farms or houses have to be crossed or existing infrastructure has to be demolished.  If the government gives a prior intimation about such project in a right way, chances of clearances and redressal of any grievances is easier. Conclusion- Digital beginning The possibilities brought out by the internet education, health services provision, governance possibilities and grievance redressal has seen quantum jump in the capability between wide generation and the next generation because the new generation. The multiplier effects of these schemes are immense. For instance, when women are educated then automatically their children get educated, family has better health, nutrition. So at the ground level, one initiative in terms of improving connectivity, bringing timely information to the people, teaching them what they need to do, especially in banking services or registry of land records, health records, birth and death certificates land disputes will get settled quickly. So implementing to Bharat net project is a big step towards achieving digital India. Let us hope it will bring transparency in the system and it will help in increasing India’s GDP Connecting the dots: The fibre optical network will change the face of rural economy. Examine in detail.

Dec 31, 2017 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Being You – Inspirational & Educative Articles

Being You: Life is a long, testing and arduous journey about being you. You have to travel very far before you acquire the courage to be yourself. There is no meaning to a long life if it has not been about you and your true calling. Find your true purpose might sound like a cliche but there is no other cliche that you would rather embrace and pursue to the fullest. The saddest thing about life is when you are old enough to sit back and reflect on what has been, everything is there but you are missing. The saddest feeling is having lived a life where you have been absent. It might sound crazy to say that you have lived a life but you have been missing, but there is a harsh truth to it; most people are missing in their lives. Their life is about everything except them. Each individual is unique; you are not like someone else precisely because you were not meant to be like someone else.  Finding your true identity and dedicating yourself in pursuit of that identity will never disappoint you. There is no other joy like the joy of being you. There are a thousand shades of life you can choose from, but in the end the color that reflects the nature of your heart and being is all that matters. Well, it is not easy being you because there is a vast different between thinking about you and being you. It is very easy to think, reflect and imagine you being a certain way; everybody is doing this all the time. It doesn’t take any special skill and effort to think and dream about who you are and what you want to be. The hardest part is having the courage to walk the path you have chosen. Courage is what separates a thinking you from the being you. This might sound too simplistic. But you will know the enormity of this difference if you observe your life more closely. Most of the time you are simply thinking about what you want to be, there is very little change happening in the direction of finding the necessary strength and courage to assert your individuality and being who you are. There is a part of you that already knows your true purpose and calling. There is not a single day that goes by without you reflecting on this inner calling. But somehow your rational and logical mind puts it aside thinking that it is just a crazy desire. You will never be able to fulfill your purpose if you don’t let your heart triumph over your mind. The battle between the heart and the mind is the whole struggle of life. If you let your mind win then you will be its slave forever. If you are able to conquer the fears of your mind by trusting your heart, then everything life has to offer is yours. There is a small difference between living from the mind and living from the heart; this is the difference between being you and being someone you are not. Remember, if you were meant to be someone else, you would have been! “The articles are a copyright of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.”

Dec 30, 2017 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 30th December 2017

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 30th December 2017 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) The National Medical Commission Bill 2017 Part of: Mains GS Paper II- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Key pointers: The National Medical Commission Bill 2017 envisages allowing Ayush practitioners (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) to practise modern (allopathic) medicine after clearing a bridge course. The Bil seeks to overhaul the structure of medical education, introduce a medical exit examination and bring an end to the Medical Council of India. It envisages a “joint sitting” of the (National Medical) Commission, the Central Council of Homoeopathy and the Central Council of Indian Medicine at least once a year to decide “approving specific bridge course that may be introduced for the practitioners of homoeopathy and of Indian Systems of Medicine to enable them to prescribe such modern medicines at such level as may be prescribed”. A 25-member commission selected by a search committee headed by the Union Cabinet Secretary will replace the elected MCI. Four boards dealing with undergraduate, postgraduate medical education, medical assessment and rating and ethics and registration will regulate the sector. Replacing the MCI with a new regulatory structure was necessitated by allegations of corruption dogging the council ever since the arrest of its then chief Ketan Desai in 2010. Article link: Click here Amendment to Insolvency and Bankruptcy code  Part of: Mains GS Paper II- Indian Economy Key pointers: Pic credit: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article22329388.ece/alternates/FREE_660/29-Phukan-InsolG4A350G741jpgjpg The Lok Sabha amended the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code law to prevent wilful defaulters and existing promoters from taking part in insolvency proceedings of stressed assets of companies unless they make their bad loans operational by paying up interests. Changes have had to be made to ensure that ineligible people do not find loopholes to walk back into the companies against which insolvency proceedings were initiated. Article link: Click here Smart Robo Cop Part of: Mains GS Paper II- Awareness in the field of robotics. Key pointers: A life-sized robot, claimed to be the world's first smart policing robot, was launched in Hyderabad city. The bot called the Smart Robo Cop is equipped with cameras, and an array of sensors connected to GPS in its beta version and has been developed by H-Bots Robotics, a Hyderabad-based robotics technology company. All the components have been sourced from within the country. It has been created to support security systems in the city. The robot can move, recognise people, take complaints, detect bombs, identify suspects, interact with people and answer to queries. How does it work? Placed in any locality, the robot has been equipped with a system where people can lodge a complaint with the police from where it is stationed. The complaints can be lodged through video, audio and photos. People can also make use of emergency services. For example, an accident can be reported from the spot or even if one wants to complain to the SHE Teams with the help of capture option that is available. Article link: Click here (MAINS FOCUS) ETHICS & INTEGRITY TOPIC: General studies IV: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration Ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions. Strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance. Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity. Codifying conflict of interest Introduction: There is a need for removing discretion and codifying the conflict of interest inherent in having senior bureaucrats assuming corporate roles post-resignation or retirement. What is conflict of interest? A conflict of interest (COI) is a situation in which a person or organization is involved in multiple interests, financial or otherwise, one of which could possibly corrupt the motivation or decision-making of that individual or organization. A conflict of interest exists if the circumstances are reasonably believed (on the basis of past experience and objective evidence) to create a risk that a decision may be unduly influenced by other, secondary interests, and not on whether a particular individual is actually influenced by a secondary interest. Examples- The case of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. FSSAI is theoretically supposed to be independent in monitoring food safety and yet, until 2014, industry representatives were regularly appointed to scientific committees. The Sharada Prasad Committee constituted to review the functioning of sector skill councils (SSCs) had termed these councils a hotbed of crony capitalism because of conflict of interest. Issue: India has an official policy, regulated by the Ministry of Personnel, whereby senior bureaucrats have to seek permission for commercial employment after their retirement. However, such grants of permission within cooling-off period depend primarily on government discretion, with no codified mechanism. Some bureaucrats seem to have meshed the virtues of public service with private profit in retirement. They expose themselves to a potential conflict of interest. At present, conflicts of interest that arise out of an MP’s private interest are regulated by the Code of Conduct for Ministers; Code of Conduct for Members of the Rajya Sabha, Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and Handbook for Members. Both Houses have an Ethics Committee to oversee the ethical conduct of MPs. The similar is the case with civil servant and judiciary. But by and large, these ethical books have been ineffective so far. Example of Canada: In Canada, ministers must follow the Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code that outline ethical standards and private and public interests. It prohibits use of information obtained officially for personal gain. All Members are barred from voting on matters in which they have pecuniary interest. There is a lobbyist registration system. Ministers cannot engage in an outside profession or actively in business. It restricts members from simultaneously holding certain posts. There are some post-tenure employment restrictions. Way ahead: Making disclosing conflict of interest mandatory: We need legislation to make non-disclosure of a conflict of interest punishable. M.S. Natchiappan’s private member’s bill (The Prevention and Management of Conflict of Interest Bill, introduced in 2012), the legislation ought to cover all arms of governance, including the judiciary, the legislature and the executive. The Bill talks about setting up of an institution for prevention and management of conflict of interest. The recommendation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Department of Personnel and Training, calling for early retirement if interested in post-retirement private service is established, needs to be implemented. Increasing the mandatory cooling period to five years so that no undue influence can be exerted by the retired bureaucrat. To solve the issue, it is important to understand the scale of the problem, determine the right legal mechanism to deter and work towards changing our lackadaisical cultural norms on conflict of interest. Towards transparency: A culture of transparency needs to be fostered. Bureaucrats, retired and current, should talk openly about their post-retirement plans. Public disclosure of their interests would clear the air, enabling their views to be given appropriate merit. An open, public data platform enlisting all post-retirement appointments of civil servants will increase transparency. There is nothing wrong in letting experienced bureaucrats utilise their expertise in the private sector — if adequate rules are framed and followed that enable the elimination of any conflict of interest. Conclusion: As acknowledgement of conflict of interest exists in the corporate world, with significant oversight through consumer watchdogs, credit rating agencies and activist shareholders, the same should exist for governance. Conflicts should be codified in a stringent legal framework, making compromise of the public interest a serious crime. Cleaning up business interests, and strengthening a moral code over such conflicts is needed. Without such transformation, India’s society, governance and its private sector will remain open for insider trading. Connecting the dots: What do you mean by the term 'conflict of interest'? There is a need to codify conflict of interest in regard to Indian governance system. Discuss.  DISASTER MANAGEMENT TOPIC: General Studies 1: Urbanization, their problems and their remedies. General studies 2 and 3: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Disaster and disaster management. Solving the problem of Fires Accidents: Mitigation and Prevention strategy Introduction: On an average, in India, every year, about 25,000 persons die due to fires and related causes. Probably many of these deaths could have been prevented, had we taken enough fire protection measures. No comprehensive data is available in India on the economic losses suffered on account of fires. Recently, on the night of December 28, 14 people died and 54 others were injured as the result of a fire at a restaurant in Mumbai’s Kamala Mills. There were at least 11 major fires in Mumbai alone this year, of which the second-last one on December 25 killed 12 workers in a Gujarati snack shop in Saki Naka. The greater number of these cases occurred in factories or small manufacturing units. The onus of the majority of these fires rests with the owners of the places. But whether the fires took place in residential buildings, work places or restaurants, the main culprit is the respective State Municipal Corporation within the Indian polity. The real concern: Unplanned Urban Planning It is mandatory for every single new residential building (in many cities) to have a rigorous fire audit before it gets an occupancy certificate. One cannot stress the need for zero tolerance of any short-coming, flaw or missing element. The same holds for every factory, laboratory, office, school, workshop, library, zoo, museum, research facility, restaurant, four and five-star hotel and any other building. However, these pre-conditions are not tested prior to getting the occupancy certificate. Lack of fire escape routes in buildings and mock fire drills are common in most Indian cities. The manner in which some areas are laid out, there are urban villages which are unplanned, unorganised sections of settlements. These are places where the road-width is so small that even a fire tender may not go in. For instance, in Delhi, certain urban chic places such as Hauz Khas Village, Shahpur Jat are firetraps. The fire rescue has to be motorcycle-based in these places because even four-wheelers may not reach. Mitigation Strategy: For mitigating a fire in any occupancy, whether it is a business house or in a factory or in a residential building, require a deep understanding about the problem, comprehensive Fire Safety Audit, regular inspection, maintenance and repair of defective equipment. Infrastructure in place- fire-stations equipped with modern technology and well trained fire-fighters, dedicated helpline to reduce response time- mapping of cities using color coded zones based on their level of vulnerability. Adherence to SOPs’ (Standard Operating Procedures), since in many cases Standard Operating Procedures are already in place but are not implemented due to untrained staff/inadequate numbers of deployment or political interference On ground execution- mandatory fire safety drills & training for response at all public and private work places, schools, educational institutions- courses for people interested in being volunteers in case of fire-incidents. Arrangements for speedy medical attention should be done by ensuring prior medical aid at event location, implementing concepts like green corridor  Prevention strategy: Fires start when source of ignition comes into contact with combustible material. If we can control all sources of ignition and combustible material, we can greatly reduce the potential for fire. Adhering to explosion resistant building codes and reorientation of all existing infrastructures to make it fire resistant. Heating and lighting systems that are inadequately maintained or safeguarded present risks. Many fires occur from electrical faults or misuse. Smoking is a notorious fire risk. It should be prohibited in all areas where it is especially dangerous. Strict quality checks and standards of electrical appliances, equipments, households items like stoves etc that often are cause of fire accidents. Automatic fire sprinklers coupled with detection are the most effective fire protection system found in High Rise buildings which can, not only detect the fires, but also extinguish the fires in the initial stage itself. Application of Water Mist in various situation is gaining momentum every day. Major fires start in storage area and warehouses than production areas. Poorly stored goods, even though they are not flammable, may help to spread fire and hinder fire fighters gaining access to the seat of the fire or reduce the effectiveness of sprinkler systems. Goods tidily stored with gangways may help to inhibit the spread of fire. The legislations, standards and codes have a vital role in forcing the occupiers to provide the required fire protection system, both active and passive. Complying with all the fire and safety measures and adhering to the National Building Code of India, 2005. The way ahead: Notions of safety, security and quality are not built into us from school level. We don’t get basic first aid training. Our cultural attitude is one of “chalta hai” (It is Okay!!) and we think the next building will catch fire, not ours. It will happen to somebody else not me. The buildings have to be planned, designed and detailed to be fire safe. There have to be fire audits of each of the buildings every six months, or at least once in a year. There has to be a safety officer who sits in a room with CCTV monitors, sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers. Often people are not trained how to use the fire extinguisher, and which one to use when. We have national building codes, local building bylaws, national electrical codes. But they are never implemented or enforced because of systemic problems. There should be lessons learnt from the fatal fire in Mumbai. By properly blending both precautionary and mitigation measures, we can greatly reduce the adverse impacts of a fire hazard and thereby prevent the loss of lives and property. Connecting the dots: There were many incidents of major fire tragedies in our country. What precautions should be taken to prevent fire hazards? What are the mitigative measures for fire accidents? Discuss. MUST READ Lured by blood The Hindu Taking on the gatekeepers The Hindu Before the next Mumbai disaster Indian Express Changing chalta hai Indian Express Welcome reform Business Line

Dec 30, 2017 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : Prime Minister’s Visit to Manila and its Significance

Prime Minister’s Visit to Manila and its Significance ARCHIVES Search 12th November 2017 http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests In news: Prime Minister went to Philippines on a 3 days visit to attend 15th India-ASEAN summit and the 12th East Asia summit. This visit is an enhancement and a boost for India’s Act East Policy. 2017 is again a landmark year due to 25 years of dialogue partnership and 15th year of India ASEAN Summit, thus Prime Minister personally interacted with leaders of ASEAN members as well as 8 other members who are in the summit. Boost to India-US relations At present, there is good chemistry and equation between India and United States as countries and also between its leaders.  US President has said that there are few issues in the region where India’s support, understanding and cooperation is desired, whether it is rise of China or it is North Korea or whether it is regional trade. It is also very significant as US President in all his statements has called Asia’s Pacific region as Indo-Pacific and that shows due importance given to India as well as the security of Indian Ocean. It can be somehow a counter to China as China has been quite aggressive and exerting itself very strongly in Asia. This is a course change from past when few years’ ago, US’s focus perhaps was on the security of Western Pacific and India’s focus was more on the security of the sea lanes and maritime traffic in the Indian Ocean. But now interests of India, United States along with other countries like Japan, South Korea and Australia are converging. These countries are little concerned about the rapidly increasing naval might of China and whatever China is doing in South China Sea, for instance by unilaterally claiming a huge area. Thus, this has given rise to apprehension that in course of time, China could try to impose some kind of limitation on the maritime traffic. India has very strongly said in ASEAN Summit that the maritime traffic should freely flow and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea should be obeyed by all the countries. So in this Indo-Pacific region has a common security issue concern. The new QUAD Recently, there has been lot of talk of the quadrilateral arrangement which involves India, United States, Australia and Japan. The idea of the quadrilateral has really come from Japan where earlier also it was in operation for a while about a decade ago. But now the situation in East Asia, Asia Pacific, and Indo Pacific is changing rapidly and it is important that the major democracies which are active in this area should work together, exchange views and harmonise their position so that no country unilaterally is able to disturb the peace at present. India’s Act East policy China has given major loans to Dhaka and has invested heavily in Colombo. In recent years, India has also really pushed for its relationship with its neighbours, whether it is Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bhutan. This time India has gone into South East Asia which is not on immediate neighbourhood but where China plays a much more dominant role. However, this is not any move to counter India China. India’s Act East Policy stands on its own which has its own logic for its own prosperity and own economic integration. India could not look towards our West because Pakistan is hostile to India, Afghanistan is in turmoil and Iran had all kind of sanction. Thus, for its own economic growth, prosperity and integration of North East, India adopted the Act East policy form previous Look East policy. Whatever China does or does not do in neighbourhood, there is a very strong logic for India to work very closely with all the countries of Asia and further East with Korean and Japan. The trade between India and ASEAN in 2015-16, was at more than 60 billion US Dollars. This bulk of trade in keeping this relationship intact or in giving a stronger further boost to this relationship has a major role to play. Any relationship becomes closer if it has a strong economic and investment partnership. ASEAN and India together are about 1.85 billion people and the total GDP of India is equal to the GDP of the other 10 ASEAN members which is about 3.8 trillion dollar GDP. 17% of FDI in India has come from ASEAN countries mainly from Singapore, Indonesia and India has also invested about 40 billion dollar in ASEAN countries. There is a trilateral highway which is connecting India’s North East through Manipur to Myanmar, Bangkok and Thailand. Once this happens then the trade relations will go further but the economy relations are good. Thus, the relations between India and ASEAN are well placed on the growth trajectory. A tough, but possible task Today, there are different centres of power- United States-Russia-China-Japan. Yet India has been able to maintain the delicacies that come with maintaining relations with these centres of power. For example, maintaining relations with the US President and at the same time maintaining a good relation with Russia or with Japan or China. Traditionally India has been nonaligned. Now, the present foreign policy is that of a multipolar focus and it looks to all the countries which are friendly to India with the equal attention. In all this forum there are so many opportunities to exchange words, to have some kind of very brief interactions which sometimes can be very useful in giving a relationship a push. So all these interactions will help India in promoting its own interest and relations. Conclusion At such forums, even though the interactions will be on one on one basis, there will still be the common thread for the quadrilateral of a common security umbrella. The world’s different centres of powers are coming together so that may be one can try and assure a peaceful rise of China. China’s rise is a good thing but it should be a peaceful rise. When China talks about its core interests, it should also take into account the core interests of other countries and in that all the countries want that China should have a policy which accommodates the interest of other countries. Now it is really for China to respond positively and look forward to a stable Indian Ocean region along with Pacific region. Connecting the dots: The formation and revival of ‘Quad’ represents ‘coming of world together’. Critically analyse the statement.

Dec 29, 2017 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 29th December 2017

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 29th December 2017 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Bill criminalizing triple talaq passed in LS  Part of: Mains GS Paper II- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Key pointers: ·         The Lok Sabha passed by voice vote the Bill that makes instant triple talaq or talaq-e-biddat a criminal offence, with a jail term of up to three years. ·         The proposed law would be applicable to the entire country, except in Jammu and Kashmir. ·         It would make instant talaq punishable and would be a cognisable, non-bailable offence. ·     Government's take- The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017 — will act as a deterrent since there have been 100 cases of triple talaq even after the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court delivered in August this year. ·      22 Islamic countries, including Pakistan and Bangladesh, had regulated instant triple talaq, there was no effective law in India till now. Article link: Click here Gaming disorder: A mental health condition Part of: Mains GS Paper II- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health Key pointers: With more and more youngsters getting hooked on video games, both online and offline, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is set to classify gaming disorder as a mental health condition next year. Mental health experts and psychiatrists said this is the need of the hour as nearly 7% of population studied for gaming and internet addiction exhibited symptoms of depression and anxiety, and somatisation, including behavioural changes and sleep disturbances. Although gaming disorder is affecting a small population now, it is likely to be a major mental health problem in the coming years. Especially, in the wake of Blue Whale and other such dangerous games, there is a need for parents to monitor their child’s activities. Addictive use of Internet has an adverse effect in the form of irregular dietary habits and physical problems. It is also associated with insomnia, sleep apnea and nightmares. Article link: Click here India largest producer of milk in the world Part of: Mains GS Paper III- Transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints. Key pointers: During the past three years, India has outpaced the global milk production with an annual growth rate of 5.53% compared with the 2.09% achieved globally. India has been the largest producer of milk in the world for the past 15 years. Milk production, which was around 17-22 million tonnes in the 1960s, has increased to 163.7 million tonnes in 2016-17. Per capita availability of milk has increased from 307 grams in 2013-14 to 351 grams in the year 2016-17. Path ahead: To meet future challenges, the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries (DAHDF) is working on a National Action Plan Vision 2022, where along with enhancing the outreach of dairy cooperatives to additional villages and milk producers, suitable provisions are being made to build additional milk processing infrastructure. Article link: Click here (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. General Studies 3: Mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment Indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Aerospace & Defence Manufacturing: Sunrise sectors Background: Aerospace and defence manufacturing are the sunrise sectors for today. At upwards of $50 billion, India has one of the largest defence budgets in the world. By 2018, it is expected to be in the vicinity of $56 billion. In the commercial aviation sector, India remains one of the highest traffic growth markets. It is estimated to become the third-largest aviation market in the world by 2025, and will likely need nearly 1,500 new commercial aircraft by 2030. A drive towards globalization of the aerospace supply chain has been fuelled by the lowering of trade barriers, decreasing communication and transport costs, the emergence of global service firms and shortage of skilled labour in home markets. Sunrise sectors: The sector which has the potential to generate vast amounts of jobs and revenue. Policymakers put in place measures such as tax breaks to encourage these sectors. In the past, information technology (IT) and biotechnology (BT) were the two most prominent holders of the sunrise-sector tag.  Creating a large base of domestic defence manufacturing: The government is well aware that timely execution of the modernization plan hinges on creating a large base of domestic manufacturing. The government has introduced the long-awaited strategic partnership model. It will allow partnerships with overseas companies to manufacture everything from submarines to fighter jets in India. It also opens the doors for Indian companies to form joint ventures with multinational original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for defence production. This model has the potential to create a high-tech defence manufacturing ecosystem. That, in turn, will help in the emergence of cutting-edge mid-sized ancillary companies, along the lines of German mittelstand firms that are relatively small but best-in-class. Indian manufacturers that offer high-quality and innovative solutions at a low cost could become the preferred suppliers for global firms. Key challenges: Following are key challenges companies face in the aerospace and defence (A&D) sector: Access to technology and talent. It has high technological requirements. Building scale in a business that is extremely capital-intensive. Costly raw materials along with a prolonged gestation period. The enabling infrastructure and policy environment which can be clubbed together as what is known as the ease-of-doing-business basket. Skilled labour requirements, and the procurement of parts from multiple manufacturers. Manufacturers in Europe and North America have multiple decades of head start over the Indian aerospace industry. India cannot close that gap overnight. Way forward: Strong collaboration between the government, which would be the biggest customer, and the private sector, can help close the gap faster. Creating infrastructure: Infrastructure plays a critical role in building an A&D manufacturing base. It requires all stakeholders to think in terms of creating the right ecosystem. The automobile manufacturing sector benefited from having ancillary hubs around large car plants located in Gurugram, Chennai and Pune. The government would do well to encourage the creation of A&D hubs too. Creating clusters helps micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that supply components and sub-assemblies to large manufacturers. The long gestation period and capital intensity often create entry barriers for SMEs in this sector. Vibrant clusters would make it easy for companies to have access to talent and create synergies on logistics. Examples: Telangana is home to the country’s first public aerospace and precision engineering special economic zone (SEZ). Karnataka too is setting up similar facilities. What is required in an ideal ecosystem is the setting up of facilities which cater to multiple stages of the supply chain, all in one location. Such manufacturing hubs should ideally allow companies to carry out fabrication, machining, forging, warehousing and a whole lot more in one place. The target is to create an integrated aerospace ecosystem which enables customers to source all their requirements from one place to hasten the time-to-market.  Fulfilling skilled labor requirements: Since the industry needs a skilled talent pool for this highly specialized industry, the creation of educational institutions and universities by the government that are tailor-made for the A&D sector, will go a long way in making India a preferred manufacturing destination.  Conclusion: While there has been a sea change in the government’s attitude towards private companies in the A&D sector, the defence public sector undertakings, which hitherto held a monopoly, view the private sector as competition. If seen as partners and collaborators instead, the benefits for the nation could be transformative. Connecting the dots: What do you mean by the term 'sunrise sectors'? Aerospace and defence manufacturing are the sunrise sectors for today. Discuss. Aerospace and defence manufacturing sector has huge scope for growth both in terms of revenues and providing job opportunities. In this light it is important that the government create a right policy environment for them. Discuss. ENVIRONMENT TOPIC: General Studies 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Expanding 'good' green cover in India In news: The Centre is not ready with the rules to implement the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016. This demonstrates that the government’s resolve to meet a variety of environmental objectives, including major commitments under the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals, remains woefully weak. Background: Diversion of forests for non-forest use seems inevitable to some degree due to developmental activities and biotic pressures. Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016, seeks to remedy this loss through disbursal of national and State funds for carrying out afforestation projects. While 40,000 crores have already been accumulated for compensatory projects, the rules for the implementation of the act haven’t been drafted yet. Is compensation justifiable or enough? It is debatable if compensation is a sound remedy for loss of rich forests. Case study- About 13,000 hectares were compensated in the Sardar Sarovar Dam project, but only with patchy outcomes: healthy monoculture plantations having low biodiversity value came up in some places, while others resulted in unhealthy plantations with few trees. Replacing a natural forest with a plantation does not really serve the cause of nature, wildlife, or the forest-dwelling communities who depend on it, because of the sheer loss of biodiversity. Way forward: Diversion of forests for non-forest use seems inevitable to some degree. Thus to maintain biodiversity, it is necessary to make an assessment of suitable lands, preferably contiguous with protected areas that can be turned over for management to a joint apparatus consisting of forest department staff and scientific experts. Putting in place a scientific national plan to expand good green cover is essential, since the sequestration of carbon through sustainably managed forests is a key component of the commitment made under the Paris Agreement. There is already a Green India Mission, which is distinct from the framework envisaged for compensatory afforestation. The Centre needs to enable independent audit of all connected programmes, in order to sensibly deploy the financial resources now available. There is immense potential to augment the services of forests through a careful choice of plants and trees under the afforestation programme. All this can make a beginning only with the actualisation of the law passed in 2016. The method used to calculate the net present value(NPV) of forests, taking into account all ecosystem services they provide, is far from perfect, as many scientists point out. This needs to be seen. NPV calculation must be scientifically credible. Conclusion: The momentum for compensatory afforestation has come from judicial directives but now the government should give a foundation of rules to the law passes in 2016. A scientific national plan to expand good green cover is absolutely essential. Connecting the dots: A major governance challenge in India is poor implementation of robust laws. Critically analyze. A scientific national plan to expand good green cover is absolutely essential in India. Discuss. Discuss the issues with Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016. MUST READ  Listen to these four girls The Hindu The old charger changeth not Indian Express How to Act East Indian Express Legal excess Indian Express

Dec 29, 2017 MindMaps

IASbaba’s MINDMAP : Issue – Civil Aviation

IASbaba’s MINDMAP : Issue – Civil Aviation 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)

Dec 29, 2017 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 111]

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 111] Archives Q.1) Mahadayi River flows through which of the following states? Karnataka Goa Maharashtra Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) is under the aegis of Ministry of Human Resource Development Ministry of Science and Technology Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology None of the above Q.3) Beans of Cassia occidentalis, locally known as ‘bada chakunda’ is associated with Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Multiple sclerosis (MS) Parkinson's disease Epilepsy Q.4) What is ‘Nirmal Gram Puraskar’? It is an incentive scheme for schools in the villages for computer education. It is an incentive scheme of scholarships for the single girl child in families in villages. It is an incentive scheme for Panchayati Raj Institutions. It is an incentive scheme of scholarships for female sportspersons from villages who represent their states in any game. Q.5) Who among the following wrote ''The Communist Manifesto" along with Karl Marx? Friedrich Engels Max Weber Emile Durkheim Robert Owen To Download the Solution – Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Dec 29, 2017 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : RERA – A Game Changer in the Real Estate

RERA – A Game Changer in the Real Estate ARCHIVES Search 11th November 2017 http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2 Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies The essential Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) had come into force with the kind of framework which entails accountability on the real estate developer. The RERA act provides for homebuyers and also for the overall sector to have a website which will display all the projects having clearances as well as the details of the project developers. The homebuyers will get clear information about the project details on a regular basis plus all the real estate agents also would be registered. So basically every project developer will have to register the projects which they are developing with the RERA act first and then only they can sell the projects. It is seen as a game changer as it will not only change the whole pattern in which mistreats were done in the real estate sector but also it will provide the cushion to the homebuyers which is required when life earning is spent into buying a home. At present, this act is implemented by 15 states and 7 union territories. Importance and problems in real estate Real estate is widely considered to be a major asset class. However, it has been traditionally distressed with opaque practices, information asymmetry, and a poor regulatory framework in India. One of the frequently cited reasons for the current slowdown in residential sector is the trust deficit between customers and developers. It takes years for the developers to deliver on their commitments. Hence, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act 2016, aimed at bringing in transparency and redefining the engagement between various stakeholders, was brought into enforcement. RERA is a great act from the customer point of view and for all the new projects.  The new buyers will get their house on time or in case of any delay, there will be proper compensation to it to an extent to not suffer any loss by buyers. For the new projects it’s a great development but for the on- going projects there are some issues and RERA is also practically not in the position to sort them out better than this. This is because the new timelines are being given for the existing project to complete the project. This makes the buyer wait longer for their possessions due to abnormally new long deadlines given for completion of projects. As per RERA, all the sale agreement that has been signed between buyer and seller has to be sent to it. If the developer fails to deliver on the commitments and the projects are delayed beyond maximum possible deadlines, then the developer have to pay the penalty and the buyer can approach to the authority. Thus, RERA will enforce Rigorous project planning and management- Increased disclosure level for project registration would prompt developers to make realistic commitments on project specification, amenities and delivery timelines to avoid stiff penalties on default. Conservative project finance structures- RERA would require new projects to have all approvals before a launch. This would lead to larger gestation period prior to a project launch. Efficient project cost control mechanism- Post sale and last minute product price escalations by developers on frivolous grounds would be history. This will encourage developers to establish strong cost and delay control mechanisms within their project management and monitoring systems. Increased participation by institutional players- institutional players have burnt their fingers badly due to lack of governance and execution efficiency. Their past experiences have until now forced them to either stay away or invest through extremely conservative debt structures Cheaper capital pricing by institutions- RERA would reduce the risk perception significantly due to its stringent disclosures and penal provisions The customers, including home buyers will at least now know the credentials of project developer, the credentials of real estate agents and will be well equipped with the information which is required before getting into buying of any project. Proper regulation Earlier, the reasons for non-completion of projects were Project announced/begun without proper clearances. Diversion of funds from one project to any other area or in some other project Now, there has to be regular updation of progress of construction by the developer. With such information, the chances of misleading the buyer is very low because authorities are involved and giving assurance to the buyers that it will protect their interest. The law provides that 70% of the sales proceeds will have to be deposited in a separate bank account which will be monitored by authority and the developer will use that money only for the construction of the project. Also, periodically they will have to put on the website all the information regarding how much money of that has been used for the construction purpose. Thus, if money is not diverted then the chances of projects getting completed on time are high. Also, for the first time, the authority has been given the power to jail developer in its business case where he has not been able to fulfil its promises. So there is enough power and enough provisions made in the act to implement or to enforce the developer to complete the project. Way forward The centre should push those states who have not implemented RERA as yet to bring RERA authority in their states. Simultaneously, they should also help other 15 states which have launched RERA, to perfect their website and provide all the information which has to be given under the RERA act. The transformative impact of RERA would lie in the intent and speed at which various state government implement the regulation. Proper implementation of RERA will lead to revival of real estate sector. The transformation in business practices with RERA being a catalytic force would ensure that only serious and strong players remain within the sector. The level-playing field created between various stakeholders would provide much-needed confidence to investors and home buyers to take a relook at the sector and make informed investment decisions. Connecting the dots: What in your opinion is the importance of RERA act for growth of Indian economy and society?

Dec 28, 2017 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : Credibility of Media

Credibility of Media ARCHIVES Search 7th November 2017 http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2 Pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders Prime Minister was addressing the platinum jubilee celebrations of Tamil daily Dina Thanthi at the University of Madras.  Here a message was directed at the editors and media persons to use editorial freedom wisely, maintain credibility and work in public interest. Now, the focus and attention of media should not remain confined to editorials on politics but to look beyond them. Credibility and working in public interest, looking beyond politicians, bringing out success stories of ordinary Indians is a new growth potential of Indian media. There are many language mediums, print-electronic-digital broadcast mediums that can offer new insights and developments happening around common man’s life and not stick around politicians and their random statements. If such an exercise is not carried out soon, the credibility of journalism will be at stake. Freedom vs. Licence Freedom of right to free speech and expression is fine but it doesn’t mean that it is a licence to abuse and a licence to offend. This is something which really needs to be distinguished. Freedom in constitution under article 19 (1)A gives freedom of expression of one’s ideas and opinions but it is Art 19 (2) which talks about reasonable restrictions. Responsible usage of freedom to speech and expression lies on the person using them. A misplaced focus It is evident that Indian media is obsessed with politics but as a developing country, it cannot afford diversion from its focus and rectify the misplaced priorities Indian media has largely grown into an urban centric media. It is not even suitable to be called as national media but Delhi media for the news it forecasts, for instance, water logging in Gurugram is more important than reporting about devastating floods in Bihar, Bengal or Assam and urging people to help them. This obsession with politics has ignored the real success stories of a common Indian. The Indian dreams are being realised but they are not highlighted enough and more stress is given to problems and darker side of the world news. It has to be realised that India’s development priorities are different, stories are different, success stories with short comings need to be focused upon so that common man gets inspired from fellow citizen and takes inspiration. Excess spotlight on politics has just spread negativity in behaviour as well as thought process of the citizens. Generations have to be inspired There is a whole new generation to be inspired and that cannot be done only with widespread depressing news. It had been a common practice to cultivate a habit of reading newspapers in the morning. Excessive negative news has repelled people from developing the reading newspaper habit. This is detrimental to young people’s growth. No doubt, a lot of issues confront a developing country like India but there are many positive sides of developing countries too which need to be told about. For instance, Swachh Bharat Mission saw media responding positively in spreading the message of keeping cleanliness.  Raising socially important issues like significance of personal and community toilets, separate toilets for girls and boys in the school, education of health and hygiene, is as much media’s responsibility as a government’s. A country where 65% of our population is below 35 years, there are bound to be aspirations and dreams. The government should not attempt to regulate media or anything like that and the state has absolutely no role in its functioning except for maintaining decency and national interest. Press is called the fourth estate which defines its power but misuse of such power is criminal. The reforms in the media can only come from within through introspection. Indian media has highlighted corruption at high places and misuse of power but these are issues pertaining to obsession to politics, misplaced priorities, sensationalism and recent phenomena of paid news. In a competitive world where the print media is fast winding up, even leading American like Newsweek has wound up, the young media is going digital. So there is a great challenge to survive and succeed. For that there is need to introspect, come out with more credible, believable and an objective media in which the people can trust. Citizen participation in journalism The citizens with mobile phones are becoming pseudo journalists and help in dissemination of success stories of individuals as well as reporting of any unpleasant event. The citizen journalists can be given columns or slots for their news. This kind of journalism can help the government in directing actions in times of crisis and natural disaster or direct the concerned individual to take its support from dedicated schemes. Earlier, there used to be dissemination of news from one end but today there can be a reply to same news too.  If one thing is hidden, there will be 10 people who are going to highlight it, if there is any wrong or misleading news, 10 people will write on social network sites and expose the truth. Thus, cross checking of news and facts from authentic source should be encouraged. Research has been a weak point and so well-researched articles, not relying only on google searches but taking help of other sources should be taken up. More investment is needed in back in ground reporting and field reporting where going to the grass roots will restore the credibility of the media. Conclusion Journalism is a big success but India doesn’t have effective data journalism.  The data in form of parliamentary reports, CAG reports, think-tank reports are not thoroughly analysed and lot of high value data remains idle. It is necessary to bring more information to the people about how their money is been spent, what benefits are existing for them, what projects are completed, and those lagging behind are expected to get completed by when, stats about health and education, etc. Such data journalism is expected to bring new areas in light, make some introspection on public interests and promote responsible journalism. Connecting the dots: “Media is responsible to development of a society as much as government policies are”. Critically analyse above statement.

Dec 28, 2017 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 28th December 2017

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 28th December 2017 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Excluding bamboo from definition of 'tree' Key pointers: For the Indian Forest (Amendment) Bill the government has argued that excluding bamboo from the definition of “tree” in the Indian Forest Act of 1927 will encourage cultivation of bamboo in non-forest areas and decrease dependence on imports. The amendment would enable farmers, especially those in the Northeast, to cultivate bamboo in non-forest areas and sell it without harassment from the forest department. It is part of the government’s plan to double farmers’ income by 2022. The opposition on the other hand has argued that the increase in cultivation [bamboo in non-forest areas] will be at the cost of forest areas. This is not pro-tribal or pro-poor. This will only benefit private entities like paper mills. Article link: Click here Controlling the virtual world Key pointers: Noting that “many are guided by inappropriate exposure to the Internet,” the Supreme Court has held that the government has a role in controlling the virtual world. The court ordered major online search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Microsoft to co-operate with the Centre to make concrete suggestions against publication of online pre-natal sex determination ads rather than oppose any move to make the Internet safer. The Centre has been asked to brainstorm with the search engines, in the next six weeks, on ways to ensure that materials violating Indian laws prohibiting pre-natal sex determination were not hosted on websites. Article link: Click here Biosimilars In news: Biocon is the first Indian biotech company to get a US FDA nod for a biosimilar drug. Key pointers: A biosimilar product is a biological product that is approved based on a showing that it is highly similar to an FDA-approved biological product, known as a reference product, and has no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety and effectiveness from the reference product. When the patents of Biologics is no longer in force, many companies resort to release similar biologics called Biosimilar. At molecular level, Biosimilar is almost same as Biologics. Their key advantage is cost. Biosimilars can be called generic version of the Biologics, however, this is not technically correct because Biosimilars are not exactly like original drug. Biologics on the other hand, are large and complex (200-1000 times bigger than drugs) molecules, prepared within the living cells (such as engineered bacteria). Examples of biologics include various types of therapeutic proteins for example Serum Albumin, antibodies etc. Unlike small molecule generic drugs, the development of biosimilars is a highly expensive, complex and time-consuming exercise. This is because biosimilars are large and complex target-specific molecules, placed at the high end of the pharma value chain. Article link: Click here (MAINS FOCUS) 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. Focusing on Indian Ocean Region Background: In its National Security Strategy (NSS), the U.S. has called China a “challenger” and “rival” while welcoming India’s emergence as a “leading global power and stronger strategic and defence partner”, and declared that it seeks to increase ‘Quadrilateral’ cooperation with Japan, Australia, and India. The NSS also states that the U.S. would support India’s growing relationships throughout the region. While the broader emphasis on improving the partnership is welcome, policy-makers in New Delhi should be cautious on two counts: One, India should be wary of any attempts at being made to compete as a front in the U.S.’s efforts to check China’s rise. Two, while the notion of the Indo-Pacific sounds attractive, India must not forget that its primary area of concern is the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Securing its position in IOR is vital before venturing elsewhere.  What needs to be done? India remains a balancing power: India has always been wooed by both sides and has been a balancing power on the world stages. As its stature in global politics increases, it is in the nation’s as well as global interest that India remains a balancing power. Checking rapid expansion of China in IOR: At the same time, India should hedge against the rapid expansion of Chinese presence in the IOR. For India, geographically the area of concern, and so the area of focus, should remain the IOR. While reiterating its commitment to upholding the established laws of the global commons, New Delhi should not go adrift in the larger Indo-Pacific. As more powers make inroads into this strategically crucial space, India must consolidate its position and not expect others to do its job, for it would only mean ceding space in the long run. Indian Ocean Region(IOR): The IOR stretches from the Gulf of Aden to the Strait of Malacca. Pic credit: https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V7nKpjFbI8k/V0BSsV7FvcI/AAAAAAAAADA/jsvB7GwlyP0-p6g7UqmPL9_raxRmYxsnACLcB/s1600/indian-ocean-map.gif Consolidating India's position in IOR: There are two ways of doing this — Beefing up Indian capacity to secure interests The tags of net security provider and leading global power would mean nothing if New Delhi cannot undertake capacity building in its own backyard, be it South Asia or the IOR. While the offer of help from various countries to help expand India’s network in the region looks tempting, it actually reflects India’s failure to establish its primacy in the region. Ideally, it should have been the other way round: India guiding outside powers in its backyard. Expanding partnerships to fill voids. It is imperative for policy-makers in New Delhi to conduct a reality check on relations with our neighbours. Groupings like Quad cannot be at the expense of the neighbours. While being part of various groupings is important, it is imperative that they are in line with our interests. Recent initiatives: Last month, India and Singapore concluded an overarching bilateral agreement for naval cooperation. Besides being only India’s second bilateral logistics arrangement, it gives it access to the Changi naval base at the mouth of the Strait of Malacca. With Singapore’s assistance, India is also working out modalities for joint multilateral exercises with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). India is also negotiating similar logistics agreements with several other countries. The Goa Maritime Conclave hosted by the Indian navy last month where Navy Chiefs and maritime heads of 10 Indian Ocean littoral states brainstormed on ways to improve cooperation in the region. It is an India-led initiative where the navy has offered to share information of maritime movement in real-time. These developments show the way forward for India to engage with like-minded countries in the region without getting entangled in groupings which are seen as being targeted or military in nature (In reference to Quad grouping). Conclusion: Thus, India needs to build its primacy in the IOR before venturing into adjacent waters while also making sure that its interests are taken heed of while getting into various groupings and not end up doing what other countries like U.S. wants. Connecting the dots: India needs to build its primacy in the Indian Ocean region(IOR) before venturing into adjacent waters. NATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 1: Effects of Globalization on Indian Society; Urbanization and related issues General studies 2: Important aspects of governance and e-governance Issues regarding services relating to Health, Education, Human Resource Municipal Reforms In news: The Union ministry of housing and urban affairs has prepared a comprehensive road map for municipal reforms. The road map consists of three tiers of reforms. AMRUT- Basic reforms: From 2015 to 2017, some basic reforms were implemented in 500 cities under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation. For example, 104 cities in 14 states collected more than 90% of user charges; many states have established municipal cadres and state finance commissions; cities started offering online citizen services etc. Now, the time has to come to go to the next level of reforms. Tier I reforms: The purpose is to accelerate ongoing key financial and service delivery reforms. There are three sets of reforms: Cities have to submit financial year audited accounts for the two years preceding the one in which the municipality seeks to claim the performance grant. Cities have to show an increase in their revenue over the preceding year, as reflected in the audited accounts. Cities have to measure and publish service levels for coverage of water supply, reduction of non-revenue water, 24x7 water supply and scientific processing of solid waste. Once these conditions are met, cities get the performance grant (Rs18,000 crore in five years) set down by the Fourteenth Finance Commission. Tier 2 reforms: It consists of five transformative reforms: Formulating and implementing value-capture financing policy. Ensuring that all urban local bodies undergo credit rating and cities with investible- grade rating issue municipal bonds. Professionalize municipal cadres by creating five of them, filling up posts and allowing lateral entry of professionals. Implementing the trust and verify model. Enacting and implementing a land-titling law with a focus on using information technology. The trust and verify model: It is a paradigm shift from the current process for municipal permissions. While granting building permissions, cities generally inspect first and give approvals later. This is the verify and trust model. The process of inspection results in time delays and cost overruns, and opens up opportunities for rent seeking. Inverting this process gives us the trust and verify process in which permission is issued first and inspection taken up later. The assumption is that citizens can be trusted and will furnish correct information. Inspections are only carried out after permission is issued. Land titling: In urban areas this is an area of concern. A 2001 McKinsey study has reported that most, over 90% by one estimate, of the land titles in India are ‘unclear’ and land market distortions and unclear land titles cost India around 1.3% of gross domestic product. In India, ownership rights to property are proved through title deeds. Even though the law provides that transfers of title and interest in property should be registered, this only provides limited assurance. Therefore, there is a need to devise a mechanism by which transfers cannot be set aside. One way is to formulate a land-titling law. The Rajasthan government, for instance, has passed the Urban Land (Certification of Titles) Bill, 2016 to issue certificate of ownership to state residents living in urban areas. The new reform agenda incentivises all states to enact similar legislation. Tier 3 reforms: The focus of tier 3 is rapid and even more transformational reforms along three main avenues: governance, planning and finance. The emphasis is on: Deepening decentralization and strengthening urban local bodies through greater devolution of funds, functions and functionaries. Own source revenue mobilization for self-reliance. Flexibility in urban planning, particularly aligning master plans to changing socio-economic conditions in cities. Way forward: Enhancing downstream accountability mechanisms, like making local ward committees responsible for operation and maintenance of projects, etc. States and cities competing against each other and the incentive be given based on competition. Cities must have the flexibility to define their reform paths and innovate. Connecting the dots: The ministry of housing and urban affairs has launched a roadmap for comprehensive municipal reforms. Discuss the components of the plan. Land titling is a major issue in India, especially in urban areas. Discuss. The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation implemented between 2015-17 were the basic reforms. Indian cities now require a push for next level reforms. Analyze. MUST READ Nuclear weapons at a glance The Hindu A very flawed law The Hindu Criminal abandonment Indian Express Cities need a sustainable transportation update Livemint