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Useful News Articles 15-8-2016
A.GS1 Related
B. GS2 Related
1.Centre owes Rs. 80,000 crore to States, says CAG report
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-owes-rs-80000-crore-to-states-says-cag-
report/article8988985.ece?homepage=true)
Topic: Federal Relations
Category: Polity
Key points:
The Centre owes the States over Rs. 80,000 crore from its net proceeds of
the period between 1996 and 2015, according to a Comptroller and
Auditor General (CAG) report tabled in Parliament on Friday
“During the certification of ‘net proceeds’ by the CAG, based on the
recommendations of the successive Finance Commissions, it was noticed
that during the period from 1996-97 to 2014-15 an aggregated amount of
Rs. 81,647.70 crore was short devolved to the States,” says the CAG
report, on ‘Compliance of Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management
Act, 2003.’
The report says that according to Article 279 of the Constitution, the CAG
is “required to ascertain and certify the ‘net proceeds’ (any tax or duty
the proceeds thereof reduced by the cost of collection), whose
certification shall be final.”
2.No panel to address complaints against judges, clarifies govt.
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/no-panel-to-address-complaints-against-judges-
clarifies-govt/article8988940.ece?w=alauto)
Topic: Judiciary
Category: Polity
Key points:
The government returned a draft of the Memorandum of Procedure
(MoP) to the Collegium for its consideration on August 3 as part of the
consultative process underway to finaliseways to make the collegium
system of judicial appointments accountable and transparent
On December 16, 2015, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, led
by Justice J.S. Khehar, had tasked the government to draft the MoP, while
suggesting that a separate secretariat should be formed to vet the
names which come up for elevation as judges.Chief Justice Thakur has
expressed reservations about this proposal
Government sources said the Centre is following the directions of the
Supreme Court and clarified that the receipt and consideration of
complaints against the judiciary would remain in-house within the
judiciary
In June, the Supreme Court Collegium had reiterated its rejection of
several crucial clauses in the government’s earlier draft MoP
The collegium had taken offence to the government’s proposal to that
merit be the overriding concern and not seniority, as is the norm, of
judges during appointments and elevation. The collegium has said both
merit and seniority should be balanced.
Besides, the government also wants the authority to reject a judicial
candidate for national security reasons despite the collegium’s
recommendations. Finally, the government wants the Attorney-General
of India and Advocates General of States to have a role in the
appointment of Supreme Court and High Court judges, respectively
Presently, the government is bound to comply if the Supreme Court
Collegium chooses to override its disapproval of a person recommended
for judicial appointment. If the government returns the candidate’s file to
the collegium, and the latter reiterates its recommendation, the
government has no choice but to comply
C.GS3 Related
1. Railway Budget to be merged with General Budget from 2017
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/railway-budget-to-be-merged-with-general-budget-
from-2017/article8988441.ece?homepage=true)
Topic: Budget
Category: Economy
Key points:
The 92-year-old practice of presenting a separate Railway Budget is set to come to an
end from the next fiscal, with the Finance Ministry accepting the Railway Ministry’s
proposal to merge it with the General Budget
According to railways, the Finance Ministry has now constituted a five-member
committee comprising senior officials of the Ministry and the national transporter to
work out the modalities for the merger. The committee has been asked to submit its
report by August 31
If the merger happens, Indian Railway will get rid of the annual dividend it has to pay for
gross budgetary support from the government every year
With the merger, the issue of raising passenger fares, an unpopular decision, will be the
Finance Minister’s call
D.GS4 Related
E. Important Editorials:
The Hindu
1.Read: From the annals of history: The Hindu as published on Aug. 15, 1947
(http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/policy-and-issues/malady-nation-lifestyle-
diseases-personal-and-public-choices-eroding-health/article8981992.ece?homepage=true)
Note: Contains many insightful articles. A good read
1.The article by C.V Raman talks about Indians having to reject the notion of superiority
attributed to western scientific institutions and forge their own way in the quest for scientific
knowledge
2.The article by Aurobindo Ghosh talks about Indian spirituality being the factor that can unify
the whole world
3.V.K Krishna Menon’ s article ( Secretary of India League in London- mobilising public opinion
in favour of India in London)
“Let us remind ourselves that while we complain other people fail to understand us and
misinterpret events in India, our lack of knowledge and our inadequate appreciation of world
affairs and the outlook and aims of other people is equally to be deplored”
4.Tribute to Netaji
Not the least important and noteworthy among them is the Indian Independence Movement
launched in East Asia by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, together with the formation of the
Provisional Government of Azad Hind, the Indian National Army which was the Government's
sword- arm and the various auxiliary units for the efficient conduct of the campaign. A short
resume of Netaji's historic contribution to the freedom of India is the least tribute his adherents
and country- men can pay in memory thereof, on the dawn of freedom.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was without doubt a far-sighted, realistic type of leader. He knew
that World War No. II was bound to materialise sooner or later as a natural corollary to the
Versailles Treaty. He knew that our motherland could not be liberated unless a military
campaign was launched from outside India. He knew also that facilities could be obtained for
such a campaign only from Britain's enemies and not from Britain's allies during the course of
World War II. With these basic ideas, he made good his escape from India and proceeded first
to Germany and thence to Japan.
5.Article on the sacrifices of the Nehrus
6.Article by K.M Munshi talks about the Constituent Assembly a little
7. Article on Mahatma Gandhi. Is Gandhian non-violence too impractical a course to follow in
the contemporary world? If so, are we on a path of moral digression?
8.The Article by T.T Krishnamachari talks about uniform taxation(Last para)
9. Jinnah’s speech on the eve of Pakistan’s independence. He talks about tolerance among faith
and goodwill among nations
10. One article talks about the closing down of India office in Pakistan
11. Nehru’s speech
2.Read:End the judicial logjam
(http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/filling-up-of-vacancies-of-judges-end-the-
judicial-logjam/article8988812.ece?homepage=true)
3.What it means to be independent
(http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/mridula-mukherjee-on-what-it-means-to-be-
independent/article8988817.ece?homepage=true)
Topic: Social and political dempcracy
Category: Polity
Key points:
Indian nationalism did not seek to promote Indian interests at the expense of others,it
did not seek to dominate smaller powers, instead supported and encouraged them to
be independent. This was because Indian nationalism, as articulated in our freedom
struggle, was a progressive, revolutionary, humane, compassionate, pro-people, anti-
colonial nationalism. It was not the aggressive jingoistic nationalism of the fascist
Mussolini or Nazi Hitler which was used in Europe in the 1930s and 1940s to crush
democracy, and commit genocide on bona fide citizens by declaring them anti-national.
Neither was it the homogenising nationalism based on language (and often religion), as
in 19th century Europe, examples being French-speaking Catholic France and German-
speaking Protestant Germany. The nationalist vision that inspired millions of Indians was
of an independent, multi-lingual, multi-religious, secular, democratic, civil libertarian
and egalitarian republic
The hyper-nationalism witnessed in India in recent times is not the nationalism of our
freedom struggle
Witness the reckless use of Section 124-A to charge students with sedition, with
vigilantes attacking even journalists inside law courts, with books being withdrawn and
pulped, with Ministers attempting to terrorise dissenting intellectuals by labelling them
as ‘intellectual terrorists’, with gaurakshaks physically attacking those who they think
are flouting their diktats, especially if they belong to the Dalit or minority communities.
These attacks on freedom of expression, of movement, on freedom to eat and earn your
livelihood, bring home to us the urgent necessity of resisting these attacks, and that can
only be done by defending civil liberties, by defending this legacy as an integral part of
our nationalism, and by declaring these attacks as anti-national. To do so, we need to
arm ourselves with greater knowledge about how the battle for civil liberties was linked
to our national struggle
Examples from history
Almost half a century before anti-imperialist nationalist ideas begun to emerge, Raja
Rammohan Roy, often called the Father of Modern India, as early as 1824 protested
against a regulation restricting the freedom of the press. In a memorandum to the
Supreme Court, he argued for “the unrestricted liberty of publication” to ensure that
every individual could bring his views to the notice of the rulers
Vernacular Press Act,1878 was vehemently opposed
A few years later, in 1883, SurendranathBanerjea, one of the founders of the movement
for independence, was sent to jail for two months for contempt of court for an editorial
he wrote in his newspaper, the Bengalee, criticising a judgment of the Calcutta High
Court in sharp terms. This was seen by political India as an attack on civil liberties. In
Calcutta, there was a complete hartal in the Indian part of the city
Similarly, and on a far bigger scale, country-wide protests followed when LokmanyaTilak
was sentenced to 18 months’ rigorous imprisonment in 1897 for publishing his own
speech in the Kesari, his Marathi newspaper. Again, in 1908, Tilak was convicted of
sedition under the notorious Section 124-A of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced to
transportation for six years and exiled to Mandalay in Burma for his articles on ‘The
Arrival of the Bomb’. The reaction was predictably stronger, given the timing of the
attack, at the last phase of the Swadeshi Movement
In 1922, Mahatma Gandhi was also tried under the same Section 124-A for sedition for
articles he wrote in Young India, and the judge told him he was giving him the same
punishment that was given to LokmanyaTilak: six years of imprisonment, but not in exile
The struggle for civil liberties thus entailed much suffering and sacrifice, many suffered
long jail terms, others lost their life’s savings, their families paid the cost; the legacy is
thereby a precious and hallowed one. A legacy which we cannot allow to be whittled
away, as on its defence rests our ability to defend the humane, pluralistic and
egalitarian legacy of Indian nationalism
Gandhiji said: “Liberty of speech means that it is unassailed even when the speech
hurts. Liberty of the press can be said to be truly respected only when the press can
comment in the severest terms upon and even misrepresent matters... Freedom of
association is truly respected when assemblies of people can discuss even revolutionary
projects.” And: “Civil liberty, consistent with the observance of non-violence is the first
step towards Swaraj. It is the breath of political and social life, it is the foundation of
freedom. There is no room here for dilution or compromise. It is the water of life.”
The Indian Express
1.From plate to plough: Seeds of change
(http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/narendra-modi-government-agriculture-
slogans-progress-jai-jawan-jai-kisan-opinion-2975521/)
Topic: Agriculture
Category: Economy
Key points:
A look at the historic evolution of the agri-food space to identify catalytic contributions by
leaders of the day reveals interesting facts
Let us start with the Nehruvian era. The first five year plan (FYP) focussed on irrigation (big
dams). The second FYP (1956-61) was driven by Prime Minister Nehru’s economic philosophy of
the mixed economy, with the state playing a dominant role, and focused on heavy industry. For
food, however, he relied on PL480 aid (mainly wheat) from the US
When India faced back-to-back droughts in the mid 1960s, Shastri realised the folly of this
model. For a country that lived “from ship-to-mouth”, two consecutive droughts and a 72-hour
suspension of food aid from the US (due to political differences over Vietnam) were enough to
ring the alarm bells
The crisis sowed the seeds of the first major transformational change in Indian
agriculture. Nearly 18,000 tonnes of high yielding variety seeds of dwarf wheat were
imported from Mexico, and Agricultural Prices Commission (APC), now known as
CACP, and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) were created to incentivise farmers to
adopt new technology. By 1971-72, India became nearly self-sufficient in basic staples.
This transformational change was the Green Revolution
Shastri also took another transformational decision that changed the course of India’s
milk sector, which was to create the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), with
VergheseKurien as its chairman. The NDDB gave India the White Revolution, which
turned the country into the largest producer of milk in the world
Indira Gandhi went socialist and strangulated grain markets by taking over wholesale
trade in wheat in 1973-74 and rice in the following season. She failed miserably and
India was forced to import grain again
The biggest decision thereafter in the agri-food space was taken by Vajpayee when he
allowed GM technology in cotton in March 2002 and in the process launched the gene
revolution. This made India the second largest producer and exporter of cotton, with
net gains of about $55 billion during 2002-2015
UPA I and UPA II saw the global commodity price boom. Manmohan Singh’s government
offered significant increases in minimum support prices. This increased production,
stocks and exports to unprecedented levels. India exported more than 60 million tonnes
of cereals during 2012-14, and overall agriculture exports touched $42 billion in FY14
More recently, Modi’s government is seen struggling to revive the agri sector in the
wake of back-to-back droughts in 2014 and 2015. In his town hall meeting, Modi
acknowledged that Indian agriculture held the key to India’s growth. A week before, in a
meeting at NITI Aayog for 15 years’ vision and planning, he stated emphatically that
focus on agricultural productivity alone will not suffice, and that we needed a holistic
approach including food processing, access to markets etc. Further, he added that the
time for incremental changes was over, and that we now needed transformational ideas
and policies. He is spot on
The Indian farmer and farming is limping due to heavy dependence on monsoons.
Slogans like harkhetkopani and more crop per drop under the PM’s
KrishiSinchayeeYojana (PMKSY) are nowhere near transformational as they have only
paltry resources (Rs 5,767 crore) and fragmented governance across three ministries
If PM Modi really wants to usher in transformational changes in India’s agri food space,
our submission is he focus on just three things
One, put food and fertiliser subsidies under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to
beneficiaries’ accounts. Tie it with deregulating fertiliser prices and imports, and
shrink the public distribution system, which is marred by massive leakages (above 40
per cent) and high costs. This will save him save a minimum of Rs 50,000 crore
annually, which he should put in water management (PMKSY)
Two, ensure at least all NDA-ruled states carry out genuine agri market reforms, that is,
break the monopoly of APMC markets by creating alternative private sector/farmers’
markets, allowing direct purchases from farmers, capping commissions plus taxes at 3
per cent (1 plus 2), abolish or drastically prune Essential Commodities Act (ECA),
liberalise retail and e-commerce to create all India markets
Three, usher in a brown revolution by incentivising precision agriculture. It will help
save precious water, fertilisers, maintain soil fertility of Mother Earth, and make
agriculture not only sustainable but also productive and profitable to farmers
If PM Modi can do these, he will go down in history as having transformed the Indian
agri-food space. Else, we are afraid, his slogans may boomerang
PIB
1.Read:Brief Highlights of Prime Minister’s Address on Independence Day
(http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=0)
The Business Line:
1.Trade talks that could milk India dry
(http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/trade-talks-that-could-milk-india-
dry/article8988820.ece)
Topic: Effect on trade
Category: International Groupings
Key points:
During the recently concluded Ministerial level meet on Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership (RCEP) at Laos, India officially communicated its position to
consider a uniform yardstick for elimination in number of tariff lines. This is a significant
shift from its earlier position of a three-tiered approach to tariff reduction. In return,
India is pushing for liberalisation of trade in 120 services — an area in which it
apparently enjoys comparative advantage over other members of RCEP
The three tier approach to elimination in tariff lines proposed by India earlier divided
the 15 members of RCEP into three groups. The first group consisted of the existing
members of ASEAN — three of them considered as low income countries as per the
World Bank classification, namely, Cambodia, PDR Lao and Myanmar
The second group includes Japan and Korea — countries which have simultaneous free
trade agreements (FTA) with ASEAN and India
The third group includes Australia, New Zealand and China. These three countries have
FTAs with ASEAN but are yet to ink such agreements with India
India offered to eliminate 80 per cent of the tariff lines with the countries clubbed in
group 1 on a reciprocal basis with 65 per cent of them being made effective once the
RCEP would come into effect and the rest over an extended period of 10 years
Proposed tariff line elimination for second and third group of countries were pegged
lower at 65 per cent and 42.5 per cent, respectively, to be phased out over time. ( Tariff
lines are products defined at a highly detailed level for the purpose of setting import
duties)
This change in strategy brings to the fore an important issue vis-à-vis the Indian dairy
sector. As long as India had proposed to follow differential rates of elimination of tariff
lines with minimal levels of elimination proposed for Australia, New Zealand and China,
there was not much of a threat to our dairy sector
New Zealand and Australia are the leading exporters of milk and dairy products in the
world. Both of them enjoy a high degree of comparative advantage globally over their
competitors
New Zealand recorded a self-sufficiency index of more than 500 in 2013, indicating that
out of every five units of milk and milk products produced there, only one unit was used
up for domestic consumption. The rest of the produce is required to be exported, else
they would lie as unused stocks in storage houses, creating an obvious drag on future
prices and capacity utilisation in dairy sector, thereby affecting the economy
Australia recorded a self-sufficiency index of 127, still indicating considerable excess
production of dairy products over domestic consumption requirements. On the other
hand, the Chinese estimate of the same index stood at 81 — indicative of a significant
deficit in domestic production compared to internal consumption requirements
The rest of the RCEP members are yet to be self-sufficient in milk and milk products. The
new dispensation of equal treatment by India to all 15 members of RCEP in terms of
elimination of tariff lines potentially opens up a much larger possibility -- of Indian milk
producers facing strong competitive pressure from the dairy sectors in New Zealand and
Australia
Are Indian dairy farmers ready to compete with their counterparts from New Zealand
and Australia? Is it necessary for them to compete with them? Perhaps both the
questions are to be answered in emphatic negatives
In today’s competitive world, exports are conditioned by the capacity to produce
beyond domestic production. The gap between cost of production and the price of the
products, both in domestic and international markets which are often not free from
manipulation or distortion of one kind or the other, too determines the capacity of a
country to export
Incidentally, India’s self-sufficiency index in dairy products was measured as 101 in
2013. Per capita annual milk consumption in India is not very healthy compared to
global standards. It was recorded at 123 kg of milk equivalent in 2013, compared to 328
kg in Australia, 259 kg in the US, 214 kg in Argentina and 180 kg in Brazil. This is in spite
of the fact that India is the largest producer of milk in the world
India is not export competitive in any of the 21 dairy products traded globally. However,
the Indian dairy sector is surely capable of taking care of present domestic
requirements. With milk production increasing at a healthy rate, the country is well
poised to maintain its self-sufficiency even though per capita consumption of milk in
India is steadily increasing at more than 2 per cent per year
Thanks to “Operation Flood”, we have been quite successful in safeguarding the
interests of our vast millions of resource-poor milk producers as well as that of our
domestic consumers. However, India is yet to acquire enough commercial intelligence to
handle unforeseen fluctuations in global trade. It would have to undertake large scale
domestic institutional reforms, including handling of import quality, to establish
herself even as a small global player in the dairy sector in the years to come
The threat to Indian dairy sector through RCEP, in view of the recent change in
negotiation strategies, comes from New Zealand and Australia. The cost of production
of milk in here is more or less similar to that in India; so milk products from these
countries will be price competitive vis-à-vis domestic products, if existing tariffs are
altogether or even partially eliminated
Given the excess production capacity in these countries, they can engage in large scale
export without impacting domestic price levels. It is imperative that the domestic dairy
sector is protected through appropriate policy instruments, till the required domestic
reforms are initiated
A unique feature of Indian dairy sector is the high share of the consumer rupee
flowing into the hands of the primary milk producers, thanks to the extensive network
of dairy cooperatives
It supports around 75 million households with small landholding, mostly owning two
or three cattle or buffaloes. Opening the milk sector hastily to competition will be a
recipe for disaster unless the small producers are provided with policy support – the
most important being access to cheaper credit and integration with the extended
value chain
The next round of negotiations begin today in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The shift in
India’s strategy in favour of opening up the goods sector uniformly to competition from
all other signatories of RCEP should be reconsidered. A gain for one small organized
group may be accompanied by a loss to a much larger but relatively unorganised group
— the dairy sector
Quick Bits and News from States
1.Class 12 certificates for vocational courses
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/class-12-certificates-for-vocational-
courses/article8988949.ece?w=alauto)
Students undergoing vocational training will soon be able to get a Class 12 certificate that will
be equivalent to an intermediate certificate from Central and State Boards.
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), an autonomous institution under the Ministry
of Human Resource Development, is offering Class 12 and Class 10 certificates through open
and distance learning system to students who pass three vocational papers — of same or
similar vocations — and two academic papers, one of which should be a language paper. The
other can be any of the subjects on offer.This will make many students eligible for jobs that
have Class 12 as a necessary qualification.
2.Tea industry reiterates need for special GST rate
(http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/tea-industry-reiterates-need-for-special-gst-
rate/article8988879.ece?w=alauto)
The tea industry has reiterated its plea to maintain a special concessional rate under the
proposed GST regime. “Tea, being a product of mass-consumption, should be kept under a
special rate under the GST regime, and it should be at par with the current rate of 5.5 to 6 per
cent,” the Indian Tea Association said. It also wants a waiver of the one per cent additional tax
on inter-state supplies of goods proposed under GST saying that this would have a significant
impact on products like tea which are produced only in select states.
3.ONGC unveils start-up fund
(http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/ongc-unveils-startup-
fund/article8988880.ece?w=alauto)
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) unveiled a Rs.100 crore start-up fund to foster, nurture
and incubate new ideas related to the oil and gas sector.As part of this initiative, ONGC will
provide the entire support chain for start-ups including seed capital, hand-holding, mentoring,
market linkage and follow-ups.
4.RBI may not meet inflation target: IMF
(http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/rbi-may-not-meet-inflation-target-
imf/article8988877.ece?w=alauto)
An IMF paper has raised question marks over the ability of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to
target inflation through monetary measures, saying the size of the formal financial sector is
small in India and may undermine the effectiveness of interest rate changes on aggregate
demand.It said that careful studies of the effectiveness of monetary transmission in low-
income countries have often found monetary policy effects that are counterintuitive, weak or
unreliable.
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
RCEP
Constituent Assembly
Problems of Indian agriculture
Freedom Movement
Collegium System
Tags
RCEP
Constituent Assembly
Problems of Indian agriculture
Freedom Movement
Collegium System
Practice Questions: 1. Which of the following countries is/are members of RCEP?
1. New Zealand 2. Australia 3. China 4. South Korea
a) 1 and 2 only b) 1, 2 and 3 c) 2 and 3 only d) All the Above Ans. D 2. Which of the following statements is/are correct about the constituent assembly that drafted the Indian constitution?
1. The Constitution of India was drafted by the Constituent Assembly, and it was implemented under the Cabinet Mission Plan
2. The members of the Constituent Assembly were elected by the provincial assemblies by a single, transferable-vote system of proportional representation
a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans. C 3. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The Indian National Army (INA) was an armed force formed by Indian nationalists in 1942 in Southeast Asia during World War II
2. INA formed an alliance with Imperial Japan in the latter's campaign in theSoutheast Asian theatre of WWII
a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans. C 4. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The Chief Justice of India and his four senior-most colleagues are now generally referred to as the ‘Collegium’ for the purpose of appointment of Judges to the Supreme Court
2. The recommendation made by the chief justice of India without complying with the norms and requirements of the consultation process within the collegium are not binding on the government
a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans. C 5. Which of the following was/were reforms undertaken by Lord Ripon?
1. The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was repealed 2. Lord Ripon appointed an Education Commission in 1882 under the chairmanship of Sir
William Hunter to review the progress of education in India a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans. C
Useful News Articles 16-8-2016
A.GS1 Related
B. GS2 Related
1.Pakistan invites India for talks on Kashmir
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pakistan-invites-india-for-talks-on-
kashmir/article8991172.ece?homepage=true)
Topic: India and Pakistan
Category: International Relations
Key points:
Pakistan on Monday invited India for talks on Kashmir, saying it is the
“international obligation” of both the countries to resolve the issue,
notwithstanding India’s insistence that it would talk on “contemporary
and relevant” issues in Indo-Pak relations
The invite came days after the Union Home Minister addressed
Parliament on the Kashmir issue and said that India was willing to discuss
only Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with Pakistan, and that the
question of discussing Jammu and Kashmir with Islamabad just did not
arise
2.Drones better than satellites to gauge crop loss, says panel
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/drones-better-than-satellites-to-gauge-crop-loss-
says-panel/article8992050.ece?w=alauto)
Topic: Agriculture
Category: Governance
Key points:
A committee tasked by the government’s apex planning body with
studying how unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can be used in crop
insurance schemes has said drones trump satellite technology for the
purpose. The committee also maintained that sharing cadastral (land’s
location, ownership, tenure) details, Aadhaar card and bank account
details is “mandatory” for effective crop insurance policies
“The ideal alternative is to gather data from low heights [i.e., below the
cloud] and at very high resolution where aerial photography or UAVs
score over all available alternatives,” says a draft report of the
subcommittee’s recommendation. “The current satellites which are even
better than 10m spatial resolution would not be sufficient due to their
non-availability during cloud cover, limited revisit possibility during the
crop season and high price,” it said.
The government’s apparent objective is to increase the number of
insured farmers from the current 20 per cent to 50 per cent within three
years
C.GS3 Related
1.Steel Ministry wants review of policies affecting producers
(http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/steel-ministry-wants-review-of-policies-
affecting-producers/article8991389.ece?w=alauto)
Topic: Industry- Steel Industry
Category: Economy
Key points:
the Steel Ministry is pushing for a rethink on domestic policies that are hurting
producers. This includes the railways’ freight policy and the clean energy cess that was
doubled in this year’s Budget
The Steel Ministry wants the Indian Railways to change the tariff classification for steel
goods and treat them on par with coal, which, it reckons, could cut the logistic costs of
moving finished steel by around 14 per cent
Moreover, it has questioned the levy of clean energy cess on coking coal since it is
distinct in quality from the coal used in thermal power plants
High power costs are also pushing up the price of production
D.GS4 Related
E. Important Editorials:
The Hindu
1.Read: IS recruits for jihad found to be ignorant of Islam
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/is-recruits-for-jihad-found-to-be-ignorant-
of-islam/article8991275.ece?w=alauto)
Knowledge of Islam scarce among IS recruits. Majority jihadist recruits giving into superficial
propaganda says the article
2. Must Read: Not only the mother’s responsibility
(http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/swagata-raha-on-maternity-benefit-
amendment-bill-not-only-the-mothers-
responsibility/article8991384.ece?homepage=true#comments)
The Article talks about the failings of the The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016
3.One speech, two messages
(http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/modis-independence-day-address-one-speech-
two-messages/article8991391.ece?homepage=true)
Topic: India and Pakistan
Category: International Relations
Key points:
The prime minister’s Independence Day address was not meant merely for domestic
consumption. While he was silent on the violence in Kashmir, he had a lot to say about
attacks on Balochs in Pakistan
In what was perhaps intended as a hint of India’s capability to intervene, in an
unspecified manner, in Balochistan, he said the people there had commended him for
highlighting attacks against them by people within Pakistan
The warning sent out was that if Pakistan continues to interfere in Kashmir, India can do
likewise, making an issue over the violence in Balochistan
Other than further escalating tensions between the two countries, it is difficult to see
what can come out of such aggressive posturing on the internal problems of Pakistan
India’s Kashmir problem will not go away with the government’s renewed claims on
Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Of course, the Prime Minister may have felt compelled to
respond in some way to the provocative remarks of Pakistan’s High Commissioner to
India, dedicating Pakistan’s Independence Day this year to the “freedom” of Kashmir.
But, in this, as in some other things, India will benefit more if the prime minister sticks
to playing a more statesmanly role
3.Europe’s summer of discontent
(http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/m-k-narayanan-on-brexit-europes-summer-of-
discontent/article8991395.ece?homepage=true)
Topic: Brexit
Category: Global Economy
Key points:
The question uppermost in the minds of many Europeans is that if the U.K. — which had
perhaps the best possible deal within the EU, being a member of the Common Market
without belonging to the Eurozone and the Schengen Area — preferred to opt out,
other nations who had more serious differences may also choose not to remain
Britain hopes to keep its lead role as a financial services hub
For now, financial jitters are more likely as almost immediately the U.K. will need to
prepare for the loss of nearly 2,85,000 financial sector jobs. The City’s relations with
China are also likely to suffer as a result of Brexit. London’s standing as the world’s
principal place for trading in euro — a $2 trillion-a-day market — will come under new
pressures
The writing on the wall is thus all too clear. Brexit has diminished both Britain and
Europe
NATO will be affected as the U.K is a favoured partner of the U.S.A
Russia may see sanctions against it eased
Tension may rise between Germany and France as to who would emerge the leader
Thus Brexit could lead to protectionism and lead to profound geopolitical shifts, and
substantially alter the international security environment
5. Read:Finding the right measure
(http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/barkha-deva-on-social-progressiveness-finding-
the-right-measure/article8991386.ece?homepage=true)
Deals with social issues plaguing India
The Indian Express
1.An Egyptian lesson in India’s fight against growing Hepatitis
(http://indianexpress.com/article/explained/an-egyptian-lesson-in-indias-fight-against-
growing-hepatitis-2977561/)
Topic: Health
Category: Governance
Key points:
While no official data exists, WHO believes that nearly 40 million people have Hepatitis
B and six million have Hepatitis C in India
“The syringe culture is similar in Egypt and India. People take less oral medication and
prefer injections. Syringe safety is necessary to prevent new cases,” says Manal El
Sayed, a member of the Egyptian national hepatitis committee since its inception in
2006. She says her country raised awareness on the use of sterile razors in barber shops,
use of new instruments for pedicure and manicure and on the use of disposable syringes
for patients. “It’s all about advocacy. There should be multiple stakeholders like the
government, politicians, the media and individuals from different sectors who wish to
bring this health problem into the limelight,” Sayed, a paediatrician, explains
The Hepatitis pool grew in Egypt in the 1950s and 1960s due to the reuse of glass
syringes after boiling. It is believed that similar unsafe syringe practices have led to the
increased cases in India
The Egyptian government, she says, also urged Hepatitis drug manufacturing companies
to lower costs
Egypt has now introduced a birth-dose policy to prevent new infections. “Our aim is to
reach most isolated and rural areas
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare hasbegun a vaccination drive for
newborns against HBV under Mission Indradhanush, that is aimed to prevent seven
diseases in infants. Since 2014, over 40 lakh children have been covered under the
scheme. But there still stands no active diagnosis or free treatment programme for
Hepatitis adult patients unlike AIDS or Tuberculosis
Read:Why Balochistan is Pakistan’s sensitive spot
(http://indianexpress.com/article/explained/balochistan-pakistan-pm-modi-independence-
day-speech-2977638/)
PIB
1.Read:Brief Highlights of Prime Minister’s Address on Independence Day
(http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=0)
The BusinessLine:
1.India can become a manufacturing hub
(http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/india-can-become-a-manufacturing-
hub/article8991284.ece)
Topic: Manufacturing
Category: Economy
Key points:
We are talking about increasing manufacturing’s share in GDP from current 17.4% to
25% by 2025. What is the scale of output required and how can this be achieved?
Consider the following details:
Most countries specialize in a select range of products. East Asian countries trade mostly
in textile and electronic products while African and Latin American countries deal mainly
in mining and agriculture related goods. China exports most products except very
complex ones. However, it is Germany, Japan and the US that are on top of
manufacturing and innovation pyramid and continue to develop most high end
products
What should be the product development priorities for an aspiring nation? The central
core of world manufacturing consists largely of complex metal, machinery and chemical
products requiring most sophisticated development capabilities. The products under
this group are considered related to each other as their development requires broadly
similar core capabilities. This makes it easier for countries like Germany or Japan to
redeploy the existing capabilities for development of a large number of new products
While complex products are located in the densely connected central core of world
manufacturing, less sophisticated products occupy a less connected peripheral space.
These products either require low skillset (examples-raw materials, agriculture and
mining) or specialized capability which is of use within the same product group (apparel,
electronics) only. For a country that specializes in peripheral products, shift to other
products is challenging. This rationalizes why East Asia or Africa manufacture only
particular type of products
A Country’s capability to manufacture complex products is numerically captured
through the Economic Complexity Index (ECI). It ranks a country on the basis of how
diversified and complex a country’s manufacturing export basket is. Germany is top
ranker followed by Japan, while India ranks 54 out of 144 countries. Japan or Germany,
with high ECI's, produce high end products that face less competition in the global
market as these are highly unlikely to be produced by countries with low ECI. Countries
like India with low ECI's produce goods that are commonly produced around the globe
Becoming a true manufacturing nation or reaching large scale of manufacturing output
would require India to develop capabilities in core products and also organize large scale
production in peripheral products. This will require targeting the following 4 product
groups. Each requires a different focus
Develop plan to manufacture factory machinery, the machinery that makes the goods.
Development of one successful application changes the fate of nations. Machine tools
have ensured decades of economic prosperity and also gave birth to large number of
small and large firms in many countries. The semiconductor-making equipment (SME) is
at the heart of today’s most import products/sectors: computer, mobile, telecom, and
now automobiles, and internet of things. No country can enter big league without a
share in this sector. Some of the technology required can be obtained through licenses
or outright purchase but most critical can come only from the in-house industrial R &D
centers
Set up advance manufacturing facilities. Specialty materials, biologics,
nanotechnology, precision mechanical devices, integrated circuits, high-end general-
purpose chips, embedded systems, processors, medical imaging devices fall in this
category
We can draw on our strengths in software products, engineering design and testing.
India can also use the latecomer advantage to develop new products through imitation,
reverse engineering and licensing. Korea is an interesting example of how a developing
country can transition into a high income and high tech manufacturing country largely
through government driven interventions. Korea largely focused on purchase of
technology and providing subsidies on R&D investments made by the public and private
sectors
Facilitate setting up of large capacities to manufacture computer, TV, mobile phone and
other electronic and telecom equipment. Manufacturing in China, Korea and Taiwan
revolves around this product group which now account for over 15% of GDP of each of
these countries. How China became the largest exporter in this sector is an amazing tale
of shrewd policy interventions and business acumen. Starting in mid-1990s, China
initially, did not choose products that required deep R&D or advance manufacturing as
it did not have sound technological capability base then. Rather, it focused on
electronics and telecom sectors where final products had modular structure containing
large number of components and parts that could be imported from other countries.
China tied up with suppliers in Southeast Asian Countries for sourcing of raw material
and components, and Japan, Korea and Taiwan for supply of components requiring
advance manufacturing. With Pre- Assembly inputs securely in place, China could lure
anchor MNCs to invest in downstream stages of production. Abundant supplies of low-
cost Labor, government incentives, tax exemptions and an efficient customs
administration were other critical factors. By 2008, in less than 15 years China emerged
as the leading exporter of electrical machinery, electronic and telecom equipment, the
items once considered preserve of developed countries. Despite competition, India, is in
better position today than China was in 1990s, as the required technology base, expert
manpower and the firms that built up Chinese story are all present here
Create large scale manufacturing facility for producing skill and labour intensive
products. China has become leading exporter of auto components, Toys, furniture,
footwear, apparels, mattresses, locks, low end engineering products by creating largest
possible scale of organized production that ensured economies of scale. India can move
quickly as the factories are easy to develop and can employ millions of people who can
move from the agriculture or informal sector to the formal jobs
Finally, for experts who argue for a services driven development path for India,
remember services account for only 20% of world trade much of which is tied to
products. Rest is all about products and developing still more new products
Read:All you wanted to know about Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill 2016
(http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/all-you-wanted-to-know-about-motor-
vehicles-amendment-bill-2016/article8991309.ece)
Quick Bits and News from States
1.Officials visit U.S. to seek LeT man Rana’s extradition
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/officials-visit-us-to-seek-let-man-ranas-
extradition/article8991587.ece?homepage=true)
Asserting India’s right to question Tahawwur Rana, a close associate of David Coleman Headley
charged in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, senior officials of the Home Ministry quietly visited
the United States early this month to press for his extradition.The move stemmed from the
failure of the National Investigation Agency to get custody of Headley, who entered into a plea
bargain with the U.S. authorities.
2.Sedition case filed against Amnesty International
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/sedition-case-filed-against-amnesty-
international/article8991258.ece?homepage=true)
Acting on a complaint by the AkhilBharatiyaVidyarthiParishad (ABVP) filed on Saturday, the J.C.
Nagar police(Bangalore) has charged Amnesty International India under section 124A of the
Indian Penal Code, which defines sedition as attempts to bring hatred or contempt or to excite
disaffection towards the Government of India.
3.India, Russia make progress in talks on Su-30 upgrade
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-russia-make-progress-in-talks-on-su30-
upgrade/article8991493.ece?w=alauto)
India and Russia made significant progress in the discussions for modernisation of all Su-30
fighters of the Indian Air Force (IAF) during the visit of a Russian team last month. An
agreement is possible by the year-end.India had signed the initial agreement with Russia in the
late 1990s for procuring 50 Su-30 multi-role fighter jets in a fly-away condition.
Then, it ordered 272 Su-30MKI fighter jets to be made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
at Nasik. Most of the aircraft to be made by HAL have been delivered.
3.Narendra Modi assures middle class an end to tax terrorism
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/narendra-modi-assures-middle-class-an-end-to-tax-
terrorism/article8991002.ece?w=alauto)
“Today we have moved towards online refund. In a week, 2 weeks or 3 weeks refunds have
started going. This is a result of measures like accountability and answerability,” he added.
Seeking to eliminate corruption and promote ease of doing business, the Income Tax
Department has been taking various tax payer friendly measures, including e-verification of
returns, paperless email-based inquiry and e-scrutiny.In order to bring in transparency, the
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has recently published comprehensive data based on
income tax returns filed for assessment year 2012-13.
4.Call to remove IP clauses from trade pact
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/call-to-remove-ip-clauses-from-trade-
pact/article8991508.ece?w=alauto)
As the next round of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade talks begin in
Vietnam on Monday, humanitarian aid organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has called
for the removal of intellectual property provisions — known as the TRIPS-plus provisions —
from the agreement. The talks are scheduled for August 15-19.
According to the MSF, the TRIPS-plus provisions like patent term extensions and data exclusivity
could hinder access to affordable drugs.
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
Pradhan MantriFasalBhimaYojana
The Maternity Benefit(Amendment) Bill
Motor vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2016
Regional Connectivity Scheme
Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft
Tags
RCEP
Pradhan MantriFasalBhimaYojana
The Maternity Benefit(Amendment) Bill
Motor vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2016
Regional Connectivity Scheme
Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft
Practice Questions:
1. Which of the following is/are correct about Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bhima Yojana?
1. The scheme covers kharif, rabi crops as well as annual commercial and horticultural crops.
2. Apart from yield loss, the new scheme will cover post-harvest losses also. 3. The scheme proposes mandatory use of remote sensing, smart phones and drones for
quick estimation of crop loss a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) All the Above Ans. D
2. Which of the following statements is/are raw materials used in the steel industry?
1. Iron Ore 2. Coking coal 3. Silica 4. Limestone
a) 1 and 2 only b) 1 and 3 only c) 1, 2 and 3 only d) All the above Ans. D
3. Which of the following is/are provisions of the Motor vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2016 ?
1. Automated testing for driving licences 2. Guidelines for speedy settlement of vehicle accident claims 3. National Registry for vehicles
a) 1 only b) 2 only c) 3 only d) All the Above Ans. D
4. Which of the following statements is/are correct about the regional connectivity scheme?
1. The regional connectivity scheme will be applicable on route length between 200 to 800 km with no lower limit set for hilly, remote, island and security sensitive regions.
2. A Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF) will be created to fund the scheme via a levy on certain flights
a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans. C
5. Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Sukhoi/HALPerspective Multi-role Fighter (PMF)is afifth-generation fighter being
developed by India and Russia 2. The Indian version, according to the deal, will be different from the Russian version and
specific to Indian requirements a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans.C
Useful News Articles17-8-2016
A. GS1 Related
B. GS2 Related1. India, Maldives discuss peace in Indian Ocean
(http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/india-maldives-discuss-peace-in-indian-ocean/article8996218.ece)
Topic: India and PakistanCategory: International Relations
Key points: India and the Maldives on Tuesday discussed strategic perspectives for
maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean region amid China’s efforts to increase its footprint
On his first official visit, the Maldivian Foreign Minister, during his meeting with the external affairs minister, also communicated details of his country’s engagement with the U.N. and the Special Envoy of the Commonwealth ahead of the crucial meet of Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) in New York next month
Maldives Investment Forum is to be held in New Delhi later this year The Ministers also exchanged views on the consonance in the strategic
perspectives of the two countries to maintain peace and security in the Indian Ocean region
2. It’s 1971 redux: Akbar finds an echo of East Pakistan
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/its-1971-redux-akbar-finds-an-echo-of-east-pakistan/article8995494.ece)
Topic: India and PakistanCategory: International Relations
Key points: A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned Balochistan during
his Independence Day speech, the Minister of State for External Affairs indicated that India would take up the issue internationally, equating the 1971 War of Liberation for Bangladesh with “simmering Balochistan”
Meanwhile, exiled separatist Baloch leaders from different parts of the world expressed their appreciation of India’s stand
3. China reaching out to Bhutan as part of new South Asia policy
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-reaching-out-to-bhutan-as-part-of-new-s-asia-policy/article8995470.ece?w=alauto)
Topic: China , Bhutan, Nepal ,MyanmarCategory: India’ Neighbourhood
Key points:
China has signalled its intent to establish diplomatic ties with Bhutan, adding another dimension to its evolving South Asia policy, which has already included a deeper engagement with Nepal, as part of Beijing’s One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative
In March, President Xi Jinping had proposed a harmonisation of Nepal’s reconstruction and development plan with China’s 13th five-year plan within the framework of the OBOR. The Chinese President said he visualised Nepal as “a bridge between China and India”
In tune with China’s high-octane Asian diplomacy, the Chinese leadership is set to receive Myanmar’s State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi in Beijing on Wednesday. Thestate-run Global Times has noted that ahead of the visit, Myanmar has appointed a special committee on the stalled China-backed Myitsone dam project
C.GS3 Related
1. Food lifts WPI inflation to 23-month high
(http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/food-lifts-wpi-inflation-to-23month-high/article8995398.ece?w=alauto)
Topic: WPICategory: Economy
Key points:
Wholesale price inflation accelerated to a 23-month high of 3.6 per cent in July, driven mainly by higher food prices, according to official data. Food inflation itself has been driven by inflation in the foodgrain and vegetable categories
2. Melting glaciers pose a threat beyond water scarcity
(http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/melting-glaciers-pose-a-threat-beyond-water-scarcity/article8996291.ece)
Topic: Climate ChangeCategory: Environment
Key points:
The tropical glaciers of South America are dying from soot and rising temperatures, threatening water supplies to communities that have depended on them for centuries. But experts say that the slow process measured in inches of glacial retreat per year also can lead to a sudden, dramatic tragedyPossible dangers
Affect downstream drainage, thus the watersupply (As glaciers disappear around the world, there is less water available for use for hydroelectric power, as a renewable resource for agriculture, for human consumption)
Glof: A glof occurs when the weak walls of a mountain valley collapse under the weight of meltwater from a glacier(The problem is that glacial lakes are often fragile structures, created when rocks and rubble carried by a glacier form a moraine that dams up its water outflow. The dam can also be created by chunks of a glacier’s own ice. These inherently unstable structures can collapse quickly)
3. BBB should appoint top executives at state-owned banks, says Rajan
(http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/bbb-should-appoint-top-executives-at-stateowned-banks-says-rajan/article8995401.ece?homepage=true)
Topic: Banking RegulationCategory: Economy
Key points:
Outgoing Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor has stressed the need to improve governance at public sector banks and said the task of appointing top executives and non-official directors in these entities should be left to the Bank Board Bureau (BBB).
At present, the Centre appoints the chief executive, executive directors and other board members
His suggestion is in line with the proposals of the P.J. Nayak committee set up by the RBI to look into the issue of governance in Indian banks4. S&T Newsa)Read: Biofortification: Micronutrient-built-in grains(http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/biofortification-micronutrientbuiltin-grains/article8986007.ece?homepage=true)Talks about DRR Dhan 45(IET 23832): Biofortified rice variety fortified with zincb)Read: IceCube sees no evidence of sterile neutrinos(http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/icecube-sees-no-evidence-of-sterile-neutrinos/article8986008.ece?homepage=true)Talks about sterile neutrinos used to explain theories in particle physics but not yet detectedc) IIT Madras develops optical system to detect and monitor algal bloom
(http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/iit-madras-develops-optical-system-to-detect-and-monitor-algal-bloom/article8986012.ece?homepage=true)Talks about an optical detection method developed by Indian scientists to spatially locate algal blooms in the Arabian sea and thereby provide valuable info to fisherfolk.
D.GS4 RelatedE. Important Articles and Editorials:
The Hindu
1.The history of trouble in Balochistan
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/understanding-pakistans-balochistan-problem/article8994996.ece?homepage=true)Topic: India and PakistanCategory: International Relations
Key points:
Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest, but least developed province, which is home to over 13 million people, mostly Balochis
The roots of the conflict, like India’s Kashmir issue, go back to the country’s independence. When Pakistan was born in 1947, the rulers of the Khanate of Kalat, which was a princely state under the British and part of today’s Balochistan, refused to join the new nation
Pakistan sent troops in March 1948 to annex the territory. Though Yar Khan, the then ruler of Kalat, later signed a treaty of accession, his brothers and followers continued to fight, triggering the first conflict between Balochis and the Pakistani Army. So far, there were five waves of insurgencies
After the 1948 rebellion was put down, crisis erupted in 1958. In 1962-63 and 1973-77, there were violent campaigns by the Baloch nationalists for independence from Pakistan. The two decades after that was the calmest period in the history of Balochistan
But tensions started building up after General Pervez Musharraf seized power in 1999. When the military started building new cantonments in Balochistan, it was seen by radical nationalist factions as a bid by the Army to tighten control over the region. The fifth wave of insurgency that broke out in this context is still on. There are several separatist groups in the province. The strongest among them is the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), designated as a terrorist group by Pakistan and the U.K. Islamabad has claimed that India is backing the BLA
The Balochi nationalists accuse Islamabad of deliberately keeping the mineral-rich province poor, while Pakistan’s rulers say the pace of development is slow due to insurgency. But a bigger allegation that the Pakistan is facing, and something which Prime Minister Modi tried to highlight in his Independence Day speech, is the large-scale human rights violations in the region, both by the Army and the militants. Every time there’s unrest in the region, the Pakistani Army used brute force to retain order
2.Read :Answering Pakistan’s provocations
(http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/answering-pakistans-provocations/article8995390.ece?homepage=true)
3. The Beijing balancing act
(http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/indiachina-relations-the-beijing-balancing-act/article8995345.ece?homepage=true)
Topic: India and ChinaCategory: International Relations
Key points:
On the vexed issue of China’s opposition to India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), it was agreed that a focussed dialogue take place between the Indian Joint Secretary dealing with disarmament and international security and China’s Director-General of Arms Control and Disarmament
On other issues having a bearing on bilateral relations, another mechanism has been established between the Indian Foreign Secretary and his Chinese counterpart, Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui. This appears to be in addition to the existing annual Strategic Dialogue at the Foreign Secretary level and the regular Special Representatives dialogue which, in the past, has gone beyond the mandate of border negotiations. One presumes that the issue of China’s “technical hold” on the listing of Masood Azhar, the Jaish-e-Mohammad leader, as a terrorist at the United Nations, and Chinese activitiesin Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under its One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative will be on its agenda
China is faced with a complex and deteriorating political and security situation in its Asia-Pacific periphery. The categorical and entirely negative arbitration award against China over its claim to the South China Sea — handed in July by a tribunal constituted under the provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) — is a major setback for Beijing. Its relations with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) are now under unprecedented strain. To add to its woes, the deployment of the THAAD anti-missile defence system by the U.S. in South Korea has led to a worsening of relations with a neighbour with which China has, over the years, assiduously nurtured close political, economic, commercial and even cultural relations. (Korean pop music is extremely popular in China.)
These are new and adverse developments even while the U.S. and Japan continue to be perceived as major security threats to China in the region
Against this background, China would want to keep its western periphery with India relatively stable and benign. It is for this reason that Chinese official media has persisted with the message that there is no fundamental clash of interests between the two countries and that their convergences outnumber their differences
There is anxiety that India may move closer to the U.S. and participate in security arrangements more directly challenging China in the South China Sea. Beijing has cautioned that India should avoid getting “entangled” in the South China Sea issue, but there is also an expectation that it will continue to adhere to its stated policy of strategic autonomy. In fact, India’s reaction to the tribunal award has been measured, calling for utmost respect for the UNCLOS but also stressing the need for resolving differences through peaceful dialogue. It is reported that Mr. Wang did not raise the South China Sea issue in Delhi. This appears to confirm the view that China’s current preoccupation is to prevent India from escalating its stand on this issue
China expects that at the forthcoming G-20 summit at Hangzhou, the U.S. and its western allies and Japan may raise the South China Sea issue and embarrass the host country. India’s role could prove to be significant in this regard. That gives India a tactical advantage and this may well have been the reason for Mr. Wang to appear
forthcoming on issues India is concerned about. I doubt whether China will change its substantive stance on these issues any time soon
In dealing with China, India has to be conscious of the fact that in terms of both economic and military capabilities, the asymmetry between the two countries continues to expand. China’s economy is five times as large as India’s and even with slower rates of growth China will be adding more muscle from a larger base while India will have to grow much faster over a longer period of time to begin to narrow the gap
There are only two ways to deal with this power asymmetry; one is to acquire and deploy capabilities which will make any aggressive military move by China a risky proposition. The other is to enmesh oneself more tightly in the U.S.-led countervailing coalition targeting China. The latter does run counter to India’s view of itself as an independent power but there is a steady creep in that direction
India’s vulnerability increases if there is a coordinated move by China and Pakistan. In previous India-Pakistan wars, post-1962, China supported Pakistan politically and with supplies but refrained from attacking India across the border. This reassuring pattern of behaviour needs to be under our constant review and assessment. China’s willingness to stand alone in blocking India’s membership of the NSG on behalf of Pakistan, and in shielding it from international pressures consequent upon its use of cross-border terrorism as an instrument of state policy against India, point to an enhanced strategic role for Pakistan in Chinese regional and global calculations. Pakistan has so far been important to China as a low-cost and effective proxy against India. It is now becoming important for China’s ambitious OBOR project, which is long term in nature. It is also assuming importance in China’s Central Asian strategy. No surprise therefore that China is reported to be encouraging the Pakistan Army to take charge of implementing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) since the civilian government of Nawaz Sharif is said to be too slow on delivery
With Mr. Modi now explicitly committed to the return of PoK including Gilgit and Baltistan to India, how would the Chinese react? Without Pakistani control over this disputed territory there would be no CPEC. If India additionally encourages anti-Pakistan militants in Balochistan, this would adversely affect the utility of Gwadar port, another key link in the OBOR. China would at least be under pressure to assuage heightened anxieties in Islamabad, and this may have a negative fallout on India-China relations
The setting for managing India-China relations has become more complex and risky. Over the past several years, leaders of both countries have seen it in their mutual interest to keep relations on an even keel despite their essentially adversarial nature. Acareful balance has been maintained between the competitive and cooperative components of the relationship
3. Must Read: An avoidable war of attrition
(http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/sanjay-hegde-on-ts-thakurs-complaints-over-delay-in-clearing-judicial-appointments/article8995393.ece?homepage=true)
The Indian Express
1. Must Read: Tackling poverty in India: Key lessons on road to sharing prosperity
(http://indianexpress.com/article/explained/world-bank-india-poverty-report-2979461/)
PIB
1. President’s greetings on the eve of Parsi New Year
The Parsi Community of India has played a major role in the building of our nation and contributed immensely to development of our country in various spheres, including industry, commerce, trade and education.
The Navroz festival signifies the coming of the new and passing of the old.
2. Ancient camping site dating 8500 BC discovered by ASI at 14000 feet above sea level on the way to Saser La to Ladakh
An ancient camping site dating ninth millennium BC has been discovered by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under Ministry of Culture, on the way to Saser La which leads to the Karakoram Pass in Ladakh. While exploring in Nubra valley during 2015-16, Dr. S.B. Ota, Joint Director General in ASI observed both sides of hill and valley as the serpentine road, gradually climbed along the Saser Stream. After covering a distance of about 22 km, he noticed a section, exposed due to road construction, showing successive layers comprising burning residue and immediately stopped to explore the area. It was a small flat area with snow-covered peaks on
one extreme, dry barren land with loose rocks all around and gushing stream within the deep western gorges, an ideal place for camping in a picturesque setting.
A charcoal sample collected from the Site, was subsequently sent to BETA LAB, Florida, USA, for radiocarbon date determination in order to understand the antiquity of the above stated camp-site. The outcome i.e. 8500 BC (10500 years before present) was beyond even ASI’s expectation. Such an early antiquity on the basis of a scientific date was the very first for that region.
3. NHAI collaborates with PFC under Adopt a Green Highway Program
National Green Highways Mission (NGHM) under NHAI has collaborated with Power Finance Corporation Ltd. (PFC) for plantations work on NH 7 in Nagpur region (Borkhedi – Wadner, & Khatara – Kelapur) covering 87 km stretch. Power Finance Corporation Ltd. has provided financial assistance of Rs. 13 crore for plantation and five year maintenance under their CSR funds.
This event is historic as this marks the first collaboration with the National Green Highways Mission - NHAI under their ‘Adopt a Green Highway’ Program. Adopt a Green Highway Program is an initiative by NGHM to engage Corporates, Public Sector Units, Governmental organizations, institutions and individuals under CSR and Public Private Partnership for developing green corridor along NHs.
4. Uma Bharti Hails Wapcos Work in Afghanistan
Company Pays Record Dividend to the Government
The Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has hailed the performance of WAPCOS Ltd, a PSU of her Ministry. Referring to the successful construction of Salma dam in Afghanistan by the company the Minister said such activities not only bring name and fame to the company but also create tremendous goodwill for the country.
The BusinessLine:
1. Unfinished business
(http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/unfinished-business/article8995284.ece)
Topic: GSTCategory: Economy
Key points:
When the Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha last week, it paved the way for the law relating to Goods and Service Tax ( GST) to be introduced in the country
The rate of tax under GST is still anyone’s guess, and the grey areas in input tax credit are yet to be fixed.
While the removal of the 1 per cent “Help GST” tax to assist manufacturing States is good news; the very fact that such a levy, that goes against all qualities that an ideal GST should possess, was even thought of is a cause for concern. It leaves one with the impression that the Government could resort to such levies whenever the going gets tough in terms of tax collections
The focus now would be on the administrative issues Numerous provisions in the Model GST law need to be completely rewritten. The
benefits of GST will trickle down only if there is a seamless and across-the-board availability of input tax credit
The Model GST law has conveniently replicated most of the present restrictions on availing input tax credit, and rubbed salt into the wounds of the tax payer by adding afew more such as paying taxes and filing returns
A “GST Implementation Team” needs to be formed quickly which will comprise representatives from industry and commerce and should not have any political representation
The team needs to look at the Model GST Law with a fresh set of eyes and suggest necessary changes. It is this law that should be discussed later by those who matter
Pushing through the present law just for the purpose of introducing GST would only make GST a cosmetic makeover of the present laws than the game changer it is supposed to be
Must Read: How India banked on reforms
(http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/how-india-banked-on-reforms/article8995275.ece)
Note: It can be advised not to skip an article by C. Rangarajan
Quick Bits and News from States
1. Russia conducts Syria air raids using Iran base
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/russia-conducts-syria-air-raids-using-iran-base/article8995472.ece?w=alauto)
Russia on Tuesday announced for the first time it had flown bombing raids against jihadist groups in Syria from an airbase in Iran after deploying its warplanes to the country.
The raids mark a shift in Moscow’s military strategy in war-torn Syria, where its bombing campaign in support of long-time ally Bashar Al-Assad had until now been flown out from bases in Russia and the Russian airbase in Syria.
2. Tata Power Solar commissions 100 MW project for NTPC
(http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/tata-power-solar-commissions-100-mw-project-for-ntpc/article8995402.ece?w=alauto)
Tata Power Solar, one of the country’s largest integrated solar companies, on Tuesday announced that it had successfully commissioned a 100 MW solar project for NTPC in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. This is the biggest solar project commissioned using domestically manufactured solar cells and modules, the company said in a release. The plant is expected to generate nearly 160 million kWh of energy per year and help offset approximately 110,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in its first year of operation.
3. J&K resettlement law: SC hints referring it to larger Bench
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jammu-and-kashmir-resettlement-law-supreme-court-hints-referring-it-to-a-larger-bench/article8995159.ece?w=alauto)
The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it may refer to a Constitution Bench a plea challenging the validity of the Jammu and Kashmir Resettlement Act if it finds that some issues needed interpretation of the Constitution.
The Act envisages grant of permit for resettlement of Pakistani nationals who had migrated to Pakistan from Jammu and Kashmir between 1947 and 1954 after India’s partition.
3. Draft Ganga Act to draw from Highways Act
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/draft-ganga-act-to-draw-from-highways-act/article8995510.ece?w=alauto)
A first-of-its-kind bill to regulate a river — the Ganga Act, as it is now called and being drafted by experts — will draw from the National Highways Act and allow the Centre final say over States during disputes over management of its water, said a top official in the water ministry.
The National Highways Authority of India Act empowers the Central government to have complete power over roads designated as “national highways.” It also gives them authority over bridges, culverts and associated land stretches near highways. There was lack of consensus between the Ganga States on how money allotted should be spent though, according to officials associated with the project.
4. Move to bring all airports under CISF cover
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/move-to-bring-all-airports-under-cisf-cover/article8995838.ece?homepage=true)
The Home Ministry has turned down the Civil Aviation Ministry’s proposal to raise a separate force for aviation security. Instead, the government wants to bring all airports under the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), a senior Home Ministry official said. The decision comes in the wake of the attacks on Brussels’ Zaventem airport and Metro. A plan is also under way to de-link the cost of security personnel, now borne by the airport developer, as security is a “sovereign function.”
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
Human Rights Watch
Biofortification
National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)
G-20
Reforms in the external sector
Tags
Human Rights Watch
Biofortification
National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)
G-20
Reforms in the external sector
Practice Questions:Question1: Which of the following is/are correct?
1. DRR Dhan 45 is a biofortified variety of rice fortified with zinc2. Biofortification can fight hidden hunger
a) 1 only b)2 only c)Both 1 and 2 d)Neither 1 nor 2Ans c
Question 2: Which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Human Rights Watch (HRW) is an international non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights
2. Human Rights Watch is a founding member of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange, a global network of non-governmental organizations that monitor censorship worldwide
a) 1 only b)2 only c)Both 1 and 2 d)Neither 1 nor 2Ans c
Question 3: Which of the following statements is/are correct about National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)?
1. It is a financing, planning, implementing, monitoring and coordinating authority for the Ganga river
2. The Chief Ministers of all the 11 states through which Ganges flow are its members
a) 1 only b) 2 only c)Both 1 and 2 d)Neither 1 nor 2Ans a
Ans d
Question 4: Which of the following statements is/are correct about G20?
1.Financial Stability is the main concern of the group
2.It is a forum of both developed and developing countries
a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d)Neither 1 nor 2
Ans c
Question 5: Which of the following was/were external sector reforms introduced in the 1990s?
1. Introduction of managed floating exchange rate system2. Easing of quantitative import barriers3. Reduction of tariffs
a) 1 only b) 2 only c) 1 and 2 only d)All the above
Ans: d
Useful News Articles17-8-2016
A. GS1 Related
B. GS2 Related1. Bangladesh backs Modi on Balochistan
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bangladesh-backs-modi-on-balochistan/article8999721.ece?homepage=true)
Topic: Pakistan and BangladeshCategory: India’s Neighbourhood
Key points: Bangladesh on Wednesday came out in support of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi’s stand on the Balochistan issue, saying Dhaka would soon make a policy declaration on Pakistan’s human rights abuses in Balochistan
As part of the counter-terror strategy, India and Bangladesh have agreed on a “MoU on data exchange”, which will ensure pre-emptive intervention targeting terrorists
2. In a first, juvenile to be tried as adult in gang-rape case
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/in-a-first-juvenile-to-be-tried-as-adult-in-gangrape-case/article8999718.ece?homepage=true)
Topic: JudiciaryCategory: Polity
Key points: In a first instance in rape cases, the Juvenile Justice Board asked a child
in conflict with law (CCL) to face trial as an adult for allegedly kidnapping and gang-raping a minor along with his friends in March this year
The Board transferred the case to a Sessions court on the basis of a report submitted to it by experts tasked to preliminarily assess the mental and physical capacity of the delinquent juvenile to commit the crime
C.GS3 Related1. S&T NewsRead: Stephen Hawking’s prediction about black holes observed in lab(http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/stephen-hawkings-prediction-about-black-holes-observed-in-lab/article8998974.ece?homepage=true)Talks about Hawking radiation which explains the shrinkage of a black hole now observed in a virtual experiment
D.GS4 RelatedE. Important Articles and Editorials:The Hindu
1.Read: An anachronistic law
(http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/sedition-charges-against-amnesty-international-an-anachronistic-law/article8999607.ece?homepage=true)Talks about the sedition law introduced in 1870 and the SC case related to it. Last year, in Shreya Singhal v. Union of India, the SC declared unconstitutional the notorious Section 66A of the Information Technology. Look that up too
2. Disquiet on the western front(http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/happymon-jacob-on-indiapakistan-border-loc-security/article8999610.ece?homepage=true)
Topic: PakistanCategory: India’ Neighbouhood
Key points:
In April this year, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs constituted a Committee to Strengthen Border Protection (CSBP) with a mandate “to study all types of gaps in fencing and all other vulnerabilities on Indo-Pakistan Border and to suggest comprehensive approach to fix these gaps in fencing and other vulnerabilities on interim and permanent basis”
It is surprising that there is hardly any bilateral treaty/legal basis to guide the management of the border between India and Pakistan. The India Pakistan Border Ground Rules, 1960-61, which is ‘supposed’ to form the basis of the management of the International Border (IB) between the two sides, has not been signed by the two governments. More so, India does not officially recognise the ground rules
More curiously, even though the two sides have not yet signed the ground rules, they have to abide by it in Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat since there is practically nothing else to go by. That, strictly speaking, is an ad hoc arrangement to manage a border that runs into thousands of kilometres
While the border in Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat has not had any significant issues due to the non-finalisation of the 1960-61 ground rules, this poses a serious problem in the Jammu sector, especially given Pakistan’s non-recognition of the finality of this border and the recurrent ceasefire violations that happen in the region
The other major treaty-related confusion is regarding the basis of border management on the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir. India has generally argued that the Shimla Agreement of 1972 (which brought the current LoC into existence) made the Karachi Agreement of 1949 (which refers to the Ceasefire Line) irrelevant, something Pakistan disagrees with
The so-called 2003 Ceasefire Agreement is yet another example of bilateral ad hocism. India and Pakistan have so far taken no serious steps to formalise the 13-year-old agreement. The ceasefire agreement, as it stands today, is not a written document with properly laid-down rules, norms or principles which
would have enabled the two sides to better manage the border and reduce violence and casualties
There are a number of physical challenges to securing the border, especially the maintenance of the fence which has successfully reduced infiltration and cross-border crime. The fence has a number of gaps across the States it runs through
Inadequate personnel and the consequent hardship faced by troops on the ground are the other major challenge facing the management of India’s western border
The sheer lack of boots on the ground, which results in 16-18 hour duty for the soldiers in such prohibitive conditions, needs to be addressed, as well as the issue of stagnation within the ranks of the force
2.Read : Uniting the divided world order(http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/feroze-varun-gandhi-on-multilateralism-uniting-the-divided-world-order/article8999605.ece?homepage=true)
The Indian Express
1. An experiment with power
(http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/an-experiment-with-power-manipur-electricity-2981674/)
Topic: Power SectorCategory: Economy
Key points:
Electricity distribution has become better in Manipur according to many of its inhabitants
Electricity supply has three aspects: Generation, transmission and distribution. Generation will be a major issue in Manipur, especially in times other than the rainy season. Much of the power will have to come from outside the state — Arunachal
Pradesh (Lower Subansiri), Assam (Bongaigaon) and Tripura (Palatana) — even if hydroelectricity generation from the Loktak project increases
Manipur is not the only state to experiment with prepaid electricity. Haryana and Lucknow, in UP, has prepaid electricity vouchers. These vouchers require a prepaid electricity meter, so that consumers can be alerted when a recharge is necessary
The purpose of prepaid meters and prepaid vouchers is to reduce aggregate technical and commercial losses (ATC), a part of which is euphemism for theft
People have been jailed for stealing electricity and tampering with meters. The power situation has improved. Collections from payments of electricity bills have increased. At the same time, demand for electricity has reduced by 50 per cent and tripping incidents have become rarer. The number of consumers has also gone up. One should reiterate that this is an increase in the number of legal consumers. There is better planning — on the supply side — and there is no need for VIP lines (those guaranteed uninterrupted power supply regardless of what was happening in the rest of Manipur).
If consumers know exactly how much electricity they are consuming (there are instant alerts) and how much that costs (not quite the same with post-paid bills), they are morejudicious in using electricity
2.Read: Story of Gilgit-Baltistan: Snatched by British, occupied by Pakistan
(http://indianexpress.com/article/explained/the-story-of-gilgit-baltistan-pm-modi-balochistan-india-pakistan-2981634/)
PIB
1. BARC develops portable kit for detection of Chromium contamination of water
Chromium is widely used in various industries like leather, steel, chrome plating, paint manufacturing, wood preservation etc. Untreated effluents from these industries cause widespread contamination of water has been reported in several parts of the country. BARC has developed a simple, user friendly, quick and cost effective kit for onsite determination of Cr(VI), which meets IS10500. It provides the much needed solution to measure the level of Chromium
contamination in drinking water and tap water, lakes, rivers as well as ground water. The procedure involves adding a specified amount of specific reagents to the water sample and identifying the developed colour2. 2nd Meeting of BRICS Ministers for Disaster Management to be held in Udaipur, Rajasthan on August 22-23, 2016
The 2nd Meeting of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China & South Africa) Ministers for Disaster Management will be held in Udaipur, Rajasthan on August 22-23, 2016. The two-day meeting will focus on two distinct but inter-related themes: a) Flood Risk Management; and b) Forecasting of Extreme Weather Events in the context of Changing Climate. It is a follow up of the 1st meeting of the BRICS Ministers for Disaster Management convened by the Russian Federation in St. Petersburg on April 19-20, 2016.
3. New steps to enhance transparency in Power Sector
Shri Piyush Goyal launches ‘TARANG’ ‘e-Trans’ & ‘DEEP’
Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines opened a new chapter to enhance transparency in power transmission sector of the country by launching the ‘TARANG’ Mobile App, ‘e-Trans’ & ‘DEEP’ e-bidding web portals, developed by Rural Electrification Corporation Transmission Projects Company Limited (RECTPCL), a subsidiary of REC Ltd, in New Delhi today.
The Minister informed that with the perspective of good governance, and keeping in line with the “Digital India” initiative of Government of India, ‘TARANG’ (Transmission App for Real Time Monitoring & Growth) Mobile App & Web Portal has been developed by RECTPCL, under the guidance of Ministry of Power. Introduction of the electronic platform shall enhance ease, accountability & transparency and would boost confidence of investors in power transmission sector. Better price discovery shall ultimately benefit the power consumers in India.
Apart from Tarang, Shri Goyal unveiled the ‘e-Trans’ web platform for e-bidding and e-reverse auction for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) in transmission projects.
The Minister also launched the ‘DEEP (Discovery of Efficient Electricity Price) e-Bidding’ portal for medium term (1-5 years) purchase of power, on the occasion. He informed that the Portal will provide a common e-bidding platform with e-reverse auction facility to facilitate nation-
wide power procurement through a wider network so as to bring uniformity and transparency in the process of power procurement.
4. National Commission for Scheduled Caste Submits Three Reports to President of India
The reports are:-
1. Annual Report of NCSC 2015-16,
2. Report on the Effective Utilization of Funds under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP)-2016, and
3. Report on Atrocities against Kuravan community in Tamil Nadu-2016
The BusinessLine:
Read: Flexibility needed
(http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/editorial/flexibility-needed/article8999432.ece)
Towards the end of the article note why IRDA wants companies dealing with goods of public relevance to list in stock exchanges
Quick Bits and News from States
1. It's a result of 12 years of hard work, says Sakshi Malik
(http://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/bronze-medal-is-a-result-of-my-12-years-of-hard-work-sakshi/article9000424.ece?homepage=true)
Sakshi Malik scripted history by becoming the first woman wrestler from India to bag an Olympic medal and only fourth female athlete from the country to climb up the podium at the biggest sporting event. Sakshi Malik won first medal for India in Women's 58-kg freestyle
2. Suresh Prabhu announces four new trains
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/suresh-prabhu-new-trains-antyodaya-express-utkrisht-doubledecker-airconditioned-yatri-deen-dayalu-coaches-humsafar/article8999117.ece?w=alauto)
New trains:
1. Antyodaya Express: Dedicated train for unreserved passengers,
2. Humsafar — a fully third AC train(The Tejas category of trains will run at 130 km an hour with local cuisine, Wi-Fi and other amenities on board)
3. UDAY (Utkrisht Double-Decker Air-conditioned Yatri), which will be overnight trains plying on the busiest routes to increase capacity by 40 per cent
3. SC to decide if ban on possession of beef is unconstitutional
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-to-decide-if-ban-on-possession-of-beef-is-unconstitutional/article8999191.ece?w=alauto)
Agreeing to apply its judicial mind on the raging cow debate, the Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to decide on whether ban on mere possession of bovine meat is unconstitutional and infringes on the right to privacy and choice of food of a citizen. The Bombay high court had held that punishing a person for mere possession of beef amounted to State intrusion into a citizen's right to life and personal liberty — a freedom assured under Article 21 of the Constitution while upholding the ban on slaughter
4. More cold chains, food parks to boost farm incomes
(http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/more-cold-chains-food-parks-to-boost-farm-incomes/article8999592.ece?w=alauto)
The government plans to set up 100 new cold chain projects at a cost of Rs. 12,000 crore to Rs.13,000 crore and has kicked off the process to invite investors to set up six new mega food parks, in a bid to boost farm sector incomes by establishing farm to fork linkages. India loses an estimated Rs.92,000 crore a year due owing to wasted food.
5. Antwerp port offers to help develop AP trade
(http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/antwerp-port-offers-to-help-develop-ap-trade/article8999599.ece?w=alauto)
Belgium’s Antwerp Port Authority, which operates the largest port in Europe after Rotterdam, has offered its expertise to explore trade through ports in the east coast of India to Europe and assist in the development of greenfield ports in Andhra Pradesh. The European nation is also keen to help develop industrial and petroleum clusters, inland waterways and smart cities in AP.
6. Suu Kyi to discuss frozen dam project in China
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/suu-kyi-to-discuss-frozen-dam-project-in-china/article8999731.ece?w=alauto)
Myanmar’s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi left for a high-profile trip to China on Wednesday to discuss the fate of a jointly built dam and hydroelectric plant that Myanmar put on hold amid questions over which country will benefit from it.
According to officials, the five-day visit will tackle a new and delicate era in relations, including development aid and Myanmar’s upcoming complex peace process involving the government, the military and ethnic armed groups
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
Section 124 A
Doha Rounds
Gilgit Baltistan
Public Good
Kuravan Community
Tags
Section 124 A
Doha Rounds
Gilgit Baltistan
Public Good
Kuravan Community
NCSC
Practice Questions:
Question1: Which of the following is/are correct about the sedition law as laid down by Section 124 A of the Indian Penal Code?
1.It is to thwart attempts to bring in hatred or contempt or disaffection towards the government established by law
2.Imprisonment for life can be awarded for its breach
a) 1 only b)2 only c)Both 1 and 2 d)Neither 1 nor 2Ans c
Question 2: Which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The Kuravar is an ethnic Tamil community native of southern India engaged in salt trade2. The Kuravar community is listed in the Scheduled castes list while they have tribal
traits
a) 1 only b)2 only c)Both 1 and 2 d)Neither 1 nor 2Ans c
Question 3: Which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Apublic good is a good that is both non-excludable and non-rivalrous in that individuals cannot be effectively excluded from use and where use by one individual does not reduce availability to others
2. Coal is a public good
a) 1 only b) 2 only c)Both 1 and 2 d)Neither 1 nor 2Ans a
Ans d
Question 4: Which of the following statements is/are the mandate of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes?
1. To investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the Scheduled
Castes under the Constitution or under any other law or order of the government
2. To inquire into complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the Scheduled Castes
a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d)Neither 1 nor 2
Ans c
Question 5: Which of the following is/are correct?
1. Gilgit- Baltistan is a Pakistan administered territory2. There is no outstanding dispute between India and Pakistan regarding Gilgit-
Baltistan
a) 1 only b) 2 only c) 1 and 2 only d)All the above
Ans: a
Useful News Articles19-8-2016
A. GS1 Related
B. GS2 Related1. 73% of Law Ministry budget goes for poll-related work
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/73-of-law-ministry-budget-goes-for-pollrelated-work/article9003988.ece?w=alauto)
Topic: AccountabilityCategory: Governance
Key points:∑ Almost 73 per cent of the Rs.5,011 crore budgetary allocation to the
Ministry of Law and Justice for the current financial year has been earmarked for election-related expenses
∑ According to the Financial and Outcome Budget released by the Law Ministry, it has been allocated about Rs.4,112 crore under the non-plan and Rs.900 crore under the plan revenue heads
∑ The Organs of State Elections have been granted Rs.3,649.29 crore. While Rs.1,761.43 crore is given for Lok Sabha elections and Assembly elections in States or Union Territories, Rs. 1,847.86 crore has been earmarked for other election-related expenses
∑ This financial year, the government has to spend Rs.40 crore for the issuance of voter identity cards
∑ The budget also provides Rs. 140 crore for the National Legal Services Authority, which extends free legal services to the weaker sections and also organises Lok Adalats for dispute settlement
∑ The income tax appellate and national tax tribunals have been allocated Rs. 73.48 crore
∑ The Law Ministry has been given Rs. 256 crore for the implementation of the e-courts’ second phase
∑ The “Access to Justice” project is being implemented in the eight North-Eastern States, and Jammu and Kashmir, at a total cost of Rs.30 crore for five years (2012-17)
2. Can’t avoid pesticides, say farm experts
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cant-avoid-pesticides-say-farm-experts/article9003989.ece?w=alauto)
Topic: AgricultureCategory: Governance
Key points:∑ In its recently presented report in Parliament for 2015-16, titled “Impact of
chemical fertilizers and pesticides on agriculture and allied sectors in the country,” an expert panel said fertilisers and pesticides changed the face of agriculture by enhancing production and productivity, but excessive and unscientific use of pesticides caused tremendous harm to the environment and affected human population indirectly
∑ But they say their judicious use, combined with safe agricultural practices, is the only way out as the country’s growing demand for food cannot be met through organic farming
C.GS3 Related1. We used less lethal, non-lethal munitions in Kashmir: CRPF
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/we-used-less-lethal-nonlethal-munitions-in-kashmir-crpf/article9004539.ece?w=alauto)
Topic: Riot ControlCategory: Security
Key points:
∑ The CRPF on Thursday told the Jammu and Kashmir High Court that it used 1.6 million pellets in 32 days in Kashmir to control street protests
∑ The CRPF said it used 14 types of “less lethal and non-lethal” munitions to control crowds, including Oleoresin grenades, pepper balls, stun grenades and electric shellsNote: Check out other non- lethal options
2. Panel suggests corporate bond index, easier norms for FPIs
(http://www.thehindu.com/business/markets/panel-suggests-corporate-bond-index-easier-norms-for-fpis/article9003894.ece?w=alauto)
Topic: Capital marketCategory: Economy
Key points:
∑ The ‘Report of the Working Group on Development of Corporate Bond Market in India’ has been submitted to the RBI Governor in his capacity as Chairman of the FSDC (Financial Stability and Development Council) Sub Committee, which comprises members from various regulators
∑ It suggested easing of norms for foreign investors, a corporate bond index on the lines of Sensex or Nifty, and making it mandatory for large corporates to tap this market for funds beyond a threshold
∑ Large corporates with borrowings from the banking system above a cut-off level may be required to tap the market for a portion of their working capital and term loan needs. Necessary guidelines may be issued by RBI taking into account market conditions by September 2016
∑ It also wanted tightening of norms for credit rating agencies by mandating them to strictly adhere to timely public disclosure of defaults
3. Giant hybrid airship takes off for first time
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/giant-hybrid-airship-takes-off-for-first-time/article9004022.ece?w=alauto)
Topic: Air transport innovations/DefenceCategory: S & T
Key points:
∑ The Airlander- a blimp-shaped, helium-filled airship — considered the world’s largest aircraft — has flown for the first time with a short but historic jaunt over an airfield in central England
∑ It is designed to use less fuel than a plane, but carry heavier loads than conventional airships. Its developer, Hybrid Air Vehicles, says it can reach 16,000 feet, travel at up to 148 kmph and stay aloft for up to two weeks
D.GS4 RelatedE. Important Articles and Editorials:
The Hindu
1.Read: Death by liquor(http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/death-by-liquor-in-bihars-gopalganj/article9003922.ece?homepage=true)It is on the Prohibition Debate?
2. Sakshi Malik, champion
(http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/olympics-bronze-medalist-in-wrestling-sakshi-malik-champion/article9003877.ece?homepage=true)
Topic: SportsCategory: Governance
Key points:
∑ Malik’s is the story of a young girl working through the system, of being drawn to wrestling after accompanying her grandfather to the akhara, of knowing that
dedication would take her places, to tournaments whose names she didn’t know initially. Haryana has outdone the rest of the country in getting its sportspersons to the greatest competitions: Malik’s Rohtak-to-Rio journey must nudge the authorities to accept that it is the state’s responsibility to provide its young the opportunity to train and compete
∑ Malik’s journey also validates wrestling at a time when it is struggling to ensure its continuance as an Olympic sport. In 2013, the International Olympic Committee had actually initiated the process to discontinue it from the 2020 Games onwards. The IOC votes on considerations such as television ratings, popularity and anti-doping measures
∑ But one of the things wrestling did in the wake of that scare was to increase the number of medals on offer to women at the Olympics. From the older breakdown of seven medals each for men in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, the number came down to six each; women now got to compete for six medals instead of the earlier four (women don’t compete in Greco-Roman at the Games). If anyone still thought that wrestling, with its ancient connect, should cease to be in the Olympics, Malik’s victory celebration must surely have melted themNote to P.V Sindhu: We want gold. No pressure though
2.Read: ‘Time for a National Water Commission’
(http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/interview/mihir-shah-on-importance-of-an-integrated-policy-for-groundwater-and-surface-water/article9003908.ece?homepage=true)
The Indian Express
PIB
1. 5th Meeting of the India Russia Working group on Modernization and Industrial CooperationThe talks during the meeting were held in a constructive atmosphere and both sides acknowledged their mutual interest in further strengthening and expanding bilateral cooperation between Russian and Indian companies in different sectors. Both sides also
took note of the discussions held during the meeting of subgroups on Modernization, Mining, Fertilizers and Civil Aviation.
2. India Post Payments Bank Incorporated
The India Post Payments Bank Limited has received the Certificate of Incorporation from theRegistrar of Companies, Ministry of Corporate Affairs yesterday under the Companies Act 2013. This would be the first PSU under the Department of Posts.
3. INS Satpura Visits Pohnpei, Micronesia
In a demonstration of India’s commitment to peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and Indian Navy’s increasing footprint and operational reach, Indian Naval Ship INS Satpura today entered Pohnpei Micronesia on a two day visit, for an operational turn around, as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific.
The ship is enroute to India after participation in Exercise RIMPAC-16, which is the largest multilateral naval exercise in the world, conducted biennially by the US Navy off the Hawaiian Coast.
4. Supreme Court directs CPCB to receive one per cent Environment protection charge from manufacturers/dealers in Delhi & National Capital region
Hon’ble Supreme Court has directed all manufacturers/dealers of Delhi-NCR, selling diesel cars with engine capacity of 2000 cc and above, to pay 1% Environment Protection Charge (1% of Ex-Showroom price of the vehicle).
5. As part of its commitment to the people of Andhra Pradesh and to compensate the financial impact arising-out of the bifurcation of State of Andhra Pradesh, the Central Government decides to give Special Assistance of Rs.1,976.50 crore to Andhra Pradesh during 2016-17.
6. Central Government decides to simplify the consent mechanism for Open Market Borrowings (OMBs) under Article 293(3) of the Constitution of India for raising OMBs by the States.
In the spirit of Co-operative federalism and in order to bring-in the transparency and predictability in the Open Market Borrowings (OMBs) by the States, the Central Government has decided to simplify the consent mechanism for OMBs under Article 293 (3) of the Constitution.
Till now, the States were required to obtain quarterly consent from the Central Government for raising OMBs within the Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC) fixed for each of the States as per the formula prescribed by the Fourteenth Finance Commission (FFC).
The simplified procedure will ensure that consent under Article 293(3) is issued only on three occasions during the year, one in the month of April for first nine months after fixation of borrowing ceilings, second in the month of December for the first two months of the fourth quarter and last in the month of March after the assessment of actual borrowings by the States.
7. MoU signed between Indian Oil Corporation Limited and the Roads and Highways Department of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on Route Permit for carrying Petroleum Goods via Bangladesh
Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) and the Roads and Highways Department of People’s Republic of Bangladesh today signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Dhaka. The MoU enables IOCL to send its trucks carrying Motor Spirit, High Speed Diesel, Superior Kerosene Oil & Liquefied Petroleum Gas from Meghalaya to Tripura via territory of Bangladesh. The validity of this facility is till end September, 2016. Both sides have also agreed to extend the transit facility for a further short period on need basis.
The BusinessLine:
1. Care work: the future of work(http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/columns/c-p-chandrasekhar/care-work-the-future-of-work/article8991300.ece)Topic: LabourCategory: Economy
Key points:
∑ Across the world there is much gloom and doom about the impact of technological changes on jobs, as automation and other innovations are seen to threaten not just blue-collar jobs but also many forms of office work
∑ But even so, some of the extreme pessimism may be misplaced because of the possible emergence of other forms of employment that are more based on human interaction. Particularly care services
∑ Many care services necessarily require face-to-face relationships, and even if technologies can assist in these and make them more productive, the human element cannot be eliminated
∑ This in turn means that the care economy, will continue to be an important source of employment generation in the foreseeable future, and is likely to expand at a faster rate than many other economic activities
∑ The category of “health workers” includes healthcare managers, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologist and psychotherapists, other healthcare therapists and complementary medicine therapists, dentists and dental nurses and other health care assistants
∑ If reasonably adequate care services are to be provided to people across the world in 2030, this will require a massive increase in care employment, even in the very limited occupational categories mentioned
∑ In most countries and regions, this is likely to be a significant proportion of the working age population — and therefore an even larger proportion of the actual employed population
∑ In terms of providing such services to a reasonable level, many more workers will be required in related activities as part of the support and administrative systems to deliver these services
∑ It is evident that Asia dominates in the requirement, simply because of its large population — but what is surprising is that, despite the current perceptions of a younger population than in other regions, the requirement in terms of elderly care is also going to be very large, amounting to well over half the total requirement in 2030 This provides some idea of the potential of the care economy to generate jobs in the future. But this will not be delivered by market forces on their own, and nor will such jobs be “decent work” if the market alone is to determine this. The need for state intervention — and for public provision of these essential care services — is therefore paramount
Quick Bits and News from States
1. Centre funding 16 yoga research projects
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-funding-16-yoga-research-projects/article9003992.ece?homepage=true)
The Department of Science and Technology has funded a wide range of research institutions to study the efficacy of yoga and whether it has a role in alleviating stroke, type-2 diabetes, Parkinson’s and schizophrenia. SATYAM, an acronym for Science and Technology of Yoga and Medicine, has been conceived to develop good science around yoga and has nothing to do with religious beliefs, say associated officials.
2. Vacate PoK, India tells Pakistan
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/vacate-pok-india-tells-pakistan/article9004536.ece?homepage=true)
Spat of words again between the foreign ministries of two countries. Real mature!
3. Army’s plan to procure carbine hangs fire
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/armys-plan-to-procure-carbine-hangs-fire/article9003984.ece?w=alauto)
Uncertainty hangs over the Army’s six-year-old quest to procure modern carbines for its infantry units, with commercial bids set to expire next month even as some have raised questions over the field trials. Carbines are rifles with short-range barrels and more suitable for close quarter combat. The Army has put out a requirement for a gun with an integrated sight and laser designator.
4. ‘NAM principles more relevant now’
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nam-principles-more-relevant-now/article9004538.ece?homepage=true)
NAM to be held at Venezuela. The Indian PM may or may not attend. The Indian government’s offer of supplying Venezuela much needed pharmaceutical products in exchange for oil being discussed
5. Centre unveils Internet portal for online tracking of mines
(http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/centre-unveils-internet-portal-for-online-tracking-of-mines/article9003902.ece?w=alauto)
The Ministry of Mines unveiled a web portal for the easy access to information regarding the mining sector in India, including a framework for rating mines. The star rating system will be based on parameters such as efforts taken to mitigate environmental impact of the mines and to resettle and rehabilitate the people affected and the adoption of international standards for mining operations and reporting.
6. Suu Kyi to discuss frozen dam project in China
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/suu-kyi-to-discuss-frozen-dam-project-in-china/article8999731.ece?w=alauto)
Myanmar’s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi left for a high-profile trip to China on Wednesday to discuss the fate of a jointly built dam and hydroelectric plant that Myanmar put on hold amid questions over which country will benefit from it.
According to officials, the five-day visit will tackle a new and delicate era in relations, including development aid and Myanmar’s upcoming complex peace process involving the government, the military and ethnic armed groups
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
National Water Commission
Prohibition
Airlander
Payment Bank
Prohibition
Tags
National Water Commission
Prohibition
Airlander
Payment Bank
Prohibition
Practice Questions:
Question1: Which of the following is/are correct?
1.The tax rate under the Income Declaration scheme is 45% which includes 7.5% penalty and 7.5% surcharge and the normal tax rate of 30%
2. The tax rate under the disclosure of foreign assets scheme was 60%
a) 1 only b)2 only c)Both 1 and 2 d)Neither 1 nor 2Ans c
Question 2: Which of the following is/are to be the divisions of the proposed National Water Commission?
1.Irrigation Reform
2.River Rejuvenation
3.Water Security
4.Water Quality
a) 1 and 2 only b)2 and 3 only c)1,2 and 4 only d)All the AboveAns d
Question 3: Which of the following statements is/are correct about the Airlander, the giant hybrid Aircraft developed in England?
1. It is a helium filled airship
2. It uses less fuel than an ordinary plane
a) 1 only b) 2 only c)Both 1 and 2 d)Neither 1 nor 2Ans c
Question 4: Which of the following states has/have imposed prohibition of alcohol?
1. Gujarat
2. Bihar
3. Nagaland
4. Kerala
a) 2only b) 2 and 4 only c) 1,2 and 3 d)All the Above
Ans d
Question 5: Which of the following is/are correct about payment bank?
1. It cannot lend and issue credit card2. Payment banks are to target India’s migrant labourers, low-income households and
small businesses, offering savings accounts and remittance services with a low transaction cost
a) 1 only b) 2 only c) 1 and 2 only d)All the above
Ans: c
Useful News Articles 20-8-2016
A.GS1 Related
B. GS2 Related
1.SC asks for norms to inform family of critically ill patients
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-asks-for-norms-to-inform-family-of-critically-ill-
patients/article9009057.ece?w=alauto)
Topic: Medical Negligence
Category: Right to life
Key points:
The Supreme Court has asked the government to respond to a plea seeking
guidelines for private hospitals to provide families regular health bulletins
and information about the treatment of patients in intensive care or
coronary care units (ICU/CCU)
The SC sought this information from the Centre, the states and the Medical
Council of India (MCI) following a petition by a man who lost his daughter-
in-law due to alleged negligence on the part of the doctors treating her at a
private hospital in West Bengal
2.Latest MoP draft awaits green light from judges
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/latest-mop-draft-awaits-green-light-from-
judges/article9008927.ece?w=alauto)
Topic: Appointments and Transfers
Category: Judiciary
Key points:
The latest draft MoP for judges’ appointment is currently with the Chief Justice
of India and awaiting the judges’ approval
The latest MoP draft wants all Supreme Court and High Court judges to be able
to recommend names to their respective collegiums. Chief Ministers should also
have the right to recommend names to the respective High Court collegiums.
Similarly, the Attorney General should be allowed to recommend the names of
judges to the Supreme Court at the Centre and Advocate-General of States to
their respective State High Courts.
The draft details a mechanism for an elaborate vetting process of names
recommended for High Court judgeship through appraisal committees to be set
up in High Courts. The government wants these appraisal committees to be
made up of sitting or retired judges, jurists and academicians. The appointments
to these appraisal committees would be made by the Chief Justice of the High
Court
These High Court committees would screen the names of the candidates, their
backgrounds, the number of cases they have argued as lawyers, etc, before
forwarding them to the High Court collegium
Once the High Court collegium clears certain names, they would be sent to a
similar appraisal committee at the Supreme Court. This apex-level committee
would again sift through the names before they are finally referred to the SC
collegium
The government reasons that the two-fold vetting process – one by the
respective High Court appraisal committee and then by the Supreme Court
committee – would ensure transparency in judicial appointments
C.GS3 Related
1.Industry asks Centre for clarity on GST
(http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/industry-asks-centre-for-clarity-on-
gst/article9008428.ece?homepage=true)
Topic: Indirect Taxes
Category: Economy
Key points:
Apprehensions of Industries
Rajya Sabha Select Committee on GST indicates that inclusion of electricity is not
envisaged in GST. Non-inclusion of electricity will lead to significant economic
distortions
GST law included dual administrative control vested with both Centre and State,
wide discretionary powers given to the tax authorities, provisions relating to
mandatory pre-deposit for filing appeals, restrictions imposed on availing input
tax credit, potential of probable disputes due to separate valuation mechanism
prescribed for related party transactions, etc
Similarly, industry is concerned about the shoring up of costs that would occur in
the petroleum industry due to their inability to claim GST credit as petro-
products are temporarily not included in that system.(Solution:zero-rating or
concessional taxation under existing law on the inputs for these industries is
warranted)
Note:zero-rated supply refers to items that are taxable, but the rate of tax is nil
on their input supplies
The draft GST legislation provides that transaction value would include all taxes
other than CGST, SGST and IGST. This would lead to a tax on tax scenario(To
avoid tax cascading, transaction value should be valued net of any taxes)
2.Centre to pay outstanding dues to realty firms soon
(http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/centre-to-pay-outstanding-dues-to-realty-firms-
soon/article9008378.ece?w=alauto)
Topic: Construction sector
Category: Economy
Key points:
a special package of measures is being readied by the NitiAayog to alleviate the
cash crunch faced by the construction sector that is now the largest employer in
the country after agriculture, but has little or no capacity to take up new
infrastructure projects
One such measure, particularly for those suffering from huge debt burden and
where arbitration awards (over disputes with government agencies) have gone
in their favour is to expeditiously pay out a large chunk of the estimated Rs.1
lakh crore of outstanding dues owed to them by the govt. This policy is at an
advanced stage now and would enable government departments to pay financial
institutions lending to such developers directly
3. Intel unveils ‘merged reality’ with Project Alloy device
(http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/intel-unveils-merged-reality-with-project-alloy-
device/article9008432.ece?w=alauto)
Topic: Computing
Category: S &T
Key points:
Intel unveiled ‘merged reality’, a new way of experiencing virtual reality and real
world together, using cutting-edge technology in its developer forum
While virtual reality has gone mainstream, merged reality needs the right
software and hardware; and Intel is collaborating with technology companies to
make that possible. One of the companies Intel is working with is Microsoft,
which will release an update to Windows 10 next year that will bring Holographic
shell to PCs. It brings 2D and 3D together and makes multi-tasking with merged
reality possible
D.GS4 Related
E. Important Articles and Editorials:
The Hindu
1.Read: Keep a watch on food inflation
(http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/keep-a-watch-on-food-
inflation/article9008491.ece?homepage=true)
2.Moscow’s long shadow
(http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/how-to-deal-with-russia-will-confront-the-next-us-
president/article9008494.ece?homepage=true)
Topic: Russia. US and India
Category: International Relation
Key points:
Today, NATO allies of the U.S. are facing two distinct threats — on the east from an
aggressive Russia, and on the south and southeast from Islamist groups and the social
and political churn triggered by Islamism in Asia and Africa
Russian influence in Iran, Iraq and Syria make it an indispensable partner in the fight
against the Islamic State (IS) and Islamism
In cultural terms many opine that to win the war on terrorism, the U.S., Russia and India
must work together
Given India’s close links with Russia and given the fact India is also threatened by
terrorism, cooperation between the U.S, India and Russia on fighting Islamism is a
desirable direction to take
The Indian Express
PIB
1.MoU signed between Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences and University of
Latvia
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Central Council for Research in
Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) and University of Latvia on establishment of an academic chair in
Ayurveda was signed today at AYUSH Bhawan, New Delhi.
2.Meeting between Mr. Francis Gurry, the Director General, World Intellectual Property
organisation and Commerce & Industry Minister Smt.NirmalaSitharaman
The Commerce and Industry Minister has impressed upon the DG, WIPO that it would be in the
interest of WIPO as also global IP regime to have an External Office of WIPO in India. She
informed that India has already submitted a formal proposal in this regard, and is ready to offer
free of cost premises for opening of an External Office.WIPO and the Indian IP Office are co-
operating with each other in training of various IP Examiners and other stakeholders.
3.Pasighat advanced Landing Ground gets Operational
The upgraded Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) at Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh was
inaugurated.
4.Nepal Deputy PM Shri Bimalendra Nidhi visits NDMA
The Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal Shri Bimalendra Nidhi visited the National Disaster
Management Authority (NDMA) office here today. Shri Nidhi's visit to NDMA acquires
significance as Nepal is on its way to reconstruct itself after the massive earthquake that shook
the country last year.
The BusinessLine:
1.Read:Content is king
(http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/editorial/content-is-
king/article9008350.ece)
2. No getting away from water scarcity
(http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/no-getting-away-from-water-
scarcity/article9008344.ece)
Topic: Water Resources
Category: Governance
Key points:
The World Resources Institute (2015) estimates that about 54 per cent of India is water
stressed with scarcity affecting every part of the country
The World Bank estimates that by 2030 India’s per capita water availability may shrink
to half from the 2010 level of 1,588 cubic metres per year, which will push the country
from the ‘water scarce’ category to the ‘water stress’ category
The World Bank in its latest report (2016), High and Dry: Climate Change, Water and
the Economy, has cautioned that countries that lack a sufficient amount of water could
see their GDPs decline by as much as six per cent by 2050. Shouldn’t we take these
warnings seriously?
A recent scientific study (2015) came to the alarming conclusion that the water level in
the Indus Basin is falling by 4-6 mm/year, while the Ganges-Brahmaputra Basin is falling
by 15-20 mm/year
Given the fact that the country’s agriculture sector withdraws a considerable amount of
water from these two giant groundwater aquifers, their rapid depletion is worrying
The Standing Committee on Water Resources (2012-13) — “Repair, Renovation and
Restoration of Water Bodies” — underlined in its 16th report that small water bodies
that help to capture, conserve and store whatever little rainfall the region receives, have
been encroached upon mainly by municipalities and panchayats
The storage position in existing dams is shrinking due to accumulation of silt for several
years
Water needs to be looked at from the perspective of a shared resource; all the
stakeholders must play their respective role that entails individual and collective
responsibility
Stockholm Water Prize winner Rajendra Singh’s initiative of reviving the natural flow of
both surface and underground water in Rajasthan which in turn made the villagers
create their own ‘river parliaments’ to sustain water commons is remarkable and
worthy of emulation
There is an immediate need to secure the water supplies and improve the efficiency of
water usage through reviving and renovating small water bodies, propagating rainwater
harvesting and watershed management, and popularising more effective irrigation
techniques. These should be propagated and practised even during the monsoon season
Engineers and policymakers must get out of conventional ways of thinking to design and
build dams with large storage capacity so as to combat climate change too. While it is
not possible to totally avoid or stop siltation, one way is to carry out catchment area
treatment (CAT) involving various techniques such as plantation and check dams in the
degraded portions of the catchments so as to reduce the silt coming into the reservoirs.
Immediate initiatives are also required to reduce leakage from poorly maintained canal
systems and prohibit water-scarce States from growing water guzzling crops such as
sugarcane
Quick Bits and News from States
1.Sindhu lends silver lining to Olympic campaign
(http://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/sindhu-settles-for-silver-at-rio-
olympics/article9008386.ece?homepage=true)
P.V Sindhu did us mighty proud by clinching the silver medal in Women’s badminton singles at
Rio. She is the first Indian woman to win Olympic silver. She is both a Padma and an Arjuna
awardee. Kudos to P Gopi Chand too.
2.Karzai backs Modi’s Balochistan remarks
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/former-afghan-president-hamid-karzai-backs-
pm-modis-balochistan-remarks/article9008283.ece?homepage=true)
Former Afghan President, Mr. Karzai said that India must now take “bold steps” to enhance
Afghan defence capabilities. “India knows the state of the Afghan forces. India is very capable
of helping Afghanistan and has the means to supply Afghanistans needs: equipment hardware
and training.”“It is welcome that the US wishes to allow and encourage India to help
Afghanistan militarily, although India should never have waited for anyone’s permission,” Mr.
Karzai said.
3.BSF, Pak. Rangers to open more lines for contact
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bsf-pak-rangers-to-open-more-lines-for-
contact/article9008981.ece?homepage=true)
India’s Border Security Force and their counterparts, the Pakistan Rangers, posted along the
international border, have decided to add four additional telephone lines for enhanced
communication, up from the 12 now.Since the two forces have started talking, no incidents of
sniping has been reported and even the number of ceasefire violations has dropped.
4.Army destroys insurgent posts in Myanmar
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/army-destroys-insurgent-posts-in-
myanmar/article9008656.ece?homepage=true)
The Army has hit insurgent camps inside Myanmar and destroyed their observation posts in an
operation on the early hours of on Friday morning.
Sources with knowledge of the matter said that the operations were undertaken to destroy
observation posts set up by National Socialist Council of Nagaland Khaplang faction few
kilometres across Manipur in Boga basti inside Myanmar. No casualties reported.
5.IDPs in Jaffna to be resettled by year-end
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/idps-in-jaffna-to-be-resettled-by-
yearend/article9008620.ece?w=alauto)
The Sri Lanka government will complete the resettlement of landless internally-displaced
persons (IDP) in the Jaffna district by year-end. According to an earlier plan, the process was to
be completed this month.
6.Panel to review India’s innovation landscape: Nirmala Sitharaman
(http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/panel-to-review-indias-innovation-landscape-
nirmala-sitharaman/article9008381.ece?w=alauto)
The Commerce and Industry Ministry has decided to set up a committee to examine the
country’s innovation landscape and recommend new government interventions and specific
domains where the Centre should refrain from meddling in the innovation process
altogether.The group could include senior officials as well as outside experts and the idea
would be to outline how government can help innovation better and also to define areas where
the government should stay away.
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
WIPO
GST Bill
APMC
Global Innovation Index
Tags
WIPO
GST Bill
APMC
Global Innovation Index
Practice Questions: 1. Which of the following is/are correct?
1. WIPO is a UN specialized agency to encourages creative activity, to promote the protection of intellectual property throughout the world
2. TRIPS agreement is administered by WTO a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. C 2. Which is currently the 2nd largest employer among various sectors in India? a) Textiles b) Construction c) Mining d) Services Ans. B 3. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Minimum Support price is fixed by the government on the basis of the recommendations of theCommission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP)
2. Minimum support prices are offered only for cereals a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans. A 4. The Global Innovation Index is published by which of the following multilateral body? a) WIPO
b) WTO c) World Economic Forum d) OECD Ans. A
5. Which of the following is/are correct about the latest MoP of the government for appointment of judges?
1. It says that recommendation of names to the posts of judges of HCs can be made by chief ministers
2. It provides for an appraisal committee which passes on the vetted names to the respective collegiums
a) 1 only b) 2 only c) 1 and 2 only d) All the above Ans. C
Current News Analysis
21-08-2016
A. GS1 Related
B. GS2 Related
1. Boost for mental care
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/boost-for-mental-care/article9012345.ece
Category: Polity and Governance Topic: Government Interventions
Key Points:
The Rajya Sabha passed the Mental Health Care Bill (MHC), 2016 recently.
This new bill replaces the existing Mental Health Act, 1987.
There have been two previous mental health laws – the Indian Lunacy Act, 1912 and the Mental Health Act, 1987. Salient Features regarding the new bill
The new bill decriminalises attempted suicide, a clause which received considerable media attention.
The law aims for social inclusion of persons with mental illness
The new law emphasizes that treatment and care is to be provided in a way that enables these persons to live with their families in their own community.
The law introduces 'Advance Directives'. These act like a living will, allowing a person to state how they want to be treated if they are ever affected by a mental illness and not in a position to make decisions for themselves. Critical Analysis of Precedents
The Indian Lunacy Act was essentially focussed on protecting society from persons with mental illness and the emphasis of the Indian Lunacy Act was on custodial care in institutions.
The Mental Health Act, 1987 had provisions for treatment of persons with mental illness in general hospitals and provisions for discharge from institutions.
However, The Mental Health Act, 1987, continued with certain regressive aspects of the Indian Lunacy Act, such as guardianship and management of property of persons with mental illness.
The MHA, 1987 was also criticised for being majorly concerned with the regulation and administration of mental health care in institutional settings, instead of addressing mental health problems of the community or protecting the rights of persons with mental illness.
2. Speaker asks BRICS to join hands for SDGs
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/speaker-asks-brics-to-join-hands-for-sdgs/article9012520.ece
Category: Polity and Governance, International Relations Topic: Government Interventions, Important International Institutions
Key Points:
Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said a united front would help in the successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The first meeting of the BRICS Women Parliamentarians’ Forum at the Rajasthan Assembly, was inaugurated by Ms. Mahajan.
She highlighted the fact that BRICS should innovate new institutional means for meeting the needs of the member countries.
The speaker went on to add that the success of the SDGs would be heavily dependent on their successful implementation in the BRICS countries.
She further highlighted, referring to the 2030 agenda for the SDGs that women parliamentarians had added responsibilities, because worldwide, women are facing disproportionate risks and greater burdens from the impacts of poverty, climate change and other social, political and economic crises.
3. Myanmar to support Silk Road, BCIM
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/myanmar-to-support-silk-road-bcim/article9012366.ece
Category: International Relations Topic: Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Key Points:
Aung San Suu Kyi concluded her visit to China by seeking Beijing’s support for her country’s infrastructure projects.
She thus embarked on a tough balancing act taking into consideration the demands of environmental groups back in her home country, who oppose such foreign-backed initiatives.
The joint statement released after Ms. Suu Kyi met China’s President Xi Jinping, was able to place on record Myanmar's support for China’s ‘Belt and Road’ connectivity initiative.
The joint statement also supported the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) economic corridor.
It is important to remember that the (BCIM) economic corridor is meant to industrialise a stretch — spanning more than 2,000-km — linking Kunming in China with Mandalay in Myanmar, passing through Bangladesh, and ending at Kolkata in India.
Enroute, it would also pass through one of Myanmar's major cities, Mandalay.
It is significant to note that there was no mention of the South China Sea dispute.
C. GS3 Related
1. The penny drops: Govt. wanted continuity, chose Urjit Patel
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/why-did-the-government-choose-urjit-patel-as-rbi-governor/article9012500.ece
Category: Economy Topic: Monetary Policy
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has announced the appointment of Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor Urijit Patel as successor to Governor Raghuram Rajan.
The choice of Dr. Patel is reflective of the government’s preference for continuity to the Rajan tradition.
Dr. Patel, is the senior-most Deputy Governor at the RBI
He is the architect of the new monetary policy framework and is working closely with the Cabinet Secretariat and the Finance Ministry to ensure a smooth transition.
It is important to note that the responsibility for setting interest rates is being transferred from the Governor to a six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).
2. What is a quantum satellite?
Category: Science and Technology Topic: Developments in Science and Technology
Key Points:
Quantum satellites can be the future of wireless communication and set new standards in Internet security.
China had recently launched a quantum satellite, called Micius, named after the ancient Chinese scientist and philosopher.
This satellite is a 600-kg satellite that will try to communicate with earth using the principle of quantum entanglement.
Quantum entanglement is a process whereby subatomic particles become inextricably linked or “entangled” in such a way that any change in one disturbs the other even if both are at opposite ends of the universe.
What this means is that any attempt at hacking entangled particles would, in principle, be impossible.
3. SBI to sharpen marketing focus
Category: Economy Topic: Money and Banking
Key Points:
State Bank of India has said that it will redeploy its manpower in customer-facing roles with a sharper marketing focus.
State Bank of India, has also started the process of merging its five associate banks and Bharatiya Mahila Bank.
SBI has also said that the merger will lead to faster rollout of digital initiatives across the bank.
Where customers stand to benefit is that the speed of credit delivery, particularly large credit approvals, will improve as instead of seven sanctions by seven banks, customers will have to deal with a single credit approval process.
D. GS4 Related
E. Important Editorials
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
Quantum satellites
BCIM economic corridor
The Indian Lunacy Act
The Mental Health Act
Mental Health Care Bill (MHC)
BRICS
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)
Tags
Quantum entanglement
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)
The Mental Health Act
Mental Health Care Bill (MHC)
BRICS
Bharatiya Mahila Bank
Practice Questions Date: 21st August, 2016 Category: Science & Tech Topic: Space Technology Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual 1. Consider the following statements?
The world’s first quantum satellite was recently launched by China. A quantum satellite is designed to establish ultra-secure quantum communications by
transmitting uncrackable keys from space to the ground. Which of the statements is/are correct? a) Only I b) Only II c) Both I and II d) Neither I nor II Ans. C Date: 21st August, 2016 Category: Polity Topic: Bills and Fundamental Rights Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Conceptual 2. Consider the following statements?
The recently passed Mental Health Care Bill (MHC), 2016decriminalizes attempted suicide.
This bill enshrines fundamental rights, under Article 21, to care and dignity for persons with mental illness.
Which of the statements is/are correct? a) Only I b) Only II c) Both I and II d) Neither I nor II Ans. C Date: 21st August, 2016 Category: Internal Security Topic: Paramilitary forces Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual 3. Which of the following paramilitary forces guards the Indo-Myanmar border? a) ITBP b) Assam Rifles c) SSB d) BSF Ans. B
Date: 21st August, 2016 Category: International Relations Topic: Organizations Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual
4. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is headquartered at a) Jeddah b) Abu Dhabi c) Istanbul d) Cairo Ans A Date: 21st August, 2016 Category: Geography Topic: Rivers Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual 5. In which country does the Mekong River originate? a) Myanmar b) Laos c) Cambodia d) China Ans. D