December 3rd December 7th, 2017 Economic Times And PIB ... · Economic Times And PIB Compilation...

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December 3rd – December 7th, 2017

Economic Times And PIB Compilation

For CSE-2018

1. National Awards for The Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

Probable questions:

a. Define persons with disabilities (PWD).Briefly describe different govt initiatives regarding the rights of the PWDs.

b. Discuss the salient features of THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2016. How does it comply with the

United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities?

c. Critically analyze SUGAMYA BHARAT ABHIYAN scheme of GoI.

United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

an international human rights treaty of the United Nations intended to promote, protect, and ensure:

full enjoyment of human rights .

full equality under the law.

by persons with disabilities

The Convention was the first human rights treaty of the twenty-first century.

The text was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 13 December 2006.

It came into force on 3 May 2008.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_human_rights_instrument

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multilateral_treaty

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equality_under_the_law

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rights

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_General_Assembly



There are eight guiding principles that underlie the Convention:

Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one's own choices, and independence of persons

Non-discrimination Full and effective participation and inclusion in society Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity Equality of opportunity Accessibility Equality between men and women Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to

preserve their identities.

India and the convention:

India is a signatory to the said Convention.

India ratified the said Convention on the 1st day of October, 2007

THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2016

income tax deduction under Section 80U

National Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities.

three per cent reservation in seats in government and government aided educational institutes and posts in government

services, public sector banks and government undertakings for persons with disabilities with a carry forward rule.

The government provides for employment of persons with disabilities in the private sector through incentives to employers.

The National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation provides loans to persons with disabilities for self

employment.

Comprehensive Education Scheme for Disabled Children for accessible and barrier free education.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inclusion_(disability_rights)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respect_diversity

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity_(politics)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal_opportunity

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accessibility

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_equality



Inclusive Education for the Disabled at Secondary Stage (IEDSS) – This scheme supports children with disabilities aged 14 or

above for completing their secondary education from Class 9 to Class 12 in government, local body and government aided

schools

Rajiv Gandhi Fellowship scheme – This scheme provides scholarships to persons with disabilities to pursue higher education

such as M Phil / Ph D.

National Disability Pension Scheme: central assistance is provided to persons with severe or multiple disabilities in the age

group of 18-79 years and belonging to a household living BPL as per criteria prescribed by Government of India

Composite Regional Centres and Rehabilitation Centres for Persons with Disabilities (CRCs) for rehabilitation of PWDs.

Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS): financial assistance is provided through NGOs for various projects for

providing education, vocational training and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.

Awaas Yojana.

Scheme of National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

Technology Development to to provide suitable and cost effective aids and appliances through the application of technology

and to increase their employment opportunities and integration in society.

Government is also planning to introduce set-top boxes to make TV programmes more useful for the visually impaired.

Sign languages will be introduced to make television more disabled-friendly.

Content on government website will also be converted from text to speech mode through screen reader programmes

mobile app will be launched to provide information on disabled-friendly public utilities

2. Ayurveda

Probable Questions :

a) Briefly dscribe the role of Ayurveda as an alternative source of Medicine.



b) Modern Lifestyle is a root cause behind plenty of diseases. Discuss with suitable example. How important in Ayurveda to

eradicate these?

Ayurveda is a holistic medical system for healthy living.

It takes an integrated approach to the physical, mental, spiritual and social aspects of the human body, and their inter-

linkages.

Ayurveda and yoga are based on an exploration of the relationship between mind and body.

The idea of a healthy body being connected to a healthy mind or vice-versa is a powerful one.

We should motivate future generations to focus on both aspects of the human personality – mental and physical.

India‟s forests, mountains and villages are its main source of medicinal plants and herbs.

Ninety per cent of the country‘s medicinal plants and herbs are obtained from forests.

There is a need to preserve and protect this priceless resource. People should be sensitive to the protection of medicinal

plants and herbs.

modern lifestyle-related diseases are affecting people rapidly, and the world is looking to alternative medicines from

India. Here Ayurveda can play an important role.

specialists had a huge responsibility in establishing Ayurveda as a powerful medium for the prevention, treatment and

management of such diseases.

3. Research and scientific innovations must aim at benefiting the farmers

Probable Questions :

a) What are the different challenges our agricukture sector is facing at the moment? How is Govt tackling them?

b) What do you mean by Agricultural Extension System ? Briefly describe its role in Modernising Indian Agricultural

system.



EXCERPT FROM PIB

Agriculture is the basic culture of Indians.

Although, the country faced famines and food shortages in the past, the Green Revolution has enabled us to be self-

sufficient and feed the growing population.

However, we cannot remain complacent on food front as food security based on imports can never replace home-grown

food security.

This should remain the top priority of policy-makers, agricultural scientists and experts on food matters.

Agriculture in India is facing many challenges and over the years the population dependent on agriculture has declined

from 70 per cent to 60 per cent.

There has to be a multi-pronged approach in making agriculture profitable and sustainable.

Apart from

encouraging crop diversification

impetus has to be given to infrastructure in terms of rural roads

Electricity

cold storage facilities

rural godowns and refrigerated vans.

Also, there is a need to ensure timely credit to farmers and increase in public spending on agriculture.

As regards marketing, the Government of India‟s e-NAM is a wonderful initiative but the scheme has to be

extended all across the country to prevent exploitation of the producers by middlemen.

The abundant potential in food processing has to be fully tapped so that the income of the farmers is increased

manifold.

Research and scientific innovations must aim at benefiting the farmers.

Factors like reduction in the area of arable land, receding natural resources and the phenomena of climate change compel

us to not only rethink on how food is cultivated, processed, shared and consumed, but also to come out with out-of-the-box

solutions.



There‘s a growing quest for development that ensures human happiness, as embedded in the United Nation‟s Millennium

Development Goals (MDGs).

„Human beings are at the centre of concern for sustainable development’ is the first principle of the 1992 Rio declaration.

Food security and sustainable development are on top of the global development agenda of the UN.

The need of the hour is to make our gricultural systems sustainable since there will not be any increase in agricultural land,

while the number of farming families and their needs are increasing.

A number of agricultural and farmers‘ welfare schemes such as the Prime Minister‘s Crop Insurance Scheme, Agricultural

Irrigation Scheme, Farm Mechanization Mission, National Agricultural Marketing Scheme, Rural Storage Scheme and

Soil Health Card Scheme have been initiated to strengthen livelihood security and promote food production.

Sankalp se Siddhi (Attainment Through Resolve)

It entails a commitment to the holistic development of agriculture and to double the income of farmers within five

years,

by providing

better irrigation facilities,

ensuring high-quality planting material,

enhancing availability of organic inputs,

practicing soil testing-based fertiliser applications

Minimising post-harvest losses.

Value addition and enhanced market facilities also form critical components of the quest to achieve the target of

doubling farmers‘ income by 2022.



Farmers must be made aware of the benefits of new and innovativetechnologies in a simple and understandable

language.

We are all aware that Indian agricultural practices are generally passed on from generation to generation and very few

farmers prefer to move away from the traditional method.

As per the economic survey released by the Government of India, the sector registered a growth rate of 4.1%. Because of a good

monsoon and policy initiatives by the government

Agricultural credit is an important input to improve agricultural output and productivity.

Stagnation of production in most of the crops, the unpredictable nature of our climate, higher input cost, lower farm income,

degradation of natural resources, shortage of quality seeds and diminishing land holdings are some of the serious

challenges which require our urgent attention.

BIOTECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURE:

We also need to harness the huge potential of biotechnology to achieve food, nutritional and livelihood security

and to enhance our farmers’ income.

A wide range of techniques such as tissue culture and gene cloning should bejudiciously used to augment tolerance to biotic

and abiotic stresses.

Herbicide tolerance, improved nutritional quality, photosynthetic efficiency, bio-control agents and bio-fertilisers hold

tremendous potential.

Recent developments in genome sequencing of cattle and buffaloes have far reaching implications for future livestock

development, particularly for our rich genetic resources and indigenous breeds.

BURNING OF CROP RESIDUE :

Particularly paddy straw in the fields, which is leading to conflict between farmers and state governments.



Crop residue burning must cease in order to maintain the health of the soil and also to protect the health of people,

plants and animals.

There are machines which can collect the residue from the fields and convert it mechanically into bundles for various

profitable uses, such as BioCNG, biomass pellet fuel for thermal plants and even bio-composting at industrial level.

Technology to convert this residue into valuable manure is also available.

This is not only saving the environment, but enriching the soil.

POST HARVEST :

Prevention of post-harvest losses, processing and product development deserve priority in our agricultural policy

framework.

Cost- effective processing, value addition, packaging, cold chain, product quality and prolonged shelf-life

are required.

Agro-processing is the sunrise sector of the Indian economy in view of its huge potential for both employment

generation and income generation.

DROUGHT:

13 States in India face drought and other abiotic stresses during one part of the year or another.

In India, irrigation is available for only 40% of the cultivated area and the remaining 60% depends on scanty rains.

Besides drought, other abiotic stresses like temperature extremes, floods, salinity, mineral toxicity and nutrient

deficiency threaten agricultural production, posing challenges to sustain even the current productivity levels.

The climate change is likely to aggravate the adverse impact further.



Farm Mechanization:

Farm power availability and mechanization have a direct relationship with food grain yield.

The farm power availability and mechanization technology, especially for small and marginal farmers, needs priority

attention from research institutions as well as from the industry.

Modernizing irrigation and drainage, rain water harvesting, tank rehabilitation and breeding water-use efficient

crop varieties with shorter life cycles.

Agricultural Extension System: an alliance between researchers, extension specialists and farmers.

The current situation is quite different as there are multiple challenges.

In view of the diverse demands for new innovation, new products, new information and new extension

services, the need is to shift from a ―top-down‖ to a ―bottom-up‖ approach, involving farmers‟participation at grass-

root level.

Krishi Vigyan Kendras or KVKs are the front-line extension systems of the country.

The very genesis of KVK was with the background of skill building by inculcating the philosophy of 'learning by doing'.

The University‘s agricultural education system is required to keep pace with the rapid technological, economic and social

developments taking place both nationally and globally.

The University‘s agricultural education system is required to keep pace with the rapid technological, economic and social

developments taking place both nationally and globally.

ICAR has launched the National Agricultural Higher Education Project, to enable the Agricultural Education System to

catch up nationally and globally, with a focus on improving and sustaining the quality of higher agricultural

education.

The change in agricultural education must produce graduates with entrepreneurial skills, who can generate employment

and not exclusively depend on public-sector jobs.



The philosophy of Gautam Buddha “Appo Dippo Bhava” ,which means: ‗Be a light unto yourself‘ as the light of

intellect, in both the real and literal sense, can help you followthe path of success, peace and prosperity, both for

yourselves and for all ofhumanity.

4. 100 million Soil Health Card distributed to farmers in the first phase (2015-2017)

Every year World Soil Day is celebrated on 5th December.

In India, Soil Health Card scheme was launched in February 2015 in Rajasthan.

Soil Health Card mobile App has been launched today to help the farmers.

The app will benefit field-level workers as it will automatically capture GIS coordinates while registering

sample details at the time of sample collection in the field and indicate the location from where the sample has

been collected.

This app works like other Geotagging apps developed for the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.

The app contains farmers‟ details including name, Aadhaar card number, mobile number, gender, address,

crop details, etc.

SHC informs farmers about nutrients status of the soils along with the recommendation on appropriate dosage

of nutrients to improve soil health and fertility.

A farm will get the soil card once in every 2 years so that nutrients deficiency can be regularly detected and

improved.

the imbalanced use of fertilizers damages the fields and reduces production.

Soil Health Card is prepared in 14 local languages and distributed to the farmers.

To promote SHC, various initiatives are being organized by state governments and ICAR, its institutions and

Krishi Vigyan Kendras to promote Soil Health Card scheme.



5. India has one of the strongest national agricultural research systems in the world

Probable questions :

a) Discuss the contribution of Agricultural Research in India‘s agriculture.Also suggest some way forward to secure food

security.

Excerpts : Geographically, we have the second-largest arable area, and as many as 127 diverse agro-climatic zones, thereby giving

India global leadership in several crops.

We are second globally, in terms of production of rice, wheat, fish, fruits and vegetables.

India is also the world‟s biggest milk producer.

Our horticulture sector has shown an average growth of 5.5% annually over the last decade.

India has taken up the initiative for the establishment of 150 Seed Hubs for pulses, ensuring timely availability of sufficient

quantity of quality seeds.

Indian approach to partnership with African nations in agriculture is driven by the aim of South-South Cooperation through

research for development, capacity building, access to Indian market, and support to Indian investments in agriculture in

Africa.

some coordinating centres like the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), National Horticulture Mission (NHM) and

National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) are being implemented to ensure food and nutritional security in the

country.



6. ISA to become a Treaty-based International Intergovernmental organization

tomorrow

Probable questions:

a) What is ISA? What are the different problems faced by Solar projects globally? Critically analyse ISA‘s feasibility to secure

energy security in future.

The ISA is an Indian initiative, jointly launched by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi and the

President of France on 30th November 2015 in Paris, on the sidelines of COP-21, the UN Climate Conference.

It aims at addressing obstacles to deployment at scale of solar energy through better harmonization and

aggregation of demand from solar rich countries lying fully or partially between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic

of Capricorn.

As of date, 46 countries have signed and 19 countries have ratified the Framework Agreement of ISA.

Three programmes - Scaling Solar Applications for Agriculture Use, Affordable Finance at Scale, and Scaling Solar

Mini-grids - have been launched.

In addition to the existing 3 programmes, ISA has initiated plans to launch two more programmes: Scaling Solar

Rooftops and Scaling Solar E-mobility and Storage.

ISA has also been developing a Common Risk Mitigating Mechanism (CRMM) for de-risking and reducing the

financial cost of solar projects in the ISA member countries.

Another major initiative is establishment of Digital Infopedia which will serve as a platform to enable policy makers,

Ministers and corporate leaders from ISA countries to interact, connect, communicate and collaborate with one

another.

The Paris Declaration establishing ISA states that the countries share the collective ambition to undertake

innovative and concerted efforts for reducing the cost of finance and cost of technology for immediate deployment

solar generation assets.



India has offered to meet ISA Secretariat expenses for initial five years.

7. Information has to be given in a language which is understandable to everyone

Probable questions :

a) Briefly describe different aspects of RTI Act. Critically analyse its role as a promoter of citizen centric governance.

b) Kautilya‘s Arthashastra talks of a free flow of communication between the King and his subjects. Compare its

implementation in today‘s India with that of the ancient times.

c) ―Transparency and accountability are the two key elements for the success of democracy‖. Elaborate

EXCERPTS:

Sharing of information and creation of a transparent governance structure accountable to the people of our country are

key pillars of democracy.

Transparency and accountability are the two key elements for the success of democracy.

Information can be empowering if it is authentic. If it comes from a non-credible source it can have negative

consequences.

Lack of information can lead to rumour mongering or disinformation campaigns.

The enactment of the Right to Information Act in the year 2005 and even before that, passing of the Freedom of

Information Act in the year 2002, was a watershed in the democratic march of our country.

The adoption of the citizens‟ Right to Information has enabled each citizen to be better informed and more actively

participate in the governance of the country.

This enhanced access to credible information makes our democracy more progressive, participatory and meaningful.



Citizens now have confirmation that the information is authentic. This can be potential „ammunition‟ to fight

injustice and cleanse the polity.

Kautilya‟s Arthashastra talks of a free flow of communication between the King and his subjects. One of the nine types

of Royal Edicts is „Response‟ – a reply prepared after the king has read and discussed a communication received.

IMPORTANT FACT :

1766 when Sweden became the first country in the world to adopt such a law. This was followed after nearly

two centuries by Finland which adopted such a law in 1951.

Increased acceptance of democratic processes the world over has led to a much faster rate of adoption of Right to

Information.

The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognises Right to Information as a human right.

The Right to Information is now guaranteed as a Fundamental Right by the Constitution of about 60 countries.

The idea behind RTI is that Governments hold information not for themselves but on behalf of wider public.

Right to Information enables greater Government accountability, facilitates the citizens‟ participation and lends

transparency to Government functioning. It leads to a fundamental change in relations between the citizens and the

Government.



8. We should reshape our country to ensure all citizens have essential freedoms

enshrined in our constitution

“Paika Vidroh”

Jayee Rajguru made the supreme sacrifice of his life on this day for the independence of this country, sparking a

massive ―Paika Vidroh‖ or war against the British in Odisha and other parts of the country.

Jaya Krushna Mahapatra was the Rajguru of King of Khurda. He was popularly known as Jayee Rajguru.

It is pertinent to mention that the Khurda kingdom comprising the coastal districts of Odisha was the last bastion of

independent India which fell to the British only in the year 1803.

Incidentally, the first war of independence had also raised its head in the Khurda kingdom in Odisha. This is

popularly known as the Khurda Rising of 1804. It was truly a landmark people‟s war in many sense.

Jayee Rajguru attacked the British forces in 1804 on the banks of the river Mahanadi. In a fiercely fought battle, a

handful of Paika soldiers fought valiantly against the 7000 strong British army.

The battle skill, valour and sacrifices of Jayee Rajguru and his followers are still remembered by the people even after

200 years.

Rajguru was the epitome of dharma.

He not only counselled the king in fulfilling Raja Dharma but also carried out his own dharma or duty to save the

king even at the risk of losing his own life.

Not fearing his own capture, Jayee Rajguru moved the King to a safe place with his trusted lieutenants, so that the

symbol of sovereignty of his land could be protected.

Jayee Rajguru exhibited his abiding love and eternal loyalty of the highest order.

Jayee Rajguru‟s brilliant leadership, incisive diplomacy and his contribution to the social, religious and political

life of his state makes for an inspiring chapter in the national history.



9. Provisions of the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017 meant to

protect interests of depositors

Probable Questions : a) Analyse different provisions of the proposed Financial Resolution and Deposit insuranc Bill, 2017.

EXCERPTS : The Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017 (FRDI Bill), introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 10,

2017, is presently under the consideration of the Joint Committee of the Parliament.

The Joint Committee is consulting all the stakeholders on the provisions of the FRDI Bill.

Highlights of the Bill:

The Bill establishes a Resolution Corporation to monitor financial firms, anticipate risk of failure, take corrective action,

and resolve them in case of such failure. The Corporation will also provide deposit insurance up to a certain limit, in case of bank failure.

The Resolution Corporation or the appropriate financial sector regulator may classify financial firms under five categories, based on their risk of failure. These categories in the order of increasing risk are: (i) low, (ii) moderate, (iii) material, (iv) imminent, and (v) critical.

The Resolution Corporation will take over the management of a financial firm once it is classified as ‗critical‘. It will resolve the firm within one year (may be extended by another year).

Resolution may be undertaken using methods including: (i) merger or acquisition, (ii) transferring the assets, liabilities and management to a temporary firm, or (iii) liquidation.

If resolution is not completed within a maximum period of two years, the firm will be liquidated. The Bill also specifies the order of distributing liquidation proceeds.



Key Issues and Analysis

The Resolution Corporation will exercise certain powers including: (i) classification of firms based on risk, and (ii) directing the management of a firm to return their performance based incentive. However, the Bill does not specify a review or appeal mechanism for aggrieved persons to challenge the decision of the Resolution Corporation.

A financial firm will have to be resolved within two years of being classified as „critical‟. However, the point at which the resolution process ends is not specified in the Bill.

Under the Bill, the Resolution Corporation will take over a firm classified as „critical‟. However, it may choose to resolve the firm. It is unclear why the Corporation is given a choice to undertake resolution.

The Bill specifies that the Corporation will take over the administration of a firm, and exercise the powers of the board of directors, as soon as the firm is classified as „critical‟. However, it also allows the Corporation to supersede the board of a firm if it is classified as „critical‟. The provision allowing the Corporation to supersede the board of a firm classified as ‗critical‘ may be redundant.

The Bill requires financial firms to pay fees to the Resolution Corporation, including those specified in Clause 33. However, Clause 33 does not specify fees that these firms will be required to pay.

10. „24x7 Power for All‟

a) Even being a power surplus nation India faces a problem with loss making DISCOMS. Explain. Also suggest a way

forward.

b) ―24x7 Power is a Fundamental Right of every citizen of the country‖- Elucidate.



24x7 Power is a Fundamental Right of every citizen of the country and all States will have to ensure that by March

2019.

The States have arrived at consensus-based roadmap to bring down losses in State Utilities/ DISCOMS to below 15% by

then and any gratuitous load shedding by them after that deadline would attract penalties

Without power there can be no development; We are on our way towards becoming a developed country and power

reforms are top priority.

Industrialization and job creation is not possible without affordable and quality power for all.

electricity will edge out other forms of energy in the coming future as it is more efficient and easy to transport. Electricity

will take place of fossil fuels for mobility, cooking etc. and will decrease the imports of petroleum products.

Becoming self-sufficient in Power is essential for our strategic autonomy on the global stage. In addition to this,

renewable energy will take place of fossil fuels in the near future as storage systems become viable.

Government of India is providing funds to the States under ongoing Central Government schemes of over Rs. 85000

crores, for strengthening their power infrastructure.

it is proposed through an amendment in the electricity act to segregate the carriage from content in the distribution

sector. It is planned to introduce multiple supply licensees in the content, based on market principles, and continue with

the carriage as a regulated activity.

India has pledged to achieve 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022 and 40% of installed power capacity from renewable

energy by 2030 as an action plan to fight climate change.

to help the poor power consumers, the government is pushing for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of subsidy in power

sector. This would make the industry more competitive and the burden of excessively high tariffs will be taken away

from the consumers.



11. Smart solutions for cities like surveillance systems lead to greatly reduced

crime & improved safety particularly women

Probable Questions:

a) ―Technology should be at the focus , not at the centre of development‖-Discuss

EXCERPT:

The ease of living has a strong focus on technology but it is not exclusively centered on it.

Technology will enhance citizen participation, improve provision of basic services and infrastructure and make

areas more livable.

Another role of technology is to enable Indians to leapfrog the conventional development pathway.

Moreover, technology has a sustainable face too—permitting us to do more with less thereby reducing the resource

consumption

all our initiatives, missions, and programmes ultimately are aimed in that direction. “Smart solutions for cities, such

as surveillance systems lead to greatly reduced crime and improved safety of residents particularly women.”

City wide Wi-Fi networks improve communication among citizens as well that with various service providers. E-

governance and citizen feedback management lead to improved social cohesion by

increase in opportunities for citizen engagement

reduction in social inequities

reduction in response time for services for business

Integrated traffic management will increase the traffic speeds and reduce traffic congestions and

hence cleaner air for people to breathe.



12. Kerala government mulls promotion of 'green habitat' concept

the Kerala government is considering promoting a 'green habitat' concept giving thrust to

eco-friendly and reusable building materials,

natural water storage

solid waste management.

Haritha Keralam Mission, the state-run agency which envisages a clean and green state, has initiated an initial round

of discussion with various experts and stakeholders in this regard .

An alternative and sustainable architecture practice would be promoted in place of the existing conventional mode of

construction under the 'green habitat' concept .

The buildings, under the concept, are planned to be designed in such a way that natural sunlight and wind would be

used to maximum and the usage of electricity reduces to the minimum. ( SOLAR ROOFTOP)

A rainwater harvesting or natural water storage system would be a sure feature of such 'green' buildings, where even

kitchen and drainage water would be recycled and reused for other household purposes.

Not only the danger posed by unscientific construction practices, but also the scarcity of conventional building

materials is a reason to draw up an alternative green habitat concept .

Laws and legislation alone are not enough to implement the green habitat concept.. A thorough grassroot level

campaign is inevitable to create awareness about this among public and inculcate a green culture among them



13. High turbidity turning river Siang black

Probable Questions : a) What are the reasons behind High Turbidity in Siang River? Asses its impacts on the Environment. Suggest soe way forward

to solve the issue.

high turbidity has made the principle constituent of the Brahmaputra a river of death for aquatic life besides

rendering its water unfit for human consumption.

Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU), the measure of turbidity of water caused by concentration of suspended or

dissolved particulate materials in water that scatter light making the water appear cloudy or murky, especially clay

and silt, is 425 NTU, which is more than 400 times higher than the permissible limit of 5 NTU for drinking water.

Siang's turbidity measure should have been between 12 and 15 NTU at this time of the year. Even in the monsoon

season (September), Siang's turbidity is between 295 and 329 NTU which, too, clears up after a short time.

A high turbidity level of more than 425 NTU, if exposed for a long period, may affect fish survivability as it leads to

choking of gills resulting in death.

a higher degree of iron content in Siang waters, 10 PPM (particles/million), against the permissible limit of just 0.1 to

2 ppm.

The Siang, which flows as Yarlung Tsangpo from southern Tibet, becomes the Brahmaputra after joining the Lohit

river and several other tributaries just outside the boundary with Assam.

Takes toll on wild animals, aquatic life



Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary

Several wild buffalos have reportedly died after consuming the river‘s water.

The water level of the Siang is receding and livestock on its sandbars have been badly affected.

River water has turned brownish-black in colour in the past two weeks, and is also having an impact on the

winter migratory birds.

Brahmaputra‟s water in downstream Assam, have also confirmed that high turbidity has killed fishes and

other aquatic life, besides rendering its water unfit for human consumption.

The turbid water of Siang River, linking Brahmaputra in Assam, reportedly reached Majuli, where it is killing

livestock and aquatic life in Dhemaji and Majuli districts, and causing worry to the riverine villagers.



14. India accidental catalyst for UN rebellion

Probable question:

a) What are P5 states? The centralization of Power among the P5 states.in UN bodies is losing its relevance in modern day

scenario. Discuss.

India became the accidental catalyst for a successful UN rebellion against the hegemony of the permanent members

(P5) of the Security Council by facing off Britain with overwhelming support of the rest of the countries in the

General Assembly and getting Dalveer Bhandari re-elected to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) -- despite an

initial humbling loss to Lebanon.

it was the first time the non-P5, represented by the Assembly, really prevailed over the Council.

symbolism in India defeating Britain

India is not the colony it was in 1945 nor is Britain a globe-spanning imperial power.

Whether it is military might, purchasing power parity GDP, population, growth prospects or an expansive world

outlook, India has outstripped the United Kingdom.

The permanent seats on the Council were the spoils of World War II taken by the victors but the 1945 scenario has no

relevance to 2017.

The Council alone has a broad role to "maintain international peace and security" through its authority to determine

aggression, impose sanctions, and launch military action -- which the P5 can individually block or allow through

their individual vetoes.



The reform initiative for the Council has been stalled for more than two decades and the Intergovernmental

Negotiations (IGN), as the reform process currently under way is known, has been unable to move forward mainly

because of the opposition of a small group known as Uniting for Consensus (UfC) led by Italy, with Pakistan as an

important member.

Discussions cannot take place meaningfully without a negotiating text leading to a consensus or a decision, while

those opposed to reforms blocked it saying there couldn't be such a document unless there was a consensus first.

The revolt of the non-permanent members could increase the pressures for the hold-outs to get on board when the

stalled IGN discussions begin again, especially if the African and Arab nations push for reforms.

India had sought to keep the Asian seat on the ICJ that Dalveer Bhandari had won in 2012, but lost to Lebanon's

Permanent Representative at the UN, Nawaf Salam, a lawyer-turned-diplomat.

Under the rules for election to the ICJ, a candidate has to get a majority in both the Council and the Assembly.

The geographic allocation of ICJ judgeships and the P5's representation were by tradition rather than by statute,

allowing Bhandari and Greenwood to contest the remaining seat.

Group of 77:

non-aligned and developing nations

India may have slowly been diluting its ties to these groups, which have themselves lost their ideological edge

and cohesiveness.

But these groups still share a commonality of interests, maintain their identities despite their heterogeneity

and are a voting force .



15. India opposes e-commerce talks at WTO

India has for the first time submitted a formal document opposing any negotiations on e-commerce at the World

Trade Organisation (WTO).

It would ―continue the work under the Work Programme on electronic commerce... based on the existing mandate

and guidelines‖, referring to the programme on e-commerce adopted by the WTO countries in 1998.

Four WTO bodies are charged with the responsibility of carrying out the work programme:

the Council for Trade in Services

the Council for Trade in Goods,

the Council for TRIPS

the Committee on Trade and Development.

India has maintained that e-commerce per se may be good for development but it may not be prudent to begin talks

since many countries don‟t fully understand the implications of negotiating binding rules.

India also asked the General Council, the highest decision-making body of WTO, for periodic reviews based on

reports made by agencies responsible for implementation of the work programme and ―report to the next session of

the ministerial conference‖.

E-COMMERCE TRANSMISSIONS

E-commerce entered the WTO in 1998, when member countries agreed not to impose customs duties on electronic

transmissions, and the moratorium has been extended periodically.

However, since last year, many countries have made submissions on various aspects of digital trade such as



cross-border data flows

server localization

technology transfer

source code

consumer protection

intellectual property rights

trade facilitation aspects of e-commerce.

United States last year floated a proposal on e-commerce prohibiting digital customs duties, enabling cross-border data flows,

promoting a free and open internet and preventing localisation barriers .

China wants easier norms for goods ordered over the internet but physically delivered.

The European Union, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Nigeria and Singapore too want outcomes in e-commerce disciplines.

Conclusion

This could result in considerable leakage of revenue as more products and services get delivered through electronic

transmissions.

With rapid developments in manufacturing through 3-D printing, absence of customs duty could have severe adverse impact

on the domestic manufacturing sector.



16. Venezuela to launch oil-backed cryptocurrency

Venezuela will create a cryptocurrency... the 'petro,'

to advance in issues of monetary sovereignty,

to make financial transactions

overcome the financial blockade

The digital currency will be backed by Venezuelan reserves of gold, oil, gas, and diamonds.

Cryptocurrencies typically are not backed by any government or central banks. Bitcoin already has a strong following

among tech-savvy Venezuelans looking to bypass dysfunctional economic controls to obtain dollars or make internet

purchases.

What is cryptocurrency?

A cryptocurrency is a digital currency created and stored electronically in blockchains.

It uses encryption techniques to control creation of monetary units and to verify the transfer of funds. Hence it is

very secure.

It has no physical form and is not redeemable in another commodity like gold.

Its supply is not determined by any central bank or authority and the network is completely decentralised.

Bitcoin, Litecoin, Namecoin and PPcoin are examples of crypto currencies.

17. Chabahar port launch conducive to regional peace

Enables India to directly trade with Afghanistan besides rivalling Pakistan's Gwadar port .

The first phase of the Chabahar port on the Gulf of Oman coast was inaugurated .



It opened a new strategic route connecting Iran, India and Afghanistan while bypassing Pakistan, and reflecting

growing convergence of interests among the three countries.

The port in Iran's Sistan-Balochistan province on the energy-rich nation's southern coast is easily accessible from

India's western coast and is increasingly seen as a counter to Pakistan's Gwadar port, which is being developed

with Chinese investment and is located around 80 kms from Chabahar.

Relevant cooperation can be conducive to maintaining regional peace and promoting regional stability and prosperity.



18. India allows 1,300 Buddhists from Myanmar's Rakhine state to enter Mizoram

Probable questions:

a) Do India‘s stances in Rohingya issue and Buddhist refugee issue contradict each other? Discuss.

b) India often faces the problem of Refugee Infiltration.What are the probable steps Inia could take to tackle the problems?

Critically analyze those.

Excerpts from News:

In a contradiction of its own policy, the Indian government has allowed over 1,300 tribal Buddhist refugees from

Myanmar's Rakhine region to enter Mizoram.

The refugees left their homeland because of the ongoing war between the Myanmarese Army and the Arakan Army,

made up of Buddhist insurgents.

This comes nearly a month after the Union Home Ministry had directed the northeastern states to take strict measures to

prevent Rohingyas -- who are Muslims -- from entering Indian territory despite persecution by the Myanmar regime.

According to sources in the Mizoram government, the administration is struggling hard to bring down the rising tensions

among the refugees and the residents of Laitlang, Dumzautlang, Hmawngbuchhuah and Zochachhuah villages.

According to the state administration, the refugees are being taken care of on humanitarian grounds as all of them

came to escape clashes back home.

We basically have two rules -- one relating to national security and other related to humanitarian assistance.

Under the humanitarian rules we are providing food as we do not want any starvation deaths. We also have to guard

against the outbreak of diseases.



Additional police, health workers and doctors have also been deployed not just to keep a vigil on the new arrivals but

also to keep a check on their health condition.

The problem is that the population of each of the villages is just 200-400. The arrival of such a large number of people is a

matter of serious concern

Myanmar, the only Southeast Asian country which shares a 1,600-mile-long border with India, serves as its gateway to

the other member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Four northeastern states -- Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Manipur (398 km), Nagaland (215 km) and Mizoram (510 km) --

have an unfenced border with Myanmar.

Experts on Indo-Myanmar relations see the current influx as a temporary matter that is different from the Rohingyas

issue.

The Supreme Court on October 13 asked the Centre to strike a balance between national security, economic interests

and humanitarian considerations with regard to Rohingya women, children, old, sick and infirm.



19. Supreme Court notice on petition to repeal 144 laws against leprosy patients

Urging the repeal of at least 144 laws that are discriminatory against those affected by leprosy, a curable disease, hence

anachronistic of our times.

Only one had been so far repealed .



―These were enacted when the disease was seen as incurable. Now it is curable

Law Commission reports are usually forwarded to the government to act on them. But of late, the institution has become

toothless with successive governments dragging their feet on the panel inputs on any issue.

Courts do not normally examine issues on which the Law Commission has recommended the way ahead as it is left to the

executive‘s discretion to act or not act on them.

there is no justification in treating the leprosy affected as different and to be kept out of the mainstream

The existence of such laws was a gross violation of the fundamental rights of persons affected by leprosy under Articles 14, 19

and 21 of the Constitution of India by the continued existence of archaic, discriminatory provisions under Central and State

laws.

These provisions laws unfairly discriminate against persons affected by leprosy by denying them equal treatment under

personal laws, in matters of employment and appointment or election to public office, as well as access to and free movement

in public places.

―This unequal treatment irrationally treats persons affected by leprosy as a separate class on the basis of a medically

inaccurate and outdated conception of the infectious nature of the disease and without taking into account the effectiveness

of the prevailing standard treatment for the disease

the very existence of such provisions in the statute books violates the right to a life with dignity of persons affected by

leprosy, which is an integral facet of Article 21

20. Certificates issued by panchayat secretary can be used for claiming citizenship: SC

The Supreme Court today said that certificates issued by panchayat secretary or an executive magistrate can be used

for claiming citizenship if they have been issued after conducting proper enquiries.

It also said that the certificates issued by gram panchayat secretary can be a proof of citizenship provided they have

details of family linkages.



On November 22, the apex court had said that the certificate of residency issued by the gram panchayat is not a

document of citizenship and is "meaningless" unless supported by some other valid record to make a claim for

inclusion in the National Register of Citizenship (NRC).

About 48 lakh claims have been made using certificates issued by Gram Panchayat secretaries, out of a total of 3.29

crore claims made so far for inclusion in the NRC which is being prepared in Assam to identify illegal migrants.

21. INSTC to be operationalised mid-Jan 2018; game changer for India's Eurasia

policy

Probable Questions:

a) What is INSTC? Critically analyze its significance as a game changer in India‘s foreign policy.

b) Briefly analyse the importance of INSTC in global trade and geopolitics.

The International North South Transportation Corridor (INSTC) connecting Mumbai with St Petersburg and beyond –

which has been 17 years in the making – is set to be operationalised from the middle of next month with the first

consignment from India to Russia.

India, Iran and Russia had in September 2000 signed the INSTC agreement to build a corridor to provide the shortest

multi-model transportation route linking the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea via Iran and St

Petersburg.

From St Petersburg, North Europe is within easy reach via the Russian Federation. The estimated capacity of the corridor is

20-30 million tonnes of goods per year.



INSTC has been expanded to include 11 new members – Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan,

Turkey, Ukraine, Belarus, Oman, Syria and Bulgaria (as observer).

Conceived well before China‟s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), INSTC will not only help cut down on costs and time taken

for transfer of goods from India to Russia and Europe via Iran but also provide an alternative connectivity initiative to

countries in the Eurasian region.

It will be India‟s second corridor after the Chabahar Port to access resource rich Central Asia and its market.

The operationalisation of Chabahar Port (whose Phase 1 was inaugurated on Sunday) coupled with INSTC will be a game

changer for India‘s strategic and economic goals in the Eurasian region

These connectivity routes promise to open up a sea of opportunity for India .

INSTC could get linked to the Chabahar Port besides Iran‘s Bandar Abbas port.

India is also exploring how Chabahar connectivity corridor can be extended to connect with Central Asia through INSTC,

or the Iran-Turkmenistan-Kazakhstan rail line, Iran-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan alignment and Trans-Afghan rail line (which

possibly could be developed by Iran, India, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan).

The absence of viable surface transport connectivity is a serious impediment to trade with the Eurasian region. Currently,

transport of goods between India and Russia mostly takes place through the sea route via Rotterdam to St Petersburg. In the

case of the Central Asian region, goods are routed through China, Europe or Iran. The routes through China and Europe are

long, expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, a need was felt to have a logistics route that would be shorter, cheaper

and faster



The corridor could held Indian exports get a competitive advantage due to lower cost and less delivery time.

22. Units 1,2 of Kundankulam Nuclear Power Plant generates full capacity of 2000

MW

became the first nuclear plant in India to generate 2,000 MW of power early

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant has so far generated more than 20,000 Million Units of electricity, which helped to avoid

around 17,083,874 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Average lifecycle GHG emissions for Coal & Nuclear is 888 & 29 (tonnes/GWh) respectively.

Kudankulam NPP is being constructed in Tamil Nadu in India jointly with Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation

within the scope of the Indo-Russian agreement dated November, 1988 and addendum dated June, 1998 with Russian



VVER-1000 power units, which is fully compliant with the post-Fukushima safety requirements as well as International

Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and regulations of Russia and India.

23. Non-cooperation, lack of executive will mar Yamuna project: NGT

The 'Maily Se Nirmal Yamuna' Revitalisation Project for cleaning and rejuvenating the river, has crossed its

deadline and is facing inordinate delay due to non-cooperation of authorities and lack of executive will

The green panel said that no "fruitful purpose" would be served by adopting "punitive" action for non-compliance

of its directions. It would be more appropriate to adopt an approach which is result oriented and helps in

completing the project expeditiously.

24. India in advanced stage of joining Wassenaar arrangement

Probable questions: a) What does Non Proliferation means? What are different Proliferation regime regarding Nuclear Energy sources? Briefly analyse India’s

position regarding Nuclear Proliferation Regime.

b) What is NSG? Critically analyze the strategic importance of India’s bid to get a membership of NSG.

Excerpts from ET

This is an example and reflection of Russia‟s unwavering support to India‟s membership of international nuclear control

regimes.

Russia is a firm and consistent proponent of India‘s membership at control regimes.



Russia has been very supportive of india‘s impressive and impaccable record in non-proliferation. It is different from some

other countries that only speak of support, Russia takes steps to help and actions speak more than word.

In July 2016 India joined Missile Technology Control Regime and has also applied for joining Australia group -- another

export control regime.

India‟s export controls are in line with the Wassenaar Arrangement, one of the four non- proliferation regimes that prohibit

the export of items of dual- use technology.

In April The government came out with a Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies

(SCOMET) list.

Export of dual-use (which can also be used for proliferation purpose) items and technologies is either prohibited or is

permitted under a license. In foreign trade policy, dual-use items have been given the nomenclature of SCOMET.

The Nuclear Proliferation

Treaty on the Non Proliferation Of Nuclear Weapons:

is an international treaty whose objective is

to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology,

to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy

to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament

general and complete disarmament.

Opened for signature in 1968, the treaty entered into force in 1970.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_weapon

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_technology

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_disarmament



The treaty defines nuclear-weapon states as those that have built and tested a nuclear explosive device before 1

January 1967

United States,

Russia,

the United Kingdom,

France

China.

Four other states are known or believed to possess nuclear weapons: India, Pakistan, and North Korea have

openly tested and declared that they possess nuclear weapons, while Israel is deliberately

ambiguous regarding its nuclear weapons status.

Four states—India, Israel, Pakistan, and South Sudan—have never signed the treaty.

India was among the few countries to have a no first use policy

India argues that the NPT creates a club of "nuclear haves" and a larger group of "nuclear have-nots" by restricting the

legal possession of nuclear weapons to those states that tested them before 1967, but the treaty never explains on what

ethical grounds such a distinction is valid.

Nuclear Supplier Group:

Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a group of nuclear supplier countries that seek to prevent nuclear proliferation by

controlling the export of materials, equipment and technology that can be used to manufacture nuclear weapons.

The NSG was founded in response to the Indian nuclear test in May 1974.

Nations already signatories of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) saw the need to further limit the export of nuclear

equipment, materials or technology.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_states_with_nuclear_weapons#Five_nuclear-weapon_states_under_the_NPT

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India_and_weapons_of_mass_destruction

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistan_and_weapons_of_mass_destruction

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Korea_and_weapons_of_mass_destruction

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Policy_of_deliberate_ambiguity



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_weapons_and_Israel

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_first_use

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_proliferation

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_weapon

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smiling_Buddha

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_Non-Proliferation_Treaty



During a state visit to India in November 2010, U.S. President Barack Obamaannounced U.S. support for India's

participation in the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Wassenaar Arrangement, the Australia Group and the Missile

Technology Control Regime, "in a phased manner," and to encourage the evolution of regime participation criteria to that

end, "consistent with maintaining the core principles of these regimes.

Missile Technology Control Regime

The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) is a multilateral export control regime.

It is an informal and voluntary partnership among 35 countries to prevent the proliferation of missile and unmanned aerial

vehicle technology capable of carrying above 500 kg payload for more than 300 km.

The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) was established in April 1987 by

the G7 countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

In July 2016 India joined Missile Technology Control Regime

Australia Group

an informal group of countries (now joined by the European Commission)

established in 1985 (after the use of chemical weaponsby Iraq in 1984)

to help member countries to identify those exports which need to be controlled so as

not to contribute to the spread of chemical and biological weapons.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wassenaar_Arrangement

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_Group

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missile_Technology_Control_Regime



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multilateral_export_control_regime

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_proliferation

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missile

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unmanned_aerial_vehicle



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_of_Seven_(G7)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_of_America

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Commission

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_weapon

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_weapon

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biological_weapon

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weapon



Wassenar Arrangement:

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies

is a multilateral export control regime (MECR) with 42 participating states including many former Comecon (Warsaw

Pact) countries.

Participating states seek, through their national policies, to ensure that transfers of these items do not contribute to

the development or enhancement of military capabilities which undermine these goals, and are not diverted to

support such capabilities.

it is not a treaty, and therefore is not legally binding.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multilateral_export_control_regime

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comecon

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warsaw_Pact



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