Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Current News Analysis
29-08-2016
A. GS1 Related
B. GS2 Related
1. U.S. to help with NSG entry
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/us-to-help-with-nsg-entry/article9043133.ece
Category: International Relations Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Key Points:
The U.S. will push for India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group when the issue is taken up later this year.
In 2008, former President George Bush’s phone call to former Chinese President Hu Jintao swung a waiver from the NSG in India’s favour.
It is believed that at the upcoming meeting at G-20 next week, President Obama would take up the issue with President Xi of China.
2. MHA oversight for all NGOs?
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mha-oversight-for-all-ngos/article9043107.ece
Category: Polity and Governance Topic: Government Initiatives
Key Points:
The Home Ministry of the Government of India (GOI) wants the Finance Ministry of the GOI to surrender its powers to monitor non-governmental organisations (NGOs) under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
This idea is believed to bring all NGOs that receive foreign contributions under a single umbrella- which can in turn provide for better monitoring and regulation.
There are certain NGOs which are registered under FEMA. These NGOs continue to disburse foreign funds to various associations. Since FEMA is regulated by the Finance Ministry, there are many occasions when the Home Ministry is not able to monitor the flow of funds effectively. Thus it is believed that since there is a separate law — the
FCRA — to deal with such transactions, it will be better if they are brought under a common head
The Home Ministry monitors foreign funds donated to NGOs and organisations through the FCRA.
The total number of NGOs registered under the FCRA is 33,000, and last year alone, FCRA registration for nearly 10,000 NGOs was cancelled for not following norms.
3. Silk Road’ train to reach Afghanistan on Sept. 9
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/chinas-first-cargo-train-to-afghanistan-fuels-one-belt-one-road-obor-engine/article9042851.ece
Category: International Relations Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Key Points:
The first cargo train from China is set to reach Afghanistan on September 9.
This landmark moment, signals Beijing’s effort to consolidate ties with Kabul- as part of
the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative along the ancient Silk Road.
Experts say that the departure of the train signals China’s intent to consolidate ties with
Afghanistan.
It is important to note that NATO forces are being scaled down in Afghanistan.
China is looking at playing a leading role in imparting political stability to Afghanistan.
Political stability in Afghanistan is important for the following reasons- a) securing the
OBOR, b) protecting the CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor), and c) plugging
support for separatists operating in China's Xinjiang province.
C. GS3 Related
1. ISRO successfully test-fires scramjet engine
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/isro-successfully-testfires-scramjet-rocket-engine/article9042486.ece
Category: Science and Technology Topic: Space
Key Points:
Indian Space Research Organisation launched an experimental mission.
This experimental mission is aimed at realizing an Air Breathing Propulsion System that uses hydrogen as fuel and oxygen from the atmosphere air as the oxidiser.
An Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV), a research rocket with a solid booster carrying advanced scramjet engines was successfully flight-tested at Sriharikota.
Significance
This success story makes India the fourth country to demonstrate the flight testing of scramjet engines. This mission is also a milestone for ISRO’s future space transportation system.
Other important points to know
'Scramjet' engine is used only during the atmospheric phase of the rocket’s flight.
These 'Scramjet engines' will help bring down the launch cost by reducing the amount of oxidiser to be carried along with the fuel.
The Scramjet engines are designed by ISRO.
The Scramjet engines use hydrogen as fuel and the oxygen from the atmospheric air as the oxidiser.
2. Amid growing protectionism, global trade ministers to meet
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/amid-growing-protectionism-global-trade-ministers-to-meet/article9043058.ece
Category: Economy Topic: International Trade
Key Points:
Amid growing protectionism, the trade ministers from various World Trade Organisation (WTO) member nations are slated to gather at Oslo to discuss the need for further liberalization.
WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo has said that “(world) trade growth is likely to remain below 3 per cent in 2016, making it the fifth consecutive year of sub 3 per cent expansion.”
India is preparing to take the lead in WTO-level talks to open up global services trade. Opening up global services trade is important to ensure easier movement of skilled professionals for short-term projects overseas.
India is also working on a formal proposal to be submitted soon before the WTO on a ‘Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in Services’.
3. GST: A high standard rate would impact prices and hamper acceptance
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/gst-a-high-standard-rate-would-impact-prices-and-hamper-acceptance/article9043068.ece
Category: Economy Topic: Taxation
Key Points:
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is widely believed to be the most important tax reform since 1991.
The GST will transform India into a unitary market, lower transaction and logistics costs, spread the tax net wider and propel investments and growth.
Journey Ahead
A number of steps are required from different stakeholders- thus the journey ahead will not be easy.
Even for industry, conforming to the newly established administrative process within a compressed time-frame will be challenging.
One among the first tasks for the GST Council would be to decide on the tax rate applicable.
This tax rate would impact macroeconomic indicators- GDP growth rate, inflation, fiscal condition of Central and State Governments, etc.
A Committee headed by Arvind Subramanian, Chief Economic Adviser, after a detailed study, recommended a reasonable RNR (revenue-neutral rate) of 15-15.5%
A revenue neutral rate of 15-15.5% would determine the standard rate of 17-18 per cent.
It is important to note that, a standard rate of 18 per cent ensures that the tax revenues of the Centre and States would not be adversely impacted by the introduction of GST.
D. GS4 Related
E. Important Editorials
The Hindu
1. Reinventing the wheel in Kashmir
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/reinventing-the-wheel-in-kashmir/article9043012.ece
Category: Internal Security Topic: Challenges to Internal Security, Role of external state and non-state actors
Key Points:
An all-party delegation is expected to visit Srinagar in an attempt to reach out to people and initiate a political dialogue.
Although PM Modi has underlined the gravity of the situation and has reached out by saying that each person who dies in the valley is "one of our people", there is urgent need for an actionable checklist.
The deeper problem of alienation in Kashmir largely remains.
To chart a new course, PM Modi and Ms. Mufti must work on a sustained plan for dialogue in the State.
2. Uncertain times in London
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/uncertain-times-in-london/article9043013.ece Category: International Relations Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries
Key Points:
There are more questions than answers about the shape of Britain's future in Europe.
Prime Minister Theresa May insists that “Brexit means Brexit”.
She has also emphasized that London would not, until 2017, trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty on leaving the bloc.
However, it is unlikely that the exit procedure would be initiated before the French presidential elections next summer and the general elections in Germany a few months later.
Earlier this year, in the June vote, a majority of the Scots had decided to stay in the EU.
But, the mood currently in Scotland clearly favours a second referendum on Scottish independence.
Also, Brexit will raise the economic burden of an independent Scotland- this is true, as a bulk of Scotland's export revenues accrue from the rest of Britain.
3. Securing the Scorpene
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/securing-the-scorpene/article9043023.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s
interests
Key Points:
The Australian newspaper had placed in the public domain, certain documents which could possible compromise the Indian Scorpene submarine currently being built in collaboration with the French company DCNS.
Some of India’s veteran submariners have described the leak as a 'storm in a teacup'- and others have expressed fear that the credibility of the platform may have been compromised
India and France will need to work together to investigate and redress the contractual breach of security.
At the very heart of a submarine, is its opacity, and what makes it vulnerable to detection is its unique acoustic signature- which is the fingerprint of each boat.
4. Surrogates are workers, not wombs
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/surrogates-are-workers-not-
wombs/article9043014.ece
Category: Polity and Governance, Social Justice
Topic: Government Initiatives
Key Points:
The Union Cabinet approved the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016,
The bill bans commercial surrogacy in India.
The bill limits the practice of surrogacy to heterosexual Indian couples who have been married for five years, have no children, and are able to persuade a relative to become a surrogate altruistically for them. Reservations raised against the bill
One should not dismiss the industry of commercial surrogacy as inherently oppressive and the women involved as mere subjects- instead, it makes sense to recognise that while some women are coerced into surrogacy by their families and brokers, others evaluate their options and negotiate with their families in order to participate in this industry.
It is important that we view the surrogates as workers, and not as wombs, or voiceless victims.
It is the surrogates who should participate in dialogues, and not just be discussed about.
An outright ban on surrogacy would push the industry underground- increasing the vulnerability of women even more.
Another provision of the bill that has come under criticism is that Commissioning parents, will only be allowed to meet medical expenses of their “altruistic” surrogate mothers, and that no other payments can be made. Some critics believe that this provision resign women to being (reproductive) gift-givers, with no compensation for their loss of livelihood and the huge emotional and bodily labour of gestation involved in surrogacy.
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn
'Scramjet' engine
CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor)
Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA)
FCRA
One Belt One Road (OBOR)
Altruistic Surrogacy
2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS
BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN
NEWS
Links to Refer
1. Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=149186
2. The Constitution (122nd
Amendment) (GST) Bill, 2014
http://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/the-constitution-
122nd-amendment-gst-bill-2014-3505/
3. ISRO http://isro.gov.in/update/28-aug-2016/successful-flight-
testing-of-isros-scramjet-engine-technology-
demonstrator
3. Tags
'Scramjet' engine
CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor)
Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA)
FCRA
One Belt One Road (OBOR)
Altruistic Surrogacy
Practice Questions
Date: 29th August, 2016 Category: Science and Technology Topic: Space Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual
1] Consider the following statements regarding 'Scramjet engines'?
1. These 'Scramjet engines' will help bring down the launch cost by reducing the amount of oxidiser to be carried along with the fuel. 2. The Scramjet engines are designed by ISRO. 3. The Scramjet engines use hydrogen as fuel and the oxygen from the atmospheric air as the oxidiser.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 and 3 Only
c) All 1, 2 and 3
d) 3 Only
Ans (c)
Date: 29th August, 2016 Category: International Relations, Geography Topic: Various Parts of the World Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual
2] The ' Alataw pass', recently in the news, is on the border of which two countries?
a) China- Kazakhstan
b) India-China
c) Pakistan-Afghanistan
d) Iran-Afghanistan
Ans) a)
Date: 29th August, 2016 Category: Economy Topic: Taxation Source: The Hindu
Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual
3] Consider the following statements, regarding the GST Bill, 2014,
1. Parliament and state legislatures will have concurrent powers to make laws on GST. Only the centre may levy an integrated GST (IGST) on the interstate supply of goods and services, and imports.
2. Alcohol for human consumption has been exempted from the purview of GST. GST will apply to five petroleum products at a later date.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans (c)
Date: 29th August, 2016 Category: Polity and Governance Topic: Government Initiatives Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual
4] Consider the following statements, regarding, 'Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016',
1. The Bill will regulate surrogacy in India by establishing National Surrogacy Board at the central level and State Surrogacy Boards and Appropriate Authorities in the State and Union Territories.
2. The legislation will ensure effective regulation of surrogacy, prohibit commercial surrogacy and allow ethical surrogacy to the needy infertile couples.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
a) 1 Only
b) 2 Only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans (c)
Date: 29th August, 2016 Category: Economy Topic: International Trade Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual
5] Consider the following statements, regarding the 'Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA)',
1. The TFA was the first Agreement concluded at the WTO by all of its Members. 2. The TFA contains provisions for expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods, including goods in transit. It also sets out measures for effective cooperation between customs and other appropriate authorities on trade facilitation and customs compliance issues. 3. India is also working on a formal proposal to be submitted soon before the WTO on a ‘Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in Services’.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 Only
b) 2 Only
c) All, 1, 2 and 3
d) 2 and 3 Only
Ans (c)
Current News Analysis
30-08-2016
A. GS1 Related
1.‘Chakraview’ at London Biennale
India Design Forum (IDF) will unveil their installation ‘Chakraview’ at the London Design
Biennale
Chakraview is the portrayal of the “multiple utopias” of India.
It captures a sense of the country’s past and current definitions of design, by weaving
together ancient myth and modern design innovations. For example, Mythological stories, which showcase the ancient communities and their strive for a perfect ideal.
‘Chakraview’ includes fabrics made by Aadyam, the weaver’s initiative of the Aditya Birla Group.
It is a manifestation of diverse facets that capture India’s design landscape, from
celebrating the country’s unique cultural heritage, to capturing the sustainability of rural crafts and innovation.
Circular forms, traditional textiles and ancient mythology are interwoven to display a sense of modern India in the installation that will be part of the event themed ‘Utopia by Design’ that is to feature works of architects, designers, scientists, writers and artists
from over 30 countries.
IDF was established in 2012. It has had a long-standing partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Government of India.
B. GS2 Related
1. India, Myanmar to build bridges, sign pact for 69
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/pm-holds-talks-with-myanmarese-president/article9045541.ece
Category: India and the world Topic: India-Myanmar
Key Points:
India has agreed to offer support to Myanmar in “all its endeavours.”
This was made clear during the bilateral talks between President of Myanmar( who chose India as first country of visit after the recent elections) and Indian Prime Minister.
Several MoUs were signed by the two sides, important among them being agreement on construction of 69 bridges, including approach roads in the Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa section of the Trilateral Highway, which will establish better connectivity between India and Southeast Asia.
Another significant agreement was on the upgrade of the Kalewa-Yagyi road section.
India also pitched its support for the national reconciliation and peace process of the Myanmar government under the “21st century Panglong Conference.”
India and Myanmar have bilaterally agreed to cooperate on common strategic interests
and concerns, work together for safety and security of both the countries.
This is significant in context of the recent strategy of India’s doctrine of hot pursuit in North-East. However, along with security concerns, it was decided to uphold territorial integrity and sovereignty.
2. Assembly drops West, renames State as Bengal
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/west-bengal-assembly-passes-resolution-for-states-name-change/article9045696.ece
Category: Polity and Governance Topic: Names of States, union territories etc
Key Points:
The West Bengal Assembly passed a resolution changing the name of the State to
Bengal in English and Bangla in Bengali.
The Parliament has to approve this change of name, for it to take effect.
The resolution, under Rule 169 of the rules of procedures of the House, was passed by voice vote.
3. Parliament may shift to a new calendar
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/parliament-may-shift-to-a-new-calendar/article9046778.ece
Category: Polity and Governance Topic: Parliament
Key Points:
The centre has proposed a new parliamentary calendar.
It seeks to abolish the system of vote on account for expenses undertaken during the time period pending before budget proposals are approved.
For this to happen, budget proposals have to be approved on or before march 31.
Why change the calendar? Several States — in a committee headed by the Union Finance Secretary — and
some Ministries demanded that the annual budget exercise should be completed before the beginning of the new fiscal year on April 1 for streamlined allocation of funds.
It is also partly because of implementation of GST. The next budget, in all likelihood will contain the tax rates, and must be approved before the roll-out by the Centre and States of the new tax that will subsume indirect taxes on the target deadline of April 1, 2017.
This Change could also necessitate the pushing back the winter session by a few months.
The Finance Ministry will seek the permission of the cabinet, write to Lok Sabha speaker and also to the chairperson of the Estimates Committee of the Parliament.
The government is also considering abolition of Railway budget from next fiscal year. Further, a committee headed by former chief economic advisor, Shankar Acharya, is mulling over the possibility of realigning the fiscal year with the calendar year.
What is Vote on Account?
Parliament is not able to vote the entire budget before the commencement of the new financial year (April 1). However, the government needs enough money to spend till the approval of the budget.
Therefore, a provision is made for “Vote on Account” under Article 116 of constitution of India, by which government obtains the Vote of Parliament for a sum, sufficient to incur expenditure for a part of the year.
It is normally taken for two months but during election years or when it is anticipated that the main Demands and Appropriation Bill will take longer than two months, the vote on account is for a period exceeding two months.
Budget
The origin of ‘Budget system’ in India dates back to 7 April, 1860.
For the first time, a budget speech espousing Indian financial policy, was
delivered by James Wilson .
The first Budget, in post-independent India, was presented on November 26,
1947 by India’s first Finance Minister R.K. Shanmugham Chetty.
The Constitution does not explicitly mention the term ‘Budget’
However, Article 112 provides: “the President shall in respect of every financial
year cause to be laid before both the Houses of Parliament, the House of People
(Lok Sabha) and the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), a statement of the estimated
receipts and expenditure of the government for that year.”
4. Replace metal pellets with polymer bullets: Expert panel
An expert committee on use of pellet guns, has submitted its report to the Home
Ministry.
It has recommended that: Metal pellets should be replaced with polymer, rubber and paper bullets. There should be regulated use of pellet guns, keeping view the safety of security
forces as much as of that of the common people.
The seven-member expert committee, was headed by T.V.S.N Prasad, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Another alternative suggested by the committee is the use of chilli grenade shells, apart
from increasing the intensity of tear gas shells, use of rubber bullets, and using chilli powder.
The committee also explored the use of acoustics but it was not found fit to be used in the Kashmir context as they have not been found to be a viable option wherever used.
The primary goal being crowd control, pump action guns from which pellets are not to
be done away with.
Henceforth, the pellets will not be of metal but of soft material like polymer, soft plastic, rubber and even paper.
The Ordnance Factory Board, which manufactures the pump action guns, has been instructed to produce other types of pellets as well.
The committee rejected the use of Vehicle Mounted Active Denial System developed
by the U.S. military.
This system works on millimetre wave technology, which immobilises the body and its health implications are not known yet.
The Border Security Force has already been asked to supply chilli grenades, capsicin-laced tear gas smoke shells to the Kashmir valley for effective crowd control.
5. Centre moves on vote totaliser machines
SC has set deadline for introducing the machines to mix votes from booths before counting
A team of Union Ministers, constituted on the direction of the Prime Minister, has been deliberating on the Election Commission’s proposal in November 2008, which was seconded by the Law Commission.
In the pre- electronic voting machine era, counting of votes was done by mixing of ballot
papers, as provided under Rule 59A of the Conduct of Election Rules.
Totaliser machine is envisaged as it supposedly doesn’t allow the disclosure of voting patterns across polling stations during counting, which will allay the fears of voters against any pre-poll intimidation or post-poll victimisation by any candidate.
C. GS3 Related
D. GS4 Related
E. Important Editorials
The Hindu
1. Preparing for the Fed rate hike
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/preparing-for-the-fed-rate-hike/article9046602.ece.
Category: Economy Topic: India and the global economy
The U.S central bank is expected to increase the interest rate shortly, due to consumption-led expansion in the U.S economy.
The motivation to take this step stems from various factors. The domestic labour market has seen improvement and is expected to do better in the near future with more jobs
being available. Further, this has boosted the real GDP of the US economy.
Earlier, various economists have viewed the existing easy money policy with skepticism. This has several consequences. It has lead to upsurge in liquidity and the resultant effects on asset prices and inflation, and currencies and the terms of trade in the emerging economies.
The fed bank has also highlighted some of the risks that lie ahead for the U.S economy.
Tepid business investment and suboptimal global demand combined along with the dollar’s recent gains continues to constrain the country’s exports.
A rate hike by the Fed will have implications for the Indian currency and interest rates
that the RBI must take note of.
2. ISRO’s scramjet on course
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/isros-scramjet-on-course/article9046603.ece
Category: Science and Technology Topic: India’s achievements in space
The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully launched a rocket using a scramjet engine that was developed indigenously.
This is ISRO’s first major step towards developing an air breathing propulsion system.
The scramjet engine functioned for around six seconds.
Using scramjet engine has several advantages. Firstly, scramjet engine uses oxygen present in the atmospheric air to burn the hydrogen fuel. As a result, the amount of oxygen required to be carried on board would be reduced considerably as atmospheric oxygen is utilised to burn the fuel in the first stage.
In general, propellant accounts for nearly 85 per cent of the weight of a rocket, and
oxygen accounts for nearly 60 per cent of the weight of the propellant. Therefore, this can considerably reduce the weight.
Secondly, Scramjet-powered rockets also have several times greater thrust compared
with rockets powered by liquid fuel or even cryogenic fuel.
Thirdly, Since about half of the propellant is required for the first stage to achieve the required velocity, a rocket using a scramjet engine would be significantly lighter and smaller and, therefore, cheaper.
Further, rockets fired by scramjet engines will be able to carry more payload.
The air intake mechanism and fuel injection systems were also successfully demonstrated during the maiden test flight. Since it relies on oxygen present in the atmosphere, the trajectories of scramjet engine-powered rockets are vastly different from conventional ones — rockets with scramjet engines should remain in the atmosphere for a longer period than normal rockets.
Usually, scramjet rockets reach a certain altitude and remain in the atmosphere for as
long as possible to achieve the required velocity.
Deploying a commercial rocket powered by a scramjet engine would need overcoming of a few challenges.
Testing the engine at higher Mach speeds and prolong the period of combustion would be a challenge.
Since the scramjet comes into play only when the rocket goes beyond Mach 5, an
engine that initially works at subsonic speed (as a ramjet) and later as a scramjet has to be developed.
Nonetheless, the first experimental flight using a scramjet engine is a technological demonstration of ISRO’s capability and will go a long way in redefining its position as one of the leading space agencies in the world.
3. The neighbour’s concern
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-neighbours-concern/article9046606.ece
Category: India and its neighbourhood Topic: India-Pakistan
The great modern strategic thinker K.M. Pannikar, opined that, India as a geo-strategic entity should be more assertive about the challenges that it faces.
Similarly, the strategic community has always believed that India is the ‘strategic core’ in
Asia and our policies and actions will determine the future course of stability in South Asia.
In this context, the recent statement on Baloch by Prime Minister Modi, is largely being viewed as one that conforms to the assertive contours of our foreign policy.
The statement threw light on the strategic vulnerabilities that India is subjected due to
adversarial neighbourhood.
Further, it smacked of a subtle boldness, along with a clear indication of a mixed strategy of offence and defence.
The foreign policy experts have viewed this as a significant development in the
increasingly complex geo-political equations in the neighbourhood.
The significance lies in the fact that, the Prime Minister, reiterated India’s stability as the
fulcrum of its neighbourhood policy.
It is largely opined that, world should now take note of the human rights violations committed by the Pakistani establishment upon the people of Gilgit, Baltistan and Baloch, which Pakistan conveniently forgets when it talks of human rights violations of Indian xitizens in the Kashmir valley.
The contours of the Kashmir map:
The people of Gilgit-Baltistan, part of Jammu and Kashmir, have been systematically
isolated from their mainstream Kashmir valley.
According to Indian foreign policy elite, there is enough evidence to show that, the Pakistani state has left no stone unturned in preventing family and trade links to take shape between Gilgit- Baltistan and Jammu and Kashmir.
Terrorist attacks, sectarian clashes, are a regular feature and the economic crisis has
increased their problem.
There are reports that, improvement of the Gilgit-Baltistan section of the Karakoram Highway linking Chinese Xinjiang with PoK has been entrusted to Chinese defence and security personnel.
The constitution of India recognizes the people of Gilgit-Baltistan as its citizens.
This has been forgotten in the stalemate.
Therefore, the Prime Minister’s statement, which espouses that, Gilgit-Baltistan, Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir are all equal stakeholders and the issue cannot be solved by focusing on Kashmir alone, gains significance.
The Baloch gambit:
Mention of Balochistan, marks a water shed movement in India’s foreign policy in general , and Indo-pak bilateral relations in particular.
Apart from Pakistan, the mention of Baloch has stirred the Chinese diplomatic community.
The Gwadar port, which is a strategic port for China’s CPEC, is located on the Baloch
province. Further, CPEC( as part of China’s One Belt One Road) will run through the Indian-claimed territory of PoK and then to Gwadar port on Balochistan coast.
Hence, the India’s reference to Baloch has stirred up debates in Chinese diplomatic community.
For China, the establishment of a viable link across Karakoram from Xinjiang to Gwadar,
is a calculated geostrategic move, to enhance its strategic ambitions along with economic development. Further, this route, provides a detour to maritime routes across South China sea and Malacca Straits.
Balochistan, along with Nepal and the Naga Hills, formed a ring of defence, that,
defined the security perimeter of undivided India prior to Independence.
Balochistan, with its strategic location on both maritime and land routes from the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula into the subcontinent, was the gateway to the the vital energy reserves of the Gulf.
Post August 1947, Balochistan, was forced to accede to Pakistan. India has not
questioned the status of Balochistan within a sovereign Pakistan state. If the area were to secede, Pakistan would be a greatly shrunken country.
The Baloch are an ethnic group, spread across Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. A major part of Pashtuns in Pakistan are ethically linked to Pashtuns in Afghanistan.
The Balochs have faced brutal state repression, especially since 2003.There has been a
considerable churn of the demographic profile in the region, and this has been possible
due to the Pakistani state’s calculated strategy of having maximum central government control over the province.
Way forward:
Notwithstanding the fact that, this gambit would now draw global focus, and its
legitimate concerns of human rights are perfectly in consonance with India’s democratic traditions, the strategic community advises caution.
A multitude of factors like Chinese response to this policy, India’s economic interests in
the region , securing our defence and the like must be factored in before moving ahead .
To maintain its strategic importance in the region, experts believe that, the Indian
diplomatic elite must focus on multi-track approach. It should ensure a robust anti-terrorism infrastructure, keep the channel for talks open, and ensure palpable reduction of tensions in the valley .
Although, the statement expressing legitimate concerns is welcomed, it is too early to expect any immediate radical shifts.
4. Privileging primary care
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/privileging-primary-care/article9046759.ece
Category: Polity and Governance Topic: Policies in education
The issue:
Niti Aayog, has prepared the draft National Medical Commission Bill.
It seeks to set up a new body that will replace the medical council of India(MCI).
Challenges in Medical care:
India faces twin challenges in the medical care. There is a significant burden of both
infectious and chronic diseases, on one hand and medical professionals being concentrated in urban areas on the other.
Dealing with the challenge:
This can be dealt by educating a cadre of medical professionals willing and able to deal with these issues. However, using medical education as the primary tool for dealing with India’s health challenges may not effectively address the problem.
Reservations in the draft Bill
While creating a new structure to replace the MCI, it is important to envision a new
framework to train a cadre of medical professionals equipped to deal with the needs of the people.
Another important recommendation of the committee is to allow “for profit” entities to
establish medical colleges.
The justification given is that The micromanagement in giving approval to new medical colleges by the MCI
encourages rent-seeking Cap on fees in private colleges discourages their entry and thereby undermines
the objective of a rapid expansion of medical education, and Enforcing regulation on fees is difficult.
Experts are of the view that, this recommendation to permit “for profit” colleges will
undermine the objective of providing a cadre of medical professionals able and willing to work in small towns and villages.
Policy advocates espouse that, efforts need to be made to make the career of a primary
care physician attractive, as these professionals are the ones’ who are required to work in small towns and villages.
At present, the role model of aspiring medical students is the emergency care physician and surgeons performing highly complex surgeries. The reality on the ground is that most lives are saved and most pain is alleviated by the primary care physician.
Throughout the developed world, there is a great emphasis on primary care doctors, and most medical graduates enter primary care. But this is not so in India, and needs to change.
We need to make primary care the first option of most medical graduates in India as
well. We need to ensure that medical aspirants know as much as possible what their working lives are going to be like
Infrastructural shortcomings:
A rapid expansion of medical colleges is simply unattainable. More than any other
limitation, it is the severe shortage of suitably qualified teachers in certain absolutely essential specialties (for example, in forensic science, community medicine, tuberculosis
and radio diagnosis) that is the challenge.
This is due to years of failure to take any steps to deal with this obvious problem, and
for this, the blame has to be placed on the MCI which failed to provide leadership and guidance on this faculty shortage.
It will take some years to train enough teachers.
Therefore, experts opine that, no more medical colleges should be opened till sufficient
faculty are available.
Private colleges hire faculty from government colleges which cannot be a long term solution.
Regarding MCI, the bill envisages an elected body instead of a body with only nominated members, who would be selected mainly by the Central government and a few by the
State governments.
The bill says, the proposed National Medical Commission should have only 20 members,
with a full-time chairperson and secretary.
With the MCI now an unwieldy body comprising more than 100 members, this proposal is a good idea, but it would be sensible that at least a section of the membership of the commission should be elected. A mix of nominated and elected members will encourage balanced decision making.
Positives of the bill:
The recommendations to streamline the administrative functions, create four verticals
to oversee undergraduate and postgraduate education, and establish a medical assessment and rating board as also a board for medical registration all have the potential to produce major positive changes.
The fundamental objective, however, should not be forgotten: creating a cadre of medical professionals trained and equipped to work effectively given the social conditions of the country.
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
Vote on Account
Budget
Easy money Policy
Scramjet propulsion versus Ramjet propulsion
Air breathing system
Tags
Strategic crux, India-Pakistan, Fiscal Stimulus, Low Interest rates, Balochistan Gambit
G.
BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/O
RGS IN NEWS
Links to Refer
1. Draft National Medical
Commission bill
http://niti.gov.in/writereaddata/files/new_initiatives/MCI%20Bill%
20Final.pdf
2. ISRO http://isro.gov.in/update/28-aug-2016/successful-flight-testing-of-
isros-scramjet-engine-technology-demonstrator
Practice Questions
Date: 30th August, 2016 Category: Polity Topic: Parliament Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual
1. Consider the following statements? The maximum time between two sessions of a parliament cannot be more than six
months
The word ‘Budget’ is mentioned under article 112 of the constitution. Which of the statements is/are correct? a) Only I b) Only II c) Both I and II d) Neither I nor II
Ans. A
Date: 30th August, 2016 Category: Polity Topic: Parliament Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: factual 2. Consider the following statements?
Vote on Account relates only to expenditure side of the budget
Interim budget can be passed by only care taker government and relates to both revenue and expenditure side of the budget
Which of the statements is/are correct? a) Only I b) Only II c) Both I and II d) Neither I nor II Ans. A
Date: 30th August, 2016 Category: Polity Topic: Schedules Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Easy Type: Factual 3. Education, under 7th schedule, of the constitution, is mentioned under which list a) State List b) Union List c) Concurrent List d) Residual List Date: 30th August, 2016 Category: Economy Topic: Inflation Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Conceptual 4. consider the following:
When the currency appreciates, the exports tend to be expensive
When the currency depreciates, the imports tend to be cheaper
Which of the statements is/are correct?
a) Only I b) Only II c) Both I and II d) Neither I nor II And. D
Date: 30th August, 2016 Category: Science and Technology Topic: Space Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: easy Type: Factual
5. Scramjet engine uses less oxygen on board because a) It uses the atmospheric oxygen to burn the fuel via air breathing propulsion system b) It is designed for low velocity and low earth orbits, hence using lesser oxygen c) It has the ability to generate oxygen within its system by a reduction reaction d) None of the above Ans. A
Current News Analysis
31-08-2016
A. GS1 Related
1. Minnimum wage issue, unions firm on strike plan even after hike
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/minimum-wage-hiked-to-rs-350-but-unions-firm-on-strike-plan/article9052250.ece
Category: social issues Topic: social-security
Key Points:
The Left-affiliated central trade unions planned to go ahead with the one-day nationwide strike on Friday, even after announcement of sops in a bid to placate the unions, by Centre on Tuesday
Offering includes a hike in the minimum wage for unskilled non-agricultural workers in central PSU’s from Rs. 246 to Rs. 350 a day and formation of a committee to look into extending benefits under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation Act to unorganized sectors, including anganwadi, mid-day meal workers and Asha volunteers.
The RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh sees it as a “historic victory for labours” and decided not to participate in the decided strike, while the others were dissatisfied and refused to drop the strike plan. The Finance Ministry also issued notification on higher bonus to government employees for 2014-15 and 2015-16.
2. Rise in Agrarian riots: NCRB Report
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/327-rise-in-agrarian-riots-ncrb-report/article9052245.ece
Category: Indian society Topic: Secularism, Regionalism related issues
Key Points:
Incidents of rioting remained almost the same in 2015 compared to previous year, but as communal riots decreased, big increases were seen in other categories of riots– agrarian riots, sectarian riots, student riots and caste conflicts, states the data from the “Crime in India” report for 2015 released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) on Tuesday show.
Recorded incidents of agrarian riots saw a 327 per cent increase from 628 in 2014 to 2683 in 2015.
The number of people arrested also increased nearly three fold from 3540 to 10353. Sectarian riots — defined as violence between different sects of the same religion not considering caste conflict — showed a 2,700 and 9,000 per cent jump in incidents and convictions from a low base in 2014 (31 and 71 in 2014) to 884 and 6,642 in 2015. Much of these incidents occurred in U.P (Uttar Pradesh)
The decrease in communal riots incidents recorded by NCRB — from 1,227 in 2014 to 789 in 2015 — however does not match with data released by the Ministry of Home Affairs in response to a parliamentary question in July 2016. Ministry data showed a slight increase from 644 incidents in 2014 to 751 in 2015.
B. GS2 Related
3. Telangana legislature, approved GST bill
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/ts-legislature-unanimously-approves-gst-bill/article9052880.ece
Category: Governance & Administration Topic: Federal structure of governance & taxation
Key Points:
Telangana Legislature, in a special convened session , unanimously ratified the Constitutional Amendment Bill pertaining to GST.
Chief Minister and leader of the floor K. Chandrasekhar Rao moved the resolution for the Bill (GST) which proposes unified tax system in the whole country by merging 17 Central and State taxes. Mr. Rao also said the Bill, will benefit the State by devolving 15 per cent share of service tax revenue to the State
Rao also mentioned, ”clarity will evolve only when the GST Council is formed and tax slabs are determined, Mr. Rao said, and promised that either way, the Centre will compensate for the losses suffered by States for the next five years.
In upper house, Deputy Chief Minister Kadiyam Srihari introduced the Bill in the House with the permission of the Chairman and said the Bill passed by both the Houses of Parliament was sent to the States for ratification by their legislatures. Members of all political parties including the Congress, BJP and MIM who spoke on the Bill, extended their support
4. New campaign for swachh Bharat mission
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/new-campaign-for-swachh-bharat-mission-in-six-cities/article9051437.ece?ref=topnavwidget&utm_source=topnavdd&utm_medium=topnavdropdownwidget&utm_campaign=topnavdropdown
Category: Governance
Topic: schemes & programs
Key Points:
Aimed at sanitising six cities of the NCR Delhi, the Ministry of Urban Development is coming up with a new campaign named ‘Asli Tarakki’ (real development), which will be replicated in other States if it succeeds in NCR. About 450 young men and women with “communication skills and leadership qualities” have been selected as “lead motivators” to spread awareness on Govt’s flagship Swachh Bharat Mission.
An MoU was signed by the Nehru Yuvak Kendra (NYK) in the presence of Minister of Urban Development Venkaiah Naidu. “As per the MoU, NYK will deploy 50 enthusiastic and motivated youth experienced in public speaking for 52 days in each of the five municipal areas of Delhi [New Delhi, North Delhi, East Delhi, South Delhi and Delhi Cantonment], for a mass awareness movement for successful implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission,” the Ministry spokesperson said .
C. GS3 Related
1. US backed India’s plea for Pakistan action
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/us-backs-india-plea-for-pak-action/article9052251.ece
Category: Internal security Topic: Terrorism & Organized crime
Key Points:
The U.S. backed India on its demand that Pakistan should act against terrorists operating from its soil, with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry asserting that his country “stands in strong partnership with India” against all sorts of terrorism.
Terrorism, that emanating from Pakistan, figured prominently in talks between Mr. Kerry and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who briefed him on the “continuing problem of cross-border terrorism that India and the other countries of the region facing from Pakistan”..
At a press conference after the Second Indo-U.S. Strategic and Commercial Dialogue, Ms. Swaraj said: “We reaffirmed the urgent necessity for Pakistan to dismantle safe havens for terrorists and criminal networks including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and D Company.
“Secretary Kerry also agreed on the need for Pakistan to do more to bring the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai and the 2016 Pathankot terrorist attacks to justice quickly.”
Ms. Swaraj said they agreed that nations must not maintain double standards, and categorise as good and bad terrorists, nor must they act as safe haven for terrorist organizations
Mr. Kerry said, “I made it very clear that United States stands in strong partnership with India against all terrorism. & reiterated, there is no good terrorists, bad terrorists.
Terrorism is terrorism. “We stand fully behind the Indian demand that there be justice with respect to the Mumbai attacks.
D. GS4 Related
E. Important Editorials
1. LEMOA Pact
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/the-lemoa-embrace/article9051237.ece
Category: Internal relations Topic: International ®ional organisation
Key Points:
signing of the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) during Defence Minister ’s visit to Washington is a significant step for both India and the U.S. The agreement, which comes after more than ten years of negotiations, puts an automatic approvals process for the militaries of both countries to share each other’s bases for various operations. These include port visits, joint training, joint exercise, and disaster relief efforts and humanitarian assistance; other area’s of cooperation to be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
This will benefit from easier access to America’s network of military bases through out the world. The pact will also enhance the capability of both partners in military & other partenerships, at a time when Indian interests are distributed in the world. The U.S., too, has required the help of India and its resources, as it did when emergency planes were landed and refueled in Delhi during the Nepal earthquake relief operation. As India and the U.S. explore plans for maritime cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region LEMOA is going to add value to this
LEMOA is also has its own limitations, however, as is evident from the fact that it took so many years to agree and take concrete shape. Even after the Centre had cleared it as “foundational agreement”, A major reason for this was that although India embarked on closer defence ties with the U.S. since last year, there was no consensus or support within the establishment for an alliance of any kind, which the LEMOA had symbolise in future
Parrikar pointed out during his joint appearance with U.S. Defence Secretary, the finally negotiated text has nothing to do with setting up U.S. bases in India, and there is no “obligation” on either side to carry out any joint activity he also mentioned a need to explain to the people the importance of the agreement by bringing it into the public domain before the government considers discussions on the other issues in foundational agreements
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
Minimum wage
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimum_wage
NCRB https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Crime_Records_Bureau
LEMOA
Swacch Bharat campaign
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swachh_Bharat_Abhiyan
GST Bill
http://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/the-constitution-122nd-amendment-gst-bill-
2014-3505/
Tags
Minimum wage Agrarian riots GST Mumbai attack, Pathankot attack LEMOA
Practice Questions Date: 31st August, 2016 Category: social issues Topic: minimum wages Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual
1. Minimum wages act enacted in india in which year? a) 1948 b) 1949 c) 1950 d) 1951
Ans. A
Date: 31st August, 2016 Category: Indian society Topic: communalism & secularism Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual
2. Recently NCRB reported that there was rise in which type of the riots? a) Communal roits b) Agrarian roits c) Sectoriaan roits d) None of the above Ans. B Date: 31st August, 2016 Category: International relation Topic: LEMOA Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual
3. Consider the following statements, GST proposes uniform tax structure for goods & services throughout country
GST will help to boost tax collections in the country
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? a) 1 Only b) 2 Only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans. C Date:31st August, 2016 Category: programs & schemes Topic: swacch bhrat mission Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual
4. which of the following program started by government under swacch bharat mission to spread awareness in NCR? a) asli tharakki
b) asli thakkath c) swacch delhi d) none of the above Ans. A Date: 31st August, 2016 Category: International relation Topic: LEMOA Source: Editorial Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual
5. LEMOA is agreement between which of the following pair of countries? a) India, Russsia b) India, US c) India, China d) None of the above Ans. B
Current News Analysis
01-09-2016
A. GS1 Related
B. GS2 Related
1. Supreme court’s verdict on Singur case
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-quashes-singur-land-acquisition/article9055140.ece
Category: Polity and Governance Topic: Government Interventions, Judiciary
Key Points:
The Apex Court quashed the CPI (M) led West Bengal government’s acquisition of 997
acres of agricultural land for Tata Motors’ Nano small car plant in Singur in a reality
check to State acquisition of agricultural land under emergency clause for industrial
projects of private companies. The bench decided to return the land to thousands of
short-changed landowners, farmers and cultivators, who have been fighting a prolonged
legal battle for over 10 years. The Supreme court bench held “In the instant case, what
makes the acquisition proceedings perverse is not the fact that the lands were needed
for setting up an automobile industry, which would help to generate employment as
well as promote socio-economic development in the State, but that the proper
procedure as laid down in the Land Acquisition Act was not followed by the State
government”.
History of the dispute - The acquisition witnessed widespread protests in the State,
compelling the Tatas to shift base to Gujarat in 2008. The issue led to an electoral
victory for the Mamata Banerjee government, which went on to enact the Singur Land
Rehabilitation and Development Act in 2011 to re-claim the land from the Tatas.
The present West Bengal government said though it is completely understandable for
the government to acquire land to set up industrial units, the brunt of development
should not be borne by the weakest sections of the society, more so, poor agricultural
workers who have no means of raising a voice against the action of the mighty State
government.
2. President Dilma Rousseff impeached by Brazil’s Senate
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/brazils-senate-votes-to-permanently-remove-president-dilma-rousseff-from-office/article9056364.ece Category: International Relations Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Key Points:
Brazil’s Senate removed President Dilma Rousseff from office after a long fight that laid
raw the country’s fury over corruption and economic decay, due to the violation of
budgetary laws by the President. The Senate’s impeachment vote ended 13 years of
Leftist rule in Latin America’s biggest economy.
Vice-President Michel Temer took over as the new President of Brazil. Temer
immediately named a new government with an agenda of shifting Brazil to the right
after more than a decade of leftist rule that saw 29 million people lifted from poverty,
but became bogged down in corruption and the economic slump.
3. India silent on crisis in Maldives
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/indias-silence-on-maldives-is-troubling-says-spokesperson-of-mohammed-nasheed/article9056448.ece Category: International Relations Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Key Points:
Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) said India’s silence on the recent developments in
the Maldives is troubling. The party’s spokesperson said “As a robust democracy right
next door, you would think India would provide greater moral support to reinstate
democracy in the Maldives”.
Mohamed Nasheed, the first democratically elected president of the island nation, was
convicted and jailed in the Maldives in 2015 on terrorism charges. Some time back
Nasheed had said India could play an important role in restoring democracy in the
Maldives, but the appeasement of dictators was not the way to do it.
MDP is now leading a coalition that is opposed to President Abdullah Yameen. It was
formed in June, 2016 in London, where Mr. Nasheed sought asylum after he was
granted permission to travel there for medical treatment.
China factor - Over the last few years, India has become increasingly wary of China’s
growing presence in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
4. 463 West Bank settlement homes approved by Israel
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/israel-approves-463-settlement-homes-in-west-bank/article9056410.ece Category: International Relations Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Key Points:
Israel has approved the construction of 463 homes for Jewish settlers in the occupied
West Bank, despite growing international criticism over such projects. The approvals
mostly involved new housing units, but a retroactive green light was also granted to 179
existing homes in the Ofarim settlement.
The United Nations coordinator for the Middle East peace process had reported the UN
Security Council that Israeli settlement expansion has surged in the past two months
since a key report called for a halt. The diplomatic Quartet - the European Union,
Russia, the UN and the United States reported construction of settlements on land
earmarked to be part of a future Palestinian state is eroding the possibility of a two-
state solution.
5. 2016 Magsaysay awards
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bezwada-wilson-tm-krishna-receive-magsaysay-award/article9056484.ece Category: International Relations Topic: Awards
Key Points:
Two Indians – Social activist Bezwada Wilson and musician TM Krishna have won the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award 2016.
Bezwada Wilson: Being the National Convener of the Safai Karmachari Andolan (SKA), he has been recognized for asserting the inalienable right to a life of human dignity. He has done remarkable work in liberating scores of people engaged in manual scavenging across the country.
Thodur Madabusi Krishna: A Carnatic music vocalist has been recognized for ensuring social inclusiveness in culture.
Four others who received the award this year: Conchita Carpio-Morales of the Philippines, Dompet Dhuafa of Indonesia, Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers and ‘Vientiane Rescue’ of Laos.
C. GS3 Related
1. Centre okays Permanent residency to FDI investors
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/cabinet-nod-for-permanent-residency-to-fdi-investors/article9056380.ece
Category: Economy Topic: International Trade
Key Points:
The Union Cabinet approved a scheme to grant permanent residency status (PRS) to all foreign investors, except those from Pakistan, subject to the relevant conditions. The Government expects the move to encourage more foreign investment in India and facilitate the Make in India programme. Under the scheme, suitable provisions will be incorporated in the visa manual to provide for the grant of PRS to foreign investors.
Under the scheme, the centre grants PRS for a period of 10 years with multiple entry
provision.
Conditions to be fulfilled: In order to avail this scheme, the foreign investor will have to
invest a minimum of Rs.10 crore to be brought within 18 months or Rs.25 crore to be
brought within 36 months. Further, the foreign investment should result in generating
employment to at least 20 resident Indians every financial year.
Other major decisions taken by the Cabinet w.r.t FDI –
The Cabinet gave its ex-post facto approval for the foreign direct investment (FDI)
reforms announced by the Centre on June 20, 2016, which opened up FDI norms for
almost all sectors including food manufacturing, defence, broadcasting,
pharmaceuticals, civil aviation, animal husbandry and single-brand retailing.
Creation of Project Development fund: The Cabinet approved creation of a Project
Development Fund (PDF) with a corpus of Rs.500 Crore for catalysing Indian economic
presence in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. The PDF will work in the
Department of Commerce and will be operated through the EXIM Bank. It will be
governed by an inter-ministerial committee under the chairpersonship of the Commerce
Secretary.
Note - The Union Cabinet also took a major decision to dissolve the Kolkata-based Central
Inland Water Transport Corporation as the company has been incurring losses since its
inception. The decision is in line with the government’s move to revitalise sick central public
sector units, wherever possible, or wind up irretrievable cases.
Separately, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved a Rs.1,145 crore project
at Mormugao Port for the redevelopment of berths on public private partnership (PPP)
mode.
2. GDP growth slows to 7.1% in first quarter of 2016-17
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/gdp-growth-slows-to-71-in-first-quarter/article9056377.ece
Category: Economy Topic: National Income
Key Points:
India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth slowed to 7.1 per cent in the first quarter of 2016-17, with private consumption still the mainstay of the expansion. The slowdown was mainly driven by a slowdown in mining, construction and agriculture sectors. GDP growth stood at 7.9 per cent in the fourth quarter (January-March) of the previous financial year (2015-16) and at 7.5 per cent in Q1 of 2015-16.'
The construction sector grew at only 1.5 per cent in Q1 of 2016-17 compared with 5.6 per cent in the same quarter of the previous year mainly due to the monsoon being good. With heavy rainfall, construction is usually stalled. The mining sector saw a contraction of 0.4 per cent in Q1 of 2016-17 compared with a strong growth of 8.5 per cent in April-June last year.
The Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation stated ‘Quarterly GVA (Gross Value Added) at Basic Price at constant (2011-2012) prices for Q1 of 2016-17 is estimated at Rs.27.38 lakh crore, as against Rs.25.51 lakh crore in Q1 of 2015-16, showing a growth rate of 7.3 per cent over the corresponding quarter of previous year’.
3. Pollution made Gangetic dolphins blind
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/it-is-pollution-that-made-
gangetic-dolphins-blind-says-uma-bharti/article9056507.ece
Category: Environment and Ecology Topic: Conservation
Key Points:
The Union Water resources minister stated that pollution for over 125 years in the
Ganga had caused the dolphin to stop using its eyes and rely on other senses to
navigate. The Gangetic river dolphin, also called the blind river dolphin or the side-
swimming dolphin is unique to India and an endangered species.
A Right to Information query to the Water Resources Ministry recently found that the
Ministry had conducted no study to establish a theory on why the mammal was blind.
However, the minister said a presentation was made by an expert to the Minister on
aqua life in which it was informed that dolphins in Ganga are getting blind due to
pollution in the river.
According to the Evolutionary biology the Gangetic dolphin has been blind for about 20
million years and shares its limited eyesight with its international freshwater river-
dolphin cousins, namely the Yangtze, Amazon, La Plata and the Indus dolphins. The
Gangetic dolphin lost its eyes in the course of evolution to adapt to the muddy water of
rivers. They largely navigate by echo-location or sonar.
According to the ecologists, Pollution is certainly responsible for the plight of the
dolphin but not in this way. Dams over the Ganga and Brahmaputra, overfishing and
industrial effluents had made survival of the mammal difficult in India. There are no
more than 2,500 dolphins in India with most along the Brahmaputra, Bihar, Allahabad
and Chambal regions
One of the stated aims of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is to improve
aquatic life in the river and restore dophin populations.
4. Southern Bird Wing to be named Karnataka's ‘State butterfly’
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/southern-bird-wing-
to-be-named-state-butterfly/article9057551.ece
Category: Environment and Ecology Topic: Conservation
Key Points:
The Southern Bird Wing butterfly was in-principle approved by Karnataka State Wildlife
Board to become the State butterfly of Karnataka. The Arthropod, Flutters with
distinctive red and yellow stripes amongst the verdant green of the Western Ghats. The
Southern Bird Wing was selected as its colours match the colours of the Karnataka Flag.
This makes Karnataka the second State in the country after Maharashtra to adopt a
State butterfly. Maharashtra chose the Blue Mormom butterfly as its State butterfly in
2015.
Butterfly Conservation Reserve: With 125 species of butterflies, there is a strong demand to
declare the Doraisanipalya reserve forest area (Bannerghatta Forest), a Butterfly
Conservation Reserve. If declared, it would be 1st such reserve in the country.
Overview:
The Southern Bird Wing - It is the largest butterfly in India, with the females growing up to
19 cm in length. Primarily endemic to South India, it is found in abundance in Karnataka. It is
very important to know about the importance of butterflies in the eco-system. They are
important pollinators, and their preservation is necessary for the functioning of eco-
system.
D. GS4 Related
E. Important Editorials
The Hindu
1. Commercial surrogacy
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/republic-of-unreason/article9056339.ece
Category: Polity and Governance, Social Justice Topic: Government Interventions
Key Points:
Conventionally, commercial surrogacy involves an agreement in which a woman, in exchange for money, agrees to carry a child for another person to whom she will surrender the child when it is born. The woman can either be the child’s genetic mother which is the more traditional form of surrogacy or, alternatively, if implanted with an embryo, she could merely be a gestational carrier owning no genetic connection to the child whatsoever. Since 2002, when the Indian Council for Medical Research issued a set of non-binding regulations that envisaged transactional surrogacy, these forms of arrangements have flourished in India. According to some reports, the assisted-reproduction sector may now be worth as high as $2 billion, with more than 25,000 surrogate children being born every year in the country. But in the absence of any legislation controlling the industry, Vaghela’s case has scarcely proved an exception.
Vaghela’s case - In August 2011, Premila Vaghela, 30, the wife of a daily-wage labourer from a poor Ahmedabad suburb, had agreed to become a surrogate mother for an American couple. She thought that by renting her womb for money she could provide a better education for her own two children. But eight months into her pregnancy, in what was meant to be a standard medical visit, she crumpled to the floor of her doctors’ clinic, clutching her stomach in agony. She died four days later. But the baby survived. Although there is no specific indication of any wrongdoing (the police recorded Vaghela’s death as “accidental”) the doctors’ priorities were clear from the terms of the surrogacy contract that she had signed. Not only did this agreement (typical of all commercial surrogacy arrangements) absolve the doctors and the foreign couple of any liability, it also noted that the surrogate and her husband had agreed that if Vaghela suffered an injury or a life-threatening instance during the third trimester of her pregnancy, she “will be sustained with life support equipment to protect the foetus’ viability and insure a healthy birth on the genetic parents’ behalf”.
It is perhaps with these considerations in mind that the Union Cabinet legislation, in short, seeks to ban commercial surrogacy altogether, while limiting the availability of what the Bill terms as altruistic surrogacy to childless, heterosexual Indian couples married for at least five years. That is, persons who are eligible to seek surrogacy are required to engage a close female relative, not necessarily related by blood, in a transaction where no money exchanges hands between the commissioning couple and the surrogate mother, except to meet medical expenses. Unfortunately, though, well-intentioned as the proposal might appear at first blush, the Bill fails to address the moral questions at the roots of the controversy, and, if ultimately enacted into law, would also transgress some of the Constitution’s core guarantees.
Pros and cons – Now, there is little doubting that any reasonable government ought to concern itself at some level with the ethics of procreation, especially given the power equations at play in a contract of surrogacy. But is a complete proscription on commercial surrogacy a neutral position to take? There are two basic arguments against such a ban.
First, that people, both foreigners and Indians, have a fundamental right to procreate, and to choose whichever method they desire to achieve this objective. This affirmative argument in favour of a right to use assisted-reproductive technology, though, as the Harvard Law School professor Martha A. Field has explained, fails for the reason that surrogacy involves using another person’s body, albeit with their ostensible consent. “A personal right to do something,” Field wrote, “does not necessarily carry over to a right to enlist the assistance of another.” That surrogacy hasn’t been previously regulated also does not now give a person a specific constitutional right to procreate. After all, every practice tolerated by the state doesn’t emanate out of a pre-existing natural or positive right. What’s more, in any event, given that an infertile couple could take recourse to adopting a child, a ban on commercial surrogacy doesn’t necessarily affect one’s right to raise a family.
The second argument a classically libertarian one that women have a fundamental right to contract, and a fundamental right to personal liberty, which together permit them to use their bodies as they please, however, cannot be readily dismissed. As Amrita Pande wrote in the absence of any evidence that shows that all economic choices made by a woman are uninfluenced by a lack of informed consent, denying Indian women the ability to enter into contracts of surrogacy alone might seem misplaced. But the philosophical basis for such an argument may not quite be carved in stone. From the 1980s onwards many feminist scholars - Andrea Dworkin the most prominent among them have warned against the commodification of surrogacy in an inherently unequal world. For Dworkin, surrogacy is like prostitution, because the surrogate has no choice. The questions that concern the validity of a commercial surrogacy agreement, she wrote, are not indifferent from those concerning prostitution. When the state has “constructed the social, economic, and political situation in which the sale of some sexual or reproductive capacity is necessary to the survival of women,” Dworkin wrote, to believe that such women are exercising their free will in choosing to sell the use of their womb in a commercial transaction is simply amoral.
While a complete ban on surrogacy is capable of being legally justified even if it arguably makes for poor strategy the Bill’s proposal to allow altruistic surrogacy for certain classes of persons is not only indefensible but is also scandalous in that it exemplifies the government’s didactic ambitions. Under India’s constitutional structure, every time a law seeks to treat equal persons differently, it must justify the classification that it so makes with cogent reasons. First, the distinction that the law draws must be intelligible; the classes of persons sliced out by the law must be capable of being easily ascertained. And second, the state must show that there is a rational nexus between the object that
the law seeks to achieve and the classification that it makes. In the case of the Surrogacy Bill the object of the proposed law is ostensibly to curb the exploitation of poor women who often act as surrogate mothers. It’s hard to understand, though, how such an object can bear any relation to the classification that the Bill makes in distinguishing couples married for five years or more from all others, including live-in couples, single parents, and those from the LGBT community. “We do not recognise homosexual or live-in relationships, that are why they are not allowed to commission babies through surrogacy,” said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, while announcing the Cabinet’s approval of the Bill. “It is against our ethos.” These professed reasons though neither emanate out of any legitimate governmental interest nor do they contain any link to the Bill’s object and purpose. They merely comprise the state’s expression of disgust at practices that it deems depraved. If Parliament were to pass the Surrogacy Bill in its present form, the law would certainly violate the constitutional pledge of equal treatment.
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn
Magsaysay awards
Blue Mormom
Gangetic dolphin
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
Singur Land Rehabilitation and Development Act in 2011
The Southern Bird Wing butterfly
2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS
BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN
NEWS
Links to Refer
1. Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=149186
2. National Mission for Clean Ganga http://nmcg.nic.in/
3. Karnataka State Wildlife Board http://www.aranya.gov.in/Static%20Pages/WildLife.aspx
3. Tags
Magsaysay awards
Blue Mormom
Gangetic dolphin
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
Singur Land Rehabilitation and Development Act in 2011
The Southern Bird Wing butterfly
Practice Questions Date: 1st September, 2016 Category: Environment and Ecology Topic: Conservation Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual 1. Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?
Construction of dams and barrages on rivers. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity
of rivers. Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1, 3 and 4 only d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans. C
Date: 1st September, 2016 Category: Economy
Topic: International Trade Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual 2. Which organization approves the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under the ‘Government route’ upto 5000 crores? a) Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) b) Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) c) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) d) Union Ministry of Commerce Ans. A Date: 1st September, 2016 Category: Economy Topic: National Income Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual 3. The Union ministry of Statistics revised the new base year for the measurement of GDP from 2004-05 to a) 2005-06 b) 2010-11 c) 2011-12 d) 2012-13 Ans. C Date: 1st September, 2016 Category: Environment and Ecology Topic: Conservation Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual 4. Which National park has India’s first butterfly enclosure? a) Bannerghatta National Park, Karnataka b) Mt. Harriet National Park, A&N Islands c) Chandoli National Park, Maharashtra d) Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Maharashtra Ans. A Date: 1st September, 2016 Category: Economy
Topic: Industries Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual 5. In India, in the overall Index of Industrial Production, the Indices of Eight Core Industries have a combined weight of 37-90%. Which of the following has the least weight? a) Cement b) Fertilizers c) Natural gas d) Refinery products Ans. B
Current News Analysis
02-09-2016
A. GS1 Related
1. IMD's August forecast wrong
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/imd-gets-its-august-forecast-
wrong/article9061313.ece
Category: Geography Topic: Monsoon
Key Points:
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has erred on its forecast for monsoon rain
in August, 2016. In June, it said that India would get more rain than it usually did but as
of August 31, the country got significantly less - 8.5 % less rain than what’s normal for
the month according to IMD. However, this wouldn’t affect water availability for
agriculture and the storage in reservoirs. Unless September gets 150% more rain than
normal, it is unlikely that India will meet its forecast target of 6% surplus rains for the
monsoon season. So far the all-India monsoon deficit as of August 31 was 3%.
This implies IMD’s weather models are still not robust enough to capture changes in
global climate that could affect the Indian monsoon. The organization is planning to shift
to a forecast system in 2017 that relies on a supercomputer-led dynamical weather-
modelling.
Most of the global forecast models expected a Stronger La Nina, the converse of an El
Nino and usually associated with good rains over India, to set in around August. So far
the La Nina has been extremely weak. According to weather experts, there were other
factors such as a negative Indian Ocean Dipole and an unfavourable Madden Julian
Oscillation (MJO) that obstructed La Nina. Both of these refer to phenomena in the seas
surrounding India and global atmospheric disturbances known to affect the monsoon
during July and August.
On the back of successive severe droughts in 2014 and 2015 because of one of the
strongest El Ninos on record, WMO and other weather agencies had said 2016 would be
a good year because El Nino had receded and was likely to give way to La Nina.
B. GS2 Related
1. 13 Indians tested positive for Zika in Singapore
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/india-confirms-13-of-its-nationals-test-
positive-for-zika-in-singapore/article9059310.ece
Category: International Relations Topic: Diaspora
Key Points:
The Union ministry of External Affairs said Indian Embassy in Singapore has reported
that 13 Indians tested positive for Zika virus as the city grapples with rising number of
the mosquito-borne disease. It was further said there has been a surge in number of
people affected by Zika virus in Singapore, particularly those working in construction
sites.
Overview:
Zika virus - It is spread by Aedes mosquitoes which are active during daytime. The virus gets
the name comes from the Zika Forest of Uganda, where it was first isolated in 1947. It is
closely related to dengue, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and West Nile viruses.
The infection often causes no or only mild symptoms, similar to a very mild form of dengue
fever. In February, 2016 WHO had declared Zika a public health emergency after women
affected by it had given birth to children with microcephaly, a birth defect with small head
size.
2. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/kiran-mazumdar-shaw-awarded-
highest-civilian-french-honour/article9060958.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: Awards
Key Points:
The chairperson and Managing Director of Biocon Limited, Kiran Mazumbar Shaw was
appointed by the French government ‘Chevalier de l'Ordre National de la Légion
d'Honneur’ (Knight of the National Order of the French Legion of Honour) for her
contribution to biosciences and research.
It is the highest civilian award of the French Republic for outstanding contribution in
diverse fields.
C. GS3 Related
1. CEA predicts double digit growth rate
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/india-to-clock-810-growth/article9061160.ece?ref=sliderNews Category: Economy Topic: Economic Growth
Key Points:
The Chief Economic Advisor, Arvind Subramanian said despite registering the slowest
growth rate in the last six quarters in April-June period, India has the potential to sustain
8 to 10 per cent growth rate during the next two to three years.
He, however, projected the growth rate with a rider saying, “if we continue to do all the
things the government is doing and if world economy picks up a little bit as it did in
2000, then the growth rate would even clock double-digit in next two to three years.
Where would this growth come from? China has been growing at 10.5 per cent for last
25 years. India, since mid-1970 or 1980, has been growing at 6 per cent, which is not
bad. Till 1980, we were growing at 3 per cent which is called Hindu rate of growth. After
that we have grown at significantly higher rate. But, it is well below the growth rate of
China”.
According to Subramanian, in the long run, the country’s political stability becomes very
important for its economic development. He suggested a few economic reforms - one
price for one product in the market and expanding the scope of the direct benefit
transfer model for achieving faster growth. Some of the reforms introduced in the
recent times were recalled - Bankruptcy law which is important because in our
economy, unviable enterprises were continuing to survive for long, rather than exiting.
2. CIC asks PMO to respond to RTI query on Black money
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/narendra-modis-black-money-promise-cic-asks-
pmo-to-respond-to-rti-query/article9060449.ece
Category: Economy Topic: Black Money
Key Points:
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has asked the Prime Minister's Office (PMO)
to reply to the RTI applicant, Kanhaiya Lal from Jhalawar district of Rajasthan who
wishes to know the status of black money that was supposed to be brought back in the
country, as promised by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi during 2014 Lok Sabha
election.
Overview:
Black money (unaccounted money – parallel economy) refers to funds earned on the black
market, on which income tax and other taxes have not been paid.
SIT on black money – The Union government set up a high-level Special Investigation Team
to help unearth black money stashed away abroad. The SIT was headed by former Supreme
Court judge Justice M. B. Shah.
3. India’s space capacity not sufficient
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/india-has-only-half-the-satellites-it-
needs/article9062463.ece
Category: Science and Technology Topic: Space
Key Points:
A.S. Kiran Kumar, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation, at the fifth
World Space Biz conference and Bangalore Space Expo organised with the
Confederation of Indian Industry said India’s space capacity of 34 working satellites is
barely half of what the country needs and is severely limited to meet increasing
demands from the Centre, States and businesses. Currently, over 60 Central
departments compared to 15 departments until recently and all State governments
were demanding satellite-based solutions for governance.
ISRO is planning to put 12–18 satellites in space every year to meet this demand and
also wants to be free to pursue higher technologies. Domestic industry should urgently
step in to make satellites and launch vehicles, he told a gathering of Indian and overseas
space supplies companies.
Current applications of ISRO’s satellites: communication, earth observation and
navigation can connect people, tell fisher folk where to find fish; forecast crop yields,
locate people or places; and help governments govern and plan projects.
ISRO’s commercial arm ANTRIX Corporation aims to get industry involved in turnkey
satellite solutions and building of launch vehicles. Indian industry can reap the vast
global opportunities worth $335 billion.
Overview:
ISRO is the space agency of the India, headquartered in Bangalore. Its vision is to
harness space technology for national development, while pursuing space science
research and planetary exploration. Formed in 1969, ISRO superseded the erstwhile
Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) established in 1962.
Rockets currently used by ISRO –
1. PSLV - The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle is an expendable launch system developed
by ISRO to launch its Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites into Sun synchronous
orbits at a height of 1620 kms.
Indian Remote Sensing satellites (IRS) are a series of earth observation satellites, built,
launched and maintained by ISRO. It provides remote sensing services to the country.
The Indian Remote Sensing Satellite system is the largest constellation of remote
sensing satellites for civilian use in operation today in the world.
Recent programs of PSLV:
NAVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) – It is an autonomous regional satellite
navigation system set up by India. It will be used to provide accurate real-time
positioning and timing services over India and the region extending to 1,500 kms around
India. It is a constellation of 7 satellites launched by 7 different launches of PSLV in
Geostationary orbit approximately at 36,000 kms altitude above earth surface and is
expected to be operational from September 2016.
NAVIC will provide two levels of service, the standard positioning service will be open
for civilian use, and a restricted service (an encrypted one) for authorized users
(including the military). The Government of India dedicated it to India’s mariners and
fishermen who have been navigating using the sun and stars as waypoints for hundreds
of years.
At a stroke, PSLV successfully launches 20 satellites into orbit – In one go, PSLV C-34
launched 20 satellites. They include two student satellites from Indian universities and
17 of four foreign countries.
Cartosat-2(India) - It would be used for Earth observation, useful for cartographic
applications, urban and rural applications, coastal land use and regulation and utility
management like road networking.
LAPAN-A3 (Indonesia): The microsatellite will be used for Earth observation and is
intended to be used to monitor land use, natural resource and environment.
M3MSat (Canada): Maritime Monitoring and Messaging Micro-Satellite is a technology
demonstrator mission to collect and study Automatic Identification System signals from
low-Earth orbit.
GHG Sat-D (Canada): The Earth observation satellite will be used to measure the
atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases (Carbon Dioxide and Methane).
BIROS (Germany): Berlin Infrared Optical System (BIROS) is a small scientific satellite for
remote sensing of high temperature events.
SkySat Gen2-1 (U.S.): Designed and built by Terra Bella, a Google company based in
Mountain View, California in the U.S., the small Earth imaging satellite is capable of
capturing sub-meter resolution imagery and HD video.
Dove (U.S.): A total of 12 Earth imaging satellites
Sathyabamasat (Sathyabama University, Chennai): The satellite aims to collect data on
green house gases.
Swayam (College of Engineering, Pune): The satellite aims to provide point to point
messaging services to the HAM (amateur radio) community.
2. GSLV – It is an expendable launch system operated by the ISRO to launch its INSAT-
type satellites into geostationary orbit, at a height of approximately 36000 kms from
Earth. So, far it has been launched 9 times.
INSAT (Indian National Satellite System) program – Started in 1983, it is a series of
multipurpose geostationary satellites launched by ISRO to satisfy the
telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology and search-and-rescue needs of India.
It is the largest domestic communication system in the Asia-Pacific Region. It is a joint
venture of the Department of Space, Department of Telecommunications, India
Meteorological Department, All India Radio and Doordarshan.
ISRO flight tests scramjet engine over Bay of Bengal - India became only the fourth
nation to flight-test a scramjet engine, a technology that scientists claim could change
the way space travel is undertaken. ISRO conducted its first trial of the engine, from the
Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. An Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV), a
sounding rocket was used for the test.
A scramjet engine has an air-breathing propulsion system, which aims to capitalise on
the oxygen in the atmosphere instead of liquefied oxygen while in flight.
D. GS4 Related
1. BCCI's Annual general meeting cannot elect new secretary
http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/bcci-agm-cannot-elect-new-
secretary/article9061139.ece
Category: Probity Topic: Appointments, Conflict of Interest
Key Points:
The Justice Lodha Committee has told the BCCI not to proceed with the election of the
secretary or reconstitute the selection committees. It implies Ajay Shirke will continue
to be the nominated secretary, and the senior national selection committee chaired by
Sandeep Patil will also remain undisturbed till the Apex Council is put in place by
December 15.
It can carry out only routine business of 2015-16 at its annual general meeting in
September, 2016 and that it has to adopt the Memorandum of Association and Rules as
per the Committee’s recommendations before engaging in matters related to 2016-17.
The committee said BCCI can only adopt the reports of all the committees and audited
statement of accounts of 2015-16.
Overview:
Lodha Committee - The Supreme Court recently accepted the key recommendations of the Lodha Committee on BCCI reforms. It recommended sweeping reforms in the structuring and governance of cricket in the country and an administrative shake-up at the troubled BCCI, suggesting that ministers be barred from occupying positions, a cap put on the age and tenure of the office-bearers and legalising betting. Some of the important recommendations are –
Formation of a separate governing body for the Indian Premier League and the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
Formation of a Players association in the BCCI to safeguard the interests of the cricketers and the funding of players association.
One person should hold one post in cricket administration to avoid any conflict of interest.
E. Important Editorials
The Hindu
1. Singur verdict
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/full-circle-in-singur/article9062438.ece
Category: Polity and Governance, Social Justice Topic: Government Interventions
Key Points:
The Supreme Court’s verdict on the Singur land acquisition issue is a re-statement of first principles relating to the limitations of ‘eminent domain’. By quashing the entire land acquisition process done by the erstwhile Left Front government in West Bengal, the court has reiterated that the term ‘public purpose’ cannot be arbitrarily invoked to acquire land and hand it over to a private party. One of the two judges of the Apex court has categorically held that there was no ‘public purpose’ in the land acquisition as it was solely for the benefit of Tata Motors. The other judge has conceded that given the government’s policy of industrialisation and the potential for employment generation, the acquisition was indeed for a public purpose. But he also ruled that the failure to hold a proper inquiry into objections from the public, and the fact that the State Cabinet had decided to acquire land for the project even before the acquisition was notified as per law, rendered the entire process void. The ruling is undoubtedly a political victory for West Bengal’s present government which took up the cause of those whose lands were taken away in Singur, making it a key election issue of the pivotal Assembly election of 2011, when TMC wrested power from the long-serving Left Front. With the farmers set to get back their land, and the court allowing them to keep the compensation they had earlier received or claim it now if they are yet to get it, this allows her to score points afresh over the CPI(M).
The judgment does not lay down any new law. The dispute over whether the Singur land was acquired for a ‘public purpose’ or not is largely academic, now that the outdated Land Acquisition Act, 1894, has been repealed and replaced by legislation that aims at transparency in acquisition and makes fair compensation and resettlement a statutory right of those who lose their land.
The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act sets out the categories of projects that would fall under public purpose, and allows acquisition for private companies subject to provisions related to consent, compensation and rehabilitation. There may be some apprehension that the judgment will deter fresh investment by the private sector, inasmuch as it may preclude land acquisition for major projects. However, courts have by and large interpreted ‘public purpose’ liberally, often allowing the government’s view to prevail. The lesson from Singur is that thoughtless and fast-tracked acquisition, often to the detriment of
due process and the interests of those deprived of land and livelihood, is the real issue and not promotion of industrialisation.
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn
The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and
Resettlement Act
Land Acquisition Act, 1894
Lodha Committee
ANTRIX Corporation
Bankruptcy law
Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV)
2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS
BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS Links to Refer
The Right to Fair Compensation and
Transparency in Land Acquisition,
Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act
http://indiacode.nic.in/acts-in-pdf/302013.pdf
3. Tags
The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and
Resettlement Act
Land Acquisition Act, 1894
Lodha Committee
ANTRIX Corporation
Bankruptcy law
Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV)
Practice Questions Date: 2nd September, 2016 Category: Polity and Governance Topic: Provisions Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual
1. Which of the following Schedules in the Indian Constitution contains provisions related to Land reforms? a) Schedule 8 b) Schedule 12 c) Schedule 9 d) Schedule 10 Ans. C Date: 2nd September, 2016 Category: Science and Technology Topic: Developments, Space Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual
2. In which of the following activities are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used?
Assessment of crop productivity
Locating ground water resources
Mineral exploration
Telecommunications
Traffic studies Select the correct answer using the code given below a) 1, 2 and 3 only b) 4 and 5 only c) 1 and 2 only d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Ans. A
Date: 2nd September, 2016 Category: Science and Technology Topic: Awareness Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual
3. Which of the following statements regarding Zika virus is not correct? a) It was first isolated from a monkey in the Zika forest of Uganda. b) It is transmitted by day time active Aedes mosquitoes c) It does not cause mother to child infection d) Zika infection in pregnant women causes abnormal brain development in foetus. Ans. C Date: 2nd September, 2016 Category: Geography Topic: Weather Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual
4. The Indian Meteorological department (IMD) works under – a) Union ministry of Earth sciences b) Union ministry of Environment and forest c) Union ministry of Energy d) It is an autonomous body, not a part of any ministry. Ans A Date: 2nd September, 2016 Category: Polity and Governance Topic: Government Initiatives Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual
5. Consider the following schemes: MGNREGS
Student scholarship scheme
PAHAL
Cash for Food scheme Which of the following are using Direct benefits transfer: a) 1 & 2 only b) 2 & 3 only
c) 1, 2 & 3 d) All 4 Ans. C
Comprehensive News Analysis
03-09-2016
A. GS1 Related
1. New stamp for Mother Teresa’s canonization
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/new-stamp-for-mother-teresas-
canonisation/article9067500.ece
Category: Society Topic: Role of Women Key Points:
The canonisation of Mother Teresa in the Vatican will be marked by India with the
release of a commemorative postage stamp
India Post released, in Kolkata, a special postal and numismatic cover on the Roman
Catholic nun
About Mother Teresa:
She was born in 1910 in Skopje
She came to India in 1929 (Kolkata)
She served as the principal of St. Mary’s school
In 1950, she established the missionaries of charity in Kolkata
She also formed the ‘Co-workers of Mother Teresa’ and ‘The Sick and Suffering co-
workers’
Not only confined to India, she opened houses in almost all the communist countries
She was awarded the Indian Padmshree Award in 1962 and Nobel Peace Prize in 1979
She was not only a religious guru but in more broader sense the messenger of human
dignity, which is enshrined in our constitution as well – A right to life with dignity.
B. GS2 Related
1. Canada’s British Columbia issues masala bonds
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/canadas-british-columbia-issues-masala-bonds/article9066525.ece
Category: International Relations
Topic: India – Canada
Key Points:
Canada’s British Columbia has become the first foreign government issuer of masala bonds
It has raised Rs.5 billion through a rupee-denominated bond on the London Stock Exchange
According to the Canada government’ “The masala bond issuance offers British Columbia a means to become well-positioned to profile our confidence in the outlook for India, and to participate in the internationalization of the rupee and India’s economy”
About Masala Bonds
Masala bond is a term used to refer to a financial instrument through which Indian entities can raise money from overseas markets in the rupee, not foreign currency.
These are Indian rupee denominated bonds issued in offshore capital markets. The rupee denominated bond is an attempt to shield issuers from currency risk and instead transfer the risk to investors buying these bonds.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), an arm of the World Bank, issued the first masala bonds in October 2013
Allowing Indian firms to raise rupee-denominated loan from overseas market is a step towards full convertibility of Indian currency
The success of masala bonds would demonstrate overseas investors’ confidence on Indian currency. In other words, successful issue of these bonds by Indian corporate would imply faith on country’s macroeconomic fundamentals and the central bank’s role in currency management.
Source: indiafa.org
2. Egypt for robust defence and security ties
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/egypt-for-robust-defence-security-cooperation-with-india/article9065468.ece
Category: International Relations Topic: India-Egypt
Key Points:
Egypt and India will build a “robust defence and security cooperation”, to counter extremism and terrorism
Egyptian President, Mr. el-Sisi who is visiting Delhi with a large business and government delegation said that India and Egypt will upgrade economic and trade ties, increase mutual visits, intensify counter terror cooperation, and work on renewable energy.
An agreement on maritime transport was signed which was described by Indian Prime Minister as an “important enabler” for increased trade and commerce.
On the Cultural front, Egypt will hold an event ‘Egypt by the Ganga’ in response to the Indian initiative ‘India by the Nile’. It will create awareness among the citizens from both sides about each others’ cultures.
Egypt’s is also a participant as a special invitee at the G20 summit in Hangzhou, China.
C. GS3 Related
1. Goa to host its first bird watching festival
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/goa-to-host-its-first-birdwatching-festival/article9066530.ece
Category: Environment Topic: Conservation (also read in terms of tourism)
Key Points:
Goa represents a unique confluence of two diverse ecosystems — marine and
rainforest.
Goa will host a three-day birdwatching festival, proposed to be an annual event, for
national and international birding enthusiasts
Birdwatching tours will be held in south Goa’s Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Mollem
National Park on the state’s eastern border with Karnataka, and the Salim Ali Bird
Sanctuary in the island of Chorao.
Goa’s state bird, the bulbul, is prominent in the logo for the festival.
2. India faces Catch-22 on steel capacity at G20’s China meet
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/india-faces-catch22-on-steel-capacity-at-g20s-china-meet/article9066514.ece
Category: Indian economy
Topic: Changesin industrial policy
Key Points:
The G20 Trade Ministers this year had recognised excess capacity, especially in steel, as a global issue that needs “collective responses.”
They had stated that subsidies and other forms of government-related support can lead to market distortions and global excess capacity.
India’s Position
India had taken measures such as:
- anti-dumping duty
- safeguard duty
- Minimum Import Price
India also banned the manufacture and distribution of stainless steel products that do not comply with the the ‘Bureau of Indian Standards’ mark
This is done to counter a surge in cheap imports of steel, which was hurting local steel makers
3. Jobs elusive even as India clings to fastest-growing economy tag
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/jobs-elusive-even-as-india-clings-to-fastestgrowing-economy-tag/article9066506.ece
Category: Indian Economy
Topic: Development and Employment
Key Points:
India’s economic growth slowed to 7.1 per cent in the quarter to June, a 15-month low. That is faster than other major economies, but not fast enough to create enough new jobs to absorb all the one million people who join the workforce every month.
A government survey found that job creation fell by more than two-thirds lin 2015. Analysts at HDFC Bank estimate that for every percentage point the economy grows, employment now adds just 0.15 of a percentage point — down from 0.39 in 2000.
Nearly two-thirds of India’s 1.3 billion people are under 35 years old. This rising demographic “bulge” will create the largest working-age population in the world. At the same time China, which has long curbed family size, will age as a society.
Whether this so-called demographic dividend will translate into the kind of economic gains seen in Japan and Korea, or lead to upheavals, depends on India's ability to generate jobs.
Yet, despite average annual growth of 6.5 per cent between 1991 and 2013, India added less than half the jobs needed to absorb new job seekers.
India has opened up further to foreign investment, hoping to generate more manufacturing jobs. A loan scheme for small businesses has been set up.
4. Rajasthan ratifies GST Bill
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/rajasthan-ratifies-gst-bill/article9066712.ece
Category: Government Budgeting
Topic: Taxation
Key Points:
Rajasthan became the 17th State to ratify the Constitution Amendment Bill for the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Note: Follow the link to know everything you need to understand GST and the recent developments
http://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/goods-services-tax-gst-one-nation-one-tax-2-for-upsc-current-affairs
D. GS4 Related
E. Important Editorials
The Business Line:
1. Maternity, paternity or parental leave? Dilemmas and stereotypes
Category: Society
Topic: Gender Equality/ Women Rights
Key Points:
Amending the Maternity Benefit Bill to increase maternity leave may reinforce stereotypes and work against women, caution experts.
Employers may get discouraged from hiring women whereas implementation of paternity leave could help bridge this gap.
Policy should drive this change taking a cue from Sweden’s gender-neutral paid parental leave policy.
The Maternity Benefit Amendment Bill (2016) – Important Points
The Bill amends the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.
The Act regulates the employment of women during the period of child birth, and provides maternity benefits.
The Act applies to factory, mines, plantations, shops and other establishments. The Bill amends provisions related to the duration and applicability of maternity leave, and other facilities.
Duration of maternity leave: The Act states that every woman will be entitled to maternity benefit of 12 weeks. The Bill increases this to 26 weeks.
Under the Act, this maternity benefit should not be availed before six weeks from the date of expected delivery. The Bill changes this to eight weeks.
In case of a woman who has two or more children, the maternity benefit will continue to be 12 weeks, which cannot be availed before six weeks from the date of the expected delivery.
Option to work from home: The Bill introduces a provision that states that an employer may permit a woman to work from home, after the maternity leave.
Crèche facilities: The Bill introduces a provision which requires every establishment with 50 or more employees to provide crèche facilities within a prescribed distance
Informing women employees of the right to maternity leave: The Bill introduces a provision which requires every establishment to intimate a woman at the time of her appointment of the maternity benefits available to her. Such communication must be in writing and electronically.
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
1.GST
2. Maternity Benefit Amendment Bill
3. Demographic Dividend
4. Employment Creation
5. Mother Teresa
6. Steel Industry
7. G20
Tags
Demographic Dividend, Maternity Benefit Bill, GST G. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS
http://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/the-maternity-benefit-amendment-bill-2016-4370/
Practice Questions Date: 3rdSeptember, 2016 Category: Economy Topic: Tax Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual 1. Consider the following statements regarding GST?
It is a tax levied when a consumer buys a good or service
GST does not tax or get into the specific commodities 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: 3rdSeptember, 2016 Category: Constitutional Bills Topic: Women and Child care Source: Business Line Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual 2. Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Maternity Benefit Amendment Bill’ 2016?
The Act regulates the employment of women during the period of child birth
It has no option for a work from home facility after the maternity leave is over Which of the statements is/are correct? a) Only I b) Only II c) Both I and II d) Neither I nor II Ans. A Date: 3rdSeptember, 2016 Category: Society Topic: Role of Women Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Easy Type: Factual 3. Which of the following statement/s is not true regarding Mother Teresa?
a) She was born in the city of Kolkata, India b) She was a citizen of India c) She was awarded with Padmshree and Nobel Peace Prize d) She is being elevated to the level of sainthood Ans. A Date: 3rdSeptember, 2016 Category: Geography Topic: Middle East and Africa Source: World Map Difficulty level: Easy Type: Factual 4. The Suez Canal connects which of the following seas? a) Mediterranean and Black sea b) Black and Red sea c) Red Sea and the Persian Gulf d) Mediterranean and the Red sea Ans. D Date: 3rdSeptember, 2016 Category: Economy Topic: Development and employment Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Analytical 5. To obtain full benefits of demographic dividend, what should India do? (UPSC 2013 prelims) a) Promoting skill development b) Introducing more social security schemes c) Reducing infant mortality rate d) Privatization of higher education Ans. A
Comprehensive News Analysis
04-09-2016
A. A.GS1 Related
1. Inverting the pyramid
http://www.thehindu.com/features/magazine/clare-arni-captures-the-kurumba-
men-of-coorg-during-their-annual-festival-of-catharsis/article9069708.ece
Category: Art and Culture Topic: Festivals Key Points:
On the cool, green hills of Coorg, the Kunde festival is when JenuKurumba men,
liberated by disguise and liquor, curse their gods, their employers and all passers-by.
KundeHabba in the local dialect means the festival of abusing god
The Legend :The Kurumbas asked the god Aiyappa to go hunting with them, but he was
far more interested in the beautiful goddess Bhadrakali, and abandoned them to the
vagaries of the hunt. The god’s love is tested by this annual reminder of his duties,
couched in a torrent of anatomically accurate abuse.
2. Not just Naughty
http://www.thehindu.com/features/magazine/malini-nair-on-the-resurgence-of-
nautanki/article9069781.ece
Category: Art and Culture Topic: Music and Dance
Key Points:
Nautanki: The form developed mostly in two UP towns, Hathras and Kanpur, each distinct in style.
The Hathras format is more musical and slow-paced, while Kanpur has a more robustly dramatic, racy and dialogue-heavy style that borrowed heavily from Parsi theatre
Till the mid-1950s, it was promoted in Bollywood films like TeesriKasam
It is a complex music system with its own metres like doha, chaubola and behre-e-tabeel
The full-throated singing is very close to folk but at the same time, also draws heavily from khayal,thumri, ghazal, qawwali and even lavni
The beats of the naqqara and the soft notes of the clarinet, both are critical to nautanki
B. GS2 Related
1. Leveraging primary care
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/leveraging-primary-care/article9070523.ece
Category: Social Justice
Topic: Health
Key Points:
Noncommunicable diseases (NCD) such as diabetes, respiratory diseases, cancer and heart diseases are taking a severe toll on public health across the WHO South-East Asia Region
It is reported as region’s leading cause of and a key source of public health expenditure Steps taken by economies:
Multisectoral plans are being developed
Health promotion campaigns are being carried out
Exposure to NCD risk factors such as alcohol and tobacco are being curtailed
NCD monitoring has also been enhanced
Suggestions:
To bring NCD care to the primary health-care level o Primary health facilities are better equipped to provide the holistic, patient-centred
focus that prevents and manages an NCD o They can also enhance equity and access to NCD care — an aim central to the
Sustainable Development Goals
The national health and development policies must be recalibrated o drafting and implementing a range of supporting protocols o form clear policies outlining the spectrum of primary-level NCD services to well-
defined diagnostic and treatment guidelines
Health-care workers at the primary level must be given the knowledge and skills to provide NCD and associated risk factor care
The availability of generic essential medicines and basic technologies for NCD management must be guaranteed at the primary level o procurement policies must be reviewed and essential medicine lists updated
Health authorities must put in place funding mechanisms to facilitate primary-level NCD care o effective budget allocations and robust planning required to reduce the out-of-
pocket costs borne by patients o increased taxation of health-damaging commodities such as tobacco, alcohol and
unhealthy foods and beverages should be considered, to diminish demand for these products as well as to increase revenue for NCD prevention and control
2. India grants $500 mn to Vietnam for defence ties
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/india-grants-500-mn-to-vietnam-for-defence-ties/article9071007.ece
Category: International Relations Topic: India-Vietnam
Key Points:
India has extended a USD 500 million line of credit to Vietnam to deepen their defence cooperation and signed 12 agreements including a deal to construct offshore patrol boats
The 12 agreements were signed in a wide range of areas covering defence, IT, space, cyber security and sharing white shipping information
India and Vietnam called for “peaceful” resolution of the South China Sea issue and “exercise self-restraint.”
They also urged all parties to show “utmost respect” for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
C. GS3 Related
1. Real time video monitoring of crowds at railway stations
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/real-time-video-monitoring-of-crowds-at-railway-stations/article9070794.ece
Category: Disaster Management Topic: Crowd disaster management
Key Points:
The Indian Railways has deployed ‘intelligent video analytics’ to assess crowd density at major railway stations and initiate crowd control measures when the number of passengers/visitors exceeds a prescribed limit.
The technology incorporated in the integrated security system will give an automatic alert to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel to set in motion certain Standard Operating Procedures
This will include a temporary ban on the issue of platform tickets and closure of parking lots till normalcy is restored.
The facility has been installed in the surveillance system on a trial basis at Chennai
Central and Egmore railway stations.
Taking cue from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines on
crowd control, the railway has included crowd management in its revised Disaster
Management Plan
For the requires understanding of crowd disaster management and guidelines by the
National Disaster Management Authority, read http://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/crowd-
disaster-management
2. Bigger role for industry in defence sector
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bigger-role-for-industry-in-defence-sector/article9070439.ece
Category: Security
Topic: Defence
Key Points:
Revision of the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) and the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) procurement manual are expected to be finalized shortly
A new concept of “strategic partners” has been proposed under the new Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016 to promote indigenisation in key military platforms as part of the Make in India initiative
While the “strategic partners” are meant for big corporates, efforts are on to provide a level playing field to the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) which hold significant technology but do not have the means to compete in this deeply regulated sector
The MSMEs are major suppliers to the OFB and Defence Public Sector Undertakings and the revision of the DPM and the OFB procurement policy was expected to address most of the issues that industry faced
D. GS4 Related
E. Important Editorials
BBC:
Paris climate deal: US and China formally join pact
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-37265541
Category: Environment
Topic: Sustainable Development
Key Points:
The Paris deal is the world's first comprehensive climate agreement. It will only come into force legally after it is ratified by at least 55 countries, which between them produce 55% of global carbon emissions
this will put pressure on G20 nations over the weekend to move faster with their pledge to phase out subsidies to fossil fuels
Before China made its announcement, the 23 nations that had so far ratified the agreement accounted for just over 1% of emissions
The UK is yet to ratify the Paris deal
Average temperatures worldwide are likely to increase more in the coming years as the effect of previous carbon emissions makes itself felt
Paris agreement: Key points
To keep global temperature increase "well below" 2C and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5C
To peak greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible and achieve a balance between sources and sinks of greenhouse gases in the second half of this century
To review progress every five years
$100bn a year in climate finance for developing countries by 2020, with a commitment to further finance in the future
Once the deal comes into force, countries that have ratified it have to wait for a minimum of three years before they exit
F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:
1. Paris Climate Summit
2. MSME sector
3. Crowd Disaster Management
4. Primary health care
5. India-Vietnam
Tags
Disaster management, sustainable development, NDMA
G. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS
National Action Plan on Climate Change: http://www.moef.nic.in/downloads/home/Pg01-52.pdf Practice Questions Date: 4thSeptember, 2016 Category: Environment Topic: Climate Change Source: BBC Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual 1. Consider the following statements regarding the aims of Paris Climate deal?
To keep global temperature increase "well below" 2C and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5C
$100bn a year in climate finance for developing countries by 2020, with a commitment to further finance in the future
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: 4thSeptember, 2016 Category: Art and Culture Topic: Music and Dance Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Factual
2. ‘Nautanki’ is a performing art of which of the following states? a) Uttar Pradesh b) Bihar c) Madhya Pradesh d) Himachal Pradesh Which of the statements is/are correct? Ans. A Date: 4thSeptember, 2016 Category: Art and Culture Topic: Festivals Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Easy Type: Factual 3. Which of the following statement/s is true regarding ‘Kunde’? a) It is a folk dance form b) It is a festival in the city of Coorg, Karnataka c) It is a mural painting of Andhra Pradesh d) It is a musical festival annually celebrated in Sikkim Ans. B Date: 4thSeptember, 2016 Category: Geography Topic: South East Asia Source: World Map Difficulty level: Easy Type: Factual 4. Which of the following islands is not a part of the South China sea? a) Spratly b) Molokai c) Macclesfield d) Scarborough Ans. B Date: 4thSeptember, 2016 Category: Disaster Management Topic: Institutions Source: The Hindu Difficulty level: Moderate Type: Analytical 5. The National Disaster Management Authority comes under which ministry?
a) Ministry of Home Affairs b) Ministry of Human Resource Development c) Ministry of Earth Sciences d) Ministry of External Affairs Ans. A
