Aug 31, 2017 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs 30th Aug, 2017

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

Aug 30, 2017 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

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

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

Aug 30, 2017 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs 29th Aug, 2017

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

Aug 29, 2017 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

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

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

Aug 28, 2017 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs 28th Aug, 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 28th Aug 2017 Archives NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Puzzling State of Rural Economy Introduction: The state of India’s rural economy is puzzling. There is enough evidence to support two opposing statements: One, that the rural economy has improved; and, two, that the rural economy is in the doldrums. On the one hand, some indicators are positive- The unemployment rate has been falling while rural wages have been rising. On the other hand, instances of rural distress are rife and rural consumer sentiment has weakened. There has been a surge of demands for farm loan waivers. Four states have already announced waivers worth about 0.5% of national gross domestic product (GDP). Four more are threatening to do the same. What triggered the distress? The large fall in food prices and the resulting shift in the terms of trade (the cost of producing food versus the income derived) to the detriment of rural India triggered the distress. Causes of falling food prices: Immediate cause- The causes of falling food prices are one-time (for example, a bumper crop). Short lived cause (such as demonetization and goods and services tax related uncertainties). Long term cause: lack of structural improvements in food distribution. Solving the puzzling state of rural economy: About 70% of rural households own less than a hectare of land. (Let's call them landless). The landless rural population has a negative income-consumption gap, which basically means that its income is hardly enough to cover its consumption requirements. Those who have more than one-hectare land are more indebted as a group than the landless. They also use more formal sector sources of credit than the landless. A majority of the income for the landless comes from wages while that of the landed from cultivation. What explains the puzzling state? After a two-year drought, the good monsoon rains in 2016 increased the demand for labour. As a result, real wages have risen gradually and the unemployment rate has fallen in tandem. This has largely benefited the landless, given that the majority of their income is from wages. In contrast, the landed, who pay these wages and depend more directly on income from cultivation, have borne the brunt of falling food prices, as what they have received from selling farm produce has been lower than expected. Real indebtedness for this group has been growing at a faster clip than real incomes since FY14, which explains the growing clamor for bank farm loan waivers. The fact that the landed and landless are not yet moving in the same direction is throwing up confusing signals about the health of the rural economy. Farm loan waivers- More harm than good: They spoil the credit culture, making formal finance more nervous about serving rural India. They also erode macro-economic stability. In particular, a rapid rise in farm loan waiver expenses could bind India’s states in a vicious cycle, increasing their interest bill or lowering the quality of their spending, or both. and, if they do, waivers could rise to 0.75% of GDP, endangering a hard-won reduction in debt and deficit ratios. Way ahead: Off reforms cannot improve an economy. There needs to be a series of reforms, each supporting the other. One reform should be supported by other. Example: Inflation-targeting was a welcome reform with distinct economy-wide benefits. But the large fall in inflation that it helped engineer has hurt the indebted by increasing “real” indebtedness, i.e. debt relative to inflation. What is needed now is another spate of reforms to help those who have been hurt. Agricultural reforms, such as in irrigation and warehousing infrastructure, can help increase farm productivity and therefore incomes. They will not just help fund consumption expenditure, but will leave extra funds in the hands of rural India, which can then be used to service the higher real debt bill. Conclusion: Rural distress is a recurring theme in India. Every few years, farm loan waivers or a good monsoon provide some short-lived respite. Clearly, the benefits from neither are sustainable. The panacea for rural distress can only be reforms that will help raise farm productivity and incomes. Connecting the dots: Rural economy is in a puzzling state. While on one hand unemployment rate has been falling and on the other instances of rural distress leading to demand for farm loan waivers is on rise. Discuss the reasons behind. The panacea for rural distress can only be reforms that will help raise farm productivity and incomes. Critically analyze. NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 1 Social empowerment General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes Understanding the rise of Dera Sacha Sauda sect: In news: The Dera Sacha Sauda sect headed by Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is a fascinating phenomenon which cannot be analysed through the standard upper middle-class lens that dismisses it as a criminal or law and order problem. Cause of concern: The demographic emergence of millennial ashrams is a source of concern and curiosity. How do these ashrams, which deal with small-town meaning and modernity, appear and become global phenomena? How do they acquire so much freedom so as to become parallel communities which challenge the official? How long have they been beyond the scrutiny of law and order forces? How could so many of them assemble arsenal? It is almost as though these ashrams are enclaves of secession, of groups which have diffused their life and lifestyles as different from the mainstream. What leads to rise of such sects? Lack of public service delivery: The spirituality related to Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim is just a front for something very real and very positive that the dera offers to its followers. Dignity, social support, medical help, and food security. These are precisely the things that the modern Indian state — at least in its Haryana/Punjab version — refuses to offer to the people. These sects cater to the diversity of livelihoods in a way that social workers cannot match. Democracy and modernisation have not delivered equality. The lower castes, the Other Backward Classes needed an imagination beyond the aridity of socialism and Marxism, the promises of equality that offer little. Dysfunctional system: It took fifteen years to decide upon a rape charge. This is an indicator of a dysfunctional state system marked by a dysfunctional system of justice. The Law Ministry (2016) tells us that this is to be expected given that there are only 18 judges per million population, while the Law Commission (1987) had recommended a minimum of 50 judges per million. This makes hard-pressed people reach out to deras and babas and panchayats to provide them a semblance of justice since the state refuses to improve its systems of delivery. To make matters worse, the foot soldiers of justice, the police, over-worked, understaffed, and politically compromised, simply do not have the capabilities to ensure that the authority of the state is asserted routinely, regularly, justly and without rancour. The leaders of the society are also complicit with the rioters — like Haryana Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma, who explained on the record, that “Section 144 cannot be imposed on faith”. Unpreparedness and ineffective handling: In allowing tens of thousands of followers of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect to gather for a show of strength when their leader, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, was awaiting a judicial verdict in a rape case, the Haryana government abdicated its responsibility of maintaining law and order, and protecting life and property. Prohibitory orders were not enforced, with the government evidently viewing the looming protests as pressure relief valves instead of as trigger points for violence. In the absence of preventive detention where appropriate, and of restriction on movement and assembly in public spaces, matters spiralled out of control once the court pronounced the cult leader guilty of rape. The government failed to foresee violence on such a large scale, and no viable security plan was in place until after several hours of lawlessness. Despite intelligence inputs about the Dera followers storing fuel, and knives and stones, the government machinery was woefully slow to react. Religious sects such as the Dera Sacha Sauda that command a huge following are often handled with kid gloves by governments as they can deliver votes in blocks. Clearly, godmen and cult leaders believe they are above the law. It is for the government and law enforcement agencies to disabuse them of that notion, especially when, as in the case of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, they face charges of rape and murder. Way ahead: We have to go beyond the knee-jerk celebrations and dismissals. The old notion of civil society of the secular NGO, the idea of public does not quite fit our democracies today. Our biggest NGOs are religious groups, which are often little multinationals in terms of the power they wield. Dismissing these groups as bad faith will not do. Connecting the dots: Rising of sects like Dera Sacha Sauda sect headed by self-proclaimed Godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is a cause of worry for democratic and secular nation like India. Discuss. MUST READ Mission indefinite The Hindu How privacy stacks up The Hindu That old spark The Hindu No silver bullet Indian Express Supreme Court's  lost chance Indian Express Tall tale for farmers Indian Express Afghanistan and a new hyphenation Livemint Public health isn't about state-run hospitals Livemint Sterling judgement on right to privacy Livemint A brave new world of individual rights Business Line

Aug 28, 2017 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

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

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

Aug 28, 2017 PIB

IASbaba PIB Weekly: Press Information Bureau - 20th Aug to 26th Aug , 2017

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

Aug 27, 2017 RSTV Video

RSTV- The Big Picture : India @ 70: The Challenges Ahead

India @ 70: The Challenges Ahead Archives Celebrating the 71st Independence Day, there is a need to look at what has India achieved and what is to be the goal now. The achievements Unification of India into one entity in 70 years. There was never a country even under British rule a country as large and as jointed as it is now. Even the Mughal Empire did not run through the length and breadth of the country. The consolidation of parliamentary and electoral democracy. Voter turnout has increased among the marginalized sections of society, women and lower castes. Judicial independence Relatively free media On economic front, in terms of technical, managerial competence, there is enormous improvement. On social side, some improvement in the status of women. Also, role of caste and communalism is much less than what it played for centuries. Participation by people who are otherwise deprived Diversity was recognised by firm principles of unification were there always. Improvement in life quality indicators Life expectancy increased to 69 years from 32 years. Literacy- 16% literate in 1947, 74% in 2011 IMR was 145.6 per thousand live births. This is now reduced to 40 in 2013 The challenges Much more could have been done on life of poor people, in terms of security, education and health. Though 700 million people have been brought above poverty line during this time yet, a significant 22% population, i.e. around 300 million people are still Below Poverty Line. On social side, even after 70 years, it is driven by caste, community, religion and ostracism. No section of society has converged to a mainstream of self-sustaining improvement i.e. Dalits, SCs, STs and other backward class. There are forces that take advantage of their backwardness to create problems. There is a need to engage them into the mainstream. The loss of scientific temper, the belief in magical remedies and godmen as not changed. Cross border terrorism Internal rebellion challenges have been not yet resolved inspite of technology and resources for development. India has made some errors in foreign policy which has been one of the reason for a volatile neighbourhood now. Indian democracy faces challenges, occasionally like in Kashmir where instead of democracy, there is force. The Kashmir problem is not because of unwillingness as part of any government. If the Kashmir is in turmoil, it is not only because of failure of Indian democracy but also because of dynastic rule, corruption, and export of terror from across the border, particularly after Bangladesh got liberated. The rise of dominating Wahabi Islam, Lashkar-e-Toiba, ISIS and Taliban had spilover effect in India. Changes across the world In 1980s came the globalisation where capital, goods and services began to move across the countries. Migration also happened at large scale. The internet came by the 1990s. This allowed much faster rate of growth for countries that were traditionally considered underdeveloped. However, India did not take full advantage of it as china. The global power balance shifted with collapse of USSR in 1991 to which India swiftly readjusted and rebalanced. India was now able to realign its priority with reality. The world has also changed especially in the last decade of 20th century. Things like socialism, commonwealth, cold war, nonalignment don’t make much sense now. What to be done now? Faster economic growth rate. Though India has 7% growth rate, there is a need to do much more to lift 22% of population above poverty. A more egalitarian process of development that has been adopted in last 25 years and should be continued further. A top down model to be supplemented and complimented by the state action to take care of people who cannot do themselves. India needs to be secured from external threats and internal problems. India is strategically autonomous today. No country is going to come to its rescue. So it formed alliances and partnerships and made collaborations to draw the technology is available in the world to protect itself. Soon after independence, India built up the technological capability. India is one of the few countries which can launch satellite into space. It has to further explore and develop its space capacity to protect its national interests as well as regional security. Reduce the tensions within the country which are either based on religion, deprivation, factions etc. The country shouldn’t be carried away by minor current issues but how things have changed over the years. India’s strength lies in its unity. Unity is not just the political unity of different parts of India but cohesion of Indian society. Genuine empowerment of groundlevel people of society. There were great leaders even at the state level and the states were at equal with center post few years of independence. Such kind of congeniality in the way which politics operates is now required. Policy makers at the centre and state need to make sure that more resources need to be spend and extensive use of technology has to be made in education and health care. The private sector cannot be expected to bridge the gap in these sectors. When the state concentrates on these matters, the other things happened on its own. In next 70 years, agriculture should be the focussed sector. Productivity of agriculture must be raised to tackle the population rise and economic burden. In the end, Respecting the plurality of the countrymen and celebrating the diversity is the answer for a peaceful and sustainable existence. Connecting the dots: Broadly outline the achievements and challenges of India in its post independence era. Critically analyse the factors which shall be the guiding light of India’s social and economic development.

Aug 26, 2017 RSTV Video

RSTV- The Big Picture : Legacy & Importance of August Revolution and Quit India Movement

Legacy & Importance of August Revolution and Quit India Movement Archives TOPIC: General Studies 1 Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country. Gandhiji’s vision while launching Quit India movement on August 9, 1942 was ‘the democracy in which I have envisaged is a democracy established by non-violence, there will be equal freedom for all. Everybody will be its own master. It is to join a struggle for such democracy that I invite you today.’ Background India’s fight against British rule is often seen as a long drawn battle developing since early 20th century, especially under the leadership of Gandhiji. At various phases, the movement saw itself gaining higher momentum, for instance the non-cooperation in 1920-22 and civil disobedience movement in 1930-32. However, the one call that moved India towards its ultimate freedom call was the rebel cry of the congress between early August 1942 and September 1944. In July 1942, the Congress Working Committee met at Wardha and a resolution was passed which was termed The Wardha Resolution. It is also known as Quit India Resolution which demanded, “The British Rule in India must end immediately.” And it declared that free India “will assure the success by throwing his great resources in the struggle for freedom and against the aggression of Nazism, Facism and perialism”. Thus, Quit India was about enabling India’s greater participation in the war for peace and in the war of liberation from fascism and nascism. Quit India was a civil disobedience movement launched at the Bombay session of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) by Mahatma Gandhi on August 8, 1942, demanding an end to British rule in India. While message of quit India was loud and clear, the call of ‘do or die’ infused the masses with a life of its own. Quit India is also called as India August Movement (August Kranti) Nationalism is love for one’s own country. It is a feeling of sacrificing for one’s own country if need be. In that context, the do or die was rooted in feeling of nationalism. The fight was for own nation, own freedom, against imposition of one’s will. Without nationalism or nationalist commitment, the Quit India movement might not have even taken a shape perhaps. Significance In 2017, Quit India movement completes 75 years. August 1942 was in the middle of World WarII. The speech for Quit India provided no hatred. It talked of the unorthodox India that Gandhiji envisaged. “Indians were to wage one last struggle to achieve independence, or die in that attempt. We shall either free India or die in the attempt: we shall not live to see the perpetuation of our slavery.” The movement assumed significance as it placed the demand for independence on the immediate agenda of the national movement. At the peak of violence, Gandhiji declared non-violence as their weapon. This holds true today more than in 1942. Intolerance, politics of hatred is what is seen now, which is absolutely against what was envisaged 75 years ago. Yet, the answer for these problems are the same as before, that is invoking inclusive democracy. How to have a vision of non-violence and peace in a world where war and intolerance domestically seems to be the guiding force. The content of the constitution of India is rich, where the form is inclusive but the gap is wide between thoughts and actions. Constitution is not aiming only at social kind of justice but also acting as instrument of removing social conflict and social inequalities. How to keep sentiments of 1947 alive today in 2017? In 1940s the highest and the lowest in the society were fighting for one single ideal. There is no national ideal today. There are ideals of the sectoral society as per their power and position acquired over past 150 years. The idea of India is sacrificed to sectoral and sectional interests. Hence it should be taken care that the values of liberty and freedom should not override values sovereignty, integrity and unity of society and nation. A sentiment of unity amongst all the sections of Indians is needed while conquering the challenges of 21st century India which mainly are problems of poverty, communalism and corruption that should quit India. Wishing you all Happy 71st Independence Day J Quit Fear and Be stronger Connecting the dots: Analyse the significance of Quit India movement in India’s struggle for independence. During the Quit India movement, the masses were united irrespective of their background. However, today, when India faces much severe challenges, the unity seems elusive. Identify the major challenges faced by Indian society today and how can they be forced to ‘Quit India’?

Aug 26, 2017 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs 26th Aug, 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 26th Aug 2017 Archives NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector or Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. General Studies 1 Social empowerment Rajya Sabha standing committee's report on Surrogacy Bill In news: The Rajya Sabha standing committee’s report, having heard a wide cross section of society on the matter of surrogacy, has criticized the surrogacy bill and called for its redrafting. The standing committee’s report is noteworthy not only because of its content, but also the fact that the content of the report is informed by the wide variety of voices they have chosen to hear on the matter. Issues with the bill: It is a bill that reinforces every patriarchal and paternalistic notion of what women can and cannot do with their bodies. Far from “regulating” (as the term is properly understood), it is a bill to control women’s bodies and what they choose to do with it. The 228th Report of the Law Commission of India recommended that a bill makes the rights of surrogate women clear, but the belief that making a profit out of this activity is somehow unacceptable suggests that some forms of women’s labour are clearly less morally acceptable than others. The report clearly favours “altruistic” surrogacy over “commercial” surrogacy. Both these terms need some unpacking. The term “commercialization” in the context of surrogacy is a cause of concern. It suggests a distaste of women using their bodies in a particular manner to make a living. There is no justification as to why commercialization of surrogacy is intolerable. One weak defence offered is that a ban is necessary to prevent “misuse.” Not only does this completely devalue the labour and pain that a pregnant woman undergoes, but also the very real economic costs of a pregnancy. The surrogacy bill correctly points out by the standing committee as that of families in a patriarchal society forcing women to suffer the costs and pains of surrogacy with no recompense. It destroys the notion that there is anything inherently “altruistic” about surrogacy simply because the parties are related. It understands that, in a society where deeply unequal power relation exist in families, altruism is far less likely than coercion. Though the bill provides for the payment of medical expenses, insurance coverage, etc, this does not take away from the fact that the woman does not actually get compensated for the labour involved in a pregnancy. Indeed, as the standing committee rightly points out, “altruistic surrogacy,” as defined in Clause 2(b) of the bill, probably amounts to forced labour prohibited under Article 23 of the Constitution. While several judgments of high courts across the country have agreed that women who have children through surrogates are entitled to maternity benefits allowed to them under the law, there is no clarity on whether the same would be available for the surrogates themselves. The standing committee has rightly pointed out this gap and recommended that the law clarify that maternity benefits should be available to both the birth mothers and surrogate mothers. Surrogacy needs regulation: The standing committee too recognizes the very real difficulties and problems that can arise with regard to surrogacy. Indian courts have had to face difficult issues regarding what needs to be done when parents who wanted a child through surrogacy no longer want the child, and the birth mother cannot or will not bring up that child. In Baby Manji Yamada v Union of India (2008), problems that can be caused by the absence of clear demarcation of rights and liabilities of parties were highlighted. Here, a child born to an Indian surrogate mother was abandoned when her intended Japanese parents divorced and refused to take custody of the child. After the courts stepped in and put the matter before the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, it was eventually resolved with the grandmother receiving the custody of the baby. Conclusion: The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016, introduced ostensibly to provide a legal framework for surrogacy in India, is a regressive legislation that seeks to control women’s bodies. By limiting surrogacy to “altruistic surrogacy” only, it creates space for women being pressured to bear children for family members. While provisions of the law relating to adoption and childcare can be pressed into use, a law that clearly lays down the rights and obligations of all parties in clear and simple terms is definitely necessary. The hearings in the committees should also be given wide viewership through live audiovisual recordings, subject, of course, to concerns of privacy, confidentiality and secrecy. This would provide a platform for a truly participative democracy. Connecting the dots: The Rajya Sabha standing committee’s report, having heard a wide cross section of society on the matter of surrogacy, has criticized the surrogacy bill and called for its redrafting. Discuss its recommendations. HEALTH TOPIC: General Studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health. Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders. Rising H1N1 Cases In news: The reported cases and deaths due to the spread of H1N1 virus are on the rise in comparison with previous years' records. The number of influenza A (H1N1) virus cases and deaths reported from across India this year has already crossed 19,000 and 900, respectively. In the last month or so there has been a sharp increase in the number of cases and deaths. Gujarat is the worst-affected, with about 250 deaths recorded so far: Rajasthan, Punjab and Maharashtra and Delhi too have been badly hit. The number of H1N1 cases in the southern States is also high compared with last year, with Tamil Nadu reporting nearly 3,000 cases about a month ago. What is H1N1? Influenza A (H1N1) virus is the subtype of influenza A virus that was the most common cause of human influenza in 2009. H1N1 flu is also known as swine flu caused by swine influenza virus that is endemic in pigs. Issue: New Strain: According to the Pune-based National Institute of Virology, the virus has not undergone any significant mutation and the virulence has remained nearly unchanged. It has however undergone point mutations which resulted in a new strain — the Michigan strain — replacing the California strain that has been prevalent since the 2009 pandemic. It is a highly contagious disease and can easily spread from a patient through saliva and mucus. While both strains were co-circulating last year, as per surveillance data only the Michigan strain has been circulating this year. The increased caseload and mortality this year compared with last year could be because pre-existing immunity through exposure to the California strain is no longer effective, and people are therefore not immune to the new strain. While earlier vaccinations made people immune to the California strain, the circulation of the new strain is the cause of increased caseload and mortality. Despite the high numbers, there is no system in place to release data periodically and frequently. Compare this with the regular updates provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, especially during an epidemic. There has also been a near-complete failure on the part of governments to spread awareness about prevention strategies. Uptake of influenza vaccination by people, especially by those belonging to the high-risk category, has been extremely poor, with only about 10,000-12,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine sold in the last six months by the Pune-based vaccine manufacturer. Since the 2009 pandemic, H1N1 has become a seasonal flu virus strain in India even when the temperature soars during the summer months. Database - The numbers in the official report do not reflect the true reality. This is because it is not mandatory for the private hospitals to disclose all the deaths and the people affected, to the government’s database. Way forward: The government should do everything possible to take both preventive and curative measures to fight swine flu. More research is needed to fully understand the epidemiology of H1N1 caused by the Michigan strain, and who may be more vulnerable. Also, the composition of the swine flu vaccine will require changes as per the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendation. There is a need for a system to record and release the actual number of cases for making appropriate response. Prevention - Being a communicable disease, swine flu can best be prevented with awareness generation by the governments. Uptake of influenza vaccination by people, health-care workers and especially by those belonging to the high-risk category, can go a long way in reducing the cases. High-risk categories include pregnant women, very young and old people, those who have had organ transplantation and those with certain underlying illnesses. They must be focused upon. Vaccination of health-care workers and people in high-risk categories is the only way to reduce the toll. Government should ensure that there are enough vaccines in various health centres. Keeping the environment clean to address poor hygiene and sanitation Sufficient lab facilities to diagnose H1N1 cases among both hospitalised and non-hospitalized population is essential. Conclusion: The high H1N1 flu toll points to a failure to put necessary systems and precautions in place. The guidelines for H1N1 vaccination of people belonging to high-risk categories such as pregnant women, very young and old people and those with certain underlying illnesses were released last month by the Health Ministry. It must be implemented in letter and spirit. Also, urgent measures are needed to ramp up preparedness in dealing with epidemics. Connecting the dots: The reported cases and deaths due to the spread of H1N1 virus are on the rise in comparison with previous years' records. Discuss the reasons behind it. Also elaborate on what preventive steps should be taken by the government. MUST READ Target section 377 The Hindu The constitution refreshed The Hindu Lessons not learnt The Hindu This thing called privacy Indian Express A grave abdication Indian Express Caste in new moulds Indian Express How we define Assam's flood problem Indian Express Curtailing the legislature Indian Express Creating a culture of research in India Business Line