Sep 7, 2017 RSTV Video

RSTV- The Big Picture : Is South Asia Witnessing a Strategic Realignment?

Is South Asia Witnessing a Strategic Realignment? Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 India and its neighbourhood- 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. Unveiling a new strategy for South Asia that has many elements of the continuity from the past, President Trump said that US troops would stay in Afghanistan for an open ended period of time and America would no longer tolerate Pakistan’s policy of harbouring terrorists. America’s strategic partnership with India will deepen in South Asia and Pacific and demanded that India make more financial contribution for the stabilisation of Afghanistan. The president linked this to India’s trade surplus with US saying that India makes billions in trade. New South Asia policy of Trump There are new changes along with elements of past.  There is greater realism reflected in new policy. It narrowed down on Pakistan from where the problem in Afghanistan is coming from. With the way US had treated Pakistan for last 16 years seems to be over for now. Whether this policy is followed by American is to be seen. For Afghanistan, it needs to be seen how US behaves with Pakistan as only trade routes available and lines of communication open for US to Afghanistan are through Pakistan. Iran is not available and northern route is closed because of bad relations with Russia. There is a radical departure as opposed to previous approaches of Obama and Bush administration. The inner logic of the present policy is different. In the past, the policy was to write in two direction. While they kept the military action against the Pakistan, they were also focused in a major way on political settlement. This has been abandoned. Trump’s focus is on military solution currently. The generals have been given a free hand and as per them unless the safe havens and sanctuaries in Pakistan are closed, there is no question of military success in Afghanistan. Therefore, the major focus on safe havens is there. Why the shift? China is a major factor in this issue. Now that Pakistan is slowly tilting towards China. America has understood that Pakistan will not allay American interest in Afghanistan and South Asia. Expected reaction by Pakistan Pakistan will try to retain the terror as input of their security talk. Pakistan may say that it is ready to cooperate on Afghanistan given that USA does same with Kashmir. However, this is no longer possible because of growing strategic partnership with India. As a result of this, there is action on Hizbul Mujahideen and salahudeen. How Pakistan plays this card is what India has to watch out for. In the past, Pakistan did not allow India to play a major role in Afghanistan. Pakistan used to argue that their position on Afghanistan is on account of their fear of India which would try to create problems for Pakistan from Afghanistan soil. But then it was realised that Pakistan was playing double game and hence, later the American started saying that India should get involved in security sector and now with Americans asking for greater Indian involvement, they are put in grave difficulty. Conclusion India should continue with the assistance programme in Afghanistan. For security area, India should respond to afghan request in a meaningful way in best capacity but never put boots on ground. On the other hand, at present America is seemed to be firm to act not in support of Pakistan until terror is not tackled properly. But their western allies shouldn’t be forgotten, especially the British who have been in favour of Pakistan on this subject. There also comes a note of caution that the world yet doesn’t know who President Trump is. The relationship between India-Afghanistan-Pakistan is complex and requires more than podium-talks. Connecting the dots: US’s South Asia policy sees a turnaround with India becoming a part of traditional ‘Af-Pak’ policy by USA. Highlight the importance of such policy and analyse the impact on US-India relations.

Sep 7, 2017 RSTV Video

RSTV- The Big Picture : SC Ruling on Triple Talaq – Implications

SC Ruling on Triple Talaq – Implications Archives TOPIC: General Studies 1 Social empowerment General Studies 2 Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. In news: A 5 judge constitution bench termed the triple talaq practice as unconstitutional with a 3-2 majority. Talaq-e-biddat or instant and irrevocable talaq was called "manifestly arbitrary" practice and is not protected by Article 25 (freedom of religion) of the Constitution. Background Triple talaq in all its three forms — talaq-e-biddat, talaq ahsan and talaq hasan — was "recognised and enforced" under Section 2 of the Shariat Act of 1937. Ahsan and Hasan are revocable. Biddat — pronouncing divorce in one go by the husband — is irrevocable. Biddat is considered ‘sinful’ but permissible in Islamic law. Thus, since Shariat Act had recognised triple talaq, it was no longer a personal law to remain free of the fetters of the fundamental rights rigour but a statutory law which comes under the ambit of Article 13(1) of the Constitution. Article 13 defines 'law' and says that all laws, framed before or after the Constitution, shall not be violative of the fundamental rights. Three sets of judgment Minority judgement of CJI and other justice which said believed that court had no right to tinker with religious personal laws, which enjoy special protection in the constitution. The majority judgement said that the practice was against the teachings of the Quran and, therefore, violated Muslim personal law. The final judgement talks about the state of abandoning the triple talaq pronounced in one go. The Muslim personal law board has welcomed the decision and said that it was not supportive of the instant triple divorce. It had inserted a clause to curtail this right of men long back while providing a model nikahnama. There was also an advisory that all the people doing the triple divorce in one go will be boycotted socially. The maulvis and kazis were advised that they must tell this at time of nikah. However, the enforcement have been not strong enough. It is true that there is lower incidence among the muslims. But the fact remains that a muslim girl grows with the consciousness that the unrestrained right is available to the men and after her marriage, the husband can turn her out of the marital home for any reason. This feeling still persists among muslim women that they don’t have equal rights of divorce and thus gender equality is still long battle to be won. Implications of verdict It is a progressive judgment. This judgement shouldn’t be politicised for regressive agendas on either sides of political debate. All that the constitution says is that one form of divorce available to muslim men is not permitted henceforth. So it is not that other forms of divorce are not available. The repetition of talaq over three month period is valid and law will accept it. Rights under art 25 (1) as far as religious freedom is concerned are not available only to minorities but all. The state’s right to intervene in anybody’s rights or at least religious rights is equal across the board when it comes to legislative mechanisms being used to user in social welfare. The reason why triple talaq has been rendered unconstitutional atleast by majority judgement say that triple talaq is not seen as an essential part of practice of islam and therefore it is not an essential part of the faith. Thus it cannot seek the benediction of article 25 (1) so far as religious freedoms are concerned. Therefore there is no need for a separate law for it to be banned or forbidden. The six months injunction is part of minority judgement. The majority judgement essentially holds the practice of triple talaq to be unconstitutional. Impact on Indian society It will have a positive effect on Indian national life. The courts have intervened that this particular practice and form of divorce which was otherwise protected under the shariat act of 1937, to that extent and provision, the shariat act is unconstitutional and thus there will be no more triple talaq. There is a balance between being progressive and abiding by constitutionalism because the biggest fear in these kind of judgements are severe complexities that creep in wherein justice is tried to be done at expense of constitution and its interpretation. But it hasn’t happened in this case. The court has abided by the constitution and come out with a categorical finding. Conclusion This judgement is important also for a general right of a citizen to approach the court and strike down irrational law related to religious belief. However, it should be present as some part of the religious act or law. This would be useful in a second challenge to sec 377 of IPC because every law which is arbitrary is liable to be struck down. This is true importance of the judgment. Connecting the dots: Triple talaq verdict has been hailed as a progressive judgement. Analyse your opinion regarding the same.

Sep 7, 2017 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 37]

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 37] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act It does not allow abortions above the gestational age of 24 weeks. It provides that “the length of pregnancy shall not apply” in a decision to abort a foetus diagnosed with “substantial foetal abnormalities” or if it is “alleged by the pregnant woman to have been caused by rape”. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following committees Mudaliar Committee, 1962 Shrivastav Committee, 1975 Bajaj Committee, 1986 The Committees are concerned with which of the following? Health Border Security Agriculture Industrial Policy Q.3) EEPC India is under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry Corporate Affairs Finance Home Affairs Q.4) Consider the following statements about ‘Tibetan Antelope’ It is listed in Schedule I of the India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act Shahtoosh is woven from the underfur of a Tibetan Antelope It is classified as “near threatened” under the IUCN’s red list Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) Which of the following statements is/are correct? The torrid zone refers to the area of the earth between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Norway’s Svalbard Islands lie entirely within North Frigid Zone 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

Sep 6, 2017 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : Dissolution of FIPB

Dissolution of FIPB ARCHIVES Search 25th May 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. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies Background In the Union Budget of 2017-18, the government had indicated its decision to do away with Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). Acting on that, the Union Cabinet decided to abolish FIPB in 2017. What is FIPB? It was a gateway for 25 years to allow foreign investors in India. It was an inter-ministerial body housed in the Department of Economic Affairs in the finance ministry. Its members included Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), commerce secretary, economic relations secretary in the ministry of external affairs and overseas Indian affairs secretary. The change- Now individual departments of the government have been empowered to clear FDI proposals in consultation with DIPP which will also issue the standard operating procedures for processing applications. Significance The present government has been open about Foreign Direct Investment and bringing it to maximum sectors. The FIPB was a procedural thing as it used to process FDI proposals and recommend for approval to appropriate body. Today for large number of sectors, FDI is allowed through automatic route. So FIPB doesn’t hold any relevance now. However, there are still about 11 sectors which require government approval. The abolition has two important indication It signals foreign investors that government is going to any extent to ease the process of promotion of FDI within country The FIPB name is outdated. It was set when the Indian economy was open to promote foreign investment. But over the years, it became a clearance mechanism and not a promotional board. So it lost a great significance. Thus, it was thought that the concerned ministry will do the clearances and approval rather than by a separate board. This will be a great boost to investments in those sectors where there is still government approval is required. In last financial year, India attracted $60 billion worth FDI and India continues to be attractive destination. So, it will further encourage foreign investors to come to India. Picture credit: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/union-cabinet-scraps-25-years-old-foreign-investment-promotion-board/articleshow/58825768.cms For the remaining sectoral permission mechanism, there will be a standard procedural guideline which will be announced by Departmental Industrial Policy Promotion. For example The defence and the pharma sector continue to be on approval route where investors require approval to bring foreign investments. In agriculture, 49% is for food processing and other sectors have 100% under automatic route subject to certain conditions. Print media has 26% but requires government approval. The sensitivity involved in the sector chosen for government approval has to be understood. In mining, there is automatic approval. But for mining of rare earth etc. which are crucial for country, prior approval is required. There is 100% FDI in retail food sector but it is through government approval. Many of these sectors in due course might go into automatic route. Only the sectors where country’s strategic interest is involved will be kept for government approval. However, if it takes long time to decide the guideline, then the purpose of removing FIPB will be lost. The other thing is that guideline should be simpler. The DIPP should be proactive in educating other ministries in role of FDI and explaining guidelines so that it moves fast. The new system Post FIPB, the new system is expected to be reviewed on annual basis. Government will look at the system and may further liberalise the full system of FDI and evaluate how ministries are performing. It will be no good if FIPB is struck down and new system keeps proposals pending. However, there is no change for FDI of more than Rs. 5000 crores, for which it will have to go through Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs. This has been retained. FIPB was not approval but an examining and recommending body. Upto Rs.5000 crores were approved by finance ministry and more than that was to CCEA. This process has not been changed. They have removed examine and recommend mechanism and not the approval mechanism. Sensitive FDI would require security clearance from home ministry. For eg. Telecom equipment has implication for national security or internal security. Government has taken care that national security is not compromised. Challenges Ease of doing business- starting the business is one important component which will be simplified.  But there are certain constraints like enforcement of contract, registration of property, getting construction permit etc. At present, there is report of 20 years lag time in enforcing the contract. So further ease of doing business requires active support from state government. It also requires active support from judiciary and strengthening of local bodies. Then only the global rank in ease of doing business can be expected to improve. Impact on global trade The make in india is not about manufacturing in domestic market.             The government wants India to be a global player. Anything which enhances the ease of doing business, encourages global companies to set up manufacturing will provide that opportunity to India to manufacture in competitive way. India has the confidence that it doesn’t want to stay in domestic market but wants to be a global player. Thus, Ease of doing business, Make In India, FDI are all interrelated. Connecting the dots: Explain the significance of abolishing FIPB. What are the challenges that the new course of action can face. Describe.  

Sep 6, 2017 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs 6th Sep, 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 6th Sep 2017 Archives 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. General studies 3: Security challenges Tackling North Korea Background: North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme is no longer the joke it once was thought to be. The estimates so far of sixth nuclear test by North Korea suggest an explosive yield that could run into hundreds of kilotonnes. This is sufficient to decimate a major US city. Earlier, North Korea first tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that is capable of reaching American territory. Why is North Korea doing this? North Korea relies on increasing militarisation and show of missile and nuclear prowess for various reasons: The nuclear capability is primarily meant to ensure the survival of the regime. Part of its ploy is to convince its impoverished and isolated citizenry of the need for the country to attain military parity in light of the presence of the U.S. military shield in South Korea and Japan. To justify the years of the Kim family rule, as these tests add to the myth of strong leadership by its 33-year-old, third-generation dictator, Kim Jong-un. It wants to break the US’ alliance with South Korea and Japan. The ICBM capability is a credible tool to “decouple” the US from its allies. South Korea and Japan have every reason to doubt whether the US would risk its major cities in order to come to their rescue against North Korea. North Korea, like the South, desires the reunification of the Korean peninsula but on its own terms. The unpalatable prospect of the escalation of a possible military conflict into a nuclear war is also a way to stave off any external intervention against the dictatorship, the likes of which were seen in Iraq and Libya. China is to blame: Even though China has upped its rhetoric against North Korea in recent days, it should shoulder some of the blame for North Korea’s nuclearization in the first place. Its political objective of reducing the US role in Asia resonates with North Korea’s aim of decoupling America’s alliances. China, along with Russia, has been putting forward a “freeze for freeze” proposal which will entail North Korea freezing its nuclear programme in exchange for the US and South Korea suspending their joint military exercises. China is also banking on the assumption that a proliferation-obsessed Washington will not allow South Korea and Japan to have their own nukes. Beijing, therefore, hopes to come out on top after the crisis is over even though it too does not like a North Korea whose missiles can reach all corners of China. Implications for India: The defence and foreign affairs establishment in New Delhi must be carefully examining all the scenarios and thinking deeply about the changes in Asia’s security architecture that North Korea’s nuclear capabilities may bring. For India, the most immediate concern will be any possible diminution of the US role in Asia, which is crucial to meeting the China challenge. Both the eventuality of a North Korean-induced decoupling and the more distant prospect of South Korea and Japan developing their own nuclear weapons have the potential to significantly alter the security role that the US plays in the region. Given the history of proliferation networks, some Indian analysts are also concerned about advanced nuclear technology finding its way from North Korea to Pakistan. Lessons learnt: For the international community to find a way forward following lessons must be learned. Nuclear-proliferation is driven by the rational fears of regimes, not the madness of despots. By overthrowing regimes it charged with being enemies of human rights, the West gave powerful incentives to other states to pursue nuclear weapons. Libya’s Muammar Qaddafi and Iraq’s Saddam Hussein both gave up their weapons of mass destruction programmes; North Korea’s despots learned from their fate. Sanctions and threats cannot always stop more states from seeking nuclear weapons. Instead, there needs to be a genuine global compact that will guarantee state survival, as long as clearly-demarcated norms are met. A nation that has faced international sanctions for over a decade, has succeeded in manufacturing a hydrogen bomb, and missiles to deliver it to the cities of adversaries across Asia and the Pacific. Pyongyang has done so despite a limited technological and industrial base. The world must come to terms with the fact that mega-death cannot, and will not, remain the preserve of an élite club of nations. As weapons proliferate, the risks also increase, whether by accident or design. The world must reflect — or face a long, nuclear night. More than 70 years after the first nuclear tests at Alamogordo in the US, the science and technology behind mass death is inexorably becoming easier for determined states to master. Short of war, there may be no means of stopping states from acquiring nuclear weapons. In many cases, like North Korea, preventive war may not be possible, because aspiring nuclear weapons states have superpower patrons — in this case, China — or conventional-weapons capabilities that can inflict damage too massive to countenance. Way forward: Military threats by US no more seems to be an option: If US President Donald Trump does not engage North Korea in a dialogue process and continues to sound military threats following are the possibilities: With its enhanced capabilities, North Korea is bound to become more assertive. This is already evident in its demand that the US cease flying bombers over the Korean peninsula. A threat may potentially trigger a nuclear war. Direct talks are the only way out to de-escalate the crisis: Clearly the tough talk is not working — it is only pushing North Korea’s totalitarian regime to take even more provocative steps in a quest to attain the status of a de facto nuclear power. China is the only regime with some degree of influence — though it is not clear exactly how much — over the North Korean regime. The Chinese, however, seem to be willing to live with a nuclear North Korea as opposed to applying drastic trade sanctions that could lead to a crippled economy and a refugee crisis besides other unpredictable response by a beleaguered regime. Internation community must pressurize China to tackle North Korea in its own way. Accepting that North Korea won’t give up its weapons we need to open the door to pragmatic negotiations that acknowledge the realities. For example, the North Korean government could be offered some economic incentives and diplomatic recognition in return for capping its arsenal. Challenge: Should the dialogue process resume, North Korea will have greater leverage this time around and can demand further concessions with the aim of unravelling America’s security alliances in East Asia. Normalising with N. Korea will have costs: It might push other states to also seek nuclear weapons. In light of all this, it is important to de-escalate the conflict by having direct talks involving the U.S., China, South Korea and North Korea. Multilateral talks are, in fact, by far the best option. Connecting the dots: North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme is no longer the joke it once was thought to be. The global community need to take adequate steps to de-escalate the grooming nuclear crisis. Discuss. Dramatic rise of North Korea as a nuclear country is something which should be taken as a lesson by international community especially western powers. This happened despite economic sanctions and the increasing call for preventing nuclear proliferation. Critically analyze. ECONOMY/AGRICULTURE 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. General studies 3: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers. Enhancing Farm Income on a Sustained basis Background: Farm income is the excess of income from the sale of farmer’s produce over his expenditure incurred on producing the same. It can thus be enhanced through: Maximisation of revenue; minimisation of costs of inputs, electricity, water, mechanisation, interest rates and logistics; and development of alternative sources of income. Enhancing farm income through: Maximisation of revenue: Crop selection : The farmer is an excellent economist, most of the time. However, in India, sometimes there is a mismatch between the crop produced and the demand for the same. This leads to surplus production, without a direct linkage to the market. In situations like these, there is usually a fall in prices, leading to distress sale by the farmer and subsequent farm losses. Every crop’s price is a function of global demand, supply, inventory levels, currency rates, trade flows, freight rates, interest rates, governmental policies and local politics. Way ahead: With a view of assessing the same, a National Crop Planning Bureau can be set up, with a mandate to develop understanding and competencies on each of India’s major crops. This will ensure that the farmer does not overproduce a wrong crop at the cost of foregoing profits on another crop. Further, we need to ensure that India creates global competency in a few crops. India’s agri-infrastructure is geared towards procurement, storage and movement of wheat and rice. Planners need to identify a few more crops – corn, soyabean, potatoes, tomatoes and onions for example, where such competencies can be developed. Yield maximisation : While India’s population has gone up significantly, it is to the farmer’s credit that crop production has largely kept pace with the growing population. Each crop has a research centre in India, which works on testing multiple varieties of seeds. Hence, a critical component of maximisation of farmer revenue is continued research and development of higher yielding seeds. The seed replacement rate also needs to improve in India, so as to ensure continuous enhancement of yield levels. Further, State governments need to regularly deliver updated package of practices through their extension wings. Mechanisation, which is improving in India, with the emergence of pay-as-you-use custom-hiring models, will also increase the yields by a fair degree. Collective farming and bargaining : The bane of Indian agriculture has been our fragmented land holdings. As the per capita land holding is low, it is very difficult to secure benefits of mechanisation – as well as aggregation. The mandi system of India, in spite of its pitfalls, has done a tremendous job of aggregating and consolidating farm produce. Way ahead: Now, the next step in this journey is to either form FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisations/ Companies) or to form farm co-operatives (FCs). These FCs and FPOs can be directly linked to the processor, exporter or retailer. This will help in a higher proportion of the revenue going to the farmer. Minimisation of costs: Inputs : Cost of inputs can be minimised by ensuring zero tax on all participants of the value chain of manufacturing the input so as to have a low end-cost of finished product, ensuring early release of subsidies to the companies or the farmers so that any built-in interest cost can be offset, continued priority sector lending rate benefits, ensuring adequate availability during peak season to avoid black marketing, and a rationalised subsidy calculation mechanism which negates net-back dilution on account of freight charges. Electricity and water: State energy development authorities under the Ministry of Renewable Energy should ensure that all farms shift to solar irrigation pumps, provided by the government under the National Solar Mission. Mechanisation: The revolution which we are seeing in urban areas on account of taxi hiring companies like Uber and Ola, needs to be taken to the farm level as well. The effort needs to be scaled up to provide other mechanised farm implements such as rotavator, cultivator, seed drill, leveller, harrow, tiller, combine harvester, soil sensors, moisture reader, precision agriculture tools, at a fraction of their cost. Interest rates: Interest rates on loans to farmers need to be continue being the lowest. Logistics: An unseen component of the overall crop economics is the cost of logistics of marketing the produce. It is here that some of the benefits of having an FPO/FC can begin to percolate. The cost of transporting higher volumes leads to lower per tonne cost of transportation. Alternate sources of income: Dairy and livestock: India needs to significantly increase its milk production to meet a 50 per cent increase in projected demand in the next five years. The government should establish formal breeding centres and subsequent sale of such cows and buffaloes to the farmers. It falls upon the government to bring some of the best technologies from Israel, as the private sector will be never be making such investments. In addition to the breeding centres, formal cow hostels, with the best milking technologies from Israel should be established. Financial literacy: There is a need to take financial literacy through trusted sources like the LIC to the villages, so that the larger population of the country also becomes a prime participant in economic growth – and gets the benefits thereof to a fair degree by investing into Mutual Funds through FPOs. Crop insurance: The current models of crop insurance are factored basis rainfall, temperature and crop loss. However, a more robust model should take into account losses on account of pest attacks, quality deterioration. One of the ways can be by having formal tools of income measurement (mandi receipts) and insuring loss for shortfalls in such incomes. Job insurance: There are newer insurance products which insure jobs. The overall family income of a rural household also has a component of a non-farm job income from the informal economy (drivers, office boys, mechanics, salesmen, cleaners). This employment needs to be formalised and job losses prevented through social security programmes. Population control: The root cause of all of India’s farm woes are small land holdings, a consequence of our expanding population. A start needs to be made for a one-child programme, which can halve India’s population from the current 1.20 billion to 500 million by 2100. This will ensure that there is a surplus of production, higher land holdings and far higher farm incomes. Conclusion: A plan to double farm incomes needs to be implemented by all State governments, irrespective of their political affiliations, so as to ensure that India becomes a fully developed country in the next 50 years. The above delineated steps can go a long way in helping achieving the goal. Connecting the dots: Discuss various ways to enhance farm income on a sustained basis. MUST READ There is a Rohingya in all of us The Hindu Breaking the bank The Hindu Back on track The Hindu Invisible hands do dirty work Indian Express The trash crisis Indian Express Distress signals Indian Express Lessons in corporate governance Livemint The next superpower in global food supply Livemint  

Sep 6, 2017 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 36]

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 36] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea International Seabed Authority was established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea ITLOS is based in Montego Bay, Jamaica Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements about Responsibility to Protect (R2P) It is a global political commitment which was endorsed by all member states of the United Nations at the 2000 Millennium Summit R2P principle reinforces sovereignty by helping states to meet their existing responsibilities Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Which of the following countries are members of Uniting for Consensus (UfC) Italy Pakistan Argentina Colombia Select the correct code 1, 3 and 4 1, 2 and 4 1 and 2 All of the above Q.4) Which of the following banks are included in D-SIB or domestic systemically important bank by RBI? State Bank of India HDFC Yes Bank ICICI Select the correct code 1, 2 and 3 1, 2 and 4 1 and 4 Only 2, 3 and 4 Q.5) Which of the following is/are correctly matched? Saurashtra – Maharashtra Bundelkhand – Madhya Pradesh Vidarbha – Gujarat Select the correct code: 2 Only 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 To Download the Solution - Click here All The Best  IASbaba

Sep 5, 2017 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs 5th Sep, 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 5th Sep 2017 Archives INTERNATIONAL 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. PM Modi's visit to Myanmar- Part I Background: Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on an official bilateral visit to Myanmar from September 5. This follows upon his earlier ASEAN-related visit in November 2014 and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit in May 2012. The visit marks seven decades of diplomatic relations between India and Myanmar. Political context: Though overdue, taking into account Mr. Modi’s ‘Neighborhood First”, ‘Act East’ and diaspora policies, international and domestic developments since then have clarified the political context of the visit. These include The impact of elections in Myanmar in November 2015 and in the U.S. in late 2016 that brought Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) to power in Myanmar and Donald Trump in the U.S. The finalisation of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its assertiveness in the South China Sea. The India-China border stand-off. Myanmar’s travails over the peace process, the Rohingya issue and the economy. Key elements of the visit could be: Greater attention to emerging political forces, ethnic states and the peace process as part of our democratic political outreach. Converting our investments in the Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan to fuller trade and investment corridors. Use of Indian investment in the Greater Mekong Sub-region as an arm of our foreign policy with a focus on agriculture, agro-industries and light industry. A broader development partnership reaching to the grassroots with the help of civil society. Specific prongs in our ‘Act East’ policy through the Northeast and Bodh Gaya as a pilgrimage centre. A new political approach to the IIG issue (Indian Insurgent Groups) beyond an intelligence-based approaches. The objective should be to restore the balance in Myanmar’s relations between East and South Asia that has been lost with the eastward tilt in Myanmar’s external relations over 50 years of insular military rule during which the two countries have forgotten the habit of thinking of themselves psychologically as immediate neighbours Key issues: The Rohingya crisis The visit is taking place amidst some of the worst violence involving Rohingya militants and the Myanmar security forces ever resulting in a full-fledged international crisis triggered by large-scale, coordinated attacks by Rohingya militants under a recently formed Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA, now designated as ‘terrorists’) against government and security outposts in northern Rakhine state on August 25-26. The attacks and clearance operations against it have resulted in some 400 (and mounting) deaths, mostly Rohingya; widespread arson and burning of villages allegedly by both sides; displacement of thousands within Rakhine state and across the Naf river to Bangladesh; and severe disruption in food and humanitarian supplies. The Modi government has unequivocally condemned the “terrorist” attacks at a time when the security forces and Ms. Suu Kyi herself face heightened international criticism on the handling of the issue. This is likely to resonate in Mr. Modi’s favour in Myanmar. If called upon, India can certainly help in improving the socio-economic conditions in the area and also create employment opportunities. China factor: The visit is also taking place against the backdrop of uncertainties in the future India-China relationship caused by the now defused Doklam stand-off and the BRICS summit. Sensitive to its location between the two Asians giants, Myanmar is keen to leverage the growth potential of good relations with Asia’s two fastest growing economies. It is also wary of its economic dependence on China, characterised by a largely extractive relationship focussed on natural resources and access to the Bay of Bengal where it already has an oil and gas terminal, concession to build a Special Economic Zone and seeks a possibly controlling stake in a natural deep sea harbour at Kyaukpyu that could form part of its ambitious BRI. The shadow of China is thus looming large. However, Myanmar would welcome closer economic ties with India to balance and offset its domineering ties with China. Bilateral issues that have the potential to transform the relationship between India and Myanmar: Strengthening the development cooperation framework: No other country has committed as much in grant-in-aid to Myanmar as India. These include four major connectivity projects running into hundreds of millions of dollars — the Kaladan multi-modal corridor, repair of 69 bridges on the Tamu-Kalewa road and the construction of the 120-km Kalewa-Yargyi corridor, both of which are part of the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway, and the Rhi-Tiddim road in the Chin state bordering Mizoram. Unfortunately, the projects have not been completed in time. Way ahead: It is essential that the two countries immediately start negotiating transit and other agreements for the smooth movement of goods and vehicles for optimal use of the infrastructure — even though such traffic may not flow before 2020. Capacity building in Myanmar: Six centres imparting training in diverse subjects, from English language to industrial skills, are running successfully in Myanmar. The Myanmar Institute of Information Technology set up in Mandalay with the collaboration of IIIT Bangalore has been a success with all its graduates finding ready employment. The Advanced Centre for Agriculture Research and Education set up in collaboration with India’s ICAR is a fine example of pooling research efforts on pulses and oilseeds. Way ahead: With Myanmar’s government emphasising higher education and vocational training, more Indian-assisted institutions can come up in the country. Scholarships for undergraduates can work if a way is found to bridge the difference between the matriculation system of schooling in Myanmar and India’s 10+2 system. Geater cooperation between Northeast India and Western Myanmar: Four states in the Northeast share common borders with Myanmar’s Sagaing and Chin provinces. The Kaladan corridor also passes through the Rakhine state till it arrives at the Sittwe port developed by India. Way ahead: Businesses on both sides, especially SMEs in contiguous provinces, and the governments need to come up with action plans for transforming the evolving corridors into development corridors. Border trade through Tamu/Moreh and Rhi/Zhokhowthar needs to become more formalised with truly single-window clearances and easier currency arrangements. The border haats can energise exchange of local produce. Cross- border bus services can promote people-to-people connectivity. Cross-border trade in services can be boosted in sectors like medicine, diagnostics, or even education and training for which there is a large market. There is also potential for cooperation on larger initiatives, such as the sale of refined petroleum products from the Numaligarh refinery in upper Myanmar. All this will mean that the Northeast will gain from the Act East policy. Strengthening the border region cooperation project, implemented by India in Myanmar’s Chin and Naga areas, can help India in securing political — and other — support at the local-level in Myanmar. Such development initiatives could also prompt Myanmar to collaborate more in tackling the insurgency issue in Nagaland — particularly in a post-Khaplang scenario. Expanding bilateral trade and investment: Bilateral trade between the two countries has, for long, remained at around $2 billion. India ranks fifth among Myanmar’s import sources and 10th among foreign investors. Barring a few outfits, large Indian business groups are conspicuous by their absence. Chinese, Singaporean, Korean, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese businesses have actively seized business opportunities in Myanmar. Commercial trade and investments: Both stand on narrow bases, primary agricultural and forest products from Myanmar in the case of trade, and oil and gas in case of investments, underlining a strong need to expand, diversify and upgrade commercial ties in ways that also contribute to Myanmar’s development needs and meet India’s $3 billion trade target set in 2012. Way ahead: Indian businesses could invest in the power, steel, automobiles and even textile sectors in Myanmar. Some leveraging by the Indian delegation during PM Modi’s visit will be necessary here. The issue of restrictions imposed by India limiting the import of pulses — following a steep fall in domestic prices in India needs to be resolved as pulses form the single largest item in Myanmar’s limited export basket. A bilateral agreement can be achieved on this. The two sides could also discuss basing this trade on letters of credit and direct shipment than having to go through Singapore. Conclusion: Modi’s visit to Myanmar can truly invigorate the ‘Act East’ agenda. It's high time Indian and Myanmar realise the potential of their relationship and act accordingly. Connecting the dots: India and Myanmar are yet to realise full potential of their relationship. Discuss the key bilateral issues among the two nations and the way forward. 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. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. The problem of not-growing manufacturing enterprises Background: The recently released Ease Of Doing Business report by NITI Aayog and the IDFC Institute, based on an enterprise survey carried out in 2016, delineates the problem of not-growing enterprises sharply. According to the sixth economic census conducted during 2013 and the first quarter of 2014, 131.29 million people are employed in 58.5 million establishments in industry and services. Only 21% of the enterprises employ 10 or more workers. Own account enterprises, meanwhile, which were managed entirely by their owners and didn’t employ any other workers, constituted almost 45% of the enterprises. Growth problem: Indian manufacturing enterprises have a growth problem, often turning out to be “dwarfs”. These dwarfs dominate the sector numbers-wise. They suffer from low productivity given that their small size prevents them from achieving economies of scale, among other disadvantages. However, they employ a huge chunk of the labour force. Small firms dominate. The jobs they create are low-paying ones. The wage spread between small and large enterprises is a disquieting 80%. Reasons behind: The report shows that there are two reasons for this: Large firms with larger workforces face a greater regulatory burden in this area. This diminishes their efficiency and provides an incentive for smaller firms to cap their workforce below the point where onerous regulations kick in, feeding into the size problem, or employ workers in an informal capacity. The lower wage spread in China goes along with the domination of medium and large enterprises, which together account for over 75% of the workers. The report speculates that this domination of larger enterprises creates an ecosystem where small firms must perforce improve productivity—whether to compete or take advantage of the downstream opportunities created by larger firms. High productivity goes with higher wages. The solutions: Improving physical infrastructure is essential. This ranges from transport systems to the power sector. The report also mentions the need to improve access to finance for smaller enterprises and making firm entry and exit easier, among other measures. Enhancing the flexibility of labour regulations. Out of the box measures might be of some use as well. Case study: The report throws up some interesting facts. Most of the young enterprises are located in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Concurrently, unlike in other states, older manufacturing firms in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and Gujarat face a lower regulatory burden than younger firms. The latter are thus disadvantaged in the states where they are highly concentrated, creating a barrier to growth and productivity—perhaps a legacy of crony capitalism in states that have traditionally been more enterprise-oriented, with larger firms more effectively able to utilize these networks. It’s time the government legitmize lobbying, a widely accepted practice in developed economies—by bringing in a law to legitimize it and regulate it in a transparent fashion. This could reduce corruption and give smaller enterprises that band together for advocacy and lobbying a means to have policy inputs. Thus, the government of the day needs to bite the bullet if the problem of manufacturing enterprises not growing as expected needs to be solved. Connecting the dots: The recently released Ease Of Doing Business report by NITI Aayog and the IDFC Institute, based on an enterprise survey carried out in 2016, delineates the problem of not-growing enterprises sharply. Discuss the issue, the reasons behind and the way forward. MUST READ Who were the first settlers of India The Hindu Sabre rattling The Hindu Rearranging the BRICS summit Indian Express Carrot to stick Indian Express North Korea's bomb Indian Express Delhi's air pollution puzzle Livemint Demonetisation will cost more than slow growth Livemint Don’t TRAI this Business Line Forex reserves can be managed better Business Line

Sep 5, 2017 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 35]

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 35] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about ‘Council of Ministers’ The total number of ministers in the Council of Ministers must not exceed 15% of the total number of members of the House of the People Ministers must be members of parliament Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2  Q.2) H5N1 was in news recently. It is concerned with which of the following diseases? Avian Influenza Swine Flu Tuberculosis Pneumonia  Q.3) Consider the following statements about ‘Institute De Droit International’ It was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1904 for its efforts to promote settlement of disputes among States through peaceful means. India hosted the Session of Institute of International Law for the first time in 2017 Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements about ‘India’s tiger population’ The northwest cluster consist tigers only from Ranthambore The tigers from the central cluster have the least genetic diversity Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Which part of the sun is visible during a total solar eclipse? Photosphere Corona Heliosphere Chromosphere To Download the Solution - Click here All The Best  IASbaba

Sep 4, 2017 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs 4th Sep, 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 4th Sep 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 Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability and institutional and other measures Amending Rule 12 of RTI: Challenges and way ahead Background: In April, the government of India proposed amendments to the RTI Act. The most controversial amendment pertained to Rule 12. It would allow the withdrawal of an application in case of the applicant’s death, making the job of those who file RTIs even more risky. Problems pertains to: Problems pertaining to land, illegal construction and property disputes are the root cause of most of the cases. Seventeen murders of RTI activists, 32 assaults and 31 cases of harrassment are related to such issues. Then come conflicts due to government schemes (including MGNREGA), either because those who should have benefitted from them have not, or because of embezzlement at the local level. The third category that is also well represented is made of illegal mining, including the sand mafia’s activities. The nature of the RTI activist’s work: The RTI activists are already exposed to violence, all the more so as the Whistle Blowers Protection Act (2011) is not implemented. Sixty-nine activists have been killed, according to the National Campaign for People’s Right to Information. Besides, the NCPRI presents on its website the case of 130 RTI activists who have been victims of assault and 170 others who are victims of harrassment. Of the 268 cases whose location is known, 100 belong to rural India, a clear sign that the RTI has also been owned in the village. The states where one finds the largest number of casualties are not those of the BIMARU belt known for law and order problems, but rich states. On the podium stand Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka with, respectively, 13, 13 and 7 murders, 31, 14 and 11 cases of assault and 36, 14 and 12 cases of harrassment. The fact that the rich states are the most dangerous ones for RTI activists is not surprising since they mostly fight against the appropriation of public goods by predatory and vested interests, which are comparatively stronger in affluent provinces. The nature of the RTI activist’s work is revealing of the character of corruption in India today. Issue: The RTI activists fight for their rights and/or those of others, but they are hardly protected by the police and judiciary. Cases have been filed for only 137 murders, assaults and harrassment (out of 369). No action has taken place in 141 cases. (No information is available on the status of 91 cases). And where action has taken place, it has resulted in conviction and sending to jail of only six people so far (justice is delayed in many pending cases). This impunity creates the conditions of more violence against the RTI activists and has made the revision of Rule 12 even more problematic. Effectiveness of RTI activists: The vested interests and the state are so afraid of the RTI activists, it is because of their relative effectiveness. The number of RTI applications continues to grow. While it had already reached 7.55 lakh in 2014-2015, it rose by 22.67 per cent or 2.21 lakh in 2015-2016. A study conducted by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) reveals that 27.2 per cent (47.66 lakh) of the total RTIs filed between 2005 and 2015 was submitted to the different ministries and departments under the Centre. These applications cover a wide range of issues and even if no action is taken, the media often publicise the cases and give bad publicity to the offending bureaucrats, industrialists or politicians. In fact, some of the most dedicated RTI activists are journalists and the reasons why small-town journalists are murdered, assaulted and harrassed are similar to those affecting the RTI activists. The RTI activists not only expose corrupt practices and crimes, but also provide alternative leadership at the local level. Some of them have become community mobilisers and have been elected sarpanch. The RTI Act has offered space to young Dalits, Adivasis and members of the minorities who would have been (more) helpless otherwise. In this process, they’ve been helped by NGOs whose leaders — not only from the intelligentsia, but also from the SMEs world — have toured villages to initiate them into the art of filling an RTI form. The role of “RTI clinics”, often in the form of itinerant vans and helplines, has been key. Challenges faced by RTI activists and way out: Now, besides violent reactions and the amendment of Rule 12, the RTI community is facing new challenges. In some states, Information Commissions are burdened with huge pendencies. In UP, they have crossed the 48,000 mark. Way out: The number of applications filed could easily decrease: If the frequently asked questions were identified, it would not be difficult to proactively disclose information for those questions (which is in tune with Section 4(1)(b) of the RTI Act, 2005). Delays and backlogs are also due to the fact that the job of Information Commissioner has become a post-retirement sinecure for former bureaucrats who do not necessarily feel the urge of idealism. The attitude of the government of India is another big challenge. Some of its agencies refuse to disclose the required information. The PMO, where the rejection rate is very high, is a case in point. The Commission does not have enough power for getting responses to its questions and does not have the mechanisms for following up on whether its orders have been complied with. Thirdly, the Information Officers do not necessarily get the right training, at least the updated information which would make their action more appropriate. Way out: Universities could include the RTI Act in their curriculum and offer not only degrees or modules for credit, but also continuing training for helping this major achievement to remain relevant. Conclusion: The urgent issue concerns the risk of the amendments formulated in April (including those related to Rule 12) to be transformed into law. If they go through, it would send disturbing signals to the defenders of human rights. Connecting the dots: The government of India proposed amendments to the RTI Act. The most controversial one pertained to Rule 12. It would allow the withdrawal of an application in case of the applicant’s death, making the job of those who file RTIs even more risky. Discuss. The RTI community faces varied challenges. Analyze. ECONOMICS TOPIC: General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. A new industrial policy is in process Background: The government is preparing a new industrial policy, according to the department of industrial policy and promotion (DIPP), “to enable industry to play its role as the engine of growth and to shoulder the responsibility of adding more value and jobs”. This policy will replace the United Progressive Alliance’s national manufacturing policy which was expected to generate 100 million additional jobs by 2022. What went wrong with the previous plan? DIPP will be adopting a consultative approach. The previous plan was also developed consultatively. There were 26 working groups representing all stakeholders, who gathered data, debated issues, and developed strategies to achieve the goals. It would be very worthwhile to understand why the goals could not be reached and incorporate those insights into the new policy. “A whole of government” approach is required: A major problem was with the implementation of the previous plan. Job creation along with industrial growth requires aligned action on many fronts: infrastructure, skills, finance for small enterprises, a supportive trade policy, etc. It requires “a whole of government” approach. Partial solutions will not work. No matter how good the plan may have been, the absence of coordination among ministries and cooperation among stakeholders stalled implementation. Changing the old mindset: A greater challenge will be to change old theories in the minds of policymakers, and industry leaders too, about jobs/livelihoods, enterprises, and productivity. The traditional concept of a good job/livelihood is full-time employment, preferably with a large organization, with assurance of continuity of employment and social security benefits. A dominant view of an enterprise that creates jobs is a large factory with hundreds of workers in assembly lines. Or, a large BPO (business process outsourcing) centre with hundreds of workers behind computer screens. So, if we want more jobs in the economy, we imagine we must have more such, large-scale, “organized” enterprises whereas the greater creators of jobs and livelihoods are enterprises that are much smaller, and seemingly unorganized (from the point-of-view of those with a fixed view of what an organization should be). However, there are many other ways of earning livelihoods. For example: by owning a small enterprise—a small workshop, or street stall; as a member of a cooperative enterprise co-owned by many producers; driving one’s own car as a taxi with Ola or Uber, etc. Small (and informal) enterprises can create more jobs and livelihoods than large ones: The vice-chairman of NITI Aayog once said, “India does not have an unemployment problem; it has an underemployment problem”. The problem is low productivity. In India, two workers do what one worker could do, which also means lower wages for both. Thus, enterprises should take measures to remove their extra workers. This will increase productivity—measured as output per worker, and it will increase the wages of the workers who remain with the enterprise. But what about the workers who are no longer employed by the enterprise? Here in comes the role of samll enterprises. The small enterprises will continue to provide “underemployment” to the masses seeking jobs, who are not being employed by large enterprises that invest in automation, reduce employees, and thus substantially improve productivity per employee. For small enterprises, the solution for improving their competitiveness is to improve the skills of their owners for managing their workers and improving utilization of their materials and machines. Productivity is a measure of how much output is produced per unit of input. The most common measurement of productivity is output per worker. But there can be other measures of the productivity of an economy. Way ahead: If the purpose of economic growth, from the point of view of citizens, is the production of more jobs and livelihoods, and if the scarce resource is capital, the more productive economy will be the one that produces more jobs per unit of capital invested. Contrary to the drive for more “scale”, the economy should be one with a greater proportion of small enterprises that use more labour and less capital and have a higher “total factor productivity”. Formation of strong clusters and networks of small enterprises, using technology, can enable them to acquire greater scale to obtain access to markets and resources. The policy should be to make clusters and networks more organized and formal rather than the individual enterprises. Faster implementation is key. Old theories need to be set aside and fresh solutions applied. Small enterprises have great difficulty in obtaining resources—finance, space to operate, skilled workers, etc.—and in dealing with the regulatory framework too. According to some economists, India has too many “informal” enterprises. They must be brought into the formal system, which means they must comply with the requirements of formality (which include compliance with regulations) so that they can obtain the benefits of incorporation into the formal system. At the same time, some economists are advocating that small enterprises should be relieved of compliance with all regulations (which implies greater informality) so that they have flexibility to grow. As Einstein said, you cannot solve an intractable problem with the same theories that created the problem. Connecting the dots: The government is preparing a new industrial policy, “to enable industry to play its role as the engine of growth and to shoulder the responsibility of adding more value and jobs”. This policy will replace the National manufacturing policy. Before moving forward we need to introspect what went wrong with the NMP. Discuss. A general mindset when it comes to job creation is to establish large enterprises. As the large enterprises are suffering from problem of underemployment and also moving towards automation, it’s the small enterprises which can help achieve the job targets for India. Anlayze. MUST READ Celebrate but introspect The Hindu And then there were nine The Hindu Investing in the ecosystem The Hindu Feminism in the classroom Indian Express Taking Donald Trump seriously Indian Express Over the barrel: Energy needs inspiration Indian Express Doklam standoff- The key takeaways Livemint Voting for manmade disasters Livemint Beware of the wrong lessons from Doklam Livemint India at 70: Avoiding traps Business Line  

Sep 4, 2017 PIB

IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau - 27th Aug to 2nd Sep, 2017

IASbaba PIB Weekly: Press Information Bureau - 27th Aug to 2nd Sep, 2017 ARCHIVES GS-1 Festival of Samvatsari (Forgiveness Day) (Topic: Indian culture (festivals)) Also known as - Kshamavani Parva; on this day, people traditionally greet each other with, ‘michhamidukkadam.’ The last day of Paryushana festival observed by the followers of Jain religion; Jains ask for the forgiveness for their mistakes committed knowingly or unknowingly from the fellow beings. GS-2 Ensuring greater social justice and inclusion for members of the Other Backward Classes (Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections) Children of those serving in lower categories in PSUs and other institutions can get the benefit of OBC reservations, on par with children of people serving in lower categories in Government – Will prevent children of those in senior positions in such institutions, who, owing to absence of equivalence of posts, may have been treated as non-Creamy Layer by virtue of wrong interpretation of income standards from cornering government posts reserved for OBCs and denying the genuine non creamy layer candidates a level playing field Approved the increase in the present income criterion of Rs. 6 lakh per annum for applying the Creamy Layer restriction throughout the country, for excluding Socially Advanced Persons/Sections (Creamy Layer) from the purview of reservation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) – The new income criterion will be 8 lakh per annum; increase in the income limit to exclude the Creamy Layer is in keeping with the increase in the Consumer Price Index and will enable more persons to take advantage of reservation benefits extended to OBCs in government services and admission to central educational institutions Government has introduced a bill to provide Constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes has also decided to set up a Commission, under section 340 of the Constitution, to sub categorize the OBCs, so that the more backward among the OBC communities can also access the benefits of reservation for educational institutions and government jobs. Background: IndraSawhney case, 1992 -  Supreme Court had directed the Government to specify the basis, for exclusion of socially and economically advanced persons from Other Backward Classes by applying the relevant and requisite socio-economic criteria Must Read: Link Solve:  Question   National Nutrition Week, 2017 (Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources) From: 1st to 7th September Theme: "Optimal Infant & Young Child Feeding Practices: Better Child Health" Objective: To intensify awareness generation on the importance of nutrition for health which has an impact on development, productivity, economic growth and ultimately National Development Under-nutrition in young children continues to be a major public health problem in India – The NFHS4 has not shown an encouraging improvement in the nutritional status, especially among women and children As per NFHS-4 the level of underweight has decreased by 6.8% and is stunting by 9.6% Level of anaemia has decreased by 11% as compared to NNHS-3 figures. Must Read: Link 1 + Link 2 + Link 3 + Link 4 + Link 5 + Link 6 Solve: Question 1 Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources) PMMVY: Maternity Benefit Programme that is implemented in all the districts of the country in accordance with the provision of the National Food Security Act, 2013 Implemented by: Ministry of Women & Child Development in collaboration with State Governments Objectives: First, women will receive support by covering any lost amounts of money that they could have gotten at their jobs. This ensures that women can get the rest they need after giving birth or nursing. Proper wages are to be provided based on the work status that a woman had before giving birth. The health of pregnant women will be improved upon through cash incentives. These are to help women with getting the physical support they need for managing their bodies and getting the help they demand. Key Benefits The first payment of Rs. 1,000 is made at the registration process. This can typically be done as the woman is pregnant and will help to prepare her for support with managing a healthy birthing process. The second payment is for Rs. 2,000 if at least one antenatal checkup is utilized after six months of pregnancy. This is to ensure that a woman is able to get the help that she demands in any way. A third payment of Rs. 3,000 will also be provided when the birth is registered and if the child in question receives his or her first cycle of vaccines. This should include vaccinations for hepatitis B, DPT, OPV and BCG among other points. Must Read: Link 1 + Link 2 + Link 3 + Link 4   Memorandum of Understanding of Election Commission of India with the Election Management Bodies of other countries/International Agencies (Topic: Responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies) MoU: On cooperation in the field of electoral management and administration Promotion of cooperation in exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of organizational and technical development of electoral process Support in exchanging information, institutional strengthening and capacity building Training of personnel, holding regular consultations etc. Remember: Election Commission of India is a constitutional body. Agencies are as follows – The National Electoral Council of Ecuador; The Central Election Commission of Albania; The Election Commission of Bhutan; The Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan; The National Independent Electoral Commission of Guinea; The Union Election Commission of Myanmar; and The India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA)   Ease of Doing Business report (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Report by: Niti Aayog – to assess the business regulations and enabling environment across India from firms’ perspective The Ease of Doing Business report based on an Enterprise Survey of 3,500 manufacturing firms Survey comes in the backdrop of the fact that India needs to create an environment that fosters globally competitive firms, capable of driving and sustaining economic growth. Major findings Economic Performance and Reforms – A higher level of economic activity and better performance on a range of doing business indicators are strongly correlated. Enterprises in high-growth states are significantly less likely to report major or very severe obstacles in Land/ construction re­lated approvals Environmental approvals Water and sanitation availability relative to enterprises in low-growth states. Quite remarkably, firms located in high-growth states also report 25% less power shortages in a typical month, compared to firms in low-growth states. Improvements over time – Newer and younger firms report a more favorable business environment in that they take less time in obtaining approvals than older firms, suggesting an improvement in the business environment. In addition, young firms report that most regulatory processes do not constitute a major obstacle to their doing business. Informational gaps – States need to enhance awareness of the steps being undertaken by them to the improve ease of doing business. The survey data show low awareness among enterprises about single window systems, instituted by states. On average, only about 20% of start-ups, which are of recent origin, report using single window facilities introduced by state governments for setting up a business. Even among experts, only 41% have any knowledge of the existence of these facilities. Labor regulations are a bigger constraint for labor intensive firms. We find that labor intensive sectors, that create proportionately more jobs per unit of capital investment, feel more constrained by labor related regulations. For example, compared to other enterprises, the enterprises in labor intensive sectors: 19% more likely to report that finding skilled workers is a major or very severe obstacle. 33% more likely to report that hiring contract labor is a major or very severe obstacle. Lose a greater number of days due to strikes and lockouts. Report higher average time for environmental approvals and longer power shortages. Barriers to firm growth – The experience of firms with fewer employees is different from that of larger firms. In some cases, large firms face more regulatory barriers than smaller firms. Firms with more than 100 employees took significantly longer to get necessary approvals than smaller firms with less than 10 employees. Large firms were also more likely to report that regulatory obstacles were a major impediment to doing business and that they incurred higher costs for getting approvals.   YUVA – a skill development programme (Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources) About: An initiative by Delhi Police under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana Aim – To connect with youth by upgrading their skill as per their competencies; will help them to get a gainful employment under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna under the Ministry of Skill Development. Beneficiaries: Youth in the age of 17-25 years belonging to categories such as School dropouts, Juvenile offenders, Victims of crimes and families in dire state due to incarceration of the bread earner of the family, mostly from the underprivileged colonies. Delhi Police has tied up with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for providing mass job linked skill training for the selected youth. National Skill Development Corporation shall be providing skill training to the youth under ‘Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna’ (PMKVY) and CII will provide job linked training through its Sector Skill Councils who are connected to industry and thereby provide job guarantee. Atal Pension Yojana (APY) (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.) Update: The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) through its ‘One Nation One Pension’ Mobilization Campaign has sourced approximately 3.07 lakh APY accounts which led to a total of 62 lakh enrolments under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) as on date. Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has now been included under the Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act. As per it, any individual who is eligible to receive benefits under the APY will have to furnish proof of possession of Aadhaar number or undergo enrollment under Aadhaar authentication – To bring in transparency, efficiency and to enable beneficiaries to get their entitlement directly in a convenient and seamless manner. When: APY was introduced in 2015 For: The unorganised sector workers who do not have sufficient and reliable old age security Earlier called: Swavalamban Yojana NPS (National Pension Scheme) Lite Objective: To encourage unorganised workers to make regular small savings during their working years towards pension benefits later Details: Under the APY, the subscribers would receive a minimum guaranteed pension of Rs. 1000 to Rs. 5000 per month from the age of 60 years, depending on their contributions, which depends on the age of the subscriber at the time of joining the APY. Must Read: Link Ensuring women participation in the mainstream agriculture (Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources) Key Stats: 80% financially independent women are engaged in farm-related activities in India. Out of them, 33% are working as agricultural labourers and 48% are self-employed farmers. According to as per NSSO report, women lead almost 18% agricultural households and there is not a single area of agriculture in which they are not involved. Women play multi-dimensional roles in agriculture - from sowing, harvesting, applying fertilisers, irrigation, plant protection to weeding, storing etc – they do it all while shouldering household chores like cooking, storing water, collecting fuel wood, maintaining the house, etc. Women are active in other agriculture related activities like cattle management, fodder collection and allied activities related to dairy and agriculture such as beekeeping, mushroom farming, pig farming, goat rearing, poultry etc. Female labourers are facing several inequalities – Work much longer hours than men and are paid lesser than their counterpart Ignorant about their rights, opportunities and facilities make their participation in agricultural all the more tougher Measures that have been taken to bring women in the mainstream agricultural sector: Earmarking at least 30% of the budget allocation for women beneficiaries in all ongoing schemes/programmes and development activities. Initiating women centric activities to ensure benefits of various beneficiary-oriented programs/schemes reach them. Focusing on women self-help group (SHG) to connect them to micro-credit through capacity building activities and to provide information and ensuring their representation in different decision-making bodies Celebrate 15th October of every year as Women Farmer's Day STPs to be constructed under Hybrid Annuity Model at Varanasi and Haridwar (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) In the first-of-its-kind success, the creation and maintenance of sewage treatment infrastructure under Hybrid Annuity based PPP model has taken off, with NMCG awarding work to private sector for construction and maintenance of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in two major cities in Ganga river basin - Varanasi and Haridwar. Hybrid Annuity-PPP model Cabinet accorded approval to Hybrid Annuity-PPP model in January 2016 with 100% central sector funding Under this model, the development, operation and maintenance of the sewage treatment STPs will be undertaken by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to be created by the winning bidder at the local level. As per this model, 40% of the Capital cost quoted would be paid on completion of construction while the remaining 60% of the cost will be paid over the life of the project as annuities along with operation and maintenance cost (O&M) expenses. Both the Annuity and O&M payments are linked to the performance of the STP – will ensure continued performance of the assets created due to better accountability, ownership and optimal performance. Hybrid Annuity based PPP model has been adopted for the first time in the country in sewage management sector. Such a model has earlier been adopted successfully in highway sector only. MoU between India and Brazil for cooperation in the fields of Zebu Cattle Genomics and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations) Will strengthen the existing friendly relations between India and Brazil and promote development of Genomics and Assistant Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Cattle through joint activities to be implemented through mutually agreed procedures MoU would promote and facilitate scientific cooperation and setting up of genomic selection programme in Zebu Cattle through Application of genomic in Zebu Cattle and their crosses and buffaloes Application of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) in cattle and buffaloes Capacity building in genomic and assisted reproductive technology Related research and development in Genomics and ART in accordance with the respective laws and regulations of the two countries and is covered under Rule 7 (d) (i) of the Second Schedule of the Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961   Ministry of Railways Signs 2 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with Swiss Confederation (Switzerland) (Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations) 1st: Between Ministry of Railways and Federal Department of the Environment, Transport and Communications of the Swiss Confederation for technical cooperation in Rail Sector, aiming at the cooperation in the areas of: Traction Rolling stock EMU and Train sets Traction Propulsion Equipments Freight and Passenger Cars Tilting Trains Railway Electrification Equipments Train scheduling and operation improvement Railway Station modernization Multimodal transport Tunneling technology 2nd: Between Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich – Will help Konkan Railway in establishing the George Fernandes Institute of Tunnel Technology (GFITT) at Goa especially for assimilation and dissemination of knowledge in the field of tunneling Train KRCL’s own manpower for its Tunneling Projects Generate qualified and trained personnel for the benefit of other Government organisations, private sector and even foreign organisations to bridge the huge gap in levels of knowledge and qualified manpower required to meet the key segment of infrastructure development in India   Fourth Session of the India-Tanzania Joint Trade Committee (JTC) (Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations) India and Tanzania enjoy close and cordial relations and underscored the unwavering bonds of friendship and solidarity, underpinned by a shared history of struggle against colonialism and the growing strategic partnership, multifaceted co-operation and vibrant people to people contact existing between the two countries. With an investment of US $ 2.2 billion, Tanzania is among the top 5 investment destinations for India. The potential areas for Tanzania in India – Light oils and petroleum or bituminous minerals, motor cars and vehicles, medicaments etc. Requirement for India – Metals and Minerals, dried cashew nuts in shell Tanzanian side encouraged co-operation in the field of Fisheries, Industrial Development including Industrial Research and Development and SMEs Development, Information, Communication and Technology, Labour and Employment, Information, Culture, Arts and Sports. The Indian Duty Free Tariff Preference Scheme of which Tanzania is a beneficiary has boosted considerably Tanzanian export to India in recent years. Long-term (at least one year visas) for reputed business companies with multi-entry facility will be helpful to promote investments and business collaboration between the two countries. Joint Proposal by India & China in WTO on Aggregate Measurement of Support (AMS) (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) India and China jointly submitted a proposal to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) calling for the elimination - by developed countries - of the most trade-distorting form of farm subsidies, known in WTO parlance as Aggregate Measurement of Support (AMS) or ‘Amber Box’ support as a prerequisite for consideration of other reforms in domestic support negotiations. Elimination of AMS, India and China believe, should be the starting point of reforms rather than seeking reduction of subsidies by developing countries, some of which like India provide a subsistence amount of about US $ 260 per farmer per annum compared to over 100 times more in some developed countries. This is important in view of the ongoing negotiations for the upcoming 11th Ministerial Conference of the WTO to be held in Buenos Aires in December 2017 – counters the efforts by some countries to target the subsidies of the developing countries while letting the developed countries retain their huge farm subsidies. The joint paper reveals that developed countries, including the US, the EU and Canada, have been consistently providing trade-distorting subsidies to their farmers at levels much higher than the ceiling applicable to developing countries. Developed countries have more than 90% of global AMS entitlements amounting to nearly US$ 160 bn. Most of the developing countries, including India and China, do not have AMS entitlements.   GS-3 ‘FarmerZone’ in India (Topic: e-technology in the aid of farmers) What: A multi-purpose window for solutions, available for farmers anywhere in the world, from dealing with climate change, weather predictions and soil, water, and seed requirements to providing market intelligence A collective open-source data platform for smart agriculture which will use biological research and data to improve the lives of small and marginal farmers Will work on getting relevant quality data related to agriculture into the cloud, develop sentinel sites to help link with farmers and evolve PPP based enterprises for data delivery Features: Solutions will provided at the farm (similar to that done by e-commerce companies at the doorstep) Farmers can access the service directly or through an intermediate structure such as local co-operatives Will include a MarketZone where farmers can directly sell their produce which can be picked up by directly from the farm APEDA's new progressive step: Hortinet (Topic: e-technology in the aid of farmers) What: An integrated traceability system developed by APEDA for providing Internet based electronic services to the stakeholders for facilitating farm registration, testing and certification of Grape, Pomegranate and Vegetables for export from India to the European Union in compliance with standards Key features of the app are: Online Farm registration application and status tracking Processing and approval on on-line farmer applications by State Horticulture /Agriculture department Registration of farmers, farms and products by State Horticulture/Agriculture department Capture geo location of the farms registered through the app Sample collection by APEDA authorized Laboratories along with geo location of the sample. MNRE & GIZ Signs Agreement to Improve Framework Conditions for Grid Integration of Renewable Energies (Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc.) The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH India on behalf of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany signed an agreement on technical cooperation under the “Indo-German Energy Programme – Green Energy Corridors (IGEN-GEC)” Supports the implementation of the Renewable Energy Management Centre (REMCs), Green Energy Corridors scheme of the Government of India which is a prerequisite for large scale grid integration of renewable energy thus contributing to achieve the 175 GW target of the Government of India for renewable energy generation capacity by 2022. Germany will provide concessional loans of up to 1 billion Euros through KfW (German Development Bank) and up to 10 million Euros under technical assistance in forecasting, balancing, market design, network management and demand side energy efficiency, implemented by GIZ. These contributions have been further increased in 2015 and 2016 by concessional loans up to 400 million Euros for transmission infrastructure and up to 7 million Euros for training activities in the photovoltaic solar rooftop sector and energy efficiency in residential buildings under technical assistance through GIZ. Will work on – Improving market mechanisms and regulations for integration of Renewable Energies Advancing technical and institutional conditions in specified target states, regions and on a national level Adding human capacities to handle systemic (strategic, managerial, financial, technical) Renewable Energies integration in an efficient and effective manner Benefits of the Agreement: Improve market mechanisms and regulations Help us train manpower Ensure grid stability & integration of renewables into grid Ensure safer & secure grid and a grid which can take cyber challenges Renewable Energy Management Centre (REMCs) Aim: To tap the full potential of solar and wind energy Monitor renewable generation on a real-time basis and also make forecasts for hassle-free integration of solar and wind energies with the grid Facilitate proper scheduling and dispatch of the renewable forms of energy Green Energy Corridors scheme: Aimed at synchronising electricity produced from renewable sources, such as solar and wind, with conventional power stations in the grid Left Wing Extremism (LWE) scenario in India (Topic: Linkages between development and spread of extremism) Exhibits significant improvement over the years and the declining trend continued in the last three years – As compared to data of 2010, 2016 reflected a decline of 53% in number of violent incidents and 72% in resultant deaths and the trend continued in 2017 SAMADHAN has been introduced to control the situation in the LWE affected states S- Smart Policing and Leadership A – Aggressive Strategy M- Motivation and Training A- Actionable Intelligence D- Dashboard for Development and Key Performance Indicators H- Harnessing Technology for Development and Security A- Action Plan for each Theatre N- No access to Financing LWE problem is not a ‘law and order’ problem alone but is also a socio-economic problem – Need to adopt a sustained policy and intelligence sharing in the LWE affected States Police should be further strengthened with the use of better communication and connectivity facilities Measures taken by the government – Deployment of CAPF battalions in the LWE affected States Use of 56 Specialized India Reserve Battalions / India Reserve Battalions mainly to strengthen the security apparatus Construction of about 400 Fortified Police Stations and various training related initiatives 743 Scheduled Tribes candidates from 4 most affected LWE districts of Chhattisgarh-Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur and Sukma have been recruited in Bastariya Battallion in order to enhance local representation in Security Forces Opening of Kendriya Vidyalayas and Skill Development Centres in LWE affected districts 1,789 new branch post offices, 405 bank branches and 818 ATMs have  also been opened in 35 most LWE affected districts during the last two years Road Connectivity Project for LWE affected areas (RRP-II), has been approved which envisages construction of 5,412 km roads and 126 bridges in 44 districts of LWE affected States Installation of 2,199 mobile towers and additional 2726 mobile towers n Phase –II of the scheme in LWE affected states Mindmap Must Read: Link 1 Solve: Question 1   Ministry of Defence approves first phase of reforms in The Armed Forces (Topic: Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate) In a first ever exercise after Independence, the Ministry of Defence in consultation with the Indian Army has decided to reform the Indian Army in a planned manner Optimization of Signals Establishments to include Radio Monitoring Companies, Corps Air Support Signal Regiments, Air Formation Signal Regiments, Composite Signal Regiments and merger of Corps Operating and Engineering Signal Regiments Restructuring of repair echelons in the Army to include Base Workshops, Advance Base Workshops and Static/Station Workshops in the field Army Redeployment of Ordnance echelons to include Vehicle Depots, Ordnance Depots and Central Ordnance Depots apart from streamlining inventory control mechanisms. Better utilization of Supply and Transport echelons and Animal Transport units. Closure of Military Farms and Army postal establishments in peace locations Enhancement in standards for recruitment of clerical staff and drivers in the Army Improving the efficiency of the National Cadet Corps Please Note: Kalam outlined an integrated action plan in five core competence areas: Agriculture and food processing Education and Healthcare Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure development, including reliable quality power, surface transport and infrastructure for rural and urban areas under PURA-PROVIDING URBAN AMENITIES IN RURAL AREAS Self-reliance in critical technologies Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has become the first organization of a civil ministry to become digital at the field level – by networking all the 400 field offices of CPWD across the country through a special integrated portal ensuring digital payments Public Financial Management (PFMS) Portal for CPWD – An end-to-end solution for electronic processing payments, tracking fund flow, monitoring, accounting, reconciliation and reporting, etc. – adopted by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs electronic Measurement Book (e-MB) has also been developed for CPWD that enables reporting of progress of works online as per the schedule of agreement with contractors based on which payments will be made India's first zinc fortified variety WB2 was developed in the year 2016 1 billion-1 billion-1 billion vision – that is 1 billion unique Aadhaar numbers linked to 1 billion bank accounts and 1 billion mobile phones. Chief Justice of India – Justice Dipak Misra First Synergy Conference on Defence Pension organised by Defence Accounts Department – To obtain feedback from the pensioners that would help the department to serve them better with constantly improving systems and procedures + Digitization of pension data + Implementation of a pensionsapp Hastkala Sahyog Shivir – An initiative by government to organize Pan India camps in handlooms and handicrafts clusters; dedicated to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Garib Kalyan Varsh, the birth centenary year of Pandit Deendayal Upadhayay. National Sports Talent Search Portal – Help spot the best talent from among the young population of the country, provide a level playing field to all the applicants and create a competitive environment (fast, transparent and provide a mechanism for fair selection) Hybrid clone variety 205 (Saccharum officinarum and Saccharum spontaneum) was developed for sub-tropical climate, which was launched in 1918 for commercial farming. The hybrid clone led to 50% increase in sugarcane production in North India. The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry has initiated the process of formulation of a new Industrial Policy which will subsume the National Manufacturing Policy A 101-member Indian Police contingent has returned with a record breaking haul of 321 medals from the World Police & Fire Games held in USA – 151 Gold, 99 Silver and 71 Bronze medals in the seven events PRAGATI – the ICT-based, multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation Bagan, Myanmar – MoU between India and Myanmar for the conservation of earthquake-damaged pagodas C-DOT, Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) – Telecom R&D center of the Government of India has designed ‘WiDHWAN’ – To cater to the recurring call drop issues in no-signal and low-signal network scenarios in places such as offices and homes Paris Agreement – Under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change; came into force in November 2016 and till date, 160 Parties have ratified the agreement – India is a party to the Paris Agreement Must Read: Link 1 + Link 2 + Link 3 + Link 4 Solve: Question Pre-2020 actions – By developed countries under Kyoto Protocol