Aug 19, 2017 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs 19th Aug, 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 19th Aug 2017 Archives ECONOMICS  TOPIC: General Studies 2 Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections. Issues relating to poverty and hunger. General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. Migration and Gender Background: Since the 1970s, the nature of urbanisation across the globe, including India, has been increasingly shaped by corporate capital under the neo-liberal policies of the state. Cities are treated as consumer products, with massive private investment in real estate and housing, malls, expressways, flyovers, waterfronts, sports and entertainment facilities, and policing and surveillance to promote corporate urban development. Urban amenities and services are privatised, and labour reforms are undertaken to benefit corporate capital. The urban poor, slum dwellers, and migrants (both male and female) are dispossessed as a result of urban restructuring and gentrification. These exclusionary processes began in 1990 and are acute in Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Government Policy: The central government started the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission in 2005—which was renamed as the Smart Cities Mission in 2015—with the primary aim of accelerating neo-liberal urbanisation policies to promote economic growth. This has also led to various urban protests and movements in different parts of India related to such issues as the restructuring of urban space, demolition of slums, displacement, and the relocation and privatisation of urban amenities. Right to city: Migration raises the central issue of the right to the city: the right of everyone, including migrants (men and women), minorities, and the marginalised to access the benefits that a city offers. The right to the city perspective ultimately seeks to achieve urban transformation that is just and equitable in contrast to urbanisation based on neo-liberal policies, which promotes exclusion, deprivation, and discrimination. Right to the city is also expected to unite disparate categories of deprived people under the common vision of building our future by building cities. The right to the city is not an exclusive individual right. Rather, it is a collective right, which aims to unify different exploited classes to build an alternative city that eradicates poverty and inequality and heals the wounds of environmental degradation While it is true that cities have evolved through migration, cityward migration, and interstate migration in particular, has been sensitive issue in India. India is a federal country and states are organised along linguistic lines. Linguistic differences are essentially cultural differences, which are pronounced in the event of migration. In India exclusion and discrimination against migrants takes place through political and administrative processes, market mechanisms, and socio-economic processes. Challenges faced by migrants: Though the Constitution guarantees freedom of movement and freedom to settle within India as a fundamental right of all citizens (Article 19), migrants face several barriers in their ability to access civic amenities, housing, and employment. They also encounter restrictions on their political and cultural rights because of linguistic and cultural differences. Discrimination against migrants is articulated in various parts of India under the “sons of the soil” political ideology, which simultaneously justifies the natives’ lay to claim on local jobs while blaming migrants for snatching them away. Migrants are also vulnerable to discrimination and exploitation as many of them are poor, illiterate, and live in slums and hazardous locations that are prone to disasters and natural calamities. Urbanisation, as a vehicle of capital accumulation, has been associated with an increased concentration of wealth in big cities and urban centres; rural–urban gaps in income, wages, and employment opportunities have also widened. Exclusion and deprivation are ubiquitous in cities as every 50 urban dweller lives in a slum and about 90% work in the socially unprotected informal sector with very low wages and salaries. The limited access that migrants, both men and women, have to health services is a very serious issue. Public health services are generally lacking and private health services are too expensive. In most cases, migrants are neither able to reap the benefits of health insurance schemes nor are they provided with health insurance by their employers. They also face greater risk of contracting HIV/AIDs Lack of proofs of identity and residence in the city is the biggest barrier to inclusion of migrants. Due to a lack of proof of residence, many are not included in the voter list and cannot exert their right to vote. Lack of residential proof leads to the inability to open a bank account, get a ration card, or a driving licence. It is noteworthy that residential proof depends upon a migrant’s ability to own a house in his or her name or in the name of a family member, or rent a house under a leave and licence agreement. The recent Unique Identification project also insists on residential proof. Women generally lack access to property and housing rights, and the condition is worse for them when they migrate with their husbands or other relatives. The denial of political rights (of voting) to migrants, both men and women, is crucially linked to being denied the right to housing in the city. Due to a lack of proper housing, many migrants live in informal settlements and are unable to acquire residential proof. Also, as most of them work in the informal sector, they cannot get any proof of identity from their employers, unlike their counterparts who work in the formal sector. Lack of housing is a serious problem for migrants in Indian cities. Children of migrants are denied their right to education as seeking admission to schools is cumbersome, and language barriers are difficult to overcome. Migrants’ languages are generally different from the local language, and this adds to their disadvantages. In most cities, segregation along caste and community lines is still very prominently visible. Migration and Gender Women’s Migration to Cities: In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Pune, there have been increases in female migration. In fact, the increase in female migration is evident across all classes in urban centres. Women constituted the majority of migrants in most cities between 2005 and 2006. As most of these women do not work, this shapes their relationship with the city, especially with regard to access and use of the city space and resources. On the other hand, their contributions as homemakers and family-care providers are enormous, but seem to be structured through the continuity of patriarchal traditions transmitted from rural to urban areas. Pic Credit: http://www.epw.in/system/files/Per_RB_Bhagat_Fig1.jpg National statistics on migration show why men and women migrate: Pic credit: http://www.epw.in/system/files/Per_RB_Bhagat_Fig2.jpg There is a huge disparity between men and women migrants in urban areas. The available data indicate that the participation of women migrants in the workforce has declined; about two-fifths of those who were either self-employed or casual workers prior to migration lost their work after moving to urban areas as per the 64th round of the National Service Scheme (NSS) survey conducted from 2007 to 2008. This shows some amount of de-feminization of the migrant workforce. Women in the city suffer the consequences of being migrants and women, in addition to inherent sociocultural prejudices and economic deprivations. Migration adds to the existing baggage of inequality and discrimination. Migrant women not only face wage discrimination, but also sexual violence and various types of exclusion, such as restricted access to the public distribution system for food, to shelter and medical facilities, and may even have limited voting rights. Many women migrant construction workers are denied access to crèches, drinking water, sanitation, and toilets. Urbanization is often associated with the greater independence of women and the erosion of patriarchal power relations and values. However, Indian cities have failed to achieve the goal of gender equality, as patriarchal norms continue to play an important role in the urban social structure—these norms have been transplanted to urban areas from rural areas through migration with few social reforms. Issues related to women migrants: Government policies and programmes are silent on the issue of migration and on the need to protect the rights of migrants. Concerns related to gender and migration are not addressed, and the rights of women migrants do not find an equal place in city development plans. Access to economic, social and health benefits are denied because of hostile attitudes, discriminatory practices and even legal frameworks based on the “sons of the soil” ideology. As women migrants continue to suffer at the hands of patriarchal values and practices, discriminatory practices deny them the right to the city. Shortage of urban amenities and lack of access to housing increases their suffering, but they still contribute immensely to the city as domestic servants, unpaid household workers, construction workers, and other workers. A large proportion of women migrants live in slums, although this proportion varies from city to city. In some cases, women are affected more than men migrants in their access to housing, water and sanitation. Women migrants face various types of discrimination, barriers and exclusions. Patriarchal power relations continue to be embedded in religious, caste, place, and gender-based identities in cities, despite increased urbanization and mobility. The decision of whether women family members can work outside the home is often made by men. Working women have to take care of both household chores and workplace duties, have little control over their salaries and wages, and are dependent on men for their movement. Migration has taken women from the sphere of traditional gender relations in rural areas to a new patriarchal set-up embedded in the conjugal family system and the separation of the living space from the workplace. Studies show that women migrant workers are more vulnerable to violence and exploitation in the workplace than their male and non-migrant counterpart. Gendered power relations also influence women’s private lives as well as their access to and use of public spaces. Women’s safety and security are a matter of great concern in cities, and these issues take an acute form with respect to migrant women. Recently, there was a public outcry regarding the Nirbhaya rape case. Nirbhaya was a migrant woman who was waiting for public transport at a bus stop in Delhi for hours. Women’s access to safe public transport when they travel alone or walk around poses powerful restrictions on their mobility and right to the city. A lack of water supply in the residential premises also forces women to spend more time on water collection. The availability of schools, hospitals, and crèches in the neighbourhood, or within walking distance, matters to women in particular. Urban infrastructure and services are usually not gender-neutral, as men and women do not have equal access. In general, Indian cities do not show gender sensitivity in urban planning and policies. There is an appalling shortage of basic amenities in Indian cities such as access to water, sanitation, cooking fuel, and a supply of electricity. As many women have to take care of household and workplace duties, the lack of such basic services represents a failure of the state and reinforces the patriarchal structure of society and denies them their right to the city. Conclusion: The issues mentioned above should be a central concern for city planning and development agendas, and efforts should be made to integrate migrants and women politically, economically, socially, culturally and spatially. This requires an enormous change of attitude in those who appropriate and dominate cities towards the processes of migration and urbanization. A historical understanding of the processes of migration and urbanization, and migrants’ roles in building cities, must be highlighted. The democratization of city governance, and the political inclusion of men and women migrants in decision-making processes, are important steps to ensuring the right to the city for all, for promoting alternative urbanization, and building cities based on the principles of freedom, human development and gender equality. A gender perspective on the right to the city envisions the safe movement of all women (including migrant women) within a city, their safety and security in both public and private places, access to the social and economic resources of the city without any prejudice, and their participation in building the city. This requires a paradigm shift in the ideology of a city from being a source of gross domestic product and economic growth to a space that is environmentally sustainable, woman-friendly and inclusive. In this light, the constitutional provisions under the 74th amendment to reserve one-third of seats for women in urban local bodies should be implemented in letter, spirit and practice. Women should be given responsibility in planning and decision-making processes in municipal administration bodies. 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Aug 19, 2017 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs 18th Aug, 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 18th Aug 2017 Archives INTERNATIONAL  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 diplomacy in China Background: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s schedule of foreign visits has been extremely impressive. Estimating outcomes from these visits is, however, more difficult. Israel: In the case of Israel, this being the first ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to that country we saw de-hyphenation of Israel from Palestine. It produced better dividends, including elevation of the India-Israel relationship to the level of a ‘strategic partnership’. The main focus of the visit was on defence cooperation, joint development of defence products and transfer of technology. Most of the agreements signed were related to transfer of technology and innovative technology-related items. India expects to benefit substantially, considering that Israeli export rules are far more flexible than those of the U.S. Both countries expressed a strong commitment to combat terror. . Challenges in Israel: China's presence- China is a far bigger investor and trading partner of Israel than India. The $40 million Innovation Fund, India and Israel decided to set up to allow Indian and Israeli enterprises to develop innovative technologies and products for commercial applications, is clearly dwarfed by the Israel-China comprehensive innovation partnership which has an outlay of $300 million. India and Israel also have differences over China’s BRI: Israel is eager to participate in it, unlike India, and possibly views this as an opportunity to develop a project parallel to the Suez Canal. When the two countries speak of terrorism, they speak of very different things. Iran and Hezbollah are the main targets for Israel, which has little interest in the Afghan Taliban or Pakistan’s Lashkar-e-Taiba. For India, it is the latter that matters. Strategic imbalance in South Asian region: Two countries where India’s diplomacy, despite the impetus given to it, is currently facing heavy odds are China and Pakistan. India's neighbors: China in Asia is already exercising some of the political and economic leverages that the U.S. previously possessed. China has a significant presence in East and Southeast Asia and is steadily enlarging its presence in South Asia, and is also beginning to expand into West Asia. For instance, China’s influence in Iran today appears to be at an all-time high, whereas India’s influence seems to be diminishing. A divided ASEAN has provided China with an opportunity to demonstrate its economic and military muscle. Most countries in the region also demonstrate a desire to join China-based initiatives. Even in South Asia, despite India’s commanding presence, China has been successful in winning quite a few friends among India’s neighbours such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Pakistan: In the case of Pakistan, the implosion of the state arising from its internal stresses and problems, together with the virtual standoff between India and Pakistan has enabled the Pakistani Deep State to further entrench itself. India has been left with few options. As Pakistan becomes still more deeply mired in problems, its dependence on China is growing. This is contributing to a strategic imbalance in the South Asian region. Russia: Notwithstanding India’s efforts, the diplomatic scene vis-à-vis Russia also could be better. Russia is undergoing a strategic resurgence of sorts, sustained in good measure by the close relations recently established with China. Buoyed by developments in the Ukraine and Crimea, and the uncertainties surrounding U.S. commitment to NATO, the new Russia-China ‘strategic congruence’ is certain to impact Asia. The problem for India and Indian diplomacy is that at this time India-Russia relations appear less robust than at any time in the past half century. West Asia: In West Asia, Indian diplomacy still lacks the agility (quickness) required to deal with fast-changing situations. In West Asia, despite its long-time presence in the region, a 9-million strong diaspora, and the region being its principal source of oil, India is not a major player today. Both Russia and China have overtaken India in the affairs of the region. This is particularly true of Iran where the Russia-China-Iran relationship has greatly blossomed, almost marginalising India’s influence. Fadeout in West Asia: India’s absence from, and its inability to play a role in, West Asia, even as the region confronts a split down the line between the Arab and the non-Arab world is unfortunate. There is the possibility of a series of confrontations between an increasingly powerful Shiite Iran and a weakening Saudi Arabia. The most recent challenge is the one posed by Qatar to the existing order in the West Asian region. The fallout of all this will impact India adversely and Indian diplomacy’s inability to make its presence felt will matter. An additional concern for India would be that growing uncertainties in the region could further fuel radical Islamist terror in the region. In Asia-Pacific: In the Asia-Pacific, India has to contend with an increasingly assertive China. There is little evidence to show that India’s diplomatic maneuvers individually, or with allies like Japan, have succeeded in keeping the Chinese juggernaut at bay — or for that matter provide an alternative to China in the Asia-Pacific. The ‘Act East’ policy though has produced better results- Closer relations with countries in East and South-East Asia, especially Japan and Vietnam, are a positive development. Conclusion: Indian diplomacy needs to find a way to steer amid an assertive China, a hostile Pakistan, an uncertain South Asian and West Asian neighbourhood, and an unstable world. The strategic and security implications of these, individually and severally, need to be carefully validated and pursued. Indian diplomacy may possibly need to display still higher levels of sophistication to overcome the odds. Connecting the dots: Indian diplomacy needs to find a way to steer amid an assertive China, a hostile Pakistan, an uncertain South Asian and West Asian neighbourhood, and an unstable world. Elaborate. NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc Indian Railways: Troubles and Way out Indian Railways is facing the law of unintended consequences. It is up against multiple headwinds, such as faster awarding and implementation of national highway projects, decreasing dependency on coal compounded by increasing thrust on renewable energy, and airlines weaning away AC class passengers, and the regional connectivity scheme UDAAN. Potential Troubles for Indian Railways Freight transport losing to roadways: Indian Railways sustains itself on two businesses — freight and AC class passengers. While freight contributes to two-thirds of revenue (coal transport alone contributes to half of that), nearly a third of passenger revenue comes from AC class passengers (who constitute just 1.3 per cent of the total number of passengers travelling in a year). In the past four decades, as more highways got built, the share of roads in freight transport has rocketed from 30 per cent to 70 per cent also the pace of highway construction is only accelerating. That will have ramifications for the Railways. Financially, as freight income is used to subsidise passenger tickets, so any shortfall in freight revenue will be detrimental to the operating ratio of railways, which is already wallowing at a decadal low of 96.9 per cent. Coal losing steam: As solar power generation is becoming cheaper than thermal, and wind tariffs are heading southwards it will curb growth in coal freight. A new law says coal cannot be transported without beneficiation for distances of more than 500 km. Demand for cement and steel, which, along with coal account for about 70 per cent of annual railway freight, has been subdued for a while now. Challenge from airlines: India became the third-largest aviation market in the world after China and the US, by overtaking Japan. Domestic passenger traffic has grown 17.7 per cent in the first four months of 2017 on a fairly large base. As the trend continues India will also see a signal shift this fiscal where flyers will outnumber AC-class rail passengers, with more than a push coming from UDAAN. Reason behind: Clearly, the railways face multiple headwinds, and the irony is that many of these emanate from government's actions and disproportionate influence. The government is a part of all phases of customer engagement by the railways — be it providing core infrastructure and its operation and maintenance, providing vehicles and their operation and maintenance, and lastly, bearing the financial risk that have ultimately given only poor returns. In road and air transport, private entities have a lot more skin in the game so the financing and risk-sharing is well spread out. The way out: Given this context Indian Railways needs to offer total customer solutions, both in freight and for passengers. For freight: Offer door-to-door service by tying up with logistics providers. That would require investment in technology to ensure service predictability and cargo control to the last mile. Decrease the freight rate and increase investments in priority projects. Execute route decongestion and laying of new tracks on mission mode. Encourage private sector participation in operation and maintenance, and even running of trains and terminals. Get stakeholders involved in the core functioning of the rail network to benefit from optimum utilisation of finance and better management of workforce — a significant contributor to expenses. Operationalise the two Freight corridors and move fast track the implementation of the others. For passengers: Create more pay-per-use ecosystems. While passengers buying second class tickets are the most by number, about 28 per cent of passenger revenue comes from those that buy sleeper class tickets. The railways can attract them by offering more facilities, in-train entertainment, station refurbishment and a material leap in punctuality. Better customer experience in all the interfaces starting from ticketing, Station touch points, on board travel engagement (cleanliness, food and beverage, in coach facilities, etc.). Passengers need convenience, cost-effectiveness, and timeliness. Today’s consumer has many choices, so the Railways will have to offer differentiators by reinventing itself rather quickly. Also read: Reforming Indian Railways MUST READ Choice Conversion The Hindu That sinking feeling The Hindu Should Hamid ANsari have spoken his mind The Hindu India- Prisoner of the binary Indian Express Two plus two initiative Indian Express Breaking the shell of tax evaders Livemint Aviation woes are not just about Air India The hindu Crop insurance falls short of promise Business Line  

Aug 18, 2017 AIR

All India Radio (AIR): India Palestine Relations

India Palestine Relations ARCHIVES Search 16th May 2017 http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx Topic: General Studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests In news: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited India on a third state visit. Delegation level talks were held and 5 agreements were signed. The two decided to strengthen cooperation enabling sharing of information and perspectives to fight international terror and also cooperation in health, IT, agriculture and youth affairs. The visit is seen is a significant one reinforcing the old traditional ties between India and Palestine. In 2015, President of India visited Palestine. In that sense the relationship is growing. Background India’s solidarity with the Palestinian people and its attitude to the Palestinian question was given voice during India’s freedom struggle by Mahatma Gandhi. Since then, empathy with the Palestinian cause and friendship with the people of Palestine have become an integral part of India’s foreign policy. India was the first Non-Arab State to recognize PLO as sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people in 1974. India was one of the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine in 1988. India-Israel-Palestine and two-state theory Ties between India and Israel are getting closer. This should not be taken as a zero sum game. India’s relations with Israel stand on their own merit and reasons such as dealing with terrorism, defence preparedness, import of sophisticated defence equipment etc. India believes in a two-state solution in which both Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist peacefully. Palestine wants India to play a more active role in Middle East peace process. As India’s profile, economic strength, respect and reach to the countries in the Middle East is increasing and getting greater acceptability among all players, the Palestinians feel that India could play a decisive role.  India also believes that sustainable and durable peace is required in the region. History of Israel and Palestine conflict It is the 50th year of the Israeli occupation of Palestine. It has been 50 years since Israel annexed the Palestinian territories of West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip following the Six Day Arab-Israeli War of June 1967. During this time, Israel has tightened its hold over the territories, crushed Palestinian resistance and created hundreds of thousands of refugees. India’s role in global issues India is growing and it has more vociferously put its case for entry into UNSC. India has to take hold of the responsibility that go with it. In that sense, India will become a significant international player and these are some challenges which confront the international community. India has a political strength and enjoys confidence, trust and beliefs of both sides. Hence, India is ideally suited to play a significant role in region and globally. India-Palestine relations Apart from the strong political support to the Palestinian cause at international and bilateral levels, India has been contributing material and technical assistance to the Palestinian people. At present, India is assisting Palestine national authority with 30 million dollars. India is undertaking project assistance for a flagship Techno-park project in Ramallah. Once completed, it will serve as an IT hub in Palestine offering a one-stop solution for all IT related training and services. Conclusion India is not yet a mediator in many of the conflicts in West Asia but hopes to expand its footprints across the region, which is in its extended neighbourhood. India also participated in a conference on Israel and Palestine organised by France in Paris in early 2017. The recent meet of the Arab leaders in Amman called for "creation of a Palestinian state under a two-state solution that would be the basis of a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace deal". Increasing cooperation and partnership engagement between India and Palestine would send a message to Israel to respect the sovereignty of Palestine. India has been confident of playing an important role between two nations in a manner that it doesn’t affect India’s national interest as well its ideology. Connecting the dots: India has implicitly dehyphenated its ‘Israel-Palestinian’ foreign policy. Critically analyse in context of India’s growing closeness with Israel.

Aug 18, 2017 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs 17th Aug, 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 17th Aug 2017 Archives NATIONAL  TOPIC: General Studies 2 Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi‐judicial bodies Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Censorship framework in India - Analysis Introduction The constitution upholds the freedom of speech and expression through article 19(1)(a) and it has served as the bedrock of democracy since independence. It is much a matter of concern that censorship – political, cultural and artistic has continued to plague the society simultaneously in multiple forms. Issue: The simplicity with which Freedom of speech and expression, a fundamental right is easily displaced by ruling establishment or judiciary. In this regard two of the recent decisions have raised concerns. The Jharkhand government’s decision to ban the Sahitya Akademi awardee Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar’s 2015 book, The Adivasi Will Not Dance, for portraying the Santhal community especially Santhal women“in bad light”. An order of a civil judge at Delhi’s Karkardooma Court, restrained the sale of Priyanka Pathak-Narain’s new book on Baba Ramdev, titled Godman to Tycoon. Earlier Cases: The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie was banned for allegedly being insulting to the Prophet. The Hindus: An Alternative History by Wendy Doniger was banned for portraying Indian Gods in a humourous manner. Understanding Islam through Hadis by Ram Swarup was banned for being harsh towards Islam Jinnah: India-Partition-Independence by Jaswant Singh was banned for being sympathetic towards Jinnah. Lajja by Taslima Nasreen banned for hurting Muslim sentiments. An Area of Darkness by V.S. Naipaul was banned for portraying India in an objective manner. Legal Provisions: The legal authority of the government to ban books flows from Section 95 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Section 95 authorises State governments to forfeit copies of any newspaper, book, or document that “appears” to violate certain provisions of the Indian Penal Code, such as Section 124A (sedition), Sections 153A or B (communal or class disharmony), Section 292 (obscenity), or Section 295A (insulting religious beliefs). Under Section 96 of the CrPC, any person aggrieved by the government’s order has the right to challenge it before the high court of that State. The key element of Section 95 is that it allows governments to ban publications without having to prove, before a court of law, that any law has been broken. Hence the basic structure of the law in itself is flawed and attacks the fundamental right guaranteed in the constitution. The judicial injunction of the Karkardooma case is more a concern as the judiciary took the decision without even hearing the opposite party. Concerns: Long drawn legal battles and many times among unequal sides in money power and legal fire power. In 2011, the High Court of Delhi held that this basic common law rule acquired even greater force in the context of Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, and reiterated that injunctions did not serve the balance between freedom of speech and a person’s right to reputation. The high court reaffirmed the basic principle of our Constitution: that the presumption always ought to be in favour of the freedom of speech and expression. The concerns are also about the misuse of state power to ban books just to play to the galleries or politically convenient reasons. All these desires urgent reforms in the procedures. Conclusion: This repeated attack on the fundamental freedom should be protected by a continuing and unapologetic affirmation of free speech as a core, foundational, and non-negotiable value of our Republic and our Constitution. For a vibrant democracy it is important to have a citizenry that free from fear and heads held high. Connecting the dots: Critically discuss the impact of recent actions of legislature and judiciary amounting to limiting freedom of speech and expression. Elaborate. MUST READ The health checklist The Hindu Naming a right The Hindu The architecture of censorship The Hindu Reading Kim Hong Un's mind The Hindu India beyond the lament Indian Express Falling out of love Indian Express Pushing institutional arbitration in India Livemint  The costly failure of South African judiciary Livemint Having a minimum wage law Livemint Railways on a difficult track Business Line Imagining India's newprivacy law Business Line  

Aug 17, 2017 RSTV Video

RSTV- The Big Picture : Eradication of Poverty: What Steps need to be taken to Achieve this Goal?

Eradication of Poverty: What Steps need to be taken to Achieve this Goal? Archives TOPIC: General Studies 1 population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. India is uniquely placed to drive global poverty reduction. It is home to the largest number of poor people in the world, as well as the largest number of people who have recently escaped poverty. Despite an emerging middle class, many of India’s people are still vulnerable to falling back into poverty. Now, the next five years are crucial in solving major problems of India, one of them being poverty. A country where a quarter of population is below poverty line and large population which lives in rural India, the time has come to take concrete and resolute steps to eradicate poverty. What can be done to reduce poverty? The foremost thing is to create implementable and realistic policies. Also, strengthening the implementing institutions to make results noticeable is an imminent part. There is a need to address the issue of population growth, though it is not very welcomed in discussions. China implemented one child policy since 1970s and India continued to add population, thereby increasing the burden on its people as well as economy. There shouldn’t be any force to family planning rather incentivise those who chose not to have second or third child. Employment is indirect correlation to the poverty. If there is not a situation of decent employment, then there will be serious problems. As per official estimates, every year, 10-12 million people are joining work force. In 2011-12, the net job creation was 11.5 lakhs, which means that it was 10% of the official estimates. In 2015-16, the net jobs created were 1.5 lakhs. In five years, it has become one-tenth. Thus on question of employment, the policies are not right and more employment growth generation is needed. In rural India, the landlessness has increased by 10 percentage points. 1980s was good decade relatively compared to any other decade in terms of policies. Small and marginal farmers who had small pieces of land have mortgaged them frequently for want of credit. Non-repayment of loan has led to loss of land, thereby further inducing poverty. Data shows that healthcare costs are huge, particularly for the poor or who are on margins. Almost 2/3rd of people who are above poverty line slip below poverty line after one health care emergency. Therefore it is very important by way of policy to make sure that people taken out of poverty do not slip back into poverty. There should be enough state capacity to provide health care, especially at rural level. It is equally needed to create human resource capacity of people so that they can join jobs and are skilled enough to take the advantage of economy. Employment elasticity is going down. Per unit of growth, number of jobs being created across the board is going down. In the past, many governments have ignored the agriculture sector which still accounts for largest number of people in jobs. So unless the agriculture is more productive and ensure higher growth, the challenge of poverty elimination in next five years will not be easy to achieve. Is it possible to have such ambitious target? The government has been able to roll out GST very well. The apprehensions and the criticisms have not been really a reality. There is confidence in government that it is capable of carrying out major reforms. Similar was experienced while bringing in demonetisation. Though there were some problems faced by all in short term, it has benefited like increase in tax payers, reduction in generation of fake currency, financing of terrorism etc. Thus, the government has the capability and capacity to undertake a huge reform for alleviating poverty, provided it has required resources-time, human, financial and institutional. Conclusion In a recent radio address, PM asked for six issues to resolve- 3 Cs (Communalism, Corruption, Casteism) and other three being terrorism, poverty and cleanliness. Focussing on poverty, government can have public employment programme as a sucker but this cannot be a permanent solution. Structural changes are necessary for sustainable growth. The target of eliminating poverty in next five years is an ambitious target. Going by the historical data, well over 5% growth in post reforms India, the number of people taken out of poverty line is 250 million going by 23-25% of poverty level. Now the task is very difficult. There is need to have faster growth. India’s growth has been reasonable but may not be equitable in a sense that large population of India which depends on agriculture has not grown rapidly whereas services has taken the lead and industry is behind it. Thus there is a skew in growth pattern where 50-60% people dependent on agriculture are growing at slow rate and higher in other sectors. The disparities are there and the distribution of benefits in not happening in an equitable way. For equitable growth, there is a need to have improvement in investments in projects, manufacturing and infrastructure. Economic survey talked about UBI. The genesis is that there is lot of subsidisation in schemes which could be withdrawn and instead the basic money is given to them through bank accounts of the beneficiary. It may not be able to implement it fully for everybody though there can be pilot basis experimentation. India is home to 26% of the global extreme poor. This means that the world’s ability to end extreme poverty by 2030 — an objective originally adopted by the World Bank and now a key element of the Sustainable Development Goals — depends on India’s ability to make strong and sustained inroads in reducing poverty. The poverty challenge in India remains broad, and sometimes contradictory. Even though there is an emerging middle class, many people who have escaped poverty are not yet economically secure, living very close to the poverty line. Furthermore, when the definition of poverty is expanded beyond what people consume to include other dimensions of well-being such as access to education, health care and basic infrastructure, poverty has a grip on a much larger proportion of India’s people. Connecting the dots: In terms of poverty eradication, what are the challenges faced by India? Elucidate Poverty is a disease which engulfs prosperity if not diagnosed and treated properly. Explain.

Aug 17, 2017 AIR

All India Radio (AIR): India did not Participate in ‘Belt and Road’ Talks

India did not participate in ‘Belt and Road’ talks ARCHIVES Search 14th May 2017 http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2 India and its neighbourhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests In news: India had decided to stay away from the OBOR or ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ by China. This initiative links across continents which is a grand plan by Chinese President Xi Xinpin to integrate China’s maritime route and silk route, retracing its historical links with Asia, Europe Africa and many parts. Picture credit: https://assets.rappler.com/612F469A6EA84F6BAE882D2B94A4B421/img/D767BBCE48E540668FCA5D7F8C60E082/china-proposed-belt-road-initiative.jpg China has invested a lot in developing this concept. It is represented as economic cooperation but clearly it is something with far reaching strategic implication. India has decided to keep away from this forum. Why India is not participating? Sovereignty grounds India’s response is based on the fact that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). CPEC is being built as a flagship project of both the land and maritime dimension of Belt and Road initiative. The official white paper by the Chinese government projects CPEC as important and an advanced component of BRI. As it is passing through PoK, it is affecting India’s basic vital interest, sovereignty concerns. CPEC goes beyond territorial concerns and is a strategic initiative. It doesn’t make much economic sense to China to invest such a huge investment in Pakistan. So the main drivers for China are strategic like Gwadar port and upgrading of Karakoram highway. These are strategic, military component of CPEC which directly affects India’s national security environment. On the contrary, China routinely blocks any international funding of projects in Arunachal Pradesh on the ground that it is disputed territory. And hence India has all the legitimacy to raise issues and decide according to its national interest. Not only economic initiative Beyond CPEC, the way BRI is being developed in the neighbourhood causes a great deal of misgivings in India. For instance the maritime silk road of BRI leads to situation which basically reinforces position of China as maritime power which is an undeclared objective of china in SCS and Indian Ocean. Too much Pakistan tilt Just few days before this forum, Pakistan PM visited china with its state CMs. Lot of MoUs were signed under CPEC to undertake various projects If India was to attend this forum, china would claim that India is coming for the seminar and thus thereby giving support to CPEC. India’s efforts to enter NSG has encountered Chinese road block. On terrorism, china talks of tackling terrorism in bilateral talks, but in action, the attitude is different. This shows that Chinese behaviour is because of intensification of their strategic relationship with Pakistan. Concerns out of nature of BRI BRI is partly driven by pragmatic considerations that china has the need to find new growth drivers for its slowing economy, need to deploy surplus capacities which are eliminating the growth of Chinese economy, need to utilise large Forex, need to move up the value chain in terms of items manufactured by it. China projects BRI as a win-win for participating countries as it may bring certain economic goods to them. Some 500billion dollar projects are expected to be a part of BRI. So the stakes are high for countries whose economy is driven by money. Creation of jobs, manufacturing, IT and many other initiatives and opportunities are expected to take off. But there is a geopolitical agenda of how it looks upon its future role in the world and shape its periphery. China has reached a stage in development where it believes that its time has arrived. They want to restore what is china’s rightful and leadership role in the world.  It is a process which is being advanced through various initiatives. BRI is an important instrument to achieve Chinese dream. India has welcomed the rise of china. It has many positive connotations but at the same time china becoming more assertive is causing anxieties. China today is prepared to deploy its considerable economic, political, diplomatic and military clout to further its strategic interests. Conclusion China has its own acute sensitivity on territorial claims, but still ignores others. A country which is so sovereignty conscious should not expect India to disregard its own legitimate sensitivities and interests with regards to PoK. India saw merit in joining the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the BRICS Development Bank and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), all initiatives led by China. However, BRI doesn’t fit into this pattern. India is in its national interest is firm on the belief that connectivity initiatives must be based on universally recognised international norms, good governance, rule of law, openness, transparency and equality. Connecting the dots: China’s Belt and Road Initiative can be a cause of concern for India’s strategic interests but beneficial to economic development. Do you agree? Analyse your opinion. “Only by respecting the sovereignty of countries involved, can regional connectivity corridors fulfill their promise and avoid differences and discord,” Critically examine

Aug 17, 2017 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 26]

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 26] Archives Q.1) Which of the following is/are false about Neural Networks? They are artificial copy of the human brain They have high computational rates than conventional computers They learn by examples None of the above Q.2) Which of the following is/are Sub Mission of the National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET) Sub Mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE) Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP) Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) Sub Mission on Plant Protection and Plant Quarantine (SMPP) Select the correct code 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 4 1, 2 and 4 All of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements about Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) It is under the aegis of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare It is concerned with food, education and healthcare of children between the age of 6-14 years Immunization is also sponsored under the scheme Select the incorrect statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.4) “Sudoor Drishti” and TAMRA Portal is associated with which of the following ministries? Ministry of Earth Sciences Ministry of Mines Ministry of Human Resource Development Ministry of Commerce and Industry Q.5) Swiss Challenge is concerned with Black Money European Union Social Impact Assessment A process of giving contracts To Download the Solution - Click here All The Best  IASbaba

Aug 16, 2017 AIR

All India Radio (AIR): National Technology Day

National Technology Day ARCHIVES Search 11th May 2017 http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 3 Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights. Every year National Technology Day is observed across India on May 11th as a symbol of quest for scientific inquiry, technological creativity and translation of it into integration of science society and industry. The 2017 theme is “Technology for inclusive and sustainable growth”. This day glorifies the importance of technological innovation and their successful commercialisation, thereby enabling the fruits of research to reach the people at large. Reason for celebration- National Technology Day is being commemorated to celebrate the first of the flight test of Operation Shakti-Pokhran test which was conducted on 11th may 1998. Apart from Pokhran test, first indigenous aircraft Hansa 3 was test flown at Bengaluru. India also conducted successful test firing of Trishul Missile on same day. How technology is connecting grassroot level innovation? Whatever innovation and development is done, it should reach the farthest corner of the nation, benefiting the targeted as well as general beneficiary. RUTAG- Rural Technology Action Growth (by IITBombay) Here, innovation and development undertaken at the academic level are taken to rural people through local self-help groups, local NGOs and other rural organisations. The idea is to identify technology needs of the region, available technology solutions, problems encountered in adopting the existing technology at the grassroots, identify R&D institutions which can improve the technology, assessment of the existing technology, find out solutions to overcome the technological problems, and adapt a rural technology through R&D institutions to suit specific conditions using local resources. Through this, local entrepreneurship development is also encouraged. Any technology superstructure which strengths in applied research, technology development and R&D led innovation cannot be built without basic research. Directed Basic Research- This is an additionality to self directed basic research. Without basic research, which is the basic foundation for any innovation and development, there cannot be any progress. Some of the noted and recent technological innovation PSLV has successfully launched many satellite successfully in the orbit. India’s light combat aircraft Tejas was induced into the IAF marking the culmination of many years of research and hard work. Successful test firing of medium and long range of S-T-A missile which have been deployed by DRDO in collaboration with Israel. ISRO also launched SAARC satellite for south Asian countries. The SAARC satellite is a landmark for entire scientific fraternity. The South Asia satellite is totally indigenous and is going to play an important role in the sustainable development of the nations in this region. India is taking a leadership role for this. This will benefit largely in connecting all neighbouring countries which will enhance connectivity apart from e-governance, telemedicine, tele-education and exchange of any kind of information, especially disaster related information. This pave a long way forward for India’s collaboration with neighbouring countries. As PM said, this will go a long way in addressing the economic and development priorities of nations in this region. Industry, Academia and technology National Technology Day urged the industries to forge powerful partnerships with the national laboratories and to create knowledge network with academic institutions to promote research and development and to gain entry into global market. A new category of awards called- start up award has been introduced to promote technology startups for development of new technologies having potential for commercialisation. This is a strong step forward to transform technological innovation to derive solutions for basic needs and problems of people. Whatever R&D is happening in institutions has to get translated into actual applications for benefit of the society. Until and unless there is translation of those kind of R&D work into product development, there is little chance of spreading scientific knowledge. When the young researchers become entrepreneurs or venture into the startups, that will be one of the biggest achievement. After this, the next step is a need of industrial involvement so as to take the innovation further. It is not only the startups which is step forward which his having all the state of art technology being transferred for the end users. The partnership between the industry and academicians is equally important. Making technology inclusive If the youth has to be empowered with latest technology and development, there should be connectivity and access to various research laboratories. This has to be undertaken at various levels, at various scales which need to be worked out sector wise. Sector wise requirements are different and tackled accordingly. Once there is connectivity and accessibility, whether the population is in rural or urban areas, they are will be able to access latest technology based basic facilities like e-classrooms, telemedicine etc. Conclusion 2010-2020 is the decade of innovation. The new policy is also called as science, technology and innovation policy. There are various initiatives such as: NIDHI-National initiative for developing and harnessing innovation-it is aimed at building entrepreneurs’ ecosystem for wealth and job creation. INSPIRE- It aims in identifying the students who have special acumen for science so that they can pursue their scientific career. KIRAN- it is a Special programme for women scientists who are encouraged to pursue research in frontier areas of science and engineering, on problems of societal relevance and to take up S&T-based internship followed by self-employment. Technology Development Board- it is a commercial wing of DST which commercialises and develops indigenous technology. Thus, Technocrats, innovators and policy makers have a role to play. It is to be ensured that S&T doesn’t remain confined to select few sectors only. Progress and growth will be sustainable only if development for all will be overreaching growth. Connecting the dots: Critically analyse the importance and relevance of Science, Technology and Innovation in development of nation.

Aug 16, 2017 RSTV Video

RSTV- The Big Picture : Supreme Court Ruling on Anti-Dowry Law... Implications

Supreme Court Ruling on Anti-Dowry Law... Implications Archives TOPIC: General Studies 1 Role of women and women's organization Social empowerment General Studies 2 Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary In news: The Supreme Court has ordered a number of safeguards to prevent widespread misuse of dowry prohibition provision under IPC 498A. The ruling comprised that the immediate arrests, which were an integral process followed by police in dowry harassment case, will not be part of process anymore. The police will have to conduct a preliminary investigation before making any arrest like in any other cases. What is dowry and why it is a social evil? Paying and accepting gifts associated with a marriage is known as a dowry. It is prevalent in most Indian families where parents of the bride give cash, clothes and jewellery to the family of the groom. As the demands grew over time, women were subject to harassment, beatings and were even burned to death for failing to bring adequate wealth into the husband’s family. The practice was outlawed in 1961 but the act of giving at weddings is still a common practice. Under laws introduced in 1983, a complaint allowed for immediate arrest of the accused, often the husband and his family. What is IPC Sec 498A? Passed by Indian Parliament in 1983, Indian Penal Code 498A, is a criminal law (not a civil law) which is defined as follows, “Whoever, being the husband or the relative of the husband of a woman, subjects such woman to cruelty shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine. The offence is Cognizable (register and investigate the complaint), non-compoundable (complaint can't be withdrawn) and non-bailable (you have to appear in court and get bail from the judge). It was observed that there have been a trend among women involved in marital discord to abuse IPC sec 498A. According to the National Crime Records Bureau statistics, nearly 200,000 people, including 47,951 women, were arrested in regard to dowry offences in 2012, but only 15% of the accused were convicted. One argument- (Against men) A total of 24,771 dowry deaths have been reported in India from 2012-2014. Activists suggest reason behind low conviction in dowry-related cases is delay in judicial process. In spite of laws that are supposed to serve as a deterrent, India continues to see a rise in the number of reported dowry-related deaths. More than 8600 cases where women died from dowry-related harassment were registered in India in 2011, up from 8391 in 2010. Thus, dowry problem still remains a great evil in the society, whether it is rural or urban areas. Another argument- (Against women) 498a can only be invoked by wife/daughter-in-law or her relative. Most cases where Sec 498A is invoked turn out to be false (as repeatedly accepted by High Courts and Supreme Court in India) as they are mere blackmail attempts by the wife (or her close relatives) when faced with a strained marriage. In most cases 498a complaint is followed by the demand of huge amount of money (extortion in name of maintenance) to settle the case out of the court. Possible safeguarding options The court also ordered setting up of a family welfare committee in every district by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA) to scrutinize dowry harassment cases before the local police can arrest the accused. The committee will submit report in one month to authorities. Such committees may be constituted of para legal volunteers, social workers, retired persons, wives of working officers and others who may be found suitable and willing Based on its report, the police would decide whether or not it should act — the assumption being that this would filter out frivolous cases and instances of the law’s misuse. As said by SC judge CK Prasad in 2014, the police should not make any arrests under 498A without subjecting the complaint to the 9-point checklist provided under Section 41 of the IPC. Sec 498A should not be used as weapon by disgruntled women. In 2003 the Malimath Committee on Criminal Justice Reforms too suggested that Section 498A be made bailable and compoundable (where the case can be withdrawn and settled by mutual agreement between the parties). “…a less tolerant and impulsive woman may lodge an FIR even on a trivial act… innocent persons may languish in custody,” wrote Justice Malimath. Conclusion In a genuine case of dowry harassment, Sec 498A will be used with full authority. But in case of false complaints, violation of human rights of innocent cannot be brushed aside. This is to stop the undesired arrests. The police have the tendency to arrest and then it becomes source of extortion of money. In dowry cases, there is bigger chances of misuse. Dowry is a big social evil and it needs to be eradicated and every measure under the law should be taken to prevent it. But here the question is not of dowry prevention. It is using arrest as a source of punishment. The police can’t arrest a person unless investigation is complete. While there are fears that these safeguards could dilute the much required provisions in the law to save the victims of dowry, there is another view that these safeguards were necessary so that the law is not misused. The fact remains that dowry is the biggest social evil of the country and apart from laws, there is a need to bring in social change. Connecting the dots: What is dowry prohibition law? Differentiate it from IP Sec 498A and critically examine the inter-relatedness of both in cases of women protection.

Aug 16, 2017 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs 16th Aug, 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 16th Aug 2017 Archives NATIONAL  TOPIC: General Studies 3 Indian economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Disaster and disaster management. Flood Protection to Flood Governance- Part II In news: During his recent visit to Assam, Prime Minister announced a Rs 2,000 crore package for relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation in the flood-affected states in the Northeast. A corpus fund of Rs 100 crore will be used to set up a high-powered committee that will work on finding permanent solutions to the flood problem. There is, however, a need to shift the focus from flood protection to flood governance. Hopefully, the high-powered committee, whenever it is constituted, will make this paradigm shift. Understanding floods in better way: A shift is required in the understanding of floods from being an extreme weather event, to a hazard that is partly natural and partly anthropogenic. Flooding is natural because the rivers in the Northeast, mostly originating in the Eastern Himalayas, experience a sharp fall in gradient as they move from Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan to reach Assam’s floodplains. This fall in altitude causes a large volume of water to gush to the floodplains. Most of these rivers carry large amounts of sediments, which then get deposited on the floodplains, reducing the storage capacity of the river channels and resulting in inundation of the adjoining floodplains. Flooding is partly anthropogenic as the sediment load carried by the rivers is accentuated through “developmental” interventions in the Eastern Himalayas that result in deforestation. Issues with present strategy of flood protection: The dominant narrative of flood protection includes measures such as embankments, dredging rivers and bank strengthening. In a study spread over 96 villages in Assam, Bihar, UP, and Bengal, we found embankments are cost-intensive options. The focus here has been more on construction and less on maintenance. The scope of storage dams in Arunachal Pradesh is limited, given the region’s geology and the ecology. Proposals for dams have been a matter of serious debate in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Flood Governance: Building resilience There is a need to shift the focus of action towards flood affected people. This will require building resilience of these communities. Access to schools during the flood months is restricted, because the schools are either inundated or are make-shift relief centres. Water and sanitation issues require attention during the flood months. Floods are accompanied by outbreaks of diseases such as diarrhea. Access to veterinary services is limited resulting in high cattle mortality and morbidity. People in the flood-prone areas in the Northeast, by and large, practice subsistence agriculture. While the land remains inundated for an extended period in the monsoons, limited irrigation coverage (less than 10 per cent in Assam, compared to 49 per cent as an average for the country) constrains intensification of agriculture in the dry months. Flood governance: Bringing sustainable changes Flood governance through resilience building could bring about sustainable change in the situation. This could be an outcome of three broad sets of action: Reducing vulnerability- Community-based advance flood warning systems, for example, have been successfully piloted in parts of Assam. Providing adequate number of boats — the most important, yet scarce resource in the villages — will enhance access to developmental activities during floods and also facilitate safe commute for schoolchildren. Increasing access to services- Usual toilets are of limited use in flood-prone areas. Elevated toilets, ecosanitation units — promoted in the flood-prone areas of North Bihar — and elevated dugwells or tubewells with iron filter need to be installed in the Northeast. These are more expensive than the Swachh Bharat toilets and wells or handpumps. But if promoted on a large-scale, they will reduce the public health challenges in the flood-prone areas. Maximising productivity through optimal use of available resources- Productivity can be maximised by giving people access to cheaper sources of irrigation, research on short duration boro paddy, and innovative agriculture techniques like floating vegetable gardens. Scientific fish farming on the waterbodies and the inundated land can ensure that inundation, when it cannot be avoided, is put to optimal use. Conclusion: Flood governance would require innovative combination of above mentioned initiatives. Strategic environment assessment of development activities, a practice followed in several countries, needs to be undertaken in the Brahmaputra basin. Strengthening planning authorities like the Brahmaputra Board and flood control departments by staffing them with scientists from a wide range of disciplines is essential. The flood-prone regions of the country require a focused approach from the Centre and state governments. Connecting the dots: What do you understand by the term flood governance. India needs to move from flood protection to flood governance. Discuss. Also read: Shifting focus from flood protection to flood governance NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 3 Awareness in the fields of IT, computers, Challenges to internal security through communication networks, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention. Linkages of organized crime with terrorism. 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 How Digital India is transforming India? Introduction: Digital India is a flagship programme of the present government to empower India and Indians using technology. More significantly, it is a transformational initiative incorporating the spirit of “sabka saath” to create a new India by ensuring “sabka vikas”. An ambitious programme: Digital India aims to bridge the gap between the digital haves and have-nots. Digital India BRIDGE (Bringing Revolution In Digital Governance and Economy) channelises initiatives like Aadhaar, eSign, digital lockers, Aadhaar Pay and BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) to offer citizen-centric services at marginal costs — or zero cost. The trinity of Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and mobile (JAM) uses more than 116 crore Aadhaar cards, 118 crore mobile phones, including 40 crore smart phones, 110 crore bank accounts, including 29 crore Jan Dhan accounts, to bring about inclusive development. Transforming lives of poor- The government has been able to tap the true potential of the Aadhaar platform by using it to transform the lives of the poor, and strengthen digital governance. The use of Aadhaar enables nearly 3 crore e-authentications everyday at no cost. Citizens can get new mobile connections, open bank accounts or avail government services based on Aadhaar-based e-KYC in a paperless manner. Good governance- Digital India has been a driver of good governance, epitomising the government’s credo of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance”. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is an example of that. Earlier welfare schemes had to pass through layers of bureaucracy at the Centre and states, as well as at the district, block and panchayat levels. Their implementation would get delayed by months and involved administrative overheads. Direct transfers of cooking gas subsidies (PAHAL), ration subsidies — through the public distribution system — MGNREGA wages, scholarships and many other entitlements have ensured transparency and also saved Rs 57,000 crore of public money. Rural transformation- Common Service Centres (CSCs) have been galvanised into becoming agents of rural transformation. Women, tribal people and Dalits have used CSCs to become digital entrepreneurs, transforming their own lives and the lives of others in the process. Digital literacy initiatives are further helping in bridging the digital divide. Under the new Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) programme, another six crore adults are to be made digitally literate in the next two years. The Rural BPO scheme is another initiative to take the IT industry to smaller towns and cities. This will not only uplift the employment ecosystem in small towns but will also help in reducing migration to cities. The online registration system, e-Hospital, has empowered patients in rural India. They can seek appointments in AIIMS and other big hospitals from their villages without having to wait for days in Delhi or other big cities. More than 170 government hospitals have been brought on the digital platform. Rural electrification is happening at an unprecedented pace; this can be easily tracked on the Garv mobile app. Transparency- Digital payments which got a boost after demonetisation will bring transparency and accountability in the economy. Prices have fallen and tax collections have risen. India’s unique innovations in the field of digital payments such as BHIM, UPI (Unified Payments Interface), USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) and Aadhaar Pay have offered affordable digital payment solutions to people. Steep growth has been registered in digital transactions in the last six months. Agricultural sector- Soil health cards and e-NAM (e National Agricultural Mandi) are programmes to empower farmers. More than eight crore soil health cards have been issued, helping farmers save crores on their inputs. The e-NAM brings together disparate mandis into a single marketplace. More than 450 mandis and 48 lakh farmers use e-NAM today and 585 mandis across the country are expected to be integrated on the portal by the end of this year. Conclusion: Digital India is one of the biggest government programmes in the world to bring about sustainable and inclusive societal transformation using digital technologies. The process of making India into a trillion-dollar digital economy has begun and Digital India is making this dream a reality. Digital India will surely create a new India. Connecting the dots: Digital India Programme is transforming India in numerous ways. Critically analyze. MUST READ A sobering survey The Hindu No case fo All-India Judicial Service The Hindu Why the government can't provide a higher income for farmers? The Hindu More accountant less visionary Indian Express Lessons from South Korea Livemint A messy GST and the road ahead Livemint SriLanka's Hambantota gambit Livemint The problem with right to privacy Livemint No can die Business Line