User talk:Gaurav4291/FEB2016

Insights

Privilege motion

A motion moved by a member if he feels that a minister has committed a breach of privilege of house or of one or more of its members by withholding the facts of a case.

Economic survey

Economic survey projects real GDP for 2015-16 and 2016-17 to be in 7 to 7.75%
CSO projects GDP for 2015-16 will be 7.6%, lower than 8.1 to 8.5% as previously projected.
Imp. Recommendations made by economic survey
1. India lags in health care and india has seen 4 seasons of less rainfall, thus India should invest in health, education and agriculture.
2. Also advised to implement GST, strategic disinvestment, de-stressing of the balance sheets of both the private and public banks, rationalization of subsidies.
3. Recommended to restrict cooking gas subsidies to 10 cylinders from 12 cylinders, raising property tax
4. Recommended to raise resources for re-capitalization of banks by carefully leveraging the assets of RBI and other regulatory authorities.

FDI

Delhi is the highest recipient of FDI, followed by Maharastra and Karnataka.

Rich feed off subsidies

Rich section get most benefits from the subsidies on items like – ATF, small savings, gold, LPG, kerosene, railways

INDC

Private investments is vital for India to meet its INDC’s

Tax payers

Only 5.5% of people who earn are taxpayers
Only 15.5% of net national income is reported to the tax authorities
Tax-to-GDP ratio is well below at 16.6% as compared emerging economies (21%) and OECD (34%)
India’s spending on education, health and human capital to GDP ratio is lowest among BRICS nations, lower than emerging economies and OECD economy.
Solution:
1. Bring rich farmers in tax bracket, raise property tax and phase out tax exemptions

Industrial disputes act

Requires firms employing more than 100 workers, needs govt.s approval before removing workers – thus it has encouraged contract workers
Informal sector comprises majority of workforce and is worse than formal sector

DBT

According to survey, DBT subsidies using JAM (jan dhan yojana, Aadhaar and Mobile banking) is unlikely to work in rural areas in short and medium term
Last mile connectivity is a challenge – to provide money in the hands from bank accounts
Solution:
1. Govt. should work towards increasing last mile connectivity – through increasing bank correspondents (BCs) network and spreading mobile money.
2. Regulations to see that BCs get proper commission
3. Incentivizing states by sharing savings from DBT

Boost to make in India

Solution:
1. Eliminating countervailing duties on imports, monetization of land owned by public sector companies,
2. Allowing industries to buy electricity directly from electricity companies
3. India’s decision to join TPP in future can have adverse impact on make in India initiatives ( will prevent govt. from using state owned enterprises and govt. procurement as vehicles for achieving social and economic objectives and employment generation.
4. Parts of land lying idle with public sector companies could be pooled in and can be used to promote smart cities initiative – ecosystem for startups, for industries
5. Industries with high demand of electricity should buy directly from electricity companies through open access (OA) policy. Under electricity act, 2003 – companies having load of more than 1 MW can buy electricity directly from electricity companies.

Aurora

Aurora borealis in arctic
Aurora australis in Antarctic
This aurora is caused when fast moving electrons from space interacts with oxygen and nitrogen molecules in the earth’s upper atmosphere.
These electrons then transfer energy to these molecules and they reach to an excited state, when they return to their normal state they emit photons which emit light.

National food security act

75% or rural and 50% of urban population are entitled for 3years from enactment to 5 kg of food grains per month at 3, 2 and 1 Rs per kg of rice, wheat and millet respectively.
States are responsible for determining responsibility
Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a nutritious take home ration of 600 calories and a maternity benefit of 6000 Rs for 6 months.
Children of 6 to 14 years are eligible for free take home rations.
The central govt. will provide funds to states in case of short supplies of food grains
The state govt. will provide a food security allowance to the beneficiaries in case of non-supply of food grains
The eldest women in the house above 18 years old is the head of the household for the issuance of ration card under this act.
State food commissions will be formed for implementation and monitoring of programme
State and district level redressal mechanism will be formed
The poorest who are enrolled under antodaya yojana will remain entitled to 35 kgs of food grains

Cobra gold

Multilateral exercise hosted by Thailand
On disaster and humanitarian relief
India participated as observer
Pakistan, China also participated

Independent fiscal council

Recommended by 14th finance commission
It will objectively evaluate budget announcements
It will act as an oversight body on finance ministry

Winston

Cyclone in Fiji

1 Feb 2016

Wetlands –threat

Q. threats to major wetlands and remedies.

Wetlands are defined as areas of land covered with water temporarily or permanently.
Wetlands provide habitat to plethora of species, recharges water table, controls floods, provide livelihoods to local population, biodiversity hotspots, carbon sequestration
Wetlands are being treated as wastelands
India is a signatory to Ramsar convention, a treaty for conservation and sustainable use of wetlands
Illegal encroaching, dumping of solid non-biodegradable waste, construction activities, use of these land for various projects such as road, ports, etc., illegal resorts,
Remedies:
Legal – Subsume all laws related to protection of wetlands into one law
Identification – Identification of all wetlands (area, threatened species, threats, etc.), demarcating of boundaries
Treatment of agricultural and industrial wastes
Use of technology – use of GPS to track any development around these sites,
Awareness – make people aware of the importance of wetlands. Involve civil society in the protection of these sites

Malnutrition –NFHS-4

Q. Discuss the effect of malnutrition on the growth of country and also discuss NFHS-4.

Malnutrition directly results in high mortality and morbidity rates which is directly linked to loss of human capital and productivity
Malnutrition is also indirectly related to cognitive skills which could lead to lower skill sets
It makes population vulnerable to communicable diseases thus high health costs for the country
Already resource constraint country – more burden
Programs like ICDS, PDS, National health mission, midday meal schemes, improved sanitation, drinking water has resulted in better numbers
SDG -2 is on hunger, nutrition and sustainable agriculture
SDG-2 prescribes achieving zero hunger and eradication of malnutrition by 2030

NFHS -4

under 5 mortality rate has reduced. But still the number is high - increase in institutional deliveries( cash transfer scheme)
child stunting under 5yrs has reduced - Mid day meal schemes, ICDS,
Immunization has increased - Indradhanush program
in most states, fertility rates have remained same or have reduced

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fc/Chart_of_UN_Sustainable_Development_Goals.png

SDG 1

On Poverty
eradicate extreme poverty from everywhere by 2030, currently measured as people living on less than $1.25 per day
By 2030, reduce the people (men, women, children) of all ages living in poverty by half according to national definition

SDG 2

on Hunger, achieving food security, improved nutrition and sustainable agriculture
By 2030, eradicate hunger
By 2030, eradicate malnutrition

SDG 3

on health
by 2030, reduce global maternal mortality rates to 70 per lakh new borns
by 2030, reduce neo-natal mortality to 12 per 1000 births
By 2030, reduce under 5 year mortality to 25 per 1000 births

SDG 4

On education
By 2030, all boys and girls are able to complete primary and secondary education

SDG 5

Gender equality and women's empowerment
Eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and girls everywhere
eliminate all forms of violence against women in public and private spheres

SDG 6

On water and sanitation
By 2030, universal and equitable access to clean water
end open defecation

SDG 7

====on energy - access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy

By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services
By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency

SDG 14

On ocean, conserve and sustain-ably use ocean, marine and coastal resources

SDG 15

On bio-diversity, forest and desertification

NCF-education

Q. what should be the objectives of education? Do you think national curriculum framework (NCF) has achieved these objectives? What suggestions you will give to the new education policy?

Broad objectives:

Provide professional skills – that make them industry ready, employable
Provide soft skills – maturity, emotional intelligence
Provide human character – good human and citizens

NCF

NCF framework has provided guidelines which NCERT, CBSE are following to formulate curricula. These curriculum are able to achieve these objective to a certain extent. But the need is to modify the education system to the changing needs. The system of 12 years of schooling and college after that is a pre-independence framework which should be re-visited and modified to suits Indian needs

Suggestions:

Good education standards can solve almost all problems of a nation – from crime to technology
Initial years are the best years to acquire any skill – a child can be good in maths another in history – both should be allowed to pursue which gives more interest to them

IMF reforms

Q. IMF made country quota reforms agreed by G20 in 2010. Examine why this is an important step and what more needs to be done to reform IMF.

IMF as a financial institution was losing its significance in the changing global economics where BRIC nation is seen as a bright spot in world economy. BRICS nation came up with NDB, and Asian infrastructure bank.
Reforms – increased voting shares to BRIC nations which brings them in the top 10 nations in IMF based on voting shares. Financial strength of IMF is also enhanced to cope up with changing dynamics.
Policies and decisions at IMF historically has been driven by western countries which has neglected eastern countries
Greater voting rights will enable greater say in policy formulation
Developing countries like India are in dire need of funds

Reform suggestions

Voting shares should be based on individual countries GDP
IMF must work towards reducing the dominance of currencies of western nations

Financial inclusion

Q. Analyse the recommendations of the RBI committee on medium term path on financial inclusion and their importance for inclusive development in India

recommendations of the RBI committee on medium term path on financial inclusion

Chairman - Deepak Mohanty
Recommended that to achieve meaningful financial inclusion govt. should focus on govt. to people cash transfers
Banks should make extra efforts for opening accounts for females - govt. should consider a deposit account for girl child - sukanya shikhsa as a welfare measure - (will connect education with banking - help in reducing school dropouts)
enhance last mile connectivity - use of mobile connectivity to maximise govt. to people direct cash transfer.
phase out agricultural subvention scheme and replace it with a universal crop insurance scheme
link credit account with aadhaar number so that credit system's stability is ensured - will help in identifying multiple accounts and will provide exact value of indebtedness of farmers
Replace subsidies on inputs, fertilizers with direct benefits transfer - will increase personal disposable income of farmers

With the launch of Jan dhan yojana, AADHAAR, govt. fast tracked the path towards complete financial inclusion. But still a lot has to be done. Many issues like regional economic im-balances, low financial inclusion of women, farmer distress still remains which can be addressed with recommendations given by RBI.

12 Feb 2016

GDP calculation

GDP is calculated by CSO (central statistics office) based on NAS (National accounts statistics).
NAS ( new series is 2011-12 old is 2004-05)
Private corporates sectors share has increased from 23% to 34% - Private sector is one of the fastest growing sector thus it shows better GDP numbers.
Household sectors share has shrunk

World development report: Digital dividends

released by World Bank
Report finds digital technology have spread throughout the world but many countries have not fully taken the benefits from using this technology
To reap full benefits of digital technologies, it is vital to close digital divide.
Just access to these technologies will not reap full benefits, complementary policies like regulations, corporate competition should be strengthened
India lags behind China in terms of fully reaping the benefits of digital technologies. China is 2nd only to US in the number of top 20 digital companies worldwide.
Cost of residential broadband is much higher in India as compared to China
Digital divide across age, gender, geography is much more wider in India
Govt. with its digital programs like AADHAAR, JAM, etc. has taken steps in the right direction. But the need is to use these platforms to provide widely and effectively.
Slower growth of infrastructure expansion like e-ways, logistics
Excessive Cautious approach of bureaucrats towards mobile money, ride sharing apps is few examples which deter start-ups to enter new markets.
Education divide : A major population still unable to read and write

LIGO

Laser interferometer gravitational wave observatory
Used to measure gravitational wave
Gravitational wave – is considered to be small ripples in the space time fabric which the universe is supposed to be made of.
These waves are very weak
These waves are detected by observing distortions in space.
These waves can penetrate bodies whereas EM waves like light cannot
GM waves travel at the speed of light

13 Feb 2016

A356 – President’s Rule

Q. Analyze the role of President in the promulgation of A356. Do you think it should be repealed?

Dr B.R Ambedkar referred to A356 as a dead letter as it is liable to be abused, it should only come to life when all the options are exhausted.
Crucial role of the President of India in these transactions - the President is obliged to act under the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers
Bommai judgement laid down these guidelines w.r.t A356. Presidential proclamation under A356 is not an absolute power but a conditional one.
This proclamation is not immune to judicial review.
President K.R Narayan during his tenure decline the proposal to promulgate A356 in the state of UP.
The decision should be taken without any political bias.
Governors are supposed not to be influenced by any political bias but they should weigh the facts and accordingly report to the state or the centre.
Generally, ruling govt. has tended to appoint governors from their own parties and when it happens they tend to favour their own party.
Sarkaria Commission Report on Centre-State relations, 1988, which recommended that Article 356 must be used “very sparingly, in extreme cases, as a measure of last resort, when all the other alternatives fail to prevent or rectify a breakdown of constitutional machinery in the state”.
Ideally governor of the state should recommend A356 after independently assessing the situation but a number of times it has been seen that these decisions are taken at the centre level in cases like when a coalition falls apart.
It should only be used when the basic features of the constitution are proven to be denied to the population.

A 356

must be approved by both the houses within 2 months of its issue — Preceding unsigned comment added by Gaurav4291 (talk • contribs) 23:43, 3 March 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Poor health of Banks

Causes:

One of the major causes is Non performing assets. Rise in non-performing assets with increasing interests hurts banks profitability and credit disbursal capacity.
The cause of these NPA’s could be late running projects, un-economic projects, funds not used for the intended project, global scenario – oil prices, raw material availability, etc.
Poverty alleviation programs – that mostly don’t return anything

Remedies

Functional autonomy at various levels – because restricted freedom only leads to blame game. This would enable to fix responsibilities.

TPP – Effects on India

12 Pacific rim countries has signed it of which India is not a member
The signatory countries account for the 50% of world GDP
TPP contains detailed obligations on issues such as labour, environment, investment, etc.
TPP members can regulate domestic market and can restrict non-TTP members
Will affect exports of textiles, leather goods, plastics, etc.
If India joins prices will shoot up, specially medicines

Remedies:

India should conclude the pending trade pacts such as India-EU trade pact, RCEP (regional comprehensive economic partnership), this will help in mitigating some of the export losses
Should look towards new markets like Latin America, Africa
In domestic front India should look at infrastructural deficiency – port congestion, poor roads, etc.
Exporters should be encouraged to meet standards of importing nations
http://blogs-images.forbes.com/jplehmann/files/2015/04/TPP-map-nn.jpg
PC-V-MAN-BJ-CUMS (Peru, Chile, Vietnam, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Japan, Canada, USA, Malaysia, Singapore) — Preceding unsigned comment added by Gaurav4291 (talk • contribs) 15:09, 10 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Temple Entry

Temple entry to women is prohibited
These practices are followed for 1000 of years
Constitution provides for equality for all genders, caste, religion, etc.

14 Feb 2016

Anti-India Opinions

Q. Is nationalism a value? Does dissent and anti-India feelings amount to anti-India activities? Should such expressions be freely allowed in educational institutions?

Nationalism is a value that one possesses towards his/her country. Nationalism is the love towards one’s own country.
Legitimate dissent is an integral part of any democracy. Merely not agreeing to the views of the state cannot be seen as anti-India activities.
There is a thin line between legitimate dissent and anti-India feelings. Dissent should not be criminalized unless it is seen to be instilling non-violence among the population.
Charges of sedition ( IPC sec 124-A) is slapped in a number of cases. Even SC has directed to exercise restraint in the use of pre-constitutional law.
Educational institutions are considered to be heaven for debating different issues even hanging of a terrorist. Having different opinion on an issue should not be seen as an anti-India activity.
But, state has the responsibility to keep the society safe and keep the anti-national elements who threaten the democracy in check. Thus state should keep a check on activities that tends to create tension

LIGO-India

Q. Discuss how LIGO-INDIA project will help India.

The universe until now was studied through optical instruments; different electromagnetic waves (UV, X-ray, Beta, wtc) were used to study various phenomenon’s of universe. While these allowed study of various events and phenomenon but still many things were hidden which can’t be seen through these waves.
Neutro-astronomy that studies neutrinos have opened another stream of observational astronomy in the last decade.
Study of gravitational waves open up new windows to look into the space. Study of black holes will become possible.
The two observatory in US that detected the waves can only pin-point the source of gravitational waves. Two accurately pin-point the source of waves a method of triangulation is employed which requires atleast three observatories to accurately pin-point the source.
An observatory in India will help to increase the localization accuracy.
Will showcase India’s technological prowess
Will enrich photonics, control systems technology in India
Will inspire India student community and as well as foreign student community to pursue research in India

Women safety

Q. Discuss the recommendation of Justice J.S. verma committee on women safety and empowerment. Examine if the recommendations are implemented properly. Would they increase women’s inclusion in the development.

Recommendations:

Widening of definition of Rape: any non-consensual sexual act, even husband is not allowed to force any kind of non-consensual sexual activity
Sexual assault : all forms of non-consensual non-penetrative sexual act will be seen as an sexual assault. Any use of words, gestures of sexual nature will be treated as sexual assault
Acid attacks: increased sentence and a corpus to rehabilitate victims
Offences against women in special areas: Areas under AFSPA, require sanction from central govt. to initiate prosecution against armed forces personnel. This should be waived in the cases of sexual offenses
Medical examination : discontinuance of two finger test
Police reforms: formation of state security commission to protect police dept. from extraneous pressures, police establishment boards to look into all transfers, postings and promotions
Rape crisis cell – police should inform this cell as soon as a complaint is registered, this cell will provide all legal help
CCTVs in questioning room, online FIR,s
Electoral reforms: disqualification of candidates for committing sexual crimes
Education : sex education at both school level and to adults as well for making them aware

Development:

Economic development and women empowerment has bi-directional associativity
Economic security empowers them to break all shackles

IMSS-2015

Indian maritime security strategy
The new strategy reflects new security dynamics in the Indian ocean

15 Feb

UNSC resolution 1373

Counterterrorism
India to seek pakistan’s co-operation under UNSC1373

Anti-India Opinions

Q. Is nationalism a value? Does dissent and anti-India feelings amount to anti-India activities? Should such expressions be freely allowed in educational institutions?

Nationalism is a value that one possesses towards his/her country. Nationalism is the love towards one’s own country.
Legitimate dissent is an integral part of any democracy. Merely not agreeing to the views of the state cannot be seen as anti-India activities.
There is a thin line between legitimate dissent and anti-India feelings. Dissent should not be criminalized unless it is seen to be instilling non-violence among the population.
Charges of sedition ( IPC sec 124-A) is slapped in a number of cases. Even SC has directed to exercise restraint in the use of pre-constitutional law.
Educational institutions are considered to be heaven for debating different issues even hanging of a terrorist. Having different opinion on an issue should not be seen as an anti-India activity.
But, state has the responsibility to keep the society safe and keep the anti-national elements who threaten the democracy in check. Thus state should keep a check on activities that tends to create tension

LIGO-India

Q. Discuss how LIGO-INDIA project will help India.

The universe until now was studied through optical instruments; different electromagnetic waves (UV, X-ray, Beta, wtc) were used to study various phenomenon’s of universe. While these allowed study of various events and phenomenon but still many things were hidden which can’t be seen through these waves.
Neutro-astronomy that studies neutrinos have opened another stream of observational astronomy in the last decade.
Study of gravitational waves open up new windows to look into the space. Study of black holes will become possible.
The two observatory in US that detected the waves can only pin-point the source of gravitational waves. Two accurately pin-point the source of waves a method of triangulation is employed which requires atleast three observatories to accurately pin-point the source.
An observatory in India will help to increase the localization accuracy.
Will showcase India’s technological prowess
Will enrich photonics, control systems technology in India
Will inspire India student community and as well as foreign student community to pursue research in India

Women safety

Q. Discuss the recommendation of Justice J.S. verma committee on women safety and empowerment. Examine if the recommendations are implemented properly. Would they increase women’s inclusion in the development.

Recommendations:

Widening of definition of Rape: any non-consensual sexual act, even husband is not allowed to force any kind of non-consensual sexual activity
Sexual assault : all forms of non-consensual non-penetrative sexual act will be seen as an sexual assault. Any use of words, gestures of sexual nature will be treated as sexual assault
Acid attacks: increased sentence and a corpus to rehabilitate victims
Offences against women in special areas: Areas under AFSPA, require sanction from central govt. to initiate prosecution against armed forces personnel. This should be waived in the cases of sexual offenses
Medical examination : discontinuance of two finger test
Police reforms: formation of state security commission to protect police dept. from extraneous pressures, police establishment boards to look into all transfers, postings and promotions
Rape crisis cell – police should inform this cell as soon as a complaint is registered, this cell will provide all legal help
CCTVs in questioning room, online FIR,s
Electoral reforms: disqualification of candidates for committing sexual crimes
Education : sex education at both school level and to adults as well for making them aware

Development:

Economic development and women empowerment has bi-directional associativity
Economic security empowers them to break all shackles

16 Feb 2016

Sedition, Sec-124A

Q. Do you think Sec-124A is justifiable in a true democracy?

It is an antiquated colonial law
Defines sedition as any use of words, signs or visual that incites or have an effect of inciting any disaffection or enmity towards the govt. estb. By law.
Sedition is vaguely defined and the British govt. used this law pre-independence to silence any dissent against the govt. Famously in the trials of Bal gangadhar tilak(1897) and In 1922 against Mahatma Gandhi.
Gandhi commented on sedition law that it is meant to suppress the liberty of citizens
J.L.N commented the sooner we get rid of this the better in parliament
Efforts were made by some members of constituent assembly to include sedition in A19(2) as a ground to limit free speech, but ultimately it was rightly not included in the final draft
This law has been used historically against opposition parties
Any direct provoking of violence which directly threatens public order deserve censure. But in a democratic society like ours legitimate dissent should be encouraged
when [C N] Annadurai was speaking in Delhi about separation of Tamil Nadu from India, there were people objecting to it. But [Jawaharlal] Nehru said let him speak; it’s his opinion.”

Second judges case 1993

Q. Discuss the importance/significance of second judges case 1993 in Indian judiciary?

Second judges case is significant as it brought back primacy of judiciary in the appointments, transfers and promotions of judges in the HC and SC.
Constitution in A124, 217 andd 222 provides that executive (PM, President and council of ministers) consults chief justices in the appointments and transfers.
After the first judges case, executive was provided with primacy in the judicial appointments which was reversed in the subsequent second judges case citing judicial independence.
Judicial independence was ruled to be a basic feature of constitution and judges will best be able to evaluate the candidates
Thus collegium system was established. In this CJI with consultation with 2 senior most judges was to decide on appointments and transfers
In third judges case, CJI was to consult with 4 senior most judges
Many concerns were raised against the collegium system. Lack of transparency, favoritism, etc.
Thus NJAC was brought to bring transparency which was struck by SC citing it threatened judicial independence

T-Cell therapy

Q. T-cell therapy is seen as revolutionary in cancer treatment. Examine why? How it is different form chemotherapy and radio therapy?

T-cell is a type of immune cell, taken from the patients blood itself
These t-cells are then engineered in lab and are injected into the patients body to attack on cancer cells

Chemotherapy

Refers to the treatment of cancer using drugs that kill cancer cells
Cancer cells have a characteristic of very fast splitting of cells, this characteristic is also seen in cells of hair follicles and digestive tracts.
Cancer drugs attack this fast splitting characteristic of cells which also kills cells of hair follicles and digestive tract which is seen as a side effect

Radio therapy

In this high doses of radiation is directed towards cancers tumors. Radiation passes through the skin and attacks on the DNA of cancer tumors and kills them.
Side effects –near to the region of tumors

NPA

Q. High NPA’s in Indian banking system might affect economic growth. What are the steps that RBI and govt. is taking to clean the banking system?
Steps:

Deregulation of PSB’s (public sector banks)-banks will be able
Board of bureau — Preceding unsigned comment added by Gaurav4291 (talk • contribs) 23:56, 3 March 2016 (UTC)[reply]

China’s MSR

Military base in Djibouti – strategically located – for securing sea lanes passing through suez canal.
Port development projects in Myanmar and Sri Lanka
Djibouti – is near to red sea and gulf of Aden (http://d2z7bzwflv7old.cloudfront.net/cdn_image/exW_1200/images/maps/en/dj/dj-area.gif)
China is developing an industrial park and a port in Myanmar
In Srilanka – developing SEZ
And is building Gwadar to Kashgar economic corridor

NSS (Nuclear security summit-2016)

Aimed at preventing nuclear terrorism
2016 – US

17 Feb

IPC

Drafted in 1860
Estb. By First law commission under govt. of India act 1833 under Chairmanship of Macaulay

Whistleblower

Q. companies act has helped encourage whistleblowing and transparency in private companies. Examine why? Can similar law be made applicable in bureaucracy? Comment

Companies act provided companies to have vigilance mechanism along with other sections, directors are made liable to criminal charges on not-conforming and wrongdoing
Companies have provided whistleblower protection mechanism – by way of keeping anonymity, keeping an external agency, even vendors dealers are allowed to raise complaints,
Companies are required to make employees aware of these mechanisms
Mandates board to have 1/3rd independent board members
Also mandates to form an audit committee to review complaints
Similar laws are there for public sector
Whistleblowers act mandates CVC as the nodal agency for receiving these complaints
There is limited publicity for awareness
There are no penalties for the victimization of whistleblower
Whistleblower protection mechanism should be much more strengthened then pvt. Sector, since much more powerful men are involved
Many decision taken by bureaucrats demands secrecy.
So the need is to make already present systems of CVC, RTI, etc stronger, sensitize people

Cobra gold

Multilateral exercise in Thailand
India also participated – as an observer plus member
Exercise in disaster relief

JJ Act

Giving or causing to give tobacco product to children is punishable with rigorous imprisonment up to 7 years

CHINA-IRAN

Connected train route between China and Iran – under belt and road initiative

South Asian games

In India

18 Feb

Interest cut

RBI has proposed 25 basis point reduction in interest on small term savings
In 2015, RBI has reduced policy rates by 125 basis points, but this has not been completely transferred to the end borrowers by bank. Reason – Banks are already in huge stress- huge NPA’s
Bank can transfer this benefit only by reducing interest that they give on deposits
It will have an impact on middle and lower classes – the interest on their savings will reduce. But this was a necessary step.
RBI has done well by keeping long term interest rate unchanged, it shows that it is concerned about the people and encourages them to save.

India-Nepal

Q. Whenever Nepal’s domestic policy gets polarized, India is blamed for interfering in nepal’s domestic affairs? How should India restore goodwill with Nepal?

With promulgation of Nepal’s constitution, clashes were happening in the terai region of Nepal which mostly constituted people from madhesis ethnicity.
Their demand was proportional representation in the governance
There were blockages of goods, thus local nepali population was suffering and Nepal govt. and parties claimed that this is backed by Indian govt.
Claims that India crossed Nepal’s sovereignty by asking Nepal’s govt. to include madhesis in constitutional provisions – thus interfering in internal affairs
Media reports – of border encroachments by Indian force, bullying of Nepali’s who go for work in India
Madhesis group has strong cultural links across the border on Indian sides – cross border marriages, local trade, etc.
Nepal is important to India since it acts as a buffer against China

Steps:

Close ties with political leadership of Nepal and giving them confidence of India’s non-interference in Nepal’s internal affairs
Post-earthquake rehabilitation assistance and India has committed to $2 billion line of credit
India can share experience of Bhuj (after earthquake devastation – how it was rehabilitated)
Enhancing people to people connect, cultural linkages, etc.
Moving fast on BBIN project
Move fast on pending hydroelectric projects(Arun III,etc)
Continuance of Gujral Policy (to develop trust with Indian neighbors – with bilateral resolution of issues)

By taking these measures India can show its emphasis on “neighbors first” policy and Panchsheels principles of mutual respect and non-interference in Internal matters

Discrimination against dalits

Q. Discrimination against dalits is rising despite laws. Whose attitude should change and why?

Discrimination on dalits is not due to lack of safeguarding provisions in constitution or lack of any laws.
Protection in the form of fundamental rights- A17(untochability) , A15(2) – no restriction of access to common wells,bathing ghats, shops, public restaurants, etc) SC and ST Prevention of atrocities act (POA)defines atrocities and the punishment for the same.
But still discrimination is on the rise. The root cause lies in the attitude of people – both general public( of different or higher castes) and state authorities (police, judiciary)
POA provides special courts – but conviction rate is very low. Due to high litigation costs, complainants are threatened
Lack of awareness among many dalits of their rights

Revival of Sanskrit

Q. Union govt. is trying to revive Sanskrit through certain policies. Do you support govt. in this regard? Does Sanskrit need preservation.

Tradition and culture are something that needs to cherished passed on to future generations
Ancient scriptures (vedas, puranas, etc) have provided us with knowledge of arthashastra, Ayurveda
Many westerners has translated Sanskrit texts and gained knowledge from them
NAMAMI – national mission on manuscripts to fins manuscripts and translate them and maintain a digital repository
World Indology conference, 2015 – to promote sanskrit literature
Gopalaswamy committee to formulate plan to revive Sanskrit
Many sections have raised concerns that govt. is trying to promote only Sanskrit when there are other ancient languages like pali, magadhi
Govt. should not limit itself to revival of only Sanskrit language, it should give attention to other ancient languages too.

Drug pricing policy

Q. Supreme court described India’s drug pricing policy as irrational and unreasonable. Discuss why.

Reasons:

Many life saving drugs in NLEM (national list of essential medicines) list were not included. ex TB drug
Shift from manufacturing cost to market cost - Prices of some of these essential medicines were capped at many times higher what other states have kept(even higher than the retail price of leading manufacturer of that drug)
recently govt. has removed customs exemption on few medicines that would further increase the prices

Deep rooted problems of pharmaceutical industry

Strict IPR laws, especially Sec-3d (preventing evergreening of patents) - which is preventing big pharmas from setting up company in India
lack of funds for RnD
Because of no innovation, most companies are going for compulsory licensing which increases the prices
Delays in granting of patents (avg time in India - 3 to 6 years)

Solution:

Govt. should work towards reducing prices - by investing in research, increasing domestic production
Fast tracking IPR grants,
Insurance cover should be enhanced for the population - to reduce burden on poor people — Preceding unsigned comment added by Gaurav4291 (talk • contribs) 00:50, 4 March 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Forest rights of Tribal

Q. Recently, forest rights of tribals over their traditional lands were taken away by chattisgarh Govt. to facilitate coal mining. Do you support this policy? In the light of provisions of Forests rights act, comment?

19 Feb

Gharana System of Classical music

Q. Write a note on the gharana system of Hindustani classical music and features of any three prominent gharanas.
News: Ustad Abdul Rashid Khan died – from Gwalior gharana

Gharana

Is a social organization of musicians, dancers based on lineage and adherence to a particular style.
Gharanas are classified as Vocal(singing) gharanas ( Dhrupad, khyals, thumri), instrumental gharanas (Tabla, sitar), Dance gharanas
Khyals – Gwalior, Jaipur, Indore, Agra, etc.
A gharana system is a more recent example of guru-shisya parampara
Mughals were great patronage of music, dance and arts. It gave birth to many renowned artists in many fields. This artists traveled from one court to another and settled and started propagating their style and this way gharana system flourished.

Gwalior gharana

Rose in the reign of Akbar
Miya Tansen was from this gharana
Oldest of the khyal style gharana
Known for simplistic style

Indore Gharana

Founded by Amir Khan

Agra Gharana

Blend of khyal and dhrupad

NAM

Q. Write a short note on national agricultural market platform. In what ways can digital India program can help farmers?

NAM

Provides an e-platform for purchase and sale of agri-produce by connecting all the regulated mandis nationwide.

Why the need of NAM:

Until now a state was geographically divided into a number of zones each administered by a separate APMC (agricultural produce market committees. Problems associated with this system:
Farmers were only allowed to sell its produce through the designated mandi – thus were not able to get the best price for their produce
Separate license were issued for each mandi in the same state – thus buyers can buy from only that mandi for which it had acquired license
No auction used to take place most of the time – traders made informal cartels, they deliberately used to quote less prices
Lack of infrastructure, heavy fees, etc.

Pros of NAM:

Transparent auction,
Larger buyer base for farmers – thus he’ll get the best prices for his produce
Single license for a state
Single point levy of fees
Will promote free flow of agriproduce nationwide
Will allow private buyers, processing units to directly buy from farmers

IPR

Q. It is frequently held that India’s IPR laws are not in line with international best practices. Examine the shortcomings of India’s IPR regime. Also comment if India should tweak it’s IPR laws to meet international standards.

Concerns with Indian IPR laws:

Absence of specific IP rights for life sciences,
Weak enforcement
Lack of mechanism to fight online piracy
Non-participation in IP related treaties
USTR (united states trade representatives) had raised concerns regarding sec 3d of IPR – which deals with evergreening of patents (Novartis)
Compulsory licensing – in this any individual or company can use the intellectual property without the owner’s consent by paying the license fee
Lack of provisions for data protection

Solution:

More manpower, infrastructure development, higher efficiency
Easy IP registration, online payments and trackking
Patent related bench in high court to expedite IP cases
Digital piracy is dropping

In addition India should continue with compulsory licensing that allows Indian companies to manufacture generic version of life saving drugs. This is praised both in India and by foreign agencies (WHO,etc.). There are provisions for this in both TRIPS and DOHA declaration.

OECD

Q. write a note on the OECD principles of corporate governance. Why should these principles matter and how do they affect Indian companies?

Pollution

Learning from China – source of air pollution can be outside city and pollution travels through air
Regional plan should be prepared – delhi and surrounding regions and similarly in other parts of nation
Expand air quality measurement – most part still don’t measure air quality
5 year plan should be prepared- quantifiable targets should be made and local govt. should be judged on that

LI-FI

Light fidelity similar to WI-FI
Provides access to internet using light spectrum instead of RF
Light frequency has wider spectrum
Visible light spectrum has a disadvantage that it can penetrate through objects

Bedaquiline

TB drug

Crop insurance scheme

Pradhan mantra fasal bima yojana
Low premiums

Features:

farmers have to pay only a part of premium rest will be paid by govt.
2% in case of Kharif crops
1.5% in Rabi crops
5 % in all commercial and horticultural crops
no upper limit on govt. subsidy, govt. have to pay the complete remaining premium - thus farmers will get complete insured amount
use of technology - smartphones, remote-sensing — Preceding unsigned comment added by Gaurav4291 (talk • contribs) 12:20, 3 May 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Baiju bawra _dhrupad

Exponent of dhrupad

Dhrupad

Derived from sam veda

Bharatnatyam

Components:

Varnam – most complex part of the dance – complex and difficult movements. Usually telling story of love
Padam – speaks of love
Shabdam – accompanied by a poem or song

20 Feb

India’s Labour problem

ILO (international labour organisation) has 8 core conventions on forced labour and India refuses to ratify 4 of them.
Some of them are minimum wage fixing convention, minimum age convention, worst forms of child labour convention, right to organise and collective bargaining convention. This gives a succinct picture of rights enjoyed by a labour in India.
In matters of Labour rights India is in the same club as that of Saudi Arabia, UAE and all dictatorships.

Drought

Q. A drought is assessed in India on five parameters. What are these? In 2015, Comprehensive drought management plan was released. Discuss its components and their implementation.

Drought

5 parameters to assess drought – Availability of drinking water, irrigation water, fodder, food grains and energy sector requirement

Comprehensive drought management plan

Sets out 4 major measures to be followed by state govt. with collaboration with centre at the time of drought
1. Use of MNREGA scheme to provide immediate employment to drought affected people
2. Strengthen the PDS and provide fodder and food grains to sustain rural economy
3. Take measures to recharge ground water, build check dams and provide drinking water through pipeline
4. Govt. should waive off farm loans or arrange for crop compensation

Concerns of Farmers

Crop loss estimation – Most of the time crop loss is not estimated correctly, Patwari or the middlemen who are hired to estimate crop losses demand commission to evaluate correct loss.
Poor implementation of MNREGA – people are getting very less work days at MNREGA, most people don’t have job cards, payments are delayed

This rural economic distress has dangerous implications on social life of villages:

Migration from rural to urban areas, they mostly work at construction sites and are exploited by agents
Nutrition levels goes down – specially pregnant mothers, new born and children suffer the most
Dowry – to get out of debt, dowry is demanded during marriages and also after marriage
Water related caste-conflicts increases – lower castes people not allowed to use common sources

Govt. has come up with new crop insurance scheme – PM fasal bima yojana – which improves upon the previous schemes.

Crop loss compensation is increased by 50%
Eligibility for crop loss compensation is reduced from 50% to 33%
Revised minimum number of workdays under MNREGA from 100 to 150 days

But implementation still remains a big problem.

Most farmers don’t receive compensation,
PDS is weak in most of the states,
Minimum no. of workdays in MNREGA is not met
Crop loss estimation is done at rates fixed decades ago that fdoesn’t even account for inflation

Indian ocean warming

Q. Indian ocean has been warming much faster than other oceans. Examine why. Also increased warming should result in increased monsoon rains over south Asia which is not happening. Examine.

More warming of Indian Ocean:

The warming is happening because of increased greenhouse gases which is supported by other factors such as
1. Indian ocean is landlocked on north (unlike Pacific and Atlantic ocean) and is not able to dissipate heat at poles
2. Whenever there is El-Nino like conditions in pacific heat gets accumulated in Indian ocean through atmospheric circulation

El-Nino over Pacific ocean results in increased temp. of pacific ocean and it also affects tropical atmospheric circulation

It weakens south-west monsoon during summers and can strengthen north-east monsoon the next summer

This is what happened in Chennai, the strong north-east monsoon rains was aggravated by warm Indian Ocean. Warm air can hold moisture for longer times and result in sudden rain spells. Reason for less rains over south Asia

Rains is brought by air moving from ocean to land mass. This movement is the result of temperature gradient between land mass and ocean. In summer ocean is cooler than the land mass thus moisture laden air moves towards land mass.
In recent times this temperature gradient is weakening due to increased pollutants in atmosphere which reflects solar radiation.
Although warmer ocean temperature means more rains but it is raining more over ocean itself due to weak monsoon winds.

Impact on agriculture

Still more than 60% of agricultural land is rain fed
Rainfall changes – long drought events and massive rainfall – have extreme impact on agriculture

Solution: * Research on drought resilient crop variety

Judicious use of water for irrigation purposes couple with prop irrigational facilities
Greenhouse gases have lifetime of over few centuries – even if we are capable of stopping all pollution sources – atmosphere will still be warming up. But this should not stop us from investing and executing plans to reduce emissions.

Chalukyan architecture

Q. The fascinating Badami-Chalukya temples belonged to the three principal religious faiths – Brahmanical, Jaina and Buddhist. Examine how these religions are represented in Chalukyan architecture.

Chalukyas were followers of Brahamanical faith and made several temples of Vishnu and Shiva
They showed commendable tolerance to Jain and Buddhist also

Affordability of medicines

Q. What are the constraints Indians facing when it comes to accessibility, affordability and availability of medicines.

Accessibility

Low health insurance coverage
Leaving out of certain widely used drugs(ex: TB, diabetes) out of price ceiling regime

Affordability

Calculation of drug prices is based on average of market prices and not on cost prices which has resulted in pharma companies keeping prices many times higher than production cost
While fixing price ceilings regional variation in accessibility to drugs is not factored in

Availability

Issues of IPR, compulsory licensing has discouraged forign investment
Low domestic research due to resource crunch

Step taken by govt.

Jan Aushadhi scheme by few state ( providing low cost generic medicines)
Compulsory licensing of few essential drugs
Denial of patent evergreening provisions in Indian patent law
100% FDI in medical devices sector to bring in investment
Promotion of traditional(homeopathy, ayurveda, etc.) medicinal knowledge under Ministry of Ayush

Steps to be taken

More expenditure on public health – increased RnD spending’s

Jan Aushadhi Scheme

scheme to provide low cost generic drugs
jan aushadhi scheme stores are not able to sell much thus loss of business (whereas normal chemists stores earnings are high)
poor supply chain,
doctors not prescribing generic drugs
over dependence on state govt.
lack of awareness
in Budget 2016 - more number of stores to be opened

Minority institutions

Q. do you think setting up of a minority institution in a secular state such as India is wrong?

A30 of Indian constitution provides that any linguistic or religious minority can set up an educational institutions and run it according to their beliefs.
A30(2) – provides that state should not discriminate such institutions in providing aid
The definition of a secular nation that India follows is freedom of religion rather than freedom from religion.

Concerns:

Can hamper unity, increases biasness towards one religion

21 Feb

Sec 144 –CPC

More than 5 people cannot assemble

14th FC

Tax devolution based on – Area (50% share), income distance, demography (2011 census), population (1971), forest cover
Fiscal deficit target for 2015-16 is 3.9% and 2016-17 – 3.5% there after for 3 years – 3%
States shares in tax revenues – from 32% to 42%
Setup Independent fiscal council – to an independent monitoring mechanism
no distinction between plan and non plan expenditure

22 Feb

Gaudiya mission

Vaishnav missionary following teachings of Chaitanya mahaprabhu

Bhakti movement

Q. “Seeds of India’s freedom struggle were sown with the Bhakti movement.” Examine.

Britisher made us slave on the pretext of "civilising our society" and later own when social scientists introspected they found out a society which is stagnant and decadent is doomed to slavery; during 18th century many social evils prevailed in our society ( caste system, patriarchy, sati system,superstitions ) and all these evils were nothing but impediments in unification of society; bhakti moment has recognised all these evils well in advance for instance,

it attacked the hegemony of brahmins thus intended to cull the social barriers
using vernacular language, as a tool to deliver instruction thus making it accessible to all and popularized vernacular language which helped spread of language to all sections not keeping it restricted to brahmins ;
saint like kabir were equally revered by hindu's and muslim thus diminishing the communal contours;
women saints like meera attacked patriarchy by marrying divine gods(krishna)
social dining by nanak
bhakti + sufi together attacked the radical wing of both religion which impeded the social unification;
gandhi used the mass moblisation method of bhakti like morning prayer and songs like raghupati raghav .
guru-shishya cuture = masses accepted gandhi as guru;
india , mother goddess , and bhakti taught surrender to one god use to inculcate nationalism

thus we can see if bhakti moment has been achieved complete success then social unity have been achieved many times ago and nationalism has been infused ino every section of society and a nation is difficult to enslave. thus we can see the seeds of freedom struggle like (social unity , purging Indian society from social evils, women emancipation) were sown in bhakti moment and the same principles were used by social reformers (RRM ROY, ISHWARCHANDRA , JYITIBHA PHULE , VIVEKANADA) to get rid of shackles of slavery

Market economy status for China

WTO will give
Comes in effect from Dec 2016
Main impact will be on anti dumping duty
India has kept anti dumping duty on unfairly low priced steel imports from china
Dumping is an unfair practice – practice of exporting goods to another country at very low prices( even less than normal production cost). It distorts international trade and injures domestic manufacturers of importing nation.

Ambedkar Vs Gandhi

Q. Considering the contribution made by Dr Ambedkar to India’s freedom struggle, do you see merit in the argument that he should legitimately replace mahatma Gandhi as the Father of Nation? Critically comment.

India’s freedom struggle was not just a political movement, but also a social movement, with leaders simultaneously having to fight the colonial, as well as centrifugal forces like communalism and casteism. This has produced several leaders, the two monumental being, Gandhi & Ambedkar- one became the ‘Father of the Nation,' the other was deemed the ‘Father of Indian Constitution.’

That Ambedkar should be given the title conferred to Gandhi is backed by following arguments:

contributed heavily to the debates and drafting of the Constitution, which defines the nation
stood up for human rights, rule of law, as seen in Article 32 of Constitution (Right to Constitutional Remedies)
had several social contributions like fighting for Dalit Rights, women empowerment, and other such liberal principles.

Several more such arguments are picked up from the difference of opinions between the two leaders (Poona Pact etc.) and Ambedkar’s critiques on Gandhi.

However, these demands seems to arise more to undermine Gandhi’s contributions, rather than highlight Ambedkar’s. It seeks to pose the two leaders as adversaries, rather than the co-workers they were.
Gandhiji’s balancing of the social and political demands of the masses, drew them out into the freedom struggle under the idea of non-violent Satyagraha. Thus, Gandhiji became an all-encompassing ‘father’ figure, under whom, Congress and the masses could unite and fight, despite their varied differences.
This was the reason why Subhash Chandra Bose, another critique of Gandhiji’s methods, conferred the title “Father of Nation” on him, and has been, as such, largely accepted.

Saansad adarsh gram yojana

Q. Critically discuss the elements and objectives of the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana. Do you think this scheme was needed when Members of Parliament are already getting funds under the MPLAD (Member of Parliament Local Area Development) scheme?

SAGY – under this each MP will develop a model village (socio-economic and infrastructure development)
1 village by 2016 and 2 more by 2019. Thereafter 5 more by 2024 ( 1 each year by MP’s)
These will act as models for other village to replicate
Funds – no new fund has been created. Funds from existing schemes has to be use – MPLADS, MNREGA, Indra Awas yojana, Gram panchayat’s revenue, CSR
Model villages – pucca houses, all weather roads, universal health care, electricity connections to all houses, schools, aaganwaadis, etc

Criticism that it is redundant as MPLADS is already there

MPLADS funds can be used for a variety of development in a number of locations, it is not target driven whereas SAGY is target driven – a village has to be selected and developed and then a next village is to be selected.

Problems of finances, MPs are not enthuastic in second phase Solution

Link with CSR
Separate funds for SAGY
Inculcate competitiveness – incentivise best performers

Gandhi vs Ambedkar

Jat agitation – unreasonable demand

These caste groups are already on higher social strata
These frequent agitations gives a reasons to have a relook into the reservation system. SECC provides data for that.

Path to growth

To accelerate growth – govt. can target Fiscal stimuli or monetary stimuli ( as it did in the 2008 financial crisis)
Increased Fiscal stimuli – (inc. in govt. Spending or reduction in taxes)
Increased Monetary stimulus –(reducing policy rates such that bank have to keep less money with RBI and thus more money flows into the market)
Difficult because govt. has committed itself to fiscal consolidation path and set monetary policy framework to control inflation rate
Many economists say’s any departure from fiscal consolidation path will result in investors losing confidence and FII’s will flee the market. But any rational investor will decide on the basis of growth opportunity (which this fiscal stimulus will bring) not on fiscal deficit numbers.

Fiscal deficit targets

3.9% for 2015-16; 3.5% for 2016-17 and 3% for 2017-18

Villu pattu

Musical storytelling
Bow type instrument
in parts of Kerala, Tamil nadu — Preceding unsigned comment added by Gaurav4291 (talk • contribs) 06:08, 1 July 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Paraiattam

Drum type of instrument

PIL

Q. Over the years scope of PIL has expanded to include matters that affect collective rights. Critically argue that the scope of PIL should be limited to its original constituents. Examine how PIL has increased its scope and the issues this has given rise to and the need for limiting it to its original constituents.

PIL

A PIL (public interest litigation) can be introduced in a court not necessarily by the victim himself but by any individual, NGO or court itself (suo motu)
This provision is provided to protect rights of common man. It provides a tool to protect the rights of those who have limited access to justice
Only a nominal fees is to be paid

Abuse of PIL and the issue that comes up

PIL is being used as a handy tool for filing frivolous PILs which cost only a nominal fees as compared to a private civil litigation
The lowering of locus standi (standing in law) requirement has exaggerated the number of frivolous PIL’s
Political parties try to delay legitimate administrative actions

Steps

Court must be careful in examining the petitioners intention – whether any personal or political gains are associated with it
Applicants are fined on frivolous complaints – they have to pay for the losses for the time the project got stalled

PIL provides an effective tool for poor common people of India, it should be restored to its original constituents in matters of protection of fundamental rights of dis-advanted people.

Women –Make in India

Q. Data suggests that economic liberalization has been less kind to women who seek jobs in the blue collar worlds. Examine why and how make in India can help improve women work participation rate.

Income inequality and gender inequality are facts in life of India.
With economic liberalization and dawn of IT sector in India, India has seen rise of women participation. Access to job, income levels have risen up.
But data shows very poor women participation in blue collar jobs
According to a report of ILO, India’s women labor participation is very low( in last 10 of the total surveyed)
Two major sectors where women are employed mostly are Agriculture and construction
Both agriculture and construction are in slump
Urban women are finding jobs in Banking, HRD, Marketing etc. – they have been provided with multiple choices as per their qualifications but his is not true in the case of rural women or women sighting blue collar jobs
In no automotive or manufacturing, one will find no women working – most of the automotive shops are automated
Make in India policy offers considerable opportunities

Blue economy

Q. What do you understand by blue economy? It is said that there are immense possibilities of blue economy for the development of India. Examine opportunities and challenges.

Blue economy

It is marine based economy with focus on sustainable development.
It puts emphasis on innovations in the use of resources that minimises the environmental loss
One of the SDG’s puts emphasis on use of ocean and coastal resources in an environment friendly way
India has vast coastline which offers great opportunities

Importance: 1. Economic:

Food security – fisheries sector and aquatic plants can meet nutritional food demand
Coastal tourism – potential of providing job
Source of alternative energy – oceans provide clean and renewable source of energy in the form of tidal, waves, etc.
Source of minerals

2. Strategic:

Maritime diplomacy
Cooperation with Indian ocean rim countries
China’s influence in Indian ocean

3. Security

Coastline security
Securing trade routes

Challenges 1. Lack of funds and technology to invest in ocean mineral extraction 2. Climate change affects coastal region more 3. Influence of china in IOR 4. Increase in shipping and construction activities along coastline will threaten environment 5. Connecting ports with inland waterways

Project mausam and spice route will increase cooperation among IOR nations.
Platforms like SAARC and IOR-ARC (Indian ocean rim association for regional cooperation) should be used to foster greater cooperation among the nations
Initiatives like sagarmala will give a boost in achieving blue economy

Monetary policy tools

Q. Discuss the policy tools and mechanics through which monetary policy actions are transmitted to the real economy by a central bank. In your opinion which should be the primary objective of monetary policy – price stability , employability or financial stability?

RBI uses monetary policy tools to manage money supply in economy in a manner that balances inflation and aids growth

Tools:

Repo rate : this is the rate at which central bank gives loan to other banks. Thus any increase in this rate can affect money supply in the economy.
Reverse repo rate : this is the rate at which central bank borrows from other banks. Thus any increase in this rate will reduce money supply in the economy. Since banks will get more returns from parking there funds with central bank.
Cash reserve ratio : it is the fraction of the total deposits that a bank has to keep with the central bank. Higher ratio means banks have less to lend and thus curbs money supply.
Statutory liquidity ratio : it is the fraction of deposits that a bank has to invest in govt. approved securities.

23 Feb. 16

Tax to GDP ratio

Q. What is tax to GDP ratio? Compare India’s tax to GDP ratio with that of OECD economies and comment whether India should strive to increase it or not?

Tax to GDP ratio

Is the ratio of total tax collected by govt. to the GDP of the country.
India’s Tax to GDP ratio is one of the lowest

Reasons for low ratio:

Low per capita income, high poverty rates – thus very less population under tax bracket – thus less collections in terms personal taxes (one of the lowest among OECD nations)
Small and medium enterprises are given huge subsidies and tax rebates
Most of the revenue comes for indirect taxes(excise, customs)
Agriculture is mostly tax free
Services amount to miniscule amount of tax revenue
To attract FDI, govt. has been incentivising companies with various susidies and excise and duty cuts
Thus tax collections are not increasing

Suggestions

Bringing agriculture and services into the tax bracket

Taxing agricultural income

Q. Should agricultural income be taxed?

For a number of decades agriculture has remained priority sector for lending. Policies are formulated and banks are coerced to lend in agriculture.
Still farmers are distress

Reasons:

Lack of proof of income potential : given a large number of farmers are illiterate and doesn’t keep any accounting books to show his earnings. Thus it becomes difficult for him to avail loan from banks. This is more prominent in small farmers. Big farmers with their social network can avail loans.

Solution:

By taxing farmers – income tax returns will act as a proof of a true potential of a farmer. It will also help in segregating good and bad farmers(in-efficient ).
A nominal tax rate should be imposed and this in turn can be used to provide further credit to farmers.

Britain – Exit from EU

Q. why does Britain want to exit form EU? Do you think the EU has succeeded as a monetary union? Is it time for its political union?

Why

Fears that Britain will lose autonomy in economic and immigration matters
In Britain, it has become a matter of sovereignty
Bailing out other nations is becoming a burden
The membership fees of EU can be used in areas like health and education
Better trade relations with others countries can be made
Britain is represented by EU in international forums – after exit they will be able represent themselves and better deals can be made

Monetary union

Moderately so EU was able to create a monetary Union – currency has remained stable, and provided with economic growth
A free trade zone of 28 nations been created which keeps prices low for the local economy, better job opportunities

Political union

Not yet, seeing how it mismanaged the Greece crisis and refugee crisis
Forcing it into a political union will not be good Idea

Negative of exit

Britain will lose

Nationalism _during freedom struggle and Now

Q. Compare and contrast the nature of nationalism that was prevalent during the time of freedom struggle with its present form.

The signature of the national movement was to expel British without hatred.
Even when a muslim state was demanded, and in the atmosphere that followed a secular constitution was given to the nation.
There is no absolute value to nationalism. Each has varying degree of nationalism.

common enemy

During freedom struggle, all sections were fighting against one common enemy, even on having differences in opinion worked out a plan to include all the differing views. As seen in the difference in opinions of moderates and extremists.
Today nationalism for one encompasses ones own ideologies, ones own belief, ones own cultural beliefs.

Violence

During freedom struggle - even where British was seen as an enemy - violence was seen as no resort as seen as in various satyagrahas. But today's today's nationalism can turn to violence at slightest of provocation.

Love vs Hatred

during freedom struggle - nationalism invoked love for each other, today's nationalism invokes hatred for each other

Political gain

some parties use it to gain political gains

Inclusive vs Exclusive

today's nationalism is narrow minded, whoever doesn't approve their ideologies are deemed anti-national

civic vs ethnic nationalism

today's nationalism encompasses ones own ethnic and cultural ideologies

Need is constructive nationalism

Kudremukh national park

Lion tailed macaque - Endangered
Damage due kudremukh iron ore company having a open cast strip mining – now closed
Karnataka

Rigid education system

An alternate path in middle and secondary schools – focussing on vocational studies
Germany has similar system – which has become a giant in automotive industry

APEC

Q. Why India should join APEC?

APEC

21 member nations in Asia Pacific region
Accounts for 60% of global GDP

Benefits for India

Will help India develop best industry standards,
Which will improve India’s attractiveness to investors and India’s competitiveness
In futur if India wants to be member of TPP expanded - APEC membership is necessary

Benefits for APEC members

India’s growing middle class – which can be a huge market for member countries
India’s infrastructural need can be met by APEC investors
India can provide skilled labor to ageing economies

Problems:

Some criticises India to be un-willing to accept tougher economic standards especially in multilateral forums like WTO
India needs reforms in - labour laws, land acquisition, environmental laws, etc.

US, China, Japan and Russia have all recently welcomed India’s interest in joining APEC

Sec 3k IPR

Mathematical models, computer algorithms or programs are not patentable — Preceding unsigned comment added by Gaurav4291 (talk • contribs) 22:54, 3 March 2016 (UTC)[reply]

24 Feb

Pollution in cities

Major source – construction, demolition, biomass, diesel vehicles, coal based plants,
Major cities of India are found more polluted than China
China is been able to reduce pollution levels – proper policy formulation, strict monitoring and regulations
Solution – technological way to reduce dust from construction activities, coal based plants(improve their efficiency- make them super critical), monitoring of air quality and transparent dissemination of data should be done, so that masses can be made aware (mobile apps)
Burning biomass – replace with govt. subsidised solar stoves
Good public transport, incentivise usage of cycles and solar powered vehicles
Effects of pollution – reduced productive life, increased health cost, high stress levels

India-Pak

SAARC summit in Islamabad
Re-opening of dialogue with Pak
Security lapses – Pathankot attack – need to strengthen vigilance along the border
US sale of F-16 to Pak

US –Apple case

Q. In the light of sec 69 A of IT act, critically examine what lessons can India draw form the encryption issue.

Balance between data protection and retrieving of data by investigating agencies. India has poor data protection standards and also low legal barriers for data retrieving ( data retrieving is easier)
Most of the internet giants are based out of India, there servers are located outside India. Thus will not comply with govt. request for user data
Most mobile sets in India are uncrypted, usage of pirated applications make them vulnerable
Thus the need is to work with these giants to provide better data protection and also gain access to vital data in vital cases (especially national security related)

Education – Liberal art

Q. Need of inclusion of liberal arts in Indian higher education system.

Technical education in India is seen as more privileged than liberal arts
Surveys reports more than 75% of technical graduates do not have practical knowledge, poor in soft skills
Need of soft skills, knowledge of foreign languages
Critical thinking ability
Ability to take each others views in consideration

Recapitalization of banks

PSB’s are sitting on 7 lakh crores of stressed assests (NPA’s + restructured assets)
Govt. tighten the asset classification to meet basel3 norms
Fiscal consolidation path envisages for a reducing fiscal deficit (3.9% for 2015-16, 3.5% for 2016-17)
Next fiscal year govt. has additional burden of 7th pay commission, OROP, it promised corporate sector to bring taxes down

Reservation

Reservation has an effect on social hierarchy of society,
When socially forward section sees other lower caste coming up economically resentment is seen among them
By demanding reservation, they are demanding to keep the social hierarchy as they have enjoyed all these years
The poona pact 1932 between Gandhi and Ambedkar was based on social justice model of reservation – Dalits and tribes who were kept outside society were given an opportunity of inclusion for them
Mandal reforms were brought to uplift those section who are economically and educationally weaker which too underwent oppression but not as much as dalits and tribals
Today, reservation demand by Jats, Patidars can be seen as ruling class model – weaker sections of these sections are socially forward but economically backward. By demanding reservation they want to keep that social difference alive.

Internet blockage

Govt. is using sec 144 of CrPC to block internet
Sec 144 of CRPC (criminal procedure code) –to prevent obstruction, injury or danger to human life – it needs permission from a magistrate
In today’s digital world, hindrance to internet access can be seen no just as hindrance to individual rights but threat to democracy itself
Rules and procedures should be defined as in what case and circumstances internet can be blocked.

5/20 rule in Aviation industry

Any Indian carrier to operate international flights has to meet 5/20 rule
Minimum 5 years in domestic aviation
Minimum 20 aircraft's

NHRC

H.L Dattu to be appointed as chairperson of NHRC
NHRC chairperson and members are appointed by President on the recommendation of a committee comprising PM, LS speaker, Deputy Chairman of RS, Leaders of opposition in LS and RS, Union home minister
Tenure – 5 Yrs

Woody island

In paracel island chain – South China sea

25 Feb

Nationalism

Q. What do you understand by progressive nationalism? How different is it from cultural and territorial nationalism? In your opinion, which one should Indians and Indian government pursue? Substantiate.

Cultural nationalism refers to nation as homeland of a particular religious faith and practice. And any deviation from their ideologies is treated as alien. They may allow people of other religious belief to be part of the nation but only until they do not differ from their ideologies
Territorial nationalism refers to nation as a geographic entity united in its diversities, united as a federal unit. This concept of territorial nationalism evolved during India’s freedom struggle. Nationalist saw that the idea of uniting diverse people, working for a common goal (freedom) is the only way forward.
Unity in diversity which territorial nationalism refers to as a nation only unites people of diverse social, economic backgrounds but fails to eliminate the disparity.
Progressive nationalism will provide a humane approach to a nation. It is opposite of cultural nationalism which is inward and narrow looking. It is larger and wider than territorial nationalism which accommodates differences between people but doesn’t do enough to eliminate them.
Thus progressive nationalism is what each citizen and govt. should pursue, where the self is committed in the betterment of others especially the under privileged.

India- Nepal

Q. In your opinion, why is Nepal important for India? Comment.

Nepal is landlocked country and has heavy economic dependence on India.
India shares porous boundaries with Nepal, thus any turmoil in Nepal may have spill over effect on Bihar and UP.
Recent agitation by Madhesis after the proclamation of new constitution and the economic blockage that it led to saw damage to India-Nepal cordial relations
Nepal is important to India because any influence of china on Nepal will have effects on India. In the blockade – Nepal turned to China for the oil supplies.
India should continue with its rehabilitation support that it has offered after earthquake
BBIN motor vehicle act – free movement of vehicles – better economic integration
Hydroelectric projects

Ill-effects of mining activities

Q. There are instances across the world where so-called underdeveloped but mineral-rich regions have fallen prey to fierce corporate plunder of natural resources at the expense of the local population. Identify such major regions around the world and in India, and critically examine how local communities are affected by this plunder.

Cashless Transactions

Q. Economists argue that instead of allowing more free ATM transactions, RBI and government should encourage more cashless transactions. Examine why.

ATM transactions costs much less than a transaction at branch, thus the need to push towards ATM transactions.
But cashless transactions (use of debit and credit cards) will bring this cost much lower and has inherited benefit that all transaction will be accounted for.
Incentivise cashless transaction – rebate should be given to motivate people – in the form of tax rebates
Tax rebate will not affect revenue collections – as banks will save on ATM running costs
Proper infrastructure should be developed in rural areas – for acceptance of these cards ( Digital India initiative)
Will help in financial inclusion

India-Iran (Chabahar Port)

Q. India is investing in the Iranian port of Chabahar. Why is investing in this port so important for India? Examine.

Economic aspect:

Chabahar port – will give access to Afghanistan by-Passing Pakistan
Chabahar port connected with International North South Transport corridor will give access to Russia, Iran, Central Asian economies. Will also connect to Europe – decreasing transport time and cost.

Strategic Aspect:

To counter China’s presence in Gwadar port in Arabian sea
China is building CPEC connecting China to Gwadar port

India in South China Sea

Q. It is reported in media that India’s role in the South China Sea dispute is assuming a new dimension as its involvement in the region is growing. Examine the nature of India’s involvement in the dispute and its costs and benefits for it.

South China sea is important since a majority of sea trade routes passes through after going through strait of mallacca
China is building artificial islands in paracel and spratly island chains and has installed fighter jets.
Vietnam has claims on Paracel and Spratly islands
China is asserting to South China sea non-littoral nations should not destabilise the peace of the region
South China sea is rich in hydrocarbons – India is exploring oil fields in South China sea with Vietnam
India is seen as a growing power and expected to play major role in these issues – also important as India aims for a permanent seat in UNSC

124A- Sedition

Q. Do you support the abolition of Section 124A of IPC? Substantiate.

Sec 124A says whoever with words, or written or signs or otherwise brings or attempts to bring hatred towards the govt. formed by law shall be punishable
1897, Bal Gangadhar Tilak was charged under sedition – sedition was defined as any act that incites feeling of hatred towards govt. is sufficient cause incitement to violence or mutiny is immaterial.
Federal court in 1942 held that mere criticism doesn’t amount to sedition. Use of inflammatory and abusive language cannot be charged with sedition.
This was overturned by privy council in 1947, it held that any attempt to incite feeling of hatred towards govt. is sufficient.
After Independence, In kedarnath case – Supreme court held view of federal court – Defined sedition as an act that incites violence
Govt. has misused time and again, they have gone by privy councils definition od sedition – to silence any dissent
It was brought by British to silence any dissent. But in a democracy there is no place for such a law, policies of govt. may bring hatred in minds and heart of people against the govt. and they have every right to express those and they do so through voting them out of the govt.
Any act of violence or inciting violence can be dealt under different laws.

NASA-ISRO collaboration

NISAR – NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar
* All weather high resolution radar
* Applications -  Food security, climate monitoring, urban management, disaster prediction
NASA-ISRO Mars working group
To enhance co-operation in mars exploration (MAVEN and MOM mission)
Chandrayan-I
* NASA and ISRO collaborated in Chandrayan I
* NASA provided moon mineralogy mapper
NASA provided navigational expertise in Chandrayan-I and MOM

26 FEB

Vijay Kelkar committee

Reviewing PPP projects in infrastructure
Proposed-
Setting up independent regulators for different sectors
Setting up PPP institute
Amendement of Prevention of corruption act – to differentiate between graft cases and genuine errors in decision making

Patentability of software’s

Q. Recently, the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks ruled that computer programmes and softwares can not be granted patents in India. Discuss the significance of this ruling and its impact on various stakeholders.

software’s are not patentable
Software giants with deep pockets and expertise can outpatent others from business
Smaller companies and startup will not be able to defend themselves
Many countries like New Zealand and Germany exclude softwares from patents
It can only be patented when it is being used in conjucture with a novel hardware

Reservation

Q. In the light of increasing demand by dominant castes to include them in OBC list, it is now argued that adopting a non-political and pragmatic approach to reservations is necessary to stop non-deserving sections of population from accruing reservation benefits.  In your opinion, in this regard, what approaches can be non-political and pragmatic? Critically discuss.

With economic growth of country, poverty has reduced as compared to the levels in 1947, educational levels has increased but the jobs have not matched with the pace especially the govt. sector and above that rewards for govt. jobs have been increasing consistently, which makes it the most favourable job sector (agriculture is also reducing in India)
So more number of people wants a govt. job.

Problems associated with identification of reservation deserving sections:

Lack of credible caste related data – SECC 2011 data is there, but National commission for backward classes has claimed that this data is not usable for establishing economic status of various castes

Solution:

Census 2021 gives us an opportunity to look into the economic status of various sections, castes in the society – this will provide us the data to segregate deserving and non- deserving sections.
These data should be re-evaluated after every 10-20 yrs. To keep tracking improvements and make necessary changes
Reservation certificate should be linked with AADHAAR number so that a track can be kept, it should not be allowed to be used for the whole life of the person – from education, job to promotion. Once one secures a job using reservation than after that he should not be allowed to use the reservation benefits any more.

The solution lies in the shuffling of the reservation list, keep tracking the economic status of various sections and keeps moving them in and out of this list so that benefits reach wider in the society and no one feels left out. A time line has to be decided that till when are willing to give reservations.

Kaka Kalelkar Committee

First backward classes committee-1955

Sharing Studies real time

Researches sharing data on studies real time – like studies on Zika
Enables others working on same study on different part of the world to learn.

Zika

Transmitted by Aedes mosquito
First found in Uganda in 1947
Can cause abnormal brain development in foetus
Can cause microcephaly
South America, Central America, Mexico are affected

Drug pricing

Q. In India, health care remains heavily skewed against the poor. To address this problem, price controls remain an effective answer to ensuring affordability. In this regard, examine the loopholes in drug pricing policy in India and how India can create an accessible and affordable health-care system.

Budget –Transparency

Q. Transparency – openness about policy intentions, formulation and implementation – is a key element of good governance. But when it comes to budgetary process in India, it is said that the process is non-transparent. In the light of ‘OECD Best Practices for Budget Transparency’, examine why budgetary process needs to be transparent.

OECD

Organisation for economic co-operation and development
India is not a member
Aims to provide best practices to formulate policies in the area of market economy, environment, etc.

National park – Fencing

Q. Some national parks are adopting the strategy of creating physical barriers such as power fences to conserve wildlife. Examine the merits and demerits of this policy.

Merits

Reduces Man-animal conflict – reduce loss of both human and wild life – animals stray in to the cities, highways, have dangers from poachers, etc.
Can check illegal encroaching and will also deter poachers

Demerits

Fencing is costly and maintenance is also difficult
Fencing if done without considering natural migration of animals, can pose problems
May lead to overcrowding
In times of monsoon when area gets flooded, restricting animal movement can pose problems

Solution:

Creating buffer zones for preventing man-animal conflict,
While fencing, animal natural migration should be kept in mind

Kaziranga

Assam
World heritage site
Tiger reserve
Important Bird Area
Brahmputra runs on Northern and eatern boundary of kaziranga

Indian Railways

Q. “Only competition and accountability can put Indian Railways back on track.” In the light of recent findings that all is not well in Indian railways, comment on the statement.

Frieght rates are one of the highest in the world – that makes are products less competitive
Saturated railway lines – extreme pressure on lines – no more addition of trains possible
Low average speeds

Solution:

Dedicated freight corridors – will reduce pressure on existing lines – will help in increasing speeds
Reorganization of Railway board – Cross functional directorates within railway board
Strengthen PPP cell to improve ease of doing business
More powers to zonal railways to make decision making faster

Virtual reality

Definition:

It is computer simulated reality
Real or artificial world is simulated and virtual presence at that location can be felt, user can interact with the virtual world.

Application:

Education and training – From schools, to medical colleges to combat trainings, flight simulators
Medical personnel can be trained
Teaching kids road crossing skills
Virtual galleries, museums
3D designing of auto parts, buildings etc,
Therapy for many phobia

Concerns:

Health effects – Sever eye strain, motion sickness, loss of hand-eye coordination,

Zero Coupon bond

is a debt security which doesn't give any interest (Coupon) but is traded at a huge discount and it is redeemed at face value, thus giving profits.

SDR – Strategic debt restructuring

It allows banks to convert the loan that they have given to companies into equity.
This is allowed for a period of 18 months thus this NPA will not be shown in the balance sheet of the bank and thus are able to show higher interests
Equity = assets - liabilities
Bank should be owning 51% in the company thus it allows them to change the existing management and they can try to turnaround the ailing company or they can try to sell it to a new promoter

27 Feb

Nationalism

Nationalism during Indian struggle for freedom was sui generis (one of its kind).
It was essentially a democratic and an egalitarian (belief in the principle that people are equal) nationalism.
It was inclusive ( almost all sections participated, everyone’s views were important)
Central to this nationalism was tolerance, accommodation and negotiation whenever a difference in opinion rose.
And European nationalism had these features – It was never an inclusive nationalism, it was imperialistic (policy of use of power to colonialize states)

Bringing rich farmers in tax bracket

Q. To widen the tax net and raise revenue for spending on India’s human capital development, the recent Economic Survey calls for bringing rich farmers into the tax net, raising property tax rates and phasing out tax exemptions. Do you think this is a prudent suggestion? Critically analyse.

India is far from a full tax paying democracy – Only 5.5% of the people who earn pay taxes – only 15.5% of the net national income is being reported to the income tax department
Tax to GDP ratio of India (16.6%) is one of the lowest among emerging economies (21%) and lower than that of OECD economy average(34%).
India’s spending on human capital development, education and health to GDP ratio is lowest amongst BRICS and also lower than OECD economies average.
To increase revenue and to invest in human capital, education and health finance commission has economic survey (2015-16) has suggested to tax rich farmers, increase property tax and phase out tax exemptions

Countervailing duties

It is imposed under WTO rules to negate the effects of subsidies.
If a foreign country subsidises its exports which injures domestic manufactures in the importing country, in this case importing country can impose countervailing duties.

Economic surveys proposals to boost Make in India initiative

Eliminate exemptions on countervailing duties, monetisation of land with public sector companies and allowing companies to by land directly from the electricity market
Exemptions on countervailing duties was hurting domestic industry
Land with public sector companies can be used in smart city initiative or ecosystem for start ups or for setting up industrial cluster
Electricity distribution companies due to financial crunch are not able to buy electricity thus there is huge surplus in the electricity market. Thus large companies should be allowed to buy electricity directly from the market.
These proposals with implementation of GST will help boost make in India initiative.
If in future India join TPP it will hamper Make in India initiative as it will prevent govt. to use state owned enterprises and govt. procurement for socio-economic objectives including employment generation.\

South Commission

Q. Discuss why The South Commission (1987-90) was set up, and what were its mandate and recommendations. The Human Development Report (HDR), 2013 titled “The Rise of the South” has recommended setting up a new South Commission. Examine why.

NDP and CCE in RTE 2009

Q. “The no-detention provision (NDP) and continuous and comprehensive evaluation (CCE) in the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RtE) Act 2009 have become arguably the act’s most controversial clauses.” Examine why.

RTE Act 2009 provided provisions for NDP (no detention policy) and CCE(comprehensive continuous evaluation) in elementary school. The aim was to address high dropouts and education load on children.
These two provisions are being criticised
These two provisions are to be seen together and with other provisions such as stress free teaching-learning environment, age appropriate admissions, no board exam till 8th class, learning through activities, child centred teaching methods.

Argument against NDP and CCE:

This reduces quality and standard of learning,
With no exam there is no motivation for learning

Yashpal committee report (learning without burden) highlighted that school experience has become meaningless and burdensome and the roots of this lies in the examination system that is followed
Beyond pass-fail system : The current system assess students based on his abilities to reproduce textbook knowledge by rote learning and on failing he his punished by failing him in the class – results in humiliation, loss of confidence, etc. This system was designed in pre-independence time when Britisher ‘s wanted Indians to learn what and imbibe their ideologies word to word.
Assessment: The need is to differentiate between evaluation and assessment. Evaluation is seen as just a mechanism for pass/fail whereas assessment is a learning and feedback process. Comprehensive and continuous evaluation provides a mechanism to teachers to closely assess student’s progress and accordingly give feedback to parents and also base their teachings accordingly. This thus places significant responsibility on school and teachers for student’s learning.
UNESCO’s report highlights that the negative impacts of repeating a class is much higher than the benefits, children suffers a loss of self-esteem
The NDP and CCE provision makes student the focal point, the pace of learning is dependent on student, parents and teachers engagement is necessary for directing a better path of learning for a student

NMAC

Q. The union government plans to set up a National Media Analytics Centre (NMAC) to monitor and analyse blogs, web portals of television channels and newspapers, as well as social media. Critically comment on this move.

29 Feb 16

Begging

Q. Begging in India is currently a crime under the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959. Do you think it should be decriminalised? Substantiate.

A bill is drafted to decriminalise begging
It will offer them a life of dignity
Need of rehabilitation,

Setting up of a National court of appeal

Q. Analyse the significance of the proposal of setting up of a ‘National Court of Appeal’ to hear routine appeals in civil and criminal matters from the High Courts.

SC is currently grappled with checking all rulings of a number of HC’s which come to it for review
High number of backlogs
Difficulties for litigants coming from different parts of the nation

Solution:

Dividing SC in legal division and constitutional division
Legal division having principal bench in delhi and 4 other benches in different parts of nation
Setup a court of appeal having four benches adjudicating non-constitutional matters

Issues:

Legal opinions raised that amendments in SC role will damage the character of SC envisioned in constitution
Law Commission suggested that A130 ( The SC of India shall sit in Delhi or in such place or places as CJI of India with approval of President from time to time appoint) may be amended to provide for setting up of cassation(non-constitutional matters) courts in different places

India’s solar mission-WTO ruling

Q. India’s solar power programme has come under intense scrutiny by global political and business leaders, especially given its aggressive intent and extensive trade opportunities. In this regard, recently WTO ruled against India saying India’s solar ambition is against trade rules. Critically comment on this ruling and examine the issues the ruling has given rise to.

It is a part of India’s National Solar Mission that envisages generating 1 lakh Megawatts of solar power capacity by 2022.
This effort is an important sub-component in India’s effort in fighting global warming.
In this programme companies manufacturing Solar cells and equipment’s are required to meet DCR ( Domestic content requirement), to which countries like US have objected citing this as a disadvantage to American companies and American workers
WTO has ruled against DCR requirement citing GATT articles
National Solar mission is a mission to develop India into a green economy and a sustainable economy, for that to happen it need to support its domestic industry and generate enough jobs for her population.
Mission like these should not only be seen from the prism of business opportunity but from social and environmental aspects also

UN secretary General

Q. Critically comment on the selection process for the post of the UN secretary general (UNSG) and the significance of this post.

Selection

UN Security Council proposes a candidate for secretary general, The general assembly than ratifies the selection, historically no proposal from UNSC has been rejected by general Assembly. The candidate should not be from the country of UNSC permanent members country.
Term is 5yrs which can be renewed
UNSC permanent members holds veto power in the appointment of secretary General
The appointment process is seen as lacking transparency as only the 5 permanent members of UNSC selects the secretary general

Significance of this post:

UN commands significant military and economic assets
Commands 1lakh strong military in peacekeeping and police missions
Have annual budget higher than the GDP of many nations
Operates diplomatic missions larger than many nations
The posts is seen as a moderator for world issues

To make this selection transparent UNSC and General Assembly has asked member nations to recommend candidates but UNSC will still have the biggest influence on selection. But it is step in right direction.

Budget making process

Q. Discuss some of the key legal and Constitutional aspects that form the basis of the Budget-making process.

The preparation of budget for the approval of legislature is a constitutional obligation.
Parliament doesn’t use word Budget
A112 – provides laying before parliament an ‘annual financial statement’ stating the estimated receipts and expenditure for the coming financial year.

A113 – (Demand for grants):

The estimates for expenditure to be drawn from consolidated funds of India included in annual financial statement are to be presented before lok sabha for voting. These expenditures are presented in the form of demand of grants and are separated ministry wise and separate grants for each of the major services are made.

A114 – (Appropriation Bill):

Is intended to give authority to govt. to incur expenditure from consolidating fund of India. Procedure for Passing an appropriation bill is same as that of money bill

A110-1-a (Finance Bill) :

At the time of presenting of annual financial statement, a financial bill is also presented before the parliament. It proposes imposition, alteration, remission or abolition of taxes. A finance bill is a money bill but not all money bills are finance bill.

Vote on account, vote of credit or exceptional grant :

In case demand of grants parliamentary procedure is pending in the parliament and appropriation bill is passed, under A116 – the lok sabha is empowered to grant an advance from consolidated funds of India known as vote on accounts. Lok sabha has powers to meet un-expected demands known as vote of credit or exceptional grants.

FRBM,2003 :

In addition to Budget documents FRBM (Fiscal responsibility and Budget management act 2003) mandates certain additional documents to be laid before parliament. Such Macro-economic framework for the coming financial year, Fiscal policy strategy, medium term fiscal policy statement, medium term

Civil aviation reforms

Q. Recently, the union government proposed key civil aviation reforms. Discuss the significance of these reforms.

Proposed reforms:

Relaxation of 5/20 rule for international flights
Auctioning of bilateral rights
Relaxation in the international ownership cap of 49%

Significance:

This will encourage new players to enter the aviation market which will increase competition and companies will strive to increase efficiency
Will check monopoly of some companies
Relaxation of foreign holdings cap of 49% will bring foreign players which will increase competition
Bilateral rights – these are treaties signed between countries so that one’s airlines can operate in others country –these rights are then sold to airlines – which ultimately increases the prices – established entities are favoured by govt. – proper auction should be done so that new players gets a level playing field – an open sky policy is the best policy – in which any airline can fly anywhere