User talk:Gaurav4291/MAR2016

Aadhaar

 * Every resident will be entitled for an aadhaar
 * A resident is one who resides in India for 182 days in the 1 year
 * Unique Identification authority will be formed
 * Composition of authority – Chairman, 2 part-time members and a CEO.
 * Chairman and members should have atleast 10 years of experience in technology, governance, etc.
 * Information can be revealed in cases of national security on the orders of court
 * Punishment for un-authorised access to centralised data
 * Section 7 – makes aadhar mandatory for availing a number of govt. services
 * Section 57 – enables govt. to impose aadhar in any other services currently not mentined in this bill.

Appropriation bill

 * Is a money bill
 * Authorises govt. to spend from and out of consolidated fund of India/state
 * Failure to pass appropriation bill will amount to no confidence of the legislature on the govt. and govt. has to resign

Sir creek

 * Is a tidal estuary between India-Pakistan boundary
 * Separates Indian Gujarat state with Pakistan’s Sindh state
 * Both sides cites a different boundary line
 * This boundary line will affect the EEZ zone in the Arabian sea
 * India cites – internationally recognised rule of Thalweg

Rule of thalweg

 * It states that river boundaries between two nations may be divided from mid-channel

BRICS

 * 8th summit in 2016 – Goa (India)
 * Theme – responsive, collective and inclusive solutions for the grouping

SAARC

 * 2015 – Nepal
 * 2016 – Pakistan

Svalbard global seed vault

 * In the norweign island near north pole
 * Will store all important crop seeds
 * Permafrost and thick rock will ensure that seeds remain frozen even without power

Force 18

 * Field training
 * ASEAN plus 8 dialogue partners took part
 * Conducted in India
 * Humanitarian and peacekeeping

Iron fist

 * Indian air force exercise
 * At Pokhran

Nayanars

 * Nayanars were devoted to Shiva
 * Alvars were devoted to Vishnu
 * They were critical of Buddhism and Jainism
 * These saints belong to all castes including untouchable
 * They drew upon ideals of love and heroism as found in sangam literature
 * Compilations of their songs – Tevaram and Tiruvackam

Zardozi

 * Metal embroidery
 * Used in the attires of kings, royals, etc.

Ethics committee in LS

 * Chairman is appointed by Speaker in LS and Chairman in RS

FDI reforms

 * In Insurance – from 26% to 49% - govt approval required
 * Banking – 100% FDI in ARC (assets reconstruction company)
 * Food marketing – 100% FDI in marketing food products produced and manufactured in India
 * Indian stock exchange – from 5 to 15%
 * CPSE (Central public sector enterprises) – from 24 to 49%

Budget – Target delivery of services and subsidies using Aadhaar platform
Q. The union government has announced that it would introduce a Bill in the current budget session for targeted delivery of financial and other subsidies, benefits and services by using the Aadhaar framework. Discuss the significance of this move.
 * Linking of subsidies and service delivery with aadhaar will help in indentifying beneficiary, will check leakage,
 * Success in DBT in case of LPG has given confidence,
 * Govt. to run pilot project of DBT in case of fertiliser subsidies

Significance: Significance of the bill
 * Aadhaar is an important component of JAM- Trinity.
 * financial inclusion - easy opening of bank accounts, useful for migrant labourers, direct wage transfer to accounts in case of MGNREGA or other schemes, Pension transfers to account
 * Will help in identifying duplicate records in electoral rolls, if in future India moves towards e-voting - Aadhaar can play vital role
 * Savings in Subsidies - removal of ghost beneficiaries, DBT in LPG has shown great savings in leakage, intermediaries are removed - thus less corruption
 * Digital lockers
 * E-health cards
 * use of multiple ID cards eliminated
 * Will give legal foundation to Aadhaar usage - can be used for wider services
 * Protection to privacy rights, secured storage of data
 * protection from misuse of data

Cess

 * Cess do not form part of the divisible pool with states

crop insurance
Q. It is argued that subsidising crop insurance premium and running subsidised health insurance program are fraught with risks and are not sustainable in the long run. Critically examine why.
 * Market driven health insurance premiums work on two premises (1.) Risk of loss is less (2.) those buying insurance do not face high correlated risk
 * But farming sector is inherently highly risky – frequent floods, droughts, whole region gets affected at the same time
 * Linking with aadhaar will help in checking leakages
 * Govt. has said all schemes will be reviewed periodically and will have a sunset date

Not sustainable because: But can be turned into sustainable: The present situation demands support to farmers, and in the long run farmers can be empowered to pay full premiums. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Gaurav4291 (talk • contribs) 19:19, 27 March 2016 (UTC)
 * will lead to in-efficient farming practices - non-scientific methods, excessive use of fertilizers, water, - as a result subsidies on electricity, fertilizers will grow - thus will directly hamper fiscal deficit.
 * Insurance companies, Hospitals can collude - will resort to expensive medicines, unwanted hospitalization, excessive scanning and testing, well to do farmers can resort to fake medical bills,
 * Market driven health insurance premiums work on two premises (1.) Risk of loss is less (2.) those buying insurance do not face high correlated risk
 * But farming sector is inherently highly risky – frequent floods, droughts, whole region gets affected at the same time
 * After initial period when govt. subsidises premium - farmer should be empowered to pay full premium
 * This initial subsidy period will provide awareness among the masses, thus more will be willing to take insurance
 * with proper regulatory oversight - collusion/fake nexus could be checked
 * With improvements in farmers Market - E-NAM, scientific farming practices, improvements in irrigation, - situation will improve
 * With increase in disposable income, and initiatives like ICDS, mid day meal scheme, Full immunization - health in rural areas can be improved.

Universal health coverage
Q. When it comes to public health expenditure, India lags behind even among many developing countries. Does India need universal health coverage? What measures should be taken by government in this regard? Discuss. Need: Solution:
 * Budget 2016 – plan to provide access to dialysis to kidney failure patients through a national programme
 * High treatment costs at hospitals,
 * Hospitals indulge in profiteering – unnecessary hospitalization, recommending expensive medicines
 * Young people not taking insurance – as it seen as expensive
 * Capping costs – cost of health care should be capped with ensured quality health care
 * Proper regulations to check profiteering of hospitals
 * Major infrastructure investment is required – machinery in district hospitals, training of staff, etc.

Yes, India needs universal health coverage, reasons:
 * High out of pocket expenditure - an APL family can be pushed to BPL. Hospitals indulge in profiteering - unnecessary hospitalization, testing, expensive medications,
 * '''High medical premiums' - Young people not buying insurance. Thus base is small only old age people - thus highly risky. high number of claims results in higher premiums. Need is to increase the base (number of people buying insurance and also the age group)
 * Demographic dividend - a healthy workforce (higher productive work years) is important
 * A large section is unsecured - mostly work in un-organised sector
 * Less out-of-pocket expenditure on health will mean more in the market
 * access and awareness is a concern in tribal and inaccessible areas

Steps to be taken by govt.:
 * Investment - pour funds in district hospitals (on machinery, staff, medical items, etc.)
 * Regultaion - proper regulatory oversight to check profeetering by hospitals, capping treatment cost with ensured quality health care
 * Strengthening of primary health services - ASHA workers, aganwadi workers - enhance reach through awareness - early detection of diseases will lead to low expenditures and thus system will remain sustainable in long run.
 * Services like Telemedicine, e-hospitals - to reach inaccessible region
 * Jan aushadhi kendra - to provide low cost medicines
 * AYUSH - Promotion of indigenous medicines, to cure lifestyle diseases (BP, cholestrol, etc.)
 * CSR of Private sector - to infuse capital and technical and administrative support. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Gaurav4291 (talk • contribs) 19:42, 27 March 2016 (UTC)

Basel III norms

 * Capital Adequacy – 9% : It is the measure of banks financial strength, ratio of capital to risk weighted assets
 * Tier 1 Capital – 7%

Recapitalisation of PSBs
Q. Analyse the methods adopted to recapitalise weak public sector banks (PSBs) in India and the challenges faced in recapitalisation. Methods of recapitalising weak banks: Steps made:
 * Increased NP reduces banks capital adequacy which erodes net worth and hampers profits, and also shakes investors’ confidence
 * Govt. providing capital to banks – risk of not meeting fiscal deficit, will have to reduce funds in other areas, or will have to generate capital by selling stake in PSU’s or other assets
 * Close down weak banks
 * Allow banks to raise capital from market – but by law govt. shares cannot go below 51%, (Amendment of SARFAESI act - to allow ARC(asset reconstruction company) to hold more than 50% stakes in PSB)
 * conversion of loans into equity
 * Indradhanush mission to revamp PSBs – Appointments, Bank board bureau, Capitalization, De-stressing, Empowerment, Framework of accountability, Governance reforms, (ABCDEFG -Idradhanush)
 * Banks to conform to Basel 3 norms by 2019
 * Bank board bureau to be operationalised soon
 * Govt. announced 25000 cr for recapitalisation in 2016-17 in Budget
 * http://financialservices.gov.in/PressnoteIndardhanush.pdf

Indradhanush

 * A- Appointments : transparency in appointments of MD and CEO, Private sector candidates also allowed
 * B- Banks board bureau : will be a body of eminent professionals that will appoint Directors and non-executive chairman - and formulate strategies with directors for growth of the bank
 * C- Capitalization : PSB's will be maintaining a higher capital assets than prescribed in Basel III and by RBI - to keep a buffer - The capital will be generated partly from market and party govt. will be infusing.
 * D- De-stressing : Rising NPA's are due to stalled or delayed projects in Road, infra,power, steel sectors - due to various factors (late approvals, etc.) - Steps: ARC (Asset reconstruction company), DRT (Debt recovery tribunals)
 * E- Empowerment : No govt. interference of govt. in the administration of banks, more autonomy
 * F- Framework of accountability : KPI(Key performance indicators) - to evaluate performance of Banks
 * G- Governance reforms : Reforms by govt. and banks in facilitating better practices - more autonomy, etc. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Gaurav4291 (talk • contribs) 07:16, 21 March 2016 (UTC)

100% FDI in food processing sector
Q. The recent Union Budget has given a thumbs-up to domestic food processing, with the proposal to permit 100 per cent foreign direct investment in the marketing of food products made in India. Discuss the implications of allowing 100 percent FDI in food processing sector. Budget – announced Benefits: Demerits
 * 100% FDI in marketing of food products produced and manufactured in india
 * Duty cut on refrigerated containers – to promote use of refrigerated containers which will improve supply chain of food products
 * Unified e-market – to connect regulated wholesale markets nationwide
 * Will bring technology to improve and make agriculture more efficient – will make our products more competitive in world market
 * Better price realisation for farmers
 * easy credit access for farmers - since farmers will be able to get in contract with these marketing companies
 * Will give impetus to local food - can be promoted world over - thus help in forex
 * Increased job
 * better backend infrastructure - cold storage, warehouses
 * Will increase RnD in food processing sector – since retailers will invest in using local produce in their products
 * Food processing will play a pivotal role in govt. vision of doubling farmers income by 2022
 * Will encourage retailers to produce in India – thus supplementing Make in India program
 * will affect small retailers, street vendors

Taxing EPF

 * Bad move because
 * Currently ( deposits, interest and withdrawal – all are tax free),
 * 60% is to be taxed at the time of withdrawal if the person doesn’t by an annuity
 * Govt. said the aim is to encourage people to buy pension schemes after retiring instead of taking out all the money
 * Already returns are low in this – can’t beat inflation
 * Person should be allowed to use his money wherever he wants – house, new business, etc.

EU
Q. Why the European Union was formed? Also examine why Britain has had problems in staying with EU. History: Issues
 * Shortly after the end of world war 2, EU (common market) was formed to keep the continent war free, to prevent France and Germany to take up arms against each other
 * initially Britain was not part of it, but afterwards joined it
 * High membership fees - well to do nations have to pay to EU to bring up the lower nations up
 * EU's membership is hampering Britain's ties with other trade blocs
 * Free movement of labour - stress to social infrastructure due to pull factor
 * fragility of Euro - Pound is much stable
 * Britain wanted to keep control of its borders – didn’t wanted to join schengen are(visa free movement) – to keep a check on influx of migrants
 * Issue of sovereignty – EU’s influence on policy making

Suicide
Suggestions
 * Causes – immediate trigger could be poor results in exams, loss in romantic relations, loss of a dear one (kid, parents,etc)
 * NCRB- data shows suicide is one of the major cause of deaths among youths
 * The root lies both in both social and psychology of the person.
 * Youth is a stage when an individual is most impulsive – can make rash decisions in a moment
 * Social pressures like – not able to choose life partner of his/her choice, caste atrocities, gender discrimination, etc
 * Psychology – an event can bring feeling of hopelessness in an individual but not everyone will lose hope and commit suicide, thus individual mental psyche plays an important role
 * Parenting interventions – to reduce academic pressure on youth, freedom of choosing life partner,
 * Ensuring freedom from caste and gender discrimination
 * Safe storage of pesticides – used in many suicide cases
 * Teaching of Life skills in schools
 * Psychologists at work places, colleges and easy access to them
 * Social interventions in case of rapes, acid attacks, etc.

Mosul Dam – Iraq

 * Can break – will cause catastrophe
 * River Tigris will be flooded

Mentawai Islands

 * News -Earthquake - Tsunami warning
 * Near Indonesia
 * In Indian ocean
 * http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01208/quakeloaction_1208761f.jpg

UDAY
Initiatives – Features of UDAY
 * Ujjwal Discom assurance yojana
 * To revive financially burdened Discoms
 * Financial strength of Discoms is impotant – for India’s mission of 100% rural electrification and supply of clean energy, also an important cog for policies like Make in India and Digital India
 * enhance operational efficiency
 * reduction in cost of power
 * reduction in interest
 * enforcing financial discipline
 * minimise transmission losses
 * Use of energy saving appliance (LED bulbs, etc.)
 * State will take 75% of debts of Discoms (50% in 15-16 and 25% in 16-17)
 * State will issue these bonds in the market
 * This debt will not be calculated in the fiscal deficit of the state
 * Rest of the 25% debt will be converted into loan by the banks – rate will be base rate +0.1%
 * States accepting UDAY will be given additional funding through – Deen dayal upadhaya gram jyoti yojana, Integrated power development scheme, etc.
 * UDAY is optional for states

World humanitarian summit

 * May 2016, Istanbul

Goat farming
Q. India is the largest producer of goat milk and the second-largest producer of goat meat in the world. It is said that with economic gains that can result from technological and marketing interventions in goat rearing is immense. Discuss these interventions and their implications for India.
 * Breeding with superior breed – will increase weight and milk productivity
 * Better nutrition,
 * Health care
 * Technological marketing advancements

Tintorang

 * A food grade DNA/RNA stain
 * Stain – cells are dyed to enhance structures when viewed under microscope
 * It can bring down diagnose time of disease such HIV/AIDS (from 45 days to 1 day)
 * Current DNA/RNA stains are carcinogenic and not environmental friendly
 * Tintorang being a food grade stain is environmentally friendly, and doesn’t cause any health issues to technicians

Spectrum
Q. The auction of spectrum brings government much needed revenue. Why spectrum is considered a resource? Why spectrum in the 700 MHz band is considered more valuable than other bands? Also comment on controversy over pricing of spectrum.

Trade agreements – Multilateral or bilateral or regional
Q. Over the years, India has preferred multilateralism over bilateral and regional trade agreements. Why? Do you think India should continue to focus more on multilateral trade agreements? Discuss. India prefers multilateral agreements because: Thus India needs to prefer multilateralism but also engage with some partners bilaterally or in regional forums
 * Bilateral and regional trade agreements may lead to overlapping of commitments
 * Multilateral agreements increases combined negotiating power - IP laws, Environment, labour laws, to suit the needs of developing nations
 * India seeks to be a part of multipolar world - not want to side with just unipolar or bi-polar powers
 * Poor infrastructure, backward agriculture (needs to be protected) - India has less bargaining power with economies like US, EU
 * IPR issues in medicine - to protect poor population
 * since, in multi-lateral forums like WTO - negotiations are slow
 * In multi-lateral forums also - countries side with heavy economies
 * Bilateral forums - are fast with some accomodation and mutual understanding that give advantage to both the economies
 * Bilateral engagements like - Nuclear agreement with australia, with Japan as a counter to China, with Israel (military partner), with US (strategic and diplomatic partner) - these partnesrdhips are important in varied spheres
 * Forums like SAARC - enhances peace in the neighbourhood,

India’s garment factories
Q. Examine the problems faced by India’s garment factories. In recent years, countries such as Bangladesh and Vietnam have become hub for apparel manufacturing. Examine why. Problems faced: Problems of workers:
 * Unfavourable labour laws
 * Slow custom clearances – delays in delivery
 * small size of factories - not viable for advance machinary, not able to meet delivery demands
 * Inefficient ports
 * Infrastructure bottlenecks
 * High import duty on imports of fabric – china dominates the manmade fabric market
 * No incentives or subsidies on loans from banks
 * Bangladesh, Vietnam has lax labour laws - thus have low wages, thus India looses competitive advantage
 * Garment factories are labour intensive and can absorb manpower movement from agriculture
 * No protection to labourers - no safety in factories (no fire extinguishers), overtime, less wage, risk of occupational diseases

Remission

 * Topic – release of convicts sentenced to life imprisonment
 * Nations are doing away with death penalty – and life imprisonment is seen as an alternative
 * It should be done considering each case separately – based on the gravity of crime, convicts reformation, and the effect on society from his release
 * In some cases where death sentence is seen as too harsh and life imprisonment with no provision for remission is seen as not adequate in such cases not allowing remission is seen as appropriate
 * It should not be used as a tool of political gains
 * A72 – provides powers to President to grant pardon, remission or commute sentences
 * A161 - provides powers to Governors to grant pardon, remission or commute sentences
 * SC has held that Centre not the states has the primacy to decide whether remission should be given to a convict in the cases investigated by CBI or any central agencies

History of Korea
Q. Why was Korea divided? Examine the causes of animosity between North Korea and USA. Do you think North Korea poses threat to global security? Comment.

Aadhaar Bill as Money Bill
Q. Discuss the salient features of the Aadhaar (Target Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Bill, 2016. Examine why making it a Money Bill is dubbed as unnecessary and unfortunate.
 * Bill is brought in lok sabha – has provisions for target delivery of financial and other subsidies, to protect biometric data of aadhaar card holders.
 * A110 deals with the definition of money bill- opposition says it should not be brought as a money bill as it is concerned with the population of India and Rajya Sabha’s view should be taken
 * Rajya sabha can only give suggestions and can’t make any amendments and have to return the bill in 14 days otherwise it is deemed approved
 * Lok Sabha speaker can only decide whether a bill is a money bill or not
 * In many cases when govt. doesn’t have majority in Rajya Sabha – they try to pass bill as a money bill – by amending few provisions to fit the definition of a money bill

The salient features of the Bill are:


 * The Bill seeks to give statutory backing to the processes of enrolment, authentication and use of data for delivery of various benefits, subsidies and services by the government.
 * Made essential for social security benefits
 * Information will be stored in a centralized database of biometrics, the Central Identities Data Repository.
 * Protection of personal data – Provision for guaranteed safeguarding of information provided to UIDAI
 * Privacy of the individual – Upholded – Data access is restricted to higher officials – Data sharing made according to rules. Only official of the ranks of Joint secretary has the power to disclose the information
 * Onus of responsibility on UIDAI – to check and protect the biometric data
 * An oversight committee consisting of the cabinet secretary and others will overview the decision of the information disclosure.
 * Effective public service delivery – Transparent, honest service delivery with direct interface
 * Funding – from consolidated fund of India

Making it a money bill – Unnecessary and unfortunate, because


 * As part of the money Bill, need no approval of the Rajya Sabha, Bypasses the Rajya Sabha (Govt. is in Minority) to make way for passing the legislation in the loksabha
 * Defeat the very purpose of Parliament =  Forum for deliberation of issues of national importance – Suppresses the voice of opposition – escape from legislative accountability (Rajya Sabha) – Undermine the role of Rajya sabha
 * Legislation without consensus (with opposition parties) may prove hurdle during the implementation of the scheme
 * May set a bad precedent for the future governments to push their agenda with least regard to opposition views (juvenile justice and workman injury compensation bills passed during 1980s as Money bills) — Preceding unsigned comment added by Gaurav4291 (talk • contribs) 20:29, 27 March 2016 (UTC)

Green Budget
Q. “Making a country’s budget green is not about how much money is allotted to tiger or forest protection. It is about integrating it into every aspect of your economy and ensuring there is no wasteful use of natural resources.” In the light of the statement, evaluate how green is the recent union budget. Budget Missing: Solution:
 * Clean energy cess increased from Rs 100 to 200 per tonne on coal – but no mention of how it will be used
 * Funds for national afforestation programme,
 * Sustainable groundwater management programme
 * Funds to encourage organic farming - paramparagat krishi vikas yojana
 * Infrastructure cess on private cars
 * soil health card scheme - to reduce soil pollution, to reduce use of fertilisers
 * Green highways - to grow trees along national highways
 * But no mention of allocation of funds for protection of forests, wetlands and the biodiversity of these areas.
 * These natural resources feed our economy – sands from river beds for infrastructure, mineral mining in forests lands,
 * Shift towards increased allocation on green activities or a shift towards green budget might give slow economic growth for few starting years, but in long run will provide sustainable high economic growth
 * For ex: investing in fisheries – will provide increased employment, less dependency on global factors – thus protection from external shocks
 * Funds to protect forests cover, cleaning of rivers
 * The value and services provided by natural resources like forests and rivers are immense which is not accounted in national accounting services

PPP projects
Q. Despite developing a strong framework for the approval of PPP projects at the central government-level with appropriate oversight, various challenges have arisen along with the acceleration in the pace of the roll-out of PPPs in India. Which are these challenges? What measures has government taken to address these challenges? Discuss.

Setu Bharatam

 * Aim to make all national highway free from railway level crossings

Contract marriages

 * Foreign nationals come in India and marry Indian by paying some amount to the family
 * After few years they leave the women behind,
 * She is not accepted back in the family, society
 * They find it difficult to find any job
 * State also cannot do much since these marriages are done legally
 * State can only provide some support to homeless women with children

Raisina Dialogue

 * Held in Delhi, Mar 2016
 * Conference on geo-politics and geo-economic

Sovereign gold bond scheme

 * These are govt. securities promoted as substitutes of physical gold
 * RBI issues these
 * Physical gold problems – risk of loss, purity concerns, jewellery making charges, etc.
 * These bonds are kept in e-form – no risk of loss,
 * Investor gets the market price at the time of redemption (if market price is less he might lose)

Reasons behind this:

 * Gold imports are the 2nd biggest bill after Oil – Thus govt. wants to reduce the imports

Gold monetisation scheme

 * It is to mobilise the idol gold assets – (personal gold’s, gold in temples)
 * It is a gold savings account – you get interest on the amount of gold you save and at the time of withdrawal 995 fineness gold is given
 * Provides security,
 * The banks will either sell or lend this gold

Blockchain

 * It is the technology behind web based currency bitcoin
 * Provides cryptology technology for digital technology
 * Use in –financial transactions

Sedition – Tilak and Gandhi
Q. During the early years of national movement, both Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Mahatma Gandhiji were charged under the Section 124A of IPC for committing sedition. What was their crime? How did they react? Do you think this provision of IPC should have been removed once India gained independence? Critically comment.
 * Tilak was charged with sedition in 1897 and 1908
 * Gandhi was charged with sedition in 1922

LIGO

 * It is a modified Michelson interferometer
 * http://www.frontline.in/multimedia/dynamic/02758/FL18_RRnew__fig1_e_2758160z.jpg

Michelson interferometer:

 * Two mirrors are placed at equal distances at right angles
 * A laser source is used which directs laser at a beam splitter, which directs beams to two mirrors – these mirrors reflect laser back at beam splitter
 * The reflected back beams is directed back towards source or in the other direction depending upon the change in the arm length – such as in the case of gravitational waves – which causes change in the dimensions of space
 * LIGO is a modified version of Michelson interferometer – provided with power recycling and signal recycling mirrors to increase the power of lasers and increase the sensitivity of the interferometer

Ancient education institutions
Q. Discuss the features of ancient Indian universities vis a vis their autonomy and education culture, and compare them with features of modern state funded universities in India.

Bhagat Singh
Q. Discuss Bhagat Singh’s contribution to the national movement. In your opinion, what lessons does Bhagat Singh’s life have for modern-day India?

Bhagat Singh's Contribution to the national movement
 * Motivated and inspired the youth of the nation
 * initially took to extremists ideologies to overthrow the British regime but later on embraced socialistic ideologies to - helped establish HSRA (hindustan socialistic republican association) [Started by Azad, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and others] - that seeks an independent Socialist Indian Republic
 * popularized revolutionary ideas in jail too, use court trial room as platform to inspire people
 * Established Punjab Naujawan Sabha - to serve people and to overthrow British
 * assassinated Saunders along with Azad and Rajguru to Avenge Lala Lajpat Rai
 * Threw bomb in assembly - intention was to protest not to kill anyone

Lessons to modern India
 * He was an avid reader - read books on socialism, literature - developed knowledge and understanding of varied aspects of life - Today's youth should take inspiration to develop their understanding by reading variety of textbooks
 * He put national interest over individual or family interest
 * To be a fearless leader not a follower
 * Separating religion from public life - Dissociated HSRA from religion
 * Ability to question the authority
 * Be always open to change - After realizing the failure of individual terrorism activities he embraced socialism
 * get motivated from great events and great leaders- Bhagat singh visited jallianwala bagh and used to keep in his pockets the earth he collected from there.

Girl Children
Q. It is found that providing bicycle to girl children has drastically reduced school dropout rates in many Indian states. Discuss the significance of this move. And what such other measures by governments will help empower girl child in India? Examine


 * In Bihar, govt. started a scheme in which a cycle is provided to a girl who passed class 7 exams - this resulted in reduction in school dropout rates
 * In N.E, Women Self Help Groups started a bicycle bank to mobilise women and promote micro enterprises among women

Significance Other Measures
 * Belief in equal rights - from childhood girls feel empowered
 * More independent - less dependent on parents for dropping and picking up from school
 * Girls can now go in groups - makes them feel secure and increases social cohesion
 * Healthy - cycling is healthy too and when added with nutritious mid day meal can help increase nutrition levels
 * Less travelling time to and from school - thus can help in domestic work - Parents more willing to send them to school
 * subsidised education loan even for high schools, colleges, vocational courses and not just for professional courses
 * More female teachers, separate and clean toilets
 * Initiatives like beti bachao beti padhao, depositing funds at the time of birth of a girl child and giving those funds at the time of 18 yrs (which can be used for her education)
 * All education stationary - free of costs or at subsidised rated
 * Counselling - to make them feel secure and empowered
 * Provision of wholesome nutritious food
 * Strict action against child marriages
 * Sukanya Shiksha yojana - proposed by Deepak mohanty committee
 * Motivating them - let them know about - great women achievers

Inequality
Q. Critically discuss the social, economic and biological ill-effects of inequality. Social Economic Biological
 * Adolescent crimes,
 * sexual harassment,increase in crime - robbery, terrorism
 * Lack of trust between different groups( religious clashes)
 * atrocities on SC, ST and lower castes
 * Gender discrimination
 * Politics - uses of caste polarisation
 * Unsafe environment, increase crimes - thus no investment will be happening, no FDI's - therefore no economic progress
 * No access to education, primary services (health, banking, etc.) - poor affected the most
 * clashes between labour and capitalist class
 * less income - less nutritious food - thus under development - stunted growth - low cognitive skills, poor health, less productive years,
 * Open defecation, unclean water
 * Increase in TB, HIV, Polio cases

NFHS-4
Q. The fourth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) for 15 States has revealed worrying levels of stunting and lack of healthy weight among children in India. What measures need to be taken to address this problem? Critically discuss. Measures
 * Provide nutritious food through mid day meal scheme ( currently mostly staple food like dal, roti, rice is given which lacks in nutrients like Zinc, potassium - also include Eggs, milk, mushroom, etc.)
 * Revamping public distribution system - currently only provides rice, wheat and coarse grains to a certain extent - include pulses, millets, etc
 * Eliminate Open defecation - open defecation causes low absorbing capacity of nutrients by large intestines - thus undernourishment is seen in children ( swach bharat abhyan is a step in the right direction - but more awareness is necessary - by both govt. and society)
 * Gender in-equality - women are asked to eat after men has eaten - thus less food for them
 * Timely immunization - indradhanush
 * awareness related to ill-effects of malnourishement - stunted growth, mental underdevelopment, prone to communicable diseases
 * ICDS - need to strengthen - less leakages - more accountability

Fiscal Deficit
Q. Is there an inverse correlation between fiscal deficit (fiscal expansion) and bank credit (monetary expansion)? Is the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act’s insistence of maintaining fiscal deficit of 3 percent rational? Examine.

Meldonium or Mildronate

 * Sharapova failed drug test
 * Used to treat ischemia – lack of blood flow to heart

EPF tax

 * Govt. proposed in budget 60% of corpus withdrawn will be tax free if invested in an annuity plan
 * Remaining 40% to be tax free
 * It was proposed to force people to buy pension schemes

Bandipur tiger reserve
http://projecttiger.nic.in/images/mapp.gif

South South cooperation

 * NeST – Network of southern thinktanks of Africa, central and south America, South east Asia

Marshall Islands

 * Has moved ICJ against all major nuclear states including India over not compliance of NPT(nuclear non-proliferation treaty) obligations
 * India is not a signatory of NPT – thus is not legally bound
 * http://www.yfcpacific.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Marshall-Islands-map.gif

ICJ

 * Intrernational court of justice
 * Haque, Netherlands
 * is the primary judicial branch of UN
 * provides advisory opinion on legal matters
 * UNSC is authorised to enforce court rulings - permanent members can exercise veto power in this
 * court has jurisdiction over two issues:
 * 1. Contentious issues - ICJ gives a binding ruling. Only member nations can be parties not individuals, NGOs, UN organs, etc.
 * 2. Advisory ruling - open for only UN bodies and agencies in legal matters — Preceding unsigned comment added by Gaurav4291 (talk • contribs) 09:05, 11 July 2016 (UTC)

Financial Inclusion

 * RBI observed that growth of card acceptance is reducing because of lower growth of ATM and PoS terminals
 * Lack of incentives for merchants for accepting cards

Messenger

 * Nasa’s spacecraft
 * Mercury surface, space, environment, geochemistry, and ranging spacecraft

Global Warming-Solutions
Q. “An emissions-reduction approach to fighting global warming is not enough. Alternative solutions involving climate engineering might have to be deployed sooner than we think.” What do you understand by climate engineering efforts? How can it act as alternative to emission-reduction approach to fight global warming? Explain. Climate engineering Management of Carbon Management of Sunlight Negative effects Solution
 * Currently, to fight global warming – emissions reduction approach is followed, Countries have made INDC’s (Intended nationally determined contributions) to reduce emissions
 * But these might not be enough – as countries are already finding it difficult to reduce emissions
 * Thus the need of climate engineering
 * It is the engineering interventions to fight global warming
 * Two categories – 1.) Management of carbon 2.) Management of sunlight
 * Ex – Carbon capture and storage, emissions from chimneys of coal plants is directly sucked and captured and stored underground, other methods – increase in forest cover
 * How much it is able to stop global warming and is it sufficient enough – is a concern
 * Marine cloud brightening, Stratospheric aerosol injection(SAI) are some example
 * Cloud’s brightness is altered to control the reflectivity of solar rays
 * In SAI – fine bright particles are sprayed in the atmosphere to reflect a part of solar radiation back, thus earth gets warm a little lower
 * Acidification of earth
 * Less precipitation
 * Dry rivers
 * Once aerosols or other particle are injected into the atmosphere, it will be difficult to remove them if something goes wrong
 * Regulatory mechanism to oversee these advancements and their negative impacts on the society
 * These impacts and efforts are not linked to boundaries, it will affect everyone

Aadhaar Bill
Features
 * Enrolment is voluntary
 * Can only be used as a proof of identity no as a proof of citizenship
 * Protection to biometric database

5) Is there an inverse correlation between fiscal deficit (fiscal expansion) and bank credit (monetary expansion)? Is the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act’s insistence of maintaining fiscal deficit of 3 percent rational? Examine.

6) Recently, the rare element curium was in news related to formation of solar system. Discuss the significance of this element and latest findings

7) Discuss the crisis being faced by petroleum industry in India. What measures should government take to address this crisis? Examine. (200 Words) — Preceding unsigned comment added by Gaurav4291 (talk • contribs) 13:58, 9 March 2016 (UTC)

India’s assistance to SAARC
Kaladan multi modal transport project India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway project
 * https://www.cbi.eu/sites/default/files/images/saarc-map.jpg
 * India gives significant financial grant to SAARC nations (except Pakistan)
 * In Budget-2016-17 – Budget allocation for this grant has reduced
 * This is contrary to India’s posture of Neighbour first
 * Grant to Myanmar – Has increased
 * Myanmar is not a SAARC nation
 * India’s Projects in Myanmar – Kaladan multi mode transport project, Trilateral highway’s project
 * To provide connectivity between N-E India and Myanmar
 * Connects Kolkata to Myanmar via bay of Bengal and then through river and road routes connects Myanmar to N-E India
 * Will provide economic, commercial and strategic benefits

HUL Plant in Kodaikanal

 * HUL had a thermometer plant in kodaikanal – which has deteriorated the environment
 * Company has been asked by govt. to clean the environment
 * National programme for rehabilitation of polluted programmes – recommends mercury content of 6.6 gm/Kg of soils in case of agricultural and residential areas – company wants it to be 20 mg/kg

Motion of thanks

 * President addresses a joint sitting of houses after fresh elections or at first session of each year
 * President addresses the houses on the various govt. policies that have introduced last year and the broad roadmap for the coming year
 * The address is followed by a motion of thanks moved in each house – and discussions happen on the presidents address – in the end PM concludes and answers to points raised – then MP’s vote on the motion of thanks – OR amendments to the address can also be moved in any house – then voting is taken on these amendments –
 * This year amendment was proposed on president’s address – on minimum educational qualification requirement to contest in a panchayat election
 * Since, independence only 5 times amendments have been moved on President’s address(2 times in Modi’s govt.)

Amendment to enemy property act

 * During migration (during war) – people who left to Pakistan – their properties were confiscated by Indian govt.
 * Amendment will not allow any transfer of enemy peoperty

Higher import duties on medical devices

 * In budget – import on dialysis equipment’s was reduced to make it more affordable
 * But overall duties on import of medical equipment’s (cancer treating equipment, stents, catheter, etc.) have increased – to force firms to manufacture in India
 * Result – increased health cost for citizens, extra burden especially on poor
 * Effects medical tourism
 * Low duties in neighbouring countries will increase smuggling from these countries

Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD)

 * To control landing of aircrafts on other plants, Ex. Mars

Sagarmala Project

 * Port modernisation,
 * Port connectivity,
 * Port led industrialization
 * Coastal community development

SAARC
Need to add China
 * South Asian association for regional cooperation
 * Members – India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Srilanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives
 * Global economics has changed
 * China is an important economy – increased economic relations with each of the SAARC members

IRNSS

 * ISRO puts IRNSS-1F in space
 * It is a 7 satellite system to provide real time positioning information in and around India
 * 2 satellites are ground based (in total 9 satellites)
 * India cannot rely on foreign services during hostile situations – as happened during Kargil war- US didn’t allow full usage of GPS system
 * India’s IRNSS will provide two kind of services – standard positioning service(open to all) and restricted service(for military purpose)
 * 3 are in geo stationary orbit ( object in this orbit has same orbital period as the earth’s rotational period, thus object appears fixed in the sky, used in communication, weather satellites)
 * 4 are in geosynchronous orbit( object in this orbit has same orbital period as the earth’s rotational period, thus object returns to the same point at the same time).
 * Geo-stationary orbit is special case of geo-synchronous( geo-stationary is geo-synchronous at zero inclination-i.e. directly above equator)

Communalism
Q. It is argued that the cycle of communal hatred and violence can be stopped only by ending first the false equivalence between minority and majority communalism. Elaborate. [Hindu]
 * Majority communalism (by a majority group) inflicted on minorities
 * Minority communalism (by a minority group) inflicted on sections of majority
 * These should never be assumed to be same
 * Minority communalism is an isolated event, mainly feeds on its own people whereas majority communalism feeds on minorities, have larger impact on social structure of the society
 * When state supports majority communalism ideologies – it becomes deadly
 * Minority communalism cannot ever get state power
 * Thus it is counterintuitive for minorities to provoke violence – since they will be the victims of it (being in minority)
 * Political parties who thrive on caste polarisation – engineer riots these areas to increase tension
 * This can only be stopped by –coalition of oppressed classes, sections, gender across all religions against communalism

Indian ties with US, Japan, Australia
Q. “For India, a closer relationship with the U.S., Japan, and Australia should not only be seen in defence terms — it could help secure its energy supplies.” Discuss. [Hindu] With Australia
 * India imports – 80% of its Oil requirement, it also imports Coal, natural gas and Uranium to meet its energy demand
 * For India to reach double digit growth – it needs to generate energy a multiple times more
 * Overdependence on imports for energy needs – makes India vulnerable – India’s most energy need is met from West Asia
 * India is also looking for sources in central Asia – Thus ties with Iran, Afghanistan is important ( Since Pakistan doesn’t provide India route to Afghanistan – Chabahar port becomes important)
 * India is already importing large amounts of coal
 * Is working on uranium import deal
 * India currently imports LNG heavily form Qatar (location in volatile location) – Australia is top global producer of LNG
 * Australia is far more stable than west Asia

India-South Asian Leader
Q. “It is not possible for India to be a world leader or an Asian leader without first being a South Asian leader.” Critically comment. [Hindu]
 * In 2006, India supported Shashi Tharoor’s bid for UN secretary general – what hurt most was not losing but other countries like Afghanistan, Srilanka not supporting India’s bid
 * Today, India is eyeing a permanent seat in UNSC
 * For becoming a world leader – India needs to be the leader amongst it’s neighbours first
 * Integrate the neighbours in economic progress, unite them
 * India has poor connectivity with its neighbours –On N.E – India has some of the least developed regions of India
 * South Asian countries wants collaboration between China and India (not competition)

Women in combat roles
Q. Countries like USA and Israel are opening all combat roles to women. Discuss the status of women in Indian defence forces and need for their induction in all combat roles.
 * News – Three women to be inducted as fighter pilots. Only as short service commission and on experimental basis for 5 years

Compulsory licensing
Q. What do you understand by Compulsory licensing? What is its importance in countries like India? Also examine if providing Compulsory licensing to generic pharma companies is in violation of WTO rules. Compulsory licensing Importance WTO
 * It is the grant of right to use patents given to someone/ some firm for an invention or a product by paying a license fees to the patent holder.
 * Govt. gives compulsory licenses in cases that product or process in not available in the country or overpriced.
 * To provide basic health care to the population
 * WTO also gives primacy to national health over transnational rights on IPR
 * WTO provides provisions of compulsory licensing –member nations has the soverign right to decide the grounds for providing these grants based on national interest

Contingent convertible bond

 * Is a fixed interest instrument that converts into equity if a pre-specified trigger occurs

DIPAM
Q. Recently, the Union government announced creation of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM). Discuss its objectives and comment on India’s disinvestment policy. DIPAM
 * Department of investment and public asset management
 * Announced in Budget
 * For laying down procedure and mechanism for disinvestment in central public sector enterprises
 * under ministry of finance
 * CPSE's contribute 11% in the stock exchanges - Coal CPSE's has the highest share followed by ONGC — Preceding unsigned comment added by Gaurav4291 (talk • contribs) 09:23, 11 July 2016 (UTC)

Traffic updates

 * Separate radio channel for providing traffic updates on national highways
 * Giving road safety tips on radio

Real estate bill
Provisions Result
 * R.S passed the real estate bill
 * To protect consumers, check corruption in real estate
 * Provision of imprisonment up to 3 years if developer is found to be guilty of fraud
 * All projects to be registered in state
 * 70% of consumers money is to be kept in a third party account
 * Developers to provide repairs for structural damages for 5 years after giving the possession to consumers
 * Bill prohibits developers from changing the plans – unless 2/3rd members agree to it
 * RERA – Real estate regulatory authority
 * Increased confidence of consumers
 * Increased investments
 * Right step in the direction of Housing for all mission
 * More transparent

Gas pricing policy
Q. Recently the union government announced new hydrocarbon exploration and pricing policy. Examine the merits and demerits of this policy. New pricing formula for – underdeveloped discoveries Cabinet also approved – PM ujjwala yojana – giving free LPG connections to women members of BPL families Importance
 * This new pricing formula is for discoveries in hard to access areas (deep sea, high pressure-high temperature area, etc)
 * Formula is based on – weighted 1 year average price of oil, naptha and imported coal
 * This formula is not for existing production fields
 * This landed price based will be calculated once in every six months and applied for next six months
 * Also approved – (Uniform licensing) single license for all hydrocarbon – previously separate licenses were required for different forms of hydrocarbon ( brings transparency)
 * Shift from profit sharing to revenue sharing – govt. doesn’t have to do unnecessary digging of cost incurred – ( thus minimum govt. interference – less delays)
 * Open acreage licensing policy – a company can bid for any oil and gas field without having to wait for the bidding process to begin under NELP (New exploration licensing policy)
 * India imports most of the fuel for her energy needs – which makes her vulnerable
 * New pricing policy will bring investment, will make India- more self-dependent in terms of energy production
 * Gives freedom of pricing( govt. only sets pricing cap- landed price) and marketing to companies
 * These are right steps in the direction of – Ease of doing business(index by world bank) and minimum govt. maximum governance

S band

 * Is a part of microwave band of electromagnetic spectrum
 * Frequency is in the range of 2 – 4 GHz
 * Used by – weather Radar, communication satellites( ex- NASA’s communication with ISS)

L Band

 * 1-2 GHz
 * Used in satellite positioning system

Iron fist exercise

 * Indian Air force’s exercise

Colonial laws – Sec 377, 124A
Q. “Sections 377 and 124A reflect the two prominent ways in which the British left their stamp upon India’s criminal law, in a manner that is entirely inconsistent with a democratic, constitutional republic.” Analyse.[Hindu]
 * Sec 124A – shows colonial mentality of subject- ruler relationship.
 * These outdated laws need reform. These reforms should be consistent with the fundamental principles of freedom of speech, equality enshrined in the constitution

Vishnu Sahai inquiry commission

 * On Muzzafarnagar riots

RTE act –reservation for poor’s in Private school
Q. A recent survey has revealed that private schools across India fill just 15% of the nearly 2.29 million seats available for students from poor families under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. Critically discuss the causes of poor implementation of this Act and measures needed to be taken by government to address this issue. Reasons:
 * RTE act provides reservation of 25% seats for poor’s in pvt. Schools
 * But only 15% is filled in most of the schools
 * Lack of awareness
 * Unclear guidelines
 * Schools not cooperating with parents

Regulation of Pharmaceutical industry
Q. There have been frequent complaints about inadequacy of regulation of pharmaceutical industries in India. Critically examine why is there a need for strict regulation and the steps government has taken in this regard. Need: Solution
 * Substandard and spurious drugs in the market
 * Politically strong lobby – not allowing a strong regulation
 * Join international pharmaceutical inspection conventions
 * Currently, both state and centre gives approval – for better watch – there should be a unified agency

Cyber security
Q. It is said that there is a serious need for coherent national security architecture, with both defensive and offensive capacity as well as strong disaster-recovery mechanisms. Discuss. Some ex: Concerns: Need:
 * Today almost everything is connected to internet – airlines, railways, metro, highway tolls, govt. systems – tax systems, power grids
 * These are vulnerable to cyber attacks
 * cyber attack of Ukraine’s power grid – tripped circuits, erased important files, blocked helplines – caused long power shutdown ( sandworm – hacker group attacked)
 * Struxnet wom – targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure – caused damage to centrifuge
 * These attacks are done by terrorists, criminals and also by hackers employed by foreign nation govt.
 * These attacks cause severe damages – cheaper way of attack, almost no damage to the attacker himself, govt. can maintain deniability, difficult to identify attackers,
 * India needs to strengthen its infrastructure
 * Make people aware about – basic internet security
 * Develop both defensive and offensive capabilities – since once attacked – it will need a stronger system to counterattack
 * Disaster recovery mechanism formulation is required

Kakrapar atomic power plant

 * In Gujarat
 * Is a pressurised heavy water reactor
 * http://www.npcil.nic.in/images/Nuclear_Power_Plants_in_India_map1.jpg

Pressurised heavy water reactor

 * Uses heavy water(D2O) as coolant also acts as a neutron moderator(absorbs some energy of neutrons)
 * Why light water(H20) is not used? – Because light water is very effective in absorbing neutrons thus very less amount of neutrons are left for reaction as compared with the use of D2O.
 * Advantages – can use natural uranium(Uranium oxide) – without the need of an expensive uranium enrichment facility
 * Disadvantages – D2O is very costly – but he cost is offsetted with the fact that uranium enrichment is not required
 * Concerns: Pressurised heavy water reactors pose a risk of nuclear proliferation ( spread of nuclear material, nuclear weapons to non-nuclear state as identified in NPT)
 * Process – key process of maintaining a nuclear reaction within a nuclear reactor is to use neutron produced during a fission reaction to stimulate other nuclei – leading to a self-sustaining chain reaction – this state is known as criticality
 * Natural Uranium consists of a number of isotopes – U238 in large quantities and U235 in very small quantities.
 * U238 needs relatively energetic neutrons to be fission as compared to U235. Thus U238 cannot be made critical – because it will absorb more amount of neutrons than it produces (thus self-sustaining chain reaction cannot exist)
 * U235 can support a self-sustained chain reaction – but has very low natural abundance
 * Neutron moderators are used to reduce energy of neutrons – thus allowing U235 to sustain a chain reaction

GCC

 * Gulf cooperation council
 * Political and economic union
 * 6 Members – UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar [USB-OK-Q]
 * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_Cooperation_Council#/media/File:Persian_Gulf_Arab_States_english.PNG

Arab League

 * Regional organisation of arab countries – in and around north Africa, Horn of Africa, Arabia
 * 22 Member nations
 * http://www.invisible-dog.com/pictures/panarab_1.jpg

Project 75I

 * Under which India will induct 6 diesel electric submarines
 * Kalvari is the first one

Mexico opposed India’s UNSC bid

 * Mexico is opposing India’s UNSC bid
 * Reason – cited more veto members will only make decision making difficult
 * Suggested should ask for long term membership with possibilities of re-election

Women in sports
Q. Indian women’s games are rarely accorded same recognition and encouragement that’s given to men’s games. How and why should women’s games be popularised? Discuss.[Hindu] How:
 * Women games are rarely televised
 * They find it difficult to raise sponsorship
 * More coverage by media
 * More encouragement by boards
 * Encouragement in school girls to take up sports and pursue

Amendment to motion of thanks
Q. What is an amendment to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address? Why is it resorted to? Give examples and examine significance of this amendment. [Hindu] Significance
 * President addresses joint sitting of parliament – first session of each year or first session after general elections
 * President’s address includes govt. policies and programmes – this is first approved by union cabinet
 * If any amendment to address is passed in Lok sabha – The govt. would have to resign
 * But there is no such obligation in case of Rajya Sabha –
 * In total 5 times it has been amended in past
 * 2015, 16 (recent examples)
 * In 2015 – on the topic of black money
 * In 2016 – educational qualifications for election in panchayat
 * In past, on topic of Ramjanmbhoomi-Bari masjid dispute, India Srilanka accord, etc
 * It shows govt. inability to work in consensus with opposition
 * Consensus building is an important aspect of legislature in India – since even if govt. has majority in Lok Sabha – it would need oppositions consensus in getting bill’s passed in upper house
 * In these kind of scenarios – govt. tries to get bill passed as money bills – which is harmful for the democracy and impacts the credibility of the govt.

Polluter pays principle
Q. What do you understand by the the polluter-pays principle (PPP)? Critically discuss how is this principle interpreted and practices in India.

India – Mexico

 * Mexico is in latin America
 * Mexico can act as a gateway to other economies of latin America
 * Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil are some of the top exporters of crude oil to India
 * Latin America is resource rich in terms of crude oil and gas
 * Pacific alliance of latin American nations – is one important economic unit of the region – of which Mexico is a member
 * India is already involved in Pacific alliance as an observer
 * Mexico is member of NAFTA(North American free trade agreement) and has trade negotiations with most of the latin countries – Thus provides ample opportunities to Indian companies(Pharma, automotive, It sector)
 * Mexico is also a member of TPPA(trans pacific partnership agreement)
 * During 1970s, Mexico started ‘made in mexico’ programme – similar to make in India programme – which has resulted in setting up of many advanced manufacturing industries in Mexico – India can also learn from this
 * Collaboration – many space programme studies, in the field of biotechnology, health, etc.
 * Tourism acts as bridges and also stimulates economic development

Pacific Alliance

 * Latin America trade bloc
 * Members – Chile, Peru, Mexico and Columbia [MCC - Park]
 * http://www.nesta.org.uk/sites/default/files/pacific_alliance_image.jpg

Women’s entry to temple
Q. The bans such as women’s entry into temples involve notions and norms which directly clash with ideas of modernity and are also incompatible with rights enshrined in the Constitution. Why do you think, despite functioning judiciary and democratic institutions, such practices continue unabated? How can such practices be stopped? Critically comment.
 * Sabarimala Ayappa temple –has banned female form age of 10 to 50 from entering the temple
 * Women are not allowed to enter or visit many religious places or places of worship in many customs and religions. This is not seen in any one particular religion.
 * The reason cited is – women being impure due to menstruation, old age tradition, etc.
 * These goes against the modern ideas of equality.
 * A14 – equality before law
 * A26.b – permits religious denominations the right to manage their own affairs in matters of religion
 * A25.2 – allows state to interfere in religious practice if it is for social welfare or throwing open of hindu religious institutions of public character to all classes and sections of hindus

Marital rape
Q. Should marital rape be criminalised in India? Substantiate. [Hindu]
 * SDG target – to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in the public and private spheres.
 * Private sphere is the violence on women from her family (husband, etc.)
 * Marital rape should be punishable
 * Minister of child welfare and children – Maneka Gandhi – submitted in Parliament that govt. wouldn’t criminalise marital rape
 * Concerns : That the concept of marital rape as understood internationally cannot be applied in Indian contexts – due to various factors such as education/literacy levels, myriad social values, religious beliefs, mind-set of society

Indian military

 * Raising of mountain strike corps – on China India border (north and north eastern side)
 * Lack of budgetary allocation, lack of modernisation as compared to china

Sunderbans Maithri

 * Joint exercise between India and Bangladesh
 * Coordination in border management, will deter smugglers

FRBM act
Effects of fiscal deficit Required changes in the bill Fiscal deficit Revenue deficit Targets:
 * The idea of a fiscal responsibility act was first mooted by Yashwant Sinha in 2000-01
 * A committee – E.A.S Sarma(chairman) was setup to prepare a roadmap – proposed reducing revenue deficit to nil and bringing fiscal deficit under 2% in 5 years starting from 2001
 * It also proposed setting up a committee (Fiscal management review committee) – Members( PM, Finance minister, Speaker of L.S., L.O.O., CAG) – CAG objected to it as it saw this committee as an encroachment on the prerogative of finance minister
 * FRBM act was passed in 2003 and put in place in 2004. Target – to bring revenue deficit to nil and fiscal deficit under 3% by 2008-09.
 * Vijay kelkar committee – on fiscal consolidation
 * Increases inflation
 * Reduces investor confidence
 * Hampers growth and directly impacts employment
 * Relaxation of these targets in unforeseen circumstances should be allowed ( to give flexibility to the govt. the change the modify the policies accordingly)
 * The events should be defined as in what all scenarios it can be relaxed – (ex. Agro-climatic events, global financial meltdowns)
 * It is the measure of govt. borrowing in a year
 * Govt. expenditure minus revenue receipts, loan recoveries, receipts from dis-investment
 * Is the deficit in the amount of revenues received from the estimated amount.(revenues minus expenditure)
 * An amendment in the act in 2012 – target changed from revenue deficit to effective revenue deficit
 * Effective revenue deficit – excludes capital expenditure from revenue deficits (thus gives govt. the space to invest in capital assets
 * To be achieved by 2018
 * Fiscal deficit – 3.9%(2015-16), 3.5%(2016-17), 3%(2017-18)

Advancing Asia conference

 * IMF conference
 * In Delhi

Redshift

 * Distance of far astronomical objects(like distant galaxies) is measured using a technique named redshift
 * As the universe is expanding, distant objects recede from us – as a result light coming from these objects gets stretched towards the lower wavelengths (i.e. towards red).

Real estate bill
Q. Comment on significance of the Real Estate Bill that was recently passed by Rajya Sabha.[Hindu] Significance
 * Housing sector contributes significantly to GDP(9% of GDP)
 * Increase in buyer’s confidence – Most of the transaction’s in real estate are not transparent, buyers do not get flats in time, not according to the plan, poor quality, etc
 * Third party account to park buyers money – in case of projects involving 8 or more flats
 * Registration of projects with govt. authorities
 * Increased penalties on structural defects in construction
 * Clarity in definition of carpet area
 * Provision of imprisonment – in case of non-compliance of contract
 * Faster dispute resolution
 * Onus lies on state authorities – to provide enbabling environment
 * Will bring greater investment in the sector
 * Is a step in the direction of mission of housing for all.

Nuclear plants – Safety
Q. What are the inherent risks associated with operating nuclear reactors? What safety measures should be taken to ensure safety of nuclear reactors? Comment on India’s record in this regard. [Hindu] Nuclear accidents:
 * Energy generation from nuclear plants is an important part in India’s INDC to fight global warming.
 * India aims to reduce emission intensity by33-35% from 2005 levels by 2030, and to meet 40% of energy requirement from renewable resources(solar, nuclear, wind, etc.)
 * India’s International solar alliance initiative is a step in that direction
 * Recently, at kakrapar(Gujarat) – coolant (heavy water) leakage took place – which was contained by the backup systems – thus didn’t lead to any leakage of radioactive material in the surrounding
 * Accident of Fukushima(Japan) – shows nuclear accidents can be catastrophic – will take decades to make it habitable again

TPP and RCEP
Q. Do you think India should sign up for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)? Analyse merits and demerits.

India-Myanmar
Q. In recent months, India has signed many agreements with Myanmar which are said to have potential to strengthen India – Myanmar exponentially. Discuss these agreements and, how and why India needs to implement these agreements.
 * India-Myanmar-Thailand – trilateral highway : to promote integration of the region, enhance connectivity
 * Kaladan multi modal transport project
 * Joint navy patrol – signed a standard operating procedure in feb
 * Myanmar is undergoing political transition – needs to rebuild its economy, secure it’s sovereignty, provide education, health to her citizens, - currently heavily dependent on China
 * Stable Myanmar is important for India – for maintaining our N-E borders, will help in integrating N-E states and checking insurgency across borders
 * India not just shares land boundary with Myanmar also shares bay of Bengal – Mynamar’s ports provide India routes to the other south asian economies

BT Cotton
Q How did biotechnology impact cotton production in India? It is said that certain recent government decisions related to Bt cotton pricing might adversely affect ‘cotton revolution’ in India. Examine why.
 * Atal Bihari Vajpayee gave the motto of Jai jawan, Jai kisan, Jai vigyan while introducing BT cotton in India. He understood the importance of science in agriculture.
 * India became a net exported from a net importer. Second only to US.
 * This enhanced productivity not just only saved us the imports bill, but helped garner exports.

Bank Mitras

 * Bank correspondents agents
 * Under PMJDY – in locations where there are no banks or ATMs bank mitras act as agent of banks – to provide various services on behalf of bank
 * Creating awareness, helping in filling forms, provind them with right information, taking small deposits, providing them with bank statements

Vishaka Guidelines

 * Set of procedural guidelines in cases of sexual harassment

Aadhaar
Q. Critically analyse the merits and demerits of Section 7 and 57 of the Aadhaar Bill. [Hindu] Merits Demerits
 * Failure of biometric transaction in a number of cases
 * Aadhaar project was started with enrolment as voluntary – aimed to provide identification document for various services
 * Aadhaar number was linked to various facilities – banking, PDS, etc. – most agencies started demanding as compulsion
 * SC ordered – Aadhaar cannot be demanded as a mandatory document – and it should not be the basis of denying services to a citizen
 * Aadhaar bill is brought as a money bill to give it a statutory backing
 * Sec 7 – gives powers to govt. to make Aadhaar mandatory in a number of services
 * Sec 57 – bill doesn’t prevent the use of aadhaar for any other purposes (thus can be used for any purpose as felt necessary by govt.)
 * Prevents duplication of records – in elections, Subsidies, etc.
 * Targeted delivery of services – Identification of BPL population
 * Mass surveillance – govt. can make aadhaar mandatory for purposes like salary transfers, old age pension, marriage certificates, telephone bills, train booking – can track movement of individual citizens – will hamper right to privacy
 * Can harass dissenters of state
 * Aadhaar has helped in identification of duplicate identities – but its advantages in PDS is still contentious – failure of biometric identification in a number of cases – lack of such infrastructure in most rural places

Modern transport system
Q. What are the components of an Intelligent Transport System (ITS)? Discuss the potential and challenges of adopting ITS in Indian cities. [Hindu]
 * Real time tracking of buses, taxis
 * App based solutions

Reforms of 1991
Q. It is argued that 1991 economic liberalization resulted in deindustrialisation and adversely affected manufacturing sector in India. Examine. [Hindu]
 * Economic reforms of 1991 – brought market de-regulation, privatisation, reduced import duties, etc.

Goldilocks rate
Q. What do you understand by “the Goldilocks rate”? Why is it said that the Indian Rupee might be moving towards the Goldilocks rate? Examine.
 * When exchange rate for a currency is neither overvalued nor undervalued, it is in equilibrium – that rate is called goldilocks rate.

Jobless growth
Q. It is known that India has experienced jobless growth during past two decades. Which sector is to blame? What explains jobless growth in India? Examine.
 * Last few decades India has seen growth but that hasn’t resulted in increase in employment
 * The reason given is – shift from labour intensive technology to capital intensive technology – thus directly suggests manufacturing as the sector that has caused this job less growth.

Energy security Or energy independence
Q. Differentiate between energy security and energy independence. In your opinion, should India strive for energy independence or security? Substantiate. Energy independence Energy security Ownership of assets beyond Indian shores have risks – location in politically fragile region, no safe route back to India, etc. Thus the need is energy security
 * To achieve double digit growth and sustain it – India will need to multiply its energy requirement by many folds.
 * India already imports – 80% of its Oil, 20% of its coal – This is going to increase every year
 * India will not only be a major oil importer in the world – India will be at a commanding position in geo-economics – will have national interest in major economies of the world
 * Thus the need is to decide between energy security and energy independence
 * It doesn’t mean zero imports, but reducing imports rather increasing as in the case of energy security
 * India aims to reduce oil imports to 50% by 2030.
 * Aims to buy oil, gas and fields beyond Indian shores
 * These assets will ensure energy supply in times of crisis
 * It is different from energy independence in a way that – it means adequate energy supply at affordable rates, with minimum risk of supply disruptions to provide sustainable means of energy supply to India
 * To meet energy security India will need – Assured supply of energy, safe passage, secure storage and seat in multi-national forums dealing in global oil production and transportation
 * Safeguarding of shipping lines( bilateral, multilateral marine patrol),
 * investing in strategic reserves( build capacities to store and transport oil and fuel in and out of Indian boundaries)

LPG subsidy

 * People earning more than 10 lakh per annum – will have pay the non-subsidised price of LPG
 * Income tax dept. has shared data of people with LPG distributors

Syria

 * Tatrus naval facility and latakia air base (of Russia) in Syria
 * Close to Mediterranean sea
 * http://mobinajaffer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Map-of-Syria-and-Surrounding-Countries.png

Agrarian distress
Q. To address agrarian distress, raising farm income is very important. How can it be done? Analyse. Solution
 * Two common indicators used to show the agrarian distress – indebtedness of farmer households and farmer suicides.
 * One of the major cause behind this is cited to be low income. When expenditures rise higher than income, farmers tend to take loans to meet needs – whether daily needs, social expenditures –to payback he has to sell part or whole of his land, other family assets – humiliation of not paying back –forces farmers to take extreme step of suicide.
 * 2nd cause – sudden failure of crops or market failure – with no crop insurances – forces farmers in debt.
 * The solution lies in raising the income levels of farmers.
 * 1st way – Enable farmers to get better prices for their produce. Market inefficiency, less competition, informal local cartels have resulted poor price realisation for farmers. Steps like E-market(NAM) – which gives better access to national market, improves transparency – will allow better price realisation for farmers
 * 2nd way – scale-up of land holdings – Most of the land-holdings in India are small. Which doesn’t provide enough income thus farmers tend to look towards other activities (other than farming). Liberalisation of land lease agreements – current lease regime is not transparent, lanowners fear if they enter into formal lease agreements they might not get back their land and tenants cannot get credit due to lack of proof of lan ownership. Thus a liberalised land lease regime will help in encouraging leasing.
 * 3rd way – alternative source of income – Since a majority of farmers have small landholdings – thus govt. should provide adequate opportunity for alternative income.
 * 4th – irrigation – water scarcity is the major cause of crop failure. Govt. initiative like PM krishi sinchayi yojana is a step in the right direction.

Sir creek dispute
Q. Write a critical note on the nature of Sir Creek dispute between India and Pakistan, and why it’s still unresolved.[Hindu] Significance of Sir Creek region
 * Sir creek is a tidal estuary on the India-Pakistan border where Gujarat state(India) meets Sindh province(Pakistan).
 * Both countries have disputes on the land boundary in the region – which affects the maritime boundary as well
 * EEZ - Any changes in the land boundaries near sir creek region – will change the EEZ(exclusive economic zone) in that area – Sir Creek region is rich in oil and hydrocarbons, is an important fishing zone
 * Local fisherman – unaware of the boundaries in ocean, militaries of the countries often arrest these fisherman, some of them are released after a number of years in jail, they also loose their boats
 * Illegal activities – the disputed region is often used by drug mafias for transporting illegal drugs, recently terrorist have also used this region for attacking India (Mumbai attacks)

HELP
Q. The new Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy, or HELP, is said to signal one of the most important market-oriented sectoral reforms of the past two decades. Examine why. Features:
 * Hydrocarbon exploration licensing policy(HELP) is replacing the new exploration licensing policy(NELP)
 * Single licence for all hydrocarbon,
 * from profit sharing to revenue sharing,
 * open acreage policy (company can submit bids for their choice of area without the need of waiting for next round of bids)
 * Freedom in marketing and pricing of crude oil and natural gas for new discoveries in deep shore – govt. only caps the upper limit (based on a pricing formula that chooses the least of – 1. Fuel oil import landed price, 2. Import landed price of substitute(coal, naptha and fuel oil) 3. Import landed price of LNG

Road vs rail transportation
Q. In India, the aggregate ratio of goods transported by road as compared to rail is now at 70:30. Is it a good sign for the economy? If not, discuss what needs to be done and why. Building of Highways – Rail vs road Solution:
 * Transportation is an integral part of any economy. Reach and density of transportation is directly linked to economic development
 * Increases demand of road materials, increases employment
 * Nearby villages see rise in income, farmers reach to markets increases, goods transporting trucks can reach directly to them
 * Concerns – transport related emission – leading to environmental damages
 * In India the ratio of goods transported by road to goods transported by rail is 70:30, it should be 30:70.
 * Worldwide, the ratio of goods transported by rail is higher – it is more efficient, faster, and cleaner
 * Road cargo offers – better connectivity(door to door connectivity), flexibility, better tracking
 * But road cargo is inefficient – number of toll taxes, levies – increase the prices of the goods
 * To increase share of rail cargo
 * Definite short term(10 years) and long term(50 years) target should be made – on the lines of India’s INDC, Make in India programme
 * National highway programme has resulted in multilane roads – median space of which can be used to lay rail lines, - automatic rail cargo fitted with GPS will enhance the deliver speed, will be much cleaner and efficient.

Hydraulic fracking

 * Proppant - is a solid material typically sand or any other ceramic material, designed to keep an induced hydraulic fracture open. it is mixed with fracking fluid.
 * proppant should be highly permeable and should have high mechanical strength aswell.

ICANN

 * Montevideo statement

Aadhaar Bill

 * R.S passed amendments to Aadhaar Bill – which was rejected by L.S (as it is a money bill)
 * Amendments proposed:
 * Permitting individuals to opt out of system – deleting all information from the central repository
 * Alternate identification for those choosing to opt out – for providing services, subsidies
 * Inclusion of CVC or CAG in the oversight committee
 * Deletion of clause that allows aadhaar to be used for purposes other than mentioned in the bill

SARFAESI act

 * Allows banks and financial institution to auction commercial or residential properties to recover loans
 * India’s first asset reconstruction company was formed under this act – ARCIL

NCSC

 * National commission for SC – Constitutional body
 * Can take sou moto action in cases involving a person of SC category
 * Similarly National commission for ST – is a constitutional body
 * Both of the commission were formed after 89Th constitutional amendment – initially both were merged into one (National commission for SC and ST
 * National commission for backward classes – a statutory body (formed after Supreme court recommendation in mandal case

BRICS

 * Till DEC, 2016 – India is chairing BRICS

Rule 35k

 * Immigration rule for Non-EU skilled labour in UK
 * Those whose income is less than 35000 pounds will face deportation
 * Is being done in a bid to – provide employment to local population
 * Nurses sector wouldn’t be affected(they are exempted, since they have shortages of nurses
 * Effects – will lose specialist talents,

GI
Q. What do you understand by geographical indications’ (GIs)? One of the objectives of the “Make in India” programme is to improve and protect the Indian intellectual property (IP) regime. How can GI aid the programme? Discuss its potential and measures needed to strengthen GI regime.[Hindu] One of the objectives of Make in India programme is to improve and protect India’s IP regime, and GI can help in following ways: Suggestions
 * Geographical indication – is a sign assigned to a product that describes it to be belonging to a particular geographical region and possesses the qualities, attributes, characteristics and reputation associated with that particular region.
 * TRIPS also provides provisions to protect GI
 * It covers from agricultural products, textiles, handicrafts, food items, etc.
 * Socio-economic development of respective regions  GI’s help in promoting local production rather global production. Provides better livelihood opportunities to local population
 * Promotes traditional methods of production, (since that is what gave the product it’s reputation) – can be sustained without foreign investment
 * Quality control: it is one of the most important factor related to promotion of GI’s. Any GI product will only be successful if it is able to maintain its quality standards.
 * India’s GI act lacks in providing enough regulations and guidelines in maintaining quality standards. Thus a need to strengthen quality inspection mechanisms.
 * Awareness and handholding: making local producers aware of GI benefits and providing initial handholding to them.
 * Studying global best practices and employing them in Indian context.
 * India has immense unique products in various parts of the nation, with proper protection and guidance in the form of laws and enabling environment GI can aid in India’s Make in India programme.

National waterways
Q. In the light of the National Waterways Bill, 2015, discuss the potential of waterways, challenges in using them and measures required to address these challenges. Potential Challenges and measures
 * National waterways bill passed – seeks to create 101 national water ways (currently there are 5 national waterways)
 * To ward off the risk of inter-state disputes – the laws on shipping and navigation on inland waterways(national waterways) – has been added to union list
 * India has vast network of rivers, canals that can serve as inland waterways which is more efficient, more environmentally friendly and more cost-effective
 * A number of rivers are seasonal, water level will reduce during lean season,  thus will require de-silting, and efforts to maintain required depth and width for passage of ships, cargo, etc.
 * Will require more port infrastructure with required supporting infrastructure – rail, road connectivity, warehouses, etc.
 * Private investment will only come – if this is economically viable – most heavy cargo transfers like coal, automotive parts, are unidirectional  ships has to come back empty  thus identification of various industries on the route of these waterways and encouraging them to take advantage of inland cargo transportation
 * Environmental concerns: increased traffic may affect river ecosystem – fisheries, etc. thus proper mechanisms to monitor river health and preventive mechanisms to protect river ecosystem is required.

Schedule 7

 * Deals with state, Union and concurrent list

Myanmar

 * From military regime to democratic regime(not completely)
 * Military has quarter of seats reserved in both the houses

Women – constituent assembly
Q. Discuss the contribution made by women in drafting the Constitution of India.
 * Constituent assembly comprised of 299 members – 15 were women (some elected and some nominated). Some of them were lawyers, politicians, educationist, etc. some of them participated in dandi march, protested against simon commission, took part in civil disobedience, rowlatt satyagraha
 * http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/dLi6ZIdW6CgswZCGdOA9VM/The-women-who-helped-draft-our-constitution.html

Medical tourism
Q. India’s potential for medical tourism is well known, yet certain policies of the government and other factors are not allowing the sector to realize its full potential. Examine the constraints and measures needed to address them. Current scenario:
 * Cumbersome process of getting Medical visas – high transaction cost, requirement of physical presence at embassy for approval, and other formalities – thus tourist tend to avoid taking medical visa and travel on tourist visa.
 * These tourist become vulnerable to cheating from various middlemen they take help from – for booking hotels, appointments with hospitals, etc.
 * Patients not only come for various surgeries – but some also come to various wellness centres too.
 * Lack of information dissemination – no medical tourism website, no information provided at airports(since most visit on tourist visa not in medical visa)

Pigouvian tax
Sufism Q. What are the basic attributes of Sufism? Discuss its influence on Islam and other cultures in India.[Hindu]
 * Is a tax on activities that create negative externalities (creates excess social costs –like tobacco products, emissions from factories).

MCI
Q. Recently, the Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) on the need to reform the Medical Council of India (MCI) submitted its report. Critically comment on its recommendations.[Hindu] Concerns: Recommendations: Short comings of report Soln.
 * Committee reported – MCI as regulator of medical education in India has failed to perform. Huge corruption and lack of accountability has infected medical education in the country if not checked will hamper India socially and economically.
 * Corruption in sanctioning of colleges, increasing or decreasing of seats
 * Private colleges preferring money over merit
 * Private colleges – show ghost staffs – when inspection is done
 * Replacing MCI with 4 independent boards – that will deal with – curriculum development, teachers training, maintenance of education standard; assessment of colleges and courses; registration of doctors and licensing; adherence to ethical practices.
 * Replace principle of election of members with nomination
 * Also recommended uniform national entry and exit examination – this recommendation was overruled by SC
 * Recommendations will help in planning required medical professionals, maintaining standard quality
 * Handing over of district hospitals to private companies to develop into medical colleges – in some cases poor’s are denied free basic health care
 * The new committee should have members from various associated fields (not just doctors) – health experts, social scientists, health economists, NGOs, etc.

Pictorial warning – tobacco products
Q. Is the introduction of pictorial warnings covering 85 per cent of the principal display area on both sides of all tobacco products ineffectual in India? Critically comment. [Hindu] Solution:
 * Total health expenditure burden on diseases related to tobacco products is far higher than the total state and Union health expenditure in a year
 * The tax collected from the sale of these tobacco products is only a miniscule fraction of health expenditure on diseases caused by the use of tobacco products
 * A parliamentary committee has insisted – covering 85% of display area on both sides from the current 40% would be too harsh – thus recommended only 50%.
 * Cigarette smokers form a smaller fraction of the tobacco users – bidi and chewing tobacco form major fraction – Still committee has recommended pictorial warning on both sides only on cigarettes pack (not on bidi or chewing tobacco) – The situation becomes aggravated with the fact the most of the bidi consumer are less educated and are less aware of the ill-effects.
 * India uses less space for pictorial warnings on tobacco products as compared to other nations
 * Committee claimed – larger pictorial warnings had no relation with reduction in consumption. And also claimed that will give rise to illicit trade.
 * Parliament should go ahead with the 85% pictorial warning on both sides – since excise duty and pictorial warnings are easiest and fastest way to curb consumption – as seen world over.
 * Along with govt. should indulge in awareness programme.
 * To curb illicit trade if any – visible – invisible markings, barcodes can be used to curb illicit trade.

Right to privacy
Q. Discuss the legal and constitutional status of the right to privacy in India. It is said that the new Aadhaar Bill has the potential to abuse right to privacy. Do you agree? Critically examine.[Hindu]

EL NINO

 * EL Nino and La Nina are opposite phases of ENSO (El –Nino southern oscillation)
 * ENSO is a cycle which describes fluctuations between ocean and atmospheric temperatures in the east central equatorial pacific that affect ocean and global climatic conditions.
 * El-Nino is the warm phase and La-Nina is the cold phase
 * These affects ocean processes and global climate as well
 * Frequency of these events are irregular – Can occur on an average interval of 2 years – El nino occurs more as compared to La nina

Income from agriculture

 * Income from agriculture was 20 times more than the national GDP
 * Concern – that black money is being converted to white by showing it as agricultural income which is non-taxable
 * High income in agriculture should also be taxed

Tendulkar line
C Rangarajan committee –
 * In 2003-04, Tendulkar committee computed poverty line as equivalent in PPP (purchasing power parity) to $1 per person per day (which was the internationally accepted poverty line
 * PPP refers to a method to calculate the money required to buy same amount of same good at two places
 * C Rangarajan committee(2012) – On determination of poverty line, other committees – Alagh committee(1979), Lakdawala committee (1993)
 * One of the earliest estimation of poverty was done by – Dadabhai Naoroji – based oncost of subsistence diet (incl. dal, rice, roti, vegetables, salt, etc.)
 * Alagh committee (1979) – formulated poverty line based on nutritional requirement (calorie intake)
 * Lakdawala committee (1993) – suggested calculation of consumption expenditure based on calorie intake as earlier, separate consumption basket for urban and rural population [based on CPI-IW(industrial worker) and CPI-AL(agri. Labor)]
 * Tendulkar committee – suggested shift away from calorie intake method, and use of mixed reference period in place of uniform reference period
 * Tendulkar committee used all India urban poverty line basket to derive state rural and urban poverty line. Whereas C rangarajan used separate national urban and rural poverty line basket to derive state rural and urban poverty line.
 * Tendulkar committee didn’t use calorie intake as a basis for deriving poverty line whereas C Rangarajan committee used calorie intake.
 * Used MMRP (modified mixed reference period) for estimation of consumption expenditure

South China Sea

 * China, Vietnam, Philippines, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia [CVT - PBM] – all these nations are contesting the spratly and paracel islands
 * https://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_480w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2015/06/08/Foreign/Graphics/2300Phillippines.jpg?uuid=l_4F1g17EeWg_tzP6kZT7g

Mediterranean sea

 * https://www.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yourchildlearns.com%2Fonline-atlas%2Fimages%2Fmediterranean-map.gif&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yourchildlearns.com%2Fonline-atlas%2Fmediterranean-map.htm&docid=7psUohKXdt6fcM&tbnid=-fbJ5yRVGEkNDM%3A&w=804&h=407&ei=RuTsVp_TCYKwuASYr4ugDQ

Mahila samakhaya programme
Q. It is said that the Mahila Samakhya Programme that began in 1989 has made significant contributions to women’s empowerment in a little over 25 years. Critically evaluate the programme’s success and comment whether it’s time to scrap it or merge it with other schemes.[EPW] Features: Whether it should be scrapped or merged
 * Mahila Samakhya programme started in 1989 – for women’s empowerment
 * Power of collectives – Mahila samakhya provided for formation of sanghs or samoohs – that gave opportunity to women to assemble, discuss ideas, issues, spread political, economic, and social awareness. In districts where mahila samakhya programme was in effect – showed increased educational levels of women, they married later, improved immunisation, in such areas households that do not participate in the programme – they also showed marked improvement in educational levels, improved pre-school enrolment.
 * Social network and community building – sangha members were able to make social networks outside their caste and family
 * Sangha members have encouraged women to participate in governance – management of schools, in panchayats, etc. – Sangha members acts as checks – that ensures women participation, that they are not denied of their rights.
 * Mahila Samakhaya programme looks at variety of individual or community needs – from education, poverty, health to gender violence – merger with some other programme that only targets a narrowed range of social characteristic will reduce the programme’s effectiveness
 * The budget outgo of this programme is much less than other programmes like SSA ( Sarva Sikhsha Abhiyan) – above all Mahila Samakhya programme contributes in achieving aims of other programmes
 * The govt. should evaluate the impact of this programme and then accordingly decide whether it needs more funding or it should be merged with some other programme.
 * With above analysis, providing more functional autonomy and more funds to this programme will help in achieving women’s empowerment and will simultaneously have an impact on other social issues as well.

RSOC
Q. The Rapid Survey on Children shows a new trend of an increased access to healthcare by marginalised communities like Dalits, Adivasis and Other Backward Classes which have made substantial gains in the last decade. However much needs to be achieved in the realm of nutrition and sanitation where these communities remain acutely deprived. Discuss.[EPW] Healthcare Institutional deliveries and child immunisation Nutrition and sanitation Solution:
 * Institutional deliveries have increased – it has shown increased in the case of dalits, widows and OBCs – owing to Janani surakhsa yojana cash incentives programme,
 * Child mortality has reduced – owing to universal immunization programme(idradhanush)
 * Aangawadi workers, ASHA(accredited social health activists) – have contributed immensely in generating awareness, and encouragement.
 * Malnutrition rate and open defection is still very high in case of deprived classes. Access to toilets is very limited to SCs, STs and tribals – which is a contributor in child stunting (open defection is related to low nutrition absorbing capacity).
 * STs have shown high percentage of women breastfeeding in the first hour of delivery – owing to their traditional knowledge – but this is low in case of SC, OBC.
 * Owing to various programmes and interventions access to basic healthcare by marginalised groups have increased, this remains to be emulated in nutrition and sanitation as well.
 * Schemes like ICDS, Mid day meal are directed towards removing malnutrition, SDG 2 is on hunger, nutrition – more nutritional food items like eggs, milk, etc. should be included.

Cream Skimming
Q. Foreign banks in developing countries are often found to indulge in “cream skimming.” What do you understand by ‘cream skimming’? Is it happening in India? Examine.[EPW] Cream skimming
 * Foreign banks only target wealthy section neglecting poor and middle sections

Satluj-Yamuna canal
Q. Recently the Punjab government passed the Punjab Satluj-Yamuna Link Canal Land (Transfer of Property Rights) Bill, 2016 (SYL Bill). The Bill has given rise to several issues related to inter-state relations and the role of Centre and Supreme Court in matters like dealing with water disputes. Critically comment on these issues with reference to SYL Bill.[Hindu]

Cyber security
Q. It is said that despite having a national cybersecurity policy, risks to our critical infrastructure remain. What are the main cyber threats that India is likely to face? What are the weaknesses of cybersecurity policy? Discuss. Threats to India
 * Stuxnet virus attack on Iran’s nuclear facility, cyber attack on Ukraine’s electricity grid, attempts of IS on Pentagon’s computer systems, transfer of money from Bangladesh account in US bank – shows that cyber attacks are real and can be as dangerous and lethal as a nuclear attack, can cripple an economy.
 * India population is less aware of the risks associated with Internet – Make population aware of the basic security protocols to be followed,
 * Indian cyberspace is vulnerable to attacks from foreign space – especially from china
 * These attacks are growing – are way cheaper, states can maintain deniability

Longitude Prize

 * Prize money to the firm/ person who is able to provide solutions to global antibiotic resistance
 * Given by Nesta

BIRAC

 * Biotechnology industry research assistance council
 * Helps industry in the field of biotechnology – with capital, IP management, handholding for new firms
 * Under DBT (Dept. of Biotechnology)

Abel Prize

 * In the field of mathematics
 * For proof of Fermat’s theorem
 * Andrew Wiles

Fixed dose combination drug
Q. What do you understand by fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs? Recently, the union government banned Corex, a cough syrup whose most important element is codeine, along with 300-odd fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs. Discuss the significance of this ban. Fixed dose combination drug Advantages Disadvantages Conclusion
 * It includes two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients combined as a single dose.
 * Improved medication compliance – reduced number of pills for patients
 * For companies – it allows the companies to patent their product (if the active ingredients were sold separately – since they are known already – thus not patentable)
 * In case of an adverse reaction, it would become difficult to identify the active ingredient causing reaction.
 * Cough, fever, etc. are human body’s natural reflex defence system, it kicks in when there is an outside interference with body ( from viruses, microbes, etc.) – these formulations like cough syrup (corex) – attack part of brain that controls these activities and suppresses these reflexes
 * Cough syrups are shown to have effects of hallucinations, nausea, high B.P, high body temp. and are used as street drug – since availability is high
 * Cough syrup is derived from opium – thus these kind of effects
 * Social effects – Indian population is prone to self – medication ( reasons being high cost of health care, lax regulations,)
 * India’s health sector needs reform, and it needs extra oversight since Indian population is mostly not aware in these aspects of medical health.
 * The need is not just banning – but proper regulation – identification of drugs and their efficacy
 * Awareness of use of Indian traditional medicines – that have least negative effects on body and provides the same efficacy

FDI in Insurance sector

 * Currently 26% FDI is allowed through automatic route and 49% with approval
 * Now, 49% FDI is allowed through automatic route – subject to verification

INAP
Q. Write a note on the objectives and components of the India Newborn Action Plan (INAP). INAP Defines 6 pillars of intervention: Other features Other programmes
 * India New born Action Plan
 * India has made huge strides as far as public health is concerned – eradicated small pox, polio, Maternal and neo natal tetanus – owing to safe and effective vaccine programmes.
 * Still immunisation coverage is low – only 65%
 * India new born action plan was launched with a view to –to reduce preventable new born deaths and still born and to achieve single digit neo-natal mortality and still birth by 2030
 * Pre-conception and ante-natal care
 * Care during labour and child birth
 * Immediate new born care
 * Care for healthy new born
 * Care of small and sick new born
 * Care beyond new born survival
 * Emphasis on strengthening of surveillance of still births,
 * Emphasis on quality care and care beyond survival
 * Mission Indradhanush – targets to immunize all children against 7 vaccine preventable diseases (Diptheria, Pertusis, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio, TB, Measles)

Fly ash
Environmental concerns:
 * Fly ash is produced from coal combustion processes and is usually used to fill mine voids
 * Ground water quality – heavy metal seeps into water and degrades the water quality
 * Land becomes not suitable to grow trees – since root growth is inhibited

Seychelles

 * India sends P-8I aircraft for surveillance of EEZ of Seychelles

NFSA

 * National food security act
 * Aims to provide food grains to 2/3rd of India’s population at subsidized rate
 * It includes mid day meal scheme, ICDS, PDS
 * All beneficiaries under PDS will get 5 Kgs of food grains per person per month - Provides rice/wheat/coarse grains @ 3/2/1 Rs.
 * Pregnant women, lactating mothers are entitled to nutritious food and maternity benefit of 6000 Rs. For 6 months
 * The poorest covered under Antodaya yojana – will be entitled to 35 Kgs of food grains
 * Children from 6 months to 14 years will receive free hot meals
 * State food commissions to be formed
 * State govt. will provide a food security allowance to beneficiaries in case of non-supply of food grains

India-Saudi Arabia
Q. It is said that there is need for India to upgrade its relationship with Saudi Arabia considering its national and regional interests. How can both countries elevate their relations? What challenges does India face in this regard? Analyse.[Hindu]
 * Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia – remittances from Saudi
 * Saudi is seeing weakening ties with US – with US’s support to Iran
 * Saudi’s relation with Pakistan has also seen damage – with Pakistan not supporting Saudi in Yemen attack
 * China has preferred Iran as one major connector in OBOr – that connects China with central Asia – Not Saudi

EU-Turkey
Q. Critically comment on the agreement that the European Union (EU) has struck with Turkey to stem the flow of thousands of mostly Syrian migrants and refugees on to its shores.
 * http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/content/dam/kids/photos/Countries/Q-Z/turkey-map.gif
 * Turkey has been long aiming EU’s membership
 * But a number of nations have opposed this – citing Turkey’s record of human rights violence, systematic suppression of freedom of speech, ill treatment of Kurdish minorities
 * EU has struck a deal with Turkey that it would start negotiations on its memberships – in return of admission of refugees to turkey from Greece
 * Human rights NGO’s has said it to be in humane

Commonwealth
Q. Do you think the Commonwealth is relevant today? Comment. India’s water crisis
 * Sugar Industry – sugarcane farming consumes high fraction of irrigation water thus less is remaining for other crops – still govt. tend to provide subsidies, tax waivers to sugar companies – since they have political clout as well
 * Inefficient usage of irrigation water, with heavy use of fertilisers – it degrades water
 * Urban usage is higher than rural
 * Politics over Satluj Yamuna canal link

Honour killings

 * In most of the cases the couple is not given any protection, no legal recognition of the crime and thus there are no records in NCRB also.
 * Accountability of state and police

Nuclear safety
Q. “For India, nuclear security is not a new objective, but has always been a priority along with nuclear safety.” Differentiate between nuclear security and safety. To ensure both, what measures has India taken both domestically and internationally? Examine. (200 Words)

China – OBOR
Q. “In any case, as it reinforces its European flank through the powerful attraction of the OBOR initiative, China’s grand strategy of cooperative dominance over Eurasia faces its toughest test in Asia.” Discuss why and how China is building its influence in the Eurasian region but facing hurdles in the Asia Pacific region.
 * With OBOR – China is aiming for an economic integration of Eurasia, Africa – AIIB, Silk road Fund is setup to provide the funds for development of road, rail connectivity
 * China is facing troubles – in south china sea, troubles in Korean peninsula

Medical tourism

 * Medical tourism sector set to grow
 * World class facilities at fraction of cost
 * Not just treatments, surgeries but Ayurveda, yoga also gaining importance
 * Non-metro cities like Kerala also gaining popularity – with better medical institutes

Gram vidyut abhiyantas

 * To monitor electrification process

Rural electrification

 * News – Govt. claims high number of villages electrified under Deen dayal upadhaya gram jyoti yojana
 * A village is considered electrified if public places in a village and 10% of the households are electrified
 * To make the process transparent – online portal is GARV is made – provides real time data on rural electrification
 * GVA’s (gram vidyut abhiyantas) – monitor the electrification process, feed data into garv
 * But number are exaggerated:
 * Many un-electrified villages are shown as electrified
 * In villages, where electrical infrastructure was laid – got stolen
 * Un-inhabited villages marked as electrified

DDUGJY
Q. Comment on the objectives and performance of the Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana. Background: Objectives: Advantages:
 * Increasing needs of electricity – both for agricultural and household purposes
 * Discoms financial health is poor – thus low investment in electrical infrastructure – especially in rural areas
 * To provide electricity to all
 * Feeder separation : feeder separating to adequate supply to agriculture needs and regular supply to domestic households
 * Strengthening of distribution network
 * Meetreing at all levels
 * Will lead to growth in small and medium enterprises,
 * Better health, education, banking facilities

ICC
Q. Why was the International Criminal Court (ICC) established? What are its objectives? Recently it held the former vice president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) guilty of using rape as a weapon of war and is the first time the ICC has convicted someone for sexual crimes. Comment on the significance of this conviction. ICC History Significance
 * HQ – Hague, Netherlands
 * ICC came into effect with Rome statute
 * ICC deals with the acts of international crimes of genocide, crimes on humanity and war crimes.
 * It deals in the cases when national judiciary is unable to take action or when UNSC member nation demands it’s interference in a particular case
 * India is not a signatory
 * Political leaders highlighted the need of an international criminal court after world war 1 and world war 2 to punish leaders for war crimes,
 * Ad hoc tribunals to deal with Yugoslavian war crimes, Rawanda genocide was setup and highlighted the need of an international criminal court
 * Rome statute of ICC came into effect in 2002 – thus ICC came into effect
 * V.P of democratic republic of congo – is found guilty of sexual crimes
 * This is the first time that someone is convicted for sexual crimes(rape, brutalisation)
 * Sexual crimes on women is used by attacking groups to humiliate, force the civilians to relocate,
 * Victims are mostly neglected by their families, suffer extreme wounds

AIDS
Q. Health and social activists have pointed out that the social ostracism and stigma is even more virulent than the virus when it comes to prejudice and the stigma for people living with HIV (PLHIV). Why does this happen? How can it be addressed? Examine.

Dalits
Q. A large number of the poor, the Dalits and people from the minority communities are languishing in jail as undertrials because of a property-based bail system and a poor legal aid mechanism. How can speedy dispensation of justice be ensured to these undertrials? Comment.

MNREGA App

 * Karnataka govt. developed an app M-Platform
 * Improves transparency, removes middlemen- direct payment of salaries
 * Before and after pics are uploaded on the platform – and then the wage transfer is initiated

Drones for estimating crop loss

 * ICAR to use drones and sensors to estimate crop loss

Local content requirement

 * Local content requirement - India made it compulsory for companies selling solar equipment to India for India’s solar mission – must have parts manufactured in India – US claimed that this is discrimination against US companies
 * WTO also ruled against India
 * US also follows this policy of local content requirement for its local needs
 * GATT (General agreement on tariffs and trade) – Under this if manufacturing supply is short in meeting demand – then country can take measures to meet this supply

Plymra

 * In Syria

PSB consolidation

 * Gyan Sangam – (discussion forum for heads of PSB’s, Financial institutions, govt. representatives) – idea of PSB consolidation (i.e. merger of banks) was mooted.
 * Merger of banks will allow – better recovery of bad loans, will be able to use capital more efficiently, will lead to cost rationalisation (cutting down of bank branches particularly in urban areas)
 * Merging banks from different geographies (north-south, east-west)
 * Bank merger will face initial issues of – IT platform integration (different IT systems for different banks)
 * Privatisation of banks – Unions are opposing this

Retrospective tax

 * Any amendment to tax laws coming into effect retrospectively from a back date.
 * Companies can be asked to pay more taxes on their past transactions
 * This could hurt investment environment in India

Nepal-China
Q. In recent months, Nepal’s proximity to China is growing. it also signed many agreements with China to improve its connectivity and security. Do you think India should press panic button? Critically comment. [Hindu]
 * Nepal signed a number of MoUs on trade, connectivity, banking, training, energy exploration, etc.
 * China could provide rail connectivity through Tibet,
 * China has offered port connectivity from Tianjin seaport ( but is farther than the Haldia port – that Nepal is currently using for its imports – larger distance will involve heavy cost)
 * Nepal is building closer ties with China to reduce overdependence on India
 * China’s investment comes with strategic dimensions as seen in Srilanka, Myanmar, etc. – loans provided by China – have higher interests associated with it
 * China is itself experiencing slowdown – thus will not fund un-necessary investments
 * China will be wary of India’s concern – in growing Nepal-China ties – China will not hamper a bigger market for the sake of a smaller market
 * India should deal with neighbours sensitively – should not infringe on their sovereignty, should endeavour for a all-encompassing regional growth
 * Tianjin (near yellow sea) - https://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/cia00/china_sm00.jpg

Aadhaar
Q. Recently, the government passed the Aadhaar Bill giving statutory rights for the Aadhaar programme, but this still leaves privacy as a specific challenge. How can this challenge be addressed? Examine. [Hindu] Some solutions:
 * Aadhaar bill passed in the parliament.
 * Citizen empowerment and threat to privacy are to faces of this bill
 * Aadhaar aims to link subsidy payment, wage transfers, enhance financial inclusion through aadhaar – but it also poses threat to privacy and citizen rights
 * With proper design of systems and legislation, any unintended wrong consequences can be kept in check
 * While designing such systems – which if fell in wrong hands can have detrimental impacts – Govt. should study about all scenarios that could lead to
 * A system is only as strong as its weakest link – any leak from an insider or hacking from outside agency can bring the whole system down
 * Partner agencies (like MNREGA, etc.) should be provided with only – a cryptographically generated UID that cannot be traced back to the user – that is – a crypto-locked UID number should be generated whenever user UID is to be shared with external agency

E-waste
Q. Discuss India’s limitations of urban solid waste management policy and suggest how it can overcome these limitations, especially keeping in mind consumers’ interest. [Hindu]
 * Electronic waste have high contents of heavy metal (lead, zinc, titanium) – can have detrimental impact on environment, public health
 * In India – waste segregation at home is not practiced – thus e- waste segregation and disposal becomes a challenging task
 * Very few e-waste collection and recycling centres

New e-waste management rules (2016) by MoEF

 * CFL, mercury laden lamps – will now be in E-waste (constitute a major portion of waste)
 * Bulk consumers (govt., public, private companies, educational institutions – who are bulk users) – have to file annual returns
 * Incentivising citizens for returning e-goods (companies can collect refundable deposits – and pay back when goods are returned)
 * Incentivising citizens will encourage them to recycle – thus sustainable in long run
 * Proper regulatory oversight – on methods adopted by these units for recycling – whether nearby land, water body is being polluted or not
 * Currently, Urban solid waste management companies – only collect and remove waste from the dumps and dump it in landfills – no segregation of waste
 * Awareness campaigns

Climate change
Q. How do scientists attribute if an event, such as floods or cyclones, is induced by climate change? With suitable examples, illustrate.[Hindu]

Poverty
Q. The government estimates show a steep decline in poverty from 37.2% in 2004-05 to 21.9% in 2011-12. To which factors do you attribute this reduction? How can India continue to reduce poverty? Discuss. Factors responsible Current scenario Solution
 * A shift from agricultural to non-agricultural wage employment – primary reason is boom in the construction sector (seen in the period before economic slowdown) – this booming construction sector had a pull in effect on the labourers shifting from agriculture to non-agricultural activities
 * Data shows miniscule impact of MGNREGA
 * Remittances has increased – labourers sent back money to their families in the villages – thus less dependent on agriculture income
 * Construction sector is in stress – sector is not growing – there are excessive inventory – thus low demand of labour
 * Consecutive 2 drought years, less water in reservoirs
 * Thus – direct impact on low earning labour class, marginal farmers
 * The most vulnerable sections – aadivaasi’s, dalits – face difficult times
 * Govt. should adopt welfare measures – Support in case of crop loss ( PM fasal bima yojana), subsidised health care facilities,
 * Extensive investment in irrigational facilities

Public money for higher studies
Q. The debate on using public money to fund higher education is linked to the question of how beneficial it is in the creation of a developed and egalitarian society. Do you support continuation of subsidy for higher education in India? Comment. Pro’s Con’s
 * Pouring of public money on higher educational institutions – concerns raised are – this only benefits the individual who receive assistance – his income levels increase, in a number of cases – he leaves the nation and settles somewhere else
 * An educated citizenry benefits society at large – helps in creating a free, developed, egalitarian society
 * Direct gains – new inventions in the field of life saving vaccines, drugs, new technology,
 * Indirect gains – increased tax revenue,
 * In a society, where education is free –gives equal chances to all children ( whether from poor or well to do families)
 * Rich section gain more from public provisioning of services
 * Associated cost like travelling, stationary, etc. – poors are still not able to afford
 * Entrance exams ( due to lack of resources) – favour rich sections ( can afford to join tutions, coaching, etc.)

Falling oil prices
Q. Examine the impact falling oil prices on Indian economy and on Indian expatriates.
 * West Asian economies are the worst affected from falling oil prices – This region contributes a major chunk of remittances from Indian expatriates
 * Economies like UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait – employ a large number of Indian workforce
 * India is the largest remittance receiving country, followed by China and Philippines
 * These economies are in distress – so to ensure employment opportunities for its own citizens – will start forcing outsider out of the country

Brussels

 * Capital of Belgium
 * Molenbeek is a district in Brussels
 * opens towards English channel, north sea
 * adjoining nations - netherlands, France, Luxemburg, Germany
 * http://blog.kievukraine.info/uploaded_images/5308-792102.jpg

OBOR

 * China is building Grand canal in central europe - that will connect to China's OBOR
 * is investing heavily in rail and port connectivity

Kudiyattam

 * Sanskrit theatre art
 * performed in Kerala
 * Recognised by UNESCO as a Master piece of oral and intangible heritage of Humanity — Preceding unsigned comment added by Gaurav4291 (talk • contribs) 08:56, 13 June 2016 (UTC)

DPP-2016

 * Defence procurement policy
 * Emphasis is on speedy procurement and Make in India
 * FDI limit remains at 49% through automatic route, a higher percentage can be allowed in special cases
 * New class created – IDDM (indigenously designed developed and manufactured) – this class will be given priority in all procurements
 * Liberalised offset policy - (it makes it compulsory for foreign vendors to invest or source atleast 30% of the contract value in India.)
 * Previously offset was compulsory for contracts above 300 crores and now minimum contract value is – 2000 crores
 * Previously tenders were given solely based on finances – to the lowest bidder – Now 10% weightage is given to superior technology

Kali tiger reserve

 * Also known as dandeli- anshi reserve
 * In Karnataka

Finance bill

 * Is a secret bill, introduced in L.S. immediately after annual financial statement (Budget). It deals with imposition, deletion of taxes
 * It generally asks for approval of parliament – to raise revenue through taxes, duties
 * It is a money bill

Appropriation Bill

 * Gives authority to govt. to incur expenditure from and out of consolidated fund of India

Myanmar

 * Partial democracy in Myanmar
 * Seats reserved for army in parliament
 * Home, defense, and boundary affairs – with army

Water budget
Q. In India it is scientifically proven that groundwater is overexploited and there is an urgent need to conserve it and use it judiciously. Why do you think its exploitation continues? What innovative measures would you suggest to use water judiciously? Discuss.[Hindu] Flaws in policy Excessive usage Solution:
 * Water is one of the most important natural resource for survival of life on earth. Today world is fighting for oil, tomorrow will be fighting for water.
 * Water is used non-judiciously everywhere – at our home, industries, factories, agriculture farms, etc.
 * Ground water, river are two most important source of drinking water. Rivers are grappled with their own problem of pollution, less rainfall. Groundwater is being overexploited everywhere – with no efforts being taken to recharge it.
 * Even after knowing the importance of water, it is still being over exploited – partly because of politics, partly because of the innate nature of groundwater being invisible.
 * Electricity in farming is free, which encourages farmers to extract as much water as much they can – rich farmer drill deeper – while others do not have any water
 * Govt. don’t want to charge farmers on electricity – due to political reasons, poorer farmers will be the one most affected.
 * Aquifers underground, rivers are all interlinked – if ground water is depleted – rivers will also dry up – but agencies do not see them as interconnected systems – rivers, groundwater fall under different agencies, they formulate separate plans for protecting and augmenting them – they should be working together
 * Both rural and urban population is using water excessively
 * Even usage of energy saving equipment’s in farming – only leads to farmer increasing it’s landholdings – without any reduction in water consumption
 * Solution lies in the fact that no new water can be created, only possible solution is to cut the excessive usage.
 * Research in agriculture – less water consuming crops, awareness among farmers – how to use less water for the same output of harvest
 * The solution lies in budgeting our water resource – estimation of water resources that are available within a region and dividing it judiciously among the people and nature also – estimating what is the rate of replenishment in the area.
 * Economic incentives for reducing water consumption

Rural electrification
Concerns:
 * DDUGJY – to ensure rapid electrification of villages
 * GVAs (Grameen vidyut abhiyantas) – they track, monitor and report on electrification process
 * GARV – an online platform to monitor the progress of electrification – GVA’s place their reports on GARV
 * Allows govt. agencies and also citizen – to monitor progress
 * Some villages shown electrified – reality no electricity infrastructure
 * In some villages – infrastructure was stolen
 * Definition of electrified village – where 10% of household are electrified
 * Hard to access areas – still no infrastructure

Nuclear security
Q. At a time when India’s macro strategy of rapid economic development is premised on a climate of neighbourly peace and stability in the region, is it not appropriate that India calls for an end to the nuclear arms race in Asia, and address environmental risks of its covert weapons plants? Critically comment.[Hindu]
 * Security concerns related to nuclear material and plants has heightened in the view of growth of organisations such as IS.
 * Possibilities include – terrorists organisation manufacturing or acquiring nuclear bombs and exploding it, using nuclear material to manufacture a dirty bomb or attack on nuclear plants
 * Attempt on attacks on nuclear facilities in Pakistan has been made in past
 * Thus, these threats called for a joint global action.
 * In 2008, US experts visited BARC – and reported security arrangements as extraordinarily low
 * This year a paper by Harward school – quoted US officials ranked security arrangements for Indian nuclear establishments lower than that of Pakistan and Russia
 * In 2014, a head constable at Madras atomic power plant at kalpakkam – shot three people.
 * Concerns are raised – against corruption amongst the inside officials
 * Thus in light of above events and limited information of security arrangements of Indian nuclear sites – Global agencies are concerned

India’s nuclear weapons programme

 * India’s nuclear development programme is a closely guarded programme
 * Uranium enrichment facilities at chitradurga, khudapura (in Karnataka)
 * The south Asian region has three nuclear states (China, Pakistan and India) – all of them have a covert nuclear arsenal programme, any unstability in the deterrence might lead to catastrophe in the region
 * While there is Nuclear liability law to protection citizen and environment from any mishap involving India’s civil nuclear programme – but there is no such law to protect citizen and environment from accidents at covert nuclear facilities
 * There have been reports – about degrading of environment near chitradurga, khudapura

BS 6
Q. Examine the components of Bharat Stage VI (BS VI) norms and discuss the implications of shifting from BS IV to BS VI stage on innovation in the automotive sector. These challenges offer immense scope of innovation
 * BS 6 norms focuses on NOx, Sulphur and particulate emissions.
 * BS 6 norms are to be met at all times unlike previous BS – in which emissions were measured in standard conditions, real road scenario measurements will be taken
 * Since, BS 6 demands cleaner fuel, nation as a whole will shift towards BS 6, previous BS allowed different regulations in different areas
 * Controlling these emissions demands – input (i.e. fuel) be clean of these constituents and after treatment methods
 * Meeting stricter emission norms will demand – investment in cleaner oil, investments by OEMs, Tyre, lubricants manufacturers
 * Innovation is driven by – passion, competition or sheer need to survive
 * In London, while development of road test routine, it was found that London bus’s throttle pattern is similar to that of a F1 car although at lower speeds – Flywheel energy saving technology from F1 is now seeing implementation in London buses
 * GPS fitted buses, can identify areas with localised high pollution at a particular time slot – thus for that particular stretch at that particular time slot – Buses can automatically be run with electrical energy stored – that is generated by flywheel energy recovery method

FRBM
Q. Analyse the flaws in the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act (FRBM Act) 2003 and suggest improvements. Flaws Solution
 * Fiscal discipline is important because it has direct impact on inflation, growth rate, and investor confidence.
 * During the year of global economic slowdown – Fiscal targets were not met – which was seen as necessary to protect the economy, similar steps were taken by other economies
 * FRBM act prescribes – 3% fiscal deficit as the reasonable target – but with no justification – as to how this number was decided
 * Combined fiscal deficit is higher (State + centre) – no target has been set by FRBM act for state fiscal deficit – but 14th Finance commission (Y.V. Reddy) – recommended 3% for State and 3% for union (total 6%)
 * Fiscal deficit has direct relation with govt. debt –to-GDP ratio. India’s debt-to-GDP ratio is much higher than similar economies. This has more relation with investor confidence
 * Appropriate division of fiscal deficit target between Centre and State. Since, states are given higher share of revenues, they should target less fiscal deficit. Similarly, states those receive higher revenue shares should have lower fiscal deficit target as compared to the states having less revenues
 * Need of flexibility in targets – in times of external shocks. But the concern is – the upper limit of the band becomes the effective limit. In the event of a negative external shock – exceeding of the limit should be allowed and also at times when there are favourable conditions – fiscal deficit should be kept below the limit
 * Both 13th and 14th finance commission – recommended setting up of fiscal council to review fiscal performance – this will provide the required technical assistance – and will ensure informed decision making in the parliament

Pattiseema lift irrigation

 * In Andhra Pradesh
 * Linking Krishna and Godavari through right pollavaram canal
 * Godavari river is one of the most flooded river of south India, and it drains into bay of Bengal
 * Rayalseema is one of the worst regions hit by drought in south India – thus some water is diverted from Godavari to Krishna
 * http://indpaedia.com/ind/images/b/bd/Pattiseema_Lift_Irrigation_Scheme%2C_A_backgrounder.jpg

Cassini probe

 * To study Saturn

Wild pollinators
Q. A recent United Nations report by Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services (IPBES) has warned that the wild pollinators are declining, and their loss will imperil world’s food supply. Discuss the importance of wild pollinators, causes for their decline, their importance for India and measures to be taken to restore the integrity of pollinators.[Hindu]
 * Most of our staple food crops like maize, rice, barley, wheat do not require animals for pollination but crops like coffee, sunflower, oranges, apples, mangoes, pulses, require pollination agents such as bees, insects, birds, etc.
 * Nature provides immense economic service to human kind that can’t be matched with the entire world’s wealth – service in terms of rivers, wild pollinators, carbon sequestration, etc.

Rohingya’s
Q. Comment on Myanmar’s Rohingya problem and examine why this community is alienated. What is India’s response to Rohingya problem? India’s response
 * Rohingya’s are muslim minorities in Myanmar.
 * They are seen as illegal migrants from Bangladesh – and are discriminated by the Buddhist majority
 * They have been subjected to one of the worst forms of human rights violation – forced labour, rape, mass killing, etc.
 * The transition from military govt. to a democratic govt. saw rise in the atrocities
 * Neighbouring countries are not allowing rohingyas to enter their nation
 * India in past have allowed shelter to few migrants but have refrained in pressuring Myanmar due to economic and strategic reasons.
 * China has the largest leverage on Myanmar – due to heavy investments

MGNREGA
Q. Critically comment on the challenges faced by MGNREGA scheme in recent months and their impact on rural distress. Challenges

31 Mar
31 Mar

Bommai judgement
Q. Discuss the significance of verdict of the Supreme Court in the S.R. Bommai v. Union of India case for Indian polity.[Hindu] Defence Industry FDI Offset Critical equipment’s/technology Overseas acquisitions Finance and support RnD/Production
 * Judgement held that President’s satisfaction in the invocation of president’s rule under A 356 could be challenged in a court.
 * A356 – is to be invoked only when – constitutional machinery of the state has failed – no because of failure of day to day law and order
 * This year(2016) – president’s rule is invoked in Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
 * India is the largest importer of defence equipment’s in the world. – which is not good strategically
 * Two policies – FDI limit and defence procurement policy are very important for the growth of defence industry as well as for India’s self-reliance of defence equipment’s
 * FDI limit was raised from 26 to 49% - but for investors the important issue is of major control over the decision making in the firm.
 * Increasing of FDI to 100% should be done – argument that it will destroy local defence industry is ill-founded – for instance – Automobile industry grew manifolds – after allowing 100% FDI – major auto brands are now exporting from India
 * Offset obligations can be used to bolster make in India – offset requirements (sourcing of a fraction of goods from local industries) – these offsets are not free – sellers often beef up the price of equipments to meet these needs – thus proper steering of offset obligations are required – invest these in only the critical equipments – that is seen as missing link in arsenal
 * Identification of critical equipment’s and technology – allow 100% FDI in these with conditions – to meet nations strategic demands
 * Establish a separate dept. in ministry of defence – that with identified private entities acquire foreign defence makers
 * Govt. financing of RnD and production for private companies

FDI in e-commerce
Conditions Other sector FDI
 * 100% FDI allowed in e-commerce market place (Flipkart, snapdeal, etc.)
 * E-commerce market place only provides electronic market place – they are not the owners
 * They cannot have inventory
 * Capping of 25% on selling products of a single vendor
 * Guarantee and warranty sole responsibility of the seller
 * they cannot influence directly or indirectly the sale price of goods - this is to provide a level playing field for brick-mortar retailers — Preceding unsigned comment added by Gaurav4291 (talk • contribs) 06:31, 31 March 2016 (UTC)
 * http://bsmedia.business-standard.com/_media/bs/img/article/2016-03/30/full/1459283146-7293.jpg
 * Multi brand retail FDI – 51%
 * Single brand retail FDI – 100%