User talk:Gaurav4291/Jun2016

1 Jun

RBI governors

5 year term of deputy governors
There are 4 deputy governors – 2 outsiders ( one is economist and the other is a commercial banker)

Nuclear free world

Q. Comment on the existing challenges in making the world go nuclear-free.

Concern

Danger of falling into hands of terrorist organisations
Civil dangers – like fukushima
Increased tension between nations
Nations like North Korea – even after sanctions – are conducting nuclear tests
In 70-90s – it was a bi-polar nuclear world – now there are a number of nuclear states – more increase in Asia-Pacific region

Solution

START ( strategic arms reduction treaty) was first signed in 1991 between US and USSR – to limit the number of nuclear warheads – again it was signed in 2011
Initiatives like NPT, NSG – but have failed in stopping or curbing nuclear programmes of countries like – India, Pakistan, North Korea, Isreal, etc.

Iran-Saudi

Q. Examine the causes behind the Iran-Saudi divide in the mid-east. Do you think India should mediate between two countries to broker peace between them? Critically comment.

Italy has a parliamentary form of govt. – a bicameral legislature (upper and lower house) – since the time of adoption of constitution they never had a govt. which could complete its 5 year term.
Recently, in Italy a bill was moved in upper house – some members moved 82 million amendments ( computer generated changes of comma, fullstop, etc.) – just to delay the process
Upper house is envisaged to have a check on law making, to provide a place on deliberations. In LS – law making is generally done by party in majority – thus RS can have a broader view while counter evaluating a bill
But unnecessary delay – just for political purpose can be counterproductive
Ex –GST in India, it is stalled for last 16 years
GST will require constitutional amendment – it has been passed in LS but is pending in RS

2 Jun

Nairobi Package

Adopted in WTO meeting at Nairobi, Dec-2015
Decisions on Agriculture, cotton and LDC (least developed countries)

NIIF

National Investment and Infrastructure fund
Is the nodal agency for development of greenfield and brownfield infrastructure projects and will help in reviving
Funds will be generated partially by govt. and partially by private sector
Govt. shares will not go up more than 49%

Nuclear-Iran

Q. Do you think the recent nuclear deal between Iran and world powers will encourage Arab nations to pursue nuclear ambitions? Should India be worried? Examine.

Iran-US nuclear deal may result in new ambitions in neighbouring countries of Iran (Saudi, UAE, Egypt)
They would want to develop nuclear capability – to tilt power in their favour in the region
Concern that country like Saudi will be able to develop indigenous nuclear capability or can acquire from foreign nations like Pakistan
Experts say – Saudi doesn’t have that capability to indigenously develop nuclear capability
Saudi provided funds for Pakistan to be able to acquire nuclear capability – in return they would want to acquire nuclear capability
But Saudi’s relation with Pakistan is not at its best – Pakistan turned down Saudi’s request of sending Pakistan’s troop in Saudi’s Yemen campaign

India-US BIT

Q. compare the features of their model BIT provisions and examine the issues that are stalling signing of BIT between them.

First – US version of model BIT contains provision for MFN (most favoured nation) whereas Indian version do not have that provision. MFN provision will check any discrimination that US companies face in India or vice versa.
Second – Indian model of BIT has excluded taxation provision – But US companies want it – ex – like retrospective tax – US companies wants stable and predictable tax laws
Third – exclusion of compulsory licenses and revocation of IPRs – US does not want complete exclusion of these – since complete exclusion will mean US companies will not be able to sue Indian govt. in cases of compulsory licenses and revocation of IPRs
Fourth – ISDS (investor state dispute settlement) provision – It allows investors to directly brings claims on host nation under international laws. But Indian model only allows that claims be first tried in domestic courts for atleast 5 years – this might not be agreeable with US companies – since seeing the pace of Indian judiciary
India and US have a number of economic disputes at WTO also – poultry imports in US, Solar panel issue

EU-Refugee

Q. Critically comment on Germany’s refugee integration process and its impact on EU. Also examine how it will affect Indians.

India-Milk

Q. How can India make milk production as a viable business? Also examine why increasing milk production should be govt.s policy

4 June

India-US

Signed an agreement to exchange information on terrorist screening

Pulses

Helps in nitrogen fixing

Winter Olympics

In 2018, south korea
Mascot – white tiger (soohorang)

Hague code of conduct

To stop proliferation of ballistic missiles
India has joined it

Ballistic missiles

Travels a large path of its trajectory – unpowered under the influence of gravity
Whereas a cruise missile – travels mostly with power

Monsoon definition

When 8 0f 14 IMD stations at kerala measures rainfall of above 2.5 cm
And there are supporting winds and other parameters
For 2 consecutive days

OPEC

13 member organisation

Q. It is said that in recent months clout of the OPEC has diminished and it’s lacking cohesion in decision making. Examine Why.

App based Taxi

Q. Critically comment on the recent move by Karnataka govt. to regulate app based taxi operators and its taxi operators and its implications for consumers and drivers.

Nuclear Attack

Q. do you agree that dropping bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was a wanton act? Critically comment.

Mikhail Gorbachev

Q. Critically analyse the legacy of Mikhail Gorbachev.

HC Advocates Act

Q. Recently, the Madras HC has introduced crucial changes to section34 of the advocates act introducing new conduct rules and punishments. Discuss the merits and demerits of this move.

Rules

Taking money
Abusing judges, browbeating
Sending unfounded complaints against judges to superiors
Who appears under the influence of alcohol
Taking out processions in court premise

Concern

These rules are meant to maintain dignity and purity of the courtroom
Negatives – judges are mostly bribed through middlemen (not lawyers), will deter honest lawyers to speak up against corrupt judicial officers,

India-Neighbourhood

India’s strategic stance in neighbourhood is of going solo

Current scenario

India has engaged with Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi heavily – Iran (Chabahar port, train connecting to Afghanistan), salma dam in Afghanistan, etc.
Ayyani air base in Tajikistan
While India has neglected some opportunities – like Srilanka invited India to develop Hambantota port – declined due to financial constraint – India is itself a developing nation – it could do only a little
Issue – huge amount of taxpayers money is invested – a number of domestic problems are yet to be sorted
India is only developing a small portion of the port – Iran has invited other nations aswell to develop the port – Pakistan and China
India doesn,t have the capacity to develop and maintain complete port and to maintain road and rail network connectivity on its own

Solution

Is developing these projects with India’s reliable strategic partners like Japan, EU nations – which will allow more funds and also ensure timely completion
India-China could work together

Monsoon

Q. Discuss the significance of the normal monsoon rains for monetary policy in India. In your opinion, how good rains should be used to recharge groundwater through policy means? Examine.[Hindu]

India-Afghanistan

Q. Should New Delhi’s engagement be limited to infrastructure development in Afghanistan? Substantiate. [Hindu]

Silicosis

Is an occupational health disease
By crystalline silica dust
Damages lungs

Q. Recently, the Supreme Court directed the Gujarat government to immediately pay an amount of ₹3 lakh each to the next of kin of 238 workers who died after contracting silicosis. Discuss the significance of this directive. [EPW]

MGNREGA

Q. A decade after coming into force, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act is suffering from a decline in employment, budget caps, delays in wage payments and rampant violations of workers’ entitlements. Examine the reasons. [EPW]

Payments Bank

Q. “India Posts Payment Bank will be a game changer for rural and suburban India.” Do you agree? Comment. {livemint}

5 Jun

6 Jun

Tiger train

Started for tourist – to increase awareness about tigers

Draft wetlands rules

Q. Critically comment on the provisions of Draft Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2016, which will replace the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules of 2010.

Kanwar lake sanctuary

In Bihar
Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lake

India-Qatar

Qatar will invest in India’s national investment infrastructure fund
Cooperation in energy sector – india wants develop oil fields in Qatar. India has invited Qatar to develop fields in India under HELP
Qatar is the largest provider of LNG and LPG to India

India-US

Q. What are the points of divergence in the relationship between India and USA. In your opinion, how can they be resolved? Comment. The Hindu

India-Qatar

Q. Analyse the recent agreements made between India and Qatar. Business Standard Livemint

Multilateral diplomacy

Q. It is said that the Multilateral diplomacy is facing unprecedented strain, both from the global hegemon and the contenders. How is India affected by this strain? Is it prepared to address this strain? Critically comment. EPW

Defecation

Q.Critically examine the flaws in the design of recent schemes that were aimed at eradicating open defecation in India. How they should be addressed?The Indian Express

India –Solar energy

Q. India’s aspiration for minimizing the environmental cost to economic development by meeting 40% of its energy needs from non-fossil fuels by 2030 has implications both for solar companies and consumers. Examine what these implications are. Livemint

Innovation-Productivity

Q. It is said that we are entering a golden era of innovation, which will radically increase productivity growth and improve the way we live and work. Has productivity increased with innovations? Examine the reasons. Livemint

Solar energy

Q. In recent years, Japan, China and Germany have been successful in generating most of their energy requirements from solar energy. What can India learn from these countries’ experiences in its ambition to install 100 GW of solar power by 2022? Examine. The Indian Express

7 June

India-Swiss

Swiss govt. is supporting India’s membership for NSG

Arecanut

Beetel nut
Nut used in paan
Is carcinogenic
Major Producers - Karnataka (40%), Kerala(25%), Assam(20%), TN, Meghalaya, WB — Preceding unsigned comment added by Gaurav4291 (talk • contribs) 05:42, 30 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

RPA

It allows EC under clause 58A to cancel polls if there is an evidence of booth capturing or use of muscle power to influence the outcome of elections.
EC has asked centre to amend RPA – to include 58B – when money power is used – EC will be able to cancel polls
Currently EC revoked notification of election in 2 constituencies of Tamil nadu – for evidence of money power – under the A324

FDI

Q. It is a fact that the sourcing norm has inhibited FDI inflow into India. Should government drop the sourcing condition altogether? Also analyse the status of retail FDI in India.

India has opened almost all sectors from food, beverages to defence equipment for FDI investment with varying level of ease and regulations.
But has kept sourcing norms (condition of sourcing components locally) – it has kept a number of investors unwilling to invest citing various reasons – from quality to unavailability of components
Sourcing norms has socio-economic relevance as it will create jobs and protect livelihood
This has impeded FDI inflow in country – to rectify this govt. has allowed exemption for products having state of the art technology – for which vendors are not in India
India has permitted 100% FDI in single brand retail – with sourcing norms

Monsoon

Q. Briefly discuss the causes of origin of the south west monsoon. (200 Words)
Monsoon

Is seasonal reversal of direction of winds over Indian landmass

Origin and Mechanism

Generally there is HP over Himalayas and LP over Indian ocean – thus air flows from Himalayas to indian ocean.
ITCZ shifts northwards, Tibetan plateau get heated up, and there is High pressure near Madagascar coast – thus during summers land gets heated up and creates LP area over landmass – thus moisture laden wind moves from ocean to land – southwest monsoon
ITCZ shifts southwards, HP is created over Tibetan plateau during approaching winters – thus NE monsoon rains – which covers mainly NE India and South East states

Basic Income

Q. Recently Swiss voters rejected the proposal to introduce a guaranteed basic income for everyone living in the country, irrespective of employment status or social contribution. Should such basic income be introduced in India? Comment.

Why the need

Technological growth – less human labour needed
Failure of state social service delivery system

Negatives

Will increase tax burden on the rest
Will demotivate others

8 June

India-US

US sees India as major defence partner

MTCR

Missile technology control regime
To prevent proliferation of missiles and unmanned vehicles
India is going to become a member this year
Meeting – at Seoul, South Korea, Oct-2016

Q. What is Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)? Why does India want to become its member? Examine.

India aims to become member of NSG – to be able to trade in nuclear material
MTCR – is missile technology control regime – to prevent proliferation of missiles and unmanned vehicles
US is supporting India’s candidature of NSG and is also convincing other members

Wassenaar arrangement

To control export of conventional arms and dual use technologies
Promotes responsibility and transparency in transfer of conventional arms and dual use technology

Australia group

To prevent proliferation of chemical and biological weapons

NSG

Nuclear suppliers group
To prevent proliferation of material that could lead to development of nuclear weapons and also promotes safeguarding of current material.

MECR

Multilateral export control regime
4 nuclear regimes – Australia group, NSG, MTCR and Wassenaar Arrangement

Greenpeace

NGO – Environment, peace

India-Gulf nations

Q. Critically analyse India’s relations with Gulf countries.

Historic Economic, Cultural and civilizational ties:

India has remained in close contact with gulf nations, historic trade – of spices, exotic stones, muslin, etc. Cultural exchanges – from art, sculptures to music, dance. Ambassadors like Ibn batuta visited India.

Contemporary ties:

Indian labour force in gulf, nurses, a number of engineers and doctors are working in gulf region.
Gulf region is one of the highest remitting regions in the world for India.
This region – Oman, UAE, Iran – contributes heavily to India’s energy needs.
Economic – more cooperation in oil fields, science, space, tourism, medicine, et,
Defence and security – Intelligence sharing, marine protection, stopping terrorism
Strategic – Gulf regions prosperity is majorly due to Oil fields – but with reducing prices – they are feeling the heat – thus want to engage with developing nations like India at other fronts. Similarly for India, Gulf region – can become new market for its make in India initiative. India can be a net security provider in the region.

Hague code of conduct

Against ballistic missile proliferation
It does not call for a ban on production but calls for a restraint
It is similar to MTCR
India has signed it

Rajya Sabha

Q. The Constitution conceived of the Rajya Sabha as a House of States, where elders representing their state of domicile participate in the law making process while also keeping a check on the Lok Sabha, the elected assembly. Do you think the Rajya Sabha has lived up to this expectation? Critically comment.

RS is envisaged to be a body of elders representing their
Originally, only the candidate having domicile of that particular state was allowed to be nominated for RS seat from the respective state.
But this provision is now removed – govt. is now given more freedom in nominating members.
Parties now see RS as a house to park their un-elected or defeated members – they get them elected from where they have majority
In most cases, members with heavy monetary backing, political backing gets elected.
It has eroded federal character of house to an extent.
With govt. enjoying majority in LS, and with concepts like party whip – law making has become from a consultative and federal process to a more central govt. backed process
In this scenario, role of RS becomes more important – they must be empowered to showcase fault in laws, recommending proper amendments – and also process should be developed so that RS is not overlooked.

Film censorship

Q. Should there be censorship of films? Critically discuss in the light of release of report by Shyam Benegal Committee (2016) on film censorship and recent moves by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)  to ban or cut scenes in movies.

Shyam benegal committee was formed to look into censorship of films
A number of cinema personalities were included in the committee – so that an all inclusive report and thus recommendations could be provided
Broady report recommends – films to be certified not censored, recommended reduction in members of CBFC, and also increasing the category of certification – Child and Adult.
But a catch – committee has recommended doing away with censorship but has given powers to board to not give certification to films it finds objectionable – this is seen as reasonable restriction on free speech.

RS

Q. It is said that the recent controversy over Rajya Sabha polls in Karnataka is an opportunity to bring in crucial electoral reforms. Discuss the issues involved and reforms that can be brought.

Issue – demanding money for votes for nomination in RS
News channel covered it with a sting operation, and demanded EC to postpone elections or cancel it.

9 June

Monsoon

Atleast 8 of 14 IMD stations kerala have measure rainfall of more than 2.5 cm, wind speed – 30-40 Kmph and 600 hPa pressure
Outgoing long wave radiation (an indicator of convection) – min. 200 W/m2

FCRA

Foreign contribution regulation act
To regulate acceptance and utilisation of foreign funds
Foreign funds can be received under 2 conditions – organisation should be registered with FCRA or should take prior permission from FCRA

UNMOGIP

UN military observer group in India and Pakistan
To monitor situation in Kashmir
India’s doesn’t recognise UNMOGIP mandate

Pelindaba treaty

Controls supply of uranium from Africa to rest of world
It is also known as Africa nuclear weapon free zone treaty
Namibia – is also a member
Namibia is 4th largest producer of uranium
India and Namibia got into a MoU – for trade in Uranium

Flute

Proto instrument of UN SDG goal

Megha-tropiques

Tropical atmospheric study mission

Banda singh bahadur

Disciple of Guru Gobind Singh
Fought against Mughals
Abolished zamindari system

India-NSG

Q. “India seeking membership of the NSG is like Russia seeking membership of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.” Comment on the statement and critically examine what India gains or doesn’t gain by NSG membership.

NSG was estb. After Indian nuclear test – to prevent nuclear proliferation
NSG – first condition is that the member nations should be members of NPT
NPT – India, Pakistan, Israel, south Sudan (UN members ) - never became members
NPT weapon states – US, China, Russia, UK and France

Criticism

NSG as a group not able to prevent proliferation – Pakistan didn’t even acquire NSG waiver to get into a nuclear trade with China
China is not supporting, and some other nations as well
India is investing huge diplomatic resources – whether the returns will be fruitful

FCRA

Q. The Central government has acted against a number of NGOs in India in the past two years for allegedly violating the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act. Critically comment on its implications. (200 Words)

Euthanasia

Q. Critically comment on provisions of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s draft Medical Treatment of Terminally-Ill Patients (Protection of Patients and Medical Practitioners) Bill, 2016.

10 Jun

Ken-Betwa project

Ken river to Betwa river
Panna tiger reserve is in between (MP)

IUPAC

113 – Nihonium
114 – Moscovium
115 – tennessine
116 – oganesson

AIDS

MDG 6 – was on combating AIDS, Malaria and other diseases
Target
1. To halt and reverse the spreading of AIDS by 2015 – it has been achieved globally
2. By 2010, universal access to HIV treatment to all those who needs it

Nicaragua

http://www.worldatlas.com/img/areamap/continent/central_america_map.gif

Ganghwa island

South Korea territory
In disputed waters
In yellow sea

Kaavi art

Is Goan architectural art form
Is a type of etching on walls
Uses charcoal and red sandstone for etching on walls

Basohli art

In Himachal Pradesh
Known for paintings of goddesses and rasamanjari text

Growing cities

Q. UN Habitat estimates that by 2030 India will have 14 major clusters of cities accounting for 40 per cent of its GDP. Do you think Indian cities, which are going to become economic engines in future, are ready to withstand extreme weather events? What should be done in this regard? Critically discuss.

By 2030, India will have 14 major clusters of cities – accounting for 40% of GDP
This will bring all those common problems Traffic congestion, increased local area pollution, population pressure on land and resources, floods due to rains, etc. currently seen in todays metropolitan like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, etc.
The need is to analyse whether these mega clusters will be ready to handle all these extreme conditions. Chennai floods, New Delhi pollution problem, mega cities traffic congestion problems show that these cities are not ready.
Chennai floods caused damages of 1000s of crores, general insurance of property in India is very low – thus majority of loss was borne by individuals
Most of the time funds are invested in post-monsoon damage control – repairing of roads, cleaning of drainage. There is hardly any investment for creating new assets.

Solution:

Administrators should chalk out future plans considering all information related to weather events, population growth estimation, etc.
Water harvesting : natural aquafiers, prevent encroaching of wetlands (that can prevent floods), water harvesting techniques – to meet water needs of ever growing cities.
Building codes : infrastructure should be designed to withstand these kind of events of heavy floods, cyclones and even earthquakes
Basic amenities : in these events, basic amenities like hospitals, electricity, drinking water should not get disturbed

UK referendum

Q. What are the broad issues on which referendum debate on UK’s exit from the European Union is resting on? Analyse.

A common market (precursor to EU) was established after World War 2 to keep the continent war free, it found support from common people who didn’t wanted those atrocities of war to resurface again and it also found support from big businesses.

Issues:

Immigration : EU brought freedom of movement in the continent, which saw increased labour movement into UK which has resulted in increased pressure on resources (health care, education, housing)– thus instilling anti-immigration feelings. People for remain in EU side – immigrants bring more to national economy than they take out.
Security : For – remaining in EU will help in coordinating fight against terrorism. Against – argues that with no control on borders providing security is becoming difficult as seen in a number of terrorist attacks in EU.
Trade : For – Uks economy is heavily integrated with EU economy, have advantages of tarrif liberalisation free movement, it has also enhanced London’s position in global trade. Against – EU also needs UK for their economy and trade agreements with individual nations can be easily made. And London is already global power will not lose on its credibility.
EUs membership also comes with a hefty price – rich members have to pay for poorer member nations growth.
Many feel it is better to stay in EU than to trace a path of unknown future.

Film Certification

Q. It is said that artistic expression and creative freedom should not be curbed, and audiences should have the right to make informed viewing choices. Do you agree? In the light of recent controversy over film certification in India, critically comment.

Shyam benegal committee on film certification recommended doing away with film censorship. And classifying films as child and adult.
But certification can be denied all together if the committee thinks that it is against the national sovereignty and integrity, admiralty, moralty, relation with foreign nation, etc.
In a number of cases, movies and documentaries have seen cuts and editing by censor board – objecting to cuss words, improper language, visuals, etc.
Films and documentaries are ways of displaying ones artistic freedom, and it should be left to the audiences to make informed decision – to what to watch.
Censor board is seen to be very hard in cases of movies showing ground realities of society – a documentary on rape, political situation of a particular region, etc. – but these only show the reality which is happening
The provisions of cinematograph act – are liable to be misused by political ruling class – that can stop film industry showing the real picture
CBFC – is the censor board. And FCAT ( film certification appellate tribunal ) – for grievances of producers – and even after this producers can reach to HC.
But after getting clearances from censor board, then there is state clearances – they also ban films in their state.

Hysterectomies

Q. In many states of India, Performing hysterectomies on women below the age of 50 has become a serious health concern. Examine why. How this issue should be addressed?

Hysterectomy – surgery of removing uterus. It renders women incapable of bearing child.
Medical practitioners only recommend this surgery in case of tumour or some serious illness.
A pattern is being observed in rural areas of many states like Bihar, Gujarat, UP, Jharkhand, etc., where women as young as in 20s and 30s are undergoing hysterectomy.

Concern:

Medical practice: case studies by NGOs show that poor women are being prescribed hysterectomy for white discharge, irregular menstrual cycle and even abdominal pain – these section of women being poor and most of them being illiterate – and their fear of cancer, loss of wages during menstruation. Doctors convince them once one has had children the uterus is of no use. These women fall in the trap.
This forces them to menopause – which brings with it other complexities of joint pains, reduced immunity, weakness, hormonal imbalance – for which they can’t afford the treatment
Hysterectomy surgeries are turned into a money making business by private hospitals. RSBY (Rashtriya swasthya bima yojana) provides insurance for hysterectomy – but insurance penetration is itself very low.
These private practitioners collude with diagnostic centres – which gives report in an hour – recommends them surgery.
Govt. has formulated a number of committees – doctors are still practicing
There is need of a regulation like PC-PNDT (pre-conception and pre-natal diagnostic test) – which prevents any ultrasound without proper papers.
Currently there is no national health data on hysterectomy, NFHS-4 has a section of hysterectomy and is compiling data on hysterectomy – this will allow govt. to formulate a plan.

India-SCO

Q. India will become a functional member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) from this year. Critically analyse SCO’s performance in regional economic and strategic matters, and how India’s new role in SCO would affect its interests.

SCO – Shanghai cooperation organisation
HQ – Beijing
Members – CK TURK ( China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia and Kyrgyzstan)
India and Pakistan will become new members this year

Current situation:

Energy – currently there is no such major energy cooperation established through SCO. In past energy cooperation has been taken as major goal but nothing major has been achieved.
Investment – a SCO development bank was proposed which is yet to start, countries have shifted focus to NDB (BRICS), Asian infrastructure development bank.
One of the key reasons behind SCO’s stunted growth is – China-Russia strategic relations. Both nations doesn’t want to give other the strong hold in the energy rich region.
China is already connecting with region through its OBOR initiative, India is also engaged with nations in bilateral initiatives.

Affects of India’s entry in SCO

India can provide balance to the group - as far as China-Russia strategic relation go. India can balance their power in the region.
Entry of India and Pakistan – gives SCO member’s access to Arabian sea and Indian ocean.
Long term economic growth of SCO also depends on its cooperation with OBOR initiative – since OBOR has already grown much – has increased connectivity to mid-east and European nations. But India has till now remained outside OBOR, India has to evaluate its stand whether to engage itself in OBOR or not.
India will find it beneficial to engage in OBOR, as it deemed to give economic benefits and will also allow India to keep an eye on any mis-adventure that China might play.

11 Jun

Carbfix project

In Iceland
To solidify carbon
In this CO emissions from a nearby thermal plant was mixed with water and pumped down earth in a volcanic basalt rock
It turned into solid in 2 years
Could be used for carbon storage and sequestration

Basalt

Porous, blackish rock
Rich in calcium, iron and magnesium
Basalt makes up most of the world’s sea bed and accounts for 10% of continental bed

Juno

Mission to Jupiter

Malabar Naval Exercise

Near Japan
Close to islands contested by china
India, US and Japan

Road Accidents

Q. Should road accidents in India be called national crisis? What measures should be taken to address increasing number of deaths due to road accidents? Also critically comment on the steps taken by state and union governments in this regard.

Road accidents in India kill more people than some epidemics – but authorities (state and Union) – despite having all relevant data on road kills – fails to see it as a national crisis.
Road accidents, fatalities and near miss accidents – are under reported in India.
Indian roads are considered to be one of the riskiest roads in the world.

Steps taken by govt. and the future measures to be taken:

9 years back sundar committee road safety and traffic management recommended – creation of a safety board – that will employ scientific methods to determine the cause and the fault of drivers – based on road design, traffic signalling, pedestrian crossing, etc. – but still this evaluation if left to police officers – through old methods. SOLUTION – establishment of national safety and traffic management board
Even after establishing this National safety board – improvements will be miniscule – since this board is recommended to be an advisory body. SOLUTION – empower this board so that it is able to remove wide spread corruption in the traffic authorities – from licensing to enforcement of traffic rules to monitoring of roadworthiness of commercial vehicles.
Evaluation of road side mechanics – since a number of vehicles are repaired by these, which compromises safety.
Awareness programme
Initiatives like IDTR schools
Teaching school kids importance of road safety

Development or Environment

Q. In recent months, the Environment ministry has given clearance to hundreds of projects such as mining and other projects. What is the dilemma faced by the Ministry in giving clearances to such projects? Has the Ministry given preference to development over environment? Critically comment.

Environment ministry is clearing a number of development projects like mining, dams, etc. in ecologically sensitive area. Activists have raised concern that ministry might have been overlooking environmental concerns for the sake of developmental projects.
Ministry is now faced with dilemma of whether to give preference to development (overall economic growth of the region – through use of the natural resources of the region) or to give preference to environmental protection.
After uttarakhand flash floods, a committee gave report on the various developmental projects that were undergoing the region and the plausible underlying cause of heavy destruction.

Committee reported –

under current environment laws, for EIA (environmental impact assessment) – ministry rely on data provided by project proponents – which is direct conflict of interest – in most scenarios – they will try to falsify data.
The projects (mining, hydroelectric) – when evaluated should not be evaluated as a standalone project – but should be assessed in terms of their cumulative impact on the region

Other concerns

New draft wetlands rule 2016 – seems to be diluting protection for wetlands, is doing away with central wetlands regulatory authority – and states will allowed to decide on how to establish developmental projects near wetlands – argument by ministry (that land and water are state subjects) – wetlands are more than just water and land ( ministry is ignoring the fauna and flora that it supports.
Srinagar, Chennai floods – are examples – destruction of wetlands lead to reduced capacity of checking floods.
Ministry is also looking after to dilute the rights of gram sabhas (have the right to give clearance certificate to development projects in forest)

Solution

Overlooking environment for developmental needs for faster economic benefits is the easier way out for a short term benefit.
Development and environment protection should not be seen as items on opposite side of a balance, they could go hand in hand – one should have the vision and will power to do it.

RBI – Autonomy

Q. Do you support more autonomy to RBI? What are the concerns of government in this regard? Comment. (200 Words)

The concept of autonomy of RBI – is that if monetary policy decisions are to be made be legislators – they would be taking decisions to fuel short term economic growth – which will mostly be driven by political considerations – they will ignore the mid and long term stability issues of economy.
Govt. in 2015 proposed new committee for monetary policy – which sought to take away the veto power of RBI governor in monetary policy matters.
Govt. has raised concerns – that monetary policy and economic legislative initiatives have to go hand in hand. Inflation rate is low – interest rate could be further reduced.
RBI – RBI has reduced policy rates (repo, reverse repo and CRR) – but this not being passed to customers by banks – banks are reluctant. Economy is also grappled with problems of NPA’s in banking. RBI has sought to clear this mess – by making it stricter to identify and report NPA’s and report about wilful defaulters
Monetary policy should be prerogative of RBI but should go hand in hand with govt. policies to spur growth in the country
Govt. should also be targeting areas – like productivity in agriculture, irrigation facilities, etc.

Moses

Are non-flowering plants
Grow in damp and marshy areas
Moses are found in Antarctica
Moses are bryophytes (non-vascular plants) – they lack roots, stems and leaves

Regulation on nanotechnology

Q. Recently the Department of Science and Technology released the draft guidelines on regulation of nanotechnology. Analyse the objectives of these draft guidelines and issues associated with them.

Space –programme cost

Q. Bringing down significantly the cost of access to space is a primary goal of space programmes around the world today. How it is done? Discuss with reference to ISRO’s recent achievement in this regard.

GEF -CBIT

Q. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has set up a new fund named Capacity-Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) fund. Examine the objectives, design and significance of this new Fund.

Climate change

Q.  More radical options such as removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and storing them underground are being explored to mitigate climate change effects. Discuss any such recent technology available.

13 Jun

Angkor wat

In Cambodia
Originally a hindu temple, then turned into a Buddhist centre
Belongs to khmer temple architecture – consists of temple mountains and galleried temples

Pattachitra Paintings

Painted on scrolls
Stories of Hindu deities
Scenes from Ramayan, Mahabharata, Purana
Practised in Orissa, Bengal
Uses natural colours

Women in top positions

Q. Do you think it’s time for women to lead UN? What are the hurdles women are facing to become UN secretary General? Discuss the significance of a woman getting elected as secretary general of UN. [Hindu]

Recently, a women was made secretary general of FIFA, another of commonwealth
In past history of UN, it has never had a women secretary general
UN secretary general is selected by a secretive process (Big 5 – US, Russia, UK, China and France – exercise veto in selection)

Reservation

Q. Do you think the reservation system is benefitting students from backyard castes and tribal communities in India? Critically Analyse.[mint]

NGT

Q. Critically evaluate the performance of NGT and analyse the significance of NGT like institutions for India’s democracy. [mint]

NGT –National green tribunal
NGT was established in 2010 under NGT act
It acts as a court – in cases of environmental issues
India is one of the few countries to have as specialised judiciary for environment
Benefits of a specialised court – expertise in the relevant filed, faster resolution.
NGT has given orders like – banning of diesel vehicles (older than 10 years) in Delhi – is going to be implemented in more cities, banning of various illegal sand mining activities, encroaching of lakes, etc.
Indian judiciary system is plagued with delays in court rulings – but NGT has shown tremendous will in showing how a judicial institution should function.
Political and economic institutions that develop trust in society forms the foundation of a strong democratic society.

Malnutrition

Q. There has been a significant decline in child malnutrition in the country during the last decade. Do you think it is the result of economic growth? As there is a still lot of improvement to be made to reduce malnutrition, can India rely on economic growth to address this issue? Examine. [Indian Express]

NFHS – 4 data shows malnutrition, stunting has reduced but there is still a wide gap between states
Factors like – open defecation, availability and quality of food, access to healthcare, immunisation, women’s status within the household and society.
It would be wrong to consider only economic growth as an explanatory factor for improvement in malnutrition.
In past, during better economic growth times – not much improvement was seen in malnutrition levels.
Countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Tanzania, Kenya (which have low per capita income as compared to India) – have less malnutrition.
Tripura’s per capita GSDP is less than half of Haryana’s per capita GSDP – has less malnutrition than Haryana
Other indicators like - female literacy, female having bank accounts, better sanitation – have higher correlation with malnutrition

Payments Banks

Q. in your opinion, on which factors does the success of payment banks will depend? Analyse. [mint]

NIIF

Q. Write a crucial note on National infrastructure investment fund and its model of investment. [Indian Express]

14 Jun

India-Ghana

Ghana wants to enter into a civil nuclear deal with India.

B.R ambedkar

Q. Critically assess the contribution of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in constitution making.[Express]

Public healthcare

Q. In India, govt’s healthcare spending is inadequate to provide health services to all its citizens. Do you think it should be made compulsory for private hospitals to dedicate a part of their services to poor people as it was recently done in Delhi? Critically discuss.[Hindu]

In India. Public spending on health care is very low, doctor to population ratio is close to 1700 – WHO recommends 1000.
Insurance coverage in India is way low, thus out of pocket expenditure on health care is very high – this becomes a big worry for economically poor sections of society.
Profiteering by private hospitals
Recently, Delhi govt. asked some private hospitals to pay a fine – since they were not fulfilling the obligation of providing free health care to poor patients – since the land was given to hospitals by Delhi govt. with this clause of providing free health care to poor patients

India-US

Q. Do you think India’s growing relations with USA constrain India’s ability to conduct its diplomacy with other major powers like China and Russia? Discuss.

NPT

Q. Do you think India is an outlier to the non-proliferation record and examine how it can effectively use diplomacy to gain NSG membership?[Hindu]

NSG was initially known as London club formed 1974 in response to India’s peaceful nuclear tests.
India is perceived to be an outlier, but it is not – India’s voluntary nuclear proliferation record is impeccable.
India- US dialogue has undergone sea of changes – from relaxing of sanctions on India by US and other countries, to getting a NSG waiver for India-US civil nuclear deal.
NSG waiver is proof of India’s impeccable record in nuclear non-proliferation – it was also supported politically by USA, Russia and France
To clear the perception of India being an outlier state – and can be a potential nuclear technology exporter
India has also shown interest in becoming member of various nuclear export control regimes – Wassenaar arrangement, Australia group, MTCR, NSG
India’s application for MTCR membership is in advance stages and is likely to get positive results.
NSG membership requires – consideration of factors like – member of NPT, legal export control system, ability to supply items on NSG control list, support international non-proliferation regime, acting in accordance with NSG guidelines
These considerations are not mandatory and India meets all of them but NPT membership requirement.
But main opposition is coming from China – which has cited Pakistan’s application should also be considered on the similar lines – a condition based approach should be thought of
China signed NSG in 2004, yet has supplied a number of nuclear reactors to Pakistan. Given Pakistan’s nuclear non-proliferation record, it won’t get support from other NSG members

Solution

Is two track diplomacy – one to discuss with other members who have raise issues
And to discuss with China – assure them that, in future India will not block Pakistan’s application

Blood donation

Q. What are the risks associated with blood donation in India? What are the long-term goals of blood banks in India? Examine.[Hindu]

Blood requirement in India is met 70% by voluntary donors and the rest by replacement donors.
Long term goal is to reach 100% voluntary donation
Replacement donors – are friends/family who are asked to donate blood for the amount of unit that the patient needs.
Replacement donors are more riskier than voluntary donors
Issues:
Replacement donors are more prone to hide their medical history, as compared to voluntary donors – thus is more risky

Solution:

Is to phase out replacement donors and target more than 95% of voluntary donors
Can only be achieved by more awareness,
NACO (2012-17) goal – is to have 50% of all the blood banks NACO supported, collect 90% of blood in the country and to have more than 95% of voluntary donors

Terrorist attacks

Q. In recent months, lone wolf terrorist attacks are increasing in their frequency around the world. Examine their causes and suggest how India should prepare itself to avoid such attacks.[Hindu, IDSA]

Bitcoin

Q. what do you understand by bitcoin and blockchain? Examine the implications of these technologies for banking sector[mint]

Rains-Food prices

Q. it is found out that rains may not impact food prices directly, but through their association with reservoir levels they would impact food prices. Examine how.[Hindu]

Bhitarkanika National Park

In Orissa
Is an estuarine mangrove
Species – Salt water crocodile, white crocodile, black ibis, king cobra
It is the 2nd largest mangrove system in India

15 Jun

GST

Parliamentary secretaries

Various HC have deemed this post as un-constitutional on the basis that each state can have maximum of 15% of total state assembly strength as state ministers.
And Parliamentary secretaries are given the rank of ministers – thus number goes above 15% - hence unconstitutional
But a number of states have parliamentary secretaries
Delhi can have 10% of total seats (70) – as cabinet ministers
States can have – 15% of total strength of legislative assemblies as ministers of states

Office of profit

No definition in constitution
Through various rulings some conditions are derived for defining office of profit
1. Whether govt. makes appointment
2. Whether the govt. has the right to remove or dismiss the holder
3. Whether the govt. pays remuneration
4. What the functions of holder are
5. Does the govt. have the control over the performance of these functions
SC held that not meeting of all of them is not compulsory, even meeting some of them – will be deemed as office of profit

RCEP

India will lose its title of – pharmacy of developing world
Japan and South Korea – have raised demand for inclusion of – data exclusivity and patent term extension in the RCEP trade negotiations
LDCs are exempted from these two provisions until 2033 under WTO TRIPS agreement
Data exclusivity – is a form of legal monopoly protection for a drug – it gives 5 year protection – that the regulator cannot approve a drug with similar data for 5 years – thus stopping entering of generic drugs
Patent extension – since patent grant takes times – thus drug company only gets less number of years as supposed to the 20 yrs from date of application.

Mahakhumbh in Kashmir

Meeting of 3 rivers – vitasta(Jhelum), Indus(Sindh) and Krishnganga

Thiruvalluvar

Alleppey coir

Has GI tag
Coir – is coconut fibre
Used to make mats, beds, etc.
In kerala

Mulberry silk

Finest silk
Mysore silk – has GI tag

Kannuaj ittar

Has GI tag
From - Flower, saffron, musk, camphor

Basmati

Has GI tag
UP, Haryana, Punjab, J&K, Himachal and Uttarakhand

Chamba rumal

Has GI tag – Himachal Pradesh

Coimbatore wet grinder

Has GI tag
Used to make batter for Idli, dosa

Dajeeling tea

Has GI tag
Introduced in 1841 by Arthur Campbell

Kanchipuram sarees

Has GI tag
Popularly known as kanchivaram saree
Woven using mulberry silk

Kashmiri Pashmina

Has GI tag
Made using wool of 4 types of Kashmiri goats

Konark stone carvings

Has GI tag
Uses soapstone, serpentine, grantie
In Orissa

Kullu shawl

Has GI tag
Uses Yak’s wool or sheep’s wool
In Himachal Pradesh
Geometrical designs on borders

Kutch embroidery

Has GI tag
Kutch district
Rich designs

Lucknow’s chikancraft

Has GI tag
Traditional embroidery art
Introduced by Jahangir’s wife Nurjahan

Madhubani painting

Has GI tag
Also called as Mithila painting
Use of natural dye and colour
Use of twigs, fingers, brush
In Bihar

Nagpur oranges

Has GI tag

Orissa Pattachitra

Has GI tag
Scroll paintings
Scenes from hindu mythology

Katputlis of rajasthan

Has GI tag

Bharatmata

Q. critically comment on the way the bharatmata has been depicted in paintings from the time of swadeshi movement to present times. [Express]

USA-China-India

Q. in recent years, relationship between USA and China is deteriorating. Discuss the reasons and examine if it benefits India. [mint]

India-Japan

Q. Discuss the features of Japan’s economy. Are these features favourable to India’s interests? Comment. [mint]

India-Vietnam

Q. Critically comment on if growing proximity with Vietnam is in long term interests in the indo-pacific region. [mint]

ISIS-Alqaeda

Q. Do you think Al-Qaeda is a spent force and poses less threat to world peace? Analyse how ISIS differs from Al-qaeda. [Hindu]

Terrorists Attacks

Q. Examine the challenges posed by lone wolf terrorists. Do you think strict gun control regime would deter such attacks? Comment. [Hindu]

Paris Agreement

Regarding INDCs
The agreement will come into force after 30 days when 55 countries accounting for 55% of global Green House emissions have ratified this.

COP-22

Will be in Morocco

16 Jun

New civil aviation policy

Old rule – 5/20 rule : a domestic flight carrier has to have atleast 5 years of domestic flying experience before applying for international routes alongwith it has to have atleast 20 operating aircrafts
New rule – no longer have to wait for 5 years for flying in international routes, new startups can fly in international routes by employing 20 aircrafts or 20% of their flying capacity (whichever is higher) on domestic routes.
Open sky policy : currently India has full open sky policy with and partial open sky policy with UK. New policy allows complete open sky policy within 5000K radius of Delhi (European and SAARC nations) – this means flights from these countries will have unlimited access to number of flights and seas to indian airorts – this will increase frequency from these countries.
Regional connectivity – Passengers will be charged not more than 2500 Rs for an hours domestic flight – any loss will be borne by govt.

International seabed authority

Under UNCLOS ( UN convention on Law of seas)
HQ – Jamaica
It regulates and controls non-living resources (minerals) in ocean areas that are not in any nations jurisdiction

Tirupati laddu

Has GI tag

Panchamorthan

A temple prasadam
Has applied for a GI tag

Vermin

Union govt. declared Nilgai, Monkey and wild boar as vermin in the state of Bihar, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand for 1 year
Mass killing of these animals can now be undertaken

Oachira kali festival

In Kerala
Is a martial arts festival
Commemorates an old war, people mock fight in a wetland

Mughal’s Advent

Babur – first Mughal to rule in India. Fought with Ibrahim lodhi (Delhi sultanate). He constructed Aram Bagh in Agra.
Humayun – Babur’s son became next king. But was ousted by Sher shah (Afghan ruler). Humayun took refuge in Persia. Humayun won back it’s territory from sher shah.
Akbar – Humayun’s son. Made king at the age of 14 years. He was assisted by Bairam Khan. He was known to be tolerant towards other religions aswell – done away with forced conversions. Had well known thinkers and artists in his courts – known as navratnas. Abul Fazl (his biographer), Tansen, Birbal. Formed new religion : Din-i-ilahi (ideas from a number of religions) – never got many followers – since it elevated Akbar to the status of Prophet.
Jahangir : Akbar’s eldest son was Salim. He acquired the title of Jahangir (world conqueror). Jahangir’s wife was Nur jahan
Shahjahan : Jahangir’s son named Khurram (Shahjahan). He moved capital from Agra to Shahjahanbad .He was paasionate about architecture. Built Jama Masjid, Tajmahal, Red Fort.
Aurangzeb : For succession, war was fought between son’s of Shahjahan. Aurangzeb won over Dara Shikoh and imprisoned Shahjahan. Aurangzeb was orthodox and strict different from his predecessors. He was the last of the great Mughals.

women

Nur jahan – wife of Jahangir. Was a powerful women – responsible for promotions of officers, but after the death of Jahangir and with Shahjahan’s ascension to the throne – she was sidelined
Maham Anga – Akbar’s foster mother (former nurse) – used to influence teenage Akbar – convinced him to reduce power of bairam khan got her son important postings – but as Akbar grew her powers reduced.
Mumtaz Mahal – favourite wife of shahjahan. These two had Aurangjeb and Jahanara as their kids among total of 14 kids.
Jahanara – after the death of Mumtaz, Shahjahan went into mourning – it was Jahanara who was handling administration – Shahjahan listened to her advice. In the war of succession – she was on the side of Dara Shikoh

Other important players

Shar shah suri – a soldier in Mughal army, fought Humayun and won in the battle of chausa
Maharana Pratap – his reign was almost in war every time – saving his territory from Mughal invasion. Fought battle of haldighati. He was a Rajput king.

Fatehpur sikri – made by Akbar

Chirality

Chemical property of mirror images
Chiral images cannot be superimposed on each other – like pair of hands
A substance is said to be homochiral – if all the constituents belong to the same chiral form

Cultural institutions

Q. Do you think cultural institutions in India are decaying and are not governed well? What’s their importance? Critically comment.[Hindu]

Religion

Q. In your opinion, what should be the role of religion in contemporary India? With examples, critically discuss.[Hindu]

In contemporary world, religion is seen as a bad word due to the violence and hatred that it is being associated in a number of cases. From terrorism to intolerance.
Devout followers interpret religion with their personal or political gains in mind and they try to propagate their ideas to the vulnerable.
It can permanently damage the social fabric of democracy.
Religion has never propagated evils like killing, hatred towards others – on the other hand religion has sought to emphasize on the importance of interfaith harmony, compassion towards others

New civil aviation policy

Q. Critically analyse India’s new civil aviation policy. [Mint]

Govt. Advertising

Q. Recently the information and broadcasting ministry announced a new policy that seeks to make govt. advertising in newspapers more transparent and equitable. Analyse the objectives of this new policy. [Mint]

Common economic market

Q. The creation of seamless internal market that promoted economic growth is an unfinished job in India. What are the options available for India to create such an interlinked market? Discuss the challenges and potential. [Mint]

To important components for a common market are:
1. Two remove trade distorting barriers – different taxes in states, different formats of forms, etc. – introduction of GST
2. Having a supporting physical infrastructure – that will allow seamless nationwide access
Internal trade in India is very low when compared to US, EU.
Road to rail ratio of 70 : 30 is inefficient
India has very low average freight speeds – due to unnecessary check posts

Steps:

Bharatmala – connecting nation with a vast network of highways
Sethubharatam – removing of rail crossings from highways
Sagarmala – port development and linking with highways

Farm Productivity

Q. It is said that in India, there is an emphasis on increasing farm productivity, but this might not always align with greater profitability for farmers. In this regard, do you think govt. should focus more in farmer welfare? Comment.[mint]

Bodhicharyavatara

A guide to life of bodhisatvas

EU

Norway is not in EU but has access to common market but has to pay hefty fees.

17 Jun

Rajasva Gyan sangam

Meeting of PM, Income tax officials from Central board of direct taxes and central board of excise and customs and Finance minister

FCRA

Teesta setalvad’s NGO – Sabrang trust
Under FCRA – mixing of foreign contribution and domestic funds is not allowed
Under FCRA – foreign contribution cannot be used for a non-registered company

New civil aviation policy

Centre will create a regional connectivity fund through a small levy on departure of each flight
VGF (viability gap funding ) will be provided for any loss in these regional routes – centre will borne 80% and states will borne 20%
Service tax on tickets will be exempted for RCS (regional connectivity scheme)
VGF is not for cargo industry

GDRs

Global depository receipts or international depository receipts
Are certificates issued by depository banks – that purchases shares of foreign companies and deposits on the account.
These shares are trades as domestic shares but are sold globally

India- Namibia

India-Namibia got into a pact – Namibia will supply uranium to India
Namibia is a member of African nuclear weapon free zone treaty (ANWFZT) (also called treaty of pelindaba)
Thus Namibia is banned from exporting to India – As India is not a member of NPT
Namibia is the 4th largest producer of Uranium
India has nuclear civil deal with 12 nations – including USA, Russia, Korea, Japan

Bhadra wildlife sanctuary

Also a tiger reserve
In Karnataka
Is also a biodiversity hotspot

Arecanut

Also called betel nut (supari)
Used in pan
Is carcinogenic to humans
It is not a true nut but a fruit
India is the largest producer on consumer of Arecanut
Major producer states – Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil nadu, Assam, West Bengal and Meghalaya
Needs well distributed rainfall

Koragas

Native tribals of coastal Karnataka

Draft policy for wind and solar hybrid plants

Goal – to reach 10 GW capacity of Solar-wind hybrid by 2022
Restriction on size : the hybrid power injected into the grid will not be more than the transmission capacity of grid – thus the onus of size restriction is on utility owner not on govt.
It will allow better utilisation of land and transmission – will allow to generate solar and wind energy on same land.

India-UNESCO

India is signatory to UNESCO convention on illicit import, export or transfer of ownership of cultural property

Google street view

Govt. has refused the request of google citing National security as a concern
Defence ministry has raised objections – citing Pathankot incident – that attackers got to know about the topography through Gmaps
This technology has faced initial difficulty in all of the countries where now it has rolled out its services successfully
US authorities raise concerns regarding photographing of military installation, Japan, Israel – also raised similar concerns. But with some precautions this service was ultimately launched
This technology can help in disaster mitigation as well
India is working on a geo-spatial bill – to regulate acquiring and dissemination of geo-spatial data.

Parliamentary secretaries

Most major republics have made separation of power as the core of their constitution
Executive – has the role of making policies and executing them
Legislative – has the role of making laws
Judiciary – has the role of keeping an oversight on the two branches
Constitution defines office of profit: an MP or MLA will be disqualified if possesses any office of profit. The idea is that the legislator should be able to carry out his work without any obligation to the govt.
As ministers have to be members of legislature, they are exempted. The constitution identifies that there may be other cases also where an exemption is required – thus in those cases union or state govt. can pass a law for the same.
In a number of cases, court has concluded that – the key question is that whether such an office will make the legislator beholden to the executive
In general a person is said to be holding an office of profit if following conditions are met
1. He holds an office under govt.
2. He draws salary
3. The office is not that of a minister or is exempted by a law
Originally, there was no limit of keeping the number of ministers. Govt. tried to win over legislators by giving them minsters rank. Thus to check this – 91st Constitutional amendment was made – in state legislature and Parliament – the number of ministers were to be not more than the 15% of lower house.
Delhi – 10% of total membership of lower house is allowed.
For – the argument is made that these parliamentary secretaries will help in aiding the govt. in being more responsive to citizens needs
The constitution envisaged legislature as a watchdog to keep an eye on working of executive, there are seen as representatives of citizens
by making legislator as parliamentary secretaries – they act as agent of govt.
Anti-defection law and MPLADS/MLALADS – also weaken the separation of powers between executive and legislature
A legislature has to follow his party’s whip in parliament or state legislature – he cannot make independent decisions – decision is taken by the top leaders of parties – rest of the legislators just follows
MPLADS was enacted by central govt. and various state govt.also followed it by makinf MLALADS – under this legislators are to take development activities in their constituency –as they best know their constituency – but it hampers there job as a watchdog of executives job of making and executing policies
The role of legislators is important in a democracy. They are elected by citizens and have a role of ensuring that govt.s actions are in best interest of citizens. It is a bulwark against autocratic decisions of executive.
Legislators freedom of making decisions independently should not be diminished

Vermin –killing

Recently MoEFCC declared monkey (rhesus macaque), Nilgai and wild boar as vermin in the states of Himachal, Bihar and uttarakhand – it allows mass killing of these animals with liable to prosecution
Vermin is defined under wildlife protection act, 1972 act – defines any animal under schedule 5
Wildlife protection act, 1972 has 6 schedules – Schedule 1 and 2 gives complete protection with high penalties. Schedule 3 and 4 are also protected but with less penalties. Schedule 5 – these animals can be killed. Schedule 6 – these plant species cannot be used for cultivation and plantation

Pass fail system

19 Jun

Giant African snail

Invader species
Causes meningitis in children under 5 years
Eats calcium to maintain its shell – soil in kerala is deficient in Calcium – thus it eats on walls – thus can damage

20 Jun

UGC

TSR Subramaniam committee looked into the working of UGC
Recommended UGC act to lapse – since it hasn’t been able to ensure quality in higher education
Concern – irregularities in grant of approval to colleges and courses – various substandard colleges opened
Alternative solution – UGC can be revamped and made the nodal point for administration of the proposed National higher education fellowship programme without any regulatory functions

MPC

Monetary policy committee
6 members – 3 from RBI (including Governor) and remaining 3 will be external members
Urijit patel committee recommended – Inflation targeting to be core objective of RBI

New civil aviation policy

Doesn’t give any direction for professionalising DGCA (Directorate general of civil aviation) and BCAS (Bureau of civil aviation security) – that looks after the safety and security of civil aviation in the country
With increasing passenger footfall – security and safety becomes more important
Reduction of 5/20 rule to 0/20 – is done to provide new airline carriers to compete in international market, but new carriers will still find it difficult to expand their bas to 20 aircrafts.

Neyyar wildlife sanctuary

In kerala
Near Agasthyamalai hill

Boron

A metalloid
Behaves as both metal and non-metal
Obtained from Borax, kernite – Turkey is the largest producer of borax minerals
Boron is a critical nutrient for plants

Dead Sea

Very high salinity – 10 times higher than any other ocean
It is a lake not a sea
Bordered by Jordan, Israel and Palestine
Lowest elevation on earth’s surface
No flora and fauna
It discharges asphalt
Lake vanda(Antarctica) – more saline

Night shifts for women

Q. the union govt. wants states to take the initiative to allow women to work night shifts in factories as part of a plan to improve participation of women in the workforce. Do you support this move? Comment. [Mint]

Brexit

Q. How will brexit affect India? Critically analyse. [Hindu]

India-US-Nuclear

Q. Recently India and USA agreed to let an US company build six nuclear reactors in India. Critically examine various implications arising out of this agreement.[Hindu]

Govt. has allowed Westinghouse (US Corporation) to build 6 nuclear reactors in India citing that it will help in achieving green energy requirement of the nation.

Concerns –

High cost of the project
In case of any accident in the nuclear facility, the maker won’t be liable to pay for the damages

Analysis

Economically un viable – a number of nations including some US states have reduced their contract with the westinghouse citing high cost . indigenous reactors per watt cost is much lower than that of the wetinghouse.
The argument that this will help in achieving green energy is misleading – a global benchmark to evaluate a green technology for its cost effectiveness is – that it should not cost more than 2 Rs per unit than the coal based energy generation. This Westinghouse reactor will be much costly
The Bhopal gas tragedy – has shown how big firms in the event of accidents arising from their negligence in the plant operations – can lead to huge losses (human lives, economic, natural, etc.) – Dow contended that it is out of jurisdiction of India.

TSR Subramanian-Education

Q. The TSR Subramanian panel has proposed that the colleges and universities should consider derecognising student groups based explicitly on caste and religion. Do you support this proposal? Critically comment.[Express]

NSG

Q. How is India’s entry to NSG is good for the cause of non-proliferation? Examine. [Mint]

EIA-MoEFCC

Q. Recently, the ministry of environment, forest and climate change issued a draft notification seeking to amend the EIA(environment impact assessment ) of 2006, allowing those who violate this law to continue to work with an ESP (environment supplement plan). Critically discuss the importance of EIA process and the implications of EIA process and the implications of the new amendment.[Hindu]

EIA

In Rio summit, nations committed themselves to balance environment and development – and EIA was the tool for it
EIA act mandates that a project should first be evaluated for any social or environment impact – only after that a clearance is given

Implications of EIA processes

Development projects find it difficult to get clearances and see EIA as a stumbling block – assessment for land, water, coastal areas, forest land – etc. all is done.
EIA’s clearance can be contested in NGT – which is a tribunal to see complaints regarding Environmental clearances

New draft of EIA

It proposes a way out for those projects which has violated environmental norms and already have gone ahead with the construction project – It seeks to provide ESP (environment supplement plan). This is seen to be providing a legal way to not-complying with the environment laws.
ESP assesses the damages and imposes fines on developers. But it is seen as it would only encourage pay and use the natural resources service.

Other concerns

Use of the funds that is collected as fine is not proven to enhance any natural resources. These funds have been used to build forest offices, some plantations – but it doesn’t replace the diverse forest.

Farmer’s income

Q. critically discuss the challenges that face the govt. in its efforts to double farmers income in five years. [express]

Polio-VDPV

Q. Write a note on the vaccine-derived polio virus (VDPV) and the concerns around it.[Mint]

Polio attacks nervous system and causes paralysis
India has been able to remove polio virus from wild and has been declared polio free in 2014
Polio is transferred from person to person through oral or faecal routes
WHO found Type-2 VDPV (vaccine derived polio virus) in the samples collected from sewage in Hyderbad and also in samples from Delhi, Bihar and Gujarat

VPDV

Polio drops given to children contains live polio virus in weak form, this virus replicates and gets into the blood stream and triggers the immune system thus protecting the children from wild polio viruses.
Children who have been administered with polio drops excretes polio virus, this polio virus can get genetically modified and cause infection in the children having low immunity
VPDV to be able to cause paralysis – chances are very rare – since it has to re-circulate for a long time in the community of non-immunised children

Solution:

Replacing OPV (oral polio vaccine) with IPV (inactivated polio vaccine) – IPV much safer than OPV since it doesn’t have active virus strain
But OPV are less costly and are easy to administer

21 Jun

Buddha

Gujarat (Mehsana district) is mentioned in Hieun Tsang (Chinese traveller) account.

India millennium deposits

Used to channelize foreign currency through NRI’s.
NRI’s savings in foreign currency

SWIFT

Society for worldwide interbank financial telecommunication
Provides a network to financial institutions worldwide to send and receive financial information in a secure, standardised and reliable environment.

22 Jun

100 perc FDI in Defence

Major manufacturers like Lockheed martin, Gripen, Eurofighter, etc. have shown interest in setting up assembly line in India – boosting India’s Make in India initiative
This will boost local manufacturing capability as well.
India’s defence requirement will be met.

Concerns:

Proposal of Lockheed setting up assembly plant for F-16s which is almost 40 years old, will mean India will be inducting this old technology for next 40-50 years in its fleet
USA has stopped it procurement from Lockheed and is now inducting newer fleets
This could impact on going indigenous defence research programmes

Sun –synchronous satellite

Also called helio-synchronous orbit
In this satellite traverses the same point on earth’s surface at the same solar time each day
It changes its orbit by 1 deg each day so that it is able to receive bright sunlight
Useful for photographing, spying, weather, etc.

Scramjet engine

Conventional rocket engines need to carry both fuel and oxidiser on-board
Scramjet engines obtain oxygen from atmosphere and compresses it to be used for ignition
it works in hypersonic speeds
It can also liquefy atmospheric oxygen on-board
It helps in reducing the overall size and helps in increasing payload capacity

Atlantic council

Is a think tank in the field of international affairs
HQ – Washington
Founded with a mission to encourage continuance of cooperation between North America and EU

Sunway Taihulight

Fastest super computer
Chinese

Panama Canal

Connects Atlantic ocean to Pacific ocean via Caribbean sea
Canal cuts across the isthmus of panama

Isthmus of panama

Narrow strip of land connecting north and south America

Shailesh Nayak Committee

On CRZ (coastal regulation zones)
It has proposed to relax existing restrictions on development in coastal regions allowing for housing infrastructure, slum redevelopment, tourism, fisheries related activities in CRZ.
The reports soughts devolution of power to states, UTs and also to local govt.
Small projects like laying pipelines, transmission lines, conveyance systems and public buildings take a huge time to get clearances from MoEFCC
It recommended that MoEFCC should restrict itself policy making in the area of coastal management and monitoring activities. Clearances to such small projects should be left to State govt.
It also felt that the state govt. should be left to address the housing needs.
Committee divided CRZ-3 areas into densely populated rural areas and rural areas. In densely populated areas it recommended 50 m from high tide line as no development zone and 200m for rest of the areas.
For backwater islands, it recommended 10 m of no development zone instead of current 50 m
Dwelling units of local communities in the CRZ-3 areas that have violated CRZ norms shall be regularised
Recommended development of fisheries, tourism, etc.

CRZ

CRZ – I : Areas that are ecologically sensitive (national parks, marine parks, sanctuaries, reserve forests, etc.). Area between High tide line and low tide line.
CRZ – II : areas that are already built up close upto shoreline, provided with approach roads, sewer connections
CRZ – III : areas that are relatively undisturbed and those which do not belong to CRZ – I and CRZ – II. These will include coastal areas in rural areas(developed and under-developed regions). Or other municipal areas that are not substantially built up.
CRZ – IV : Coastal stretches in the Andamans, Lakshadweep and small islands that are not included in CRZ – I, II and III.

Vermin

Bihar – Nilgai
Himachal Pradesh - Monkey (Rhesus Macaque)
Uttarakhand – Wild boar

Drinking water

Q. what are the challenges faced by the urban local bodies in delivering potable water for all? Discuss various solutions to overcome these challenges. [Express]

P.J Nayak Committee

Q. P.J Nayak committee concluded that the problem at PSBs is of governance. Looking at the present bad loan crisis, do you agree with this conclusion? In your opinion, how can govt. solve present situation in Indian banking sector? Critically discuss. [Hindu]

P J Nayak committee concluded that it is the governance of the public sector banks that have led to this high NPAs under PSBs. Thus the committee has recommended to overhaul management – by minimising govt.’s role in the management and handing over the management to professionals or board of directors.
PSB’s have higher quota of NPA’s as compared to private sector because PSB lent to sectors like infrastructure, power, steel, telecom, etc. whereas Private sector mostly lent to retail sector.
Sectors saw stagnation due to various reasons beyond the control of banks, steel due to dumping of Chinese steel, power due to cancellation of coal blocks, telecom due to cancellation of 2G spectrum, etc.
The response to a banking sector is fairly standard. Identify and provide for bad loans, change management where necessary and infuse capital in the banks.

Mistakes while dealing with the current situation

First : RBI made stricter norms to classify NPA’s – thus it made it difficult for projects that got stalled for reasons beyond promoters control, these are projects – which are not really wilful defaults. Now with stricter classification these projects cannot have further lending – thus will be stalled.
Second : almost all bad loans situation requires loan write offs. RBI came out with loan restructuring schemes that allowed stretching loans for 25 years and allowed to convert loans into equity. But this proved inadequate. Now, RBI has come up with new restructuring scheme – that allows banks to divide bad loans into sustainable and un-sustainable and write off a portion of unsustainable part.
Third : bankers are hesitant to write off loans as they fear this would attract investigation from regulator even after they have retired
Fourth : govt. capital infusion is very low. Govt. has promised 70000 crore over 4 years starting 2015-16.
Fifth : govt. has increased focus on merger. SBI is merging its sister companies. It has resulted in increase headaches to the management. They must have been focussing on NPA. This is done to bring SBI in top 50 banks in the world. Even when govt. wants to focus on merging – it should have started with weak banks.

Solution:

Strong economic growth can take care of bad loans problem. Strong economic growth will need increased spending in the economy both by public and private sector.
Public spending is constrained by tighter fiscal policies, it has to be relaxed to fuel growth in the country.
Private spending is constrained by tight monetary policy of RBI targeting inflation.

RS

Q. In the light of the constituent assembly debates and recent debates on the relevance of RS, critically comment what role the RS needs to play in the Indian body politic today.[Hindu]

Yoga

Q. what are the benefits of practicing yoga? Do you support the increasing importance and patronage given to yoga by the govt.? critically comment. [Hindu]

FDI in Airlines

Q. recently, the union govt. raised the FDi limit for airlines (including regional operators for whom FDI of 49% was only allowed last nov.) to 100%, with automatic approvals for foreign ownership upto 49%. Critically examine the implications of this move to various stakeholders.[Hindu]

FDI in India

Q. India’s FDI inflows are healthy and it is among the top 10 destinations in the world, but these investments are still small compared to the economy and in the global scheme of things. Analyse. [mint]

Scramjet engine

Q. ISRO is planning and gearing upto test a scramjet engine based on air-breathing propulsion. Write a note on this technology and its applications. [Hindu]

23 Jun

Cartosat-2

For cartographic applications
Urban and rural management, coastal management

Macmohan line

Border between India and Tibet (as a result of simla pact)
This is now a bone of contention between India and China

Cabinet committee on security

Headed by PM
Consists of Minister of Defence, Finance minister, Minister of Home, Minister of external affairs,
Decides on defence expenditure, national security

Krishna wildlife sanctuary

Andhra Pradesh
Located on coastal land of Krishna river
It is a mangrove forest

UDAY

Deadline extended from Mar 2016 to Mar 2017.
To allow states that hasn’t joined yet.

Global Witness

International NGO
Natural resources related conflicts – and environmental and human abuses
HQ – London and Washington

Lisbon Agenda

Also known as Lisbon strategy
Action and development plan for economy of EU

National movement-foreign policy

Q. How did national movement for independence shape India’s foreign policy? Examine.[Hindu]

Simultaneous elections for state assemblies and parliament

Q. what are the merits of the idea of conducting simultaneous elections for state assemblies and parliament? Are there compelling reasons for India to consider this option? Critically examine. [Mint]

Indian states

Q. Do you agree with the view that the states are India’s Achilles heel for investment, jobs and growth? Critically discuss. [mint]

Housing

Q. critically analyse the housing situation in India. [mint]

Russia-West relations

Q. The relationship between Russia and West is deteriorating. How will it impact India? Why relations between Russia and the west in everyone’s interest? Examine.[Hindu]

Thailand model –Healthcare

Q. Thailand is said to be a good example of how a middle-income country can provide healthcare cover to its entire population in a relatively short period of time. Why and how should India emulate this model? Discuss. [Express]

Separate railway budget

Q. Recently the NITI aayog has argued that the convention of presenting a separate railway budget every year be done away with. What’s the rationale behind it ? Do you support? Comment.[Express]

24 Jun

EU

Schumen declaration – is the statement given by French foreign minister Schumen that called for a proposal to place German and France coal and steel production under one common high commission. This was to prevent France and Germany from getting into war again.
Mastricht treaty – treaty for a common economic and monetary union. Also called as treaty of European union

Padma naidu zoological park

Darjeeling

SCO

2016 meeting – Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
2015 meeting – Ufa (Russia)

Silent valley national park

In Kerala
It is the core of the Nilgiri biosphere reserve
Important area for threatened lion tailed macaque (endangered category)

Reservation

Q. Dominant castes are asking for reservations today. Do you think inclusion of their castes in OBC list will help address their problems? Why some castes want reservations to be abolished? Critically examine. [Express]

UGC

Q. Has the UGC failed to evolve according to the changing dynamics of higher education, and fallen short of achieving its original mandate? Critically comment. [Mint]

India-Bangladesh

Q. Critically analyse the recent developments in India-Bangladesh relations. [Hindu]

NSG membership

Q. It is said that with the waiver of 2008, India no longer needs Nuclear suppliers group for its civil nuclear facilities. Do you think India is unnecessarily spending its time and resources on lesser foreign policy goal? Critically comment. {hindu}

IMF

Q. Do you think that IMF has reversed its pro-austerity stance? What are the merits and demerits of imposing austerity measures on a troubled economy? Do you support austerity? Comment.

25 Jun

Mullaperiyar dam

On Periyar river
In Kerala

Lisbon Treaty

According to it, a member nation should first notify European council of its decision, the process will take atleast 2 years.

Brexit

Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein – are not in EU but are in EEA (European economic area) – thus have access to common market and also contributes towards EU budget
Britain can opt for this kind of arrangement

Bamboo

Are species of grass
Flowers once in lifetime

27 Jun

Growth-Women Participation

Q. One of the singular features of India’s recent

28 Jun

Armament research and development establishment

Under DRDO
Research in the design and development of conventional arms

Ordinance factory board

Consists of all Indian ordinance factories
Under Dept. of Defence production of Ministry of Defence
Looks after research, development, production, testing, marketing logistics of defence systems

CAD camp

Central ammunition depot
At Pulgaon (Maharastra)– second biggest in Asia

TNT

Trinitrotoluene
Explosive material
Yellow in colour
Different from Dynamite (which is tri nitro glycerine)

HEMRL

High energy materials research lab
Under DRDO
Looks after the R&D of explosives and other high energy materials
It is the final authority to approve the designs of explosives

MTCR

Missile technology control regime
Prevents proliferation of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (capable of carrying 500 kgs payload over 300 km)
India became a member, china is not a member

Hague code of conduct

Prevents proliferation of ballistic missiles
India is a member
It supplements MTCR

MPC

Monetary policy committee
It will bring value and transparency in monetary policy decisions
6 members
3 from RBI (Governor- will be chairman, one Deputy governor, and one central Bank. officer)
3 will be appointed by centre (on the recommendations of a search cum selection committee headed by Cabinet secretary)

MDG

MDG 4 – reducing infant mortality rates
Target – is to reduce infant mortality rates by 2/3rd between 1990 and 2015
India is unlikely to achieve it
Female IMR is higher in most states

Mitochondria

Known as power house of the cell
Supplies ATP (Adenosine tri-phosphate)
It is also responsible for Cell cycle (growth, differentiation, death)
RBC’s do not have mitochondria
Mitochondria is found in eukaryotic organisms

Eukaryotic organisms

Which have a nucleus and other cell organelles enclosed in a membrane
Prokaryotic organisms do not have nucleus or other organelles bound in a membrane

Brexit

Q. Critically examine the reasons why Britain voted in favour of brexit. [Hindu]

Healthcare

Q. India has ignored massive problem of quality of healthcare. What do you understand by quality healthcare? How it can be delivered? What are the challenges? Discuss.[Hindu]

MPC

Q. Recently, the govt. moved to give statutory backing to the monetary policy committee(MPC). Discuss the composition, objectives and significance of this committee. [mint]

Payments banks

Q. Critically analyse various regulations put on payment banks and their likely impact functioning of these banks.[mint]

Welfare-Unconditional regular cash transfer

Q. Examine the merits and demerits of making simple unconditional regular cash transfer to every adult by the govt. instead of having many different forms of welfare programmes targeted at the poor.[Express]

Permafrost

Is rock, soil frozen (below 0 C) for 2 or more years.
Mostly located in arctic and Antarctic regions
And also in high altitudes in lower latitudes

29 Jun

BRGF

Backward regions grant funds
Under the purview of Panchayat and Municipalities
Mandates to study and prepare a plan to meet local needs at district level

RGPSA

Rajiv Gandhi panchayat shasaktikaran abhiyan
To strengthen panchayati institution

Local languages

Nihali
A threatened language
Spoken in West-central India(MP, Maharastra)
It’s a pre-aryan and pre-munda period

Shola grasslands

Nilgiri wood pigeons –threatened species

Smart City

Q. The smart cities mission not only prioritises parts of a city over the whole but also truncates the role of local city govt. critically examine.[Hindu]

MTCR

Q. Recently, India was admitted to the MTCR (missile technology control regime). Discuss its significance for India. [Hindu]

Panchayati Raj

Q. Is there a need for a separate ministry of Panchayati raj or should it bemade as dept. in the rural development ministry? Comment.[Hindu]

Majority Principle – Democracy

Q. In democracies the majority principle is workable, but it is morally unjustified because it violates the right of minorities to secure voice in decision making. In the light of recent brexit referendum, critically comment on the statement.[Hindu]

Fisherman-Srilankan waters

Q. The issuE of poaching by Indian trawlers in sri-lankan waters and certain actions taken by Sri-lankan authorities against Indian fishermen is yet

30 Jun

A32

Gives right to move SC to protect fundamental rights
Power to grant pardon or remission is with President or governor

Mizo Peace accord

Q. On this day –June 30 – 30 years ago, the mizo peace accord was signed, Critically discuss the significance of this accord for India nad Mizoram. [Express]

Panchayati Raj

Q. Confining panchayati raj to just the Ministry of Rural Development will be retrograde step in democratic decentralisation and an emasculation of the constitutional role envisaged for panchayati raj institutions. Critically discuss.[Hindu]

Pardon Or Remission

Q. Can the SC exercise the power of pardon or remission under A32 of the constitution similar to the President’s power under A74 or Governor’s power under A161? Examine.

Subsidies to rich

Q. Subsidies to the rich are hurting the capacity of the India govt. to spend more on essential sectors such as health, nutrition and education. Do you think India has become a tax heaven for the rich? In the light of given statement, critically comment.[Mint]

Defence establishment – fire accidents

Q. The deadly fire at the CAD(central ammunition depot) in Pulgaon in May has raised questions about the quality and manufacturing process of explosive TNT (trinitrotoluene). It has also raised questions about overlapping hierarchies and systemic deficiencies in defence production establishment. Discuss the issue and remedies.[Hindu]

Extremists Attacks

Q. Playing with the extremist groups for short term goals is invariably counter productive in the long run. Discuss how true is it in Turkey’s case? Examine what lessons should India’s neighbours should draw from Turkey’s experience.[Hindu]

Basic Income

Q. Examine the merits and challenges of implementing minimum guaranteed basic income through cash transfer in India for all citizens.[hindu]