Oct 23, 2017 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs 23rd Oct, 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 23rd Oct 2017 Archives ENVIRONMENT TOPIC: General Studies 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment 'Negative Emissions': Too much stress is not good Background: Human activities, the collective choices we have made to deploy fossil fuels and change land uses, are responsible for the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and associated global warming. In 2016, the earth’s temperature was 1.3°C warmer than in pre-industrial times. More dishearteningly, even if countries take the action they promised at the Paris climate change conference in 2015, the world would be about 3°C warmer by 2100, well above the 2°C temperature limit to avoid dangerous climate change. Negative emissions: The current pattern of increasing emissions (which reportedly grew at the rate of 2.6% per year during 2000-2015) needs a rapid phase down. The Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicates that the earth can stay below 2°C. The world would somehow make use of significant amounts of ‘negative emissions’. These are ways to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, or even change the earth’s radiation balance through geoengineering. These negative emissions in the models are used in addition to increasing use of renewables and improving the efficiency of energy services. Methods for 'negative emissions': Sequestering Carbon dioxide: Some of the approaches that could remove or absorb carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are better agricultural practices that leave carbon in the ground, use of biochar, undertaking afforestation and reforestation. One method that is bioenergy for fuel in combination with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). This involves the use of plants as fuel. The released carbon dioxide is then captured and safely stored indefinitely. Challenge: Competition for land for food and other purposes, and due to technological limitations, this approach is believed to be inappropriate for extensive use. Other methods to suck carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and increase carbon dioxide absorption by the oceans are also being explored, but their long-term implications are not clear. Some scientists have been discussing the possibility of injecting cooling aerosols at a large scale in the atmosphere, but these geoengineering technologies pose huge risks and are also not long-term solutions. Other issues: If approaches for negative emissions fail, we are likely to see a 4°C increase in global temperatures. These models also fail to consider equity dimensions and social and technological barriers. As a result, they pose a severe risk to society, especially to the poorest countries, which will experience the worst impacts of climate change. Negative emissions also create a moral hazard problem, where we expect (future) others to bail us out while we continue to lead profligate lives. If negative emissions become feasible in future, they could help the world stay on course in reducing warming, but this cannot be assumed while we are running short of the carbon space available to dodge dangerous climate change. Way ahead: Scientists need to speak openly and freely about the dangers of climate change without leaning on euphemisms. Policies therefore to support practices that successfully keep carbon in the ground, prevent deforestation, support agricultural practice that sequesters carbon and promote sustainable land use practices that reduce emissions. We also need a carbon tax. ‘Lifestyle’ and other consumption activities that may have hitherto been outside the radar of climate policy because they disturb the status quo or are difficult would have to be considered. Policies should nudge especially the more prosperous communities towards less carbon intensive lifestyles, either through taxes or incentives or both. Conclusion: Climate change is already in evidence all over the world with several seasons of intense storms, droughts, floods, fires and their aftermath, meaning that any further delay in reducing emissions would put at risk many more lives, livelihoods and investments for decades to come. Thus, priority action is needed to check GHGs emissions in the first place. Otherwise, today’s largely policies would merely shift current problems on to the shoulders of future generations. Connecting the dots: What do you mean by the term 'negative emission'. Discuss why too much stress on it is not a good option and instead the focus should be on checking greenhouse gases emissions in the first place. ECONOMICS 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: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth; Intellectual Property & Patent related issues Making Indian an innovation hub: Protecting IP rights Background: The government has expressed desire to make India a hub of innovations at several for a. In PM Modis's words: “Innovation is life. When there is no innovation, there is stagnation”. In his budget speech in 2015, the finance minister announced the setting up of the Atal Innovation Mission. But the progress in this respect has been tardy. Efforts taken in past: The UPA government, which constituted the National Innovation Council (NIC) in 2010 under Sam Pitroda, then adviser to the prime minister on innovations. The NIC’s key mandate was to draw a roadmap for innovations between 2010 and 2020. The council submitted three annual reports to the government, the last of which was in 2013. Sectoral innovation councils were set up in 25 major departments of the Union government, including in the ministry of agriculture. State Innovation Councils were also set up. The idea behind the setting up of these councils was to mainstream the idea of innovation in the functioning of the Union and state governments. However, it soon became evident that despite the government’s best intentions, there were hardly any innovative ideas which could be scaled up to the national level. This shows that government organisations are not ideally suited to devise game-changing innovations as they are mired in routine work. The work of the councils proves that innovations are designed in a supporting environment, irrespective of the size or nature of an organisation. The most important support that the government can provide is to protect the innovation itself. Way ahead: The priority task for the government should be to create an enabling environment to safeguard the intellectual property of individuals, private and public companies that develop new products and ideas using their own investments. Poor record on IP protection: India is placed 60th among 127 countries according to the Global Innovation Index of 2017 — an index prepared by Cornell University, INSEAD and the World Intellectual Property Organisation. Switzerland tops the list followed by Sweden, the Netherlands, the US and UK. Singapore is ranked seventh, Japan is at the 14th position, Israel is ranked 17th, and China 22nd. In the Forbes list of the 10 most innovative companies in the world, six come from the US. Interestingly, in a recently released International intellectual property (IP) index that studied 45 countries, India ranked a poor 43rd. It is this poor record on IP protection that is holding India back from being a leading nation when it comes to innovations. Innovations in agriculture: A case study One of the biggest innovations in Indian agriculture in the past 15 years was the introduction of Bt cotton in 2002. The innovation made India one of the top producers of cotton and the second largest exporter of the crop. Mahyco Monsanto Biotech, which released Bt cotton through its 40 or so odd licencees, wanted to release HT Bt cotton as well and applied to the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC). HT cotton is an innovation on Bt cotton, as it takes care of the problem of weeds at a cost much lower than that incurred by farmers in employing labour to take out weeds. But before Mahyco Monsanto Biotech could be granted permission for HT cotton, some unscrupulous elements pirated this cotton variety, probably from countries like the US and Australia, where HT cotton had already been released. These pirated seeds were multiplied in the country and this kharif season, several companies have sold an estimated 35 to 45 lakh packets of HT Bt cotton seeds. About 7 per cent to 10 per cent of the area under cotton in the country is now under this counterfeit crop. In view of the blatant violation of its IPR, Mahyco Monsanto Biotech withdrew its application in 2016. The government of the day did not take action to stop these activities. Conclusion: India cannot aspire to be an innovation hub, if such clandestine activities flourish and innovators suffer. Stern and exemplary action is required in case of violation of IPR rights. Also, regulatory bodies need to clear applications for innovative products on time, lest they are introduced by pirates. Making India an innovation hub will become difficult if piracy is not tackled on war-foot basis. Connecting the dots: For India to become an innovation hub, protecting Intellectual Property Rights is a must. Critically analyze. 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Oct 23, 2017 MindMaps

IASbaba’s MINDMAP : Issue - Global Hunger Index and India

IASbaba’s MINDMAP : Issue - Global Hunger Index and India Archives NOTE – Instructions to download Mind Maps/Images Right Click on the image and ‘Open in a new tab’ Remove/Delete the resolution part from the URl. Eg. “-1024×869” and Press Enter/Load Again Afterwards the URL will look something like this – “iasbaba.com/..../.../..-IASbaba.jpg” Right Click and Save As/Download (You’ll get the maximum resolution)

Oct 23, 2017 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 66]

UPSC Quiz- 2017 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 66] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about Tawny lark They are found in the arid grasslands and scrub lands of central and west-central India They imitate the calls of other bird species Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) ______________ is the first state to formulate an Organic Farming Policy. Sikkim Karnataka Maharashtra Tamil Nadu Q.3) Which of the following is a Russian Ice Shelf? Ward Hunt Ice Shelf Milne Ice Shelf Alfred Ernest Ice Shelf None of the above Q.4) ‘Thermohaline Circulation’ controls large-scale movement of oceanic flow. Thermohaline circulation is driven by which of the following gradients? Temperature Salinity Both (a) and (b) Neither (a) nor (b) Q.5) Hydraulic conductivity is primarily controlled by? Porosity Hydraulic gradient Potentiometric surface Permeability To Download the Solution - Click here All The Best  IASbaba

Oct 23, 2017 RSTV Video

RSTV- The Big Picture : New Cyber Law: A Wishlist

New Cyber Law: A Wishlist Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. General Studies 3 Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. The government plans to bring a digital payment bill to strengthen legal framework and enhance surveillance to check cybercrimes in finance sector including frauds, targeting cards and e-wallets. According to reports of inter-ministerial committee, the existing laws will be studied on cybercrimes and then propose a legislation. The need to do this was felt after rising number of complaints especially after demonetisation. The proposed legislation will deal with punishments, fines for those who dupe online and also measures for fixing responsibilities in cases where digital transaction land in any dispute. In last three years, 1,44,496 cyber security attacks were observed in the country. There is a need of strengthening of the surveillance and legal frameworks to check the menace. It was noted that both legal and technological steps need to be taken to address this situation. The types of cyber security incidents included phishing, scanning/probing, website intrusions and defacements, virus/malicious code and denial of service attacks. New cybercrime bill 3 challenges Under which law to make the necessary changes or make new law, especially after privacy challenges Different stakeholders to consult and coordinate with With the law, how to enforce it with the technology In the 21st century, especially after demonetisation, there is a push towards digitisation of everything- government documents, bank accounts, RBI, SEBI details etc. Electronic form is encouraged so as to save paper as well as keep a proper track record. In this scenario, the cyber security set up has to be beefed. Tackling the updates There is always a gap between technology and law. Technology changes very fast, the law takes its own time to change and the gap creates problem. This is the area where criminal elements take advantage of it. The need is to bridge the gap and that to fast. It shouldn’t happen that government brings the law and there is already a technology change. In the past it has so happen that 66A was struck down. However, in that case, the legislation was passed without any discussion in parliament. This is a serious flaw when it comes to making legislations when requisite discussion eludes the process of decision-making. The IT Act was passed to deal specifically with the cybercrimes. It gave legal sanctity to something that was exchanged over internet. From that standpoint, the cybercrimes only dealt with those. It did not include everything. To stay updated, the government should continuously receive feedback from the stakeholders and understand what is the demand and challenges. After law making, there is law enforcement which has to keep pace with law and technology. The government is currently focussing on capacity building in this regard. Even if the law is good but people don’t know how to use it or take its benefit, there is no point in having such a legislation. Non-applicability and non-enforcement of existing laws is another issues. As per the existing rules of RBI and SEBI, there cannot be a financial transaction company without their license. Yet there exist many institutions which donot adhere to them. Many feel that digital platform is beyond law. If there is censor board for movies, the digital shows are not under it even though they have adult / anti-social content. 66A was a bridge between IPC and IT Act. It was struck down because police and enforcement agencies were misusing the IPC provisions. Once there are laws, they should be applicable across the mediums. An ever updating field IT Act of 2000 was a part of initiative by UNGA. There was requirement by the member states to enact the law in accordance to model law provided to facilitate electronic commerce and e-governance. Then there was punishment for those who violated this law. The problem is that India has not gone beyond the model law and the basic. In past 20 years, many things have changed. Cybercrimes are now new threats. Recently, SC is hearing a PIL where rape videos should be blocked online. All the online stakeholders (Google, FB etc.) along with government are deliberating to enforce it. It is a complicated issue from technology standpoint. While drafting these laws, there should be inputs from industry experts those who know technology side of the law. This is not simple IPC or CrPC issue. If there is no knowledge of technical intricacies of law, the law will seem to be obsolete or un-implementable or toothless. The reaction of certain sections shouldn’t guide the framework of certain legislation. Each time responding to one feedback from one sector develops a very narrow vision. We are dealing with information which has many intermediaries. They are subject to your understanding how the industry works. The law may say something, the SC may say something but its application by the layman may not be in consonance with how SC interpreted or law intended. For instance, many policemen still book people under sec 66A of IT Act. Accountability fixation Who is going to enforce the law and against whom is a great challenge In uber rape matter, the Delhi police was not able to locate the office of the company. When google was doing earth mapping, government rejected it on the basis of national security Many developed countries are facing similar problems and may be on larger scale. Yet India cannot adapt much due to nature of cybersecurity law. Indigenous laws and measures have to be taken to establish cybersecurity. Conclusion The easiest way to understand the problem is to come out with a special legislation.  But there is a need to justify why there should be a special legislation all the time as after few years, there will be new things and then new legislations will constantly be created which will create unnecessary law-webs. Majority of people are not well versed in technology, there is need to customise the solutions accordingly. Until there is heavy penalty or criminal prosecution, there will be little respect for Indian laws. Each stakeholder in the entire industry should be made accountable and responsible for the actions they initiate. Investigation and trial courts have to be strengthened. Cyber education should start in schools. Get updated about changes in law and technology and pitfalls of it. Connecting the dots: What are the challenges and solutions to cyber security in India? Critically examine.

Oct 22, 2017 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : Skill Development in India

Skill Development in India ARCHIVES Search 16th July 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. Background: Every year World Youth Skills Day is celebrated all over the world to raise awareness about the issue of unemployment among youth. The United Nations General Assembly in November 2014, declared 15th July as World Youth Skills Day. The theme of 2017 is ‘Skill for All’. Importance: Today, the statistics say that youth are almost three times more likely unemployed when compared to adults. Most of the youth are exposed to the lower quality of jobs. Hence, they require short professional and internship courses which will help them to earn their livelihood in an honourable way. Education and Training plays a vital role to get success in the labour market. World Youth Skills Day 2017 will help the students to enhance their skills and gives them a chance to contribute their skills to the society. Government of India initiatives Govt. of India already started Skill India Mission on 15th July 2015 to overcome the problem of youth unemployment and youth unemployability by equipping youth with industry need specific skills. 100 GST training centres were inaugurated recently Ministry of skill development will promote apprenticeship training and increase the engagement of apprentices to 50 lakh by cumulatively by 2050. Generating meaningful employment is now the important task of the government. Historically, in the pre-independence age, there used to be debate in the national movement itself. Most important step was ‘Wardha scheme of education’ 1937. Following Wardha conference, a committee under Dr. Zakir Hussain was appointed to formulate the scheme of the basic education, which was later called as Zakir Hussain scheme of education. Many of these schemes were tried to be implemented post-independence. But due to economic constraints, lack of administrative structure and shortness of the ministry, not much had been done. The most important plan- Nehru mahanalobis plan also thought of creating employment. But there was too much of deterministic idea about being scientific without exposing or leading to the solution to the problem. With fewer jobs, many were left unemployed. (Nehru-Mahanalobis Model= The objective of the economic policy in the 1950s was to raise per capita income in the country via industrialisation. This was through building machines as fast as possible as capital goods were seen as a basic input in all lines of production. But this strategy was incomplete as there was absence of a serious effort to build human capabilities via education and training.) Present situation There was a general understanding that there were two modes of employment- capital intensive and labour intensive. In context of India, capital intensive couldn’t be depended upon totally as such industries have less job creation. IITs and IIMs became top priority and are now world class. But the intermediaries, the ITIs did not get the support of the government to the extent they should have. Every month, one million people join the labour market. The large percentage is well educated. India produces one million engineers every year and only about 25% of them are employable and get reasonable employment. 75% do either ordinary job or remain unemployed for a long time. Study by Indian confederation industry says that requirement of skilled workforce by 2030 will be 30 crores in India. We are nowhere near the target. The output and the input ratio has increased by not substantially. Thus the employment exchanges queues are ever growing, thus there is a need to think in a multi-dimensional approach. Overall picture of India- there is gap between education, employment and employability. Educated people were not getting employment because they were not skilled. Now, the present government has moved in right direction, understanding the immense nature of the problem. If nothing concrete is done in this regard, the demographic advantage will be lost. Data- Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has trained 1.17 crore people in 2015-17 under PM KVY. More than 6 lakh apprentices engaged by the industry under national apprenticeship programme post comprehensive reforms in apprenticeship act 1961. These figures show that things have moved though more needs to be done. Entrepreneurship It is not possible in the context of today’s globalisation and liberalisation and competitiveness, and compulsion to limit the fiscal deficit that government has to provide full time jobs. It can provide initiatives in education but cannot provide entire education. So PPP model is the best way to kickstart reforms in education. The government and the private have to come together to increase the workforces. The spirit of entrepreneurship needs to be extended and developed and India should become a nation of entrepreneurs. There are some important problems Inequality in education is the fundamental problem in education in society, There is need for quality education Education in India being uneven, the government must address it. Many fraudulent institutes are coming up all the time in name providing quality education. Different development levels of different states has to be looked out and then create a unified model where every Indian will get benefit. Accessibility, desirability and social alleviation of BPL families will automatically alleviate by providing meaningful education and skill government. Conclusion It is a beginning. There is a need to enhance skill and its scale. The technological changes have to be incorporated and then there is need train people for organised job and bring out their entrepreneurial qualities. With the ever-changing markets, the workforce has to be trained to adjust to quick change and development. Now is the time to move ahead of lower quality of jobs, labour market inequalities, and longer and more insecure school-to-work transitions. In addition, women should be encouraged for more employment and properly-paid, and not just resort to undertake part-time jobs or work under temporary contracts. Connecting the dots: Skill India is the first step towards economic empowerment. Substantiate

Oct 22, 2017 RSTV Video

RSTV- The Big Picture : Can India Leverage its Forex Wealth?

Can India Leverage its Forex Wealth? Archives TOPIC: General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. India’s forex reserve crossed the 400 billion dollars mark strengthening the hopes that India will be able to withstand an expected reduction in stimulus by the US central bank later in the year. This is a long way since reserves bottomed out at USD 275 billion in August 2013, at the worst point of the Fed taper tantrum. The reserves stock has increased on the back of strong foreign portfolio inflows, net investment flows and a narrower current account deficit. The forex surged by 6.2 billion dollars which is likely to help the rupee volatility that may be seen on exodus of foreign funds on India’s debt and equity markets. Foreign investors have pumped in more than 1 lakh crore rupees in Indian debt and equity market in last one year. This in one sense is the validity and success of the economic reform process that began in the wake of the BoP crisis in 1990-91 when the reserves had fallen to less than $1 billion. It also portrays the good quality of overall macroeconomic management, especially of the external sector, in the post-reform years. Why higher reserve needed? India is a supply constrained economy. There is always current account deficit. Now it is 2.5% of GDP in first quarter of 2017-18. Lot of forex reserve is required to meet India’s demand. The export-import ratio has stagnated. The global market is still volatile. India will not be able to increase export trajectory as demand may remain subdued. Geopolitical conditions are constantly being strained and there are risk to global growth. That’s why reserve at this juncture is needed. What high reserves mean? It is an insurance against any kind of external shock which can impact the rupee as India runs a current account deficit. It exports far less than it imports. Moreover, the current account deficits are financed by capital flows which are most difficult in nature. It is described as hot money and can reverse any time. There is a loss of confidence or increase in risk aversion in the west. It took a decade to move from 300 million dollar reserve to 400 million dollars. The increase in reserve is due to increase in portfolio investments, equity and investments in debt market. There is now higher degree of import coverage of 13 months of imports. This gives confidence in the Indian currency. This is attracting it as a good investment source and there is increase in FDI. All these advantages can be wiped away if there is a foreign currency crisis. There is no proof to the contrary that a huge amount of reserve can withstand against a major currency crisis. This is unlike china which has 3 trillion dollars reserve which it has earned the surpluses coming from higher exports and lower imports, India is borrowing and accumulating it from portfolio capital inflows and therefore there is a cost it incurs. These reserves are accumulated from the surpluses of the capital account. So there is a cost incurred by holding these reserve. Volatility in rupee Rupee prices keep fluctuating all the time. Sometimes we need more rupees to buy one unit of foreign currency and sometimes we need fewer rupees to buy one unit of foreign currency.  This change in rupee price is known as rupee appreciation or depreciation Appreciating rupee- when value of rupee increases (becomes expensive) and fewer rupees can buy one unit of foreign currency. Also called as strengthening of rupee as now INR is worth more than foreign currency. (Import is favourable) Depreciating rupee- when rupee value decreases (becomes less expensive) and more rupees can buy one unit of foreign currency. Also called as weakening of rupee as now INR worth is less than foreign currency. (Export is favourable) Appreciating rupee brings other kind of problems- the exports aren’t increasing at all. Instead of leveraging the reserves that are rising, there should be composition of the reserves. Much of the money has come through the debt route with 2017 having inflow of 1 lakh crore compared to Rs. 45000 crore in 2016. However, rupee appreciation and depreciation is not entirely related to export growth. When rupee was appreciating in 2004-05 and 2006-07, the export growth was more than 25%. These are the global demand conditions on which export of the country is based on. There is need to take a hard look at exchange rate policy not from export perspective but a rapidly appreciating rupee always endangers and carries the seed of macro-economic instability. It happens because the more rupee appreciates, the imports become cheaper. Over time, the trade deficit on structural basis, the difference between merchandise exports and imports have continuously expanded for more than a decade. The more the imports takes place, the wider is the CAD. The moment portfolio capital investment comes to a sudden stop, there will be a reversal. Here forex will help to check the path of depreciation. But eventually is unsustainable as seen in 2011, 2012 and 2013. If there is an exchange rate policy where the rupee is getting stronger, the tradeable import sector is easy to import. So the tradeable import sector is facing competition from manufacturing side and foreign exchange management side. If the exchange rate policy is relaxed and RBI can moderate it, things would be better and there would be better quality of forex reserve. China and India They are significant differences between China and India. When China started liberalising, they followed export led growth model of industrialisation in late 1970s. The key difference is china managed to relax the FDI rules and managed to attract FDI into the exporting sectors and therefore was able to generate substantial surpluses. Through same mechanism, it was able to lift out its surplus labour from agriculture into industry and thereby achieve reduction in poverty. India has been much slower in opening up and liberalising FDI flows. Moreover, even after liberalisation, there is less FDI in exporting sectors. India also embarked upon opening its capital account side in parallel to trade liberalisation whereas china never gave up much control on capital account but it now it has begun to relax the capital account a bit. Conclusion Forex reserves are likely to increase further in the coming years, although the accumulation being driven by current account surplus may not happen soon. Nonetheless, the focus henceforth will possibly be on the quality of portfolio management of reserves, especially on the risk-return profile and performance of foreign currency assets (FCA). Demonetisation has had effect on the liquidity. There has been monthly 30% rise of non-oil non-gold import from February. Hence RBI has a major currency management challenge. Also, there is a need for domestic demand to build up to encourage investments. The stagnation in IT services, its export is not a favourable circumstance for India. And thus, domestic demand is one way forward to sustain the macro economic conditions. Connecting the dots: India’s high forex reserve is due to India’s economic policy post BoP crisis. Do you agree with the statement? Discus. Critically analyse how current account deficit affects India’s economic growth.  

Oct 22, 2017 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : Political Consensus on India-China Doklam Standoff

Political consensus on India-China Doklam standoff ARCHIVES Search 15th July 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 General Studies 3 Security challenges and their management in border areas; Background: China’s policy in the last decade has been to gradually expand in all directions and change the facts on ground. They are not being challenged and getting away with it. This is seen in SCS where many rocks have been converted into islands and there are air bases on them. So whole thing is of militarization expansion. This is the same broad policy which they are executing against a small country like Bhutan. It is clear that the tri-junction area is an area on which there is no agreement between Bhutan and China. China is trying to change the facts on ground by building that road when they had a clear negotiation that status quo will continue till they agree what is the exact international border between Bhutan and China. On 16th june, construction work started in Bhutanese territory by the Chinese group. When Bhutan soldiers confronted Chinese army, there was no paying heed to them. So Bhutan consulted Indian soldiers. There is an understanding between India and Bhutan that both countries will closely with each other on issues related to national interest will be together. The tri-junction territory that China is trying to occupy has vital significance for India. It is like a dagger at the heart of siliguri corridor. It is vital for India’s security and thus India had to take the step of stopping the Chinese soldiers. In last one year, relations between India and China have deteriorated despite the best efforts of Indian government. Some of the main interests of India has been vitally affected by Chinese stand in cases such as NSG and Masood Azhar. Terrorism is an emotional issue and they are backing Pakistan. Yet it promotes CPEC goes through PoK which is India’s territory. When China is sensitive to its own territorial claims like Taiwan or other islands with japan, they have shown total insensitivity towards Indian concerns. The place Picture credit: https://i1.wp.com/thewire.in/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/11-Screenshot-of-the-area.jpg?resize=1160%2C691&ssl=1 There is a 6.2 km gap in understanding the situation. China says its Gyemochen whereas India says its Batang La. In 1890, the demarcation took place where the water shed principle was agreed upon. It is clear that if that is followed then the tri junction should be batangla which is 6 km north of place China is claiming. The response China did not expect such a quick reaction by Indian army. Bhutanese immediately sensitized India about the situation. It has bullied many small countries in SCS and now they are towing the Chinese line. Thus, India has to clear to world that China is trying to bully Bhutan and India is trying to come to assistance of it. Also because of history shared and treaties agreed upon, India has given support to Bhutan. It is important that whole country is united in this episode in the issue. When there is national interest involved and difference with another country, media has many misinformation. Hence, for government to reach out to people and opposition is good idea. China has strategy to wage a media war and a psychological war. Chinese official media has been quite aggressive. Indian side response is restrain. The government is clear that this issue can be resolved diplomatically. The government doesn’t want differences to become disputes. How to deal with China? China has long term vision and plans. What they do, their objective is of 10-15 years down the line. Their establishment, media, party, diplomats, journalists speak same voice. Any agreement with Chinese should be taken in writing. Privately sometimes they agree to something and later they revile from that stand. Though it is difficult to negotiate with them, they respect if other country takes a stand and if they have some principles on which they abide. Conclusion India and China can resolve this issue. Chinese should stop road construction and India will withdraw from Bhutanese territory. Diplomatic engagement can open a way to solutions provided the parties to the conflict come on same table with rational points. Connecting the dots: India has had lukewarm-cold relation with china since long time. Yet India shares huge trade relations with China. Examine the prospect of economic relations vis-à-vis national security issues.  

Oct 22, 2017 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Attachment – Inspirational & Educative Articles

Attachment: Everything we experience becomes a part of us. The predicament of a human life has always been how to experience life without getting attached to our experiences. Attachment is the root of pain, suffering and frustration. The more attached we are to something, the more pain it causes. There is no other pain that can be compared to the pain of attachment. Our entire quest is to find a non-sticky emotion repellent suit that keeps us away from unwanted attachments and suffering. Attachment is not all that bad when accompanied with conscious and mindful action. Attachment is a beautiful thing for a conscious mind. But how many of us are actually conscious of what we are doing and conscious of what is happening to us. In a state of unconscious or let’s say partial consciousness, attachment becomes the biggest problem. The mind simply goes on gathering experiences; it becomes heavy and heavy, until that day comes when every step of life becomes a burden. A day will come when we have to think at least a 100 times before taking a single step. The whole beauty and magic of life is in an experience that is not burdened by unnecessary attachment. In truth, it is not attachment that is the problem; attachment to our attachments is the problem. Vivekananda once said that the best way to live in this world is with a sense of detached attachment. The real secret to living lies in being in this state of detached attachment. We have to be attached to everything around us to feel a part of it. We have to be attached to our parents, friends, family, society, culture and so many other things that not only add meaning to our lives, but nourish us and define who we are. By cultivating a sense of detachment deep within, it becomes infinitely easy to love, care, give and still be unburdened. The single biggest problem with human beings is that we simply cannot allow things to happen naturally and effortlessly. We cannot let go of things. Our attachment to experiences is so deep that we easily get entangled in the web of life. If only we can see the sticky part of the web of life and learn to navigate around it, life becomes a truly magical experience. Criticism, negativity, jealously, mistrust all have their roots in extreme attachment to the idea of who we are and what we are doing. With a little bit of detachment, it becomes extraordinarily easy to accept and accommodate people in our lives. With detachment, we can share, care and love with infinite intensity and depth. Only when we can step away from ourselves a little bit can we really see the purpose of life and what our role in it is. We are looking at the world through the lenses called us. Everything we see is skewed and adjusted to our personality and desires. We rarely see things; we only see what we want to see. If only we can step away from ourselves and look at life with a little detachment, life unravels its mystery and reveals its magnificence. “The articles are a copyright of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.”

Oct 21, 2017 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : Gene Therapy for Cancer

Gene Therapy for Cancer ARCHIVES Search 10th July 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 In news: There is ray of hope for cancer victims, especially victims of leukaemia, i.e. blood cancer. A new mode has been approved by US FDA which allows to alter the genes of cancer patients. The reengineers can be put back in body of cancer victims and make cancer patient fight the disease. There are various therapies to cure cancer Surgery- remove the tumour Radiotherapy- radiate the tumour and heal the tumour cells. Healthy cells are damaged. Chemotherapy- chemicals are injected into the body intravenously, oral route and kill the tumour cells and healthy cells. Immune therapy – no outside help to be taken. Chemical agents of x-rays. The body’s immune cells will kill the tumour. How the new therapy works? Known as a CAR-T therapy, the approach has shown remarkable results in patients. The treatment is not a pill or a form of chemotherapy. It uses a patient’s own immune cells, called T-cells, along with white blood cells. These cells are removed from a patient, sent to a lab, and encoded with a viral vector, reprogrammed, and returned to the patient. Here, these cells wont kill healthy tissues but only tumour. The process The report has been given to 35 countries. Every country has to do clinical trials to approve its use. There are monoclonal antibodies which augment the t-cells and have break on the t-cells. Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs)- One way the immune system attacks foreign substances in the body is by making large numbers of antibodies. An antibody is a protein that sticks to a specific protein called an antigen. Antibodies circulate throughout the body until they find and attach to the antigen. Once attached, they can recruit other parts of the immune system to destroy the cells containing the antigen. Researchers can design antibodies that specifically target a certain antigen, such as one found on cancer cells. They can then make many copies of that antibody in the lab. These are known as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Over past couple of decades, USFDA has approved more than a dozen mAbs to treat certain cancers. Side effects As T-cells are modified genetically, so there will be reaction. So there is cytokine release system in the immune system. This cytokine immune release may lead to brain edema, may attack any organ of the body and cause damage. But it is risk worth taking as it is working well. Long time is taken to bring into market as they are contemplating adverse effect- fever, cerebral edema, various organs had inflammatory signs. All this has to be seen in this context so that patient safety and efficacy is assured. This is first time, there is a therapy to save people’s life. Despite the side effect, as they don’t occur in majority of deviations. Despite of the side effects, they are cured of the disease. The cure in T-cells in lymphoblastic leukaemia is a milestone. India’s fight against cancer Picture Credit: http://www.cipherhealthcare.com/images/no-of-cancer-patients.png India has 14.5 lakhs of cancer cases in India out of which 40% are tobacco related. Leukaemia is mostly visible below 25 years. Blood cancer and solid tumours can be targeted by this therapy. In Indian context, solid tumours will be addressed by this therapy as India is mainly fighting tobacco related cancer. Picture Credit: https://www.thebetterindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/cancer-2_2_650_020114021033.jpg Patented gene therapy India will not be able to copy the gene therapy as their will be patented rights. But Novartis will bring at lower cost to India. In clinical trials, the patients are not charged. Connecting the dots: “Cancer is making India’s demographic dividend into debt.” Justify the statement with examples and suggest a way forward with respect to new development of medication in this field.

Oct 21, 2017 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : Malabar 2017- A Joint Naval Exercise

Malabar 2017- A Joint Naval Exercise ARCHIVES Search 10th July 2017 http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests In news: India, US and Japan took part in Malabar exercise in Bay of Bengal in its 31st edition. Malabar importance in terms of strategic position of India, US and Japan. Malabar exercise is done annually between India and US Navy. Earlier it was carried on west coast but from 2007 onwards, India is holding exercise in Bay of Bengal and alternatively in Sea of Japan. Japan have joined exercise 7 times before, but this time they were formally inducted now onwards. Malabar 2017 featured 95 aircraft, 16 ships and two submarines, making it one of the largest naval exercises in the region in recent times. Background: The annual Malabar exercise started in 1992 as a bilateral event between the navies of India and the United States. It was an important step in the process of reviving India’s relation with USA, as both countries had occupied opposite ends of the spectrum during the Cold War. The aim- Increase interoperability Learn from each others’ experiences Observe Make friends Show solidarity between participating navies The thrust of exercises at sea this year would be on Aircraft Carrier operations, Air Defense, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Surface Warfare, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), Search and Rescue. What are the landing procedures? How the person on board aircraft carrier guides? What aids are available to pilot? This is subject matter of discussion during the present Malabar. Anti-submarine warfare is an important component of naval warfare. It assumes significance in Indian Ocean Region because hydrological conditions are severe. This means it is easy for submarines to hide in Indian Ocean water. It is consequently difficult for warships and aircrafts to search for them. India acquired P-8I aircraft which are for searching submarines in Indian Ocean. There is state of art sonars on newly commissioned ships. So India is well equipped to participate in these operations. For US it is important as they don’t generally operate in this area. Now they are getting an opportunity to test their sonars, sono buoys, P-8I capability against the submarines in Indian Ocean, there are helicopters which are being participated by 3 navies. So ASW has lot of significance. India is becoming partner to US? These exercise shouldn’t be interpreted as India joining some group. The Indian navy does joint exercises with 13 countries. The complexities of exercise may change- It may be a passing exercise as when Indian ships visit foreign ports and stand with the host navies. This happens with most navies. India does yearly exercises with all advanced navies and friendly countries- UK, France, China All regional navies- Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Oman, Mauritius. So joint exercises doesn’t mean India is becoming part of the alliance. Joint exercises are held to learn from each other. Increased scope Complexity of exercise has increased in scope and work. With foreign navies, such exercise become more interesting as India is able to start getting into the nitty gritty of subject matter. There is a first-hand view of warfare tactics used by respective participating countries. Soon there might be increase in weapon firing between navies in terms of displaying more sate of the art technology available with them. Normally on aircraft, the landing is more challenging. It is complex for two reasons: Deck is small. So more accuracy needed Aircraft carrier is moving, the runaway is moving. So now the naval designers have designed that landing aircraft has a hook with it and there are arrester wires at the runway at sea. As it aircraft lands on that runway, it throws hook on the wires and is brought to a halt immediately. If it is missed, then the aircraft pilot is trained to take off again. Reaction of Russia So far as naval officers are concerned, they know what joint exercises are about. They don’t see anything beyond it. Naval officers essentially see joint exercises as means of interacting, both socially and operationally. Major part of joint exercises is interaction. Recently India had fleet review where hundreds of sailor and officers interacted with each other. So when these officers grow in ranks and head the navy, they shall remember the bonds shared during interactions. Conclusion Naval exercises are a complex process. The exercise are for 4 days, but the preparations start 4 months ago. What are going to be participating units, exercises, schedules etc  are planned in detail. Also, there will be debriefs and reports post the exercises. The feedback goes back to the ship designers also which can learn and incorporate them. Navy will be the dominating force on India in coming times. It will be a kind of diplomatic military dominant force visible in other countries. Navy ought to be dominant force as there are sea lines of communication. However, India is still short of ships, aircrafts and submarines which is slowly needs to incorporate at available capacity. The responsibilities are growing and Indian Ocean Rim Countries look up to India to provide protection to them. Connecting the dots: The Malabar exercise 2017 is a critical security exercise between countries who see china as a fierce challenger. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.