User talk:Gaurav4291/APR2016

Vision

Nuclear security summit

4th – in USA, 2016

LEMOA

Logistics exchange memorandum of agreement
Will give access to US warships and aircrafts access to indian military bases including refuelling and repair, and similar access to Indian will also be given

HSPD6

India did not join it

Nomadic elephant

India-mongolia joint exercise
To combat counter-terrorism

Androth island

Naval detachment setup
In Lakshadweep islands

Black necked crane

IUCN – Vulnerable
It is a migratory bird in India
State bird - J and K
Habitat - Arunachal valley, Northern Sikkim — Preceding unsigned comment added by Gaurav4291 (talk • contribs) 10:09, 15 July 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Kaniyan kothu

In Tamil Nadu
Performed only by men
Kaniyan is a scheduled tribe
Magudam – a kind of drum
Tells puranic stories – Markandeya, Harischandra puranam and also Ramayana and Mahabharata

Phulkari

Embroidery technique in Punjab region
Shawls, duppatas

Kalamkari

Two main styles – Machalipatnam style and Srikalahasti style
Painted on cloth – Hand painted
Uses natural dyes
Stories of Ramayana, Mahabharata and other hindu traditions painted
The Masulipatnam style of Kalamkari is influenced by Persian art. The motifs used are trees, flowers and leaf designs are printed using blocks.
The Srikalahasti style flourished around temples with Hindu patronage thus has an almost religious identity, wherein the kalam or pen is used for freehand drawing of the subject, and filling in the colours is entirely done by hand.

Tara Bhagwati

Is a Buddhist goddess
Tara is Buddhist form of Kali
Belongs to Vajrayana Buddhism

Sounding rockets

Are low cost launch vehicles designed to carry scientific instruments that take measurements during rocket’s sub-orbital flight

Tiger range countries

Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, Russia and North Korea

Global tiger initiative

Funded by world bank, Global environment facility and others
It is led by tiger range countries

1 Apr

IS threat

Attack in Brussels, Paris
Bomb in Russian aircraft

Substandard drugs

Q. It is said that India is becoming home to production and trial of substandard drugs in recent years. In your opinion, why such drugs are produced and distributed? How can they be regulated? Critically comment. [Hindu]

India-EU

Cooperation in clean energy and climate change areas
In the areas of global security – fight against terrorist groups
EIB (European investment bank) – funds for environmentally friendly and sustainable infrastructure projects (for lucknow metro)
EIB will be opening a branch in New Delhi – for south Asian region
Cooperation in the field of water management – clean ganga project
Partnership in the area of migration

Significance of Western Ghats

2 Apr

Odd-even policy

Q. Many newspapers have reported that pollution levels—mostly those of the particulate matter of size 2.5 microns, have not declined despite the imposition of the odd-even policy. Examine the sources of these pollutants and reasons why their levels have not declined.

Pollution: emission of oxides of sulphur, oxides of nitrogen, CO and particulate matters (2.5 micro meters) are very harmful for human health as well as health of other flora and fauna.
PM 2.5 – are particle matters of size equal to 2.5 micro meter that do not settle on ground(due to the gravity) instead float in the atmosphere – once inhaled can get accumulated in lungs – since our natural body filters are not able to filter these
Various sources – transport, construction activities, burning of leaves, thermal power plants, and other industries

Odd-even policy of Delhi

Delhi has more cars than Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata together
Concern that – PM 2.5 didn’t reduce – it increased – because – emission particulates once in the atmosphere – they settle on ground, are taken by air or react with other particulates forming secondary pollutants – PM 2.5 forms a large number of secondary pollutants – thus when cars were reduced – it reduced emissions – thus PM 2.5 got less particulates to react – hence large number of PM 2.5 particulates in atmosphere

Other factors

Regional air circulation plays n important role – takes away pollutants – but the problem is it takes away the pollutants and settles somewhere else – thus the problem of pollution is not of Delhi alone – but of regional area

Benefits of odd-even

Awareness among citizens – are willing to cooperate
Less cars on road – less congestion – thus relatively higher speeds – better F.E. – less wastage fuel at red lights

Solution

Odd-even is only a temporary solution – permanent solution are needed – other sources should be found

Bhagat Singh

Q. Bhagat Singh had a number of political choices before him. Which choice did he make? Discuss his ideology.

GDP calculation

Is calculated based on NAS data
NAS ( new series 2011-12 from old 2004-05)
Household sector (un-organised sector) share has reduced in the new series as compared to the old series
Public sector share has remained the same
Private sector share has increased

Why household sector share has reduced?

Reason - Method of estimation of output
Old method – output was measured by LI (labour input) method. LI = product of output per worker and number of worker employed. The flaw lied in the fact that method considered productivity of all workers as equal.
New method : uses average of productivities of different kind of workers

MCI

Q. In recent years functioning of the Medical Council of India (MCI) has been controversial for many reasons. Examine what these reasons are and suggest how government should regulate such erring regulators.

MCI has responsibility of regulating medical practice and medical education in India.

Criticism

Corruption – in accreditation of medical colleges, selling of medical seats,
Failure to ensure a standard in medical education,
Failure to ensure doctor to population ratio, clustering of medical institutes in only few states
Failure to ensure ethical practice by doctors

A parliamentary committee was setup and gave its report in 2016. Recommendations:

Replacing MCI with 4 independent boards – that will deal with – curriculum development, teachers training, maintenance of education standard; assessment of colleges and courses; registration of doctors and licensing; adherence to ethical practices.
Replace principle of election of members with nomination
Also recommended uniform national entry and exit examination – this recommendation was overruled by SC
Recommendations will help in planning required medical professionals, maintaining standard quality

Short comings of report

Handing over of district hospitals to private companies to develop into medical colleges – in some cases poor’s are denied free basic health care

Soln.

The new committee should have members from various associated fields (not just doctors) – health experts, social scientists, health economists, NGOs, etc.

Wancho

Tribals in Arunachal Pradesh
They make tattoo on their body
Used to practice human headhunting

Byari (beari)

Language in Karnataka

GM Pulses

Q. Why is it argued that GM cultivation is not in the interest of farmers in India? Do you agree with the other view that cultivation of GM pulses would ensure food security? Comment.

DBT

Examples

In subsidies and welfare schemes
Salary transfers to ASHA workers under national health mission, aganwadis under ICDS,
Old age pension schemes
In MGNREGA
In PAHAL (LPG subsidy)
All these DBT initiatives will be monitored on e-samiksha portal in secretariat

India at NSS

Steps taken by India to secure its nuclear material and nuclear sites

Database of all nuclear material in the country
Real time tracking of material – whenever it is transported
Emergency response teams – to detect and respond to any nuclear emergency
Stepped up phasing out of highly enriched uranium

4 Apr

CITES

Convention on international trade of endangered species of flora and fauna
Aims to protect endangered species
also called Washington convention

Wildlife protection act, 1972

Has 6 schedules
Schedule I and II – are the most stringent with heavy penalties
Under schedule I hunting or possession of mentioned animals is prohibited and seen as an offence

NSS

Nuclear security summit
India along with Pakistan, China and Russia hasn’t signed nuclear security initiative

HELP

Q. Examine how would the new Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy (Help) affect interests of consumers and producers.

Single license for all hydrocarbons
From profit sharing to revenue sharing
Open acreage policy
Marketing and pricing freedom in case of deep water, High pressure and high temperature fields – with govt. only capping the upper limit of gas (not for oil) based on import landed price
Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel – less sulphur dioxide and NOx

Elections

Q. Recently, Prime Minister of India suggested that elections to the Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha and local bodies should be held simultaneously. Is such an exercise feasible? Discuss the issues involved.

The idea is good but is fraught with constitutional issues and administrative problems. Why the need?

These frequent elections bring administration and normal life of citizens to a standstill, various administrations are involved with preparations, ministers are engaged in promotional events, model code of conduct comes into effect – no promotions, schemes can be launched. ( especially in case of lok sabha elections – which takes 2-3 months)
Massive cost – cost of management to EC/Govt. and also the cost incurred by political parties
Other issues like – during election times issues like secularism, casteism, etc. surface up – if country is in a perpetual state of elections – we will not be getting rid of these issues

Some advantages of separate elections

These frequent elections create jobs at grassroots level
Separate elections allow – handling of local needs and national separately

Combined elections are not advisable, since local elections and national or state elections deal with separate needs at different levels, combining these will only suppress the needs at local level. In voters mind, local needs get wider priorities than the national or state needs. Solution

Cut short the election period – EC will need extra CAPF forces
Limit on expenditure by political parties

Cooperative federalism

Q. “Effectively, the Fourteenth Finance Commission (FFC) had sowed the seeds of cooperative federalism as states have been accorded unprecedented fiscal freedom.” Do you agree? In the light of recent budgets introduced by many state governments, comment on the statement.

India is diverse – topographically, economically, socially – each state has different needs – thus one solution cannot be applied to all
14th FC recommended higher share of net proceeds of taxes to states (from 32% to 42%) – with reduction in centrally sponsored schemes and grants
Gave fiscal freedom to states – to borrow according to the needs of states
Along side Union govt. along with is working on clean up of infrastructural in-efficiencies in power sector – with launch of Ujjwal scheme – state govt. will take part of discoms debt and issue them as bonds in the market
With other initiatives like GST – cooperative federalism is going to get stronger

5 Apr

OBOR

China has technology to transport electricity at long distance.
China is planning to export its surplus electricity generation along OBOR

India-Saudi Arabia

Q. Comment on recent developments in the relationship between India and Saudi Arabia.

Gulf region is seeing change in geo-politics and geo-economics.
This region has remained important for the world for its oil resources.
With reducing oil prices, and increased threat from organizations like IS – Mid-eastern countries like Saudi Arabia – are looking to expand their economic relations with countries, more partnerships in counter terrorism.
Saudi is important to India – as it meets our Oil demand, remittances from Saudi
There are concerns related to treatment of labour in Saudi
Saudi Arabia has seen loosening of ties with US – as it sees US becoming more pro Iran
Saudi Arabia – has seen loosening of ties with Pakistan as well – Pakistan refused to send its troops for an attack in yemen

Panchayat elections

Q. It is said that Panchayat and municipal corporation elections are not as free and fair as those conducted by the Election Commission of India. Examine why and suggest how these elections can be made free and fair.

Panchayat and municipal corporation election come under the purview of State election commission which is constituted by state act
State election commissions members terms and conditions are subject to the pleasure of state govt. – thus the elections are seen as not fair and free
The timing of elections, limit on expenditure, staffing of polling booth, enrolling of names in voters list, appointing security forces for elections – these vary from state to state – and states are seen as interfering in in election matters

Solution:

Bringing of administration of state election commission under the purview of central election commission – it will ensure transparency in appointments, terms and conditions, appointment of central security agencies by election commission.
This can be done by constitutional amendment – for which states might not be ready

6 Apr

Stand-Up India

To promote entrepreneurship among women, SC and ST youth
Will give them access to easy loans
Every bank branch will have to give two such loans – one to a Dalit or SC/ST and one to a women

India-Saudi

Q.  Q. “India needs a balanced West Asia policy. By skewing it towards the Saudis in pursuit of short-term goals, New Delhi runs the risk of antagonising Tehran.” Comment.[Hindu]

Saudi Arabia, Iran, Israel – are three polar powers in mid-east Asia
Sanctions on Iran – forced India to reduce economic ties with Iran – that saw reduced oil imports from Iran – simultaneously India looked towards Saudi Arabia for it’s Oil needs
Saudi Arabia is India’s largest oil supplier – thus economic ties are important
India is also the largest receiver of remittances from Saudi
Thus, Stability of this region, specially of Saudi Arabia – is vital to India both strategically and economically
Saudi, UAE are historically allies of Pakistan – but recent events have seen slack in ties – Saudi has iterated that Pakistan’s dual policy against terrorism is hampering regions peace. Pakistan also didn’t support the Saudi attack on Yemen.
China is also increasing its presence in mid-east Asia – through it OBOR initiative – linked Iran with a train route, have under taken many infrastructural projects

Saudi Needs India

Oil demand is slackening and competition is also increasing in global oil market – (since sanctions on Iran has been lifted) – Also US is not that dependent on Saudi for oil as it used to be. China’s demand of oil is reducing – slowdown.
Thus relation with India becomes important for Saudi

Cautious approach

Saudi Arabia – Iran has always remained on opposite sides – Ties with Iran should not get compromised for some short term goals
Saudi Arabia – has funded Wahabi religious groups and many extremists outfits aswell – that have resulted in catastrophe in the region

Fiscal consolidation

Q. In the light of GST and Fourteenth Finance Commission, it is said that India is seeing fiscal centralization and fiscal decentralization at the same time. Elaborate. Also examine the opportunities this situation has created.

With role of GST –States will give more powers to states in matters of taxes and simultaneously states will acquire more spending powers on the backdrop of more devolution of revenues ( recommended by 14th FC 32% --> 42%).

7 Apr

Red Flag exercise

Air combat exercise
By US – Many allies take part, NATO – India is also taking part this year

Gram Sabhas

Q. Gram sabhas mandated by the landmark Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA), are crucial in implementing FRA act and in preserving forests and livelihood of people living there. Further discuss their significance and the challenges they are facing in different parts of India in their functioning. [Hindu]

Role of gram sabhas

It is responsible for determining individual and community rights over forest
It can recommend developmental projects which can be taken by felling of trees
It considers the resettlement packages awarded by state govt. to various displaced communities due to setting up of national parks, sanctuaries, etc.
To protect wildlife, ecology, water sources, habitat of other forest dwellers

Challenges

Forged consent (Gandhamardan) : recently Odisha mining corporation submitted an allegedly forged consent of the gram sabha to turn forest land into an iron mine. Similar things are observed in Niyamgiri (Orissa)
Govt. denying community rights over forests
Companies forcefully uprooting trees, and evicting local population

Solution:

Coal mining is necessary for Countries energy needs and these forests resources are equally important.
These local communities are the main stakeloosers in this – their knowledge of the local forests, their contribution in the conservation of forests is important – can help in making democaratic and ecologically informed decision,
These local communities should not be sidelined but given imporatant role in the decision making – which is why the FRA act was passed – but illegal forging, and govt. attitude towards this situation is grim

Drought

Q. What are the short term and long term solutions to fight drought in India? Examine.

Digital India

Q. The Digital India programme is ambitious in its scale. Discuss the challenges that the programme faces to become successful. How these challenges can be addressed?

Digital India aims to provide services to the doorsteps of the consumers
It is an amalgamation of e-services, e-governance, e-healthcare and various other services provided on electronic/Internet platform.
But setting up of this platform for use by general public, needs a backbone architecture -

Components of Architecture

Connectivity : – optical fibre network, spectrum
Applications : - user applications that meets users demands in local language (Making demand for applications)

Challenges:

Connectivity : Laying of fibre ( NOFN – still way behind, network speed in India a too low,), spectrum cost is too high

NSS

Q. Write a critical note on the outcome of the recent Fourth Nuclear Security Summit held in Washington

Logistics

Q. Better logistics is a prime requirement of a modern economy with a complex supply chain. India has one of the least efficient logistics in the world. How to improve logistics in India? Discuss.

Logistics is everything that takes place between a producer and a consumer.
Transport is one important component of logistics, any efficiency improvement in transportation will be directly seen in efficiency improvement of logistics

Scenario of transportation

Average speed is very low as compared to developed nations (thus distance travelled in a year is less) – this is also due to bad roads, heavy congestion on roads, tolls, etc.
Checking at state borders – crossing just one state can take hours of verification and if a truck is going from Jammu to kerala – days could be wasted just in checking at every checkpoints,
This causes unnecessary delays – thus companies cannot keep Just in time inventory (has to keep excess inventories) – increases cost and thus reduces competitiveness
Share of road transport to rail transport (70:30) is very high – in developed nations it is 30:70 – rail transports are more efficient –economically and environmentally.
Separate state licences are to be acquired – each state has different format, different number of forms, etc.

Solutions:

Shift from VAT (origin based tax) to GST (destination based tax) – Will allow uniform forms across all states – easier verification, will allow state govt. to relax the permit requirements for outbound transport.
In EU and various other nations – transportation model introduced by International road transport convention. In this the transport containers remains sealed all throughout is journey till the destination. Customs official checks and verifies containers at the starting point and is sealed and a certificate of verification is given – which can be showed at every checkpoint. Thus reducing verification times.

8 Apr

1267 UN committee

This committee looks into the Al-qaida sanctions
People and groups associated with Al-qaida

GM Mustard

Currently only GM cotton is available in Indian farms
GM crops can increase productivity, and have resistance towards pest
GM cotton has catapulted India – India is 2nd largest exporter of cotton

Concerns:

Productivity increase is not substantial
GM mustard could pave the way for GM seeds of tomato, rice, brinjal, etc – could harm ecology and food chain
CIC – ordered to release bio-safety data of GM mustard

Genetic engineering Approval committee

Under MoEFCC
Accords approval for field trials of GM seeds

Indradhanush

Vaccination under mission indradhanush
Aims to achieve 90% immunisation by 2020
Now covers 11 vaccine preventable disease
Originally 7 (Diptheria, Pertusis(whooping cough), measles, Hepatitis B, TB, Polio, Tetanus) [DPM-HTTP]
Now 4 more has been added ( Japanese Encephalitis, IPV (Inactivated polio vaccine), Measles Rubella (MR) vaccine, Rotavirus vaccine

Hike in IIT fees

Students after earning degree (which is mostly sponsored by govt. with public money) – take jobs in foreign countries
Return to society is less
Devang khakar committee – proposed education loan without any collateral
Variable fees introduced (with assistance to economically weaker)
Education loan should be linked with placements of students

Gut micro-biome

Microorganisms living in our body have direct relation with our health
Gut microbiome is linked with nutrition and immunity
A mature microbiome results in a healthy children – helps in better growth of brain, liver, heart and other tissues
Mothers milk provides the necessary nutrition at initial stages – have a sugar that is vital for development of gut microbiome

Gold imports

Gold imports are the 2nd biggest import bills.
Govt. has introduced Sovereign gold bonds, gold monetisation scheme – to reduce the burden of imports – but not much success
Gold mining in India – vey low – no proper survey is being done
Private players should be encouraged

Patents –as a drag

Q. It is said that open source software’s are the future and patent is a drag on innovation. Examine why and also examine how India’s patent rules are affecting innovation in India.

Patent office released guidelines that – software’s in itself is not patentable (can be patented when involved with a novel hardware)

9 Apr

Supreme court

Q. “It is undeniable that the Supreme Court’s role as the Constitution’s sheet anchor has been weakened in recent times.” Why has it happened? What are the solutions proposed to restore Supreme Court’s original responsibilities and what are their merits? Discuss.

SC is the guarantor and protector of constitution of India.
Its decision in the matters of interpretation of constitution is final.
It acts as the final court of appeal.
SC is grappled with day to day civil cases and criminal cases. This burden has resulted in high backlogs.

Solution:

Establishment of NCA (national court of appeal) with HQ in Delhi and regional benches in various parts of country to deal in civil and criminal matters – thus relieving SC of this burden and it can focus only on cases involving fundamental interpretation of constitution.
Regional benches will allow greater access to litigants for whom Delhi is too far.
NCA will be established in between SC and HC in hierarchy.
But there is no provision in the constitution for such establishment of NCA – constitution amendment would be required.
Constitution benches have reduced – constitution provides that at least a bench of 5 judges is required for interpretation of constitution
But in recent cases it hasn’t be followed – Case on homosexuality, case on sec 66A of IT Act
SC has original jurisdiction on matters related to fundamental rights and disputes between states or state with centre and has appellate jurisdiction – where a case is transferred to SC by appeal
SC is also provided with powers of granting special leave – Special leave petition is filed by a aggrieved party against a judgement of a lower court or tribunal – SC has the right to grant a special leave to this petition – which turns it into an appeal – and SC hears the case and passes the judgement
Constitutional assembly saw SC as a body that will interpret constitution and as well deal in law of land – but gave discretion in choosing its scope of work
HC and other courts were seen as enough to deal with small civil and criminal matters

Bottom up approach

What NCA aims to achieve can be achieved by – strengthening of HC and district courts – selection of highest character judges – who can take judgements without partiality – thus minimizing errors
Judges to population ratio is very low, at current rate the pending cases will take decades to get cleared

Solid waste management

Problem:

Increased solid waste with hazardous and e-waste
Un-scientific solid waste disposal

Solution:

New solid waste management rules 2016 released
Covers not only municipal areas but industrial townships, airports, areas under Indian railways, pilgrimage and heritage sites, etc.
Segregation of wastes – Wet(biodegradable), dry (plastics, metal, wood) and Hazardous(sanitary napkins, medical equipment’s). segregation is to be done at source
Bio-degradable waste to be composted or use of bio-methanation locally
Street vendors to keep containers for waste
New townships should have in-house waste handling

Biomethanation:

NFHS-4

Q. Briefly analyse the findings of NFHS-4 in the areas of maternal healthcare, fertility and family planning and child health.

Maternal health care

Institutional deliveries increased
Deliveries attended by skilled provider increased
Increase in ante natal care (with immunization, iron capsules, etc.)
But disparity among states is visible – some states showed only marginal improvement

Fertility

Fertility levels have decreased – is now close to replacement levels

Child health

NFHS recorded – Stunting (height for age), Wasting (weight for height) and Underweight (weight for age)
Stunting, wasting and underweight has shown urban-rural disparity – these parameters are high in rural areas specially in states such as Bihar, Jharkhand, M.P.
Under 5 mortality has decreased in most of the states
Improved vaccination

Others:

Adult health – increase in high B.P, high glucose levels, use of tobacco and alcohol is still high
Violence against women has decreased but still a lot has to be done
Improved access to clean water and improved sanitation
With improved access to electricity and LPG – clean fuel is used – improvement in indoor air quality

India-Japan – Civil nuclear deal

Q. Despite recent strengthening of relations between India and Japan, there is a delay in signing a civil nuclear cooperation agreement between them. Examine the concerns of Japan in signing this agreement and its importance for India.

India is not a signatory of NPT
In 2006, India-US signed a deal – that granted a waiver to India by NSG to take trade activities in nuclear fuel
But Japan, Australia were still reluctant – concern that NPT will be undermined
Australia has given its nod for a civil nuclear deal
But Japan is still reluctant

Concerns of Japan:

Domestic concerns : section of society opposing the nuclear trade, citing India as not a member of NPT, - some section opposing citing Fukushima disaster – it could be repeated
Japan is insisting to add a clause(Nullification clause) that : if India tests any nuclear bombs – Japan will stop the supply of uranium - India is against it. (India has already adopted moratorium on nuclear tests from 2008)
Japan has also asked for three conditions:
1. Continuing ban on nuclear tests
2. Allow IAEA to inspect nuclear plants
3. Cannot indulge in sale of nuclear technology to third nation

Solution:

Concern related to fukushima like disaster – India is not in the similar seismic zone as that of Japan, location of installation of plants should be carefully chosen and proper safeguards should be employed
India should look towards other renewable energy as well – because nuclear energy is inherently dangerous – a percentage of possibility of a disaster will always be there

Surrogacy

Q. In late 2015, the Government of India banned foreigners from having children through surrogate mothers in India. The government expressed its reluctance to allow commercial surrogacy, while supporting altruistic surrogacy for married infertile Indian couples. Examine the the effects of this ban on the people involved in commercial surrogacy.

11 Apr

Nandi Hills

Karnataka
Famous for Bhoga Nandishwara temple- elaborate black stone carvings

Chalukyas of badami

Carvings from stones, rocks
Started building temples in Aihole, then in Pattadkal and Badami

Chalukya Architecture

flourished during 5th and 8th centuries
also known as vesara style
found in Karnataka
Chalukya style originated in Aihole and perfected in Pattadkal and Badami
it shows blending of Nagara and Dravidian style
includes rock cut halls and structural temples
a number of them dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma — Preceding unsigned comment added by Gaurav4291 (talk • contribs) 07:21, 3 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Safe Houses

Some houses are selected as safe houses in a locality – and women who feel threatened can knock the doors – they will help, will call the police
These houses are demarcated by bright board signs

Interest subvention

Q. The interest subvention scheme was introduced in 2006-07 to help farmers with cheaper credit for crop loans. Critically evaluate the scheme and suggest what improvements can be made.

Deepak mohanty committee on medium term path towards financial inclusion – has recommended phasing out of interest subvention scheme and replacing it with universal crop insurance scheme
Interest subvention scheme – is the subsidy provided by govt. on loans taken by farmers
The banks are to first credit the subvention amount into the accounts of farmers and then claim the reimbursement from govt. – any delay in reimbursements or reduction in budgetary allocation – will have implications on health of banking sector
Agriculture credit is growing at a high rate with very low growth in agriculture output and minimal growth in profits – thus it is impacting the banking sector heavily –
Increasing farm credit and low agriculture growth – shows diversion of funds from agriculture use to other use
A farmer can take concessional loans at lower rates and then can keep these funds partially or wholly in fixed deposits – since rate is higher in fixed deposits and can even become a moneylender – offers funds at higher rate (since many still not able get loans from banks)
It is a huge leakage in the system

Solution:

As suggested by Deepak mohanty – phasing out of subvention scheme and move towards universal crop insurance – PM Fasal Bima yojana
Move towards income based subsidy – provide DBT based subsidy in Fertilisers, electricity and seeds
Put money in the hands of farmers and let market do the rest

Kuznets curve

Q. What do you understand by the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis? Should India’s development policy be dependent on this hypothesis? Comment.

Environment Kuznets curve hypothesis

Hypothesis - Pollute first and clean later
The basis for this view comes from the idea that environmental quality comes only after the basic human needs of fooding, shelter, thus countries should first aim at economic growth and after that as countries become richer can afford to clean environment and impose stricter regulations as public demand for a clean environment increases – this also explains cleaner environment in developed nations

Flaws in this hypothesis:

Not adequate evidence of reduction of CO2 in global environment - after countries have become rich
How much damage can be done before the environment is unable to reverse the damage is not known
the improvement of environment of countries which have become richer is flawed – in most cases improvement of environment is achieved because of shifting of industries to developing nations, only minor role is played by policies (China is an example)

Solution:

our policy should not be based on pollute first clean later approach
automobile industries, power plants, coal and mineral mines directly impact the environment – but are vital for economy
Thus policy actions require trade-off between development and ecology
Participatory process is required
Growth should not only be measured in terms of GDP – other indicators for environment, sustainable development should be developed – similar to GNH

Diabetes

Q. India stands next only to China in the prevalence of diabetes, and contributes nearly one-sixth to the global disease burden of 422 million. Discuss the factors contributing to rise in prevalence of diabetes in India, its effect on population and economy, and measures needed to prevent this disease.

Single currency

Q. Over the years, some economists are advocating creation of single global currency. Should such currency system be created? What effect it will have on countries like India? Examine.

12 Apr

Fireworks

News – Tragedy at temple fireworks
Potassium chlorate is banned for use in fireworks – potassium chlorate is highly sensitive to pressure, temperature
Potassium chlorate is used in matchstick

MCI

SC withdraws its order of 2013 on medical entrance test
NEET – National eligibility cum entrance test – for a common entrance test for MBBS, BDS and other post-graduate medical courses
SC in 2013 held NEET to be unconstitutional
Now, SC sees it is important to have a common entrance test – to remove malpractices of selling seat in medical colleges

Five year plan

12th five year plan – till 2016-17
After this five year plans will be scrapped
Planning commission already scrapped
Budget announcement – from next year plan and non-plan heads in expenditure will be done away

PMUY

Q. Recently the Union government launched the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). It is said that the real test of the PMUY and its successor programmes will be in how they translate the provision of connections to sustained use of LPG or other clean fuels such as electricity or biogas. For this which issues need to be addressed? Also discuss the significance of PMUY. [Hindu]

PM ujjawal yojana – under this free LPG connections will be provided to female member of BPL house holds
Cooking using woodfires or cowdung – has illeffects on health – cancer, Heart disease. Lung diseases,
Indoor air pollution is one of the heaviest burden on India’s health related costs
Reduces mortality and morbidity

Need – is sustained use of clean fuel

Cost – Initial subsidy in connection is a welcome step, but still using LPG cylinders even after subsidy is costly for BPL households. Govt. should provide more subsidy for initial few LPG cylinders per year. This can be balanced, since govt. has already started Pahal initiative and also proposed to remove subsidy for households earning more than 10 lakhs per annum. (this will be effective seeing the health benefits and the associated costs)
Distribution – strengthening of distribution channel is important as when demand increases and supply remains short, people will go back to old methods. Rural distribution channels will find it a challenge since they will be catering to a low number of customers as compared to urban dealers.
Reach – Including other deprived households as well. Since BPL many times have errors in recording poor households
Awareness – providing DBT may not result in increased use of clean energy - thus awareness programmes becomes important – a role to be played by self help groups, civil society, aaganwaadis,etc.
SDG- 7 : is on affordable, reliable, and modern energy

Conclusion:

It is a bold and much needed initiative, but to provide a smokeless kitchen a concerted effort is needed cutting across various ministries – rural development, women and children development.

Religious congregations

Q. One of the most complex tasks the Indian administration has to perform is the handling of massive religious congregations. Discuss the challenges and measures need to be taken by the district administration in ensuring safety during such occasions.[Hindu]

Challenges:

Enthusiasm is very high – every year event becomes larger than the last, crowd control becomes a problem –
Every is moving towards a central point ( a sanctum) – thus proper entry and exit becomes a challenge –
In most of these events – crowd control is managed by local people only (volunteers) – with support from authorities – these people have very little knowledge and experience of crowd control
Most of them have very little concern of public safety
Political interference – if in cases due to administrative difficulties – event is ordered to be scaled down ( use of less fireworks, less noise, etc.) – political parties intervene – they do not want to irk these religious groups
Concerns of local residents are overheard – they complain each year – but authorities rarely take action
Flawed plan of event – no proper crowd movement directions, exit and entry point narrow,

Biosimilars

Are biological medical products that are similar to an already approved medical drug and has same safety and effectiveness.
Can be launched once the patent duration of the original manufacturer gets expired

Drug

A drug can be made using 1. Chemical synthesis 2. By engineering living organisms (biotechnology)
An equivalent drug of which the original product was produced through chemical synthesis – is called a generic
An equivalent drug of which the original product was derived from an engineered living organism – is called a biosimilar
Both biosimilar and generic drugs aims to bring the health costs down – since both are less costly than the branded drugs
Biosimilar are complex since it is derived from living organisms – since the original manufacturer doesn’t make the knowledge of the engineered organism public – thus replicating is difficult
Whereas in case of generics – replicating is easier than the biosimilars

Testing:

Generics only require bioequivalence test – in which clinical trials are not required – healthy volunteers are taken – only drug concentration in blood w.r.t time is required to match with the original product
Whereas in case of biosimilars clinical trials is necessary thus costly

Unified payment interface (UPI)

Q. Recently the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launched unified payment interface (UPI). Discuss the significance, objectives and applications of UPI.

NPCI (National payments corporation of India) launched – UPI (unified payment interface) – a step towards a cashless society
It will allow a person to transfer funds between a number of banks or to a person with a single login ID without the need of providing sensitive information like bank account number – using this UPI platform
UPI is a mobile interface – apps could be created – and through these financial transactions can be done.
Will digitise person to person financial transaction
Have the potential to replace cash on delivery with e-payment on delivery
NPCI needs a grievance redressal mechanism in case of frauds in transactions
NPCI - It was set up with the guidance and support of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA — Preceding unsigned comment added by Gaurav4291 (talk • contribs) 12:48, 1 August 2016 (UTC)[reply]

13 Apr

India-US

Q. Recently, India and USA announced an in principle agreement to conclude a logistics exchange memorandum of agreement (LEMOA). Discuss the significance of this agreement and also throw light on importance of ongoing defence talks for India.

In-principle approval to logistics support agreement
Will allow both defences to use each other’s facilities

Strategic importance

China with its defence build up in India ocean – Djibouti port, Gwadar port and port in Malaysia and Srilanka is increasing its presence in Indian Ocean.
China has superior powers in pacific ocean owing to its geography similarly India has superior powers in Indian ocean
India should tread carefully – alliance with US might irk China and Russia – it shouldn’t be seen as siding with a nation
India’s dominance in Indian ocean is important as a counter to China – If China forces India on Northern borders – India can squeeze its resources crossing from mallaca strait or Gwadar port
http://www.marsecreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Malacca-Strait-Cooperation.gif.pagespeed.ce.ClYsnQwHDj.gif

Potassium chlorate

Have high oxidising power
On ignition decomposes into more oxygen and burns more vigorously
Matchstick head – potassium chlorate, antimony sulphide and powdered glass – and red phosphorous

Komagata maru

Canada’s PM to officially apologize
Canada didn’t allow passengers disembark in Canada
Started from honkkong – then to Japan – then to Canada
In may 1914
Came back to India – near Budge Budge – police fired on people – known as Budge Budge incident

NH -7 (now 44)

Passes through Kanha-pench and kanha-nagzira
Nagzira – in Maharastra
Pench, Kanha – M.P

14 Apr

Ground water contamination

Pthalates are used in pesticides and plastics – which seeps in ground water

Chia

High energy grain from Mexico
Can be used as an alternative to tobacco

Ambedkar

Q. Critically comment on Dr B. R. Ambedkar’s views on nationalism.

15 Apr

RIC

Russia-India-China
Meeting in Moscow

Tax Heavens

Q. It is said liberalization and recent policy measures are partly to blame for the fact that many Indians are investing in tax havens and stashing funds abroad. Critically examine.[Hindu]

Indian’s sends money out of the country for various purposes – foreign study, medical treatment, travel, to relatives and kin, for investments, etc.
LRS – Liberalised remittance scheme (2003) – under this all Indian residents can remit $250,000 per year on some current and capital account transactions.
FERA – foreign exchange regulation act was in force till 1998 and it made it stringent to take out money out of country without permission.
With economic liberalisation, taking out money out of country was made less stringent
FEMA (1999) and PMLA (2003) – made it a civil offence which was a criminal offence under FERA
Citizens need to keep funds in foreign accounts for various purposes – studies, travel, medical, etc. – some do it legally and some illegally
This liberalisation has resulted in ways that fund transfers can be masked illegally
This liberalisation has advantages but disadvantageous as well – more capital is going out and less is coming as foreign investment – India is a net looser
P-Notes – encourages more foreign investment but also encourages more capital flight out of the country

Capital account convertibility

Means rupee can be converted to any currency for buying of assets in foreign. These assets could be land, stocks, etc.
It attracts foreign investments

Current account convertibility

Inflow or outflow of funds for purposes other than creation of assets in foreign. Such as sending money for foreign studies, travel, medical treatment, payments for any sale of purchase of goods and services

National test for medical

Q. Discuss the merits and demerits of the idea of holding a national test to ascertain the aptitude and suitability of those seeking to study medicine anywhere in the country.[Hindu]

SC recalled their earlier judgement of holding NEET as constitutionally invalid

Merits:

Reduces burden of a number of tests that students have to give
Admissions to private institutions will be transparent – currently seats are sold
Will ensure same level of quality across nation

Demerits:

States feel that national entrance test – will not allow them to follow their own reservation policy that they desire
Minority institutions feel that – their right of administering a minority institution in their own way – is being encroached

Solution:

National tests will only generate a pool of eligible candidates – from which states and institutions can choose candidates students based on their policies.

Zika virus

Causes microcephaly – malformation of foetal brain and Guillain-Barré syndrome (a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system)
Rubella virus – another virus linked to foetal defects

Money bill

Q. Why some bills are labelled as money bills and require only the Lower House to pass them in Indian legislatures? The Constitution says the decision of the speaker shall be final in deciding which bill is money bill. Should this provision be amended? Comment.

An ordinary bill has to be passed by both the houses with simple majority
In cases, where the govt. feels it doesn’t have enough majority to get the bill passed in Rajya Sabha – it tries to pass the bill as money bill
Money bill – only requires lok sabha to pass it, bill is presented in rajya sabha also – but after 14 days it is automatically deemed to be passed
Constitution says any bill that is related to taxes, govt. borrowing and spending with other features that are not the major part of it – is deemed to be money bill and speaker’s decision on it is final.
Rajya sabha is provided as a reviewer to various laws that govt. passes, diluting of rajya sabha’s power is not good for legislation in the country
A consultative process should be developed - in which a committee is consulted by speaker and committee has members from both the houses

Cybersecurity

Q. It is said that government initiatives such as Digital India and Make in India enable financial inclusion but also make the country an attractive target for cybercriminals. In this regard, what should government do to enhance cybersecurity? Suggest solutions from global experiences.

With initiatives like Digital India and Make in India – India is pushing for greater financial inclusion using internet as the backbone.
Increasing use of mobile payments based on UPI
It makes India vulnerable to cyber attacks – cyber attacks are dangerous as it can affect defence installations, nuclear installation, financial institutions, social infrastructure like electricity grid, highway tolls,

Solution:

Regulations need to be strengthen –
Awareness
Sharing between nations – of known ways of hacking, targeting, etc.
Investment in data security
International treaties on cyber security
Cyber security at third party vendors is also essential – any loophole in the system – can jeopardise whole system

16 Apr

Cartosat-2C

High resolution earth observation satellite
Resolution 60 cm (arm’s length)
Mainly for military purpose

Dooars

Are floodplains and foothills of Himalayas in N-E India near Bhutan
Area – Darjeeling
Important for tea cultivation

Cassini

NASA’s spacecraft – orbiting Saturn

Coral bleaching

Algae and other uni-cellular organisms live on coral surfaces – that gives corals its vibrant colors
High increase in temperature – causes corals to expel these organisms (a defence mechanism) – thus corals loses its colours – which is seen as bleaching

Organisation of Islamic cooperation

Muslim country organisation
Meeting in Turkey, in 2016
India is blocked
Raised the issue of Kashmir

Maritime infrastructure

Q. For what reasons should India improve its maritime infrastructure and build robust maritime strategy? What initiatives have been taken in this regard? Examine.

Reasons:

India has vastline coastline – trade routes has been historically dominated by sealanes in India, but in contemporary times, maritime infrastructure has lagged – Colombo handles more containers than whole of India combined – gives a succinct picture of scenario
Marine transportation is more economical and environment friendly than other transportations
Have the potential of meeting food demand of nation through fisheries and sea based food – which are also more nutritional
Strategic : Indian ocean is important in terms of international shipping routes as well – thus securing this region is vital – Indian navy could play a vital role owing to India’s strategic location

Initiatives:

Sagarmala project – to initiate port led development, developing coastal regions, connecting these ports with inland water ways and SEZ’s, warehouses,
Investments in Bangladesh and Myanmar port development,
Developing inland water ways in Myanmar under kaladan multimodal transport project
Indian navy have provided security in region where piracy is high – resulted in rolling back of HRA zone (78 to 65 E)

Water Management

Q. It is said that in India, there has not been any basic transformation in both the knowledge base and institutional structure for managing water systems since the end of the British rule in 1947. Discuss the importance of having institutional structure for managing water systems and recent measures taken by government to address this deficiency.

Water scarcity is not the real problem – water management is the real problem

Inefficient usage –

both in urban and rural areas – excessive farming of water guzzler crops – like rice, sugarcane – India is largest exporter of rice (already scarce resource)
sugarcane industry has strong political backing and doesn’t allow any water limiting law being passed
Madhav Chitale report ( on Maharastra Irrigation scam) – reported huge fund diversion – fund allocated for irrigation purposes routed in other activities
Excessive exploitation of groundwater

Need:

Proper management of groundwater resources,
More water can’t be created – it can only be managed properly
Limit on excessive farming of water guzzler crops
Concept of water budget should be introduced – a locality should be given only a fixed amount of water
Sewage recycling plants

18 Apr

Drought

According to ground water act, levels below -1m are manageable scarcity, below -2m are critical and below -3m are alarming.

Sheshachalam biosphere reserve

Andhra Pradesh
Tirupati Balaji temple is within this reserve

Spring meetings

Meetings of IMF and world bank

Sepsis

Also called septicaemia
Is caused due to overwhelming response of the immune system to an infection

Tobacco Ban

Q. Discuss the risks of smokeless tobacco, challenges faced in imposing ban on it in India and measures taken by governments in this regard.

Consumption of gutka, jarda, pan masala and khaini (smokeless tobacco) is higher than the smoking tobacco
Women consumer is also higher in case of smokeless tobacco products
Tobacco related cancer is very high –

Steps taken

Banning of tobacco products in a number of states

RCEP

Q. Should India sign the 16-country Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade agreement? Substantiate.

Vajrayana Buddhism

Tara (Kali) cult

Equador earthquake

Subduction of pacific ocean plate (more specifically – Nazca plate) under south American plate (Convergent boundary)
Equador lies in the pacific ring of fire
http://geology.gsapubs.org/content/41/2/227/F1.large.jpg
http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/archive/02817/Pacific_Ring_of_Fi_2817727a.png

Golan Heights

Israel annexed Golan heights from Syria after 6 day war
http://media.i24news.tv/upload/cache/medium_image/upload/image/afp-d474a370e774f6b0da59c019c11cb1bceffc237a.jpg

Ashgabat agreement

International transport and transit corridor to connect central Asian economies with Persian gulf – through a multimodal transportation
Members – (India, Oman, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Turkmenistan) – [IOU-KIT]
India has acceded to this agreement – members approval is pending
Will be linked with International North-South transport corridor

NSTC

International North-South transport corridor
Multimodal transport corridor
Will help connect Countries like – India, Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia – will reduce transportation time
Will be synergised with Ashgabat agreement
Chabahar port will be integrated with NSTC

19 Apr

Nuclear disarmament

Q. Critically discuss the magnitude of nuclear stockpile around the world, the challenges of making world nuclear-free and the role of international community in nuclear disarmament. [Hindu]

There are no official figures as to who own how much nuclear material and weapons – unofficial estimates are that there are about 2000 tons of nuclear material in world and 99% is owned by US and Russia
There is no official stock of how much India or Pakistan has.
Plutonium and HEU (Highly enriched uranium) are primarily used in nuclear weapons
India employs technologies like fast breeder reactors – that produces more plutonium than they consume

Dangers

These material or nuclear weapons could be used by terrorists organisations

Steps taken

Countries have agreed to take precautions and secure their civil nuclear stocks under global watchdogs but are reluctant to have any watch on their nuclear warheads programme.

20 Apr

Olive Ridley turtles

Protected under Schedule I of wildlife protection act
Bhitarkanika (Orissa) – largest nesting ground in the world

Mundanthurai tiger reserve

In tamil nadu
Kani tribe

Tiger conservation

A number of tiger species have gone extinct (bali, javan tigers)
They are dominant predators – keep a check on number of herbivores – large number of herbivores can be detrimental to forest. Thus can lead to loss of carbon sequestration

Efforts made for conservation

Project tiger started in 1972 with 9 tiger reserves – now has 48 tiger reserves
CITES – convention on international trade on wildlife flora and fauna – to prevent trading of these endangered wildlife animals and flora
Global tiger forum (inter-governmental tiger conservation forum) – 7 members ( Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Nepal and Myanmar)
Tourism has played a larger role in conservation – tourism in these national parks have provided livelihood to local communities – that play vital role in the conservation of tiger

Challenges

Illegal trade – tiger bones used in Chinese medicines
Illegal poaching
Man-animal conflict

Global Tiger Forum

Global tiger forum (inter-governmental tiger conservation forum) – 7 members ( Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Nepal and Myanmar)
[IBM-BC-Nepal-Vietnam]

YETI

Q. An influential group of computer scientists are setting up a test bed to reroute the Internet’s traffic under a project, named “Yeti”. Examine the objectives and significance of this project. [Hindu]

YETI – is a project to shift IP addresses from IPV4 to IPV6
IPV are protocols to define internet addresses of devices that are connected to internet
Only a fixed number of addresses can be assigned using these protocols – currently IPV4 is mostly used with some new devices having both IPV 4 and 6 – IPV4 addresses are soon getting exhausted
Need – is to shift from IPV4 to IPV6 – that will provide addresses for next few decades
Issue – IPV4 devices cannot directly interact with IPV6 devices –
Solution – to shift every device from IPV4 to IPV6 or use a method to translate new IPV6 addresses to IPV4 addresses that will allow new devices to interact with old devices
ICANN – International cooperation for assigned names and numbers – is the NGO authority that assigns IP addresses and is the custodian of these addresses
All messages in the internet passes through few root servers (13) – that have all internet addresses – they direct messages to their destinations
YETI – aims to incorporate new root servers based on IPV6 – thus increasing the number of addresses and also these servers will be located worldwide – thus no single authority will have access to all servers
Strategic – internet plays a vital role in todays

Special 301 list

USTR (US trade representatives) - prepares a list of countries that do not conform to US’s Trade policy – that is detrimental to US trade – or countries that do not provide adequate IP protection
India is kept in Priority watchlist
USTR has raised concerns like – compulsory licensing, data protection, etc.
Indian IPR – India has made improvements in IP protection – faster processing, better enforcement – but still need of improvement is their
India’s policy of granting compulsory licensing is in compliance with WTO and TRIPS – both provide provisions for national govt. to take necessary step to secure national interests – like food security to population, healthcare etc.
India should deal carefully in signing deals – keeping its national interests in mind

Smart city

Q. “Alongside Amrut and the Smart Cities Mission, we need fundamental reform in the institutions that govern the planning and management of cities within the Indian federal regime.” Discuss.

UN Resolution

1267 – On Al-qaeda
1999 – On Taliban regime

CRR

Q. What is Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR). How is it different from Statutory Liquidity Ratio. Some economists and bankers have demanded phasing out of CRR. Examine why.

CRR – Banks have to keep a fraction of their deposits with RBI.
This to done to provide stability to the financial system
Higher CRR – less money with bank to provide for lending and investment
No limit of max and min CRR – RBI can set anything
SLR – fraction of deposits that a bank has to keep in the form of govt. approved securities, gold, cash
Max. SLR = 40% and Min SLR = 0%

Demand of phasing out CRR

RBI doesn’t give any interest on CRR and RBI keeps CRR in cash form – thus banks loose interest on the CRR component
On not meeting CRR – banks are charged a fine – thus enforces discipline
CRR phasing out is demanded – to make banks more profitable and thus will allow more cut in the lending rates
Idea of removing CRR and increasing SLR – SLR is kept with the banks itself – this will be prone to indiscipline as – banks are not going to fine themselves for not meeting the criteria

21 Apr

Manual scavenging

A huge number of people still involved in manual scavenging – majority being women
Indian railways employs a huge number for cleaning railway tracks
Govt. estimated numbers are less than the real figures – due to difference in definition of manual scavenging – people using gloves and high pressure jets not accounted for
It poses health hazards, has social implications on the family especially on children
Govt. passed prohibition of employment of manual scavengers and their rehabilitation act, 2013
Act provides for – prohibition and proper rehabilitation of manual scavengers

Demographic dividend

Q. “Despite a predominantly young population, a demographic dividend is unlikely to accrue to India unless the northern belt, the youngest region in the country in terms of population age, ramps up its performance on several socio-economic parameters.” Discuss.

South India’s economic and social performance indicators are better than the north Indian belt
South India’s per capita income is $2000 whereas it is $1200 in north India
Gender ratio is less in north India as compared to South India
Literacy rates are higher in southern India
North contributes highly to unskilled labour workforce
Agriculture is the majority employer in northern part – and it has grown very slowly – thus resulted in increased in unemployment in northern part
Higher unemployment – has resulted in high crime rates in north
North sees higher number of strikes and riots – thus loss of workdays
Southern states have more competitive advantage in terms of a better skilled workforce

Earthquakes

Q. Why some regions in India are prone to frequent earthquakes? Examine the threats that earthquakes pose to these regions and the nature of preparedness needed to deal with these threats.

Earthquakes don’t kill people – collapsing buildings do.
Indian northern and eastern region is highly prone to earthquakes
No standard procedure is followed for building construction
Some highly earthquake prone region has high density of buildings – can lead to heavy destruction

Solution:

Formulation of building construction codes – and proper implementation of these codes are required
Disaster preparedness task force
India has signed Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction – that recognises states has the primary role in disaster risk reduction with involvement with civil society

Paris agreement

Q. Shortly, India will be signing the Paris Agreement on climate change. Enumerate the important objectives and provisions of this Agreement.

22 Apr

Transforming India

Q. Recently, the Union government released an action plan to transform India. Analyse the objectives and the means it strives to adopt to transform India.

Features

Growth of 10% - by 2032 India will be $10 trillion GDP country – with no poverty
100% rural electrification by May,2018
100% rural tele-density by 2020
Broadband connectivity to all gram panchayats through optical fibre by 2018
Seeding of Aadhaar number in 90% of ration cards by 2017
De-regulation of genetically engineered insect resistant pulses seeds by 2018

Priority sector lending

Q. What are the objectives of Priority Sector Lending (PSL)? Recently, RBI permitted the issue and trading of PSL certificates. Discuss the significance of this initiative for PSL.

Priority sector refers to sectors which may not get adequate loans from banks thus priority sector lending norms are formulated, so that banks offers loans to these sectors.

Priority sectors:

Agriculture and allied services
Micro, medium and small enterprises
Education
Housing
Export credit
Renewable energy
Social infrastructure
Others

PSL norms

Banks have to give 40% of their total loans to these sectors.
Each sector and sub sectors have defined quota

Change

RBI ha now permitted issue and sale of PSL certificates
It means a bank A can exceed its quota of lending to a particular sector – and for the excess amount it can issue certificates to bank B or C – so that they will also meet their targets.
Thus if a bank has expertise in lending to a particular sector – it can focus more on that sector
Recovery of these loans will be responsibility of Bank A only

Black necked crane

Zemithang valley in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh - also found in Sante valley in Arunachal
Vulnerable under IUCN
Kept in Schedule I of India’s wildlife act
breeding site in wetlands of Tibet
considered sacred in Buddhists traditions

23 Apr

A-356

In Bommai judgement, SC held that proclamation of president’s rule under A356 is subject to judicial review. Before this judgement, proclamation of president’s rule was out of purview of judiciary – thus a number of unlawful proclamation was done
Bommai judgement also held, that any question of the ruling govt. enjoying majority can only be tested in the state legislature – both houses should endorse the dissolution

24 Apr

Polio vaccine

Global switch from trivalent to bivalent
Currently polio vaccine has all three strains ( Type 1, type 2 and type 3)
Polio vaccine contains live polio virus of all the 3 strains
Under rare circumstances the vaccine can cause polio in the children – in all the cases that have showed occurrence of polio – type 2 strain is one of the major cause
Polio can be eradicated in two stages – first – to eradicate wild polio using OPV (oral polio vaccine) – second – to eradicate vaccine derived polio virus through inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)

25 Apr

Chalukyas

Pulakeshin defeated harshavardhan

Maharastra Social boycott act

Q. Recently, the Maharashtra State Assembly enacted the Maharashtra Protection of People from Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act of 2016. Discuss the significance of this law.

The act aims to prevent practice of social boycott – which includes obstructing people from practising a custom or tradition, severing social or commercial ties, discrimination, expulsion from community, etc.
The focus of the act is on panchayats that enforces these kind of social boycotts
Constitution provides for religious groups to practice their religion and to manage their affairs
Constitution also provides for abolition of untouchability, and freedom of conscience of individual
Constitution also provides non-discriminatory access to places like shops, public place, places of entertainment, etc.

Drought

Q. “The fact is that the severity and intensity of drought is not about lack of rainfall, it is about the lack of planning, foresight and criminal neglect. Drought is man-made.” What needs to be done to address drought problem that’s man-made? Discuss.

Excessive use in agriculture, industries, urban usage etc.
Rain is becoming more unseasonal, more erratic
Water demand is increasing manifolds – and water resources are reducing more and more
During drought, employment is provided to affected population – mostly non-productive jobs are done – no effort is being made to plan, replenish water

Solution:

Augment water resources – save every drop of water, water harvesting, recharge groundwater
Locate water resources – plan its usage, its conservation and also its replenishment
In times of drought – shut non-essential water usage – watering of lawns, wastage of water in washing cars, etc.
Water budget - Judicious use of water – reduced consumption year on year – more efficient water purifiers a home, less wastage in washing, etc.

26 Apr

IPV

Is to be administered intramuscularly - 0.5 ml dosage at 14 weeks.
It can be administered intradermally also – 0.1 ml each at 6 and 14 weeks
Intradermal dosage is followed in 7 high performing states ( Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharastra, Odhisa, Tamilnadu and Telangana)
In case of intradermal – only 1/5th of the dosage is required

Centre-state investment agreement

Role of state and Centre in international treaties

Q. The Union government has mooted the idea of a Centre-State investment agreement to be signed between the Centre and various State governments to ensure effective implementation of BITs or bilateral investment treaties. Examine what this means to cooperative federalism and Centre’s obligations under international law.[Hindu]

In budget, a centre-state investment agreement proposal was made. In this agreement centre and state will get into an agreement to implement BIT’s (bilateral investment treaties – with other nations) more effectively.
States which opt to sign will be seen as more attractive destination and those which do not opt to sign will be notified to investor country.
The idea is to make India more investor friendly - to facilitate ease of doing business

Issues:

Obligations under International Law : In international law, each country is seen as a sovereign entity – (regardless of their internal structure – which is their internal matter) – if a country enters into an agreement with another nation – the whole country as one unit is seen as participating in the agreement.
Any non-fulfilment of BIT agreement by any state will be seen as non-compliance of BIT agreement regardless of whether it has signed any agreement with centre or not.
Indian constitution provides centre to get into international treaties with other nations on behalf of Indian republic
Cooperative federalism: States will not like centre telling foreign partners of it being not a favourable destination for investment on not signing of agreement with centre.
Currently, under International central govt. is obliged to meet all obligations under these BIT’s – but centre state investment agreement will shift the blame on to state govt. for non-compliance
This agreement is also seen as a measure to sensitise state govt.s – in order to meet obligations under the various BIT’s

Solution:

While undertaking these BIT’s state govt.s should be involved with NITI aayog (CM are member of governing council) in formulating plans
Trade treaties are important areas – that deal with many state subjects such as agriculture – thus a consultative process is needed between state and centre – to ensure better implementation of international treaties

Poverty estimation

Q. Recently few experts have suggested that the Tendulkar Committee’s report should be accepted for poverty estimation but socio-economic indicators should be used to determine entitlement for benefits. Do you see merit in this suggestion? Examine

Drought

Q. How can irrigation methods help fight drought as both short term and long term measures? Examine.[Hindu]

Increase in net irrigated area
Drought resistant crop ( more research)
Cultivation of less water consuming crop
Micro irrigation (drip and sprinkler system) – more efficient
Water conservation
Awareness among people to use water judiciously

Tri-service command

ANC (Andaman and Nicobar is the only tri-service command of India)

Q. What do you understand by tri-service command? Defence experts have been arguing that India would benefit from tri-service theatre commanders who report directly to the political leadership, as in the US. Discuss.

Polluter pays principle

The idea of making the culprit pay for the damages
But it also encourages the idea that any ecological damage can be paid with fines

NH7

Crosses through Kanha-Pench
Now renamed to NH 44
From varanasi to Kanyakumari
UP, MP, Maharastra, Andhra Pradesh, Tellangana, Karnataka, Kanyakumari

27 Apr

Androth Island

In Lakshadweep
Naval detachment setup there
Shipping lines pass through near by,
Will strengthen maritime security
Minicoy, Kavaratti, Agathy – near by islands

RS Member

Seat gets vacant if the member is absent for consecutive 60 days without information

Drought

Q. Do you think, increased economic growth and slew of welfare schemes have obviated the need for active intervention in a drought situation? Critically comment.

Restoration of artefacts

Q. With poor documentation of existing and stolen artefacts, outdated laws, and unqualified investigative agencies, India’s record in preserving its past is deplorable.” Critically comment.

28 APR

SC

Q. The Supreme Court of India was meant to be a Constitutional Court, and this function has impaired thank to various problems faced by it. Analyse these problems and possible solutions.[Hindu]

SC was envisaged as a constitutional court that will look into matters dealing with interpretation of constitution
Constitution also provided for citizens the access to SC to prevent any mis-judgement or injustice
Due to heavy number of civil and criminal cases – high backlogs
SC has original jurisdiction – disputes between states, between states and Union
SC has appellate jurisdiction – by way of appeal in can hear cases in which HC has given judgements
SC also has rights of granting special leave, to look into PIL’s
A constitution bench needs 5 or more judges – which has rarely been followed due to manpower crunch – in cases like Sec 377 of IPC, Sec 66A of IT act – only 3 judges gave the ruling
Issue of access – southern, eastern states are far, litigants find access to SC difficult
Northern states has majority of cases in SC as compared to southern

Solution:

Establishment of NCA (National court of Appeal) in a number of parts of country to look into matters of civil and criminal.
NCA will be in between HC and SC – this will require constitutional amendment
Other solution is – Cassation benches in various parts of nations – to deal in criminal and civil matters
Cassation benches won’t require any constitutional amendment – as constitution itself provides that – SC can be seated in Delhi or in place or places as the CJI thinks proper with approval from president.
This solution is top to down driven solutions which will provide a solution to an extent. But a better approach will be bottom to top driven solution.
Strengthening of lower courts, district courts and HC – because these are the closest to litigants and minimising of errors in judgments,
Judicial services on the lines of IAS and IPS

Generic medicine

Q. Five years ago, the Planning Commission’s High Level Expert Group on Universal Health Coverage had recommended moving a Bill requiring doctors to prescribe generic medicines in place of costly, branded ones. Should such Bill be moved? Examine the merits and demerits.[Hindu]

Currently out of pocket expenditure is very high
Medical insurances also – only covers part payment of hospitalization and not prescription drugs
High level committee recommended – setting up of Jan Aushadi Kendra – bulk procurement of generic drugs and selling through Jan Aushadhi Kendra
Big pharma companies have obstructed growth of generic companies
Concern of quality of generic medicines
Proper regulatory oversight

Small States

Q. The formation of three small States in 2000, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand nourished hopes that democracy would be deepened. Do you think democracy has deepened in these states and these states have fulfilled the objectives behind their formation? Critically comment.[Hindu]

Nutrition in girls

Q. Why women fare badly on nutritional health indicators in India when an average girl child aged less than 5 years is healthier than her male peers? Explain the causes of these gender gaps in nutritional status and significance of these causes.

Girl child under 5 yrs. are more healthy than the male child
But young women are less healthier than the men

Pollution

Q. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB has found that apart from India’s large metro cities, 41 tier-II cities also are facing high air and water pollution. Examine the magnitude of the problem and effectiveness of measures taken by the government to address pollution problem in these cities.

12th five year plan

Public expenditure to be 2.5% of GDP
It is less ~ 1.2%

29 Apr

Jobless growth

Q. For past many years India has been experiencing jobless growth and in recent years it’s been reported that India has created very few jobs. How can you explain the jobless growth? Examine the impact of jobless growth on India’s demographic dividend and measures needed to halt this trend.

India’s GDP has been growing at 7~8% whereas job’s growth is at miniscule 1~2%.
India is rich in demographic dividend - India’s population under 10 to 24 yrs is larger than the total US population

Impact:

There is very little growth in the pvt sector jobs – every year new graduates is finding it difficult to find a job
Public sector is shrinking
This has resulted agitation by various communities like Jats, Patels, etc.
Employability: Urban population who are skilled in languages, It, etc. are getting employed in services sector which is seeing better growth. But rural population who are leaving agriculture ( due to miniscule growth) – have no relevant skills for employability in services or manufacturing sector. Thus the need of skill up gradation.
Education: Primary and secondary school drop outs is still high. Govt. has relied more on private sector for ensuring education. But large public investment is needed in education
Small and medium enterprises: large firms bring large investment but their labour intensity is less than the small and medium enterprises. These small and medium enterprises employ major chunk of employable workforce. Issue – financing to SME’s by Banks is less
SME,s – are losing state protection due to liberalisation of economy

India-Afghanistan

Heart of Asia summit in India – India, China, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, etc

Q. Experts argue that India now needs to move beyond the binary of economic cooperation and military engagement and evolve a comprehensive policy which involves all dimensions of power in Afghanistan. Discuss why.

Afghanistan not happy with Pakistan’s response in dealing with Taliban
India has signed TAPI oil pipeline
Counter-terrorism efforts of India in Afghanistan

TTIP, TPP

Q. In the light of the fact that India not being member of either Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) or Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) where 60 percent of world’s trade is going to take place, what alternatives does it have to access more markets to offset discriminatory trade practices of developed economies?  Analyse.

TTIP or TTIP – India is not a member
These partnerships bring with itself – higher regulation in IPR, trade policies, Labor reforms, etc.
Major developing economies like – Inida, China, Russia, Brazil, Indonesia is not part of one or both of these agreements
These agreements will cause trade diversion – importing countries will favour TPP nations

Need:

India needs to expand its export destinations
India should complete India-EU agreement : issues – data security, access to IT sector
India should look towards Latin markets like Brazil, Mexico, Peru, chile, etc.
Mexico– is a member of NAFTA, TPP and most Latin American groups – Pacific alliance
Integration with south east Asian economies like – Cambodia, Laos, Philippines – is required, Completion of Kaladan multimodal project, Trilateral highway (India, Thailand, Myanmar)
Integration with African economies
Integration with mid-west Asia – Iran is important strategically and economically, completion of chabahar port, Farzad B gas field, completion of INSTC (International north south transport corridor)

Triffin Dillemma

Q. What do you understand by the Triffin dilemma? It is said that with the US, the issuer of the world’s preeminent reserve currency, unwilling or unable to provide the liquidity needed, a new supplementary reserve currency should be instituted – one whose issuer does not have to confront the Triffin dilemma. What alternative does world have? Discuss.

The Triffin dilemma or paradox is the conflict of economic interests that arises between short-term domestic and long-term international objectives for countries whose currencies serve as global reserve currencies.

Personal laws

Q. “Personal laws in India actually harm rather than preserve religious freedom.” Critically comment.

A44 – UCC as envisioned in constitution

30 Apr

10th Schedule

Q. Critically comment on the Constitution (Fifty-second Amendment) Act, 1985 and subsequent amendments to the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.[Hindu]

85th amendment added 10th schedule to constitution
To curb defections of parliamentarians from one party to another – they cannot violate party whip, they cannot change political parties after elections
But it also provided a provision in which – if 1/3rd of the party members decides to form a separate group or join a separate party, they can do so and they will allowed to remain members of house
This provision was seen as – Honest Decent – thought behind – a single individual can be swayed on monetary benefits but a group of people swaying just on monetary benefits will be difficult
After 91st amendment – paragraph of 1/3rd members allowed to join other party was removed But 2/3rd members were still allowed to split form parent party and join a new party or make a new party
In a parliamentary democracy, legislators represent the citizens, but in our political system – a legislator represents his political party
A legislator has to vote as directed by the party whip
This demotivates the legislator – he won’t be researching on the issue, he won’t be making any value addition to the issue
Legislators are entitled to bring private members bill – but most of them get side-lined in the preliminary stages

Changes needed:

Whips should only be used in cases where govt. stability is concern – in confidence, no-confidence motion, money bill, etc.
This will provide for more consultative law making