01 2019 PDF

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part ONE 19
Current Affairs Analysis CONSTITUTION, POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper II (Main)
DRAFT NATIONAL CHILD POLICY
02 #Governance #Child protection 19
JAMMU & KASHMIR UNDER PRESIDENT’S RULE

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS #President’s Rule 21
SEPARATE HIGH COURTS FOR TELANGANA & A.P.
CHABAHAR PORT #Judiciary #High Court 22
# India and its Neighbourhood 02
HIGH COURT ON E-PHARMACY
ASEAN-INDIA SUMMIT #Judgement 23
# International organisation #India and the World 05
NATIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY
EAST ASIA SUMMIT #Regulatory Bodies #Social Issue 24
#International Grouping 08
CONSUMER PROTECTION BILL, 2018
VISIT TO MYANMAR #Bill #Rights Issue 25
#India and its Neighbourhood #Bilateral Relations 09
FREEDOM OF LITERATURE BILL, 2018
SOUTH ASIAN REGIONALISM #Governance #Rights Issue 27
# India and its Neighbourhood 11
PROGRESSIVE INTERNATIONAL
ATAL BHASHANTER YOJANA 13 #Governance #Rule of Law # Inequality #Democracy 28
PASSPORT INDEX 13 VOLUNTARY USE OF AADHAAR THROUGH A BILL 30
CURRENCY SWAP AGREEMENT 14 LEH & KARGIL SEEKS AUTONOMY FROM KASHMIR 31
GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL 14 DEVISE NORMS FOR PAYMENT APP 31
SIGNIFICANCE OF INDIA’S ACT EAST POLICY AND SC ASKS FOR DISCLOSURE ON APPOINTMENT OF CIC 32
ENGAGEMENT WITH ASEAN 15
ELECTORAL BOND SCHEME 33
WHAT IS SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION? WHAT DO WE
SECTION 69 OF IT ACT, 2000 34
MEAN WHEN WE SAY “GLOBAL SOUTH”? 16
PARIS CALL: ANOTHER MISS CALL? 17
GEO-STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE OF GREAT CHANNEL 18 36

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper III (Main)
FARM LOAN WAIVERS

#Sector in Focus 36
MONETARY POLICY HIGHER EDUCATION AND FEMALE LABOUR
# RBI 38 PARTICIPATION
RECAPITALISATION OF PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS # Education # Employment #Gender Parity 64
# Banking Sector 41 PRADHAN MANTRI UJJWALA YOJANA (PMUY)
DRAFT AGRICULTURE EXPORT POLICY # Health # Empowerment 65
# Agriculture 43 SURROGACY (REGULATION)BILL 2016
STRATEGY FOR NEW INDIA @ 75 # Health 66
# Policies 45 TRANSGENDER PERSONS (PROTECTION OF RIGHTS) BILL,

2018 #Empowerment #Gender Parity 68
NEW RULES FOR E-COMMERCE
# Policies 47 RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (RPWD) Act, 2016
# Health #Disability 69
RBI’S REPORT ON HEALTH OF BANKS
# Banking 48 GUIDELINES FOR CRÈCHE AT WORKPLACE
#Women # labour issue #children 70
ANGEL TAX CONTROVERSY EXPLAINED
# Taxation 50 1/3RD OF WORLD’S STUNTED KIDS FROM INDIA
#Social issue # Health #Nutrition 71
EMV CARDS
# Banking 51 (POCSO) ACT, 2012 72
SDG INDIA INDEX MEASLES 73
# Inclusive Growth 52
CREDIT RATING AGENCIES

74
#Capital market 54
FAME INDIA SCHEME 56 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

GST COUNCIL 57 # GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper III (Main)
GI TAG 57 DEEP EARTH 74
KIMBERLY PROCESS CERTIFICATION SCHEME 58 GSAT-11 75
FLOATING SOLAR PLANT 59 AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS) 75
SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY CONFERENCE 60 GRAPHENE 75
PAiSA PLATFORM 60 CHANG’E-4 76
RISE 2018 REPORT 61 AGNI-V 76
SKOCH AWARD 62 GSAT-7A 77
WIPO 62 BENNU ASTEROID 77
INNOVATORS GROWTH PLATFORM 63 BROWN FAT 78
DARK MATTER AND DARK ENERGY 78
DNA FINGERPRINTING 78
64
SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
# GS Paper I & GS Paper II (Main)
80 97
GEOGRAPHY, ENVIRONMENT, BIODIVERSITY & HISTORY, HERITAGE & CULTURE
DISASTER MANAGEMENT # GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper I (Main)
# GS Paper (Prelims) and GS Paper I & III(Main) BHITARGAON BRICK TEMPLE

# Art and Culture #Ancient India 97
KATOWICE CLIMATE CONFERENCE COP24
#Climate Change #Global Warming 80 SAHARIYA COMMUNITY
# Art and Culture 98
COASTAL REGULATION ZONE NOTIFICATION 2018
#Conservation # Environment 82 BHANDARKAR ORIENTAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
# Heritage and Culture #Modern India 99
E-GOODS
#Pollution #Environment 84 THE GREAT INDIAN HORNBILL FESTIVAL
#Art and Culture 99
TIGER NUMBERS ON THE RISE 85
REGGAE MUSIC
TIGER IN THE SNOW 86
# Art and Culture # World 100
TOXIC TALC WORRIES INDIA 87
TAWANG MONASTERY 102
ECO-SENSITIVE AREAS AROUND NATIONAL PARKS 87
VRISCHIKOLSAVAM FESTIVAL 102
TASK FORCE TO PROTECT WILDLIFE 87
BRIHADEESWARAR TEMPLE 102
MEKEDATU PROJECT 88
LALITGIRI MUSEUM 103
WARMING LEAD TO WATER CRISIS IN HIMALAYAS 88
AMITAV GHOSH 103
OLIVE RIDLEYS 89
GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD 89
COP-24 : WORLD BANK DOUBLES FUNDS 90 104

COP-24 : DEVELOPED NATIONS LIKELY TO FALL SHORT OF
2020 EMISSIONS TARGET 90
SECURITY
# GS Paper III (Main)
ANNUAL REPORT OF GLOBAL CARBON PROJECT 91
G-20 AGENDA FOR ACTION AGAINST FUGITIVE ECONOMIC
BIOPLASTICS 92
OFFENCES #Financial Terrorism 104
RIVER DOLPHINS 92
INTERNAL SECURITY SITUATION IN INDIA
GANGA POLLUTION 93
#Internal Security 105
GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION FEE 93
INFORMATION FUSION CENTRE-INDIAN OCEAN REGION
WORLD SOIL DAY 94
# Maritime Security 107
INDIA WATER SUMMIT 2018 94
NATIONAL SECURITY GUARD
REGULATORY INDICATORS FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY # Counter Terrorism 108
(RISE) 95
NAGA PEACE ACCORD
And a picture as Conclusion… # Internal Security 109
SOME BIOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGHS IN INDIA IN 2018 MILITARY EXERCISES
96
# Security 111
Gross Capital Formation
113
# Economy 126
MISCELLANEOUS Effective Revenue Deficit
AUSTRALIAN OPEN # Economy 126
#Tennis 113 Stagflation
2018 MEN’S HOCKEY WORLD CUP #Economy 127
#Hockey 114 Seignorage
UNDERSTANDING INDIA’S NORTHEAST #Economy 127
# Books and Authors 114 Special Mention Account (SMA)

#Economy 127
Angel Investor
115 #Economy 127
ETHICS, INTEGRITY & APTITUDE Bailout

#Economy 127
# GS Paper IV (Main)
Countervailing Duties
CONTEMPORARY WORLD & INCREASING RELEVANCE OF
#Economy 128
Dr. B.R. AMBEDKAR
Core Inflation
#Personality #Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude 115
#Economy 128
DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR AND DRAFTING OF THE
CONSTITUTION: THOUGHT PROCESS 116
PERSPECTIVE 1: THE PRESCIENCE OF BABASAHEB

Part TWO
(Courtesy: The Hindu) 118
PERSPECTIVE 2: How do we remember B.R. Ambedkar? CONTRIBUTORS ZONE

He may not have been a hero of the war of Indian
independence, but he is the hero who built an
independent India.
(Courtesy: The Hindu) 121
130
PERSPECTIVE 3: Ambedkar for Our Times LEAD ARTICLES
(Courtesy: The Indian Express) 124
NOTA: GIVING IT A CHANCE
CONCLUSION: Introduce yourself to these simple books to
#Polity and Governance
learn more 125
NAWEED AKHTER
EDITORIAL TEAM & EDUCATOR DAILY NEWS SIMPLIFIED
126 130
WETLANDS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE

GLOSSARY #Biodiversity #Ecology
# Terms MANGAL SINGH
RESIDEX EDITORIAL TEAM & EDUCATOR DAILY NEWS SIMPLIFIED

133
# Economy 126
Part ONE
Current
affairs
analysis
logical . simple . targeted
analysis & explanation
of all relevant news of the month
INTERRNATIIONALL RELLATIONS
# GGS Paper (PPrelims) & GS Paper I I (Main)
Indian Ports Globa

al Limited opened its firrst office in Chabahar a
and took
over the operatio
ons of the Shahid Beh
heshti port of Chabah
har. This
CH
HABAHAAR POR RT formalises the operational
o and admiinistrative control of Shahid
hti port by
Behesh y India. It was also agreed to
o allow tra
ansit of
# India and its interna
ational carrgo movem
ment using
g Transporrts Interna
ationaux
Neeighbourhood Routiers Convention provision
ns.
India supplied 1.1 million tonn
nes of whea
at to Afghan
nistan throug
gh the
hipment from
first sh m Chabaharr port.
GEOG
GRAPHICAL OVERVIEW
• It is locate
ed in the Gulff of Oman, n
near Iran’s
border with Pakistan.
Ira
anian • It serves as
a Iran's onlyy major ocean
nic port
Ov
verview because itt is the only m
major port off Iran that
lies beyon
nd the Strait of Hormuz a
and has
direct acce
ess to the Ind
dian Ocean.
• Chabaharr port in Iran connects to A

Afghanistan
at the Zarranj and Dele
eram highw
way.
Chabaharr port to Dele
eram is appro
ox. 1800 km.
Afg
ghan
• This highw
way then linkks it to the Afg
ghan
Ov
verview
`garland road'
r or ‘Ring
g Road’ that cconnects the
ghan cities of Herat, Kandahar, Kabul
major Afg
and Mazar-e-Sharif.
• Chabaharr port is the n

nearest Irania
an port to India, which is at approx. 1020km from
m Kandla portt, Gujarat
Ind
dian or 1560km
m from Mum bai.
Ov
verview • The port also
a serves ass the nearestt port entry, after Pakistani ports, for India
I into Ceentral Asia.
• Chabaharr Port also pr ovides directt access to India's Farkhorr Air Base in Tajikistan.
T
IMP
PORTANT TIMELINES
• India, Iran and Russia

a agreed for tthe Internattional North – South Tra
ansport Corrridor (INSTC)) in 2000,
and the agreement
a w
was signed in 2002.
2000 • INSTC is a multimod
dal transporrt system th
hat would incclude naval, road and raail mode to ttransport
freight between the m
member nations.
• It would connect Ind
dia to Centra
al Asia and Northern
N Eurrope by conn
necting the C
Chabahar po
ort to the
FOCCUS | Jannuary 20019 | RA U’S IAS 2

International Relations
Caspian Sea through Iran and then towards St. Petersburg in Russia.
India and Iran agreed to develop the Chabahar port under the New Delhi Declaration in 2003, with India
2003
developing the Shahid Beheshti port of Chabahar.
• The development of Chabahar project was delayed due to:

 International sanctions, led by the P5+1 countries – US, UK, France, China, Russia and Germany, were
placed on Iran over its suspect nuclear programme. This led to international pressure on India to halt its
2003-2015
investments in Iran.
 India also became focussed on concluding the civil nuclear pact with the US, thereby leading to geo-
political compromise of halting Indian investments in Iran.
• The Delram-Zaranj highway, financed by India, was completed and handed over to the Afghanistan
government.
2009
• The highway connects the road network of Iran to Delram at the Afghan side of the border, and further
moves onto the Garland road of Afghanistan. (Refer the Map above)
• The ‘Connect Central Asia’ policy (CCAP) was unveiled, and intended to increase engagement between
India and the Central Asian countries of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and
2012 Kazakhstan.
• Chabahar port through the INSTC transport corridor was envisioned as connecting India and Central
Asia.
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between the P5+1 and Iran was agreed upon, thereby
2015
leading to the lifting of several sanctions on Iran.
• A trilateral Agreement between India, Iran and Afghanistan was signed for an ‘Establishment of
International Transport and Transit Corridor’, which centred upon the Port of Chabahar.
2016 • The trilateral transit agreement signed by India, Iran and Afghanistan allows Indian goods to reach
Afghanistan through Iran. It links ports in the western coast of India to the Chabahar port and covers
the road and rail links between Chabahar and the Afghan border.
• India ratified the United Nations TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) Convention, which will
facilitate India’s current national and multilateral connectivity-related initiatives to improve cross border
2017 road transport, and facilitating overland trade integration.
• India's first shipment of wheat to Afghanistan was sent through the Chabahar Port in October, 2017 and
began the operations of Chabahar port.
IMPACT OF CHABAHAR PORT ON INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
• India and Afghanistan have been able to bypass Pakistan for trade exchange, and can trade goods
India and through the Chabahar port.
Afghanistan • India has showcased commitment to the reconstruction and re-building of post-war Afghanistan, and
augmented its Soft Power status in Afghanistan.
India and • India has further agreed to expand the Chabahar port and to lay a railway track between Chabahar,
Iran Iran to Zaranj, Afghanistan.
FOCUS | January 2019 | RAU’S IAS 3

• Indian companies may further invest in the Chabahar Special Economic Zone (SEZ), but would depend
upon whether Iran would provide natural gas at lower tariffs to the Indian companies.
• Pakistan had been able to establish geo-economic stronghold over Afghanistan as the major
international trade from and to Afghanistan was dependent upon the Karachi port of Pakistan.
• The Chabahar port route has provided an alternative to Afghanistan, whereupon it may significantly
decrease dependency on Pakistan to conduct international trade.
Afghanistan • Pakistan had blocked the access for land route trade between Afghanistan and India through its
and Pakistan territory. The Chabahar port route has provided an additional leverage to Afghanistan in negotiating
with Pakistan for trade route access.
• Post the first shipment through Chabahar port, Afghanistan leveraged its position by asserting that it
will block its territory for Pakistan’s trade towards Central Asia, if Pakistan doesn’t allow access from its
territory for trade with India.
• Iran’s Bandar Abbas port is not a deep water port and cannot handle the majority of ocean-going cargo
ships and therefore ships dock in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the cargo is transferred to
smaller ships for onward shipment to Iran. However, Chabahar has the ability to handle large cargo
ships and thereby reduces Iran’s dependency on UAE.
International
• India has maintained ‘strategic autonomy’ in its foreign policy, and negotiated with the United States
Aspects
which had given Indian investments in Chabahar port an exemption from US sanctions on Iran.
• The investment in Chabahar port can also be augmented by partnering with Japan in the Africa-Asia
Development Fund. However, Japan has also withheld its cooperation in Chabahar port due to
concerns over Iranian sanctions.
BRIEF ON GWADAR PORT
• Gwadar port is a deep-sea port situated on the Arabian Sea at Gwadar in Baluchistan province of
Pakistan.
Location
• The Chabahar port is around 100km from Gwadar port in terms of direct distance, but is over 350 km
in terms of road route.
• The port is a part of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which connects the Gwadar port
CPEC in Pakistan to the Xianjing province in China.
• CPEC is a crucial route in the ambitious One Belt, One Road and Maritime Silk Road project of China.
COMPARISON BETWEEN CHABAHAR PORT AND GWADAR PORT
Chabahar Port Gwadar Port
Iran has followed a balanced policy between India Gwadar provides China a mean for a listening
and China, and would be un-willing to let Chabahar post which can monitor naval activity in the
India vs. China
port be used for military purposes such as a Persian Gulf region, and there have been reports
Dual (Civilian-
listening post to India. of Gwadar providing a military base for Chinese
Military) Use
Therefore, Chabahar port cannot be considered of ships and submarines.
giving equal strategic depth to India, as China is

Inter national Relations
R
given through Gwad ar port.
The Cha
abahar port can provide US an alterrnative e economic success of G
The Gwadar for Pakistan
route fo
or its war effo
orts in Afghanistan, and bypass
b uld be reliantt on its abilityy to access non-China
wou
its relian
nce on Pakisttan. based transit.
Lev
verage for
But, due
e to the currrent hostility between Ira
an and Afgh ovides the aaccess for G
hanistan pro Gwadar’s
Afg
ghanistan
US, it iss unlikely fo r US to ado
opt the alterrnative de towards the Centrall Asian region, thus
trad
route. providing Afgha
anistan leverrage for neg
gotiations
with
h Pakistan.
Iran has also in

nvited Chin
na towards
s the Iran
n is keen to become paart of CPEC, and the
development of Ch
habahar porrt. India doe
es not Gwa
adar port can
c be useed to augm
ment the
Ind
dia vs. China
a
have th
he economicc resources to balance China Cha
abahar port in routing heavy carrie
er ships,
Sta
ance of Iran
current engagementt under the O
OBOR program. which have eassier access ttowards the Gwadar
port.
AS SEAN-IN NDIA SU UMMIT Recently, the Prime Minister

M atte
ended the A
ASEAN-India
Breakfastt Summit. Le
et us undersstand aboutt ASEAN and d India-
# Intternational organisattion #India ASEAN rellations and should furthher be seen
n through a rrecent
and tthe World article by IDSA which is explained
d in below ggiven section.

BRIEF ABOUT ASEAN
• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, was established in 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand,
with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by Indonesia, Malaysia,
Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
Establishment • Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia joined later, and led to the 10 members
that currently form ASEAN.
• The ASEAN Member States adopted the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC)
in 1976.
• The ASEAN Charter entered into force in 2008 and, it provides the legal status and institutional
framework for ASEAN. It also codifies ASEAN norms, rules and values and presents the objectives for
ASEAN ASEAN.
Charter • The ASEAN Charter provided a new legal framework and has become a legally binding agreement
among the 10 ASEAN Member States. It established a number of new organs to boost its community-
building process.
Pillars of ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and ASEAN Socio-
ASEAN Cultural Community.
• Australia, Canada, China, European Council, Japan, India, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, United
Dialogue States and United Nations.
Partners • ASEAN has mechanism – ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) +1 Session with each of the
ASEAN Dialogue Partner.
• The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) was set up in 1993 as a Regional security cooperation and dialogue
platform for confidence-building and preventive diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific region. India became a
ASEAN
member of the ARF in 1996.
Regional
• ARF has 27 member states. These include the 10 ASEAN member, 10 ASEAN Dialogue Partners, and 7
Forum
other countries, which are Bangladesh, South Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Timor
Leste and Sri Lanka.
BRIEF ON INDIA-ASEAN RELATIONS
• India became a Sectorial Partner of the ASEAN in 1992, Dialogue Partner in 1996 and Summit Level
Partner in 2002 and India-ASEAN relations were upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2012. India
Partnership became a full member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in 1996.
Milestones • India and ASEAN nations signed the ‘Delhi Declaration’ in 2018 to celebrate 25 years of partnership
at the Republic Day celebrations. It also commemorated 15 years of Summit Level partnership and 5
years of Strategic partnership.
• The Plan of Action (POA) is intended to implement the ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace, Progress
and Shared Prosperity that intends form a framework for long term engagement between India and
Plan of Action ASEAN.
• A Plan of Action (POA) for the period 2004-2010 was signed at the 3rd ASEAN-India Summit in 2004 in
Vientiane. It was succeeded by the Plan of Action (POA) developed to implement the Partnership for

the period from 2010 to 2015.
• The POA 2016-2020 was adopted at the Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) Plus One Session with
India in 2015 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Current POA
• The POA 2016-2020 comprises three broad priorities: political and security cooperation, economic
cooperation and socio-cultural cooperation.
• The ‘Look East Policy ‘was upgraded to the ‘Act East Policy’ by in 2014 at the India-ASEAN Summit
held in Nay Pyi Taw in Myanmar.
Act East Policy
• ASEAN is now considered the main regional grouping of engagement for India under its Act East
policy.
MAJOR INITIATIVES BETWEEN INDIA AND ASEAN
• The ASEAN-India Green Fund was considered during the 6th ASEAN-India Summit held in 2007.
ASEAN-India Green • The ASEAN-India Green Fund with an initial contribution of US$ 5 million was set up in 2010 to
Fund support cooperative pilot projects between ASEAN and India for promotion of technologies
aimed at promoting adaptation to and mitigation of climate change.
ASEAN-India The ASEAN-India S&T Development Fund (AISTDF) was established to encourage collaborative
S&T Development R&D and technology development between ASEAN and India, at the 6th ASEAN-India Summit in
Fund (AISTDF) 2007.
• Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) was adopted in 2010, and focussed on India’s
Master Plan on
current and future support for ASEAN Connectivity.
ASEAN Connectivity
• The MPAC 2025, which succeeds MPAC 2010, was adopted at the 28th ASEAN Summit in Laos
(MPAC)
in 2016.
• India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway has been proposed to be extended towards

an India-Myanmar-Laos-Vietnam Cambodia Highway, under the Plan of Action to implement
the ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity (2016-2020).
Connectivity • A Project Development Fund was formed at the 13th ASEAN-India Summit in 2015 to develop
manufacturing hubs in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam (CLMV) countries.
• India and ASEAN intend for an early conclusion of Maritime Transport Agreement (AI-MTA)
between India and ASEAN.
• India established a separate Diplomatic Mission to ASEAN, which was inaugurated in 2015.
India has 30 sectorial dialogue mechanisms and seven ministerial level interactions with
ASEAN, in fields such as external affairs, defence, connectivity, commerce,
telecommunications, agriculture, energy, environmental issues, and tourism.
Diplomatic
• The ASEAN- Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) and the ASEAN Defence Ministerial Meeting-
Engagement
Plus (ADMM-Plus) provide a platform for India and ASEAN to deliberate on the security issues
concerning this region.
• ‘Delhi Dialogue’ platform was formed in 2009 as an annual Track 1.5 discussion on politico-
security and economic issues between ASEAN and India.

India-ASEAN ASEAN-India Cooperation Fund was formed at the 7th ASEAN-India Summit in 2009 to support
Cooperation Fund implementation of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action.
• India signed a free trade agreement in goods in 2009 and an FTA in services and investments
in 2014 with ASEAN. Apart from this, India has a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation
Free Trade
Agreement with various countries of the ASEAN region.
Agreement
• India is currently in negotiations under the RCEP platform with ASEAN and other member
countries in forming a regional FTA.
• India also supported the process of negotiations between ASEAN and China in forming a Code
of Conduct to be pursued in the South China Sea.
• The framework seeks to advance a 2002 Declaration of Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the
Security Architecture South China Sea, which has mostly been ignored by countries, in particular China.
• India and ASEAN have yet to engage with each other to form a common security framework
and vision for the Indo-Pacific region, whereby India has supported ASEAN centrality in
forming the security architecture in Indo-Pacific region.
• India and ASEAN nations would continue to collaborate in peaceful exploitation of outer space
through the implementation of the ASEAN-India Space Cooperation Programme.
ASEAN-India Space
• It includes launching of satellites, their monitoring through Telemetry Tracking and Command
Cooperation
Stations and usage of satellite image data for sustainable exploitation of ground, sea,
Programme
atmospheric, cooperation in R&D in emerging space technologies such as small satellites,
inter-satellite communications, satellite propulsion, and analytics for space data.
• India launched a global platform by the name ‘APIX’ during the Summit.
APIX • It would be the first of its kind, to connect Fintech companies and financial institutions from
India and ASEAN countries.
The Prime Minister of India participated in the 13th East Asia Summit,
EAST ASIA SUMMIT on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Summit. Let us understand about
#International Grouping the East Asia Summit.
THINGS TO UNDERSTAND
• ASEAN members to initiate wider dialogues with East Asian countries in particular South Korea, China
Establishment and Japan, and began the dialogue process of ASEAN+3.
• EAS is an initiative of ASEAN and is based on the premise of the centrality of ASEAN.
• East Asia Summit was established in 2005 with the Kuala Lampur Declaration. It included the
st
1 EAS ASEAN member nations and China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, India and New Zealand and
Summit culminated in the 1st East Asia Summit.
• USA and Russia were included as members of the EAS at the 6th EAS held in Bali, Indonesia in 2011.
• The East Asia Summit is a unique Leaders-led forum of 18 countries of the Indo-Pacific region.
Objective
• It was formed with the objectives of regional peace, security and prosperity. It has evolved as a forum

R
for strrategic dialog

gue and coop
peration on political,
p secu
urity and econ
nomic issuess of common
n regional
concerrn.
• There are six prior ity areas of rregional coop

peration within the framew
work of the EEAS.
Priiority
• These are – Envi ronment and Energy, Education,
E Finance, Glob
bal Health Isssues and P
Pandemic
Cooperation
Diseasses, Natural D
Disaster Man
nagement, an
nd ASEAN Connectivity.
Criitique of EAS suffe

ers from Sino
o-Japanese & Sino-Indian rivalry, and
a has caused EAS to become a fo
orum for
EAS discussion
ns rather tha m evolve into visible ach
an actual initiiatives that may hievements.
Na
alanda The 4th Ea
ast Asia Summ
mit (EAS), held in Thailand
d in 2009 end
dorsed the proposal for tthe revival off Nalanda
Un
niversity University
y, and the un n among India, Japan and other EAS m
niversity has ccollaboration member natio
ons.
• EAS leaders adopte

ed five EAS Statements on
n:
 Foreig
gn Terrorist F ighters and R
Returnees
13th
t
EAS
 Marine
e Plastic Deb
bris Smart Citties
Summit
 Safe and Secure usse of Nuclearr and Radioac
ctive Materia
als
 ICT and Digital Eco nomy
Recen
ntly, the Pre
esident of India visite
ed Myanma r. During the visit,
VISIT TTO India and Myan
nmar signe
ed two agreements: 1. Program
mme of
MYANMA AR eration in Science
Coope S and
d Technology for the Period 2018-2021;
2.Training and Ca
apacity Build
ding Programme for M
Myanmar Jud
dges and
#Inddia and its Neighbourho
N ood
al Officers in
Judicia n India.
#Bilateral Relatioons
Let uss understand the contours of India’’s relationsh
hip with Mya
anmar.
CONNECTIVITY PROJECTS
1. K
Kaladan Mu
ultimodal Trransit Trans
sport Projec
ct

R
• The project includes a waterways

w co
omponent off 158 km on Kaladan rive
er from Sittw
we to Paletwaa in Myanma
ar and a
road compo
onent of 109 km from Pale
etwa to Zorin
npui on the In
ndia-Myanma
ar border in Mizoram.
• The waterw
ways compon
nent compri ses Sittwe P
Port, Inland Water Transport (IWT) terminals, b
backup facilitties and
navigationall channel.
• The project is being impllemented witth GoI’s grantt assistance under
u the he
ead of ‘Aid to Myanmar’.
2
2. Trilateral Highway
dia is also forrming the trila
Ind ateral highwa
ay thereby co
onnecting Ind
dia, Myanma
ar & Thailand which can b
be extended tto other
Sou
uth East Asian and South Asian count ries.
• ngya’s are b
Rohin being exiled
d from the Rakhine District
D of
Myanmar, which
h shares an international bord
der with
Banglladesh. Rohiingya’s pred o Bengali origin and
dominately of
mainlly practise th e Islamic reliigion.
• India further sup ports the im
mplementatio
on the Kofi Annan-led
A
Rakhine Advisory Commission’s recommen
ndations.
Rohingya Crisis • mar reaffirmed that the Rakhine Sta
India and Myanm ate has a
developmental as well as a seccurity dimens
sion.
• ovide assista
India would pro ance under the Rakhin
ne State
Development P
Programme in collaboration with
w the
Goverrnment of M hereby India handed over the first
Myanmar, wh
50 un uses built in Rakhine Sta
nits of prefa bricated hou ate under
the prrogram.
• India & Myanmar have agreed to sign at the earliest the

e MoU for:
Futture
 Coope
eration on Co
ombating Tim
mber Traffick
king and Conservation of Tigers and O
Other Wildlife
e
Agreements
 Bilate
eral Cooperattion for Preve
ention of Trafficking in Pe
ersons.
• The la
and border ccrossing agre
eement signe
ed by India an
nd Myanmarr came into fforce of the landmark
agree
ement in 201
18 with the intent to promote smo ple between the two
ooth movement of peop
Border
counttries.
Cooperation
• Both sides agreed s for conclud
d to launch negotiations ding expedittiously a bilaateral motorr vehicles
agree
ement that w
would enable passenger and cargo trafffic to cross the border.
• India has expresssed its inte

erest in parrticipating in
n future opportunities for explorattion and
Ene
ergy Sector
produ
uction in the hydrocarbon
n sector in Myanmar.
Cooperation
• ould also promote Cross Border Electtric Power Trade.
Both countries wo
• Archa
aeological Su
urvey of Ind
dia (ASI) for completing projects to
t preserve and restorre stone
inscriptions and te
emples of Kin
ng Mindon an yidaw of Myanmar in Bod h Gaya.
nd King Bagy
Cultural
• ASI iss planning to
o start work in the near future to restore and co
onserve up tto 92 pagoda
as in the
Cooperation
historric city of Bag
gan, Myanm
mar.
• ASI ha
as also unde rtaken the re
estoration an
nd preservatio
on of Ananda temple loccated in Myanmar.

NEWS in transition
SOUTH ASIAN South Asia is one of the world’s least integrated regions in terms of
REGIONALISM movement of trade, people, etc. and because of this, India is one of
the world’s least regionally-integrated major powers.
# India and its Neighbourhood
• The main handicaps towards regional integration:

1. There indeed are structural impediments posed by both India and its neighbours such as trade
barriers, etc. in fostering regional integration
2. India's insistence on ideational disinclination towards its neighbourhood, whereby India's regional
policy is bound by realism and not moral principles. The neighbourhood is considered as a
challenge, not an opportunity within Indian foreign policy
3. India's regional policy is transactional in nature which means India's relationship with neighbours is
Handicaps to
mainly based on short-term give and take relations.
Regionalism
4. There is a lack in sense of belonging to South Asia within India wherein South Asia is considered as
an extension of India
5. The economic linkages are weak among the countries of the region due to the protection of local
market by smaller countries from India's competitive industries
6. India avoids multilateral forums with its neighbours due to fear of smaller neighbours ganging up
against India and the policy of Pakistan to oppose India in such multilateral formats, which has
happened in SAARC.
The various steps that can be undertaken by India for improving South Asian cooperation are:
• There have been changes in governments in South Asia which are considered as India-friendly such
as the government of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in Maldives, the return of Ranil Wickremesinghe as Sri
Lankan PM and continued government of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh and outreach by Nepalese
PM K.P. Oli to India.
• The presence of such neighbourhood government is advantageous to India’s foreign policy whereby
India can utilise it to improve regional integration.
Improving • India must avoid an aggressive manner with neighbours but rather persuade them to accept India's
regionalism solution for its concerns.
• India must fulfil its promises to its neighbours such as promises for developmental projects, etc.
• China's has huge infrastructure projects within South Asia with which India cannot compete in
economic terms. India must therefore invest where China falls short, such as at the level of
institution-building like South Asian University and also through the use of soft power.
• India can cooperate with China in South Asia based on common convergence of interests with
China such as counter terrorism, regional trade and non-military infrastructure development.
• India can offer better terms of trade for the smaller neighbours and work towards the effective

implementation of SAFTA, or the South Asian Free Trade Area,

• Several of India’s border States such as Punjab with Pakistan or West Bengal with Bangladesh have
the capacity to engage in trading arrangements with their neighbouring countries, by way of
constructing border infrastructure and easing restrictions on such border trade.
• India must engage with its neighbours on multilateral forums and attempt to resurrect SAARC which
has not moved forward due to India-Pakistan rivalry.
Several recent events of change in politics of South Asia has led to change in posture by Indian
government towards neighbours:
• Prime Minister of India recently made his first visit to Maldives during the swearing in ceremony of
the newly elected President Ibrahim Solih. The visit acted as means of support and acceptance of the
New government of Maldives after having a conflicted relationship with the previous government of
President Yameen.
• India government was accused of fuelling the blockade of Nepal in 2015, apart from opposing the
earlier government of K.P. Oli in Nepal. However, the re-election of K.P. Oli as PM of Nepal in 2018
led to the Indian government continuously engaging with the new government through multiple
Recent Change visits.
in Policy of • Indian government refused to share a common regional platform with the ousted Taliban
India government of Afghanistan after 9/11. However, the Moscow Format held by Russia becomes the
first regional platform that India has shared in an un-official manner with the Taliban.
• Indian official have always shown an inclination in support of the Sheikh Hasina political party Awami
League in Bangladeshi elections as being pro-India, in comparison to the pro-Pakistan party of
Khaleda Zia. However in the up-coming election in Bangladesh in December 2018, India has
maintained a silenced role.
• India had refused to engage with the government of Pakistan after the Uri attack in 2016 and refused
to also engage with the new government under Imran Khan that was elected in 2018. However,
during the recent opening of the Kartarpur Corridor, India was represented by two Central Ministers
in Pakistan.
The speculated causes that have led to change in posture of Indian government are:
• Sustained backlash from government in Nepal especially with support of Nepalese electorate led to a
need to follow an accommodative policy
• Positive changes in circumstances such as the new President in Maldives or opening of Kartarpur
Cause of corridor needed to be positively accommodated rather than dismissed
Change in • Pursuing both competition and cooperation with neighbours based on national interest such as seen
Posture with China
• India's aggression under the Big Brother policy enhanced the attractiveness of China as a balancer in
South Asia and therefore a change in posture was necessary.
• A retreat to the original policy imperative of the current government: Neighbourhood First, whereby
a balanced approach of both aggression and accommodation will be followed with neighbours.

NEWS in Snippets
IN NEWS: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is instituting the Atal Bhashantar Yojana (ABY) for
training language experts towards creating a pool of ‘Specialised Interpreters’ for interpretation to
and from Hindi language in Arabic, Chinese, French, Japanese, Russian and Spanish.
These candidates shall be engaged as ‘Specialised Interpreters’ by MEA through a multi-stage
examination.
 Other initiatives to popularize Hindi on global scale
• The Government has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on a pilot project with the
United Nations to increase the volume and frequency of content produced by the UN
Secretariat in Hindi.
• MEA has a budget an amount of Rs. 5 crore in the current financial year 2018-19 for
Atal propagation of Hindi abroad.
• MEA regularly organizes World Hindi Conference and Regional Hindi Conferences in different
Bhashanter
parts of the world in cooperation with the local governments, universities and organizations.
Yojana The 11th World Hindi Conference was successfully organized in Mauritius in August 2018.
• Hindi teaching materials, including Hindi text books and children books etc. are supplied free
of cost to educational institutions abroad. The Ministry also extends financial support to
educational institutions abroad for teaching Hindi.
• The permanent building of the World Hindi Secretariat was inaugurated in March 2018 and
was set up in Mauritius to promote Hindi worldwide.
• ICCR has established 26 Hindi Chairs in different countries. It has deployed India based Hindi
teachers at its six Indian Cultural Centres and Hindi teaching facilities are also provided by local
teachers in its five centres.
• Hindi is now taught in the territorial jurisdiction of 68 Missions & Posts at school and university
level.
IN NEWS: The Arton Capital Passport Index (ACPI) gives global ranking to various passports
based on the "visa free” status accorded to the passport holders of a specific country.
The current passport ranking is based on the number of countries a passport holder can visit Visa
Free or gets Visa on Arrival. To determine the individual rank of each passport, a Visa Free Score
(VFS) is prepared which is the sum of Visa Free (VF) and Visa on Arrival (VoA) facility accorded to
Passport
the passport holder of a country.
Index According to ACPI 2018, India is ranked 66th with a VFS of 65; 25 countries according VF entry and
40 countries granting VOA facility to Indian passport holders.
 Government’s response
• The Government has been continuously liberalizing the visa policy with the objective of
promoting investments and tourism into India from other countries. The e-Visa scheme has

been further liberalized to allow business visits and medical treatment in India. The number of
entries and validity of e-Visas has been increased and the scheme has been expanded to
include 166 countries and territories till date.
• These initiatives are expected to encourage other countries to reciprocate and facilitate travel
of Indian passport holders to their countries. As more countries permit Indian passport
holders to visit Visa Free or grant them Visa on Arrival facility, the rank of the Indian passport
on the Global Passport Index is expected to improve.
IN NEWS: India and Japan agreed to enter into a bilateral swap arrangement of $75 billion, during
the recent India-Japan Summit. It is one of largest Currency Swap Agreement in the world.
 About Currency Swap Agreement
• A foreign currency swap is an agreement to exchange currency between two foreign parties.
• The agreement consists of generally swapping principal and interest payments on a loan made
in one currency, for principal and interest payments of a loan of equal value in another
currency.
 Advantages of Currency Swap Agreement
• The purpose of engaging in a currency swap is usually to procure loans in foreign currency at
more favourable interest rates than if borrowing directly in a foreign market.
Currency
• Currency swaps to reduce exposure to anticipated fluctuations in exchange rates.
Swap  Advantages for India from the currency swap agreement with Japan
Agreement • This facility will enable the agreed amount of foreign capital being available to India for use as
and when the need arises. So, there is no immediate cost, only when an amount is withdrawn
by India
• It would bring greater stability to foreign exchange & capital markets in India thereby
improving market sentiments.
• It would serve as a second line of defense for the Rupee after the $393.5 billion of foreign
exchange reserves that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has at its disposal.
• India can acquire Yen or Dollars from Japan up to $75 billion in exchange for Rupees and will
help meet short-term liquidity mismatches. However, this arrangement would then be
reversed after an agreed period and Japan can also seek US Dollars from India in exchange for
Yen.
IN NEWS: Qatar’s Emir has been criticised by other members for not attending the recently held
Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC). Whereby the on-going rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Qatar is
Gulf harming the future prospects of GCC.
Cooperation The 39th GCC took place amid ongoing blockade on Qatar imposed by Saudi Arab, Bahrain and
the UAE.
Council
 About Gulf Cooperation Council:
• The member states of GCC includes: United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman,

Qatar and Kuwait.

• The main objectives of GCC include:
 Political, defence and economic co-operation among member nations
 Counter balance Iranian influence in Persian Gulf region
• One of the unique aspect of GCC is that it is the only international organisation where all
members have monarchy governments and Iraq bordering the Persian Gulf is not a member of
GCC.
NEWS FROM IDSA

#IDSA 4 CSE
SIGNIFICANCE OF INDIA’S ACT EAST POLICY AND ENGAGEMENT
WITH ASEAN
• Prime Minister visited Singapore in November, 2018 for the ASEAN-India Breakfast Summit.
Recent
• In addition, PM also participated in the East Asia Summit and the 2nd Regional Comprehensive
Context
Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit on the sidelines of the Summit.
• Earlier in January 2018, India hosted the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit which was themed
“Shared Values, Common Destiny”, attended by the leaders of the ten ASEAN States.
• The Summit led to the Delhi Declaration that highlighted the spectrum of political-security,
Delhi economic, socio-cultural and development cooperation.
Declaration • This was sought to be achieved through further strengthening of relevant institutional mechanisms
and broadening of the network between government institutions, parliamentarians, business circles,
scientists, academicians, think-tanks, media, and other stakeholders between India and ASEAN
countries.
• India’s Act East Policy was unveiled at the 12th ASEAN-India Summit in 2014 held in Myanmar and
this was followed by the 3rd POA or the 2016-2020 Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN India
Partnership for Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity.
• It aims to pursue the goals set forth in the POA for the next five years (2016-2020) and has made a
Plan of Action list of priority areas for the period 2016-2018.

• The 2nd PoA of 2010-2015 had laid the basis for three broad areas of cooperation:
 Political and Security Cooperation
 Economic Cooperation
 Socio-Cultural Cooperation
Political & • The main tenets of India’s Act East Policy are ASEAN Centrality whereby India has supported ASEAN’s
Security consensus driven approach for regional security architecture.

Cooperation • India and ASEAN are cooperating in the following security-related fields:
 Counter-terrorism by sharing best practices and information, law enforcement and capacity building
 Cyber-security capacity building by implementing ASEAN Cyber security Cooperation Strategy and
ASEAN Regional Framework Work Plan on Security of and in the Use of ICTs.
 Maritime Cooperation between India and ASEAN takes place via existing ASEAN-led mechanisms for
the purpose of better coordination in search and rescue, to prevent and manage accidents/incidents
at sea.
• India was ASEAN’s sixth largest trading partner in 2017 with trade over $ 81 billion in 2017-2018 and
constituting 10% of India’s total trade.
• The ratification process of the Agreement on Trade in Services under the Framework Agreement on
Comprehensive Economic Cooperation between ASEAN and India is in final stages and expected
Economic
to greatly aid India’s services sector in ITES, banking, etc.
Cooperation
• India is committed to connectivity (land, air and maritime) cooperation with ASEAN under the Master
plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025.
• In addition, the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project is intended to be extended to
Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
WHAT IS SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION? WHAT DO WE MEAN

WHEN WE SAY “GLOBAL SOUTH”?
• The Global North and Global South are geopolitical categories mainly used in the context of
development. The term Global South has its origin in the struggle against imperialism, racism,
Figurative
colonialism and the Cold War geopolitics, and these binaries are now also integral to geo-economics
Definition of
and political economy.
Global South
• They have more or less replaced the geohistoric categories of world development including the
West/East and First World/Third World, which projected the nature of global disparities.
• The literal meaning of Global South would mean all the countries that are located to the south of
Equator. Geographically, it could be referred as countries that are in the Southern Hemisphere and
Literal are less developed in comparison to countries in the Northern Hemisphere.
Definition of • In reality, the Global South encompasses the East, the Third World, and both developing and
Global South underdeveloped countries, thereby bringing most of Africa, Asia and Latin America into its fold. Their
shared political, geographical, cultural, and economic history provides them with a sense of common
identity and desire for solidarity.
• The South-South Cooperation (SSC) is a term used for increased cooperation and coordination
between countries of the Global South. It involves trade, aid, foreign direct investment, technology
South-South
transfer, creating infrastructure and promoting regional integration in order to achieve economic
Cooperation
growth and development of the Global South through concerted efforts.
• The main tenets of SSC are respect for national sovereignty, non-interference in domestic affairs,

non-conditionality, national ownership, equality, and mutual benefit.

• SSC is instrumental in enhancing the collective ability of the Global South to strengthen their voice
and bargaining power vis-à-vis the Global North.
PARIS CALL: ANOTHER MISS CALL?
• In November, 2018, at the UNESCO Internet Governance Forum (IGF) meeting held in Paris, the
declaration of the ‘Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace’ was given developing common
principles for securing cyberspace.
• Cyber governance has been stuck in the emerging binary model – a ‘complete self-management,
Background
without governance’ (the US model) and ‘compartmented internet, entirely monitored by strong
authoritarian states’ (the Beijing model) –The differences in the two models have made consensus
building among member states a major challenge and thus, the Paris Call presents itself as a new
middle ground to lead towards effective international norms on Cyber governance.
• Major principles articulated in the Paris Call is focused mainly upon:

 Protecting the integrity and accessibility of the internet
 Preventing nefarious activities online and building resilience
 Preventing proliferation of malicious online programmes
Major  Promoting multilateral cooperation in order to prevent interference in electoral processes.
Principles  Highlights the importance of ‘cyber hygiene’ to connote data protection and safety by having basic
best practices like regularly changing the passwords, updating the software as well as the hardware,
using licensed software, backing up the data regularly, etc.
 Prevent ICT-enabled theft of intellectual property, including trade secrets or other confidential
business information, with the intent of providing competitive advantages to companies or
commercial sector.
• More than 190 signatures were obtained on the Paris Call, out of which 130 were of the private
sector, 90 of the charitable groups and more than 50 of the member nations.
Participants • The majority of signatories are European countries and several major American technologies like
Facebook, Microsoft, Google, IBM Corporation and Hewlett-Packard (HP) have endorsed the
agreement.
• The Paris Call failed to put in place the compliance mechanism for principles accepted under the
Paris Call whereby it does not require governments or corporations legally to adhere to any specific
Concerns principle.
• Moreover, this agreement failed to bring major players on board especially the US, China, India and
Russia.

R
WORLD
W G
GEOGRA PHY IN CONTEXXT
# Pollitical GGeograp hy
Geo
o-Strate
egic sig
gnificance of Great Ch
hannel
• The Grea
at Channel in
n the Indian O
Ocean separrates Great Nicobar Isla
and of India and Aceh P
Province
of Indone
esia.
• The Grea
at Channel iss located at six degrees north of equ
uator and is popularly reeferred to as the ‘Six
Loc
cation
Degree Channel’.
C
• The width of the Grea
at Channel iss 163 Km (88 nautical mile
es) between Indira Point iin Great Nico
obar and
Rondo Island near Sa bang island o
of Indonesia’’s Aceh Province.
• The Grea
at Channel is located at th
he western edge
e of the Malacca
M Stra
ait. Three maajor sea route
es of the
Indian Ocean originatting from or destined to the Cape of Good Hope, the Gulf of A
Aden and th
he Straits
Strrategic
uz converge iin the Great Channel.
of Hormu
Sig
gnificance
• Due to co
onvergence o
of sea routess, shipping density in the Great Chann
nel remains h
high which e
enhances
its potential vulnerab
bility for disru
uption?
• The strattegic significa

ance of Malacca Strait lies
s in providing
g shortest maritime conn
nectivity betw
ween the
Indian Ocean
O and th e Pacific.
• While th
here exist otther connectivity channe
els viz. Sund
da and Lom
mbok straits,, these routtes have
Ma
alacca significan
nt time and ccost implicatio
ons due to lo
onger distancces of voyage
e.
Strraits • As a major feeder an
nd outlet of tthe Malacca Strait,
S the Grreat Channel or Six Degreee Channel iis crucial
for the ussage of Mala
acca Strait by maritime shipping.
• Any disru
uption in the
e Great Channel implies potential
p clossure of the Malacca
M Straitt for maritim
me trade.
These atttributes makke the Great C
Channel a choke point of strategic sign
nificance.

CONSTITUTION, POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
DRAFT NATIONAL CHILD POLICY

#Governance #Child protection
(Lead coverage)
While hearing the case of Muzaffarpur shelter abuse of children, the Supreme Court asked the central
government to frame a code of conduct for employees of all organisations to ensure safety of children. As a
result, the Ministry of Women & Child Development has uploaded the Draft National Child Protection Policy for
comments from various stakeholders.
In this news analysis, let us find out the salient features of the Draft National Child Protection Policy and its
salient features which aims to provide a safe and secure environment to our children especially at workplace.
• Children of the country deserve a happy and safe childhood and an opportunity to lead a dignified life
safe from violence, exploitation, neglect, deprivation and discrimination.
• The Constitution of India recognise children as equal right holder and grants highest priority for their
protection and well-being.
• Article 39 (f) of the Indian Constitution - The State shall, in particular, direct its policy towards
securing - that children are given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and in
conditions of freedom and dignity and that childhood and youth are protected against exploitation and
against moral and material abandonment.
Need for
• India is also signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and
such a draft
accordingly has a strong legal framework to protect children through these statutes -
policy
 The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015;
 The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012;
 Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act 1994;
 The Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act 2005;
 The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009;
 Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006; and
 Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016.
This Policy aims at providing a safe and conducive environment for all children through the prevention
and response to child abuse, exploitation and neglect.
Aims It provides a framework for all institution, and organization including corporate and media houses,
government or private sector to understand their responsibilities in relation to -safeguarding/ protecting
children and promoting the welfare of children; individually and collectively.

Constituti0n, Polity and
Governance
POLICY GUIDELINES FOR ORGANIZATIONS, INSTITUTIONS AND ESTABLISHMENTS INCLUDING MEDIA
• All institutions and organizations should develop a child protection policy and code of conduct for employees in
line with the national guidelines and various legislations for protection and welfare of children and display it
appropriately.
• All employees/ contractual workers must sign the declaration for child protection which is based on the premise of
Zero tolerance of child abuse and exploitation and agree to abide by it.
• The institutions must have a code of conduct for ensuring to treat children with empathy and respect regardless of
race, color, gender, sexuality, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property,
disability, birth or other status.
• Ensure that staffs of an organisation do not use inappropriate language or behaviour or harass children.
• All organization and institution should designate responsibility to specific member/members to ensure that
procedures are in place within the organisation to protect children and report any abuse, exploitation or neglect in line
with the guidelines and existing laws.
• The CHILDLINE 1098 and contact details of designated officer for child protection must be displayed appropriately in
the organisation.
• Any individual can report the incidence of child abuse to CHILDLINE 1098, police or Child Welfare Committee.
• Professionals who provide services to children (teachers, counselors, doctors/ other health workers and others) must
follow child protection policy for reporting and taking action if they become concerned about a child’s safety and
welfare.
• Institutions and organizations working directly with children must train all employees on child rights, provisions of
POCSO Act, 2012; Juvenile Justice Act 2015 and other legislations for children.
• Medical establishments (hospital and clinics), doctors and health workers cannot refuse treatment to children in
need of help based on any form of discrimination.
• Organisations must develop Child friendly Zones in all places for public dealing.
Note:
As per the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, State governments are
required to establish a Child Welfare Committee or two in every district in relation to children in need of care and
protection. Each CWC should consist of a chairperson and four members.
 RELATED INFORMATION: NATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION FOR CHILDREN, 2016
• The Ministry of Women and Child Development has released National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC), 2016 in
January 2017.
• This initiative of the government provides a road map that links the policy objectives to actionable programmes. It is an
initiative to further strengthen and activate the implementation and monitoring of national, constitutional and policy
commitments including that of UN Convention on the Rights of Child and Sustainable Development Goals.
• It addresses four key priority areas of child rights;
1. survival, health and nutrition
2. education and development
3. protection and

Governance
4. participation
• It takes a sustainable, multi-sectoral, integrated and inclusive approach and focuses on strengthening the initiatives so
that they are able to protect the rights of the children.
• The plan also highlights new and emerging concerns for children such as online child abuse, children affected by
natural and man-made disasters and climate change, etc.
JAMMU & KASHMIR President’s rule has been imposed in the state of Jammu and
Kashmir under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution after six
UNDER PRESIDENT’S months of Governor’s rule in the state which was imposed under
RULE #President’s Rule the Constitution of Jammu & Kashmir.
PRESIDENT’S RULE AFTER GOVERNOR RULE IN J&K
• Since the State has a separate Constitution, in such case, six months of Governor’s rule is compulsory under Section
92 of the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution prior to imposition of President’s rule under Article 356 of the Indian
Constitution.
• Section 92 provides provisions in case of failure of constitutional machinery in the State.
• So after expiration of 6 months of Governor’s rule since 20th June, 2018, Jammu & Kashmir has been brought under
President’s Rule from 20th December, 2018.
• After the proclamation under Article 356, the powers of the State Legislature shall be exercised by or under the
authority of Parliament and all decisions will be taken with concurrence of the President with the council of Ministers
and the PM advising the President.
 RELATED INFORMATION: ARTICLE 356 – FAILURE OF CONSTITUTIONAL MACHINERY IN STATE
If the President on receipt of report from Governor of a state or otherwise is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which
the Government of the State cannot be carried on in accordance with Constitutional Provisions, the President may assume
to himself.
 All or any of the functions of the Government of the State;
 All or any of the powers vested in or exercisable by the Governor;
 Declare that the powers of State Legislature are to be exercised by Parliament;
 President may even suspend in whole or in part the provision of the Constitution relating to anybody or authority in
the State.
However, the President cannot assume to himself powers of High Court under Article 356.
• Every such proclamation shall be laid before each House of Parliament.

Approval • Such proclamation needs to be approved within 2 months by each House of Parliament by simple
majority.
• The proclamation once approved shall be in force for a period of 6 months.

• The life of proclamation can be extended for further 6 months if both Houses approves its continuance
Tenure
by passing it.
• Maximum time for which such a proclamation remains in force is for 3 years.

Governance
Effect State Legislature ceases to function as it is either dissolved or is kept in suspended animation.
As per Constitution 44th Amendment, the following conditions must be fulfilled for proclamation under
Constitution Article 356 to be carried beyond 1 year
th
44  Proclamation for emergency under Article 352 must be in operation in the whole of India, or the
Amendment concerned State or in part of the State.
 Election Commission certifies that continuation in force of proclamation under Article 356 is necessary
on account of holding elections to the concerned Legislative Assembly.
Note: Powers and Functions of Governor of State of Jammu & Kashmir has been covered in detail in the
December, 2018 Edition of Focus Magazine.
SEPARATE HIGH On the basis of the order by the Supreme Court, the President of India
has issued a notification for bifurcation of High Court for Andhra Pradesh
COURTS FOR and Telangana by 1st January, 2019. Both will function separately from
TELANGANA & January 1, 2019.
The principal seat of the Andhra Pradesh High Court will be at Amaravati,
A.P. the designate capital of Andhra Pradesh. As a result, it will be 25th High
#Judiciary #High Court Court in India.
• With the enactment of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated into two states
- State of Andhra Pradesh and State of Telangana.
• The Act, which had come into effect from June 2, 2014 has also a provision for separate High Courts for State of
Telangana and State of Andhra Pradesh.
• The Act provides that the High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad shall be the common High Court for the State of
Telangana and the State of Andhra Pradesh till a separate High Court for the State of Andhra Pradesh is constituted
under article 214 of the Constitution of India.
• So, accordingly the President of India has issued a notification under Article 214.
IMPORTANT CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS
Article 214 It provides that there shall be a High Court for each State.
Extension of jurisdiction of High Courts to Union territories - Parliament may by law extend the jurisdiction
Article 230
of a High Court to, or exclude the jurisdiction of a High Court from, any Union territory.
Establishment of a common High Court for two or more States - Parliament may by law establish a
Article 231
common High Court for two or more States or for two or more States and a Union territory.

Governance
Division Bench of Madras High Court has suspended the ban on the sale
of online medicines. This order has come as a respite to the e-pharmacy
companies.
HIGH COURT ON Further, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has come up Draft
E-PHARMACY Rules to amend the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, framed under the
Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. However, the government has yet not
#Judgement approved these rules which will further help in regulating the online
sale of medicines. In this analysis, let us go through the important
features of the Draft Rules.
• Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 regulates the import, manufacture, distribution and sale of drugs and
cosmetics in India. However, the Act does not prescribe on regulation of e-pharmacies.
• The new Draft provides for registration of e-pharmacy by the Central Licencing Authority and
The Problem
Procedure for distribution or sale, of drugs through e-Pharmacy.
• However, the central government has yet not finalised the draft on regulation of e-pharmacies in India.
Let us wait for the government to issue guidelines on regulation of e-pharmacies in India.
• “e-pharmacy portal” means a web or electronic portal or any other electronic mode established and
Important maintained by the e-pharmacy registration holder to conduct business of e-pharmacy.
Terms • As per the draft, “e-pharmacy” means business of distribution or sale, stock, exhibit or offer for sale of
drugs through web portal or any other electronic mode.
• After coming into effect of the draft rules, no person shall distribute or sell, stock, exhibit or offer for
sale of drugs through e-pharmacy portal unless they are registered by the Central Licencing Authority.
Registration • The e-pharmacy registration holder shall receive the orders for retail sale through e-pharmacy portal.
of e- The e-pharmacy registration holder shall have a facility for customer support and grievance redressal
pharmacy of all stakeholders which shall run not less than twelve hours for all seven days of a week.
• A registration issued to any person shall remain valid for a period a three years from the date of its
issue.
• The information received by the e-pharmacy registration holder from the customer by way of
prescription or in any other manner shall not be disclosed by the e-pharmacy registration holder for
Non- any other purposes nor shall same be disclosed to any other person.
disclosure of • The details of patient shall be kept confidential and shall not be disclosed to any person other than the
certain Central Government or the State Government concerned.
information • For public health purposes, the e-pharmacy registration holder shall be duty bound to provide such
information to the Central Government or the State Government as necessary or asked by the
government.
• The e-pharmacy registration holder shall maintain and update, from time to time, the information
regarding the drugs availability, types of drugs offered for sale, supply channels or vendor lists, details
Monitoring of registered pharmacists, registered medical practitioner (if any) and any other requirements of the
Drugs and Cosmetics Act and rules there under, on the e-pharmacy portal.
• The Central Licensing Authority and the State Licensing Authority shall monitor the data or information

Consttituti0n, P olity and
Governannce
periodiccally to ensurre compliance
e with the provisions of th
he Drugs and
d Cosmetics A
Act, 1940 and
d Rules.
NATION NAL The

e Union Cab binet has ap
pproved the restructurin ng of existin
ng National Health
Ageency as "Na ational Healtth Authority
y" for betterr implementtation of Pra
adhan
HEAALTH Maantri - Jan Arrogya Yojana (PM-JAY). PM-JAY is part of Centrre’s Ayushm man
Bh arat umbrella policy for healthcare e.
A
AUTHOR RITY
Witth this apprroval, the ex
xisting societty "National Health Ageency" has be
een
#Reegulatory Bodies
B disssolved and will be replaaced by Nattional Healthh Authority as an attached
#Sociall Issue offfice to the M
Ministry of Health & Fammily Welfare.
 BENEFIT
TS: FROM ‘N
NATIONAL HE
EALTH AGEN
NCY’ TO "NAT
TIONAL HEALTH AUTHO
ORITY"
1. The change from ‘agency

y’ to ‘authoritty’ is to ensure that the re
estructured body
b “shall have full auto
onomy, accou
untability
and the man
ndate to implement PM-JA
AY through a
an efficient, effective
e and transparent
t decision-makking process.
2. The compossition of the Governing Board is bro
oad based with
w due representationss from the G
Government, domain
experts and
d respective states
s on a rrotational ba
asis. The Gov
verning Boarrd to be chaired by the M
Minister of H
Health &
Family Welfa
are. NHA will now have po
ower over disbursement of finances.
3. Existing bud
dget that wass approved e
earlier by the
e Cabinet for The Nationa
al Health Agency, includin
ng costs relatted to IT,
human reso
ources, infrastructure, ope
erational costs etc. would
d be utilized by
b the propossed National Health Auth
hority.
4. It is envisag
ged that the National Hea
alth Authoritty shall have full accounttability, autho
ority and maandate to im
mplement
PM-JAY through an efficie
ent, effective
e and transpa
arent decision-making pro
ocess.
AY
YUSHMAN BHARAT
B
• To fulfill th
he vision of Health for All and
Universal Health
H Coverage, enshriined in
the Nation
nal Health Policy 201 7, the
Governmen
nt conceived Áyushman Bharat’
(Healthy Ind
dia).
• Ayushman Bharat (AB)) is an atte

empt to
move from
m sectoral and segm
mented
approach of
o health se
ervice deliverry to a
comprehen
nsive need-b
based healtth care
service.
• Ayushman Bharat aims

s to undertakke path
breaking intervention
ns to hollistically
address h
health (cov
vering prevvention,
promotion and ambulattory care), at primary, seccondary and tertiary level.
• Ayushman Bharat adop

pts a contin
nuum of carre approach
h, comprising
g of two inte
er-related co
omponents. T
The first
componentt, pertains to
o creation of 1,50,000 Health and We
ellness Centtres which will bring heallth care close
er to the
homes of the
t people. These centrres will provvide Compre
ehensive Prrimary Health Care (CP
PHC), covering both

Governannce
maternal and child hea
alth services and non-co
ommunicable
e diseases, in
ncluding free
e essential d
drugs and diiagnostic
services.
d componentt is the Pradh

• The second han Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM
M-JAY) which provides heaalth protectio
on cover
to poor and
d vulnerable families. The
e Health and
d Wellness Ce
entres will play a critical role
r in creatiing awareness about
PM-JAY, scre
eening for no
on-communi cable disease
es, follow-up
p of hospitalissation cases among
a otherrs.
d approach and effectivve implemen

• For focused ntation of PM
M-JAY, an au
utonomous entity,
e the Naational Health
h Agency
(NHA) was constituted.
c However,
H th e Union Cab
binet has ap
pproved the restructuring of Nationaal Health Ag
gency as
National He
ealth Authority.
PRADH
HAN MANTR
RI - JAN ARO
OGYA YOJAN
NA (PM-JAY))
• The Government with th

he aim to en sure universsal access to good quality
y health care
services hass launched PM
M-JAY under the ambit off Ayushman Bharat.
B
• AY seeks to accelerate Ind

Thus, PM-JA dia’s progress towards ac
chievement of
o Universal
Health Cove
erage (UHC)) and Sustain
nable Develo
opment Goa
al - 3 (SDG3).
• Pradhan Ma
antri Jan Aro
ogya Yojana
a (PM-JAY) aims to prov
vide financia
al protection
(Swasthya Suraksha)
S to
o 10.74 crorre poor, dep
prived rural families an
nd identified
occupationa
al categories of urban wo
orkers’ families as per th
he latest Soccio-Economic
Caste Censu
us (SECC) datta (which is a
approx. 50 crrore beneficiaries). It will have offer a
benefit cove
er of Rs. 500,0
000 per fami ly per year.
• PM-JAY will cover medical and hosspitalization expenses fo

or almost alll secondary care and m
most of tertia
ary care
procedures. PM-JAY has defined 1,35
50 medical p
packages covering surgery
y, medical an
nd day care ttreatments including
medicines, diagnostics
d and transportt.
• ment will be available at all public a

Free treatm and empanelled private hospitals un
nder the sch
heme. It also
o covers
secondary and
a tertiary care hospittalisation. Ho
ospitals will not be allow
wed to charrge any add
ditional mon
ney from
beneficiariess for the trea
atment.
• All families listed in the SECC datab

base as per d
defined criteria will be co
overed and priority
p will b
be given to cchildren,
women and senior citizen. Eligible be
eneficiaries ca
an avail services across In
ndia, offering
g benefit of n ational porta
ability.
Witth emergence of global supply chains, rise in in nternationa al trade and the
rappid developm ment of e-co ommerce ha ave led to ne
ew deliveryy systems for goods
and d services and have pro ovided new options and d opportunitties for conssumers.
CONSUM
C MER All these developments in ncluding rappid increase in e-commeerce require e a more
str ingent regu ulations keep ping in view
w of the conssumer need s and rightss
PR
ROTECTION inccluding regu ulation of miisleading addvertisements which ha ave become a
BILL, 2018
2 fre
equent phen nomenon.
Con nsidering thhe above, the governme ent introducced the Con sumer Protection
#BBill #Rightss Issue Billl, 2018 in the Lok Sabha a with an obbjective to re
eplace the eexisting Consumer
Prootection Actt, 1986. In thhis analysis, let us understand abou ut the basicss of the
Billl and also hoow it will im
mpact both the consume ers and marrket forces.

Governance
REASONS FOR THE NEW BILL
• The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was enacted to provide for better protection of the interests of consumers
and for the purpose of making provision for establishment of consumer protection councils and other authorities for
the settlement of consumer disputes, etc.
• Although, the working of the consumer dispute redressal agencies has served the purpose to a considerable extent
under the said Act, the disposal of cases has not been fast due to various constraints.
• Several shortcomings have been noticed while administering the various provisions of the said Act.
• Consumer markets for goods and services have undergone drastic transformation since the enactment of the
Consumer Protection Act in 1986.
• The emergence of global supply chains, rise in international trade and the rapid development of e-commerce have led
to new delivery systems for goods and services and have provided new options and opportunities for consumers.
• Equally, this has rendered the consumer vulnerable to new forms of unfair trade and unethical business practices
including misleading advertisements, tele-marketing, multi-level marketing, direct selling and e-commerce - pose new
challenges to consumer protection.
• Thus, the new Bill addresses the myriad and constantly emerging vulnerabilities of the consumers.
CONSUMER PROTECTION BILL, 2018
“Consumer rights” includes

1. the right to be protected against the marketing of goods, products or services which are hazardous to
life and property;
2. the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods,
products or services, as the case may be, so as to protect the consumer against unfair trade practices;
Rights of 3. the right to be assured, wherever possible, access to a variety of goods, products or services at
Consumers competitive prices;
4. the right to be heard and to be assured that consumer’s interests will receive due consideration at
appropriate fora;
5. the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practice or restrictive trade practices or unscrupulous
exploitation of consumers; and
6. the right to consumer awareness.
The Consumer Protection Bill, 2018 provides for:

 protection of the interests of consumers;
 to establish authorities for timely and effective administration; and
 settlement of consumers’ disputes
Aim &
To achieve the aforesaid purpose, the Bill provides for
Purpose
 Central Consumer Protection Council
 Central Protection Authority (CCPA)
 Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
 Consumer Mediation Cell

Governance
• CCPA aims to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers; make interventions when
necessary to prevent consumer detriment arising from unfair trade practices and to initiate class action
including enforcing recall, refund and return of products, etc.
• Disputes Redressal: The Government shall, by notification, establish: - National Consumer Disputes
Redressal Commission – National Commission; State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission –
Salient
State Commission; District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission - District Commission.
Features
• Product Liability Action - A product liability action may be brought by a complainant against a
product manufacturer or a product service provider or a product seller, for any harm caused to him on
account of a defective product.
• Consumer Mediation Cell to be attached to each of the District Commissions, the State Commissions
and National Commission.
Dr. Shashi Tharoor has introduced Freedom of Literature Bill, 2018 in

the Lok Sabha as a private members bill. The Bill seeks to amend
FREEDOM OF provisions in the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure,
Customs Act and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition)
LITERATURE BILL, Act which affect literary and artistic freedom.
The process of law making begins with the introduction of a Bill in either
2018 House of Parliament. A Bill can be introduced either by a Minister or a
#Governance #Rights Issue member other than a Minister either from the ruling party or from the
opposition. When a Bill is presented by a member of Parliament other
than a Minister, then it is known as a Private Member's Bill.
 REASON FOR THE BILL: LITERARY FREEDOM AND ITS VALUE IN A FREE AND DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY
• Literary freedom or the freedom to express through works of literature is an integral component of the freedom of
speech and expression under article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India.
• Authors must be guaranteed the freedom to express their work without fear of punitive action by the State or by
sections of society unless it contravenes legitimate restriction under Article 19(2) of the Indian Constitution.
• The spirit of questioning and dissent is essential for social, cultural and political reform and for the overall
enhancement of a constitutional democracy. The exceptions to the freedom of speech and expression must be strictly
and narrowly defined.
• The authorities helming the legal process shall not for its dystopian demand suppress opinions, expressions, critical
analysis or any other view of the author which is not in conformity with the general perception. As such expression
forms a part of his/her fundamental right to freedom of choice and liberty.
• The recognition of the importance of dissent and expression of opinions, which may be irreverent or even unpopular,
by the law is essential to prevent the legal process from being used to suppress reform and progress of society.
• Literary freedom includes the right to criticize and question all bodies of thought, including ones based on religious
belief and cultural traditions. The State must recognize the right of an adult to consume literature of his or her choice,
even if such works of literature are frowned upon by social norms. The laws must preserve and deepen constitutional
morality and must not act as a tool to enforce majoritarian morality.

Governance
PROPOSITIONS
The Bill proposes to omit certain sections of IPC such as:-
Section 295A - Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by
Proposed
insulting its religion or religious beliefs.
omission
Section 298- Uttering words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings.
Section 124A on sedition.
Proposed The Bill proposes certain amendments in section 95 of CrPC which deals with powers of the government
amendments to prohibit the publication and circulation of documents.
The Bill also provides for substitution of new section for section 96 of CrPC. As per the new section 96 –
 The High Court shall dispose off an application made for approving the prohibition of publication,
circulation or distribution within three months from the date of filing of such application.
Proposed
 The High Court may extend the temporary prohibition on the circulation and distribution of the
amendments
document till the determination of the document.
 No Court shall entertain any application to ban any document, except by an application filed by the
State Government.
Addition to Suggested addition to Section 11 - The import of any book shall not be prohibited by the Central
Customs Act, Government, except on the ground that the circulation of the book is likely to cause a breach of public
1962 order, despite taking reasonable measures to prevent the same.
With respect to Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, the Bill has suggested to
New substitute the definition of "indecent representation of women".

Definition Suggested change - "indecent representation of women" means the derogatory depiction of women or
any depiction or publication which encourages or justifies the abuse or suppression of women.
World Politics
Globally, in recent years, a decline in quality of democracy has taken
PROGRESSIVE place especially when political leaders around the globe are using
INTERNATIONAL democracy as a façade to unveil their authoritarian concept of
nationalism by using economy and technology. In this aspect, Bernie
#Governance #Rule of Sanders (US Politician) and Yanis Varoufakis (Greek economist, academic
Law # Inequality and politician) in an article in The Guardian (U.K), has called for an
International Progressive Movement to combat the rise of
#Democracy authoritarianism across the globe.

Governance
GLOBAL SCENE
• It claimed that the top 1% of the world’s population owns more wealth than the bottom 99%, multinational
corporations and the wealthy stash over $21tn in offshore bank accounts to avoid paying their fair share of taxes, and
that the fossil fuel industry continues to destroy the planet because countries are unable to cooperate effectively to
combat climate change.
• A handful of multinational media giants, owned by a small number of billionaires, largely control the flow of
information on the planet.
• While the very rich get much richer, people all over the globe are working longer hours for stagnating wages, and fear
for their children’s future. Authoritarians exploit these economic anxieties, creating scapegoats which pit one group
against another.
• These nationalist government shares key attributes such as
 hostility toward democratic norms, antagonism toward a free press,
 intolerance toward ethnic and religious minorities, and
 a belief that government should benefit their own selfish financial interests.
• These leaders are also deeply connected to a network of multi-billionaire oligarchs who see the world as their
economic plaything. The governments exploit people’s fears, prejudices and grievances to achieve and hold on to
power.
AIMS OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT
• The movement also aims to highlight the global oligarchy’s intense class war against weaker sections of the
society who generally lives in fear of insecurity and instability at the hands of their employers mainly due to very low
wage and lack of labour law regulations.
• Thus, the movement calls for campaign for trade agreements that commit governments of poorer countries to
legislate minimum living wages for their workers and guaranteed jobs locally.
• The movement mobilises behind a vision of shared prosperity, security and dignity for all people and that addresses
the massive global inequality that exists, not only in wealth but in political power.
• Thus, the movement aims at rebalancing wages, trade and finance at a global scale as it will help in reducing both
involuntary migration and involuntary unemployment.
OTHER MOVEMENTS
• Several movements across the globe have sprung up on international progressive movement like Democracy in
Europe Movement 25 (DiEM25).
• DiEM25 arose after the debt crisis in Greece had resulted in a wide-ranging “structural adjustment programme”
imposed upon Greece by the European Commission, the European Central Bank, and the International Monetary
Fund.
• The issues on which DiEM25 engages with citizens across Europe includes public debt, banking, inadequate
investment, migration, and rising poverty.
In brief, the major purpose is to solve transnational issues which are related with global problems which impact all
around the globe, irrespective of political borders.

Governance
Examples of transnational issues impacting citizens are poverty, hunger, health and communicable disease, terrorism,
organised crime, trafficking, impacts of climate change, human rights violation
HOW CAN SUCH INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT HELP INDIA?
• The author mentions that there is a need for progressive movements in India like DiEM25 oriented towards social
justice and fundamental rights.
• Such movements must engage with the public at large to address the transnational problems in India like agrarian
crisis, clean air and clean water crisis, poverty, migration, loss of employment, minimum wage, issues in the MSME and
other unorganised sectors of economy, human rights, rights of under-trial prisoners etc.
NEWS in Snippets
IN NEWS: The Central Government has introduced The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment)
Bill 2018 in compliance with Supreme Court judgment on the voluntary use of Aadhaar.
• After the Supreme Court’s judgment on voluntary use of Aadhaar for bank accounts and sim
card for mobile phones, central government has introduced a Bill in Lok Sabha to carry out
the necessary amendments.
• The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill 2018 aims to amend the Telegraph Act, 1885
and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002 and to provide for voluntary
sharing of the 12-digit identification number for obtaining new mobile phone connections and
opening bank accounts.
• The Supreme Court in its judgment had struck down section 57 of Aadhaar Act that made
seeding of the biometric ID with SIMs and bank accounts mandatory. The Court held section
57 of the Aadhaar Act as unconstitutional as it enabled body corporate to use Aadhaar
Voluntary use
number for establishing the identity of an individual for any purpose.
of Aadhaar  Salient Features of the Bill
through a Bill • To provide for voluntary use of Aadhaar number in physical or electronic form by
authentication or offline verification or any other mode.
• To allow the use of Aadhaar number for authentication on voluntary basis as acceptable KYC
document under the Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002.
• To give an option to children who are Aadhaar number holders to cancel their Aadhaar
number on attaining the age of eighteen years.
• Authentication of offline verification of Aadhaar number can be performed only with the
informed consent of the Aadhaar number holder.
• To permit the entities performing authentication only when they are compliant with the
standards of privacy and security specified by UIDAI.
• It aims for establishment of Unique Identification Authority of India Fund.
• To enhance the restrictions on sharing of information by requesting entity and offline

Governance
verification-seeking entity.
• To omit section 57 of the Aadhaar Act relating to use of Aadhaar by private entity.
IN NEWS: Seeking “complete autonomy” from Kashmir’s administrative set up, the two
Autonomous Hill Councils of Leh and Kargil have separately passed resolutions demanding
separate a division for the Ladakh region.
For this, The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, unanimously passed a
resolution for autonomy on December 1, while its counterpart in Kargil passed a similar
resolution, signed by all its 29 councilors, on December 6.
 The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil
• Though the concept of Hill Council was first fructified in Leh District in 1995 on the pattern of
Darjeeling Hill Development Council, it was introduced in Kargil during the year 2003.
• The Hill Council in Kargil came in to existence in July 2003. In the 30 Councilors team, 26
Councilors were elected from the respective constituencies, 4 Councilors were nominated
Leh & Kargil from the Principal Minority and Women folk.
seeks • As per Hill Council norms, the Chief Executive Councilor possess the rank and powers of a
Cabinet Minister while as the Executive Councilors possess the rank and status of Deputy
autonomy Minister.
from Kashmir • The Deputy Commissioner is also designated as Chief Executive Officer, LAHDC Kargil and
control of the overall district administration, execution of works and maintaining Law and
Order.
• Kargil is a hilly district covering an area of 14,086 Sq. Kms. For administrative convenience
Zanskar and Drass have been termed as a Sub Division.
 Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, (LAHDC) Leh
LAHDC, Leh was constituted in accordance with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development
Council Act, 1995. The council came into being with the holding of elections on August 28, 1995.
The democratic constitution of the Council has heralded democratic decentralization of planning
process with the involvement of people at the grass root level. Owing to the difficult geographical
problems, there was a need for greater public participation in the planning and development
process.
IN NEWS: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has proposed that the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) come up with regulations to oversee collection, usage and sharing of
data by payment service providers.
Devise norms • This proposal by the Ministry was made after concerns were raised by the National Cyber
for payment Security Coordinator (NCSC) over collection and storage of “sensitive personal data by
payment service providers via applications such as Google Tez, WhatsApp and Paytm.
app
• During a review meeting on digital payments, the NCSC pointed out that there was no
agreement between the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the banks and the
applications that provided payment services.

Governance
• Another concern raised by NCSC is that as of now, there is no liability of NPCI and the
payment service providers. Hence, there is a need of a consolidated regulation on data flow of
financial transaction on such payment apps till Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018 comes into
effect.
• Such a comprehensive regulation will help to protect the interest of the consumers against
the pilferage, leakage and sharing of data, which is of sensitive nature.
• The NCSC also recommended that there was a need to scrutinise all aspects of a transactional
relation between all the stakeholders in the payments ecosystem including legal, technical
and financial.
• MeitY supports NCSC’s recommendation and has suggested that RBI should lay down
regulations, that would bind the collection, usage and sharing of data, by participants in the
payments arena.
 Important Features of The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018
 The Bill applies to both government and private entities.
 Personal data may be processed on the basis of the consent of the person concerned.
 Personal data of children shall be processed in a manner that protects and advances the
rights and best interests of the child.
 The applicability of the law will extend to data fiduciaries or data processors not present
within the territory of India.
 The bill places restrictions and conditions on cross-border data flows.
 The central government can classify any sensitive personal data as critical personal data and
mandate its storage and processing exclusively within India.
 It provides for the creation of Data Protection Authority of India to protect data of people,
prevent any misuse of personal data, ensure compliance with the provisions of this Act, and
promote awareness of data protection.
IN NEWS: The Supreme Court on the basis of petition has asked the government to disclose the
process for appointment of Central Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners,
including the names of candidates who applied and who were shortlisted.
 Reason for the petition
The petitioner alleged that the Central and State governments have attempted to stifle the
SC asks for •
functioning of the Right to Information Act, 2005 by failing to do their statutory duty of
disclosure on ensuring appointment of commissioners in the Central Information Commission (CIC) and the
appointment State Information Commissions in a timely manner.

• This has been done despite huge backlog of appeals and complaints in many information
of CIC commissions across the country.
• Due to the non-appointment of Information Commissioners, several information
commissions take many months, and in some cases even years, to decide appeals and
complaints resulting in the accumulation of pending appeals/complaints. Thus, this delay in
solving important matters has led to defeating the entire object of the RTI Act.

Governance
 About Central Information Commission (CIC)
• The CIC is the highest appeal body under the Right to Information Act.
• It has been functioning with just three members since the former chief and several members
completed their tenure last month.
• It had been constituted in 2005 under the Right to Information Act, 2005. The jurisdiction of
the Commission extends over all Central Public Authorities.
• The Commission has certain powers and functions mentioned in sections 18, 19, 20 and 25 of
the RTI Act, 2005.
• The decisions of the Commission are final and binding.
 Functions
 To adjudicate in second appeal for giving information;
 Direction for record keeping
 Suo Motu disclosures receiving and enquiring into a complaint on inability to file RTI.
 Imposition of penalties and Monitoring and Reporting including preparation of an Annual
Report.
• The chief information commissioner and commissioners shall be appointed by President on
the recommendation of a committee consisting of
 Prime Minister (Chairman ),
 Leader of opposition of Lok Sabha ,and
 Union cabinet minister to be appointed by the Prime minister.
• The chief information commissioner and commissioners shall be persons of eminence in
public life with wide knowledge and experience in law. Also the commissioners should not be
member of a Member of Parliament or member of any state legislature of any state or union
territory.
• CIC shall hold office for a term of 5 years or till he attains age of 65 years.
• Every Information commissioners shall hold office for a term of 5 years or till he attains age of
65 years.
• Every information commissioner shall be eligible to be appointed as Chief Information
Commissioner
• The RTI, act 2005 provides that the salaries, allowances and other conditions of service of the
Chief Information Commissioner and the Information Commissioners shall not be varied to
their disadvantage after their appointment.
IN NEWS: The concept of electoral bond was introduced in the Budget of 2017-18 for political
funding. Electoral Bond is a bearer Banking Instrument to be used for funding eligible Political
Electoral Bond Parties. The scheme was introduced early this year with a view to cleanse the prevailing culture
of political sponsorship. But there are certain loopholes with respect to the Electoral Bond
Scheme
Scheme in its present form.

Governance
 Features of Electoral Bond
• Electoral Bonds may be purchased by a person, who is a citizen of India or incorporated or
established in India. A person being an individual can buy Electoral Bonds, either singly or
jointly with other individuals.
• The purchaser would be allowed to buy Electoral Bonds only on fulfilment of all KYC norms
and by making payment from a bank account. It will not carry the name of payee.
• Political Parties registered under Representation of the People Act, 1951 and which secured
not less than 1% of the votes polled in the last General or State Election. The Electoral Bond(s)
shall be cashed by an eligible political party only through a designated bank account with the
authorized bank.
• Bond(s) would be issued/purchased for any value, in multiples of Rs.1,000, Rs.10,000,
Rs.1,00,000, Rs.10,00,000 and Rs.1,00,00,000 from the Specified Branches of the State Bank of
India (SBI). Electoral Bonds shall be valid for fifteen days from the date of issue.
 Issues with Electoral Bonds
• The Election Commission cannot monitor the funding through EB as there is secrecy of donor,
therefore it becomes difficult to know what is coming in is black money or not. EB can be
misused for routing foreign money and thereby increase ability of other countries to influence
Indian elections
• Anonymity promotes unnecessary secrecy in corporate funding whereby the shareholders of
a corporation be unaware of the company’s contributions, the programme removes an
existing condition that had prohibited companies from donating anything more than 7.5% of
their average net-profit over the previous three years. This now means that even loss-making
entities can make unlimited contributions.
• The requirement that a corporation ought to have been in existence for at least three years
before it could make donations — a system that was meant to stop shell concerns from being
created with a view to syphoning money into politics — has also been removed
• EB can be misused to bribe the Government of the day, to induce policies that will help the
company in its business.
• Voters will have no idea of how, and through whom, a political party has been funded and for
free and fair elections, voters require free and complete access to information about the
parties for which they were going to vote.
• It violates essential condition of political equality whereby the absence of complete
knowledge about the identities of those funding the various different parties, it prioritizes the
donor over a voter.
IN NEWS – Recently, the Home Ministry has come up with new order by authorising 10 central
agencies to monitor, intercept and decrypt information which is transmitted, generated, stored
Section 69 of
or received by any computer. Any person who fails to assist these government agencies can face
IT Act, 2000 upto 7 years of imprisonment or be liable for a fine. Government has authority to issue such
order under section 69 of IT Act, 2000.

Governannce
 Issue
es
1. The order vviolates SC ju
udgement of Right to Priva
acy in Puttasw
wamy case.
2. The order i mposes restriction on Fundamental Rights
R under unreasonablle grounds.
or reasonab
Grounds fo ble restriction under Article 19 includes:
Sovereigntyy and Integrrity of India,, Security off the state, Friendly relaation with the state,
Contempt o
of Court, Deffamation, Incitement to offfence, Publicc Order
3. Such an orrder is againsst the princip
ple of Naturral Justice. Itt compels peeople to give
e up their
personal in
nformation w
without giving
g them an opportunity to be heard.
4. Section 69 does not diffferentiate be
etween publicc order and law and ordeer. It allows re
estriction
to be impossed on the basis of law an
nd order even if public orrder is maintaained.
Note: Law an
nd order is a bigger aren
na that cove
ers wider asp
pect. Its violaation include
es minor
ashes where
cla eas Public Orrder is a sub
bset of Law and
a Order. Itts violation iincludes actss such as
major commu
unal riot. Seccurity of the state is furth Order whose violation
her a subsett of Public O
includes acts ssuch as terrorist activities.
C
Constitution
nal validity of
o Section 69
9 of IT Act
Se
ection 69 go
oes against tthe SC judgm aswamy Casse that says Right to Privvacy is a
ment in Putta
fu
undamental rright under P e constitution. This right can be resttricted on reasonable
Part III of the
grrounds.
 Reason
nability of the restriction
n should be based on 3 ttests
1)) The restricttion must be backed by la
aw.
2)) There mustt be a legitim
mate state aim
m.
3)) Doctrine off Proportion
nality must be
b followed i.e.
i a right balance
b betw
ween state’s aim and
means ado
opted must be maintained
d so that the state can pursue its aimss with minimal effects
on Fundam
mental Rights of its people
e.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
FARM LOAN WAIVERS

#Sector in Focus
(Lead coverage)
The rural India is presently staring at agrarian distress due to decline in the farm incomes. To address the
agrarian distress, some of the state governments have resorted to farm loan waivers to alleviate the rural
distress.
Newly elected governments in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan have all announced loan waivers. It
may cost the state exchequers more than Rs 50,000 crore.
Similarly, in 2016-17, India faced a cumulative loan waiver of Rs 3.1 lakh crore which was around 2.6% of the
country’s gross domestic product (GDP). A waiver of this scale could have paid for 16 times the rural roads
budget or increased India’s irrigation potential by 55%. Given the amount of money spent on loan waivers,
certain valid questions can be raised here - Can the Loan Waivers be considered as a panacea to address the
present rural distress? Do they address the present structural problems presently afflicting the agriculture?
More importantly, do they actually benefit the farmers?
Let us find answers to some of these questions.
WHAT IS FARM LOAN WAIVER?
• Farm loans may be crop loans or investment loans taken to buy equipment. But when there is a poor monsoon or
natural calamity, farmers may be unable to repay loans.
• The rural distress in such situations often prompts States or the Centre to offer relief in terms of reduction or complete
waiver of loans.
• Essentially, the Centre or States take over the liability of farmers and repay the banks. Waivers are usually selective —
only certain loan types, categories of farmers or loan sources may qualify. For example, crop loans and investment
loans could be waived for marginal and small farmers who have taken loans.
PROBLEM WITH FARM LOAN WAIVER
• Agriculture in India has been facing many issues such as poor marketing infrastructure,
fragmented land holding, depleting water table levels, deteriorating soil quality, rising input
Do not
costs, low productivity etc.
address the
• Due to these problems, the farmers are unable to get remunerative prices for their agriculture
structural
produce leading to rural distress.
Problems
• Under such circumstances, loan waivers do not address the core problems of the Indian agriculture.
The waivers can be considered as Band-Aid for the current agriculture inefficiency and do not address

Economic Development
a deeper malaise gripping India’s agrarian economy.
• Unfortunately, the loan waivers do not benefit the small and marginal farmers (with less than 2
Do not
hectares of landholding size) as only 15% of these farmers have access to institutional credit (formal
benefit the
credit). This is because the loan waiver schemes typically cater to farmers who have availed formal
Small and
loans.
Marginal
• Based on the recent research, the big and mid-size farmers (with more than 2 hectares of landholding
Farmers
size) are the ones who gain from farm loan waivers.
• Farm loan waivers can have an adverse impact on the credit culture in the country as even those
Credit
farmers who have the capacity to repay back the loans would default on the anticipation that the
Culture in the
loans would be waived off by the government.
Economy
• Such willful defaults by the farmers are likely to disrupt the functioning of the entire credit system.
• According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Data, there has been no decrease in the
No Reduction
farmers' suicides even in those states where the loan waivers have been announced in the past.
in Farmers'
• This can be attributed to the fact that the small and marginal farmers who have availed informal
suicides
credit such as from the money lenders have not got benefitted.
• The loan waivers have led to a rise in the non-performing assets (NPAs) of banks. According to the
Increase in recent study, the agricultural loans account for around 40% of the NPAs of the Public Sector Banks.
NPAs • The increase in the NPAs adversely affects the financial health of the banks and can have negative
impact on the economy.
• To address the present structural problems of the Indian agriculture, there is need for greater amount
of capital investment such as irrigation, marketing infrastructure etc. The Banking sector has to play a
Decrease in critical role to help improve the capital Investment.
Capital • However, the World Bank has highlighted that it may not happen. This is because banks would
Investment in anticipate future default on the loans taken by the farmers and hence would channelize lesser
Agriculture amount of credit to agriculture in order to cut down on their losses.
• Hence, rather than solving the present agrarian distress, the loan waivers could actually aggravate the
problem in the future.
• The loan waivers can adversely affect the finances of the centre and the states. According to the
recent report published by Bank of America Merill Lynch (BofAML), the loan waivers can cost 2% of
India's GDP in 2019.
Impact on
• It is to be noted that fiscal deficit in India touched 115% of the full-year target of Rs 6.24 lakh crore
the Finances
at the end of November 2018.
• Last year, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Punjab undertook large-scale farm debt waivers, costing
0.5% of the GDP of India.

ALTERNATIVES TO FARM LOAN WAIVER
• The money presently used by the government for the loan waivers could instead be used for
addressing the investment needs of the agriculture such as irrigation canals, rain water harvesting
Address projects, marketing infrastructure, cold chain storage etc.
Investment • As highlighted before, loan waivers in 2016-17 could have alternatively increased irrigation potential in
Needs India by 55%.
• Such investments could have multiplier effect on the farmer’s income and would enable the
government to realise its vision of doubling the farmers' income by 2022.
• The Government has launched Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in order to provide
agricultural insurance to the farmers with an aim to reduce the rural distress.
Fool Proof
• However, the implementation of this scheme is facing multifaceted challenges and hence needs to be
Insurance
urgently addressed by the government.
Mechanism
Note: (To know about the implementation problems of PMFBY, please refer to December 2018 Edition of
FOCUS Magazine).
• There is a need to find smarter, viable and long lasting alternatives to farm loan waivers. For example,
Finding Telangana has been able to address the farmers suicide through its unique Rythu Bandhu Scheme.
Alternatives • Under this scheme, the government provides for investment support to the farmers for increasing the
to Loan agricultural productivity.
Waivers • As part of this scheme, the government is providing Rs 4000 per acre per season to all the farmers
irrespective of their land holdings. This scheme is expected to give a much needed push for improving
the farmers' income.
WAY FORWARD
• As discussed, the farm loan waivers do not the address the present structural problems of the Indian Agriculture.
• The loan waivers adversely affect the credit culture in the economy and lead to moral hazard. Further, they also have
an adverse impact on the long term investment needs of the agriculture. Hence, it can be argued that even though the
loan waivers may have been announced for political gains, they are actually based on bad economics.
• In this regard, the government should give up the policy of announcement of loan waivers and instead focus on
addressing the bottlenecks in the agriculture.
In its latest meeting, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to keep
the policy rates unchanged at 6.5 per cent. This decision of the MPC is consistent
with the stance of calibrated tightening of monetary policy presently adopted by
MONETARY the RBI.
Further, the RBI has proposed that from April 1, 2019, banks would be required to
POLICY use external benchmarks to link the interest rates instead of the present system
# RBI of internal benchmarks. This is mainly done in order to improve the monetary
policy transmission in India.
In this regard, let us understand about the various decisions taken by the RBI in
its latest MPC meeting.

• Repo rate: 6.50%
Present Policy • Reverse Repo: 6.25% (Usually maintained 0.25% lower than Repo)
Rates • Marginal Standing Facility (MSF): 6.75% (Usually maintained 0.25% higher than Repo)
• Bank Rate: 6.75%
• It is to be noted that in the last policy review, the RBI had changed its policy stance to "Calibrated
tightening" from "neutral", implying that cut in the policy rates was ruled out. (To know details
related to different Monetary policy stances of the RBI, refer to November Edition of the Focus.
Rationale for • The recent decision of the RBI is consistent with its "Calibrated tightening" monetary policy stance.
the decision to • The RBI has cut its inflation forecast for the second half of the current fiscal year from 3.9-4.5 per
keep policy cent to 2.7-3.2 per cent and it expects that the retail inflation in India would stay below the legally
rates mandated 4 per cent mark for the coming 12 months.
unchanged • The inflation forecast has been reduced by the RBI mainly on account of decline in food and fuel
prices. The Crude oil prices have reduced by almost 30% in the last one month.
• Further, the food inflation has been lower on account of decline in the prices of sugar, pulses, fruits
and vegetables.
• The SLR is one of the monetary policy tools used by the RBI to control money supply in the economy.
SLR is the ratio of net demand and time deposits that the banks have to maintain with themselves
Changes in SLR in the form of cash, G-Secs and Gold.
rate • Increase in SLR rate leads to increase in rate of interest on loans leading to decrease in money
supply. Similarly, decrease in SLR rate leads to increase in supply in the economy.
• In order to boost credit flows, the RBI has decided to reduce the SLR from 19.5% to 18% over the
next 6 quarters by reducing SLR by 25 bps each in every quarter.
• There has been divergence between CPI Core Inflation and Headline Inflation.
• Core inflation is the change in costs of goods and services, but does not include those from the food
and energy sectors. This measure of inflation excludes these items because their prices are much
more volatile.
• Headline inflation is a measure of the total [inflation] within an economy, including commodities
such as food and energy prices (e.g., oil and gas), which tend to be much more volatile and prone to
Future
inflationary spikes.
Challenges
• The CPI core inflation has remained higher at 6.2% while the headline inflation has remained at 3.3%.
This means that decline in Food prices and crude oil has so far had moderating effect on Inflation.
• However, since both food and crude oil are volatile commodities, one cannot expect that the rate of
inflation would continue to remain lower.
• Further, the RBI is worried about the impact of increase in minimum support prices, possible fiscal
slippages and a sudden increase in oil prices.

 EXPLAINED: EXTERNAL BENCHMARKING OF INTEREST RATES
• The Marginal cost of funds-based lending rate (MCLR) refers to the minimum interest rate of a
bank below which it cannot lend. It is an internal benchmark or reference rate for the bank to fix
interest rates on different categories of loans. The MCLR depends on various factors such as fixed
deposit rates, source of funds and savings rate. The price of loan comprises the MCLR and the bank's
Background
profit margin.
• All loans given by the Banks from April 1, 2016 are linked to MCLR. The MCLR-based regime had
replaced the earlier base rate regime to provide transparency in the transmission of monetary
policy decisions.
• The biggest problem with the current system is the lack of required transmission of policy rates. The
home loan borrowers have often complained about the opacity of interest rate fixing mechanism.
Home loan borrowers who have taken loans on a floating rate basis, suffer an immediate increase
Problem with when interest rates are hiked by the RBI but do not get much relief when interest rates go down.
MCLR-based • Thus, when the RBI cuts repo rate there is no guarantee a borrower will get the benefit of the rate cut
system or that it will be transmitted down to him.
• Hence, there are two main problems with the current MCLR-based system. Firstly, due to internal
benchmarking of loan, policy rate cuts often don't reach the borrowers. Secondly, the MCLR system
is opaque since it’s an internal benchmark that depends on the way a bank does its business.
• Under the new system which will come into effect from April 1, 2019, banks will have to link their
lending rates with an external benchmark instead of MCLR.
How the new
• The RBI has given these options to banks: RBI repo rate, the 91-day T-bill yield; the 182-day T-bill
system will
yield; or any other benchmark market interest rate produced by the Financial Benchmarks
work?
India Pvt. Ltd.
• One of these benchmarks will be used to decide the lending rate by the Banks.
• First, it will help in better transmission of policy rate cuts which means an RBI rate cut will
immediately reach the borrower against the current system in which internal benchmark is not
How it will
influenced solely by the policy rate cut but depends on a variety of factors.
benefit
• Second, it will make the system more transparent since every borrower will know the interest rate
borrowers?
and the profit margin decided by the bank. It will help borrowers compare loans offered by different
banks and then decide accordingly.
Key focus points (Prelims): : Monetary Policy Stances of the RBI; SLR; MCLR; External Benchmarking of Loans

Econnomic Deveelopment
RECA
APITAL
LISATION
N OF PU UBLIC SECTOR
S BANKS
S
# Banking Sector
A well-capittalized bank
king system is a pre-req
quisite
for stable economic growth.
g Econ
nomic history has
shown us repe
eatedly thatt it is only h ealthy bank
ks that
lend to healthy firm
ms and borrrowers, crea
ating a
virtuous cycle
e of investm
ment and job
b creation. H
Hence,
the rece
ent decision
n of the gove
ernment to infuse
additional capital of Rs 41,000 cro
ore into the Public
secto
or banks in order to me
eet the regu
ulatory
requiremen
r ts under BA
ASEL III and tto promote credit
g
growth in th
he country iss a welcome
e step.
In
I this regarrd, let us understand th
he whys and d hows
o the Bank recapitalisa
of r tion and hoow this
capitalisa
ation would strengthen n the Public sector
Banks ((PSBs).
THIN
NGS TO UND
DERSTAND
• Reccapitalization
n refers to injjection of cap
pital mainly through
t equity investmen
nt by the govvernment
Wh
hat is
in order
o to finan
ncially streng
gthen the PSB
Bs.
Re
ecapitalisatio
on
• Hen
nce, as part o
of recapitalissation of PSBs, the govern
nment buys the
t shares off the PSBs in order to
of PSBs?
imp
prove their fi nancial healtth.
The Re
ecapitalisation
n of Banks iss one of the 7 pronged sttrategy adop
pted by the ggovernmentt as part
of Indrradhanush p
plan to impro
ove the framework of gov
vernance of the
t Public secctor Banks.
 Higher NP
PAs
• The
e PSBs in Ind
dia are presen
ntly under sttress due to higher
h NPAs. It is to be no
oted that the
e NPAs of
the
e PSBs are h igher than the private se
ector banks and remain elevated at 12 per cent of gross
vances as on March 2018.
adv
• It becomes
b a ccause of con
ncern for the Indian eco
onomy since
e 70% of thee banking asssets are
Drrivers of
currrently held b
by PSBs.
Re
ecapitalisatio
on
 Prrompt Corre
ective Action
n (PCA) framework
of Banks
• Pre
esently, the R
RBI has placced 11 PSBs under the Prompt
P corre n (PCA) framework in
ective action
ord
der to arrest ttheir deteriorating financ
cial condition.
• This has led to higher provvisioning requ

uirements an
nd restriction
ns on lendingg by these P
PSBs. The
vernment be
Gov elieves that the PCA framework has cu
urbed credit growth to crritical sectorss such as
MS
SMEs.
• Furrther, there a
are some PSB
Bs which are currently un
nder stress an
nd there is d
danger of the
ese banks
slip
pping under tthe PCA fram
mework.

• In this regard, there is need for the government to infuse more capital to enable these 11 PSBs to
come out of PCA framework and kick start credit growth in the economy.
 Meeting Capital requirements under BASEL III Guidelines
• RBI has adopted norms which are more stringent than the Basel norms. For instance, against the
Basel norms of minimum Capital to Risk Weighted assets Ratio, CRAR of 8%, RBI has prescribed
a 9% CRAR for Indian banks.
• In addition to that, banks are required to have 2.5% capital conservation buffer—mandatory
capital that banks are required to hold in addition to other minimum capital requirements.
• Hence, the government has to infuse more capital in order to meet the BASEL III guidelines.
• Government announced Indradhanush plan for revamping Public Sector Banks (PSBs) in August
2015. The plan envisaged infusion of capital in PSBs by the Government to the tune of Rs. 70,000
crore over a period of four financial years.
Government’s
• In Jan 2018, the Government announced its decision to further recapitalize PSBs to the tune of Rs.
Recapitalisation
2,11,000 crore. Out of this total money, Rs. 1,35,000 crore would be raised through the issue of
Plan
recap bonds and remaining through budgetary provision and capital raising of the Banks.
• The capital infusion plan of the government is considered to be huge since it would amount to
1.3% of India’s GDP.
• Credit rating upgradation: Capital infusion into PSBs would improve their financial health
leading to upgradation in the credit rating.
Benefits of • Basel III Tier-I Capital: The recapitalization plan to meet Basel-III Tier-I capital requirement norms
Recapitalisation is expected to boost credit lending and future revenues.
of PSBs • GDP growth: Empirical study has shown credit growth or additional credit capacity has a
multiplier effect on the GDP growth. It is believed that the recapitalization plan will impact
positively on economic activities in the country and will spur GDP growth rate significantly.
 RELATED INFORMATION: RECAPITALISATION BONDS
• A government bond is an instrument to raise money from the market with a promise to pay to repay the face value of
the bond at the maturity date along with the interest. A bond issued for the purpose of recapitalisation is called
recapitalisation bonds.
• The government would issue recapitalisation bonds which would then be bought by the banks i.e. the banks would be
lending money to the government by buying the Recap bonds.
• This money raised by the government through these bonds will be used to buy the shares of the public sector banks
leading to increase in Bank’s Capital. This will immediately strengthen the balance-sheet of the banks and show capital-
adequacy.
Key focus points (Prelims): Drivers of Recapitalisation of Banks; Recapitalisation Bonds; Indradhanush Plan

In order to double the farmers' income by 2022, India needs to augment its
exports to the global market to ensure that farmers get remunerative prices
DRAFT
and a marketing channel for their production.
AGRICULTURE This becomes quite important for India since in spite of being among the
EXPORT largest producers agricultural commodities, India’s share in global exports of
POLICY agriculture products is quite marginal at 2.2 %.

Hence, in order to boost the export of agricultural commodities, the Ministry
# Agriculture of Commerce and Industry has recently released the Draft Agriculture Export
Policy. Let us understand the broad contours of the policy.
NEED FOR THE POLICY
Diversification of
Current Agri Trade Scenario Low Value Exports
Export Basket
• World agricultural trade has been relatively • India’s export basket • Majority of India’s exports are low
stagnant in the last five years (2013-2017).India’s is basically led by value, semi-processed and
agricultural trade dropped from US$ 36 Billion in marine products, marketed in bulk. The share of
2013 to US$ 31 Billion in 2017. meat and rice which India’s high value and value
• However, between 2000 and 2014, the country’s together constitute added agri produce in its agri
agricultural production has surged from $101 52% of its total agri export basket is less than 15%
billion to $367 billion, driven mainly by high-value exports. compared to 49% in China.
segments such as horticulture, dairy, poultry and • There is ample scope • Thus, there needs to renewed
inland aquaculture. for diversification of focus on "Bake in India" on the
• No other country has a more diverse food and export of agricultural lines of "Make in India" to
non-food agriculture base as India and this commodities from promote the export of processed
generates the optimism that India can be a leading India. agricultural commodities.
player in the world agricultural trade.
MAJOR OBJECTIVES
• To double agricultural exports from present US$ 30 Billion to US$ 60 Billion by 2022 and reach US$ 100 Billion in the
next few years thereafter, with a stable trade policy regime.
• To diversify our export basket, destinations and boost high value and value added agricultural exports including
focus on perishables.
• To promote novel, indigenous, organic, ethnic, traditional and non-traditional Agri products exports.
• To provide an institutional mechanism for pursuing market access, tackling barriers and deal with sanitary and phyto-
sanitary issues.
• To strive to double India’s share in world agri exports by integrating with global value chain at the earliest.
• Enable farmers to get benefit of export opportunities in overseas market.
STRATEGIES ADOPTED
Stable Policy • The tendency of the government to utilize trade policy as an instrument to attain short-term goals of

Regime taming inflation and protecting the domestic industry has had an adverse effect. For example, the
three year (2008-2011) ban on non-Basmati export to control consumer inflation led to decrease in
India's exports.
• In this regard, the export policy provides a policy assurance that the processed agricultural products
and all kinds of organic products will not be brought under the ambit of any kind of export
restriction (viz. Minimum Export Price (MEP), export duty, export ban, etc).
• Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees (APMC) Acts across States have not been able to provide
remunerative prices for the agricultural commodities. Farmers have been under compulsion to sell
their produce in official market yards dominated by traders and middle men.
Reforms in • Establishment of E-NAM is a step in the right direction. In 2018-19 budget, there has made the
APMC Act announcement of 22,000 Gramin Rural Markets which will allow the flexibility to the farmers to sell
their produce without being subjected to regulations constraining decision to buy and sell.
• The export policy aims to take forward APMC Reforms with an aim to improve the marketing
infrastructure.
Liberalizing • Restriction on Land Leasing has had an adverse impact on agriculture leading to decrease in long-
Land Leasing term farm investment, fallow lands, limited access to formal credit etc.
norms • The Ministry of Agriculture has recently come out with model Contract Farming Act. The Agri Export
Policy would aim at taking forward these reforms.
• Presence of robust infrastructure remains a critical component of a strong agricultural value chain.
Infrastructure
This involves pre-harvest and post-harvest handling facilities, storage & distribution, processing
and Logistics
facilities, roads and ports facilitate swift trade.
Boost
• In this regard, the draft policy aims at improvement in the logistics and infrastructure for the
agricultural goods.
 RELATED INFORMATION
• The Budget 2018-19 proposed to set up Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs) in order to enable the
farmers to sell their agricultural produce without any restrictions which they presently encounter in
the APMCs.
• The government has declared its intent to develop and upgrade existing 22,000 rural haats (village
Gramin Rural
markets) into Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs). Toward this end, an Agri-Market Infrastructure
Markets
Fund with a corpus of Rs.2000 crore has been proposed.
• These GrAMs, electronically linked to e-NAM and exempted from regulations of Agricultural Produce
Marketing Committee (APMCs), will provide farmers facility to make direct sale to consumers and
bulk purchasers.
• National Agriculture Market (NAM) is a pan-India electronic trading portal which networks the
existing APMC mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
E-NAM • Agriculture marketing is administered by the States as per their agri-marketing regulations, under
which, the State is divided into several market areas, each of which is administered by a separate
Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) which imposes its own marketing regulation

(including fees).
• This fragmentation of markets hinders free flow of agri commodities from one market area to
another and multiple handling of agri-produce and multiple levels of mandi charges ends up
escalating the prices for the consumers without commensurate benefit to the farmer.
• NAM addresses these challenges by creating a unified market through online trading platform, both
at State and National level.
• Minimum Export Price (MEP) is the price below which an exporter is not allowed to export the
commodity from India. MEP is a kind of quantitative restriction to trade. Government fixes MEP for
the selected commodities with a view to contain domestic price rise (due to shortage) and increase
Minimum
domestic supply.
Export Price
• This is intended to be imposed for short duration and is removed when domestic supply of the
commodities increase. The removal of MEP helps farmers / exporters in realising better and
remunerative prices and would also help in earning valuable foreign exchange for the country.
Key Focus Points (Prelims): Objectives of Draft Agriculture Export Policy; APMC Reforms; Gramin Rural Markets; E-NAM;
Minimum Export Price
India’s youthful and aspirational population deserves a rapid transformation of the

economy, which can deliver double-digit growth, jobs and prosperity to all. On
STRATEGY
August 15, 2022, independent India will turn 75.In this regard, NITI Aayog has come
FOR NEW out with document titled ‘Strategy for New India @ 75'. The purpose of this
INDIA document is to define clear objectives for 2022-23 in a diverse range of 41 areas that
recognize the progress already made; and challenges that remain; identify binding
@ 75 constraints in specific sectors; and suggest the way forward for achieving the stated
# Policies objectives.
Let us look at some of the important highlights about this document.
• Indian Economy is considered to be among the fastest growing emerging economies. However,
it is facing certain structural constraints.
• The share of manufacturing in India’s GDP is low relative to the average in low and middle-
income countries. Within manufacturing, growth has often been highest in sectors that are
relatively capital intensive, such as automobiles and pharmaceuticals.
• This stems from India’s inability to capitalize fully on its inherent labour and skill cost
Current Situation
advantages to develop large-scale labour intensive manufacturing. Complex land and labour
laws have also played a notable part in this outcome. There is a need to increase the pace of
generating good quality jobs to cater to the growing workforce.
• Hence, we must steadily accelerate the economy to achieve a GDP growth rate of about 8% on
average during 2018-23. This will raise the economy’s size in real terms from USD 2.7 trillion in
2017-18 to nearly USD 4 trillion by 2022-23.

• Further, an annual rate of growth of 9 per cent by 2022-23 is essential for generating sufficient
jobs and achieving prosperity for all.
• Increase the investment rate from present 29 per cent to 36 per cent of GDP by 2022.
• To capitalize on its demographic dividend, India must create well-paying, high productivity jobs.
Hence, to ensure maximum employment creation, codification of labour laws must be
completed and a massive effort must be made to upscale apprenticeships.
• In agriculture, emphasis must shift to converting farmers to ‘agripreneurs’ by further expanding
e-National Agriculture Markets (e-NAMs) and replacing the Agricultural Produce Marketing
Committee (APMC) Act with the Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (APLM) Act.
• A strong push would be given to ‘Zero Budget Natural Farming’ (ZBNF) techniques that
reduce costs, improve land quality and increase farmers’ incomes.
• India’s tax-GDP ratio of around 17 per cent is half the average of OECD countries. To enhance
Certain Key public investment, India should aim to increase its tax-GDP ratio to at least 22 per cent of GDP
Recommendations by 2022-23.
• With the completion of the Bharat Net programme in 2019, all 2.5 lakh gram panchayats will be
digitally connected. The aim is to deliver all government services at the state, district, and gram
Panchayat level digitally by2022-23.
• Successfully implement the Ayushman Bharat Programme including the establishment of
150,000 health and wellness centres across the country
• Upgrade the quality of the school education system and skills, including the creation of a new
innovation ecosystem at the ground level by establishing at least 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs by
2020.
• The scope of Swachh Bharat Mission should be expanded to cover initiatives for landfills, plastic
waste and municipal waste and generating wealth from waste.
• It recognizes the fact that the Policy formulation has to take into account the ground realities
and should not be based on abstract economic concepts. Further, the policies have been
formulated after taking into account the views and opinions of all the stakeholders, which is
noteworthy.
• One of the main reasons for the poor success rate of the policies is attributed to their poor
implementation. In this regard, it is laudable that the strategy has called upon the government
to implement the recommendations of the 2nd ARC Report. Implementation of 2nd ARC Report
Positive Aspects of
recommendations would drastically improve the implementation mechanism in India leading to
the Strategy
development of Good Governance.
• Further, the strategy rightly focuses on two main structural problems of Indian Economy- Job
Creation and Labour laws, which did not receive adequate emphasis in the previous plans
• Further, NITI Aayog’s plan for Industrial growth focuses on formalizing clusters and associations
of small enterprises rather than formalizing small enterprises. It is considered to be a much
better strategy for promoting industrial growth because the small enterprises cannot bear the
burden of formalization because of increase in compliance costs.

SHORTCOMINGS IN THE STRATEGIES
Universal Social Security

Measuring Employment Opportunities Strengthening Trade Unions
System
• Even though the strategy rightly • A large number of workers • The workers need to be better organized
focuses on promoting labour that are engaged in the in form of trade unions to have better
intensive industries to increase the unorganized sector are not bargaining power with the owners.
share of the manufacturing sector covered by labour Further, international studies have
from 16% to 25%, the article regulations and social pointed out that the growing inequalities
highlights that the strategy has failed security. across the world can be attributed to
to explicitly lay down the target for • In this regard, there is a weakening of Trade Unions.
the growth rate of Labour intensive need to provide for • In this regard, there is need to
industries. universal social security strengthen trade unions. The NITI Aayog
• In this regard, there is a need to set system covering all the strategy mentions the need for social
clear cut goals in terms of workers including the security for domestic workers too. This
employment opportunities to be domestic workers. will not be enforceable unless domestic
created and then accordingly set the workers, scattered across millions of
policies and priorities. homes, have the means to collectively
assert their rights.
The Indian e-commerce industry has been on an upward growth trajectory

driven by a young demographic profile, increasing internet penetration and
NEW RULES relative better economic performance of India. Indian economy has also seen
FOR recent influx of investment in e-commerce firms. In this regard, the Ministry of
E-COMMERCE Commerce and Industry has come out with guidelines in order to provide
clarity on FDI policy on e-commerce sector.
# Policies
Let us understand the guidelines and how they would affect the E-commerce
companies in India.
E-commerce is the activity of buying or selling of products on online services or over the Internet.
 Models of E-Commerce
• Inventory based model of e-commerce: It means an e-commerce activity where inventory of goods
Models of E-
and services is owned by e-commerce entity and is sold to the consumers directly.
Commerce
• Marketplace based model of e-commerce: It means an e-commerce means providing of an
information technology platform by an e-commerce entity on a digital & electronic network to act as a
facilitator between buyer and seller.
What do the • 100% FDI under automatic route is permitted in marketplace model of e-commerce. However, FDI is
new not permitted in inventory based model of e-commerce.
guidelines • E-commerce entity providing a marketplace will not exercise ownership or control over the inventory

say? i.e. goods purported to be sold. Such an ownership or control over the inventory will render the
business into inventory based model.
• Inventory of a vendor will be deemed to be controlled by e-commerce marketplace entity if more
than 25% of purchases of such vendor are from the marketplace entity or its group companies.
• E-commerce marketplace entity will not force any seller to sell any product exclusively on its platform
only.
• E-commerce marketplace entity will be required to furnish a certificate along with a report of
statutory auditor to Reserve Bank of India, confirming compliance of above guidelines, by 30th of
September of every year for the preceding financial year.
• The above decision will take effect from 01 February, 2019.
• The new changes will have a significant impact on the business model of e-commerce companies, as
most of them source goods from sellers who are related party entities.
How will it • For example, Flipkart India Private Limited is engaged in wholesale trading/ distribution of books,
impact the E- mobiles, computers and related accessories while Flipkart Internet Private Limited is engaged in e-
Commerce commerce marketplace business under the brand name Flipkart.com.
Companies? • Thus, Flipkart Internet Private Limited sells goods sourced from Flipkart India Private Limited. As per
the new guidelines, Flipkart Internet Private Limited will no longer be able to sell goods sourced from
related party entities.
How are
• Consumers may no longer enjoy the deep discounts offered by retailers that have a close association
consumers
with marketplace entities.
and small
• The absence of large retailers will, however, bring relief to small retailers selling on these platforms.
retailers likely
Traders running traditional brick-and-mortar stores, who now find it difficult to compete with the
to be
large e-commerce retailers with deep pockets, could gain.
impacted?
Key Focus Points (Prelims): Models of E-Commerce; FDI in E-Commerce
RBI’S REPORT The RBI has released the statutory Report on "Trend and Progress of Banking
ON HEALTH in India 2017-18". This Report presents the performance of the banking sector
during 2017-18 and 2018-19 so far.
OF BANKS
In this regard, let us look at some important highlights of the Report.
# Banking
THINGS TO KNOW
• The provisioning against the NPAs pulled down the banking sector into losses in 2017-18. However,
a strong revival in bank credit growth during the first half of 2018-19 suggests that there could be
Health of the
an overall improvement in the health of banks.
Banking Sector
• Further, the credit to industry, which constitutes the major share of credit, has picked up in the
current year.

• The Stressed assets of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) have begun to stabilise, and the
provision coverage ratio has improved to 52.4 per cent.
• These developments show that the health of the banking sector would improve in future and hence
augur well for overall Indian Economy.
• The new resolution framework adopted by the Reserve Bank with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy
Code (IBC) is a game changer. The progress of IBC framework so far is encouraging and has resulted
in better recovery as compared to the earlier existing mechanisms.
Resolution • However, there is need to minimize the time taken to resolve cases and develop a conducive
environment that discourages unnecessary delays.
• In this context, the proposed public credit registry (PCR) is expected to improve credit monitoring
and bring about credit discipline among debtors.
• The Government has come up with a plan to infuse Rs 2.11 lakh crore into PSBs as part of
Indradhanush plan to improve the governance of the PSBs.
• 70 per cent of the infused capital so far was absorbed into losses incurred by the PSBs. This
Recapitalisation suggests that only if the recapitalisation amount is large enough, it can have a perceptible impact on
credit growth.
• Further, the current levels of provisions maintained by banks may not be enough to cover expected
losses.
• The prompt corrective action seeks to intervene early and take corrective measures in a timely
Corrective manner so that the financial health of the banks is quickly restored.
Action • PCA banks have shown improvement in the share of CASA deposits. They have also increased
recoveries from NPAs and lower growth in GNPAs.
• The growing size and complexity of the Indian financial system will warrant strengthening of
corporate governance systems in banks. In this context, the unfinished agenda includes
Corporate implementation of recommendations made by the P. J. Nayak Committee.
Governance • The presence of the Reserve Bank officials on banks’ boards leads to serious conflict of interest.
Therefore, there is a need to bring in necessary legislative changes to do away with the requirement
of nominating Reserve Bank officials as nominee directors on the boards of PSBs.
• The NBFC sector with a size of 15% of the commercial banks' balance sheet has seen robust
growth in the recent years. However, the recent experience of debt default by NBFCs such as IL&FS
Non-Banking highlighted the vulnerability and need for strengthening regulatory vigil on the sector in general and
Financial on asset liability management (ALM) framework in particular.
Companies • The RBI has admitted that ALM framework for the registered core investment companies such as
(NBFCs) IL&FS is not that strong.
• Hence, in this regard, the RBI seeks to strengthen the ALM framework for the NBFCs and bring it on
par with the Banks.
• In view of increasing threat posed to the financial system due to cybercrimes, there is need to
Cyber Security formulate a comprehensive cyber risk policy.
• In this regard, the Reserve Bank plans to set up an Integrated Compliance and Tracking System

portal to handle various supervisory functions including oversight of cyber security arrangements
• The loan is to be classified as NPA if the interest or the principal on the loan is due for a period
greater than 90 days.
• Banks are required to classify NPAs further into the three categories based on the period for which
Categories of the asset has remained non-performing.
NPAs
 Substandard Assets: Remained NPA for a period less than or equal to 12 months.
 Doubtful Assets: Remained NPA for a more than 12 months.
 Loss Assets: NPA identified by the bank or the RBI but the amount has not been written off.
• Under provisioning norms laid down by the RBI, banks are required to set aside certain percentage
of funds in order to cover risk arising from NPAs.
• The provisioning amount is defined in terms of percentage of bad assets and depends upon the
Provisioning asset quality. The percentage of bad asset that has to be ‘provided for’ is called provisioning
Coverage Ratio coverage ratio.
(PCR) • For example, if the provisioning coverage ratio is 25% for a particular category of bad loans, banks
have to set aside funds equivalent to 25% of those bad assets out of their profits.
• Provisioning coverage ratio differs in terms of the quality of assets. For NPAs categorized as “Loss
assets”, bank has to set aside 100% of such loss assets out of its profit.
Key Focus Points (Prelims): Provisioning Coverage Ratio (PCR); Categories of NPAs; P J Nayak Committee
ANGEL TAX The "Angel Tax" has assumed significance in recent days as several start-
ups and angel investors have raised concerns over notices received from
CONTROVERSY income tax authorities over the payment of "Angel Tax".
This has adversely affected the start-up ecosystem in India which nurtures
EXPLAINED innovation and entrepreneurship. In this regard, let us understand as to
# Taxation what exactly is "Angel Tax" and why it has proved controversial.
THINGS TO KNOW
• Angel tax is the tax levied on funds raised by Indian start-ups through issue of shares to Indian
residents.
What is Angel • It is imposed at 30.9 % tax of the funding received by startups from an external investor.
Tax? • However, it is to be noted that this tax is levied when startups receive funding at a valuation higher
than its ‘fair market value’. It is counted as income to the company and is taxed.
• Angel tax was introduced in 2012, with the purpose of keeping money laundering in check.
Problems • The Angel Tax is calculated when the Startups receive funding which is higher than its "fair Market
with the Value". However, it becomes extremely difficult for the tax authorities to ascertain the "Fair Market
Angel Tax value" of the startup companies.
Calculation • Start-ups have little revenues or profits and their valuation is based on the potential of the idea, the

background and competence of the founding team, etc. and is usually negotiated between the
founders and the angel investors.
• However, the IT Department uses traditional methods to calculate the Fair Market Value (FMV) of
the Company and in most of the cases, the FMV calculated by the IT department is lower than the
FMV estimated by the angel investors.
• This lower value of FMV has led to IT notices being slapped on some of the startup companies to
pay the Angel Tax.
• The start-up eco-system in India is nascent and fragile. Such notices hurt investment sentiments and
keep the investors away. Further, angel investments and seed funding deals have fallen by almost 40
per cent leading to heightened concerns.
How this
• Hundreds of start-ups have received notices from IT authorities asking them to pay taxes on the
would impact
angel funding raised by them. Some of them have also been slapped with penalties on the tax not
the Start-ups?
paid. In some cases the tax-cum-penalty amount is nearly 50% of the capital raised.
• Under such a scenario, there are apprehensions that many startup companies would shut down
fearing the payment of extra taxes.
• In May 2018, the government granted exemption from "Angel Tax" to genuine investors subject to
Government’s fulfilment of certain terms and conditions.
Stand • However, the qualifying criteria for angel tax exemption are very tedious and it is beyond the
capacity of most start- ups to devote so much time and energy to secure such exemptions.
WAY FORWARD
• Angel investors in countries such as US and China are offered tax benefits. But in India, the start-up ecosystem is stifled
by making it difficult for enterprises to receive funding in the initial years. The angel investor ecosystem needs to be
strong and vibrant to support the development of the start-up economy.
• Ideally, the exemption from the Angel Tax provisions should be simplified and made easier in order to protect the
genuine investors.
• The Government needs to act on this at the earliest so to create a conducive environment for the development of
Start-up companies in India.
The Banks in India are on overdrive to replace all existing magnetic stripe-only cards with
EMV chip cards in order to meet the RBI's deadline. The RBI had earlier made it
mandatory for banks to issue EMV chip cards to all new customers acquired after 31
EMV January 2016.
CARDS The directive stated that the older magnetic stripe-only cards will not be valid after the 31
December 2018. The cards need to be replaced even if their validity date ends after 31
# Banking
December 2018.
In this regard, let us understand about the types of cards and rationale for replacing
magnetic stripe cards.

 Magnetic stripe Card

• It is a type of card capable of storing data by modifying the magnetism of tiny iron-based magnetic
particles on a band of magnetic material on the card.
Types of Debit
• The magnetic stripe is read by swiping past a magnetic reading head.
and Credit
 EMV chip Card
Cards
• Chip card security is the latest standard in debit card security.
• This standard (called EMV for “EuroPay,” “MasterCard,” and “Visa”) includes a small microchip in the
debit card that protects buyers against fraudulent transactions.
 Additional Security
• The magnetic stripe credit and debit cards store the data on the magnetic stripe found on the
reverse side of the card. This makes it easy for a fraudster to copy the data when the card is swiped.
How are chip-
• On the other hand, EMV cards store the data on a microprocessor chip embedded in the card. Thus,
based cards
these cards help prevent card skimming or cloning and are effective in mitigating fraudulent
different from
transactions.
magnetic
 Authentication
stripe-only
cards? • Unlike magnetic stripe cards that require just a swipe on a point of sale (PoS) device to complete a
transaction, chip and PIN cards require a PIN as well to complete the transaction.
• This provides an extra level of security. Thus, EMV cards offer secured usage by way of mandating
second factor authentication through a PIN for every transaction at a PoS machine.
• In the recent years, India has seen drastic increase in the cases of reported bank fraud involving
credit cards, debit cards and internet banking. Bank customers have grappled with increasing
attempts to defraud them using practices such as phishing, vishing and card skimming.
• Fraudsters place a skimmer device inside the card swipe slot in ATMs or terminals at the point of
Why is it so
sale, to read the customer data stored in the magnetic stripe.
important?
• They then use this skimmed information to clone a new card with identical details. Or alternatively
they transmit this information to fraudsters across the globe who then siphon off the account
balance by shopping online. EMV chip cards prevent such skimming because they do not reveal the
user data to the terminal at the time of swiping the card.
Key Focus Points (Prelims): EMV Chip Cards and Magnetic Stripe Cards
The SDGs, which came into effect from 1st Jan 2016, have 2030 as the deadline for
SDG INDIA achieving the targets. Ensuring the successful implementation of SDGs calls for
constant review and monitoring of the progress made.
INDEX Hence, NITI Aayog has come out with report titled "The SDG India Index: Baseline
# Inclusive Report 2018" highlighting the progress made by the states and UTs in achieving
Growth the SDG Targets.
In this regard, let us understand the highlights of the Report.

THIN
NGS TO UND
DERSTAND
• NITI Aayog
A has c onstructed tthe SDG India Index span
nning acrosss 13 out of 117 SDGs (lea
aving out
Goalss 12, 13, 14 an
nd 17).
• The Index tracks tthe progresss of all the Sta
ates and UTss on a set of 62
6 Priority In
ndicators, me
easuring
Wh
hat is SDG their progress on the outcome
es of the inte
erventions an
nd schemes of nment of India.
o the Govern
Ind
dia Index? • The SDG India Index is inttended to provide
p a holistic
h view on the soccial, econom
mic and
environmental sta ountry and itts States and UTs.
atus of the co
• Progrress on SDG
Gs 12, 13 & 1
14 could nott be measure
ed as relevant State/UT level data w
were not
availa
able and SDG
G 17 was left out as it focu
uses on international parttnerships.
• Support States/UT
Ts to benchm
mark their prrogress again
nst national targets
t and p
performance of their
peerss to understa ance and devise better sstrategies to achieve
and reasons for differential performa
the SDGs by 2030
0.
Ho
ow this Index
x
• Support States/UT
Ts to identifyy priority are
eas in which they
t need to invest and iimprove by e
enabling
wo
ould help?
them
m to measure incrementall progress.
• Highlight data ga ps related accross SDGs for
f India to develop
d its sttatistical systtems at the national
and State
S levels.
• A com
mposite score
e was compu
uted between
n the range of
o 0-100 for each
e State an
nd UT based on their
aggre
egate perform
mance across 13 SDGs, which
w es average performance of State/UT ttowards
indicate
Ranking of eving 13 SDG s & their resp
achie pective targe
ets.
Sta
ates • If a State/UT achie
eves a score of 100, it sig
gnifies that itt has achieve
ed the 2030 n
national targ
gets. The
highe
er the score o
of a State/UT
T, the greater the distance
e to target achieved.
• Classsification Crite
eria based on SDG India Index
I Score is as follows:

 Aspirant: 0-49
 Performer: 50-64
 Front Runner: 65-99 (Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh and Puducherry)
 Achiever: 100
WAY FORWARD
• The SDG India Index: Baseline Report 2018 has been prepared to foster an environment of cooperative and
competitive federalism. It is also intended to be an advocacy tool to trigger action at the State level.
• It is envisaged that this Index will help every State and Union Territory identify their strengths and areas of opportunity,
relative to their peers, and to identify the steps they can take towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by
2030.
The credit rating agencies in India have come under immense criticism
CREDIT RATING due to their failure to predict the credit defaults of the NBFCs such as
IL&FS.
AGENCIES
In this context, let us understand the advantages and disadvantages of
#Capital market different business models of Credit Rating agencies- Issuer Pay Model,
Investor Pay Model and Regulator Pay Model.
• A credit rating agency is an entity which assesses the ability and willingness of the issuer company for
timely payment of interest and principal on a debt instrument. The Rating is denoted by a simple
What is Credit alphanumeric symbol, for e.g. AA+, A-, etc.
Rating • The rating is assigned to a security or an instrument issued by a company.
Agency? • Ratings are based on a comprehensive evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the company
fundamentals including financials along with an in-depth study of the industry as well as macro-
economic, regulatory and political environment.
 Issuer Pay Model

• Under this Model, the Issuer i.e. the company pays the money to the Credit rating agencies (CRAs)
in order to get credit rating for the instruments issued by it.
• In order to enable the CRAs to give the credit rating, the company provides all the necessary details
Business such as company’s balance sheet and business details. Based upon a thorough and detailed analysis
Models of of such details, the CRA issues credit rating to the instrument issued by the company.
Credit Rating  Investor Pay Model
Agencies • Under this Model, the investor is required to pay the money to the CRA in order to know the credit
rating.
• Hence, only those investors who are ready to pay for a rating can access the credit rating of the
instrument. The credit rating issued by the CRA is not commonly available to all the investors free of
cost.

 Regulator pay Model

• Under this model, the money is paid by the regulator in the country in order to get the credit rating.
• Either the company or the investor need not pay for the credit rating. The credit ratings would be
made available to all the investors.
Moody’s S&P Meaning

Investment Grade Bonds
Bonds of the highest quality that offer the lowest degree of

Aaa AAA investment risk. Issuers are considered to be extremely stable and
dependable.
Bonds are of high quality by all standards, but carry a slightly

Aa1, Aa2, Aa3 AA+, AA, AA–
greater degree of long-term investment risk.
A1, A2, A3 A+, A, A– Bonds with many positive investment qualities-
Bonds of medium grade quality. Security currently appears

Baal. Baa2, Baa3 BBB+, BBB, BBB–
sufficient, but may be unreliable over the long term.
Non Investment Grade Bonds

(Junk Bonds)
Bonds with speculative fundamentals. The security of future

Ba1, Ba2, Ba3 BB+, BB, BB–
payments is only moderate.
Bonds that are not considered to be attractive investments. Little

B1, B2, B3 B+, B, B–
assurance of long term payments.
Bonds of poor quality. Issuers may be in default or are at risk of

Caa1, Caa2, Caa3 CCC+, CCC, CCC–
being in default.
Ca CC Bonds of highly speculative features. Often in default.
C C Lowest rated class of bonds.
--- D In default.
Issuer Pay Model Investor pays model Regulator pays model
 Advantages  Advantages  Advantages

• Ratings are available to the entire • It would avoid the serious conflict of It eliminates the conflict of interest
market free of charge and will highly interest of the CRAs. as seen in both Issuer Pay Model
aid the small investors. • This would enable the investors to get and Investor Pay Model.
• It gives the rating agencies access to the credit rating based on the true and
high-quality information that actual financial condition of the
enhances the quality of analysis. company.

 Disadvantages  Disadvantages  Disadvantages

• It can lead to serious conflict of • Ratings would be available only to those • The problem with this model lies
interest since the CRAs are paid by investors who can pay for them and in the choosing the CRA and
the company to get the rating. The takes ratings out of the public domain payment to be fixed.
CRAs may inflate the rating to and thus affects the small investors. • The CRA chosen by the regulator
satisfy the company. • The company may not always share all may not be able to provide the
• It may lead to ‘Rating Shopping’ the necessary information with the CRAs best credit rating. Further, if the
which refers to the situations where which then can have an adverse impact regulator pays less amount of
an issuer approaches different on the quality of the ratings. money to the CRA, the CRA may
rating agencies for the ratings and • It can pose serious conflict of interest find it difficult to continue with
then choose to publish the most involving the investors themselves. If its business and could have an
favourable ratings to disclose it to investors are the payees, they can adverse impact on the quality of
the public via media while influence CRAs to give lower-than- the ratings issued.
concealing the lower ratings. warranted ratings to help them negotiate
higher interest rates.
NEWS Snippets
IN NEWS: The Phase -I FAME INDIA Scheme has recently been extended up to 31st March,
2019 by the Department of Heavy Industry. Let us look at some brief details about the FAME
INDIA SCHEME.
• The Government of India had earlier approved the National Mission on Electric Mobility
(NMEM) and subsequently National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020.
• This Mission Plan has been designed mainly considering the Fuel Security and
Environmental Pollution in the country.
• NMEM aims for a cumulative fuel saving of about 9500 million litres equivalent resulting in
reduction of pollution and greenhouse gas emission of 2 million tonnes with targeted
market penetration of 6-7 million vehicles by 2020.
FAME INDIA
• As part of this mission, Department of Heavy Industry formulated a scheme namely FAME -
SCHEME India [Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles in India].
• The overall scheme is proposed to be implemented over a period of 6 years, till 2020.
The FAME India Scheme is aimed at incentivising all vehicle segments i.e. 2 Wheeler, 3
Wheeler Auto, Passenger 4 Wheeler Vehicle, Light Commercial Vehicles and Buses. The
scheme covers Hybrid & Electric technologies like Mild Hybrid, Strong Hybrid, Plug in
Hybrid & Battery Electric Vehicles.
 Benefits under the Scheme
• Under FAME India Scheme, electric/hybrid vehicles are given direct support by way of
demand incentives.
• The demand incentive benefit will be passed on to the consumer upfront at the time of

purchase of the electric/hybrid vehicles itself by way of paying reduced price..
IN NEWS: The GST Council in its 31st meeting took important decisions regarding rate
rationalization wherein it has reduced the rates on 33 items from 18% to 12% and 5%. In this
regard, let us understand some basic details about the GST Council.
 Role of the GST Council
• Goods & Services Tax Council is a constitutional body for making recommendations to
the Union and State Government on issues related to Goods and Service Tax.
• The Council makes recommendations to the Union and the States on important issues
related to GST, like the goods and services that may be subjected or exempted from GST,
model GST Laws, GST rates including the floor rates with bands, special rates for raising
additional resources during natural calamities/disasters, special provisions for certain
States, etc.
 Composition
• The GST Council is chaired by the Union Finance Minister and other members are the
Union State Minister of Revenue or Finance and Ministers in-charge of Finance or Taxation
GST Council of all the States.
• The GST council is assisted by the GST Secretariat and Secretary (Revenue) as the Ex-Officio
Secretary to the GST Council.
 Quorum in Meeting
One-half of the total number of Members of the Goods and Services Tax Council shall
constitute the quorum at its meetings.
 Voting
• Every decision of the Goods and Services Tax Council shall be taken by a majority of not
less than three-fourths of the weighted votes of the members present and voting, in
accordance with the following principles, namely: —
 The vote of the Central Government shall have a weightage of one third of the total votes
cast, and
 The votes of all the State Governments taken together shall have a weightage of two-thirds
of the total votes cast.
IN NEWS: Odisha’s Kandhamal Haldi (turmeric) which is famous for its healing properties is
likely to receive the GI tag.
• The golden yellow Kandhamal haldi is named after the Kandhamal district of Orissa where
it is produced.
GI TAG
• This turmeric has made its way to shelves across the United States and Europe because of
its organic value. Kandhamal haldi is famous for its colour, texture, aroma, flavour and
long shelf life.

 About Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

• A GI is primarily an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product (handicrafts and
industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory. Such a name conveys
an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to its origin in
that defined geographical locality.
• GI tag is covered under WTO’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual
Property Rights (TRIPS).
• India has enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection)
Act, 1999 to promote and protect GI tags in India.
 Benefits
• A geographical indication right enables those who have the right to use the indication to
prevent its use by a third party.
• It provides legal protection to Indian Geographical Indications which in turn boost exports.
It promotes economic prosperity of producers of goods produced in a geographical
territory.
 Application for the registration of a geographical indication
Any association of persons, producers, organisation or authority established by or under the
law can apply for registration of GI Tag. The applicant must represent the interest of the
producers
 Validity
The registration of a geographical indication is valid for a period of 10 years. However, it can
be renewed from time to time for further period of 10 years each.
 How is GI Tag different from a trade Mark?
• A trade mark is a sign which is used in the course of trade and it distinguishes goods or
services of one enterprise from those of other enterprises.
• Whereas a geographical indication is an indication used to identify goods having special
characteristics originating from a definite geographical territory.
IN NEWS: India is set to assume Chairmanship of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme
(KPCS) from January 1, 2019.
• The Kimberley Process (KP) is a multilateral trade regime established in 2003 with the goal
of preventing the flow of conflict diamonds. The core of this regime is the Kimberley
Kimberly
Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) under which States implement safeguards on
Process shipments of rough diamonds and certify them as “conflict free".
Certification • The conflict diamonds are defined as: ‘rough diamonds used to finance wars against
governments’. Hence, The Kimberley process was set up "to ensure that diamond
Scheme purchases were not financing violence by rebel movements and their allies seeking to
undermine legitimate governments.
• In order for a country to be a participant, it must ensure that any diamond originating from
the country does not finance a rebel group or other entity seeking to overthrow a UN-

recognized government.
• The country must ensure that every diamond export be accompanied by a Kimberley
Process certificate and that no diamond is imported from, or exported to, a non-member
of the scheme.
• The working of the KPCS is ensured by the chair country elected on an annual basis at a
plenary meeting. A working group on monitoring works to ensure that each participant is
implementing the scheme correctly. The working group reports to the Chair.
IN NEWS: A 50MW floating solar plant has been proposed to be set up in the country’s largest
reservoir Rihand dam in Uttar Pradesh.
Floating solar plant refers to an array of solar panels on a structure that floats on a body of
water, typically an artificial basin or a lake.
 Significance for India
• India has set up an ambitious renewable energy target of 175 GW by 2022 of which solar
comprises 100 GW. The country has been making rapid strides in this area. In this regard,
floating solar would be considered to be huge opportunity for India.
• India's first floating PV plant of 10 KW was installed in a lake in Kolkata in 2014. Recently,
India's largest floating solar plant was installed in Banasura sagar reservoir in Kerala.
 Advantages
• No land occupancy: The main advantage of floating PV plants is that they do not take up
any land.
• Water Conservation: The installation of solar panels on lake or reservoir leads of partial
coverage of the water body leading to reduced evaporation.
Floating Solar • Higher Efficiency of Panels: The cooling effect of water on the installed PV modules, helps
Plant reduce thermal losses which increases the efficiency of panels. Plant operators claim
higher efficiencies in the range of 5-16% from floating solar power plants compared to land
based PV plants
• Longer Module Life: The cooling effect on modules slows down long term heat induced
degradation of solar modules thereby leading to higher module and plant life
• Easy Cleaning & Less Water Consumption: Regular cleaning of solar modules is easier as
water is readily available. Also, water loss is lesser as the water used in cleaning the panels
goes back into the reservoir.
 Challenges
• Higher Investment: Installing a floating solar power plant with current technologies
requires at least thrice the investments cost compared to land-based solar power plants.
• The other challenges include rusting of components from constant contact with water;
anchoring the floats to the water body so that they can withstand high velocity winds and
floods. Since this is new technology, there are no historical evidences to understand the
long term impact of modules, cables, floats etc on aquatic life.
• Local manufacturing of floats in India is another area that will require significant boost to

meet such high requirements..
IN NEWS: The Sustainable Blue Economy conference was recently convened by the
governments of Kenya, Canada and Japan in Nairobi. It was the first global conference
focusing on new knowledge and solutions for sustainable and inclusive blue economies.
 Details
• Over 18,000 participants from around the world met from November 26 to 28, 2018 at the
Sustainable Blue Economy Conference to learn how to build a blue economy that:
 Harnesses the potential of our oceans, seas, lakes and rivers to improve the lives of all,
particularly people in developing states, women, youth and Indigenous peoples
 Leverages the latest innovations, scientific advances and best practices to build prosperity
while conserving our waters for future generations
 Why this conference?
Sustainable
• The world has rallied around the enormous pressures facing oceans and waters, from
Blue Economy plastic pollution to the impacts of climate change. At the same time, there is international
recognition that we need to develop our waters in an inclusive and sustainable manner for
Conference
the benefit of all.
• The Sustainable Blue Economy Conference builds on the momentum of the UN’s 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development, the 2015 Climate Change Conference in Paris and the
UN Ocean Conference 2017 “Call to Action”.
 Outcome of the Conference
• Eight Statements of Intent were declared at the end of the Conference. The statements
dubbed The Nairobi Statement of Intent on Advancing Global Sustainable Blue Economy
are needed action plans on how to promote a sustainable Blue Economy around the globe.
• The statements highlighted include strengthening science and research, mobilizing finances
through public and private sectors participation, sustainable partnerships on Blue
Economy, as well as promoting role of women in position of leadership among others.
IN NEWS: A centralized electronic platform for processing interest subvention on bank

loans to beneficiaries under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods
Mission (DAY-NULM) named “PaiSA – Portal for Affordable Credit and Interest Subvention
Access”, was launched recently.
• PaiSA is an effort by the government to connect directly with the beneficiaries, ensuring
PAiSA Platform that there is greater transparency and efficiency in the delivery of services.
• The Direct Benefits Transfer of subvention on monthly basis under DAY-NULM will give the
necessary financial support to small entrepreneurs in a timely manner.
 Details about Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana
This scheme aims to uplift the urban poor by enhancing sustainable livelihood
opportunities through skill development. The scheme also address the livelihood concern

of the urban street vendors by facilitating with suitable space, institutional credit, and social
security and skills to the urban street vendor for accessing emerging market opportunities.
 Components of DAY-NULM
• The scheme has two components: one for urban India and other for rural India.
• Urban component named as Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana is being implemented by the
Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation.
• Rural component named as Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana is
being implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
 Main highlights of the scheme
• Employment through Skill Training and Placement
• Social Mobilization and Institution Development through focus on SHGs
• Interest Subsidy to urban poor for setting up enterprises
• Shelters for urban homeless
• Other means - Development of vendor markets and the promotion of skills for the vendors
through setting up infrastructure and special projects for the rag picker and differently
abled etc..
IN NEWS: The World Bank's report "Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy (RISE)
2018" has praised India's success in renewable energy auctions that delivered record-setting
low prices for solar power.
The report was released on the sidelines of the recently concluded climate change conference
in Katowice, Poland.
• Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy is the first global policy scorecard of its kind,
grading countries in three areas: energy access, energy efficiency and renewable energy.
• The report is aimed at helping governments assess if they have a policy and regulatory
framework in place to drive progress on sustainable energy and pinpoints where more can
be done to attract private investments.
RISE 2018
 Highlights about the Report
Report • RISE 2018 shows significant improvement in sustainable energy policies globally. The
number of countries with advanced policy frameworks for sustainable energy has more
than tripled over the past eight years.
• Nevertheless, the world as a whole is only about half way towards the adoption of
advanced policy frameworks for sustainable energy.
• This slow pace of policy adoption threatens the achievement of the SDG7 goals by 2030 as
well as the Paris Agreement climate goals.
• The renewable share of electricity has been climbing steadily in recent years, there has
been relatively little progress in harnessing renewable energy sources for heating and
transportation, which together represent 80 percent of global energy use..

IN NEWS: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has been conferred the Skoch Award
for National Significance.
• The award has been conferred on the Ministry considering its purpose and critical role
played in installing about 73 GW renewable energy capacity in the country.
• With 21 per cent of total installed capacity, within the year renewable energy grossed a
magic figure of providing one billion units of electricity in the country.
• India ranks 4 in the world in wind energy capacity and 5th in solar & total renewable energy
capacity installed in the world. India has played a critical role in setting up of international
solar alliance.
 About SKOCH
SKOCH Award
• Skoch Group is a think tank dealing with socio-economic issues with a focus on inclusive
growth since 1997.
• The Skoch Awards celebrate human excellence and agents of change in Indian society. The
Awards are based on the philosophy of spearheading positive socio-economic changes
through recognizing persons who have contributed immensely to salutary transformations
in society and governance by displaying exemplary leadership abilities.
• They are the highest independently instituted civilian honours in India. Since 2003, when
these were instituted, the Skoch Awards have become the only independent benchmark of
best practices in India in the fields of governance, finance, banking, technology, corporate
citizenship, economics and inclusive growth.
IN NEWS: World Intellectual Property Indicators 2018 report was recently released in Geneva
by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
• According to WIPO’s annual World Intellectual Property Indicators (WIPI) report, the patent
applications filed worldwide reached 3.17 million in 2017.China has received 1.38 million
patent applications, almost double the number received by the US.
• India granted 50.2% more patents in 2017 than in 2016, with grants increasing from 8,248
in 2016 to 12,387 in 2017.
• The steep increase in the number of patents was driven by patents granted to foreigners
which accounted for 85 per cent of the total increase. Pharmaceuticals accounted for 15.7
WIPO per cent of the Indian domestic applications for patents last year.
• While India ranked 10th in the number of patents given last year, no Indian company or
university figures in last year's global list of the top 50 patent applicants.
 About WIPO
• The WIPO is a United Nations (U.N) agency charged with protecting intellectual property
(IP) through an international system that promotes and sustains creativity and innovation
and helps develop international economies.
• WIPO helps governments, businesses and society realize the benefits of IP by providing a
policy forum to shape balanced international IP rules for a changing world. It provides
global services to protect IP across borders and to resolve disputes.

• WIPO pu
ublishes Glob
bal Innovation Index (G
GII) Report, which is an
n annual ran
nking of
countriess by their cap
pacity for, and
d success in, innovation.
he SEBI has proposed to make certaiin rules and regulations w

IN NEWS: Th which would
d enable
the start-up companies in India to raise money fro
om the capita
al Market.
In 2015, SEB
BI had introduced Instituttional Trading
g Platform (IT
TP) to enablee listings of n
new-age
companies a
and start-up
ps. The SEBI has now proposed to rename this trading platfform as
'Innovators G
Growth Platform'.
 Institutional Trading Platform
m (ITP)
• The ITP i s a window o
on stock exch
hanges where start-ups can list and trrade on theirr shares.
In
nnovatorrs SEBI has relaxed man
ny stringent rules
r governing IPOs for the
t ITP.
Grrowth • For insta

ance, on the
e ITP, the prromoters’ capital will be locked in o
only for six m
months,
against t he three year lock-in for normal
n IPOs..
Platform
• There is a
also no need
d to make ela
aborate disclo
osures on ho
ow IPO funds will be used.
 Innovators Growth Platform
• The SEBI has propose
ed to ease th
he listing norrms for the sttart-up comp
panies. For example,
it intendss to do away with the req
quirement of at least 50 per cent of prre-issue capittal being
held by q
qualified institutional inve
estors.
• SEBI hass also propossed to reduc
ce the minim
mum application size for sshare offers to Rs 2
lakh from
m Rs 10 lakh earlier in ord
der to attract more investors to the neew platform.

SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
# GS Paper I & GS Paper III (Main)
HIGHER EDUCATION AND A study named ‘The Anomaly of Women’s Work and
FEMALE LABOUR Education in India’ conducted by Indian Council for
Research on International Economic Relations has stated
PARTICIPATION that improvement in higher education among women has
# Education # Employment #Gender not led to an increase in female labour force participation
rates.
Parity
FINDINGS
• There has been a general improvement in female fertility rates, income level and education amongst women yet the
female labour force participation has decreased.
• Despite improvement in higher education among women and other social factors, there is a fall in female labour force
participation rates in India
• Besides the falling female labour force participation rates, the size of the total female labour force has also decreased
in India.
• According to ILO estimates, the FLPR has fallen from 33.8% in 2000 to 27.3% in 2015.
OTHER REPORTS
• World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Report 2017, India is ranked at 108 out of 144 countries on their performance in
gender parity.
• Further according to the Gender Gap Report 2017 India performed very badly especially in economic participation and
opportunity in which it is placed at 139 out of 144 countries.
• According to NSSO data FLPR in rural areas (ages 15 and above) dropped from 49.4 percent to 37.8 percent and in
urban areas from 24.4 percent to 19.4 percent between 2004-05 and 2009-10.
• The higher participation in rural areas is due to unpaid family work in the agricultural sector.
FACTORS
ECONOMIC SOCIAL
• Crowding out of female labour participation because of • Cultural norms and stigmas attached to women
oversupply of educated worker. working outside and participating in economic
• Discriminatory wages and labour laws. activities are still rampant.
• Income effects of households. • Patriarchy and adverse social norms.
• Lack of job opportunities deemed suitable by women. • Expansion of education in India has been to
improve the marriage prospects of women, rather
• With increase in educational qualifications, there has been a

Societty and Soc ial Justicee
cumulative explosion of potentia

al high skilled female than th
heir employ
yment prosp
pects. Educa
ation in
workers. India seeks to ‘domestica
ate’ ratherr than
• However, th
he increase in white-colllar jobs have not been ‘empow
wer’ women..
able to kee
ep in pace with
w the incrreased supp
ply of these • In urba
an India hig
gher social sstatus is ne
egatively
women. associatted with fem
male labourr force participation
• The reduction in fema
ale employm
ment in ag
griculture is rates.
attributed in
ncreasing ado
option of tec hnology in ag
griculture. • The ed
ducation pe
erpetuates ggender sterreotypes
• The working
g age women
n in the age cohort 15-2
24 years are through
h gender segregation
s in classroo
om and
opting out of
o the labour force to conttinue their ed
ducation. gender insensitive curriculum an
nd pedagogyy.
WAY FORW
WARD
• Besides female education, the gove

ernment sche
emes must ta
arget the culttural and soccial forces thaat shape patrriarchy
and thus facilitate beh
havioural cha
anges.
• Formulation
n of multi-stakeholder inte
erventions th
hat promote gender equittable norms leading to accceptability o
of female
employm
ment.
• Implementing poliicies that red
duce the time
e burden of women
w on do
omestic dutie
es and care reesponsibilitie
es.
• Impartin
ng quality edu
ucation and skills.
s
• Cre
eating employyment opporrtunities thro
ough quotas.
• Encouragin g greater parrticipation off women in public administration
PRA
ADHAN N MANTRI Recenntly, the Unio
on Cabinet has
h approveed the expansion
of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwalla Yojana, w
which aims to
UJJJWALA YOJANA
Y A (PMUY) provid
de deposit-free LPG connnections to
o all poor
# Health # EEmpowermeent houseeholds.

Society and Social Justice
PMUY
• PMUY was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas to provide LPG connections in
the name of women from BPL households.
• PMUY was initially aimed at providing clean cooking fuel to 5 crore poor and underprivileged so listed in
the Socio-Economic and Caste Census, 2011,over a period of three years.
• The BPL list under Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 was the main criteria.
What? • But after the cabinet’s decision all the poor families who could not get LPG connection under PMUY are
now eligible to get a connection subject to fulfilling the eligibility norms and furnishing required
documents.
• To cover a wider spectrum of households, the scheme has subsequently been opened to all Scheduled
Caste and Scheduled Tribe households, beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Antyodaya
Anna Yojana, forest dwellers, “most backward classes,” tea garden and ex-tea garden tribes, and people
residing in islands or river islands.
• The poor, in India have limited access to cooking gas (LPG).

• The spread of LPG cylinders has been mostly in the urban and semi-urban areas with the coverage
mostly in middle class and affluent households.
• There are serious health hazards associated with cooking based on fossil fuels. According to experts,
having an open fire in the kitchen is like burning 400 cigarettes an hour. According to WHO estimates,
about 5 lakh deaths in India alone due to unclean cooking fuels.
Need for • Most of these premature deaths were due to non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke,
PMUY chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. Indoor air pollution is also responsible for a
significant number of acute respiratory illnesses in young children.
• Providing LPG connections to BPL households will ensure universal coverage of cooking gas in the
country.
• This measure will empower women and protect their health. It will reduce drudgery and the time spent
on cooking.
• It will also provide employment for rural youth in the supply chain of cooking gas.
The Lok Sabha has passed the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2016 that seeks to
put a blanket ban on commercial surrogacy and regulate altruistic
SURROGACY surrogacy in India. Surrogacy is a practice where a woman gives birth to a
child for an eligible couple and agrees to hand over the child after the birth
(REGULATION) to them.
Altruistic surrogacy involves a surrogacy arrangement where the monetary
BILL 2016 reward only involves medical expenses and insurance coverage for the
# Health surrogate mother. Commercial surrogacy includes a monetary benefit or
reward (in cash or kind) that exceeds basic medical expenses and insurance
for the surrogate mother.
NEED FOR THE BILL
• Commercial surrogacy has been in practice in India since 2002.

• With no law governing surrogacy, India has emerged as a surrogacy hub for couples from different countries.
• This has led to growing number of unethical practices.
• Surrogate mothers are being exploited.
• Children born out of surrogacy are also being abandoned..
PROVISIONS IN THE BILL
• It puts a blanket ban on commercial surrogacy with penal provisions of jail term of up to 10 years and fine of up to ₹10
lakh.
• According to the bill, an Indian infertile couple, married for five years or more, can go in for ‘altruistic surrogacy’.
• Women within the age group of 23 years to 50 years and men aged between 26 and 55 years will be eligible to go in for
surrogacy.
• Further the couple shall possess a certificate from doctor stating that they are medically unfit to produce a child.
• The bill permits only ‘close relatives’ to be surrogate mothers.
• A woman can be a surrogate only once in her lifetime.
• The surrogate mother will not be paid any compensation except medical expenses and insurance.
• The bill covers 18-month care expenses and insurance cover for the surrogate mother.
• The present Bill forbids the surrogate mother to use her own gametes (eggs), gives her the option to withdraw before
the embryo is implanted,
• Altruistic surrogacy can be availed only by a defined mother and family.
• It won’t be permitted for live-in partners, single parents or Homosexuals.
• Only Indian citizens are entitled to avail surrogacy.
• Foreigners, NRIs and PIOs are not allowed to commission surrogacy in the country.
• Besides, couples who already have children will not be allowed to opt for surrogacy.
• The bill also provides for constitution of The National Surrogacy board and State Surrogacy board which shall be the
policy making and regulating bodies.
GAPS IN THE BILL
• It deals with the rights and responsibilities of commissioning parents and surrogate mother vis a vis each other and the
baby, but does not address entitlements of a commissioning parent from his or her employer. These are covered by
labour laws; the law on maternity benefits does not take into account the possibility of a woman becoming a mother
without actually giving birth.
• In the aftermath of recent decriminalization of Section 377, same- sex couples should have been considered.
• Further the bill does not define who is a close relative.

The Lok Sabha passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of

TRANSGENDER Rights) Bill with an aim to empower the transgender
community by providing them a separate identity. The new
PERSONS (PROTECTION Bill is the revised version of the earlier Bill which was
OF RIGHTS) BILL ,2018 originally introduced in the Lok Sabha in August 2016.
Recently the supreme Court has also decriminalised section
#Empowerment #Gender Parity 377 of the Indian penal code.
RIGHTS OF TRANSGENDERS
• Transgender community is one of the most marginalized communities in the country because they do not fit into the
general categories of gender of ‘male’ or ‘female’.
• Consequently, they face problems ranging from social exclusion to discrimination, lack of education facilities,
unemployment, lack of medical facilities and so on.
• Favourable provisions in the Constitution of India are:
 Article 14 guarantees to all persons equality before law;
 Article 15(1) and 15(2) along with article 16(2) prohibits in express terms discrimination on the ground only of sex ;and
 Article 19(1)(a) ensures freedom of speech and expression to all citizens.
• Objectives: Protecting interests of transgenders, defining of the term 'transgender', to give them
recognition and setting up of a national transgender council.
• Aim: Bringing the community into the mainstream of the society.
• The Bill prohibits discrimination against a transgender person in areas such as education, employment
and healthcare.
Aspects of
• It also directs the central and state governments to provide welfare schemes for them, confer right
the Bill
upon transgender person to be recognised as such, and a right to self-perceived gender identity;
• It talks about issuing of certificate of identity to transgender persons y the District Magistrate.
• It provides for grievance redressal mechanism in each establishment;
• It establishes a National Council for Transgender;
• Provides punishment for contraventions of the provisions of the Bill.
• The bill fails to define discrimination against transgenders.

• There is no clarity on the term "self-perceived gender identity" and how it will be enforced.
• The definition of transgenders was not complete and other terms such as transmen and transwomen
were not defined.
Shortcomings • There are several laws in the country and it is not clear how these laws including the companies act
of the Bill would be applied to transgenders.
• A Transgender Commission at the national level was not enough. There is demand for the welfare
board for transgenders, demanding a helpline number for the community.
• The bill has neglected to incorporate two crucial recommendations made by a standing committee to
review its provisions in 2017.This includes the right of transgender persons to self-identification,

instead of being certified by a district screening committee.

• The Bill is silent on granting reservations to transgender persons. The bill ignores the Supreme Court
directive in the landmark April 2014 NALSA judgment “to extend all kinds of reservations in cases of
admission in educational institutions and for public appointments” by treating them as socially and
educationally backward classes.
RIGHTS OF A study on the implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

(RPWD) Act, 2016 has been conducted by the Disability Rights India
PERSONS WITH Foundation (DRIF), across 24 States.
DISABILITIES The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014 was passed by the
(RPWD) Act, 2016 parliament in 2016. The Act became operational on in 2017. The Act
provisioned for the State Governments to immediately start the process
# Health #Disability of implementation.
RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (RPWD) ACT, 2017
• The Act replaces the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act,
1995.
• It fulfils the obligations to the United National Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), to which
India is a signatory since 2007.
• Disability has been defined based on an evolving and dynamic concept.
• The types of disabilities have been increased from existing 7 to 21 and the Central Government will have the power to
add more types of disabilities.
• Persons with "benchmark disabilities" are defined as those certified to have at least 40 per cent of the disabilities
specified above.
• Responsibility has been cast upon the appropriate governments to take effective measures to ensure that the persons
with disabilities enjoy their rights equally with others.
• Additional benefits such as reservation in higher education (not less than 5%), government jobs (not less than 4 %),
reservation in allocation of land, poverty alleviation schemes (5% allotment) etc. have been provided for persons with
benchmark disabilities and those with high support needs.
• The Act provides for penalties for offences committed against persons with disabilities and also violation of the
provisions of the new law.
• Every State Government has to constitute a body to be known as the State Advisory Board on disability to exercise the
powers conferred on, and to perform the function assigned to it, under this Act.
• The appropriate Government has to formulate schemes and programmes including provision of loans at concessional
rates to facilitate and support employment of persons with disabilities especially for their vocational training and self-
employment

• Free healthcare in the vicinity especially in rural areas subject to such family income as may be notified
• Barrier-free access in all parts of Government and private hospitals and other healthcare institutions and centres and
priority in attendance and treatment.
• The appropriate Government shall take suitable measures to provide facilities for persons with disabilities at bus stops,
railway stations and airports conforming to the accessibility standards relating to parking spaces, toilets, ticketing
counters and ticketing machines.
• Access to all modes of transport that conform the design standards, including retrofitting old modes of transport,
wherever technically feasible and safe for persons with disabilities, economically viable and without entailing major
structural changes in design.
• For the purpose of providing speedy trial, the State Government has to with the concurrence of the Chief Justice of the
High Court, by notification, specify for each district, a Court of Session to be a Special Court to try the offences under
this Act
• There has to be constituted a Fund to be called the State Fund for persons with disabilities by a State Government.
• The State Government had to, by notification, make rules for carrying out the provisions of this Act, not later than six
months from the date of commencement of this Act.
MAJOR FINDINGS OF THE STUDY
• The Act should have been notified by all States within six months from notification but till now more than half of the
states have not notified the State rules, despite a significant lapse of time.
• Only ten States including Bihar, Chandigarh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal
have notified the State rules.
• Only Tamil Nadu has taken some action with regard to providing an increased quantum of assistance for people with
disabilities in social security schemes.
• 5% of the States have appointed Commissioners for Persons with Disabilities; however, the progress has not been
substantial.
• Only three States have constituted Advisory Committees, comprising of experts, to assist the State Commissioners.
• Out of the 24 States and Union Territories, Madhya Pradesh was ranked the highest, followed by Odisha, Meghalaya
and Himachal Pradesh.
• Andaman and Nicobar Islands along with Jammu and Kashmir ranked the lowest.
GUIDELINES FOR The Centre has prepared guidelines (in image below) for
setting up of crèches at workplaces, which prescribe trained
CRÈCHE AT WORKPLACE personnel to man the facility as well as infrastructure
#Women # labour issue #children requirements and safety norms.

Societty and Soc ial Justicee
NE
EED FOR GU
UIDELINES
• Maternity Benefit Act wa

as enacted in
n 1961 to reg
gulate the em
mployment
of women in some esta

ablishments d
during pregn
nancy, before
e and after
child-birth.
• 018, Parliam
In March 20 ment passed the Maternity Benefit Amendment
A
nhancing paid maternity leave from a period of 12 weeks to

Act, 2017, en
26 weeks.
• pplicable to all
The law is ap a institution
ns with 10 or more employ
yees.
• It also mak
kes it manda
atory for evvery organisa
ation with 50 or more
t have a crèche.
employees to
According to Glo
obal Nutritio
on Report, 2018,
2 India iis home to highest
1/3
3RD OF WORLD D’S number of stuntted and was
sted children
n in the worrld. 28% of tthe 141
STUN NTED KIDS ntries are affected by all three fo

coun orms of ma
alnutrition namely
stuntting among
g children, anaemia and
a obesityy among w
women.
FROOM IND DIA Abou
ut 88 per cent of the co
ountries sufffer from at least two fo
orms of
#Social issue # Heaalth maln
nutrition.
#Nutriition Note
e: Indicators of child ma
alnutrition are Wasting, Stunting an
nd
Unde
erweight/Ov ver-weight.
T
THINGS TO KNOW
K
Children wh
hose height iis below the average for their
t age are considered to
t be stunted
d.
• Stunting
g is an indica tor of chroniic malnutritio
on.
• Globally
y, stunting ha
as declined ffrom 32.6% of
o all the worrld’s children under 5 yeaars of age in 2000 to
22.2% in
n 2017.
Stu
unting
• India acccounted for nearly one-th
hird of the world’s
w 150.8 million
m with 46.6
4 million sstunted children.
• As per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-4 (2015-1
16), 38.4 per cent of child
dren below fivve years
are stun
nted.
• Jharkhand, Meghalayya, Rajasthan
n and Gujarat were the sttates with hig
ghest inciden
nce of stuntin
ng.
Children wh
hose weight is below the average for their
t height are
a considere
ed wasted.
• Wasting
g is an indicattor of acute m
malnutrition.
• Globally
y, 50.5 million
n children un
nder five yearrs are wasted
d.
Wa
asting • India alsso accounts ffor the largesst number off wasted child
dren in the world
w with low
w weight for height.
• India recorded 25.5 million children who are wasted.
• ng to NFHS-4
Accordin 4, percentage
e of wasted children
c under five years increased frrom 19.8 perr cent in
2005-06
6 to 21 per ce
ent in 2015-16.

Children whose weight is below the average for their age are considered under-weight.
• Under-weight is an indicator of acute or chronic malnutrition or both.
Underweight
• As per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-4 (2015-16), 35.7 per cent children below five years
are underweight.
STEPS TAKEN
• National Nutrition Mission was launched in March 2018. The International Bank of Reconstruction and Development of
World Bank has contributed 50% of the budgetary support.
• The Mission seeks to reduce the levels of stunting, under-nutrition, anaemia and low-birth weight of babies.
• Targets: Reduce mal-nutrition by 2% every year by reducing stunting, wasting and under-nutrition by 2% each every
year.
• Reduce incidence of anaemia by 3% every year.
• Mission 25 by 2022: Reduction in Stunting among children up to the age of six years from 38.4% (NFHS-4) to 25% by
2022.
• India also observed September, 2018 as National Nutrition month to spread the message of Nutrition, ‘har ghar
poshan tyohar’.
NEWS SNIPPETS
IN NEWS: The Union Cabinet has approved amendments to the Protection of Children from
Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, to bring punishments for sexual assaults on boys on a par
with those against girls.
As per the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the amendment is necessary as POCSO is a
gender-neutral law that protects both boys and girls under the age of 18. Thus, both boys and girls
need same protection who are under 18 years from cases of sexual assaults.
The amendment has been approved by the Union Cabinet but has to be passed by the Parliament.
The government intends to introduce the Amendment Bill in the Rajya Sabha. This will ensure that
the Bill once introduced in Rajya Sabha will not lapse even if not passed, when the term of the
(POCSO) ACT,
present government comes to an end and the Lok Sabha is dissolved.
2012 • Punishments for sexual assaults on boys include the provision of death penalty when the child
is under 12 years and when a penetrative sexual assault is committed by a relative.
• The earlier amendment by the Home Ministry allowed the death penalty only in cases of sexual
assault of girls below 12 years.
• The amendments have extended the punishment for aggravated penetrative sexual assault
under section 6 of POCSO Act. This section provides for punishment for aggravated penetrative
sexual assault.
• The amendments also extend the punishment for aggravated penetrative sexual assault from a
minimum of 10 years to a minimum of 20 years, up to a maximum of life imprisonment and

even the death penalty under Section 6 of POCSO Act.

• The government has also amended the definition of aggravated penetrative sexual assault to
include an offence that causes the death of a child.
IN NEWS: In 2012, the World Health Assembly endorsed the Global Vaccine Action Plan. Under this
plan, countries have adopted goals for elimination of measles by 2020. In this regard, WHO has
come out with the report "Progress towards Regional Measles Elimination- Worldwide".
 Things to understand
During 2000–2017, annual reported measles incidence decreased by 83%, and annual estimated
measles deaths decreased by 80%. However, measles elimination milestones have not been met.
Further, incidence of measles has reached highest levels in two decades across Europe. This is
mainly attributed to lower vaccinations among the population.
 Measles
Measles, or rubeola, is a viral infection of the respiratory system which can spread through contact
with infected mucus and saliva. An infected person can release the infection into the air when they
cough or sneeze. It is the leading cause of death in children.
Symptoms: Cough fever, red eyes etc. A widespread skin rash is a classic sign of measles.
A vitamin A deficiency is considered to be a risk factor for measles. Children with too little vitamin
MEASLES A in their diets have a higher risk of catching the virus.

 Rubella
Rubella is a mild viral infection that occurs most often in children and young adults.
Rubella infection during pregnancy can cause abortion, stillbirth and may lead to multiple birth
defects in the new born; like blindness, deafness, heart defects; known as Congenital Rubella
Syndrome (CRS).
India accounts for around one third of all children born worldwide with congenital rubella
syndrome (CRS).
 India’s efforts to control
The National Family Health Survey-4 (2015–2016) has assessed the vaccination coverage for the
measles to be 81.1%.This is low compared to the 95% coverage level required for elimination.
In this regard, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has initiated measles-rubella (MR) vaccination
campaign in the age group of 9 months to less than 15 years in a phased manner across the
nation in 2017.
The MR vaccine has now become part of routine immunisation programme.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
NEWS Snippets
IN NEWS: Breakthroughs in deep ocean drilling technologies have made it possible for
researchers to take their first detailed look at the composition of the deep biosphere.
• The deep biosphere constitutes a world that can be viewed as a sort of "subterranean
Galapagos" and includes members of all three domains of life: bacteria, archaea (microbes
with no membrane-bound nucleus), and Eukarya (microbes or multicellular organisms with
cells that contain a nucleus as well as membrane-bound organelles).
Note: Galapagos Islands (Equador) is famous on the basis of Charles Darwin’s ‘Theory of
Evolution’
• Two types of microbes -- bacteria and archaea -dominate Deep Earth.
• Deep microbes are often very different from their surface cousins.
• The genetic diversity of life below the surface is comparable to or exceeds that above the
surface.
• The subsurface microbial communities differ greatly between environments
• Though, Certain genera and higher taxonomic groups are ubiquitous -- they appear planet-
Deep Earth wide
• Microbial community richness relates to the age of marine sediments where cells are found.
• The record depth at which life has been found in the continental subsurface is approximately 5
km and the record in marine waters is 10.5 km from the ocean surface.
 Enigmas of deep life on Earth
Movement: How does deep life spread -- laterally through cracks in rocks? Up, down? How can
deep life be so similar in South Africa and Seattle, Washington? Did they have similar origins and
were separated by plate tectonics, for example?
Origins: Did life start deep in Earth (either within the crust, near hydrothermal vents, or in
subduction zones) then migrate up, toward the sun? Or did life start in a warm little surface pond
and migrate down?
Energy: Is methane, hydrogen, or natural radiation (from uranium and other elements) the most
important energy source for deep life? Which sources of deep energy are most important in
different settings? How do the absence of nutrients, and extreme temperatures and pressure,
impact microbial distribution and diversity in the subsurface?

Scieence & Tec hnology
IN NEWS: IS
SRO’s heaviest satellite
e
SAT-11, was put into orb

GS bit from the
e
European spa
aceport in Guiana in
n
South America
a.
• It’s been nicck named ‘Big

g Bird’.
• Its mission is to enable

e high-speed
d
satellite-bassed Internet services to

o
users in rurral, remote a

areas and to
o
GS
SAT-11
businesses down hom
me over the
e
next 15 yearrs.
• It will m
meet mosst of the
e
requiremen
nts of providing
g
broadband connectivity to rural and

d
inaccessible
e village panchayats
s
under Bharrat Net whicch is part off
the Digital In
ndia initiative
e.
• It is a grou
up of rare n
neurological diseases th
hat mainly involve the n
nerve cells (neurons)
responsible for controlling voluntary muscle mov
vement.
• It belongs to
o a wider gro
oup of disord
ders known as
a motor neuron diseasses, which arre caused
by gradual d
deterioration
n (degeneration) and deatth of motor neurons.
n
Am
myotrop
phic • Motor neurrons are nerrve cells thatt extend from
m the brain to
t the spinal cord and to
o muscles
lateral throughout the body. T
These motorr neurons initiate and provide vital communicattion links
between the
e brain and tthe voluntary
y muscles.
sc
clerosis (ALS)
(
• ALS is progrressive, mean
ning the sym
mptoms get worse
w over tim
me. Currentlyy, there is no
o cure for
ALS and no effective trea
atment to halt, or reverse
e, the progresssion of the d
disease.
• It is also kn own as Lou Gehrig's dis
sease, it causes lethal re
espiratory paaralysis within
n several
years of diag
gnosis.
IN NEWS: Scien
ntists have fo
ound a new application
a off Graphene, for
f detectingg Amyotrophic Lateral
Scllerosis (ALS) as mention
ned above— a progressiv order for wh ich there is currently
ve brain diso
o objective d iagnostic test.
“no
Grraphene
e • Graphene cconsists of a single layerr of carbon atoms arran
nged in a heexagonal lattice, each
atom bound
d to its neighbours by che
emical bondss.
• The elasticitty of these bo
onds produce
es resonant vibrations
v kn
nown as phon
nons.
• Graphene h
has been de
escribed as wondrous
w sttuff — of be
eing the stro
ongest mate
erial ever

Science & Technology
tested, almost 300 times stronger than steel.

• It is also the best heat- and electricity-conducting material to be discovered.
• It could also become a valuable aid in filtering water.
Graphene has a number of properties which makes it interesting for several different
applications such as:
 It is an ultimately thin, mechanically very strong, transparent and flexible conductor.
 Its conductivity can be modified over a large range either by chemical doping or by an electric
field.
 The mobility of graphene is very high, which makes the material very interesting for electronic
high frequency applications.
 Since graphene is a transparent conductor it can be used in applications such as touch
screens, light panels and solar cells, where it can replace the rather fragile and expensive
Indium-Tin-Oxide (ITO).
 Flexible electronics and gas sensors are other potential applications.
 New types of composite materials based on graphene with great strength and low weight
could also become interesting for use in satellites and aircraft.
IN NEWS: China's lunar rover has left the first-ever "footprint" on the dark side/far side of the
moon after a successful soft-landing in Von Kármán crater, on this mysterious and previously
unexplored region of the moon.
• Because of a phenomenon called "tidal locking", we on Earth can only see one "face" of the
Moon. This is because the Moon takes just as long to rotate on its own axis as it takes to
complete one orbit of Earth. So this visible part is called near side.
Chang’e-4 • Dark side in this context simply means "unseen’’ part of Moon.
• This dark side is mountainous and rugged and has a thicker, older crust that is packed with
more craters.
• This mission will also characterize the "radio environment" on the far side, a test designed to
lay the groundwork for the creation of future radio astronomy telescopes on the far side,
which is shielded from the radio noise of Earth.
• Will also study the respiration of the seeds and the photosynthesis on the Moon.
IN NEWS: India successfully carried out test of its longest range ballistic missile, Agni-V.
• It is the country’s longest-range missile with a proven hit capability, which has evinced
reactions and concerns from China.
Agni-V • It is an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a strike range of over 5,000 km and
can reach most parts of China.
• The mission critical avionics were indigenously designed and developed.
• It is a three-stage missile, 17 metres tall, two metres wide and capable of carrying upto 1.5

tonne of payload, especially nuclear warheads.

• It further strengthens the country’s deterrence capability, which has been developed
indigenously by assiduous efforts of scientists.
• The missile will be inducted into the Strategic Forces Command for deployment; strategic
missiles
IN NEWS: Recently, ISRO launched GSAT-7A, it is the heaviest satellite launched by GSLV-Mk-II
since it began using the indigenous cryogenic engine.
• It is an advanced communication satellite with a Gregorian Antenna and other new
technologies.
• Aim- The satellite is expected to add a new space-based dimension to the way Indian Air
Force interlinks, operates and communicates with its aircraft as they fly and with command
centres on ground.
GSAT-7A • GSAT-7A is the first satellite built primarily for the IAF to qualitatively unify its assets and
improve combined, common intelligence during operations.
• It will do this by connecting many of the ground radar stations, airbases and aircrafts operated
by the IAF, and is also expected to boost some of their network-dependant warfare and drone
capabilities.
• GSAT-7A is the 35th Indian communication satellite weighing 2,250 kg.
• GSAT-7A satellite using Ku band will enable superior real-time aircraft-to-aircraft
communication; and between planes that are in flight and their commanders on the ground.
IN NEWS: NASA has sent a robotic explorer ORSIS-REX to study the carbon rich asteroid Bennu.
The asteroid could hold the evidence which may clear the beginning of our solar system 4.5
Billion years ago.
Bennu orbits the Sun at roughly the same distance as the Earth. There is concern among
scientists about the possibility of Bennu impacting earth late in the 22nd century.
ORSIS-REX: Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security - Regolith Explorer
• The mission would help scientists investigate- how planets formed and how life began, as well
as improve our understanding of asteroids that could impact Earth.
BENNU
• Recently, it found traces of hydrogen and oxygen molecules — part of the recipe for water and
ASTEROID thus the potential for life — embedded in the asteroid’s rocky surface.
 Asteriods
• Asteroids are among the leftover debris from the solar system’s formation some 4.5 billion
years ago.
• Recent studies have shown that some celestial bodies in our solar system have, or used to
have, water in some form.
• Asteroids are considered to be one of the candidates that brought water to Earth.
• Atomic-level analysis of samples from asteroids such as Bennu could provide key evidence to

support that hypothesis.
• Brown adipose tissue (BAT) or brown fat makes up the adipose organ together with white
adipose tissue (or white fat).
• Brown adipose tissue is found in almost all mammals.
• It is especially abundant in new-borns and in hibernating mammals, also present and
metabolically active in adult humans, but its prevalence decreases as humans age.
• Brown fat contains many more mitochondria than does white fat.
• These mitochondria are the “engines” in brown fat that burn calories to produce heat.
• Because of brown fats ability to burn calories, scientists are looking for ways to exploit its
Brown Fat
power to help fight obesity.
• In adults exposed to cold temperatures, brown fat may serve as an ‘internal heating jacket’ to
keep blood warm as it flows back to the heart and brain from our chilly extremities.
• Brown fat helps babies — who do not have the ability to shiver — to stay warm.
• It offers potential to combat the Metabolic syndrome conditions.
• Metabolic syndrome conditions IS cluster of conditions that includes -increased blood
pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or
triglyceride levels — that occur together, increasing risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
When scientists study our universe, they see that it’s expanding. But if the universe is only made
of the galaxies, stars, planets, and other things that we know about, it shouldn’t be expanding.
Something else is out there. There has to be energy that is making the universe expands.
We just don’t know what this energy is. We also don’t know where it comes from. But we can tell
that it’s there. Scientists named this energy dark energy.
• Dark energy makes up 68%, about two-thirds, of the universe.
Dark Matter
• There is also stuff out there in space that has gravity. We can see its pull-on matter like stars
and dark and galaxies. Scientists named this stuff dark matter.
energy • 27% of the universe, or about one quarter, is made up of dark matter.
• Together, dark energy and dark matter make up 95% of the universe.
• Energy like light, heat, and X-rays, together with matter like people, elephants, planet Earth,
the sun, and all the galaxies only makes up 5% of the universe.
• Thus Dark matter and dark energy raise some of the biggest questions in the study of space
and physics.
IN NEWS: In a first for India, every one of Kerala’s captive elephants now has a unique DNA-based
DNA genetic record.
Fingerprinting Unlike the microchip-based ID used, DNA fingerprinting provides a unique identity and is more
fool-proof. This could help solve wildlife crime cases involving poaching and illegal trade.

Scieence & Tec hnology
• The method
d is a forensiic technique that makes it possible to
o identify in
ndividuals people or
animals ba
ased on uniq
que DNA ch
haracteristics called micrro-satellitess (DNA portiions that
occur repea
atedly), much
h like fingerprrints.
• In forensic w
wildlife (The arrangemen
nt of the nuccleotides is unique
u to an
ny living form
m (except
identical twiins) be anima
als, plants, orr microbes.
 How
w?
• The DNA is iisolated from
m the available sample.
• Each type off sample hass a specific prrotocol for iso
olation.
• The DNA fra
agments are
e then multip
plied using a reaction called Polymerrase Chain R
Reaction
(PCR).
• This amplifie
ed DNA sample then und
dergoes a tecchnique called
d gel electrop
phoresis, wh
hich splits
it into differrent visible ba
ands. The band pattern fo
ormed by an individual’s D
DNA is uniqu
ue.
• The bands o
of two or more DNA samp
ples can then
n be compare
ed using softw
ware.
 Application
• For criminall identificatio
on
• To resolve d
disputes of m
maternity /patternity
• To identify m
mutilated rem
mains and vic
ctims of disasster
• In cases of e
exchange of babies in hos
spital wards.

GEOGRAPHY, ENVIRONMENT, BIODIVERSITY &
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
# GS Paper (Prelims) and GS Paper I & III (Main)
Climate Change Conference COP24 was held at Katowice in

KATOWICE CLIMATE Poland. It was concluded with a decision to facilitate efforts to
CONFERENCE COP24 implement the Paris Agreement of 2015 on Climate Change.
The meeting had been tasked with delivering a set of
#Climate Change #Global Warming guidelines to operationalize the treaty.
FOCUS OF COP24
• The meeting focused on completing work on the Paris Agreement Work Programme (PAWP), a set of decisions
meant to serve this goal.
• The Parties adopted the Katowice Climate Package, which includes decisions on nearly all of the issues mandated as
part of the PAWP.
• The COP24 also adopted a Rule-book for implementation of the Paris Agreement. This global deal is meant for
climate actions by all the countries across the globe post-2020.
• The global rules are important to ensure that each tonnes of emissions released into the atmosphere is accounted
for.
• In this way, progress towards the emission limitation goals of the Paris Agreement can be accurately measured.
Currently, climate actions of rich nations for pre-2020 period are being guided by the Kyoto Protocol.
WHAT KATOWICE RULE BOOK INCLUDES?
• Broadly, the Paris Agreement, which seeks to keep the global average temperatures “well below” 2°C from pre-
industrial times, specifies what steps countries need to take in the fight against climate change. The rulebook
prescribes how to do those things, and how each of them would be measured and verified.For example, the Paris
Agreement says every country must have a climate action plan, and that this should be periodically updated and
submitted to the UN climate body. The rulebook now specifies what actions can be included in the action plan, how
and when to submit them.
• Further, the Paris Agreement asks every member nation to submit information about their greenhouse gas emissions
every two years. The rulebook specifies which gases to measure, what methodologies and standards to apply while
measuring them, and the kinds of information to be included in their submissions.
• In short, it holds the operational details of the Paris Agreement. That is why the Paris Agreement is just 27 pages long
while the rulebook is spread over 133 pages, and is not yet complete. The rulebook is a dynamic document, meaning
new rules can be added, or existing rules amended.
• The Katowice package includes guidelines that will operationalize the transparency framework. It sets out how
countries will provide information about their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that describe their

Geography, Environment, Biodiversity
& Disaster Management
domestic climate actions. This information includes mitigation and adaptation measures as well as details of
financial support for climate action in developing countries.
• The Katowice package also includes guidelines that relate to the process for establishing new targets on finance
from 2025 onwards to follow-on from the current target of mobilizing $100 billion per year from 2020 to support
developing countries.
• It also includes how to conduct the Global Stocktake (GST) of the effectiveness of climate action in 2023 and how to
assess progress on the development and transfer of technology.
 CONSIDERATION: KEY ARTICLES OF PARIS AGREEMENT
• Article 4 of the 2015 Paris Agreement mandates nationally determined contributions (NDCs) by
countries.
• The rules agreed upon in Katowice seek to address what should be in these pledges.
Article 4 :
Pledges • The rulebook says, “The Conference… reaffirms and underscores that… support shall be provided to
developing country Parties for the implementation of Article 4 of the Paris Agreement…” and
“decides that… parties shall provide the information necessary for clarity, transparency and
understanding… as applicable to their nationally determined contributions…”
• Article 6 covers voluntary carbon markets.

• A carbon market allows countries, or industries, to earn carbon credits for the emission reductions
they make in excess of what is required of them.
• These carbon credits can be traded to the highest bidder in exchange of money.
• The buyers of carbon credits can show the emission reductions as their own and use them to meet
Article 6 : their own reduction targets.
Carbon • An emission trading system already exists under the Kyoto Protocol, though it has become
Credits ineffective over the last few years and is meant to end with the end of Kyoto Protocol in 2020.
• The Katowice talks were unable to reach agreement on a new market mechanism.
• Brazil, which — like India and China — had already amassed carbon credits under an earlier
mechanism, wanted these accounted for, this was objected by developed countries.
• The COP24 statement on Article 6 stated: “Draft decision texts on these matters in the proposal by
the president were considered, but… parties could not reach consensus thereon.”
• Developed countries are supposed to provide climate finance to developing countries to help deal
Article 9 :
with climate change, and submit an account of this.
Climate
• The rulebook spells out what kinds of financial flows can be classified as climate finance, how they
Finance
should be accounted for, and the kind of information about them needed to be submitted.
IPCC REPORT: 1.5°C
• While the Paris Agreement seeks to restrict within 2°C the rise in average global temperatures since pre-industrial
times, a special report of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) addresses the feasibility of attaining a
1.5°C target.
• The IPCC report divided countries.

• The US, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Kuwait refused to “welcome” the report.
KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PLEDGES DURING THE KATOWICE CONFERENCE
• US$200 billion in climate action funding from the World Bank for the period 2021-2025;
• Germany and Norway pledged that they would double their contributions to the Green Climate Fund.
• Nearly US$129 million for the Adaptation Fund;
• Plans by Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to align activities with the goals of the Paris Agreement; and
• Plans by the C40 Cities coalition to work with the IPCC to identify how the Special Report on Global Warming of
1.5°C (SR15) can apply to cities’ climate actions
Cabinet has approved the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)

COASTAL Notification, 2018. The new notification takes into account various
concerns raised by the stakeholders for a comprehensive review
REGULATION ZONE of the provisions of the CRZ Notification, 2011, particularly those
related to the management and conservation of marine and
NOTIFICATION 2018 coastal eco-systems, development in coastal areas, eco-tourism,
#Conservation # Environment livelihood option and sustainable development of coastal
communities etc.
WHAT ARE COASTAL REGULATION ZONES?
For regulating development activities, the coastal Zones within 500 metres of High Tide Line on the landward side are
classified into four categories.
• Areas that are ecologically sensitive and important, such as national parks/marine parks,
sanctuaries, reserve forests, wildlife habitats, mangroves, corals/coral reefs.
Category I • Areas likely to be inundated due to rise in sea level consequent upon global warming and such
/CRZ I other areas as may be declared by the Central Government or the concerned authorities at the
State/Union Territory level from time to time.
• Also the areas that lie between Low tide line and High tide line.
Category-II
The areas that have already been developed upto or close to the shoreline.
(CRZ-II)
Areas that are relatively undisturbed and those which do not belong to either Category-I or II.
Category-III
These will include coastal zone in the rural areas (developed and undeveloped) and also areas within
(CRZ-III)
Municipal limits or in other legally designated urban areas which are not substantially built up.
Category-IV Coastal stretches in the Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep and small islands, except those designated
(CRZ-IV) as CRZ-I, CRZ-II or CRZ-III.
BACKGROUND
• With the objective of conservation and protection of the coastal environment, Ministry of Environment and Forest and
Climate Change notified the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification in 1991, which was subsequently revised in 2011.

• A need was felt overtime to undertake a comprehensive revision of the notification on the basis of number of
representations from various Coastal States/UTs, besides other stakeholders particularly related to the management
and conservation of marine and coastal eco-systems, development in coastal areas, eco-tourism, livelihood options
and sustainable development of coastal communities etc.
• The Shailesh Nayank Committee which was created in 2014 held wide ranging consultations with State Governments
and other stakeholders and submitted its recommendations in 2015.
• The recommendations were further examined in consultation with Members of Parliament of Coastal States and Union
Territories besides other concerned Ministries of Government of India. A draft notification was issued in April, 2018 for
inviting comments from public at large.
• The Government has approved the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 2018 which is expected to go a long way in
meeting the aspirations of Coastal communities besides ensuring welfare of poor and vulnerable populations.
SALIENT FEATURES OF 2018 NOTIFICATION
1. As per CRZ, 2011 Notification, for CRZ-II (Urban) areas, Floor Space Index (FSI) or the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) had been
frozen. In the CRZ, 2018 Notification, it has been decided to de-freeze the same and permit FSI for construction
projects, as prevailing on the date of the new Notification. This will enable redevelopment of these areas to meet the
emerging needs.
2. Densely populated rural areas to be afforded greater opportunity for development: For CRZ-III (Rural) areas, two
separate categories have now been stipulated as below:
CRZ-III A - These are densely populated rural areas with a population density of 2161 per square kilometre as per 2011
Census. Such areas shall have a No Development Zone (NDZ) of 50 meters from the HTL as against 200 meters from
the High Tide Line stipulated in the CRZ Notification, 2011 since such areas have similar characteristics as urban areas.
CRZ-III B - Rural areas with population density of below 2161 per square kilometre as per 2011 Census. Such areas shall
continue to have an NDZ of 200 meters from the HTL.
3. Temporary tourism facilities such as shacks, toilet blocks, change rooms, drinking water facilities etc. have now been
permitted in Beaches. Such temporary tourism facilities are also now permissible in the "No Development Zone" (NDZ)
of the CRZ-III areas as per the Notification. However, a minimum distance of 10 m from HTL should be maintained for
setting up of such facilities.
4. CRZ Clearances streamlined: The procedure for CRZ clearances has been streamlined. Only such projects/activities,
which are located in the CRZ-I (Ecologically Sensitive Areas) and CRZ IV (area covered between Low Tide Line and 12
Nautical Miles seaward) shall be dealt with for CRZ clearance by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change. The powers for clearances with respect to CRZ-II and III have been delegated at the State level with necessary
guidance.
5. A No Development Zone (NDZ) of 20 meters has been stipulated for all Islands.
6. All Ecologically Sensitive Areas have been accorded special importance.
7. Pollution abatement has been accorded special focus.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS
• Promoting economic development while also respecting the conservation principles of coastal regions
• Significant employment generation, better life and will add value to the economy of India.
• The new notification is expected to rejuvenate the coastal areas while reducing their vulnerabilities.

Ge ography, EEnvironmeent, Biodiv ersity
& Dis aster Mannagement
• The changess brought ab
bout in the C
CRZ Notification will further add to cre
eating additio
onal opportu
unities for afffordable
housing.
• This will ben
nefit not only the housing
g sector but th
he people at large looking
g for shelter.
• Tourism hass been one of
o the greatesst creators of livelihood and
a jobs. The
e new Notificcation will bo
oost tourism in terms
of more actiivities, more infrastructurre and more opportunitie
es and will ce
ertainly go a long
l way in ccreating emp
ployment
opportunitie
es in various aspects of to
ourism.
• This will also
o give boost to
t people, de
esirous of see
eing and enjo
oying the bea
auty of the mighty
m seas.
Moradab bad, located

d on the banks of the riv
ver Ramgannga is now the
E-GOODS S largest e
e-waste hub in the counntry. Risky annd rudimen
ntary ways o
of
metal recovery from m the open burning
b of e-waste com
mponents such as
#Poollution #Ennvironmentt oards and wires
circuit bo w have ch
hoked the city.
KNOW MO
ORE
• It is generated
g w
when electriccal or electro
onic equipm
ment (EEE) iss discarded, or returned
d within
warranty, by consu
umers, and a
also from manufacturing and
a repair re
ejects.
E-W
Waste
• Discarrded laptopss, desktops, ccell phones and their ba
atteries, air conditioners
c and television sets,
cabless and wires, ttubelights an h contain mercury, are some examplees of e-waste..
nd CFLs which
• One of the fasttest growing

waste streams in tthe world.
• The Global
G E-Wa
aste Monito
or
estima
ates that 44.7 n
million
tonnes (mt) of e-waste was
generated in 2016 .
• India was the fo
ourth-largesst
China, the US
generrator after C
and Ja
apan in 2016
6.
• OCHAM finds
A study by ASSO
that a mere 5 per cent o
of
Concerns India’ss e-waste g
gets recycled
d,
much less than the globa
al
recycling rate of 20
0 per cent.
• 95 percent of Indi a’s e-waste is
manag
ged by the unorganised
d
sectorr (kabadiw
walas, p
scrap
antlers) using
dealerrs and disma
dange ds to recove
erous method er
metalss from circuiit-boards and
d
wires.
• Major contributorrs of E-waste
e:
techno
ology o
obsolescence
e,

power supply voltage surges that damage electronics.
• An additional problem arises when developed countries export their e-waste for recycling and/or
disposal (legally or illegally) to developing countries, including India.
• As Indians spend more on electronic items and appliances with rising incomes, e-waste is expected
to continue to grow rapidly.
• Burning of electrical wires are almost invariably encased in PVC, which contains 57 per cent chlorine
produces deadly dioxins.
• Children are especially vulnerable to the health risks that may result from e-waste exposure
• Accumulation of chemicals in soil, water and food.
• The smoke from such burning is known to-
Health impact
 Cause cancer
 Impacts reproductive and digestive system.
 Hampers functioning of Immune system.
 Damage the nervous system.
 Poses several other health hazards..
• Proper e-waste management practices can help to cope up with the problem as only minuscule
proportion of e-waste of the total but has disastrous consequences for the environment and public
health.
• Cities should organise quarterly collection drives or provide drop -off centres.
• Producer responsibility organisations like Reverse Logistics Group and Karo Sambhav are paid by
Solution EEE producers to source and pay for e-waste.
• Focus must be towards R&D effort at safe metal recovery and separation within India
• A rapidly growing e-waste crisis needs rapid official decision making and time-bound responses.
• Recycling of end-of-life products to recover raw materials which would be used in producing new
devices.
• Recovery of metals and plastic through recycling greatly reduces the mining of materials.
NEWS Snippets
IN NEWS: According to a new study, tiger populations under optimal conditions can triple in
18 sites across the world, including eight in India. The study was conducted by
conservationist of the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) across 10 tiger-range countries.
Tiger numbers The Eight sites in India are-
on the rise • Anamalai-Vazhachal (in Tamil Nadu-Kerala)
• Sathyamangalam (Tamil Nadu)
• Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh)

• Achanakmar (Chattisgarh)
• Western Rajaji and Nandhaur (Uttarakhand)
• Manas (across Assam-Bhutan)
• Valmiki (across Bihar-Nepal)
IN NEWS: According to a recent study by the researchers of the Wildlife Institute of India The
Royal Bengal Tiger has been found in the snow-capped regions of the Eastern Himalaya.
• The study that began about three years ago has recorded 11 tigers in Arunachal
Pradesh’s Dibang Valley.
• The Namdapha National Park in the state is known to be the country’s only reserve to
have four big cat species — the tiger, leopard and the severely endangered clouded and
snow leopards.
• Their presence in the Dibang Valley is the evidence of tiger at the highest altitude in the
Indian part of the Eastern Himalayas — the animals have been found at an altitude of
more than 4,000m in Bhutan.
• A large part of the Dibang Valley is home to the Mishmi tribes.
• The cosmology of this tribal group holds tigers to be in special relationship with humans.
Killing the animal is deemed fratricidal.
 Reasons for concern?
• The Dibang Valley tiger is reportedly genetically isolated from the other variety of the
species in Arunachal Pradesh.
Tiger in the • Inbreeding could jeopardise the prospects of an already fragile population.
snow • The story of the newly-discovered tigers is also complicated by the fact that the rivers in
the Valley are slated to be harnessed for hydropower projects.
 Namdapha National Park-Arunachal Pradesh
• It is the largest protected area in the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot.
• Third largest national park in India in terms of area.
• The park harbours the northernmost lowland evergreen rainforests in the world at 27°N
latitude.
• The area is also known for extensive Dipterocarp forests.
• Because of many different vegetation zones, the park is home to a great diversity of
mammal species.
• Four big cat species occur in the park: snow leopards, clouded leopards, common
leopards and tigers.
• Other large predators are dholes, wolves, and Asiatic black bears. Smaller carnivores
include red panda, red fox, yellow-throated marten, Eurasian otter, Oriental small-clawed
otter, spotted linsang, binturong, common palm civet, small Indian civet, large Indian
civet, masked palm civet, marbled cat, fishing cat, Asiatic golden cat, and two species of
mongoose.

• Large herbivores are represented by elephant, wild boar, forest musk deer, Indian
muntjac, hog deer, sambar, gaur, common goral, mainland serow, takin and bharal.
• There are five species of Hornbills recorded from the area.
• The Snowy Throated Babbler is a rare species of Babbler found only in the Patkai and
Mishmi hills and nearby areas in Northern Myanmar, is found in Namdapha.
IN NEWS: A risk assessment draft on talc published by Health Canada, the country’s public
health department, states that talcum powder is harmful to the lungs when inhaled during
breathing and could possibly cause ovarian cancer when used by women in the genital area.
Breathing in products containing talc can lead to Coughing, Difficulty in breathing, Decreased
Toxic talc lung function, Scarring of the lung tissue.
worries India • In India, talcum powder is among the most widely known talc-based self-care products.
• Most Indians use talcum powder to get rid of sweat and the odour that it generates.
• However, talcum powder clogs the pores, which are supposed to remain open. This is the
main cause of local infections like folliculitis, boils, skin eruptions.
IN NEWS: Supreme court directed the Union Environment Ministry to declare 10 km area
around 21 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries across the country as ‘eco-sensitive
zones’. These are:
• Pobitora sanctuary in Assam
• Hemis High Altitude and Kishtewar national parks, Changthang, Hokersar, Trikuta
sanctuaries in Jammu and Kashmir.
Eco-sensitive
• Jogimatti, Thimlapura and Yadahalli Chinkara sanctuaries in Karnataka.
areas around • Deolgaon Rehekuri and Thane Creek Flamingo sanctuaries and the Malvan marine
National Parks sanctuary in Maharashtra.
• Siroi National Park and Khongjaingamba Ching sanctuary in Manipur
• Baghmara Pitcher Plant sanctuary in Meghalaya.
• Fakim and Puliebadze and Rangapahar sanctuaries in Nagaland.
• Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar bird sanctuary and Pilibhit sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh
• Jorepokhri sanctuary in West Bengal
IN NEWS: The governments of India, Nepal and Bhutan are considering to constitute a joint
task force for allowing free movement of wild life across boundaries. The aim is to also check
smuggling of wildlife across the Kanchenjunga Landscape, a trans-boundary region spread
Task force to across Nepal, India and Bhutan.
protect wildlife  About Kanchenjunga Landscape
• It is a trans-boundary region spread across Nepal, India and Bhutan.
• The landscape stretches along the southern side of Mount Kanchenjunga covers parts of

eastern Nepal (21%), Sikkim and West Bengal (56%) and western and south-western parts
of Bhutan (23%).
• According to International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), 74 %
of the area was converted into rangeland and 26% to agricultural land between 2000 and
2010.
IN NEWS: Irritants resurfaced in relations between the riparian States of Tamil Nadu and
Karnataka after the Central Water Commission (CWC) allowed Karnataka to prepare a
detailed project report (DPR) on a plan to build a balancing reservoir-cum-drinking water
project across the river Cauvery at Mekedatu.
• Karnataka has been contending that there is a need to augment capacity to store excess
water in monsoon surplus years.
• Tamil Nadu fears that Karnataka’s move to create more storage facilities would effectively
prevent the flow in the Cauvery.
• Fear is that this could turn the fertile Cauvery delta into a desert.
Mekedatu • Tamil Nadu argued that Cauvery was already a deficit basin and the construction of the
project, or any other project “would drastically affect the lower riparian State in getting
Project their due share of waters.
• Mekedatu’, literally ‘Goat’s leap’ in Kannada, is at the confluence of Cauvery and
Arkavathi rivers, near Kanakapura which is at a distance of 110 km from Bengaluru.
• Karnataka aims to build the Mekedatu balancing reservoir and drinking water project.
• The project aims to supple drinking water to Bengaluru and would also focus on
generation of power.
• The reservoir would help store excess water which can be released to Tamil Nadu during
dry months.
IN NEWS: According to a recent study, climate change is driving glaciers in the Himalayas to
melt more rapidly than at any point in the last 10,000 years, and could soon cause water
supply shortage in parts of India, Pakistan, and Nepal.
 Concerns
Warming lead to
• Lot of people rely on those glaciers for their water.
water crisis in • Melting glaciers can trigger hazards such as avalanches and floods.
Himalayas • Have long-lasting effects on a region’s water supply.
• As the glaciers melt, initially those regions will have more water. However, over time, as
the glaciers shrink, the water those glaciers typically supply will dwindle.
• Precipitation is down and temperatures are up and that leads to retreating glaciers.

IN NEWS: Thousands of olive ridleys have assembled near Rushikulya rookery on the Odisha
Coast for mating season.
• Olive Ridley Turtles are migratory turtle species that come to India for nesting during
winter the season. They are known for their synchronized nesting in mass numbers
known as Arribadas.
• Habitat —Warm and tropical waters of primarily in the Pacific, Indian Ocean and Atlantic
Ocean.
Olive ridleys • Nesting sites in India - Hope Island of Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary (Andhra Pradesh);
Gahirmatha beach (Odisha); Astaranga coast (Odisha); Beach of Rushikulya River (Odisha);
Devi River mouth (Odisha).
• IUCN status: Vulnerable.
• Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I (Species listed in Schedule I are given the
highest protection and highest penalties are awarded)
• CITES: Appendix I (Appendix I lists species that are the most endangered among CITES-
listed animals and plants and are threatened with extinction).
IN NEWS: The Great Indian Bustard that was being christened India’s national bird is now
on the brink of extinction.
• Categorised as Critically endangered as per IUCN.
• Listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection)Act, 1972.
• Listed in Appendix I of CITES.
• One the heaviest flying birds in the world, it inhabits dry grasslands and scrublands on the
Indian subcontinent
• Its largest populations are found in the Indian state of Rajasthan.
• It has also been identified as one of the species for the recovery programme under the
Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats of the Ministry of Environment and Forests,
Great Indian Government of India.
Bustard • Bustards generally favour flat open landscapes with minimal visual obstruction and
disturbance, therefore adapt well in grasslands.
• It has also been identified as one of the species for the recovery programme under the
Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats of the Ministry of Environment and Forests,
Government of India.
• They breed mostly during the monsoon season when females lay a single egg on open
ground.
 Concerns
• The biggest threat to this species is hunting, which is still prevalent in Pakistan.
• Poaching outside Protected Areas
• Collisions with high tension electric wires

• Fast moving vehicles and free-ranging dogs in villages.
• Habitat loss and alteration as a result of widespread agricultural expansion.
• Mechanized farming
• Infrastructural development such as irrigation, roads electric poles, as well as mining and
industrialization.
IN NEWS: World Bank would provide needy countries about US$ 200 billion between 2021-
2025 to help them take more ambitious climate actions, and build resilience against climate
change. It said this would almost double its current five-year commitments for climate
change.
• The World Bank said about half of its newly promised money, US$ 100 billion, will come
from its own resources, while the other half would be from two of its associates, the
International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Multilateral Investment Guarantee
Agency (MIGA), as well as private funders.
COP-24 : World
• But it did not say whether the money would be provided in the form of loans or grants.
Bank doubles
• The bank said that at least 25 per cent of this money, or US$ 50 billion, would be aimed
Funds for projects that would support climate adaptation, an area for which countries generally
have been reluctant to provide money.
• A key priority is boosting support for climate adaptation, recognizing that millions of
people across the world are already facing the severe consequences of more extreme
weather events.
• By ramping up direct adaptation finance to reach around $50 billion over FY21-25, the
World Bank will, for the first time, give this equal emphasis alongside investments that
reduce emissions
IN NEWS: An assessment by the UN climate body shows that the developed nations were
likely to fall short of even their modest emission reduction targets for 2020.
• A first-of-its-kind assessment by the secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC), made at the request of the developing countries, shows that
COP-24 : developed nations had reduced their emissions by 16 per cent from their 1990 levels by
Developed the year 2016.
But a rise in emissions after that has meant that by the year 2020, the emission levels
Nations likely to •
were expected to be only 11.4 per cent below the 1990 levels, well short of their collective
fall short of target of 18 per cent.
2020 Emissions • These targets for the developed countries for the pre-2020 period are governed by the
1997 Kyoto Protocol and will expire in 2020, after which the Paris Agreement will take
Target over.
• In the Kyoto framework, only the developed countries, responsible for the
overwhelming majority of emissions over the last 150 years, were assigned specific
emission reduction targets.

• In the Paris archite
ecture, howe
ever, no cou
untry is assigned any taarget and evveryone
decidess for their ow
wn the climate
e actions they
y want to tak
ke.
• India an
nd other deve
eloping coun
ntries have be
een arguing that
t the emisssion gap cre
eated by
the devveloped natio
ons in pre-2020 period wiill eventually fall upon evveryone to fulfill, and
want to
o guard again
nst this scenario.
IN NEWS: According to the latest annual rep

port of the Global
G Carbo
on Project, G
GLOBAL
EMISSIONS of carbon d
dioxide are all set to reg n 2018, driven by a
gister an all--time high in
strong grow
wth in emissions from Ind
dia.
• India is already the tthird-bigges

st emitter off the world,
An
nnual re
eport of • The carrbon dioxide emissions in
n Indian in 20
018 are likely
y to be 6.3 peer cent more
e than in
2017, an
nd expected to touch 2.62 billion tonn
nes.
Gllobal Carrbon
• India’s g
growth in em
missions was in fact the maximum for any
a major em
mitter.
Prroject • Globallyy, the CO2 emissions this
s year is likely to touch 37.12
3 billion ttonnes, whicch is 2.7
per cen t more than the previous
s year
• China ccontinues to remain the largest emittter of the world,
w with itss emissions in 2018
likely to
o reach 10.3 b
billion tonnes
s, an increase
e of 4.7 per cent
c from lastt year.
• Emissio
ons from the US, the second-biggest emitter, were likely to reacch 5.4 billion tonnes,
a rise off 2.5 per centt from previo
ous year.
• Last yea
ar, India’s CO
O2 emissions had grown by
b 3.7 per cent, much low
wer than the average
of abou
ut 6 per cent for the last 10
1 years, and
d this report had then saaid that it cou
uld have
been pa
artially attributable to dem
monetisation
n and GST.
• This yea
ar’s growth in
n emissions has
h been attrributed to the
e strong econ
nomic growth.
• India’s e
economy con
ntinues to gro
ow strongly, with the firstt two quarterrs of 2018 avveraging
eight pe
er cent.
• While in
nstallations o
of renewable
es are strong
g, coal consumption cont inues to incrrease as
mining outputs gro
ow to supply
y existing pow
wer stationss that have b
been operatting well
short off supply
• The rep
port says thatt growth in global
g CO2 em
missions cou
uld put the Paaris Agreeme
ent goal

of keeping the global rise in temperatures to within 2 degree Celsius of pre-industrial
times “in jeopardy”.
 Global Carbon Project
• The Global Carbon Project was formed in 2001 to help the international science
community to establish a common, mutually agreed knowledge base that supports policy
debate and action to slow the rate of increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
• It is a Global Research Project of Future Earth and a research partner of the World
Climate Research Programme. It was formed to work with the international science
community to establish a common and mutually agreed knowledge base to support
policy debate and action to slow down and ultimately stop the increase of greenhouse
gases in the atmosphere.
• The Global Carbon Project works collaboratively with the International Geosphere-
Biosphere Programme, the World Climate Programme, the International Human
Dimensions Programme on Global Environmental Change and Diversitas, under the Earth
System Science Partnership.
IN NEWS: Bioplastics often promoted as a climate-friendly alternative to petroleum-based

plastics may lead to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, according to a study.
• Plastics are usually made from petroleum, with the associated impacts in terms of fossil
fuel depletion but also climate change.
• It is estimated that by 2050, plastics could already be responsible for 15% of the global
CO2 emissions.
• Bioplastics, on the other hand, are in principle climate-neutral since they are based on
renewable raw materials such as maize, wheat or sugar cane.
Bioplastics
• These plants get the CO2 that they need from the air through their leaves, researchers
said.
• The production of bioplastics in large amounts would change land use globally.
• This could potentially lead to an increase in the conversion of forest areas to arable land.
However, forests absorb considerably more CO2 than maize or sugar cane annually, if
only because of their larger biomass.
• The increasing demand for the “green” energy sources has brought massive deforestation
to some countries across the tropics.
IN NEWS: Rise in salinity in the water system that makes the Indian Sunderbans has resulted
in the decrease of population of the Ganges River Dolphins in the region.
Freshwater flow to the Sunderbans is crucial for the subsistence of these species. The rise in
River Dolphins
sea level, triggered by climate change, is one of the reasons for the increase in salinity of
waters of rivers and channels.
Hydrological modifications like water diversion and commission of large barrages upstream

have had a great impact on the salinity profile of the rivers downstream in the Sunderbans
 Ganges river dolphin
• The Ganges river dolphin is primarily found in the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers and
their tributaries in Bangladesh, India and Nepal
• The Ganges river dolphin has been recognized by the government of India as its National
Aquatic Animal and is the official animal of the Indian city of Guwahati.
• It has been listed as endangered in IUCN Red List
• It is listed in the Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
IN NEWS: Biological monitoring of the Ganga has shown that two major tributaries, Pandu
and Varuna, are increasing pollution load of the river as they are “severely polluted”
before their confluence point, a Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report has
highlighted.
• The report concludes that physico-chemical and bacterial parameters such as Biochemical
Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand and Dissolved Oxygen, total coliform and
faecal coliform provide “only the momentary account of water quality i.e. water quality
Ganga Pollution that prevails at that particular time of monitoring.
• Biological monitoring, on the other hand, has much longer dimension since the aquatic
biota can be affected by chemical and/or hydrological events that may have lasted only a
few days, months or even years before monitoring was carried out
• Tributaries such as Ramganga, Pandu, Varuna etc. were found to be more impactful
locations with respect to biological water quality before confluence with the mainstream
of river Ganga.
IN NEWS: Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), under Ministry of Water Resources, River
Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, has notified revised guidelines for ground water
extraction. It introduced the concept of water conservation fee (WCF), which will be levied
across India from June 2019. It will be levied based on stated criteria and few industries will
be exempted from it.
Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) was constituted under the Environment (Protection)
Act of 1986. It has the mandate of regulating ground water development and management in
Groundwater the country.
Extraction fee The WCF payable varies with the category of the area, type of industry and the quantum of
ground water extraction and is designed to progressively increase from safe to over-
exploited areas and from low to high water consuming industries as well as with increasing
quantum of ground water extraction.
 Significance
• Through this design, the high rates of WCF are expected to discourage setting up of new
industries in over-exploited and critical areas as well as act as a deterrent to large scale
groundwater extraction by industries, especially in over-exploited and critical areas.

• The WCF would also compel industries to adopt measures relating to water use efficiency
and discourage the growth of packaged drinking water units, particularly in over-exploited
and critical areas.
 Details
• Government has a list of ground water blocks called assessment blocks, called
assessment blocks. Depending on ground water draft, these are classified as: 1. safe; 2.
semi-critical; 3. critical; 4. Overexploited
• As per the notification, industries extracting ground water, including mining dewatering
units and those that use ground water for packaged drinking water, Individual household
that draw ground water using a delivery pipe of greater than 1 inch, will need to apply for
No Objection Certificate and pay WCF.
• Water Conservation Fee will be used for ground water recharge projects
 Exemptions
• The agriculture sector (the largest consumer - amounts to 90% of the annual ground
water extraction)
• Defense establishments (with certain conditions)
• Individual Households (using less than 1-inch diameter delivery pipe)
• Users who don't use electricity to extract water.
• World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5th December as a means to focus attention on
the importance of healthy soil and advocating for the sustainable management of soil
resources.
• It is celebrated by the Food and Agriculture organization of United Nations.
World Soil Day  Theme 2018
While we can see many of the changes we have made to our planet, some of our impacts are
virtually invisible, and soil pollution is a good example. Be the Solution to Soil Pollution
campaign for World Soil Day 2018 aims to raise awareness and call people
to #StopSoilPollution.
IN NEWS: India Water Summit was jointly organized by the National Mission for Clean Ganga
(NMCG) and the Centre for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies (cGanga) in
December, 2018.
• The India Water Impact Summit is an annual event where stakeholders get together to
India Water discuss, debate and develop model solutions for some of the biggest water related
problems in the country.
Summit 2018
• This year the focus was on rejuvenation of the Ganga River Basin.
• A number of Indian Central Government Ministries as well as all key decision makers
responsible for delivering the rejuvenation of the Ganga will also be present at the
Summit.

• The efforts may take various forms including (but not limited to): data collection (sensors,
LIDAR, modelling etc), hydrology, e-flows, agriculture, waste water and more.
Ganga Financing Forum : The Summit introduced the inaugural Ganga Financing Forum that
will bring a number of institutions to a common knowledge, information and partnership
platform. The Hybrid Annuity Model has redefined the economic landscape of water and
waste-water treatment in India. All tenders have been successfully bid out and financial
closures being achieved..
IN NEWS: World Bank released the – Regulatory indicators for Sustainable Energy on the
sidelines of COP24 at Katowice. RISE assesses countries’ policy and regulatory support for
each of the three pillars of sustainable energy—access to modern energy, energy efficiency,
and renewable energy.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM RISE 2018
• From 2010-2017, the number of countries with strong policy frameworks for sustainable
energy more than tripled – from 17 to 59.
• Many of the world’s largest energy-consuming countries have significantly improved
their renewable energy regulations while adopting clear targets for both renewable
energy and energy efficiency in the run-up to the 2015 Paris Agreement.
• Progress is no longer contained to developed countries: there are strong performers in
every region of the developing world.
 Energy Access
Regulatory • The countries that have increased their electricity access rates the most since 2010 have
Indicators for also shown a concurrent improvement in electricity access policies.

• In countries with an electricity access deficit, policymakers are increasingly turning their
sustainable attention to off-grid solutions to close the gap. This is illustrated by the soaring share of
Energy (RISE) low-access countries adopting measures to support mini-grids and solar home systems
from around 15 percent in 2010 to 70 percent in 2017.
 Renewable Energy
• In 2017, 50 countries – almost double from 2010 – had developed significant policy
frameworks to enable the uptake of renewable energy.
• About 93 percent of countries covered by RISE had adopted an official renewable energy
target, compared to only 37 percent in 2010 and 84 percent of countries had regulations
in place to support renewable energy deployment, while 95 percent allowed the private
sector to own and operate renewable energy projects.
• Still, clean energy policies continue to focus on electricity, while heating and
transportation – which account for 80 percent of global energy use – continue to be
overlooked.
 Energy Efficiency
• The percentage of countries with advanced policy frameworks on energy efficiency grew

more than ten-fold
d from 2 perc
cent in 2010 to 25 percen
nt in 2017. Mo
ost encourag
gingly,
tthese countrries account for
f 66 percen
nt of the worlld’s energy co
onsumption..
• But th
he global ave
erage score on
o energy effficiency rema
ains low, sugggesting signifficant
room for improvement.
 Clean Cooking
• Among
g the four SD
DG7 target arreas, clean co
ooking contin
nues to be thee most overlooked
and underfunded
u by policyma
akers.
• Despite some evoluttion in policy frameworks since 2010, there
t has beeen little prog
gress on
standa
ard-setting fo
or cook stove
es or on conssumer and prroducer incen
ntives to stim
mulate
ado
option of clea
an technologies.
   And a Conclusiion…
d a picture as

Hisstoryy, HEERITAAGE & Cultture
# GGS Paper (PPrelims) & GS Paper I (Main)
BHIT TARGAO ON The Bhitargaon te emple is con nsidered to be one of th

he oldest brrick
BR
RICK TEM MPLE # AArt templles in India. In this respect, let us understand ssome of the
e key
inform
mation perta aining to thiis temple.
annd Culture #Ancient Inndia
• The Bhitarg
gaon temple was first exccavated by Alexander
Cunningha
am.
• It is the oldest and large
est surviving brick temple
e of the Gupta
period.
• Though Cunningham ha
ad placed it a
as belonging to the 7th
century, it has subsequ
uently been id
dentified as b
belonging to the
late Gupta period, to the 5th centurry.
• The village Bhitargaon had
h been parrt of an ancie
ent city called
d
Phulpur.
• It is covered
d throughoutt with terraccotta sculptu
ures of superb
workmansh
hip.
• According to
t Cunningha
am, because of the Varah
ha incarnation at
the back off the temple, it was proba
ably a Vishnu temple.
 RELATED INFORMATIION: KEY FEA

ATURES
• The tem
mple faces easst and has in
ndented corn
ners.
• A unique
e feature can
n be seen in tthe entrance
e into the san
nctum which shows one o
of the first uses of a
semi-cirrcular doorw ed or false arch compose
way along with a corbele placed edge to edge
ed of bricks p
instead of face to facce.
his the ‘Hindu arch’ which he writes is peculiar to
gham calls th
• Cunning o India and iss very differe
ent from
Arc
chitectural true arch.
fea
atures beled arch ca
• The corb annot supporrt large dome
es whereas a true arch ca
an.
• The tem
mple also has a tall pyram
midical spire (shikhara) above
a the inn
ner sanctum ((garbha griha).
• This shik
khara becam
me the standa
ard feature off the Nagara
a temple arc
chitecture off India.
• The wallls are decora
ated with terrracotta sculptures on pan
nels.
• Some depictions
d in clude Shiva and Parvati seated tog
gether, Gane
esha, an eigght-armed Vishnu, a
Mahisha
asura Mardin
ni and many a
animal figure
es, flora and foliage.
f
Ma
aterial of • It was only in th e middle o
of the 5th century tha
at productio
on of brick masonry in large

Historyy, Heritag e & Culturre
Construction magnitu
ude became p
possible.
• Hence, the
t complete
e use of brick
k in Bhitargao
on temple makes it signifficant.
• It is important to notte that prior tto this, temples were larg
gely made of stone.
 RELAT
TED INFORM
MATION: IMPORTANT GUPTA TEMPL
LES
• Dasavattara temple iss located in D

Deogarh, Utttar Pradesh.
• The tem
mple was d
discovered b
by Captain Charles Strrahan and was named
d so by Ale
exander
Cunning
gham.
Dasavatara • It depictts the 10 ava
atara of Vishnu.
Tem
mple • It is a la
arge and ela
aborate edifice with typic
cal temple art of Guptass (without Sh
hikhara) and cubical
Garbhag
griha.
• This te
emple has also been linked to the vatobhadra temple”
“Sarv m
mentioned in the
Vishnud
dharmottara
a Purana byy several scho
olars.
• The Dha
amekha stup a is located a
at Sarnath.
attana where Buddha gav
• It markss the deer pa rk or Rishipa ve his first se
ermon.
Dh
hamekha • As per an
a inscription
n dated 1026 AD, recovere
ed from the site,
s its older name is Dha
armachakra
a Stupa.
Stu
upa • An inscrription writte n in Brahmi sscript dated to
t 6th or 7th century has been found at this site.
• Below th
his, one morre stupa mad
de of Maury
yan bricks ha
as been foun
nd which givves in indicattion that
Asoka might
m have co
ommissioned
d it.
SAHAR RIYA Thee Sahariya trribal commu unity of Raja

asthan is faccing povertyy, starvation
n and
uneemploymentt despite go overnment support.
s Thiss communitty is widely known
CO
OMMUN NITY for its tradition
n of Mandan na art. In this respect, le
et us undersstand some key
# Art
A and Cullture ormation ab
info bout this trib
be and Mand dana art.
SAH
HARIA COMMUNITY
• The Saharia
a also speltt as Sahariyya and Seh
haria is the
e only
Particularly
y Vulnerable
e Tribal Gro
oup (PVTG) o
or Primitive Tribal
T
Group (PTG)) of Rajastha
an.
• aharia’ is derived from th e Arabic worrd ‘Sehara’ means
The term ‘Sa
wildness.
• ainly distributed in Sahab
They are ma bad and Kish
hanganj Tehsil of
Baran district of Raja
asthan as w
well as Gun
na and Shiv
vpuri
districts of Madhya
M Prad
desh.
• The Saharias speak Had
dauti, an Ind o- Aryan fam
mily of langua
ages.
Their dialectt is also influe
enced by Bra
aj and Hindi tto a large exttent.
 RELATED INFORMATION: MANDA

ANA ART
• The Saharia
as are highly acclaimed fo
or their art w
work mainly re
epresented by
b the paintin
ng of Mandan
na.

History, Heritage & Culture
• Mandana is drawn on wall, floor and sides as well as upper portion of the doors in houses.
• The occasions include marriage, Holi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja that is cattle caring ceremony and so on.
• We find a wide use of geometric design; floral and faunal pattern is some of the speciality of their painting tradition.
• Anthromorphic forms such as some human figures, plants, natural scene, different birds, peacock, adobe of deities,
abstract designs etc. can also found in their painting.
• Their wall painting depicts the scenario of Swang dance which is a typical dance of the Saharias.
BHANDARKAR Recently, the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI),

which houses one of South Asia’s largest and most invaluable
ORIENTAL RESEARCH agglomeration of rare manuscripts, opened its treasure vault
digitally by launching an e-library of ancient religious and
INSTITUTE # Heritage and historical works. In this respect, let us understand some basic
Culture #Modern India information about this organisation.
ABOUT BORI
• The institute is named after legendary Indologist Ramkrishna Gopal Bhandarkar and was set up in 1917.
• It has in its possession nearly two-and-a-half-lakh rare books and manuscripts, some of them in an extremely brittle
state.
• Among the BORI’s notable publications are a 19-volume edition of The Mahabharata, collated with copious critical
material, and legendary Sanskrit scholar P.V. Kane’s five-volume History of Dharmashastra (1930).
 RELATED INFORMATION: R G BHANDARKAR
• Bhandarkar was born in Maharashtra. He studied at Elphinstone College in Bombay.

Basic • Along with Mahadev Govind Ranade, Bhandarkar was among the first graduates in 1862 from Bombay
Information University.
• Bhandarkar later taught at Elphinstone College,(Mumbai) and Deccan College(Pune).
• Bhandarkar was a social reformer who believed in women education and was against caste system.
• In 1853, while a student, Bhandarkar became a member of the Paramhansa Sabha, an association
for furthering liberal ideas which was then secret to avoid the wrath of the powerful and orthodox
Involvement
elements of contemporary society.
in Social
• In 1866, Prarthana Samaj was founded by Atmaram Pandurang with Bhandarkar being an
Reforms
important leader in the Samaj.
• In 1885, Bhandarkar along with noted social reformers Vaman Abaji Modak, and Justice
Ranade established the Maharashtra Girls Education Society (MGE).
Recently, the Great Indian hornbill festival had been inaugurated

THE GREAT INDIAN by the Union Home Minister and it has garnered a huge positive
HORNBILL FESTIVAL response and attention from the national and international
population. In this respect, let us understand some basic details
#ART AND CULTURE about this festival.

Historyy, Heritag e & Culturre
GREAT INDIAN HORN

NBILL FESTIV
VAL
• The Hornbill Festival is a celebration held every ye

ear from 1 – 10 Decembe
er, in Kohima
a, Nagaland
d.
• The festival is named aftter the India n hornbill, th
he large and colourful forest bird which is displayyed in the fo
olklore of
most of the state’s tribess.
• Nagas celeb
brate this festtival to revive
e, protect, sustain and pro
omote the ricchness of the
e Naga heritaage and traditions.
• It is organize
ed by the Nag
galand State Tourism and
d Art & Culture Departme
ents.
• The Festivall highlights include the ttraditional Naga Morung
gs exhibition and the sale of arts an
nd crafts, foo
od stalls,
herbal medicine stalls, flo
ower shows and sales, cu
ultural medle
ey – songs and dances, fasshion shows etc.
 RELAT ED INFORM
MATION: GRE
EAT INDIAN HORNBILL BIRD
B
• The great Indian

I hornb
bill or the great pied hornbill is one
of four typ
pes of hornbi lls found in n
north-eastern
n India.
• The otherss include the wreathed ho
ornbill, the Oriental
pied hornb
bill, and the e
endangered rrufous-necke
ed
hornbill.
• The great hornbill
h is prredominantlyy fruit eating, but is an
opportunisst and preys on small mammals, reptiiles and
birds.
• Its impresssive size and colour have made it important in
many triba
al cultures an
nd rituals.
• IUCN status: Vulnerab
ble (up listed
d from Near
Threatened in 2018). It is also listed
d in Appendix
x I of
CITES.
REGGA AE MUSIIC
# Art and Cuulture # World
Recently, UNESCO has added the

genre of Reggae mussic in its
collection of
o intangible
e cultural
heritage.
In this respe
ect, let us u nderstand
some asp
pects of this musical
tradition.
ABO
OUT REGGA
AE MUSIC
• This tradition belongs to Jamaica.

• As a part of the UNSECO list, Reggae is now deemed to be worthy of protection and promotion.
• Bob Marley was the most celebrated artist of this genre whose work was recognized internationally.
• The themes and messages of the songs belonging to this music include peace, one love and togetherness.
 RELATED INFORMATION: INDIA’S CONTRIBUTION TO UNESCO’S INTANGIBLE HERITAGE LIST
A total of 13 Intangible cultural heritage elements from India have been inscribed till date on the UNESCO’s Representative
List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The entire list is given below:
S. No. ICH Element Year of Inscription
1. Tradition of Vedic chanting 2008
2. Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana 2008
3. Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre 2008
Ramman, religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas,

4. 2009
India
5. Mudiyettu, ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala 2010
6. Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan 2010
7. Chhau dance 2010
Buddhist chanting of Ladakh: recitation of sacred Buddhist texts in the

8. 2012
trans-Himalayan Ladakh region, Jammu and Kashmir, India
9. Sankirtana, ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur 2013
Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras
10. 2014
of Jandiala Guru, Punjab, India
11. Yoga 2016
12. Nawrouz 2016
13. Kumbh Mela 2017
 RELATED INFORMATION: ASSOCIATED GOVERNMENT BODIES
• The Ministry of Culture has appointed the Sangeet Natak Akademi, an autonomous organisation under the
Ministry of Culture, as nodal office for matters relating to the intangible cultural heritage.
• It includes the task of preparing the nomination dossiers for the Representative List of UNESCO.
• The Ministry of Culture makes regular Schemes aimed at preservation, protection and promotion of intangible cultural
heritage in the country.
• The ministry also has various autonomous bodies involved in preservation of propagation of ICH.
• Some important examples include: Sahitya Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Indira Gandhi
National Centre for the Arts, National School of Drama, Centre for Cultural Resources & Training etc.

NEWS Snippets
IN NEWS: Recently, the Incredible India campaign created a controversy by goofing up the date of
construction of the Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh.
• It is the largest monastery in India and second largest in the world after Potala Palace in
Tibet.
TAWANG • It is known in Tibetan as Gaden Namgyal Lhatse.
MONASTERY • It was founded in 1680-81 by a monk named Merag Lodre Gyatso of the Gelug sect after the
4th Dalai Lama gave him a painting of goddess Palden Lhamo to be kept in the monastery.
• An eight-metre high gilded statue of Lord Buddha dominates the sanctum of the monastery.
• The Tawang Monastery was built according to the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang
Lobsang Gyatso.
IN NEWS: Recently, Vrischikolsavam, the annual festival of Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple was
celebrated at Tripunithura in the city of Kochi in Kerala.
• This festival lasts for 8 days with features of traditional folk-art forms such as Ottanthullal,
Kathakali, Thayambaka, Chenda melam, Kacheri.
• It is the colourful procession of Lord Sree Poornathrayeesa, accompanied by 15 caparisoned
elephants and ‘panchari melam.
VRISCHIK-
• Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple is the only temple in South India where an odd pose of Lord
OLSAVAM Vishnu can be seen, sitting under the shade of five royal hoods of the divine serpant,
FESTIVAL Ananthan, whose folded body itself acts as the throne for the God.
• Besides ‘panchari melam’ other traditional orchestrations like ‘maddala pattu’, ‘kombu pattu’,
‘kurumkuzhal pattu’, ‘parisha vadham’ and ‘edakka pradakshinam’ are also be held during
festival days.
• The festival also showcases carnatic music concerts, thayamb, kathakali, ottanthullal,
kurathiyaattom, kolkali and aksharashlokam.
IN NEWS: Recently, a petition has been filed against building of temporary structures by Art of
Living organization in the Brihadeeswarar temple, Thanjavur.
• Brihadeeswarar Temple or Peruvudaiyar Kovil or Rajrajeshwaram temple at Thanjavur is the
BRIHADEE- world’s first complete “granite” temple.
SWARAR • It was built by Rajraja Chola-I and is a part of UNESCO’s world Heritage sites.
It was dedicated by lord Shiva to Rajraja Chola I, when he triumphed Ilam (Sri Lanka) Island.
TEMPLE •
• The Vimana or the temple tower (known as Raja Gopuram) is one of the tallest buildings of its
kind.
• The Nandi is carved out of a single rock.

• Other important Chola temples include: Vijayalaya Cholisvara Temple, Thanjore; Koranganatha
Temple, Srinivasanallur; Muvarkovil, Pudukkottai; Tiruvalisvaram temple, Tiruneveli and
Brihadeeswarar Temple, Gangaikondacholapuram.
IN NEWS: Prime Minister will soon inaugurate an in-site museum at Lalitgiri which is one of the
earliest Buddhist settlements in Odisha.
• It is located in Cuttack district and it will be the third site museum of the Bhubaneswar circle
of the ASI after Ratnagiri and Udaygiri.
• Lalitgiri was an important centre of Buddhism.
• Excavations at Lalitgiri have yielded the remains of four monasteries, showing cultural
LALITGIRI continuity from the post-Mauryan period till the 13th century CE.
MUSEUM • The centre of attraction is a relic casket containing corporal remains found inside the
Mahastupta.
• “Huge sculptures of Buddha, architectural fragments of Viharas and Chaityas arranged period-
wise are found here.
• The central gallery is designed after a Buddha Mandala with a colossal Buddha image at the
centre and six Bodhisattva images surrounding it.
IN NEWS: Amitav Ghosh, who is India’s leading contemporary writer in English has been
honoured with this year’s Jnanpith Award, a literary award given to an author for “outstanding
contribution towards literature”.
• Ghosh is the first Indian writer in English to have been chosen for this honour.
• His writing includes historical tales such as the forgotten Marichjhhapi massacre that he
AMITAV explored in The Hungry Tide (2004).
GHOSH • Ghosh’s Ibis trilogy looks at the political economy of the opium trade between India and
China.
• He explored the treachery of borders and maps in The Shadow Lines (1988),that won him the
Sahitya Akademi award.
• Ghosh is also a recipient of the Padma Shri award.
• His most recent book was The Great Derangement Climate Change published in 2016.

SECURITY
# GS Paper III (Main)
G-20 AGENDA FOR India presented a nine-point agenda to G20 countries, calling for
strong and active cooperation among them to comprehensively
ACTION AGAINST deal with fugitive economic offenders. The summit was held in
FUGITIVE ECONOMIC Buenos Aires, Argentina on international trade, international
financial and tax systems for cooperation in legal processes such
OFFENCES as effective freezing of the proceeds of crime, early return of
#Financial Terrorism offenders and efficient repatriation of the proceeds of crime.
NINE-POINT AGENDA
1. Strong and active cooperation across G-20 countries to deal comprehensively and efficiently with the menace fugitive
economic offenders.
2. Cooperation in the legal processes such as effective freezing of the proceeds of crime; early return of the offenders
and efficient repatriation of the proceeds of crime should be enhanced and streamlined.
3. Joint effort by G-20 countries to form a mechanism that denies entry and safe havens to all fugitive economic
offenders.
4. Principles of United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), United Nations Convention Against
Transnational Organized Crime (UNOTC), especially related to "International Cooperation” should be fully and
effectively implemented.
5. Financial Action Task Force (FATF) should be called upon to assign priority and focus to establishing international co-
operation that leads to timely and comprehensive exchange of information between the competent authorities and
FIUs.
6. FATF should be tasked to formulate a standard definition of fugitive economic offenders.
7. FATF should also develop a set of commonly agreed and standardized procedures related to identification, extradition
and judicial proceedings for dealing with fugitive economic offenders to provide guidance and assistance to G-20
countries, subject to their domestic law.
8. Common platform should be set up for sharing experiences and best practices including successful cases of
extradition, gaps in existing systems of extradition and legal assistance, etc.
9. G-20 Forum should consider initiating work on locating properties of economic offenders who have a tax debt in the
country of their residence for its recovery.
• The G20 is an international forum for the governments and central bank governors from 19 countries
G-20 and the European Union.
• Founded in 1999 with the aim to discuss policy pertaining to the promotion of international financial

Security
stability.
• The G20 has expanded its agenda since 2008 and heads of government or heads of state, as well
as finance ministers and foreign ministers, have periodically conferred at summits ever since.
• The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) is a multilateral treaty negotiated
by member states of the United Nations (UN) and promoted by the UN Office on Drugs and
Crime(UNODC).
UNCAC • It is one of several legally binding international anti-corruption agreements. UNCAC requires state
parties to the treaty to implement several anti-corruption measures that focus on five main areas:
prevention, law enforcement, international cooperation, asset recovery, and technical assistance and
information exchange.
• The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is a United Nations-
sponsored multilateral treaty against transnational organized crime.
• The Convention was adopted by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on 15
November 2000.
• It is also called the Palermo Convention, and its three supplementary protocols (the Palermo
Protocols) are:
UNOTC
1. Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children.
2. Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air.
3. Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing and Trafficking in Firearms.
• All four of these instruments contain elements of the current international law on human
trafficking, arms trafficking and money laundering. The United Nations Office on Drugs and
Crime(UNODC) acts as custodian of the UNTOC and its protocols
• The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 by the
Ministers of its Member jurisdictions.
• The objectives of the FATF are to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal,
FATF regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other
related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.
• The FATF is therefore a “policy-making body” which works to generate the necessary political will to
bring about national legislative and regulatory reforms in these areas.
INTERNAL SECURITY The Union Home Minister stated that the Internal Security
SITUATION IN INDIA situation in the country has vastly improved, particularly in the
North-East and the LWE affected States.
#Internal Security

Security
OVERVIEW OF THE SITUATION
• Security scenario in the North-East region has witnessed steady improvement in recent years.
• There is 17% decline in total violent incidents in 2018 as compared to 2017, and 38% reduction in the
casualties of civilians
• AFSPA was selectively relaxed in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, inviting positive public response.
North East
States • To encourage the militants to join the mainstream, GoI has revised the Surrender-Cum-
Rehabilitation Policy for North-East States by enhancing financial benefits to the surrendering
militants
• In order to plug the gaps on the Indo-Myanmar border, an Inter-Ministerial Committee headed by MHA
has formulated a revised protocol for effective implementation of Free Movement Regime
• Coordination among different State Police Forces and CAPFs, and generation of regular actionable
intelligence lead to an almost two-fold increase in the losses suffered by LWEs this year
LWE Areas
• After a comprehensive review the number of districts covered under Security Related Expenditure
(SRE) scheme were reduced from 126 to 90.
• The communal situation during the current year remained under control, with a decrease of 12% in
Communal
communal incidents as compared to the corresponding period in 2017
Tension
• Misuse of Social Media for religious denigration also witnessed a significant decline during this year
• Law enforcement agencies, through concerted action coordinated by Intelligence Bureau, have
managed to overcome the first tide of propaganda and mobilization by Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.
Consequently, India witnessed very few incidents of IS inspired violence.
• In countering terror, NIA is also doing very good work. A total number of 45 NIA Special Courts have
Terrorism
been constituted in the States / Union Territories.
• The NIA, since its inception, has registered 183 cases till December, 2017, out of which, 135 cases have
been charge sheeted. Trial has been concluded in 37 cases, out of which 35 cases have resulted in
conviction. This is one of the highest conviction rates in the world by any Agency
• Attempts by militants to infiltrate in large numbers, intermittent attacks by militants and efforts at local
recruitment continue.
• Terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK remains in the form of training camps, launching pads and
communication control stations.
• Financing from across for militants and separatists is a cause of concern. The separatists also exploit
every possible situation to agitate the people to fan further anti-India sentiments which leads to law
Terrorism
and order situation
Concerns
• In Punjab, recent terror incidents and related interdictions indicate concerted efforts on part of Pak-
establishment and Sikh extremist elements based in Pakistan to revive terrorism in Punjab with active
support of other Sikh radical/extremist entities based abroad, especially Europe and America.
• Pak-establishment is also seeking to forge an understanding between Sikh extremist groups and Pak-
based Islamist outfits as well as Kashmir-centric terrorist groups for targeting Indian interests
• Efforts on FATF platform by India have ensured that Pakistan is rightly put on grey list vis-vis financial

Securitty
terrorism
• Econom
mic installatio
ons and iconic institutions
s of India are also being continuously
c targeted from across
the Wesstern border through esp
pionage and cyberspace.
c
• Various sensitive orrganizations, including th
he Indian Army, Air Forcce, Navy, ITB
BP, DRDO, BS
SF, CRPF,
MEA, Airport
A ority of India,, Ministry of Petroleum and
Autho a Natural Gas
G and the Indian Railw
ways, etc.
Cyber Crime
have be
een targeted from across the border through spoo
ofed / crank calls
c to elicit ssensitive info
ormation
• In a mo
ove to creatte synergy, Industry associations such as Data Security Cou
uncil of Indiia (DSCI),
NASSCO
OM, Cyber Fo
orensic Labs, setup in certtain States, have
h taken up
p tasks of aw
wareness crea
ation and
training
g programme
es on Cyber C
Crime Investigation.
IN
NFORMA ATION F FUSION N The Navyy will formally inauguraate the Inforrmation Fussion
Centre (IFC) for the Indian Ocean Region (IOOR). The
CENTRE-IN
NDIAN OCEAN N informattion Fusion Centre
C wills serve counntries that have
R
REGION N White Sh
hipping Inforrmation Exc change agreeements with
India.
# Maritimme Securityy
T
THINGS TO KNOW
K
• Ministe
er of Defencce,
launche
ed t he
Informa
ation Fusio
on
Centre – an
India
Ocean Region (IFFC-
IOR), at
a Informatio
on
Manage
ement an
nd
Analysis Centtre
Wh
hat is IFC- (IMAC) Gurugram.
IOR
R? • It is jointtly
adminisstered by t he
Indian Navy an
nd
Indian Coast
C Guard..
• IFC-IOR
R is establish ed with the vision of strengthening maritime
m seccurity in the Indian Ocea
an region
and be
eyond, by bu
uilding a com
mmon coherent maritime
e situation picture
p and aacting as a maritime
informa
ation hub forr the region.
• The settting up of IFC
C-IOR undersscores the go
overnmental approach an
nd effort in lin
ne with Secu
urity and
Growth
h of All in th
he Region (SA
AGAR).
• The Ind
dian Ocean R
Region is vita
al to world trade
t and ecconomic prossperity of m any nations as more
Sig
gnificance than 75
5% of the worrld’s maritime trade and 50%
5 al oil consumption passess through the
of globa e IOR.
of IFC-IOR • Howeve
er, maritime
e terrorism, piracy, hum
man and con
ntraband tra
afficking, illeggal and unrregulated
fishing, arms runni ng and poacching pose myriad
m enges to maritime safetyy and security in the
challe

Security
region.
• Therefore, IFC-IOR stems from the importance of the Indian Ocean to world trade and security, and
the need for the various maritime nations and organisations to collaborate towards enhancing
maritime safety and security on the seas of this region.
• Through this Centre, information on “white shipping”, or commercial shipping, will be exchanged
with countries in the region to improve maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean.
Benefit of • The Indian Navy is mandated to conclude white shipping information exchange agreements with 36
IFC-IOR countries and three multi-national constructs.
• Such multilateral agreements are necessitated due to the large traffic in the Indian Ocean which
cannot be entirely monitored by any one nation.
All countries that have already signed white shipping information exchange agreements with India, about
IFC partners
21 of them, are IFC partners.
• The information Exchange at the IFC-IOR would be initially undertaken by virtual means, using
How telephone calls, faxes, emails and video conferencing over internet.
Information
• Subsequently, to enable better interconnection, quicker analysis of information and provide timely
Exchange
inputs, the IFC-IOR would host Liaison Officers from partner countries.
would take
place? • IFC-IOR would undertake conduct of exercises and training capsules in maritime information collection
and sharing.
• India has signed the ascension agreement to the Trans Regional Maritime Network (T-RMN) which
Related
facilitates information exchange on the movement of commercial traffic on the high seas.
Development
• The multilateral construct comprises of 30 countries and is steered by Italy.
The 215th Parliamentary Standing Committee Report on Home Affairs

NATIONAL tabled in the Rajya Sabha recommended that Ministry of Home Affairs
SECURITY GUARD should make urgent and sincere efforts to commission a dedicated Air
Wing of NSG and provide requisite types and number of air assets to
# Counter Terrorism strengthen the aviation capability of the force.
WHAT IS NSG?
• The National Security Guard (NSG) is an Indian special forces unit under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• It was raised in 1984, "for combating terrorist activities with a view to protect states against internal disturbances".
• It is trained to operate as an elite urban anti-terrorist and anti-hijack force.
• Though NSG is under the authority of Ministry of Home Affairs yet it is not categorised under the uniform
nomenclature of Central Armed Police Forces.
• It has a special forces mandate, and its core operational capability is provided by the Special Action Group (SAG) which
is drawn from the Indian Army.
• The Special Rangers Group (SRG), the police component of NSG, which also handles VIP security, is composed of
personnel on deputation from other Central Armed Police Forces and State Police Forces.

Securitty
• The NSG pe
ersonnel are often referre
ed to in the media as Bla
ack Cats beca
ause of the black
b outfit aand black catt insignia
worn on the
eir uniform.
NAGA PE
N EACE Ass Nagaland awaits the finalization
f of
o the Naga peace accoord, various factions
off NSCN has ffired their to
op leader whereas
w the Union Minisstry of Home
ACCORD Afffairs (MHA)) has agreedd to discuss the
t demand ds of Eastern
n Nagaland
# Internal Seecurity Peeople’s Orga
anisation (EN NPO).
• 1958: The Indian governmentt enacted th

he Armed
Forces (Special Pow
wers) Act in N
Nagaland
• 1963: Nagaland
N atta
ains statehoo
od
• 1975: The
T Shillong
g Accord was signed bettween the
nment and a section o
govern of the Naga
a National
Counciil (NNC), und
der which this NNC factio
on and the
underg a Federal Government (NFG) laid
ground Naga
down arms. A grroup led byy Thuingalen
ng Muivah
refused
d to accept th
he Accord.
• 1980: Thuingaleng
g Muivah fformed the National
Socialisst Council off Nagaland (N
NSCN), with Isak Chishi
Road to Peace
Swu an
nd S S Khapla
ang.
Acc
cord
• 1988: The
T NSCN sp
plit into two g
groups, led by
b Isak and
Muivah
h, and Khapl ang. NSCN-IM came to be
b seen as
the pre
edominant N
Naga rebel ou
utfit.
• 1997: An agre ement wa
as signed between
Govern
nment and N
Naga armed g
groups.
• 2015: The
T NSCN-K u
unilaterally b
broke the agrreement in
2015, and was su
ubsequently declared an
n unlawful
associa
ation unde
er The U
Unlawful Activities
(Preve
ention) Act, 1
1967.
• ded to revoke its decision of unila
2018: Now NSCN--K has decid aterally abro
ogating the ceasefire
agreem
ment with the
e Union gove
ernment with
h immediate effect.
e
• Greate
er Nagalim iss envisioned to consist of
o Nagaland and all con
ntiguous Na
aga-inhabite
ed areas,
Gre
eater which included
i sev eral districts of Assam, Arrunachal Pradesh and Ma
anipur, and a part of Myanmar.
Na
agalim • The de
emand of Grreater Nagalim is oppose
ed by all the neighbourin
ng States in IIndia, as the
ey do not
intend for any chan
nges in current boundarie
es of India’s North
N East.
• Central Governme
ent and NSC
CN-IM had signed
s a fra
amework ag
greement in 2015 to en
nd Naga
insurge
ency. Howeve
er the peace agreement is
i yet to be finalised and details
d of thee framework have not
Cea
asefire
been shared with g
general publicc.
Agreement
• Centre is currentlyy engaged in talks with m NSCN-IM for final
h six other Naga groupss apart from
conclusion to agree
ement.

Security
• Centre’s interlocutor R. N. Ravi had in a recent submission before a Standing Committee of

Parliament stated that:
o Special arrangement would be made for the Nagas;
o Current boundaries of North Eastern States will not be changed or altered.
• However, Nagaland is already accorded a special status under Article 371A of the Constitution and it
is yet to be seen what other special arrangement has been promised under the 2015 framework
agreement.
 RELATED INFORMATION: THE UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES (PREVENTION) ACT, 1967
• Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act is an Indian law aimed at effective prevention of unlawful activities associations
in India.
• Its main objective was to make powers available for dealing with activities directed against the integrity and
sovereignty of India
• The most recent amendment in the Act has been done in 2012.
• According to critics, Laws like the UAPA seek to impose “reasonable restrictions” on the rights normally enjoyed by
citizens and UAPA lacks the adequate safeguards.
• Further, UAPA is being used alarmingly often. According to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data,
from 2014 to 2016, it was invoked an average of 930 times each year.
• The UAPA also has a far higher pendency rate than other laws, and almost 90 per cent of its cases are carried forward
from year to year.
 RELATED INFORMATION: NAGA FACTIONS
• The NSCN (Isak-Muivah) has been engaged in peace talks with the interlocutor of the Central
government since 1997, when it announced a ceasefire agreement after an insurgency movement that
started in Nagaland soon after India’s Independence.
NSCN-IM
• Subsequently, the Centre signed a Framework Agreement with the NSCN(I-M) on August 3, 2015.
• The Union government has also started separate talks with working committees of six Naga nationalist
political groups since 2017.
• Myanmar-based faction of the extremist National Socialist Council of Nagaland, or NSCN-K, had ousted
the last of its Naga of Indian origin, Mr. Konyak who took over as chairman of the NSCN-K after
Khaplang died in June 2017.
• In August, the NSCN(K) had impeached its chairman Khango Konyak, forcing him and some 100 followers
to cross over to India from their clandestine camps in Myanmar.
NSCN-K • Central government had held a meeting with Konyak in New Delhi for the possible inclusion of the
NSCN(K) in the Naga peace process
• The faction is now dominated by the Hemi Naga community which is native to Myanmar. The exodus
of Indian members has led to formation of splinter groups in India but the fragmentation of NSCN-K has
augmented the political strength of NSCN-IM as a political stakeholder in Naga issue
• The NSCN(K) had signed ceasefire with the Centre in 2001 but unilaterally abrogated it in March 2015

Security
when the then chairman of the group, S.S. Khaplang, was alive.
• Now it has decided to revoke its decision of unilaterally abrogating the ceasefire agreement with the
Union government with immediate effect.
• The NSCN(R), a breakaway faction of the NSCN (Khaplang), was formed in April 2015
NSCN-R • Recently, it has expelled its army chief Jackson Pochury for alleged anti-social and anti-national activities.
• Pochury is the second top-rung leader across the NSCN factions to have been removed this year.
• Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), an apex body of six Naga tribes, asking for a separate
state by name ‘Frontier Nagaland’ under the Constitution (Article 371-A( 2) )
• Six tribes are namely Chang, Konyak, Khiamniungan, Phom, Sangtam and Yimchunger.
ENPO • ENPO has been demanding the creation of a separate state comprising the four eastern districts of
Tuensang, Mon, Longleng and Kiphire for over a decade now.
• Recently, a tripartite dialogue was held between the ENPO, Nagaland government and MHA under the
chairmanship of special secretary (internal security)
MILITARY EXERCISES
# Security
• Ninth edition of lndo-Maldives joint military exercise EKUVERIN 2018 was conducted at
Maafilaafushi, Maldives between December, 2018.
EKUVERIN - • The Indian Army contingent comprised of officers and troops from the MADRAS Regiment while
2018 Maldives was represented by officers and marines of MNDF.
• The primary focus of the exercise was to train and equip the contingents to undertake joint counter
insurgency and counter terrorist operations in rural/ urban environment.
• 7th Sino -India joint exercise Hand-in-Hand 2018 was held at Chengdu, China.
• Company size contingents of 11 SIKHLI from Indian Army and a regiment from Tibetan Military District
of People's Liberation Army participated in the exercise.
• The exercise consists of a balance of indoor classes and outdoor training activities.
Hand-in-
Hand – 2018 • The aim of the exercise is to build and promote close relations between armies of both the countries
and to enhance ability of the joint exercise commander to take military contingents of both nations
under command.
• The exercise involves tactical level operations in an international counter insurgency/counter terrorism
environment under UN mandate.
• The 10th edition of exercise INDRA NAVY was conducted at/off Visakhapatnam between Indian Navy
and Russian Federation Navy.
INDRA NAVY
• The primary aim of the exercise is to increase inter-operability amongst the two navies, develop
-2018
common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations
• Initiated in 2003, INDRA NAVY exercise has matured over the years with increase in scope, complexity

Securitty
and leve
el of participa
ation.
• The thrust of exerciises at sea w
would be on Anti-Submar
A rine Warfare (ASW), Air D
Defence drillss, Surface
Firings, Visit Board S eizure (VBSS)) operations and tactical procedures.
Search and Se p
• During exercise IND
DRA NAVY-18
8, the Indian
n Navy was represented
r nvir, a guided
by INS Ran d missile
destroy
yer, INS Satp
pura, an indig
genous friga
ate, INS Kadm
matt, an indigenous antii- submarine
e warfare
(ASW) corvette,
c IN S ar both indigenous missille corvettes and INS Jyotti, a fleet
Ships Kutharr and Khanja
tanker.
• Ex Cope
e India-18 is the fourth e
edition in the series of Bilateral
B Jointt exercise heeld between IAF and
USAF, which
w is cond
ducted in Indiia.
• This is the
t first time,, the exercise
e was held att two Air Forcce bases, Kala
aikunda and Panagarh.
Cope India -
• USAF participated w
with 12 X F15
5 C/D and 03
3 X C-130. IA
AF is participating with th
he Su-30 MK
KI, Jaguar,
201
18
Mirage 2000 , C-130JJ & AWACS aircraft.
• m of exercisse is to pro
The aim ovide operational exposu
ure and undertake mutu
ual exchange
e of best
practice
es towards en
nhancing ope
erational cap
pability.
• Exercise
e Aviaindra iss an Air Force
e level exercis
se between In
ndia and the
e Russian Fe
ederation.
• First Aviaindra was cconducted in 2014 and ha
as been plann
ned as a bi-an
nnual exercisse.
onducted in JJodhpur, Indiia.
• It was co
• The aim of the exerccise is focused towards an
nti-terrorist operations
o in a bi-lateral sscenario.
Aviaindra
ercise would further enh
• The exe hance the co
o-operation and understtanding each
h other’s Co
oncept of
Operatio
ons.
• In addition to flying exercise, there would be formal inte
eractions, disscussions, exxchange of id
deas and
friendly sports match
hes to enhan
nce bonhomie between th
he two Air Forces.

Misccellaaneouus
AUST
TRALIAN OPEN
N
#Tennis
Forrthcoming event:
e The first grand sla m of the yea
ar is about to
o commence in Australia. It is played o
on hard cou
urt. Prior
to 1988, it was played

p on gra
ass courts.
It is also the first Grand Sllam tournam

ment to featu
ure indoor play
p during wet weatherr or extremee heat with its three
primary courtss, the Rod Laver

L Arena, Melbourne Arena and the refurbished Margaret Court A
Arena equipp
ped with
rettractable rooffs.
It will erer, Rafael Nadal and Nov

ng the big thrree of tennis (Roger Fede
w again brin vak Djokovic) in contentio
on. They are going to
b the young breed.

be challenged by
The
e women’s se
egment is mo
ore open butt still there is challenge fro
om ageless Serena
S William
ms.
On
nly time will te
ell what will happen
h in th e tussle. Rem
main glued to nd to the magazine for itss results pub
o the event an blished in
nex
xt month’s issue.

M
Miscellan eous
2018
8 MEN’S
S HOCKE EY WOR
RLD CUP
P
#Hockeey
Result: 2018 Men's

M Hocke
ey World wass held from 28 Novemb
ber to 16 December
D 20
018, at the Kalinga Stadium in
Bhubaneswar, India.
I
Belgium won th
he tourname
ent for the firrst time afte
er defeating the Netherlan
nds 3–2 in the
e final on a p
penalty shoott-out.
Defending cham
mpions Austrralia won the
e third place m
match by deffeating England.
UNDERS
U STANDIING IND DIA’S NOORTHEA
AST
# BBOOKS AND AUTHORS
A
Genrre: Non-Fictio
on, History an
nd Politics
Auth
hor: Rupa Chiinai
Impoortance: The e book looks at north-easstern India’s diversity an d touches upon the
regio n’s challenge
es and potential.
It is a
an empathetiic book abou
ut a region an
nd people tha
at have been
n neglected sseverely.
It tellss stories of issolation, unrest, cultural diversity,
d dan
ngerous polittics, ethnic sttrife, the
violattion of rights and, significantly, hope.
Flow of the book: The deep sense of injustice and alienation
a thaat the people of the
regio n feel is a re
ecurring them
me in the bo
ook, exacerbaated by poorr media cove
erage of
egion.
the re
Even those who are aware of o the north
heast’s critica
al significancce do not kn
now the
regio n’s diversityy or the sep
parate potenntial and ch hallenges off Arunachal, Assam,
Mani pur, Meghala aya, Mizoram
m, Nagaland and
a Tripura.
his book pre
So, th esents an intteresting connnect and thhe reader wiill emerge w
with new
knowwledge and in
nsights aboutt this importa
ant region.

ETHICS,, INTEEGRITTY & APTIT
A TUDE
# GGS Paper IVV (Main)
C
CONTEM
MPORARRY WORLLD & INCCREASINNG RELEEVANCEE OF
Dr. BB.R. AMBBEDKARR
#Perrsonality ##Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
Q. Mahaatma Gandhhi and Dr. B.RR. Ambedkaar, despite having

h diverg
gent approa
aches and sttrategies, had a
common go
oal of amelioration of the downtro
odden. Elucid
date.
(UPSC 2015)

Ethics,, Integrityy & Aptitudde
Q. Our atttitudes towwards life, wwork, other ppeople and society

s are generally
g sh
haped uncon
nsciously by
y the
fam
mily and soccial surroun
ndings in wh
hich we grow
w up. Some of these unc
consciously acquired atttitudes and
d values
are often un
ndesirable iin the citizen
ns of a modern democrratic and ega
alitarian socciety.
Disc
cuss such un
ndesirable v
values prese
ent in today
y’s educated Indians.
(UPSC 2016)
IN
N CONTINUA
ATION FROM
M THE LAST
T MONTH’S C
COVERAGE ON
O M.K. GAN
NDHI, THIS ISSUE FOCU SES ON ANO
OTHER
POWER A
AND EQUIVA
ALENT STALW
WART, Dr. B..R. AMBEDKER.
DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR A

AND DRA
AFTING OF THE
E
CONSTIT
C TUTION
N:
TH
HOUGHT
T PROCE
ESS
On
n 29th Aug
gust, 1947, the Constittuent Assem
mbly appointted a ‘Draftting
Committee” witth the seven
n members iincluding Dr.. Ambedkar for preparin
ng a
dra
aft of the Constitution
C of the ind ependent In even members,
ndia. The se
inccluding the Ch
hairman of th
he ‘Drafting C
Committee’ w
were as follow
ws:
1) Dr.
D B.R. Ambe
edkar, Chairm
man
2) N. Gop
palaswami
3)) Alladi Krishn
naswami Ayyyar
4) K.M. Munshi
5) Mohamm
mad Saadulla
6) B.L. M
Mitter and
7) D.P. Khaitan
Dr.. Ambedkar had a charismatic person

nality. He wa
as pragmatic par excellen
nce,
wh
ho never allo ayed by absstract ideas and ideals. He
owed himself to be swa
strrongly believ
ved that po
olitical indep
pendence ca
annot assurre either soc
cial
sollidarity or national
n inte
egration in the absence
e of social justice.
j Bein
ng a
dem
mocratic soccialist, he pro
opagated tha t fundamenttal rights hav
ve little mean
ning
e absence of social democcracy.
to people in the
Dr.. Ambedkar was he very few I ndian Statessmen-politicia

w one of th ans who activ
vely
parrticipated in the discusssions on Con
nstitutional m
matters from
m the Monta
agu-
Chelmsford Refforms (1919) to the Cabin
net Mission (1
1946) propos
sals.

Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
Dr. Ambedkar at the Round Table Conference

The Round Table Conference was a landmark in the history of the Indian Constitution. Being invited to discuss on
constitutional matters Dr. Ambedkar demanded independence and hoped that the people of India would be able to
redress their grievances by political power and this political power will come to them under the ‘Swaraj’ constitution.
At the first session of the Round Table Conference, he gave a clear warning to the British Government, saying: “I am afraid
it is not sufficiently realised that in the present temper of the country, no Constitution will be workable which is not-acceptable to
the majority of the people. Let the consent of the people and not the accident of logic be the touchstone of your new Constitution,
if you desire that it should be worked…”
He advocated for a government which was a responsible government formed by the representatives of the people. Dr.
Ambedkar did not want to impose a Constitution on the Indians, but he submitted that the opinion of the people
about the manner in which they desired to be governed must be accepted.
“The best government rests on the people, and not on the few persons and not on property, on the free
development of public opinion and not on authority”.
Concept of Federalism: His concept of federalism meant that the State was a federation in normalcy, but unitary in
emergency.
Centre was made strong: In the Draft Constitution, Dr. Ambedkar offered more powers to the Centre and made it strong.
Justifying the provisions for a strong Central authority Dr. Ambedkar said that he made the centre strong not only to ‘save
minorities from the misrule of majority’ but also “for it is only the centre which can work for a common end and for the
general interests of the country as a whole.”
Equality of opportunity: In the Draft Constitution the “Fundamental Rights”, prescribed were justifiable in the Court of
Law. Of all the rights, Dr. Ambedkar observed “Equality of Opportunity” as the most important one. Regarding the
constitutional remedies, he characterize Article 32 as the very soul of the Constitution and the very heart of it.
To him, fundamental rights would mean establishment of equality and liberty in order to reform our social system, which
is so full of inequalities discriminations, and other which conflict with our fundamental rights.
Directive Principles of State Policy

The Directive Principles of State Policy contained the positive obligations of the state towards its citizens. The Directives
were meant to ensure social and economic democracy which was secured by the provisions of fundamental rights in a
written Constitution.
Dr. Ambedkar said: “What are called Directive Principles is simply another name for Instruments of instructions to
the legislature and the executive…as to how they should exercise their power.”
Constitution: A Dynamic Document

The Constitution is a dynamic document it should grow with the growth of the nation and should suit the changing needs
and circumstance. So Dr. Ambedkar urged the necessity of amendment.
“The Draft Constitution has eliminated the elaborate and difficult procedures such as a decision by a convention or a
referendum. The power of amendment lies with the legislatures, Central and Provincial …”

National Integration
In the Draft Constitution Dr. Ambedkar prescribed single citizenship, a single judiciary and uniformity in fundamental Laws
to integrate Indian society which was not only divided into caste and class, but also into regions, religions, languages,
traditions and cultures. Therefore, a strong Centre was indispensable to maintain territorial integrity and administrative
discipline.
A pragmatist to the core, Ambedkar believed that in the absence of economic and social justice political independence
would not bring about their social solidarity or, national integration. He advocated the abolition of privileges on the basis
of caste or status and vigorously fought for the liberty and dignity of the individual. It the same time, he was equally force-
full in his advocacy of the unity of the nation. Ambedkar sought to achieve the objectives through the constitution of India
by incorporating in it the following principles.
(1) Making the Indian constitution workable, flexible enough and strong enough to hold the country together both in
peace and war time.
(2) Providing special safeguards to the minorities and certain classes who are socially and educationally backward.
(3) Incorporating the principle of one man, one value, and one man, one vote. Thus, the constitution of India accepted one
individual and net on village as a unit.
(4) Incorporating exceptions and qualifications to the FRs while advocating preventive detention and emerging way of
powers of the President of India.
(5) Abolishing untouchability and forced labour to achieve the ideal of “one man, one value, and one man, one vote’, and
placing all people equal before the law; securing equal protection of laws for every citizens as also freedom of profession
and equality of opportunity.
(6) Incorporating the right to constitutional remedies for making the rights real.
The contribution of Dr. Ambedkar in Indian Democracy is not to be forgotten. As a chairman of the Constitutional
Committee he gave a shape to our country of a complete Sovereign, Democratic and Republic based on adult franchise.
Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s name will be written in golden letters in the history of India as a creator of social justice. This fact
is doubtless. He was not only the man of age and builder of the Constitution but also the creator of social justice and
betterment of the downtrodden. If Mahatma Gandhi gave direction and lesson of morality then Baba Saheb gave shape to
social aspect without exploitation. In true sense of the word, he gave democratic and anti-caste aim. He spent his whole
life for the betterment of the poor, exploited, untouchables and troubled classes. Thus, Dr. Ambedkar’s contribution to the
Indian Constitution is undoubtedly of the highest order. Indeed he deserved to be called the “Father or the Chief
Architect” of the Indian Constitution.
Now, discover the various facets of Dr. B.R. AMBEDKER presented in the beautifully curated articles given below.
DON YOUR THINKING HAT:

Read and analyse the perspectives given below.
PERSPECTIVE 1:
THE PRESCIENCE OF BABASAHEB
(Courtesy: The Hindu)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

B.R. Ambedkar prophetically wrote that the governing class always raises the cry of ‘nationalism’ whenever the
exploited classes demand equal treatment. For him, true nationalism was compassionate and emancipatory.
The >125th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is an apt occasion to assess and reassess his thoughts and ideology
and their relevance in India and the world today. Ambedkar was a philosopher who not only interpreted the society and
the world during his time but also struggled to change them, fighting as a foot soldier. Having a universal vision, he
shaped and steered struggles in which was forged his belief in secularism, social justice and socialism. He believed that
the annihilation of caste and negation of capitalism are imperatives for change and taking India and the world
forward.
Ambedkar also analysed nationalism in the context of the demand of the Indian commercial community/class that sought
to replace Europeans in the field of trade and commerce. They wanted to do so using the trope of nationalism. They also
wanted lower exchange rates and higher profits in foreign trade by taking recourse to nationalism. Ambedkar critically
observed such profit-seeking orientation of the commercial class and disapproved of their predatory economic pursuits
under the garb of nationalism. The very same class compromised with the British colonial Raj and served its interest.
Right-wing forces did the same. In 21st century India where the architecture of the economy is dominated by corporate
and finance capital in alliance with the political formations championing the cause of so-called nationalism, it is extremely
critical to recall the analysis of Ambedkar indicting the sole profit-making pursuits at the cost of people’s interests.
Nationalism as a fig leaf
In the present context, nationalism is being invoked in a coercive manner spreading fear and terror among people.
Ambedkar, the principal architect of our Constitution, in his numerous writings reflected on nationalism and gave valuable
insights. He argued very passionately for adequate representation of the untouchables in the legislature, executive and
public service. Nationalism was used as a cover to negate such demands. In fact, he categorically wrote that nationalism
became the core plank to take a stand against the struggling humanity within the country and thereby creating fertile
conditions for the upsurge of rank communalism. Indeed, what he wrote before Independence has become a grim reality
today. The communal fascist forces have not only secured state power at the Centre but also control and command the
state apparatus and their functions at the national level to serve their sinister design.
It is instructive to note that Ambedkar very persuasively, prophetically and incisively wrote that the governing class in India
always raised the cry of ‘nationalism/Bharat mata is in danger’ whenever the exploited classes demanded justice and
fair and equal treatment and affirmative action for representation in the legislature, executive and public service. He
also pointed out that the governing class was aware that class ideology, class interests, class issues and class conflicts
would spell disaster for its rule and therefore always side-tracked the issues and interests of the exploited masses by
playing upon the sentiment of nationalism and national unity. He described it as a misuse of nationalism. It is tragic that
what Ambedkar wrote much before our Independence is now becoming a grim reality in contemporary India. Under the
present dispensation at the Centre and several States, ‘Make in India’ is witnessing concentration of wealth in a few hands,
growing inequality, galloping unemployment, farmers’ suicides and widespread disenchantment of the youth and all
sections of the toiling people.
It is well known that during the freedom struggle untouchables demanded separate electorates. Such a demand was
described as anti-national in spirit. Ambedkar rejected the description by stating that separate electorates for Muslims,
Sikhs and Christians did not make them anti-nationals. Then he insightfully commented, “Obviously, nationalism and anti-
nationalism have nothing to do with the electoral system. They are the results of the extra-electoral forces.” In 21st

century India, it is the extra-electoral forces represented by the RSS and other extremist forces that have ‘dedicated
experts’ on history, culture and sociology trying to define nation and nationhood.
The importance of social justice
In his ‘Annihilation of Caste’ lecture, Ambedkar described caste as anti-national and wanted to address the scourge of
caste discrimination and exclusion through the instrumentality of law, which he poetically described as “the greatest
disinfectant against inequality”. In his speech in the Constituent Assembly, while stating that India is an integral whole, he
cautioned, “The sooner we realise that we are not yet a nation in the social and psychological sense of the word, the better
for us. For then only we shall realise the necessity of becoming a nation and seriously think of ways and means of realising
the goal.” Therefore, he stressed on justice, not only political and economic but also social justice. According to him, the
key components of social justice are liberty, equality and fraternity. Ambedkar said, “The system of rank and gradation is
simply another way of enunciating the principle of inequality, so it may be truly said that Hinduism doesn’t recognise
equality.” Ambedkar, being a compassionate rebel, found Buddhism closer to his understanding of social justice. An
economist too, the quest for social justice led him to become a social democrat and study Karl Marx’s ideology. He
compared the Buddha and Marx and said, “The ideology of Buddha and Karl Marx and a comparison between them just
forces itself on me.”
Such notions of all-embracing nationalism included in its scope gender equality and women’s empowerment which he
wanted to achieve in full measure through his epoch-making Hindu Code Bill. Democracy for Ambedkar was a way of
living. He wrote, “Democracy is not merely a form of government. It is primarily a mode of associated living of
conjoined communicated experience. It is essentially an attitude of respect and reverence towards fellow men.”
He strongly felt that a society based on liberty, equality and fraternity should be the only alternative to a caste society, and
that is why he attached greater importance to the principle of “one man, one vote; one man, one value”. He was very
particular that the democracy that he upheld went beyond the formal expressions of it and moved into the social and
economic realm where substantial democracy prevailed. This form of democracy, he imagined, would ensure dignity for
all.
Nationalism that is inclusive
Some of the leaders are now invoking nationalism in a coercive and recurrent manner. They underline the point that
nationalism is in danger and it is important to inculcate the spirit of nationalism among citizens, particularly students, to
safeguard our unity and integrity. The slogan ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ is being used by them as the only symbol of nationalism
and it is asserted by the leaders that recitation of this slogan by Indians affirms their credibility as nationalists. They
describe everything else as anti-national.
Ambedkar rightly observed, “Nationality is a social feeling. It is a feeling of a corporate sentiment of oneness which makes
those who are charged with it feel that they are kith and kin. This national feeling is a double-edged feeling. It is at once a
feeling of fellowship of one’s own kith and kin and an anti-fellowship feeling for those who are not one’s own kith and kin.
It is a feeling of ‘consciousness of kind’ which on the one hand binds together those who have it so strongly that it
overrides all difference arising out of economic conflicts or social gradations and, on the other, severs them from those
who are not of their kind. It is a longing not to belong to any other group. This is the essence of what is called a nationality
and national feeling.”

This elevated notion of nationality cannot be generated and achieved by mere sloganeering based on a violent masculinist
approach. It requires a concerted democratic effort and high level of statesmanship and vision to empower people and
reclaim their dignity through the spread of education and provision of livelihood emanating from an inclusive and non-
alienating economy as a right. This is the true meaning of Ambedkar’s nationalism, which is creative, compassionate and
emancipatory in the universalistic sense..
KEY THINGS TO PONDER FOR CONTEMPORARY WORLD

 “Democracy is not merely a form of government. It is primarily a mode of associated living of conjoined communicated
experience. It is essentially an attitude of respect and reverence towards fellow men.”
 Caste as anti-national
PERSPECTIVE 2:
How do we remember B.R. Ambedkar? He may not have been a
hero of the war of Indian independence, but he is the hero who
built an independent India
(Courtesy: The Hindu)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, India still finds itself unable to induct him into the pantheon of
greats unquestioningly. His statue, with its ubiquitous electric blue suit, may be a common sight at bus stands, bastis and
universities, but it hardly brings out the fact that his life is one that was overshadowed by iconography and idolatry. We
forget that Ambedkar was one of modern India’s first great economic thinkers, its constitutional draftsman and its first law
minister who ensured the codification of Hindu law.
Assimilating Dr. Ambedkar into the national pantheon of the freedom struggle is difficult because his life was one of
steady accretion of ideas, of making a stand on rights and of standing up to social wrongs. His biggest fights were with
fellow Indians and not with foreign rulers. He led no satyagraha against the British, he led no march on Delhi, he broke
no repressive law to court arrest for it. In fact, his father and ancestors had willingly served in the British Army even in the
days of the East India Company. He himself served as a member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council. His often stated view
was that British rule had come as a liberator for the depressed classes. Despite all this, he was in agreement with the
nationalists, that India must be ruled by Indians.
In a corner
His status in the national pantheon, where he occupies a corner all by himself, and slightly apart from the nationalist
heroes of independence, is somewhat like his status in school. He once wrote: “I knew that I was an untouchable, and that
untouchables were subjected to certain indignities and discriminations. For instance, I knew that in the school I could not
sit in the midst of my classmates according to my rank [in class performance], but that I was to sit in a corner by myself.”
“B.R. Ambedkar walked a tightrope, between securing a modern society for all Indians and ensuring that a modern state
stabilised around a constitutional architecture of social change.”

This separateness was to lead him to assert in more than one instance, that the depressed classes he represented, were
not to be counted among the Hindus. He famously chose to separately represent the depressed classes at the Round
Table Conference in the 1930s, where Gandhiji was sent as the sole representative of the Congress. Having secured a
separate electorate for the depressed classes, he had to give it up in the face of a fasting Mahatma, whose death he did
not want ascribed to those outside the pale of varnashrama dharma. After this, the Poona Pact of 1932 ensured a greater
number of seats for the depressed classes, but it was within a common Hindu electorate. Ambedkar never was sure that
he had secured a fair bargain.
He never fully forgave Gandhiji for the pressure exerted on him. He told his followers, “There have been many mahatmas
in India whose sole object was to remove untouchability and to elevate and absorb the depressed classes, but everyone
has failed in their mission. Mahatmas have come, mahatmas have gone but the untouchables have remained as
untouchables.” Ambedkar told Dalits: “You must abolish your slavery yourselves. Do not depend for its abolition upon god
or a superman. ...We must shape our course ourselves and by ourselves.”
A fight for rights
The question of whether the depressed classes were to be counted among Hindus or separately, continued to be relevant
especially when the country was going to be partitioned on religious lines. There were some Dalit leaders like B. Shyam
Sunder, who vociferously said: “We are not Hindus, we have nothing to do with the Hindu caste system, yet we have been
included among them by them and for them.” With the support of the Nizam of Hyderabad and Master Tara Singh of the
Akalis, Shyam Sunder launched the Dalit-Muslim unity movement and urged his people to join hands with Muslims.
The imminent arrival of Independence saw a constituent assembly being elected to draw up a constitution for the new
nation. Dr. Ambedkar was first elected to the assembly from an undivided Bengal. Because he lacked the requisite support
in his home province of Bombay, he was forced to seek election from Bengal, a province he was unfamiliar with.
Throughout the 1940s, Ambedkar and the Congress clashed over issues of the rights and the representation of the
depressed classes. Ambedkar was a critic of the party’s positions on many an issue, which he believed were inimical to
Dalit interests. Therefore, Sardar Patel personally directed the Bombay Congress to select strong Dalit candidates who
could defeat Dr. Ambedkar’s nominees. Despite the politics, once in the Constituent Assembly, Ambedkar worked closely
with his Congress colleagues in formulating and drafting the Constitution.
Consequent to the announcement of Partition, fresh elections had to be held for only the seats from West Bengal. Dr.
Ambedkar would not have possibly been elected again. At this stage he was co-opted by the Congress, into the seat
vacated by M.R. Jayakar from Bombay. Dr. Rajendra Prasad wrote to B.G. Kher, then Prime Minister of Bombay and said:
“Apart from any other consideration we have found Dr. Ambedkar’s work both in Constituent Assembly and the various
committees to which he was appointed to be of such an order as to require that we should not be deprived of his services.
As you know, he was elected from Bengal and after the division of the province he was ceased to be a member of the
Constituent Assembly commencing from the 14th July 1947 and it is therefore necessary that he should be elected
immediately.” Even Sardar Patel stepped in to persuade both Kher and G.P. Mavalankar, who was otherwise slated to fill in
the vacancy caused by Jayakar.
It is against these adverse circumstances, that we must evaluate Ambedkar’s achievements in the Constituent Assembly.
He walked a tightrope, between securing a modern society for all Indians and ensuring that a modern state stabilised
around a constitutional architecture of social change. Granville Austin has rightly described the Indian Constitution
drafted by Ambedkar as “first and foremost a social document. ... The majority of India’s constitutional provisions

are either directly arrived at furthering the aim of social revolution or attempt to foster this revolution by
establishing conditions necessary for its achievement.”
Making a mark
The Constituent Assembly was the hallowed ground from which Ambedkar made his most lasting contribution to all
people of independent India, Dalit, savarna and non-Hindu alike. As chairman of the drafting committee, it was his
interventions in the debates of the assembly that were soon to become definitive expositions on the intent of the framers.
He also joined Nehru’s cabinet as the first Law Minister of independent India.
He explained to the Assembly, “On the 26th January 1950, we are going to enter into a life of contradictions. In
politics we will have equality and in social and economic life we will have inequality. In politics we will be
recognising the principle of one-man-one-vote and one-vote-one-value. In our social and economic life, we shall by
reason of our social and economic structure, continue to deny the principle of one-man-one-value. How long shall
we continue to live this life of contradictions? How long shall we continue to deny equality in our social and
economic life? If we continue to deny it for long, we will do so only by putting our political democracy in peril….”
Despite his insistence on individual liberties being enshrined as fundamental rights, Ambedkar was a realist as to their
worth as guarantees. He said: “The prevalent view is that once the rights are enacted in law then they are safeguarded.
This again is an unwarranted assumption. As experience proves, rights are protected not by law but by social and
moral conscience of the society.”
Political battles
Ambedkar’s constitution was barely finished and adopted, when he plunged into piloting the Hindu Code Bill. There was
opposition from the President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, as well as a host of Congressmen like Pattabhi Sitaramayya,
but Ambedkar kept pushing for the passage of the Act, by the Constituent Assembly, which functioned as an interim
parliament. Nehru was advised by Rajagopala Ayyangar and others that it was better to wait till after the general election
of 1952. When it became apparent that the bill was going to be deferred, Ambedkar resigned in protest from the cabinet
in September 1951. The Hindu Code Bill finally came about in 1956.
In 1952, in independent India’s first general election, he was defeated from the Bombay North Constituency by a Dalit
from the Congress. Though he was elected to the Rajya Sabha immediately thereafter, he made a second attempt in 1954
to enter the Lok Sabha through a by-election for the Bhandara seat. He failed again.
His political battles and his voracious capacity for intellectual work began affecting his health. His spirit to fight on and his
spiritual quest though continued undaunted. In the 1930s, his first wife, Ramabai, who was dying, had asked him to take
her to Pandharpur on a pilgrimage. The entry of untouchables was barred there. He then promised to build a new
Pandharpur outside Hinduism.
After her passing, he declared at Yeola in 1935: “I was born a Hindu, I had no choice. But I will not die a Hindu because I do
have a choice.” In the twilight of his life, on October 14, 1956, two months before his death, he left Hinduism to become a
Buddhist. His Brahmin-born second wife and nearly six lakh of his followers followed suit.
As he lay down for the night on December 5, 1956, Dr. Ambedkar had by his side, the preface to his latest book, The
Buddha and his Dhamma. He wanted to work on it but it was not to be. The book was published posthumously as
Babasaheb, never woke up and moved into history on December 6, 1956.

How do we remember Ambedkar?
He gave the nation a constitution that has endured, he forced it to look shamefaced at its own social inequities,
and he gave the most oppressed Indians, the hope of a better nation to come. He may not have been a hero of the
war of Indian independence, but he is the hero who built an independent India. It is time that we cease to keep
him ‘slightly apart’.
PERSPECTIVE 3:
Ambedkar for Our Times
(Courtesy: The Indian Express)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
His egalitarian narrative can help save the country from fanatics of all hues.
The only leader from the pre-Independence era who continues to inspire millions, has become an icon of social revolt and
is being discovered by more and more Indians across castes and religions is Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Many Indians believe in a single narrative fed to them by conservatives about India’s past and juxtapose it with the advent
of foreign culture and hostile events. It was Ambedkar who wrote in Revolution and Counter-Revolution in Ancient India
that long before the arrival of Islamic invaders and Christian explorers and missionaries, two parallel schools of thought
existed in India.
The dominant one was the Vedic school, which believed in “divide and rule” by stratifying society into four tiers. The largest
population was of the Shudras (modern day Other Backward Classes), divinely ordained to serve the upper three ranks.
There were broken men living outside villages as “untouchables”, tribals living in hills and nomadic tribes. Half of the
population — of females — was deprived of individual liberty.
The other school of thought that intermittently ran parallel to the Vedic tradition — like the Charvaka school and
the worldview of the Buddha — was egalitarian. This ideology negated the Vedas and its structure. It peaked when
emperor Ashoka implemented the Buddhist philosophy which emphasised not just on a welfare state for humans, but
for animals and the ecology as well. This did not last long, as the Brahminical school, armed with powerful emotional
instruments, managed to keep its flock together by promoting rituals, beliefs and ensuring the hegemony of Brahmins
assisted by Kshatriyas and Vaishyas. According to Ambedkar, the worship of cow and vegetarianism stemmed out of a
strategy to demonise Buddhists, who were ultimately branded “untouchables”. Ambedkar called Buddhism a revolution
which turned the wheel of progress for all, not just the privileged minority of upper castes.
The arrival of foreigners and their missionaries radically changed the socio-economic, political and religious scenario. The
impoverished and oppression-ridden Indian society was conducive to conversions. Besides, the political ambitions of
warrior-kings made them seek the help of foreign invaders to settle scores with their domestic rivals. Meanwhile, the
Brahmin orthodoxy continued to monopolise learning and controlling the minds of the masses. They interpreted
hostilities in terms of the binaries of Hindu versus Muslim, Hindu versus Christian etc. despite the fact that Hindu kings
were assisted by Muslim warriors and advisers and vice versa.
After Independence, the nation builders, who were faced with the challenge of integrating not just hostile princely states,
but binding people of different castes, religions and languages, turned to the Buddhist philosophy. The Constitution

incorporated justice, liberty, equality and fraternity at its core. Its chief architect, Ambedkar, went a step further and
converted to Buddhism in 1956.
Among the constitutional values, fraternity is yet to manifest, as a majority of Indians fail to transcend narrow
mental barriers, often becoming hostile in order to preserve privileges of caste, gender, religion, language etc.
Most of them still equate Indian history only with the Vedic narrative. The egalitarian narrative can save the country
from the fanatics of different religions who make a hue and cry over “hurt sentiments” at the drop of a hat.
The question is:

How long are we going to stoop to the hyper-sensitivity of ill-informed people, misguided by the shroud political
and religious interests?
CONCLUSION:
Introduce yourself to these simple books to learn more
In this book, late Chief Justice Leila Seth tackled concepts and explained the Preamble
We the Children of India to the Constitution of India in a manner every young reader can grasp and enjoy.
Written by Leila Seth Seth’s explanation is accompanied by numerous photographs and rich illustrations for
better reader experience.
This book takes the reader through the rich history of India, right from the ancient to
A Children’s History of India
the post-colonial period, while explaining the concept of nation and how the
Written by Subhadra Sen Gupta
Constitution of India was framed.
Bhimrao Ambedkar: The Boy This book shares anecdotes from Bhimrao Ambedkar’s life, centred around the ‘whys’
Who Asked Why of caste discrimination and untouchability, which later shaped the ideas for the Indian
Written by Sowmya Rajendran Constitution that he drafted as India’s first Law Minister.

Glossary
# Terms
Enrich Your Concepts

• NHB Residex is an indicator that aims to track housing prices across Indian cities. It is
compiled by National Housing bank with the base year of 2012-13.
• NHB RESIDEX helps buyers and sellers to check and compare prices before entering a
RESIDEX
transaction. It provides promoters with a standardized tool to assess the housing
(# Economy) demand.
• Government agencies can monitor trends in macro and micro markets and predict
future behavior of the housing market.
• The Gross Capital Formation is the net Investment in an economy. The percentage of
the investment made each year out of the total GDP is called Gross Capital
Formation.
• Gross capital formation includes fixed capital formation, change in stock and
valuables.
• The fixed capital formation includes the total investment in the fixed Assets. Fixed
Gross Capital assets are goods that are used repeatedly, or continuously, for at least a year in the
process of producing other goods or services. The fixed assets could be Machinery
Formation and equipment, buildings, roads etc. A higher fixed capital formation is quite critical
(# Economy) for the growth of the economy since it promotes production of goods and services.
• Changes in inventories consist of the value of the raw materials, semi-finished or
finished goods put into inventories (or stocks) by producers less the value of the
goods disposed of.
• Valuables consist of goods held as stores of value or in the expectation of capital
gains. They include gold and other precious metals or stones, works of art, and
expensive jewellery.
• The major part of revenue expenditure of the government indicates the expenditure
Effective
of the government to finance its day to day functions. They normally do not lead to
Revenue Deficit creation of capital assets such as construction of new roads, ports, airports etc.

Glossary
(# Economy) • However, certain part of revenue expenditure such as Centrally sponsored schemes
lead to creation of capital assets.
• This part of revenue expenditure which creates assets is deducted to get the Effective
Revenue Deficit.
• Effective Revenue Deficit= Revenue Deficit- Expenditure on Creation of Capital Assets
• It refers to the economic condition where in the high rate of inflation in an economy is
accompanied by higher rate of unemployment and stagnation in the economy.
Stagflation
• It occurs when the economy does not grow but there is drastic increase in the prices.
(#Economy) • This happened during the 1970s’, when the crude oil prices rose dramatically, fuelling
sharp inflation in most of the countries
• It refers to the cost of the printing currency notes. It is basically the difference between
Seignorage the face value of the currency and the cost of printing it.
(#Economy) • Post demonetization, RBI had printed a large amount of currency which led to increase in
the costs.
• The loans are categorized as NPA if the interest or the principal is due for a period greater
than 90 days. The RBI has introduced the concept of Special Mention Account (SMA) in
2014 to identify those accounts that has the potential to become an NPA.
• The loan is categorized as SMA if it is due for period less than 90 days. However, the SMAs
Special Mention
are not NPAs but they are likely to become NPAs and hence the banks would be required
Account (SMA) to corrective steps.
(#Economy) • Categories of SMA
 SMA-0: Due for less than 30 days.
 SMA-1: Due for greater than 30 days and less than 60 days.
 SMA-2: Due for greater than 60 days and less than 90 days.
• An angel Investor is a person who invests in highly risk companies; typically, before those
Angel Investor companies have any revenue or profits.
• Usually, these companies are start-ups that have little access to raise money from the
(#Economy)
capital market.
• Bailout is a general term for extending financial support to a company or a country facing
Bailout
a potential bankruptcy threat.
(#Economy) • It can take the form of loans, cash, bonds, or stock purchases.

Glossary
• A bailout may or may not require reimbursement and is often accompanied by greater
government oversee and regulations.
• The reason for bailout is to support an industry that may be affecting millions of people
internationally and could be on the verge of bankruptcy due to prolonged financial crises.
• Duties that are imposed in order to counter the negative impact of import subsidies to
protect domestic producers are called countervailing duties.
• In cases foreign producers attempt to subsidize the goods being exported by them so
Countervailing that it causes domestic production to suffer because of a shift in domestic demand
towards cheaper imported goods, the government makes mandatory the payment of a
Duties countervailing duty on the import of such goods to the domestic economy.
(#Economy) • This raises the price of these goods leading to domestic goods again being equally
competitive and attractive. Thus, domestic businesses are cushioned.
• These duties can be imposed under the specifications given by the WTO (World Trade
Organization) after the investigation finds that exporters are engaged in dumping. These
are also known as anti-dumping duties.
• An inflation measure which excludes transitory or temporary price volatility as in the case
of some commodities such as food items, energy products etc. It reflects the inflation
Core Inflation trend in an economy.
• A dynamic consumption basket is considered the basis to obtain core inflation. Some
(#Economy)
goods and commodities have extremely volatile price movements. Core inflation is
calculated using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) by excluding such commodities.

Part TWO
CONTRIBUTORS
ZONE
articles .opinions .essays .notes
by rau’s professors & students
lEAD ARTICLES
NOTA:
GIVING IT A CHANCE
#Polity and Governance
NAWEED AKHTER
The option of None of the Above (NOTA) on Electronic of social change through better choice of candidates
Voting Machine (EVM) gives the voters the option not to fielded by political parties. In this article let us understand
vote for any of the candidates in the election. Number of and analyse the life of NOTA after its inception through a
votes casted for NOTA signifies voter’s preference not to Supreme Court Judgment.
elect any of the candidates fielded by various political
parties and in a way this is a way of not accepting any
political candidate during an election process. It was with
Evolution of NOTA
this perspective, the concept of NOTA was allowed in
Indian elections from September 2013 by the Supreme The proposal to introduce negative voting to reject all the
Court for people to express their choice. However, apart candidates if voters found them unsuitable was first
from finding its existence on EVM, NOTA is yet to find discussed by the Law Commission in its 170th Report in
political significance as a tool for greater social and 1999. This was a part of “alternative method of election”
political change. where candidates would only be declared elected if they
obtained (50%+1) of all the valid votes cast. However, the
In sporadic incidents, we often hear news on giving NOTA Law Commission cited practical difficulties in
political credence by certain aware section of the society implementing such idea of negative voting. The Election
who believes in clean and transparent political process. In Commission of India (ECI) supported similar introduction
Kerala, a group of women activists hit the road urging of a negative vote, first in 2001, under James Lyngdoh as
people not to elect any candidate if no woman was the Chief Election Commissioner, CEC, and then in 2004
present in the fray. In Tamil Nadu, a youth group under T.S. Krishnamurthy, in its proposed electoral
campaigned for NOTA as a protest vote against reforms report. However, the ECI was concerned with
corruption. NOTA polling figures are still small. On an certain aspects of secrecy for those who wanted to
average, the maximum NOTA vote share has not crossed abstain from voting. Further, the Background Paper on
2.02% of the total votes polled in any election cycle which Electoral Reforms prepared by the Legislative Department
is a small number. If NOTA has to gain value, then it must of the Law Ministry in 2010 also favoured the introduction
prove its worth not only in terms of number of votes of negative voting. However, considering government’s
casted but also in terms of its social value and as an agent refusal to entertain the idea of NOTA at a substantial level,

the People’s Union for Civil Liberties filed a Public Interest NOTA as an option in its present form is simply a protest
Litigation (PIL) on the same issue in 2004. vote without any electoral weight or value and does not
carry the gravity that amounts to rejection of a candidate.
As per former CEC S.Y. Qureshi, NOTA is not the same as
Supreme Court’s decision on the right to reject. He gives an example where even if
there are 99 votes cast in favour of NOTA, out of a total
NOTA 100, the candidate who got only vote will be declared the
winner, for having obtained the most number of valid
On the issue of right to reject, the Court was primarily votes. As per notification of Election Commission, if a
concerned with the issue of secrecy of voting as it is situation arises where the number of NOTA votes exceeds
recognised international principle. The premise of the the number of votes polled by any of the candidates, the
Supreme Court’s decision was that secrecy of voting is candidate with the highest number of votes is declared as
crucial to maintain the purity of the electoral system. As winner irrespective of number of votes casted for NOTA.
per the Court, guaranteeing of secrecy during casting of Thus, the votes casted for NOTA as of now do not have
vote would increase public participation in the electoral any electoral significance. Also, a vote casted for NOTA
process, which is fundamental to strengthen democracy. does not amount to Right to Reject for any candidate.
The Court held that NOTA would empower the people, There have been demands from different section of the
thereby accelerating effective political participation, since society to give electoral value to the votes cast for NOTA.
people could abstain and register their discontent (with This seems bit uncertain as without the concept of Right
the low quality of candidates) without fear of reprisal. to Reject in an election, votes casted for NOTA will not
Simultaneously, it would foster the purity of the election have much electoral significance. Moreover, a right to
process by eventually compelling parties to field better reject must be accompanied by some alternative because
candidates, thereby improving the current situation. The Parliamentary Democracy thrives on election of
Court also relied on international principles governing the candidates and not on their rejection. Law Commission in
right to secrecy as an integral part of voting and free its 255th Report has also rejected the concept of
elections under Article 21(3) of the Universal extending NOTA the right to reject and has suggested
Declaration of Human Rights and Article 25(b) of the introducing the concept of right to reject at a future date.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Right
(ICCPR). The Court held that democracy is about political
choice of a citizen and hence eligible voters should have
Law Commission Opinion on
the option of rejecting candidates who were standing for
elections in their constituency as per their choice. So, the NOTA
Court directed the ECI to include the option of NOTA in all
Electronic Voting Machines. Thus, after Supreme Court’s Law Commission in its Report has mentioned that the
judgment in PUCL v. Union of India in 2013, Election motivating factor behind the right to reject is good
Commission of India (ECI) has allowed NOTA as an option governance which can be successfully achieved even
in the election process. without introducing right to reject through NOTA. Efforts
should instead be made to implement the already existing
provisions on decriminalising politics and increasing
Is NOTA equivalent to Right to political awareness; and introduce other provisions such
as inner party transparency and election finance reform.
Reject? Thus, stressing on the alternatives for a clean and
transparent election free of money and muscle power, the
Commission in its 255th Report has rejected the idea of

extension of the NOTA principle to introduce a right to
reject the candidate and invalidate the election in cases Conclusion - Giving NOTA a
where a majority of the votes have been polled in favour
of the NOTA option. chance
Some statistics on NOTA Votes casted for NOTA need to be recognised despite its
electoral non-significance. But to do so, NOTA has to be
declared as a “person” under the eyes of law. This will
Association for Democratic Reforms in collaboration with
atleast give NOTA some credence and voters a sense of
National Election Watch have analysed the number of
pride for their votes casted. Some of these utopian ideas
votes secured by NOTA in various elections since 2013.
have been implemented by State Election Commission of
Let us go through some of the statistics on NOTA
Haryana. State Election Commission of Haryana in
compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive in PUCL v
• In 2014, NOTA was first introduced in Lok Sabha
Union of India, has issued an order regarding application
Elections. Overall, NOTA secured 60,02,942 (1.08%)
of NOTA option in the local body elections. As per the
votes. Among the NOTA votes in Lok Sabha elections,
notification, NOTA shall be treated as a ‘Fictional Electoral
the highest number of votes i.e. 46,559 was in Nilgris
Candidate’ while declaring the election results. So in case,
constituency in Tamil Nadu. The lowest number of
a contesting candidate and the “Fictional Electoral
votes NOTA secured i.e. 123 votes was in
Candidate’ i.e. NOTA receive highest equal number valid
Lakshadweep.
votes then the contesting candidate (not NOTA) shall be
• Among state assemblies elections, NOTA has secured
declared as elected. However, if in any election, all the
the highest percentage of votes in 2015, i.e. 2.08% (9,
contesting candidates individually receive lesser votes
83,176 votes) in 2 states assembly elections of Bihar (9,
than the ‘Fictional Electoral Candidate’ i.e. NOTA, then
47,279 votes), NCT Delhi (35,897 votes).
none of the contesting candidates will be declared as
• Since its implementation in 2013, NOTA has secured
elected and re-election shall be held for the seat. Further
the highest number of votes in Bihar (9, 47,279 votes)
all such contesting candidates who secured less votes
State Assembly Elections, 2015 and secured the lowest
than NOTA shall not be eligible to re-file the
number of votes in Mizoram (3,810 votes) State
nomination/contest the re-election. In re-election, if NOTA
Assembly Elections, 2013.
again gets highest votes then further election will not be
• Red Alert Constituencies are those which have 3 or
conducted and contesting candidate with highest votes
more candidates with criminal cases contesting
(excluding NOTA) shall be declared as elected.
elections. NOTA has secured 22, 94,904 votes (22.94
lakhs) in the red alert constituencies in State assembly
As we can see, states have started experimenting with the
elections since 2013.
idea of giving NOTA a chance. This is an important step
• NOTA has secured the highest percentage of votes in
taken by the State Election Commission of Haryana and
red alert constituencies of Chhattisgarh. NOTA secured
will prove to be a beacon of hope for other states as well
2.68% votes (39,896) in 10 red alert constituencies of
as for the Centre. The idea of NOTA has been reserved for
Chhattisgarh.
a future date by the Law Commission of India but the time
• NOTA secured the highest percentage of vote share i.e.
to seize the opportunity by giving NOTA a chance begins
3.06% in Chhattisgarh State Assembly, 2013. NOTA
no later than the present times to bring a social and
secured the lowest percentage of vote share i.e. 0.40%
political change with a hope for a better, cleaner and more
in Delhi State Assembly Elections, 2015.
participative democratic process.

Wetlands and their importance
#Biodiversity #Ecology
MANGAL SINGH
Wetlands are vital for human survival. They include some resources, including medicines. They also help to mitigate
of the world’s most productive ecosystems and provide floods, protect coastlines and store and sequester
ecosystem services leading to countless benefits. carbon. Many are important for culture, spiritual values,
However they are increasingly coming under threat due recreation and inspiration.
to various factors including Global climate change,
Urbanisation, changing consumption patterns fuelling Wetlands play a major role in the water cycle by receiving,
changes to land and water use. storing and releasing water over time, regulating water
flows, and providing the water needed to support life.
Wetlands include permanently or seasonally inundated Wetlands are at the foundation for ecosystem services
freshwater habitats ranging from lakes and rivers to such as water quality improvement, particularly the
marshes, along with coastal and marine areas such as removal of nutrients from agricultural and urban runoff.
estuaries, lagoons, mangroves and reefs. Wetlands exist
in every country and in every climatic zone, from the Carbon Sequestration: The majority of the global soil
polar regions to the tropics, and from high altitudes to carbon pool is held in wetlands. Coastal and marine
dry regions. wetlands, including salt marshes, mangroves and
seagrass beds, are critical sites of carbon uptake and
storage.
Importance of Wetlands
Coastal or marine wetlands play an important role in
Wetlands are vital for human survival. They are among regulating climate. Tidal flats, salt marshes and
the world’s most productive environments; cradles of mangroves provide pollution control and detoxification,
biological diversity that provide the water and and, along with coral reefs, regulation of natural hazards.
productivity upon which countless species of plants and
animals depend for survival.
Threats to Wetlands
Ecosystem Services: Wetlands are indispensable for the
countless benefits or “ecosystem services” that they Over half of the world's wetlands have disappeared since
provide humanity, ranging from freshwater supply, food 1900. Development and conversion continue to pose
and building materials, and biodiversity, to flood control, major threats to wetlands, despite their value and
groundwater recharge, and climate change mitigation. importance. Approximately 35 per cent of the world’s
wetlands were lost between 1970-2015 with annual rates
Wetlands play an important role in nutrient recycling and of loss accelerating from 2000, according to the first-ever
provide fresh water and food for people. When saturated, Global Wetland Outlook.
wetland soils store, transform and export nutrients and
other compounds. Wetlands are used for transport and Conversion of wetlands for commercial development,
hydropower. They provide raw materials and genetic drainage schemes, extraction of minerals and peat,

overfishing, tourism, siltation, pesticide discharges from • Designate suitable wetlands for the list of Wetlands of
intensive agriculture, toxic pollutants from industrial International Importance (the “Ramsar List”) and
waste, and the construction of dams and dikes, often in ensure their effective management;
an attempt at flood protection, are major threats to • Cooperate internationally on transboundary wetlands,
wetlands everywhere. shared wetland systems and shared species.
Alien invasive species have had severe impacts on local At the centre of the Ramsar convention’s philosophy is
aquatic flora and fauna, and can upset the natural the “wise use” of wetlands. When they accede to the
balance of an ecosystem. For example, the introduction Convention, Contracting Parties commit to work towards
of Nile perch to Lake Victoria has pushed many of the the wise use of all the wetlands and water resources in
lake's native cichlid species to extinction. their territory, through national plans, policies and
legislation, management actions and public education.
Pollution in wetlands is a growing concern, affecting
drinking water sources and biological diversity. Drainage The Convention defines wise use of wetlands as “the
and run-off from fertilized crops and pesticides used in maintenance of their ecological character, achieved
industry introduce nitrogen and phosphorous nutrients through the implementation of ecosystem
and other toxins like mercury to water sources. These approaches, within the context of sustainable
chemicals can affect the health and reproduction of development”. Wise use can thus be seen as the
species, posing a serious threat to biological diversity. conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and all the
services they provide, for the benefit of people and
Climate change is also taking its toll. Increases in
nature.
temperature are causing polar ice to melt and sea levels
to rise. This in turn is leading to shallow wetlands being In 1990 the Contracting Parties adopted Guidelines for
swamped and some species of mangrove trees being the implementation of the wise use concept. The
submerged and drowned. At the same time, other Guidelines emphasized the importance of:
wetlands - estuaries, floodplains, and marshes - are being
• Adopting national wetland policies, either separately
destroyed through drought
or as a component of wider initiatives such as national
environmental action plans;
Conservation Efforts • Developing programmes covering wetland inventory,
monitoring, research, training, education and public
Ramsar Convention and Wise Use of Wetlands awareness;
• Developing integrated management plans at wetland
Ramsar Convention is the only international treaty which sites.
focuses on wetlands. The Convention’s mission is “the
conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local
and national actions and international cooperation, as a Ramsar Sites
contribution towards achieving sustainable development
throughout the world” A key commitment of Ramsar Contracting Parties is to
identify and place suitable wetlands onto the List of
Under the “three pillars” of the Convention, the Wetlands of International Importance, also known as the
Contracting Parties commit to: Ramsar List.
• Work towards the wise use of all their wetlands;
Ramsar Sites are designated because they meet the
Criteria for identifying Wetlands of International

Importance. The first criterion refers to Sites containing in serious decline. Since 1970, declines have affected 81%
representative, rare or unique wetland types, and the of inland wetland species populations and 36% of coastal
other eight cover Sites of international importance for and marine species.
conserving biological diversity. These criteria emphasize
the importance the Convention places on sustaining Thus urgent action is needed at the international and
biodiversity. national level to raise awareness of the benefits of
wetlands, put in place greater safeguards for their
When a country accedes to the Convention, it must survival and ensure their inclusion in national
designate at least one wetland site as a Wetland of development plans.
International Importance. Information on this first
Ramsar Site is sent with the documents of accession to Focus should be particularly on:
UNESCO, the Convention’s depositary. • Enhancement of the network of Ramsar Sites and
other wetland protected areas.
Contracting Parties are expected to manage their Ramsar
• Integration of wetlands into planning and the
Sites so as to maintain their ecological character and
implementation of the sustainable development goals.
retain their essential functions and values for future
• Strengthening legal and policy arrangements to
generations.
protect all wetlands.
The Convention works very closely with six global non- • Applying economic and financial incentives for
governmental organizations (NGOs). Birdlife communities and businesses to minimise the damage
International, IUCN – International Union for to wetlands by their activities.
Conservation of Nature(IUCN), Wetlands International • Integration of diverse perspectives into wetland
and WWF have all been associated with the Convention management. There is a need for involving various
since its beginnings. The Parties endorsed the addition of stakeholders including participation of local
the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) as communities.
the fifth International Organization Partner of the
Convention, and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) as Healthy, functioning wetlands are essential to delivering a
the sixth partner NGO. range of global targets, including the UN Sustainable
Development Goals, the Aichi biodiversity targets, the
Paris Agreement on Climate Change and Land
Conclusion Degradation Neutrality. Thus wetlands are crucial for
solving some of the pressing issues of our times.
Despite all the efforts Wetlands are being harmed at an
unprecedented rate. Global wetland outlook report
highlights that up to 87% of the global wetland resource
has been lost since 1700. Wetland-dependent species are

Tropical cyclone
#Geography
JASMINE SOKHI
The Indian subcontinent is the most affected region in the

Recurring cyclones now account for large number of
world with regard to tropical cyclones — the country has
deaths, loss of livelihood opportunities, loss of public and
a coastline of 7,516 km that gets hit by over 10 per cent of
private property and severe damage to infrastructure,
all the world’s tropical cyclones. Approximately 76% of the
thus seriously reversing the developmental gains at
total loss of human lives from cyclonic storms have
regular intervals.
occurred in India and Bangladesh, according to the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Recently, the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early
Warning System (RIMES) for Africa and Asia, a 45-nation
Further, the IPCC also predicts that the intensity of
international organisation on disaster warning, has
cyclones in all the regions of the world is going to
termed ‘Titli’, the severe cyclonic storm that devastated
increase in a warming world by a factor of 10-20 per cent
Odisha in October, as ‘rarest cyclone’.
in the next few years. Scientists are also worried about
connecting a specific extreme weather event to climate
change but trends clearly show that they are interrelated.
In the face of such a reality, the only path left for us is to
Learn more about Tropical
build resilience, particularly among vulnerable
populations. The economic losses will also be greater
Cyclones
because more assets are being created in India’s coastal
Tropical cyclones are violent storms that originate over
cities.
oceans in tropical areas and move over to the coastal
India’s cyclone season runs from April to December, with areas. They bring large-scale destruction due to violent
severe storms often causing dozens of deaths, winds (squalls), very heavy rainfall and storm surge.
evacuations of tens of thousands of people from low-
Due to Coriolis force, the cyclonic movement is anti-
lying villages and wide damage to crops and property.
clockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in
Recently southern India have been impacted by Cyclone the southern hemisphere.
‘Gaja’ and ‘Titli’ within a month.
Large sea surface with temperature higher than 27° C,
Cyclone Gaja is the first cyclone to move towards Tamil presence of the Coriolis force, small variations in the
Nadu last year. The earlier two cyclones named Daye and vertical wind speed, a pre-existing weak low-pressure
Titli had made landfall along the Odisha coasts. Cyclone area are some of the conditions favourable for the
Titli caused severe damage in Odisha and Andhra formation of tropical cyclones. As the warm air continues
Pradesh. to rise, the surrounding air swirls in to take its place. The
whole system of clouds and wind spins and grows, fed by
the ocean's heat and water evaporating from the surface.

As the storm system rotates faster and faster eye forms Bay of Bengal Vs Arabian Sea with respect to cyclone
in the centre. frequency
The “eye” is a roughly circular area of comparatively light The country’s eastern coast witnesses more cyclones and
winds and fair weather found at the center of a severe also is battered by the more intense ones.
tropical cyclone. It is the region of lowest surface
pressure and warmest temperatures. The eye is The country’s western coast is helped by mountains in
surrounded by the “eye wall” that sustains maximum East Africa that tend to direct a lot of wind towards the
winds that is fastest winds during the storm. Arabian Peninsula, dissipating heat much more efficiently
throughout the Arabian Sea. As a result, this part of the
From the centre of a cyclonic storm, pressure increases ocean remains relatively cool and produces lesser
outwards. The amount of the pressure drops in the cyclones.
centre and the rate at which it increases outwards gives
the intensity of the cyclones and the strength of winds. On the eastern coast, the shape of the land around the
Bay of Bengal ensures that the winds are slower and
All cyclones begin as low-pressure areas over the ocean weaker over the ocean. This part of the Indian Ocean is
surface and then intensify into depressions, deep also fed by a constant source of freshwater from giant
depressions, cyclones, severe cyclones and very severe rivers such as the Ganga and the Brahmaputra.
cyclones based on their wind speeds. Tropical cyclones
usually weaken when they hit land, because they are no This water that empties into the Bay of Bengal takes up
longer being "fed" by the energy from the warm ocean the space of the evaporated top layers, warming up at the
waters. surface and rising up as moisture. This makes it difficult
for the warm layers of water to mix properly with the
However, when they move inland, they can drop many cooler layers of water below, keeping the surface always
inches of rain, causing flooding as well as wind damage warm and ready to feed any potential cyclone over it.
before they die out completely. Also, warm sea surface temperature is an ideal platform
for cyclones.
Naming of Tropical cyclones Furthermore, the Bay of Bengal also welcomes cyclones
formed over the Pacific. As there is no landmass big
For easier communication between the forecasters and enough to stop these Pacific cyclones, they pass through
the general public, the World Meteorological Malaysia and the Gulf of Thailand and enter the Bay of
Organisation (WMO) and the United Nations Economic Bengal. In contrast, Arabian Sea cyclones are mostly their
and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific own formations and they also generally move north-west,
(ESCAP) started the practice of naming tropical cyclones away from India’s west coast
in the year 2000.
Cyclones in the South-East Asia region are named by Measures to secure a safe
different nations which fall within the geographical ambit.
For example, Gaja, the Sanskrit word for elephant, was home for citizens
named by Sri Lanka, whereas, Pakistan named Titli.
The Government of India has initiated the National
Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) with a view to
address cyclone risks in the country. The overall objective
of the Project is to undertake suitable structural and non-

structural measures to mitigate the effects of cyclones in more accurately, improving the forecast of extreme
the coastal states and UT’s of India. climate events.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Further, we need to urgently sort out systems that
under the aegis of Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) will provide early warnings of violent storms. Timely warning
implement the Project in coordination with participating would save lives of hundreds of fishermen at sea and
State Governments and the National Institute for Disaster those living in low-lying coastal areas.
Management (NIDM). It’s time we recognise that extreme weather events have
to be countered with mitigation strategies if we are to
The Project has identified 13 cyclone prone States and
soften the suffering of people impacted by climate
Union Territories (UTs), with varying levels of vulnerability.
change.
According to scientist weather observations in the Arctic

can also help track tropical and mid-latitude cyclones
Taj Mahal:
Heritage of India
#Medieval History
BY RAU’S EDITORIAL TEAM
(Curated from: Frontline)
THE Taj Mahal not only forms one of the most iconic Singh (grandson of Raja Man Singh), who donated his
representations of India but is also considered the grandfather’s haveli for the purpose. He was given four
greatest architectural achievement in the world of Indo- havelis in Akbarabad in exchange. The foundation of the
Islamic architecture. The monument, which was declared Taj Mahal was laid in January 1632. While the tomb
a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, complex and its garden were completed around 1647-48,
Scientific and Cultural Organisation in 1983, was built by the Darwaza-i-Rauza (the great gate) was completed
the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his around 1653-54.
favourite wife, Arjumand Banu Begum, better known as
Mumtaz Mahal. On her death, she was buried in the The monument is, among other things, known for its
garden of Zainabad at Burhanpur and then shifted, in beauty and grace; symmetry and uniformity of shapes;
December 1631, to Akbarabad (now Agra). She was surface brilliance; selective use of naturalism; hierarchical
finally enshrined in a crypt in the mausoleum that Shah grading of materials, forms and colours; symbolism; and
Jahan built in her honour: the Taj Mahal. The tomb (rauza) attention to detail. Most accounts of the Taj emphasise its
was built on the right bank of the Yamuna at a point symmetry. It is true that the monument was built on the
where the river takes a sharp turn and flows eastwards. principle of strict bilateral symmetry with emphasis on the
The land for the mausoleum was acquired from Raja Jai features of the central axis—the tomb and its four

minarets flanked by a mosque to the west and an architectural components are seen in their most classical
assembly hall (Mihman Khana) to the east. Radial and developed form at the Taj.
symmetry is also observed in the ninefold plan of the
tomb and the gate. The buildings at the Taj are made of burnt bricks (lakhuri)
covered with red sandstone (sangisurkh) and marble
There are also several non-common frames for looking at (sangimarmar) slabs held together with iron clamps and
the Taj Mahal, all of which enhance our understanding of dowels. The red sandstone and marble combination
this unique architectural marvel. For instance, few know started much earlier in Indo-Islamic architecture with the
that the monument was originally conceived as, in the tomb of Iltutmish in the Qutb complex in Delhi. Its interior
words of Shah Jahan’s historian Qazwini, “a masterpiece has Quranic verses carved in red sandstone as also
for ages to come”. As the scholar Ebba Koch says, it was inscriptional mural decorations. This combination runs
built with posterity in mind and viewers were a part of its through numerous other Mughal buildings, with
concept. Such was the consciousness, such was the Humayun’s tomb and the Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri
confidence. What also remains unnoticed is that the being excellent examples of this.
monument not only formed a heavenly tribute to Mumtaz
Mahal, it reflected the power and glory of the Mughals, in Red sandstone had significance in the Persian origins of
particular Shah Jahan. the Mughal empire, where red was the exclusive colour of
imperial tents. Koch points out that the hierarchical use of
red sandstone and white marble can be traced to an
Tomb architecture eighth century Hindu religious text, Vishnudharmottara
Purana, which recommended white stone buildings for
The Taj marked the evolution of tomb architecture in India Brahmins and red stone buildings for Kshatriyas. By using
from the simple square plan with a domed roof (seen in this colour combination, the Mughals were trying to
the tomb of Iltutmish in the Qutb complex in Delhi) to a identify themselves with the leading classes of Indian
very complex one. It marked an improvisation over society and also articulate their imperial status.
several features of tomb architecture developed over a
period of time, including the octagonal structure (seen in Shah Jahan’s reign saw a further shift in this trend —
the tomb of Khan-i-Jahan Tilangani and later in the privileging of marble over red sandstone structures so
imperial tombs of the Sayyids and the Lodis); the double characteristic of Akbar’s period. Several red sandstone
dome (seen in Sikandar Lodi’s tomb in New Delhi, though buildings at the Agra and Lahore forts were dismantled
the true double dome appears first in Humayun’s tomb); and replaced with marble structures. The marble buildings
drum to raise tomb elevation (Adham Khan’s octagonal erected inside the Agra fort included the Diwan-i-Am
tomb in the Qutb complex); positioning of the tomb at (1627), Diwan-i-Khas (1637), and the Moti Masjid (1654).
the centre of a char bagh, or fourfold garden Likewise, at the Lahore fort, the Diwan-i-Am, the Khwab
(introduced by Babur and seen in imperial Mughal tombs); Garh, the Sheesh Mahal and the Musamman Burj.
use of minarets (Akbar’s tomb at Sikandra, Jahangir’s
The Taj is thought to represent one of the houses in the
tomb in Lahore and Itmad-ud-Daulah’s tomb in Agra);
gardens of paradise. In Quranic descriptions, the eternal
hasht bihisht symbolising the eight doors of Paradise
garden is imagined as a place with flowing waters, shade
(Humayun’s tomb); construction of a complete marble
trees, exquisite fruits and beautiful maidens. Koch says
tomb and parchinkari, loosely pietra dura (first seen in
the flower and plant motifs used to decorate the Taj
Itmad-ud-Daulah’s tomb); and the idea of a forecourt, Jilau
Mahal invested the monument with a paradisiacal quality.
Khana square with streets, bazaars and residential
In the earlier Islamic monuments, typical geometric
buildings (first seen in Jahangir’s tomb in Lahore). These
patterns dominated, whereas in the case of the Taj, such

motifs were relegated to floors and jalis (screens). The represented the “Throne of God”. The scholar Wayne
metaphor of gardens and plants also had an imperial Begley thinks that the mausoleum also reflected the
symbolism—it represented not only Shah Jahan and his perfection and authority of the Mughal leadership. To him
good governance but also his court and his family. the “Garden of Paradise” also formed the location of the
Besides, it served as an instrument of propaganda for his “Throne of God” on the day of judgment.
chroniclers, who portrayed him as an “erect cypress of the
garden of the caliphate”. Vases filled with plants (or The fourfold garden is further divided into four with a
overflowing plants) were not only important in Muslim system of paved waterways, water channels and parterres
cultures but also pointed to the ancient Indian symbol of and stone-bordered star-shaped buds. In the centre of the
prosperity and well-being—the purna ghata (vase of garden is a raised marble water tank called hawd
plenty). This idea of paradise also got reflected in the alkawthar (symbolising the tank of abundance promised
layout of the char bagh (fourfold garden) with running to Muhammad) with a reflecting pool to reflect the image
water as well as in the Quranic verses (calligraphed in of the mausoleum.
black marble and inlaid in white marble) inscribed on
One of the most unusual features of the Taj garden is the
three of the four major buildings—the mausoleum, the
even distribution of water with equal pressure from the
great gate and the mosque. The Taj displays the largest
lotus-bud-shaped foundation.
inscriptional programme in the Islamic world. It has 25
Quranic inscriptions, of which 14 are complete suras
(chapters). In one way or another, all inscriptions deal with
the day of judgment, divine mercy and paradise for the
Pietra dura
faithful. The verses on the Darwaza-i-Rauza directly
The technique of inlaying marble with precious and semi-
identify the Taj with paradise.
precious stones is called pietra dura. It was first
developed in Florence (Italy) during the 16th century. An
Optical Illusion example of such an inlay, though with typically Islamic
motifs, of flowers, cypresses, floral arabesques, vases and
wine pots was first seen in the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah.
Optical control forms an important element in the viewing
Inlaying white marble with precious and semi-precious
of the Taj. If one looks at the mausoleum from the
stones such as lapis, onyx, jasper, topaz, cornelian, and so
Darwaza-i-Rauza, it looks small and distant. As one
on, is taken to its classic form in the surface decoration at
gradually approaches the monument, it begins to expand
the Taj Mahal. Koch and scholars such as Henry Hosten
and look bigger. Also, many architectural features start
have suggested that the technique was introduced in the
becoming noticeable. The spatial arrangement of the
Mughal court by European lapidaries, primarily Austin or
formal garden also creates an optical illusion. The tombs
Augustin de Bordeaux, a French lapidary known during
of Humayun, Akbar, Itmad-ud-Daulah and Jahangir
Jahangir’s time. This has been opposed by several scholars
subscribed to the classic pattern of the tomb being placed
who say that the Florentine pietra dura is principally
at the centre of the char bagh. The Taj made an important
figurative and its only instance in Mughal architecture can
improvisation to this scheme—the mausoleum, located on
be seen in the alcove behind the emperor’s throne in the
the riverfront, was placed at the end of the fourfold
Diwan-i-Am at the Red Fort at New Delhi (constructed
garden. This gave a sense of depth to the first view of the
between 1643 and 1648). Some locate it within the larger
mausoleum from the gateway. Some scholars think this
indigenous tradition of parchinkari, in which inlay was
had an underlying political symbolism. The scholar
done on metal (for example, artefacts from Bidri and
Brandenburg argues that the placement of the char bagh
Muradabad) and wood. In the case of the Mughals, the
at the head of the mausoleum was done to fit in a
particular cosmological diagram where the Taj

idea of the form and design is principally Islamic and the
motifs were borrowed from Persian example. Politics of appropriation
The depiction of naturalistic flowery plants can be seen in The politics of appropriation started with the construction
Jahangiri miniatures. Marble inlay with images of plants of the monument itself. The first to do so was the Western
with blossoms—effected by the choice of stones world, primarily travellers and scholars. They floated the
corresponding to the natural hues—validated the historically untenable tale of the role of foreign architects
unrivalled standing of the Mughals in parchinkari. Even in the construction of the Taj. Sebastian Manrique, who
Koch admits that in its complexity, subtlety and elegance visited Agra during 1640-41, attributed it to the Italian
Mughal pietra dura work surpasses that of any Italian goldsmith Geronimo Veroneo, while British administrator
artist. William Sleeman gave credit to the Frenchman Austin de
Bordeaux. Chroniclers of the Mughals credit Shah Jahan
Myth with the design of the complex. What seems most

possible is that Shah Jahan designed the concept plan
himself, while the details were supervised and executed
Some myths and legends, mostly floated by guides, have
by a collective of architects, including Ahmad Lahori, Mir
become ingrained in popular history and folklore. The
Abdul Karim, Maulana Murshid of Shiraz and Ustad
idea of a second, rivalling Taj, the Black Taj, was floated by
Hamid. The monument and its legacy also led to political
Jean Baptiste Tavernier, who, during his visit to Agra in
contestations and scams.
1665, wrote that Shah Jahan wanted to build his own
tomb in black marble on the other side of the Yamuna in Within the subcontinent, the politics of appropriation has
Mahtab Bagh but his sons opposed the plan and led to polarisation. P.N. Oak’s writings have floated the
Aurangzeb finally abandoned it. There is no historical theory that the Taj Mahal is not Mumtaz’s tomb but an
evidence to support this claim and even archaeological ancient Hindu temple palace of Lord Siva then known as
excavations carried out in the 1990s did not reveal any Tejo Mahalaya. The idea caught on with some Hindu
evidence of a tomb. Another very popular tale is that Shah politicians, who reiterated the Hindu character of the
Jahan killed the architects and workers who built the Taj monument and said that Shah Jahan usurped a part of
(other versions say he chopped off their hands or had temple land from the Hindu king Jai Singh. More recently,
their eyes gouged out or had them thrown into the a Muslim politician demanded that the monument be
dungeons of Agra fort) so that they could not build a handed over to the Sunni Waqf Board since it was a
second monument like that. This again has no historical mausoleum of two Muslims. While such ideas continue to
basis and, as Koch points out, such tales are a part of be debated and contested, the mausoleum is fast being
folklore surrounding monuments in many cultures, appropriated by the global community. The Taj made its
including England, Ireland, Russia and parts of Asia. way into the official list of the “New Seven Wonders of the
Finally, the tale of the British administration’s plans to World” elected by more than 100 million votes to
demolish the Taj. It is said that Lord William Bentinck, represent global heritage throughout history. The media
Governor General of India in the 1830s, planned to has also reported construction of its replicas in many
demolish the Taj Mahal and auction the marble. His countries and regions, including China, Bangladesh,
biographer, John Rosselli, clarified that the basis of this Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, and in New Jersey in
rumour was Bentinck’s fundraising sale of discarded the United States.
marble from Agra fort.

lEAD ESSAYS
Judicial Reforms
MUKUND D.
EX-STUDENT, RAU’S IAS
Like all institutions of governance, the judiciary too Computerization can help enhance the productivity of
requires a periodic dose of institutional reforms to keep judicial work. It can create an accessible data base to help
pace with the societal demands. The higher judiciary has both judges and lawyers; it can help case management
been proactive in trying to improve and strengthen the and courtroom management; it can speed up judicial work
judicial process and justice delivery system to make them by removing the need for paper based transactions.
more accessible, cost effective and less time consuming. Recognising the utility of this tool, the Government has
The Government has also taken steps to improve the approved a proposal for the computerization of district
working of the judiciary keeping in mind the needs of and subordinate courts. An E-committee set up, on the
litigants, particularly, those belonging to the poorer advice of the Chief Justice of India, to monitor
sections. implementation of computerization of the judiciary has
also submitted its report on the National Policy and Action
Accelerated Justice is an essential component of an
Plan for the Implementation of Information &
effective judicial system. And speedy delivery of justice
Communication Technology in the Indian Judiciary.
also reduces the cost to a litigant, thus making it
affordable. In this context, the problem of pendency of In the era of globalisation, liberalisation, privatisation, a
cases in lower courts, and in some cases even in High growing integration of economics and societies around
Courts and Supreme Court, requires urgent attention. the world has certainly influenced many aspects of
Speedy justice is an assurance extended to a citizen under individual’s lives and institutional character. Yet the basic
the ambit of `right to life’ guaranteed under Article 21 of aim of every society remains the same that is to secure a
our Constitution. Speedy justice can renew our people’s just and humane society. Therefore, the system has to be
faith in the administration of justice and in the `rule of suitably amended/ reformed to meet the demands and
law’. These constitute the bedrock of our democracy. The emerging pressure from the society and to forward this
framers of the Indian Constitution provided for an cause transparency and accountability in the judicial
independent and strong judiciary which would work system must be adhered to. Otherwise the day is not far
within the framework of the supremacy of the constitution when the masses may raise defiant voice against the
and a parliamentary form of democracy in India. performance of the judiciary.
There are over 3 crore cases pending in courts. The As an institution, the Indians judiciary has always
arrears seem to be increasing every year as disposal of commanded a great respect from the people of this
cases is less than the institution of new cases. country. The roots of this high regard lie in the

impartiality, and independence of the members of the judgement of the Supreme Court. It remains the law of
judiciary. The deeper aim of a good society is to respect the land unless its interpretation is reviewed on reversed
the judiciary with morality. As Chanakaya said “law and by the Supreme Court of self or the law or the constitution
morality sustain the world.” But morality comes from is suitably amended by parliament. Therefore, it is no way
ethical values. The societal perception of judges as being less than that of the other two functionaries— legislature
detached and impartial referee is the greatest strength of and executive. It is the role of the judiciary to carry out the
the judiciary. The real source of strengths of the judiciary constitutional message and it is its responsibility to keep a
lies in public confidence in the institutions. vigilant waters over the functioning of democracy is
accordance with the dictates, directives and imperatives—
The judiciary is one of the three basic organs of the state.
commands of the constitution by checking excessive
The other two are the legislative and the executive. It has
authority of the other constitutional functions beyond the
a significant role in the smooth functioning of the states
limit of the constitution.
and in a democracy; it is based on rule of law. Since time
immemorial, law and judiciary have played a vital role in The issue of judicial reform has been raised by judges of
Indian Polity. The constitution accords a high place of Supreme Court, experts, academicians, and common
pride to the judiciary by conferring the power of judicial people of this country. This alarming situations call for
review of legislature and administrative activities and speedy remedial measures.
entrusting it with the task of enforcement of the
The following are some of the reforms that need to be
fundamental rights guaranteed under the constitution.
implemented in our age old judiciary system. Non-delay
In a democratic polity, the Supreme Power of the state is and the credibility of the system is the first and foremost
shared among its three main organs as constitutional factor in judicial reforms. Justice delayed is justice denied.
functionaries. Each of the function arises is independent It is a vital aspect of judicial reform. The lack of speedy
and supreme within its allotted spheres and none is dispute resolution system has a direct impact on the level
superior to the other. Justice has to be administered of lawlessness in every society. Therefore, if the system
through the courts and such administration would relate does not evoke confidence, it would become dysfunctional
to social, economic and political aspects of justice as and fit to be scrapped. It can be possible to deliver a
stipulated in the preamble of the constitution of the speedy justice mainly by computerisation of the whole
judiciary. Therefore, becoming the most prominent and judicial administration and reduce the delayed justice to
outstanding organ of the constitutional system for the ordinary citizens and also can manage the work and
fulfilling the mandate of the constitution. The judiciary has time of the Supreme Court and high courts better.
to take up positive & creative functions in securing socio-
Rural courts are needed for speedy justice as a lot of
economic justice to the people.
cases are pending for jurisdiction. It is quite necessary to
The constitutional task assigned to the judiciary is to reform the constitution of rural courts for speedy justice.
adjudicate disputes between the individuals, between If it is need to be a substantial increase in the number of
individuals and the state, between the states and between judges of the local level giving access to the ordinary
the union and the states and while to adjudicating, the people, and the procedures of these local courts showed
court may be required to interpret the provisions on the be made simple and uncomplicated giving room for
constitution and the law and the interpretation given by sufficient flexibility to render justice. These courts should
the Supreme Court becomes the law honoured by all use only the local language and they should be
courts of the land. There is no appeal against the empowered to visit the villages and hear the cases and

record evidences locally. And deliver the verdict within the legislation. The appellate power of High Courts should be
specified timeframe. restricted in order to reduce the caseloads.
Revision of judicial procedure is equally needed. The civil Another point is that there is a need for a crime
and criminal procedures codes and the laws of evidence investigation force. The present system of police force has
have to be substantially revised to meet the requirements combination of several functions, including crime
of modern judicial administration. Although certain investigation, riot control, intelligence gathering, and
principles and procedures are still relevant yet several security of state properties, protection of important
procedures have become cumbersome, and often citizens. All in a single police force has had a devastating
counter-productive. There should be time limits effect on the criminal justice system. The police force has
prescribed for adjudication and the stages and endless become inefficient and increasingly partisan. The crime
adjournments should be stopped— except in exceptional investigation machinery has also become an instrument
circumstances for reasons specifically recorded in writing. of partisan policies, mainly due to pressure from the
government to the legal authority to drop criminal
There is a need for a judicial commission to oversee
charges against the accused.
judges’ accountability. It is high time to set up a judicial
commission and its members should be drawn from the Due to delay and overburden of the judiciary, it’s high
judiciary, executive and the legislative and their time that the Indian judicial service should be created as
recommendation is made binding on the president in all an All India Service under Article 312 of the constitution.
appointments to the higher judiciary. Similarly the All the officers of the district and session judges should be
provision for removal of a judge of Supreme Court and held by persons recruited to such a service after adequate
High Courts under Article 154 (clause 4) has become training and exposure. Only such a meritocratic service
inoperative in practice. The Indian parliament has lost the with a competitive recruitment, high quality uniform
capacity to act as a Court in such impeachment trials. training and assured standards of probity and efficiency
would be able to ensure speedy and impartial justice. A
There are several administrative reform commissions
fair proportion of the High Court could be drawn from the
which examine the entire administration fabric and
Indian Judicial Service.
advised a number of measures. But on the judiciary front,
so far there is not any such comprehensive examination Judicial activism and judicial restraint are two sides of the
of the issues of reform. Thus, there is an urgent need to same coin. It is, therefore, essential to remember that
set up a commission to go into the entire gamut of judicial judicial respect in the exercise of its functions is of equal
administration to ensure that judicial reforms in all its importance for the judiciary while discharging its judicial
segments are comprehensively worked out and obligation under the constitution. The judicial action
implemented to provide speedy justice of a minimal cost should not become ‘judicial adventurism’. The judge
with efficiency, economy and accountability. should not deliver his own notion of justice by ignoring
the links of the law, the bounds of the jurisdiction and the
The Supreme Court jurisdiction should be limited only to
binding precedents, the court must act with proper
matters involving interpretation of the constitution or
restraints and self-discipline.
disputes between two states or union and states in effect,
the Supreme Court should function only as a There are four pillars of a democracy- the legislature,
constitutional court and federal court with high esteem. executive, judiciary and the fourth estate. The judiciary in
The High Court should not have the power to interpret the our democracy has been sinking in the morass of
constitution except in matters involving the state inefficiency, corruption and delays. Corruption in judiciary

is undermining
u g judicial systtem, denying
g citizens acccess to system
s can mitigate
m som
me aspects o
of political in
nstability,
jusstice and the
e basic huma
an right to a fair and impartial including security and law
w and order issues. But tthe basic
tria es even to a trial at all. Petty briberry and
al, sometime issue is thatt any society
y with deep
p flaws in itss justice
political influen
nce in the judiciary erod es social coh
hesion delivery
d syste
em wrecks cittizens' faith iin the processses and
wh
hich reflects one
o system for
f the rich a nd another ffor the institutions of e. Deliveringg justice, thus, is a
o the state
poo
or, fractured communitie
es. foundational
f principle off a nation sttate — and on that
front,
f it won't be unfair to state thaat India conttinues to
Comprehensive
e judicial refform would entail envisaging
face
f a crisis.
e whole spectrum of morre judges, fasst track courtts, and
the
the
e issue of cap
pability and professionali
p sm of those within There
T is an urgent
u requiirement to rreform our judiciary,
the
e judicial system,
s to deploying mation
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b we lose all our trrust in judiciaal system an
nd move
tecchnology sysstems, as something
s t hat needs to be towards
t anarrchy. The refo
orm has to b
begin, with th
he higher
quickly institutionalised. The current sit uation is succh that judiciary and from this ve
ery point we h
have to go fu
urther to
the
e Supreme Court itself has said th
he nation "seems other
o reforms.
unconcerned" by
b the issue of
o delayed ju
ustice, and re
ecently
Disclaimer:
D The
T views and
d opinions exxpressed in th
his essay
the mission also raised the isssue of the lack of
e Law Comm
are
a those of th
he writer.
pro
ofessionalism
m among judg
ges and lawyyers in India a
as one
of the
t ills that plagues
p the sy
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A sound
s judicia
al system isn
n't just aboutt delivering jjustice
— it also affectts economic interests ass an effective
e legal

Part Three
practiCe
ZONE
mcqs . descriptive questions .
questions based on editorials
Here are given 50 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
for self-practice. These questions have been framed
Multiple Choice Questions from this issue itself. So, a reader is expected to
attempt the questions, and also refer to the Answer
(MCQs) for prelims gs paper i Key given after the MCQs. These are helpful for General
Studies- Paper I (Preliminary Examination).
1. Consider the following statements related to 3. Doubtful Assets

Recapitalisation Bonds: 4. Loss Assets
1. These Bonds would be issued by the Government Select the correct answer using the code given
for undertaking the recapitalisation of Public Sector below:
Banks. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
2. The Banks in India would not be allowed to buy (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
these Bonds.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
5. Consider the following statements related to
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only Provisioning Coverage Ratio (PCR):
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. It refers to the percentage of the funds that has to
be set aside by the Banks in order to cover the risk
2. Consider the following statements related to arising from bad assets.
Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs): 2. The PCR is same for all the categories of NPAs.
1. The GrAMs would enable the farmers to sell their Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
agricultural produce without restrictions which they (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
presently encounter in the APMCs.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. The GrAMs would be electronically linked to e-NAM.
6. Consider the following statements related to
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO):
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. It is a United Nations (U.N) agency entrusted with
the responsibility of protecting intellectual property
3. The "P.J. Nayak Committee Report", sometimes (IP).
seen in the news, is related to 2. It publishes the Global Innovation Index (GII) Report.
(a) Rift between RBI and Government Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(b) Improving the governance of Public Sector Banks (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(PSBs) (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Protection of Himalayan Ecosystem
(d) Social Media Regulation 7. What does the "RISE Report" published by the
World Bank deals with?
4. Which among the following are the categories of (a) Women Empowerment
Non-Performing Assets (NPAs)? (b) Sustainable Energy
1. Special Mention Account (SMA) (c) Inclusive Growth
2. Substandard Assets

(d) Infrastructure Development
12. Climate action funding announced by World
8. Consider the following statements related to Bank at the Katowice Climate Conference
voting in the GST Council: targets which of the following?
1. The Central Government has a weightage of 1/3 of (a) $100 bn from 2019-2024
total votes while the states have weightage of (b) $200 bn from 2020-2025
remaining 2/3 votes. (c) $500 bn from 2020-2025
2. The decision of the GST council is taken by a (d) None of the above
majority of not less than three-fourths of the
weighted votes of the members present and voting.
13. With reference to Global Carbon project,
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Consider the following statements:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 1. It is a Global Research Project of Future Earth and a
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 research partner of the World Climate Research
Programme.
9. Which among the following agencies in India has 2. The Global Carbon Project was formed in 2001 to
recently released the "Sustainable Development help the international science community to
Goal (SDG) India Index"? establish a common, mutually agreed knowledge
(a) Ministry of Environment and Forests base that supports policy debate and action to slow
(b) NITI Aayog the rate of increase of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere.
(c) Ministry of Rural Development
(d) Ministry of women and child development
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
10. Consider the following statements related to E-
Commerce sector in India:
1. Under the Inventory based model, the e-commerce 14. With reference to the Ganga River Dolphin,
entity owns the goods whereas under the Market consider the following statements:
based model, the e- commerce entity provides a 1. It is found only in River Ganga.
platform for sale of goods. 2. It is the National Aquatic animal of India.
2. India allows 100% FDI in both inventory and Market Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
based e-commerce. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 15. With reference to the Global Tiger forum,
consider the following statements:
11. Article 4 of the 2015 Paris Agreement deals with 1. It was formed in 1993 on recommendations from an
which of the following issues? international symposium on Tiger Conservation at
(a) Climate Change Finance New Delhi, India.
(b) Global Stocktake of climate actions 2. It works under the aegis of UNFCCC.
(c) Adaptation Fund Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(d) Nationally determined Contributions (a) 1 only (b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
16. Namdapha National Park lies in which of the 20. With reference to the Agasthyamalai Biosphere
following states of India? reserve. Consider the following statements:
(a) Assam (b) Meghalaya 1. It is a part of World Network of Biosphere Reserves
(c) Arunachal Pradesh (d) Manipur of the UNESCO.
2. Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger reserve is part of this
17. Consider the following pairs: Biosphere Reserve.
National park/wildlife State
sanctuary (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. Siroi National Park : Manipur
2. Malvan marine : Maharashtra

21. Which of the following are associated with
sanctuary
India’s engagement in Chabahar port?
3. Pobitora sanctuary : Assam
1. Connect Central Asia policy
2. INSTC Corridor
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly 3. Kaladan Multimodal Project
matched? Select the correct answer from the codes given
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only below:
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
18. With reference to the Great Indian Bustard,
consider the following statements: 22. ‘ASEAN Centrality’ is associated with which of
1. Its largest population is found in the Indian state of the following aspects of Indian foreign policy?
Rajasthan. 1. Act East policy
2. It has been categorised as critically endangered as 2. Indo-Pacific security architecture
per IUCN.
3. RCEP
Select the correct answer from the codes given
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only below:
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
19. With reference to Olive Ridley Turtle, consider
the following statements:
23. Which of the following are permanent
1. These are migratory species and are known for their participants of East Asia Summit?
synchronized nesting in mass numbers known as
1. India
Arribadas.
2. China
2. It has been categorised as critically endangered as
3. Australia
per IUCN.
Select the correct answer from the codes given
below:
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3

(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) Cyber governance
24. Bagan pagodas and Ananda temple are located 29. The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2018 bans which
in which of the following countries? of the following?
(a) Bhutan (b) India 1. altruistic surrogacy
(c) Myanmar (d) Nepal 2. commercial surrogacy
Select the correct answer using the code given
25. Consider the following statements on Atal below:
Bhashanter Yojana: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. It is being implemented by the Ministry of External (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Affairs
2. It intends to form ‘Specialised Interpreters’ on all UN 30. Recently which of the following states has
official languages recognised NOTA as a “Fictional Electoral
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Candidate’ for its local polls?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) Kerala (b) Odisha
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) Tripura (d) Haryana
26. Consider the following statements on Passport 31. The Ministry of Women & Child Development has
Index: drafted the National Child Protection Policy.
1. It is released by the World Economic Forum. Which of the following are its salient features?
2. It measures include Visa on Arrival and Visa Free 1. It provides framework for safeguarding of children
Entry. at public institutions only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. It provides for Zero tolerance of child abuse and
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only exploitation.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 3. It provides for developing Child friendly Zones at
work place.
27. Which of the following are members of Gulf
below:
Cooperation Council?
(a) 2 and 3 only (b) 1 and 2 only
1. Iraq
(c) 1 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
2. Yemen
3. Qatar
32. Consider the following statements about
Select the correct from codes given below:
National Green Tribunal (NGT):
(a) 1 Only (b) 1and 2
1. The Chairperson of NGT shall be appointed by the
(c) 3 Only (d) 2 and 3
Central Government in consultation with the Prime
Minister.
28. ‘Paris Call’ often mentioned in news, is
2. The Judicial Members and Expert Members of the
associated with
Tribunal shall be appointed on the
(a) Convention on Biodiversity recommendations of a Selection Committee.
(b) NATO Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(c) Syrian refugee crisis

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 1. The Union Cabinet has approved the restructuring
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 of existing National Health Agency as National
Health Authority.
33. The Consumer Protection Bill, 2018 provides for 2. The above decision has been taken for better
which of the following? implementation of Pradhan Mantri - Jan Arogya
Yojana (PM-JAY).
1. Protection of interests of consumers
3. PM-JAY is part of Centre’s Ayushman Bharat
2. Constitution of Consumer Protection Council and
umbrella policy for healthcare.
Consumer Protection Authority
3. It does not regulate trade through e-commerce
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 1 only
4. It provides for product liability action
(c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only 37. Which of the following are parts of Sustainable
Development Goals?
(c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2 and 4 only
1. Reduction of poverty
2. Providing clean energy
34. Consider the following statements:
3. Providing an environment of gender equality
1. Parliament may by law extend the jurisdiction of a
High Court to, or exclude the jurisdiction of a High 4. Ensuring peace and justice
Court from, any Union territory. Select the correct answer using the code given
2. Parliament may by law establish a common High below:
Court for two or more States or for two or more (a) 2 and 3 only (b) 1 and 4 only
States and a Union territory. (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 38. Recently, Freedom of Literature Bill, 2018 was
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 introduced in the Lok Sabha as a private
members bill. It aims to amend certain
provisions of which of the following laws?
35. Consider the following statements on Article 356
of the Indian Constitution: 1. Indian Penal Code
1. The President can assume to himself powers of 2. Indian Customs Act, 1962
High Court under Article 356. 3. Income Tax Act, 1961
2. Every proclamation under Article 356 needs to be 4. Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition)
approved within 2 months, only by House of People Act, 1986
by simple majority. Select the correct answer using the code given
3. There is no maximum time limit for a proclamation below:
under Article 356 if approved by the Parliament. (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 2 and 3 only
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) None of the above 39. The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018 provides
for which of the following?
36. Consider the following statements: 1. Data Protection Authority of India

2. Restrictions on Cross-Border Transfer of Personal (a) Bhils (b) Gonds
Data (c) Sawariyas (d) Baigas
3. Record keeping and data audits
Select the correct answer using the code given 44. Consider the following statements:
below: 1. Bhitargaon Temple belongs to the Mauryan Period.
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only 2. It is oldest surviving brick temple in India.
(c) 1 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 only Which of the above statements is/are correct?
40. Consider the following statements: (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. Central Information Commission is the highest
appeal body under the Right to Information Act,
2005
1. R G Bhandarkar was a champion of women rights.
2. The Chief Information Commissioner and
2. He founded Prarthana Samaj in 1877.
commissioners shall be appointed by President on
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
the recommendation of a Selection Committee
chaired by Chief Justice of India. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 46. Which of the following is the largest monastery
in the world?
(a) Thikse Monastery (b) Potala Palace
41. Consider the following traditions:
(c) Lama Temple (d) Hanging Monastery
1. Yoga
2. Bharatanatyam
3. Reggae
1. Vrischikolsavam Festival is celebrated annually in
Which of the above are included in the Intangible
Kerala.
Heritage list of UNESCO?
2. The festival is a colourful procession of ten
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
caparisoned elephants.
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1,2 and 3
1. The Great Indian Hornbill festival is celebrated in
Kohima, Nagaland.
48. Which of the following rulers built
2. It is held in honour of the four types of hornbills
Brihadeeswarar temple at Thanjavur?
found in Nagaland.
(a) Rajendra Chola
(b) Mahendravarmana-I
(c) Rajaraja Chola
(d) Narasimhavarmana-II
43. Which of the following community is known for

its tribal paintings knowns as Mandana? 49. Consider the following sites:

1. Ajanta 2. Lalitgiri 50. The Jnanpith award is given in honour of
3. Ratnagiri contribution towards which field?
Which of the above can be considered as Buddhist (a) Medicine (b) History
site/sites? (c) Literature (d) Economics
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
1. Answer (a) 13. Answer (c) 25. Answer (a) 37. Answer (c)
2. Answer (c) 14. Answer (b) 26. Answer (b) 38. Answer (a)
3. Answer (b) 15. Answer (a) 27. Answer (c) 39. Answer (c)
4. Answer (c) 16. Answer (c) 28. Answer (d) 40. Answer (a)
5. Answer (a) 17. Answer (d) 29. Answer (b) 41. Answer (c)
6. Answer (c) 18. Answer (c) 30. Answer (d) 42. Answer (a)
7. Answer (b) 19. Answer (a) 31. Answer (a) 43. Answer (c)
8. Answer (c) 20. Answer (c) 32. Answer (b) 44. Answer (b)
9. Answer (b) 21. Answer (a) 33. Answer (d) 45. Answer (a)
10. Answer (a) 22. Answer (d) 34. Answer (c) 46. Answer (b)
11. Answer (d) 23. Answer (d) 35. Answer (d) 47. Answer (a)
12. Answer (b) 24. Answer (c) 36. Answer (d) 48. Answer (c)
49. Answer (d)
50. Answer (c)

Here, we are sharing Essay Type Questions for self-
practice. These questions have been framed on
important issues covered in editorials drawn from
Essay Type Questions leading newspapers. A reader is expected to read the
editorals, understand & analyse them, and practice
for mains gs papers I, II & III the question given above each editorial in 200 words
to command on issues relevant for General Studies
Papers- I, II, III & Essay.
Q1. In the light of recent incident of coal mine workers trapped in Meghalaya, highlight the need for better
implementation of ban on illegal mining.
No Lessons learnt : on Meghalaya mining disaster The Hindu |Disaster Management
The disaster that struck a coal mine at Ksan in Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills district on December 13, trapping at least 13
workers, is a shocking reminder that a fast-growing economy such as India continues to allow Dickensian mining practices.
India being home to some of the worst mine disasters, such as Chasnala near Dhanbad in 1975 in which more than 370
people were killed, the full spectrum of mining activity should be tightly regulated. Yet, the Ksan mine, referred to as a rat
hole, was allowed to function in violation of not just safety norms but a complete prohibition issued by the National
Green Tribunal. Clearly, the administration did not act to stop unscrupulous operators of the illegal mine from exploiting
desperate workers, some of them from Assam, who were willing to work the rat hole tunnels because that is the most
remunerative employment available to them. Unscientific mining led to a collapse of the chamber and deadly flooding
followed. After disaster struck, it was incumbent on the Meghalaya government to launch an immediate rescue effort. But
it did not possess the equipment to dewater the stricken mine quickly, and did not show any urgency in requisitioning it
from elsewhere, in spite of the involvement of the National Disaster Response Force. The families of the workers are now
left hoping for a miracle. Meghalaya has no excuse for not closing down such dangerous mines. What it can and should do
now, jointly with the Assam government where needed, is to offer adequate compensation and jobs for the next of kin of
the workers without delay.
Official inquiries into flooding disasters at approved mines, including Chasnala, have shown serious shortcomings in
safety management. Two years ago, a landslip at an open cast mine in Goda, Jharkhand, killed 23 people, raising questions
about the rigour of the technical assessment done prior to expansion of extraction activity. A study on three big flooding
accidents published in 2016 by the IIT-Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, concluded that the official approach of fixing
responsibility on human error was flawed, since it did not try to identify the root cause. There is little evidence to show
that pre-mining surveys and safety protocols are incorporating such advice. The case of illegal mines falls in a different
category. Unapproved work, which appears to have led to the Meghalaya accident, cannot continue, and employment
should be provided to those who are displaced. Illegal mining has been highlighted by activists, but they have become
targets of violence by those operating the mines. In the glare of national attention, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has
acknowledged that illegal mining does take place. His government has been remiss as it failed to act on the NGT’s
directions. It must bear responsibility for what has happened at Ksan, and work to prevent such tragedies.
Key words: 1.Rat hole mining , 2. Jaintia hills, 3. National Green Tribunal, 4 Flooding disasters in mines.

Q2. To control the air pollution crisis, there is need to move away from Knee-Jerk methods towards a holistic
pollution control action plan. Discuss.
Nobody’s air Indian Express | Environment
If there is one lesson that policymakers ought to have learnt by now from the pollution crisis that engulfs Delhi with
unfailing regularity around Diwali, it’s this: Clearing the unhealthy haze requires them to plan well before the festival.
Unfortunately, however, desperation remains the name of the game for the city’s pollution control authorities. More than
300 people were arrested for defying the Supreme Court’s restrictions on bursting crackers. The court’s stipulation that
people can burst “green crackers” between 8 pm and 10 pm on the day of the festival was, no doubt, a less stringent
version of last year’s all-out ban on fireworks. Even then, it was problematic. For one, like all pollution control measures
implemented in the past five years, the curbs on fireworks are a top-down decision. Last year, the Supreme Court had
suggested that its ban was a “natural follow-up” to awareness campaigns run by civil society organisations which urge
citizens to “say no to crackers”. However, this ban failed to bring down the levels of particulate matter appreciably. And the
fact that its watered down version did not do much better this year shows that much more needs to be done by way of
persuasion to make people give up a practice seen as synonymous with the festival. Moreover, the court’s directives for
green crackers came too late in the day. The National Environmental Engineering Research. Institute and a few other
government laboratories have developed less polluting fireworks, but clearances required for commercial production
were not in place in time to cater to the Diwali demand.
Last year, the Supreme Court-mandated Environment Pollution Prevention and Control Authority (EPCA) promised a
departure from the knee-jerk methods of countering pollution. Nine months before the festival, it put in place a Graded
Response Action Plan (GRAP) that envisaged taking progressive steps before waiting for a red alert to be sounded. But
when it was implemented, just before Diwali, GRAP bore all the hallmarks of policies that have come a cropper in the past
five years — bans, fines, and other punitive measures. Where had the pollution control authorities gone wrong? GRAP
required Central, state and local government agencies — municipal corporations of all the NCR towns, police, traffic police
and the transport departments — to work together. More importantly, it required these government bodies to build
linkages with resident welfare associations. Such linkages hold the key to changing mindsets and creating cultural
changes, including those that require people to take ownership of the air they breathe. But GRAP’s failures last year did
not alert Delhi’s pollution control agencies to the urgency of investing in such networks. As Delhi confronts its latest tryst
with the smog, these agencies would do well to give a thought to filling in the missing links.
Key words: 1.Pollution crisis, 2.Environment Pollution Prevention and Control Authority (EPCA), 3. Graded Response Action Plan
(GRAP), 4 green crackers.
Q3. The discovery of Tiger in the North-Eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh throws new challenges for authorities
in terms of conservation and protection. Examine.
Tiger in the snow Indian Express |Bio-diversity
The Royal Bengal Tiger is known to live in a wide variety of habitats in the Subcontinent. Its roar can be heard in moist
evergreen forests, dry and coniferous forests, mangroves, subtropical and temperate upland forests and alluvial
grasslands. Now, a study by researchers of the Wildlife Institute of India has found these majestic creatures in the snow-

capped regions of the Eastern Himalaya. The study that began about three years ago has recorded 11 tigers in Arunachal
Pradesh’s Dibang Valley. The Namdapha National Park in the state is known to be the country’s only reserve to have
four big cat species — the tiger, leopard and the severely endangered clouded and snow leopards. But the park is in the
lower reaches of the Himalaya. Their presence at 3,246m and 3,630m in the Dibang Valley is the evidence of tiger at the
highest altitude in the Indian part of the Eastern Himalayas — the animals have been found at an altitude of more than
4,000m in Bhutan.
A large part of the Dibang Valley is home to the Mishmi tribes. The presence of the big cats in an area which is not even a
tiger reserve is, in large measure, a tribute to the ways the Mishmi people have found to co-exist with the animals. The
cosmology of this tribal group hold tigers to be in special relationship with humans. Killing the animal is deemed
fratricidal.
But the discovery of the species should also alert conservation authorities to new challenges. The Dibang Valley tiger is
reportedly genetically isolated from the other variety of the species in Arunachal Pradesh. Inbreeding could jeopardise the
prospects of an already fragile population. The story of the newly-discovered tigers is also complicated by the fact that the
rivers in the Valley are slated to be harnessed for hydropower projects. The good news is that conservation authorities are
alert to some of the challenges, at least. Talks are underway to understand the genetic difference of the Dibang tigers with
that of other varieties of the species in Arunachal.
Key words: 1.Wildlife Institute of India, 2.Royal Bengal Tiger 3.Dibang Valley, 4 Namdapha National Park.
Q4. The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has granted permission for two mega-hydel power projects in India’s
richest biodiversity zone in Arunachal Pradesh which pose a threat to the biodiversity of the region. In this light
highlight the need for WII to use its powers with restraint.
The besieged Sanctuary Indian Express | Bio-diversity
In December 2012, villagers of the Idu Mishmi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh spotted three tiger cubs in the Dibang Valley.
They reported the sighting immediately to the forest department. A three-year-long study followed and, earlier this
month, it revealed the presence of 11 tigers in the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary. Unfortunately for them as well as other
flora and fauna in the region, “development” has come calling, meaning they might soon have no place to call home. The
Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has effectively paved the way for at least two mega hydel power projects in one of India’s
richest biodiverse zones: The Etalin hydel project to be jointly developed by Jindal Power in Dibang Valley district and the
Arunachal government and the Lower Demwe hydel project in Lohit district.
The Demwe project is dangerously close to the Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary and environmentalists have already voiced
fears about the adverse impact the power plant will have on the flow of the Lohitriver. It will also jeopardise the habitat of
the Gangetic river dolphin. A 2014 study of the site by AsadRahmani, director of Bombay Natural History Society, revealed
that the project would also end up submerging parts of the ParshuramKund Medicinal Plant Conservation Area, home to
“globally significant medicinal plants”. The Etalin project paints an equally grim picture. It entails large-scale forest
diversion and the felling of approximately 2,80,000 trees, besides impacting 18 villages. Both are instances of what has
become a predictable arc of environmental and ecological disruption. In November, Union Minister for Road Transport
and Highways Nitin Gadkari flagged off several road development works in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra. The Tadoba
tiger reserve is located close by and about 100 km of roads will cut through tiger corridors. In Karnataka, in July, the road

ministry called for the state’s consent to lift the night-traffic restriction on NH 766 passing through the Bandipur National
Park, furthering fears of more roadkills.
In this context, the role of WII assumes great significance. The country’s premier institute on wildlife and forestry, its
recommendations often decide if the ministry will grant or deny project clearances. For the Dibang Valley project, the
environment ministry modified a recommendation from its Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) to carry out an environment
impact assessment. Taking it further, the WII initiated a study to assess how the project’s wildlife impact can be minimised.
In the past, too, the WII has waded into controversy. At a time when, globally, environmental issues are increasingly driving
policy, the WII must be more mindful of the responsibility it is vested with.
Key words: 1.Wildlife Institute of India , 2.Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary3.Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary, 4 Demwe project.
Q5. To tackle the menace of climate change there is need for action on several fronts. In this context highlight the
efforts that countries need to take in order to meet the goals of Paris Agreement.
Bolstering Paris The Hindu | Climate Change
The UN Climate Conference held in Katowice, Poland, has moved ahead with the implementation of the Paris
Agreement through a rule book, reflecting strong support among citizens of all countries for urgent action to avert
dangerous climate change. Public pressure has prevailed over skepticism, although the outcome does not adequately
reflect the short window available to make deep greenhouse gas emissions cuts. Yet, the Paris Agreement, endorsed by
195 countries under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), has a long road ahead before carbon
emissions can be pegged at levels flagged by scientists. Recently, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC), in a special report, issued a stark warning on man-made emissions. It said that to cap the rise in global average
temperature over pre-industrial levels at 1.5°C, a 45% reduction in emissions over 2010 levels must be made by 2030. This
is a challenge for all big economies, including India, which is among the top five emitters of carbon dioxide. In the Indian
context, it highlights the need for action on several fronts: scaling up solar and wind power in line with the goal of reaching
175 GW of renewable energy by 2022, steadily reducing reliance on coal, shifting substantially to electric mobility and
adopting green industrial processes. Taxing luxury emissions and using the dividend to give the poor energy access has to
be the policy target, building on international green climate funding linkages.
At Katowice, Indian negotiators put forth legitimate concerns on the likely social impact of the new rules that will
operationalise the Paris Agreement in 2020. After all, at an estimated 1.2 tonnes of CO2 per capita, India emits far below
the global average of 4.2 tonnes. Yet, cumulative emissions determine the impact on climate, and India’s emissions grew
at an estimated 6.3% in 2018. The prospect of increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and sea level
rise in a warming world affecting small island states allows little room for complacency. The task now is to achieve a
paradigm shift that will slow down the addition of new sources of carbon emissions. As a party to the global climate
compact, India has to systematically assess its emissions and measure mitigation actions for reporting to the UNFCCC at
stock-taking meetings. This is an opportunity to bring major sectors such as energy production, building, agriculture and
transport on board, and make changes to regulations that favour environment-friendly alternatives. China has taken the
lead in advancing electric mobility, while individual States and cities are ahead of national governments, as in the U.S., in
reducing their carbon footprint. A clean-up in India will help meet emissions commitments and remove the blanket of air
pollution that is suffocating entire cities.

Key words: 1.Katowice Climate Conference, 2.Rule Book 3.IPCC Special report, 4 UNFCCC.
Q6. What is the impact of the technological revolution on India’s diplomatic capabilities? Highlight measures that
can use digital and cyber mediums to increase India’s Soft Power.
Time for Techplomacy Indian Express | Indian foreign Policy
Technological revolution envelops the world today, governments are finding new ways to adapt. Whether it is in using the
social media to influence public opinion at home and abroad, conducting espionage on other states, securing one’s critical
infrastructure against foreign interference, setting terms for cross-border data flows, governing the internet, countering
terrorism, or preventing the militarisation of Artificial Intelligence, all major governments are reorganising their
diplomatic mechanisms. To enhance the effectiveness of its voice in the new domain, France appointed a full time “digital
ambassador” in 2017. Denmark has set up offices of “TechPlomacy” in Silicon Valley, Copenhagen and Beijing. The French
and Danish digital ambassadors don’t just deal with other governments. A major part of their mandate is to deal with
technology giants like Google, Facebook and Alibaba and Huawei. India too needs to review and reorganise its technology
diplomacy. But first to the era of snail mail. The slow pace of long-distance communication until the 19th century meant
that ambassadors acted on their own. Because they had no way to get frequent instructions from the sovereign, they
were conferred with the title “ambassador extra-ordinary and plenipotentiary” and given the full authority to negotiate
with the sovereigns to whom they were accredited.
The communications revolution ended the age of the aristocrat diplomat and turned the envoy and his staff into
professional bureaucracies run from the governments at home. Beyond the process of diplomacy, the envoys had to deal
with the substantive impact of new communications technologies on international affairs. In finding ways to facilitate
wireless communication across territorial borders, major nations negotiated the establishment of the International
Telegraph Union in 1865 that would later become the International Telecommunication Union. The ITU is one of the
oldest international organisations. As the impact of science and technology on the world expanded, diplomats had to go
beyond their traditional focus on negotiating peace pacts and territorial settlements. Over the last century, the diplomatic
mandate on science and technology has ranged from chemical weapons to climate change and naval arms limitation to
nuclear proliferation.
In two decades of productive diplomacy, built around the historic civil nuclear initiative with the US, Delhi has largely
completed India’s integration with the international non-proliferation regime. From being a major target of technology
sanctions, it is now part of the community that sets the rules for international transfers of sensitive technologies. The only
exception is the membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group that has been blocked by China. The nuclear problem that
Delhi had to address through the second half of the 20th century might pale into insignificance with the kind of challenges
that the new technological revolution presents. The nuclear revolution affected only a small fraction of India’s economy
and security. The current technological transformations, especially in the digital and genetic domains, will have far-
reaching consequences for India’s economy, society, politics and international relations.
In the 20th century, India could afford to leave technology diplomacy to a handful of scientists and a small division in the
Ministry of External Affairs. Today, successful technology diplomacy requires a wider foundation. Of special importance
is the private sector, where much of the technological innovation is taking place.The private sector, which played a key role
in setting up modern scientific institutions, was quickly marginalized after Independence amidst the massive

bureaucratization of the Indian state. The challenges and opportunities presented by the unfolding technological
revolution are too important to be left to individual departments and ministries. What India needs is a “whole-of-
government” approach to technology diplomacy led by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Keywords: 1. Artificial intelligence 2. Ambassadors 3. International Telecommunication Union 4. MEA 5. Bureaucratisation
Q7. Examine the possibilities and challenges for India that emerge from the Chabahar port.
Chabahar tidings The Hindu | India & the World
The opening of the first office of Indian Ports Global Limited at Iran’s Chabahar and the takeover of operations of the
Shahid Beheshti port is a milestone in India’s regional connectivity and trade game plan. Chabahar port opens up a
permanent alternative route for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia, given the hurdles in the direct route through
Pakistan. It facilitates India’s role in Afghanistan’s development through infrastructure and education projects. And it gives
India’s bilateral ties with Iran, a major oil supplier and potential trade market for India, a big fillip. India has helped develop
the Shahid Beheshti port with these outcomes in mind, and has been given the contract to manage it for 18 months. It will
be important to operationalise the port quickly and smoothen the route to Afghanistan. The decision by India,
Afghanistan and Iran to hold an international event in February 2019 to promote Chabahar and to study ways to make
the route more attractive and decrease logistic costs is timely. About 500 companies have registered with the Free Trade
Zone authority there. While keeping timelines and delivery of New Delhi’s commitments will be key to the port becoming a
regional hub for transit trade, steel and petrochemicals, it will be necessary to encourage Afghan companies to use the
route more, in line with President Ashraf Ghani’s desire to have a commercial fleet under the Afghan flag setting sail from
Chabahar.
Visions of Chabahar’s immense potential as a game-changer for prosperity and stability in the region must, however,
necessarily be tempered by the reality of geopolitical challenges. The Chabahar port has received a waiver from the U.S.
sanctions on Iran for the moment, but these concessions could be withdrawn any time, given the constant upheaval in the
administration. The possibility of the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, after the pullout from Syria, will add to
security concerns for Afghanistan and impact on the Chabahar route as well. Meanwhile, the reconciliation process with
the Afghan Taliban is likely to see the regional powers, the U.S. and Russia engaging Pakistan more. This could give
Islamabad space to play spoiler in Chabahar, which is seen as a rival warm water port to Pakistan’s Gwadar. That the
Afghanistan government is hedging its bets on trade via Chabahar too is clear: in recent months, special cargo corridors
have been opened with China, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Europe, Russia, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, with more trade diverted
through them than with traditional partners Pakistan and India. With Chabahar, India has done well to keep a place in the
intricate connectivity network of the region. Given all the competing interests that criss-cross over Chabahar, it will require
sustained and nuanced diplomacy to stay ahead in this game.
Keywords: 1. Shahid Beheshti port 2. Afghanistan 3. Iran 4. Gwadar port 5. Central Asia
Q8. Assess the impact of the recent truce between US and China with regards to global trade war.
Tariff truce: On U.S.-China trade war The Hindu | Global Politics

The global trade war has come to a welcome pause. On the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Buenos Aires over the
weekend, the U.S. and Chinese Presidents, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, agreed to a 90-day truce. The two countries will
try to find an amicable solution to the various problems plaguing bilateral trade relations, such as disputes over
intellectual property rights and Chinese state support for domestic industries, through talks over the next three
months. Meanwhile, the U.S. will refrain from raising the tariff on Chinese goods worth $200 billion from the current rate
of 10% to 25% on January 1, 2019, as planned. In return, according to the White House, China will purchase agricultural
and other goods from the U.S. in order to reduce the trade imbalance between the two countries. If talks fail, however,
increased tariff rates are scheduled to come into force immediately. It is worth noting that Canada and Mexico arrived at a
compromise trade agreement with the U.S. in October, replacing the decades-old North-American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA).So these are signs that the global trade war that began earlier this year may be cooling down a little
as 2018 draws to an end.
What prompted the U.S. and China to arrive at an unexpected, albeit temporary, compromise is unclear. It will be
important to see if any compromise between the two trade giants will include a complete rollback of the tariffs imposed
on each other over the year. But the temporary trade truce should still offer some relief, as there have been
apprehensions about the U.S.-China trade battle bringing global economic growth to a grinding halt. Signs of a significant
slowdown in the Chinese economy and concerns over the negative impact of the trade war on American financial markets
may have played a part in Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi agreeing to the truce — probably a sober recognition of the fact that there
are no economic winners in any trade war. During the upcoming negotiations, the U.S. is likely to press hard on China’s
protectionist policies aimed at favouring its domestic industries. But it is unlikely that China will yield to such pressure as
that would require a seismic shift in the country’s growth policy, which till now has emphasised the state’s role in the
economy. In fact, the Chinese government’s promise to increase imports from the U.S. is a clear giveaway of the fact that it
still dominates the economy. Further, China itself is bound to draw attention to the U.S.’s own protectionist policies. A
compromise that will allow both sides to claim final victory in the battle would be the best outcome.
Keywords: 1. G20 2. Intellectual property rights 3. NAFTA 4. Tariffs 5. Protectionist policies 6. Trade imbalance
Q9. What are the concerns raised with the proposed US withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and Syria?
As US retrenches Indian Express | Global politics
US President Donald Trump’s decision to pull all American troops out of Syria and reduce by half the US forces in
Afghanistan marks the end of a prolonged phase of American military interventions in the Middle East and South Asia.
The US has about 2,000 troops in Syria and 14,000 in Afghanistan. If the president does not change his mind, Delhi will
have to take take into account the consequences for India’s western neighbourhood, especially in Afghanistan where
Washington has been fighting the longest war in American history. Those familiar with Trump’s worldview and the current
fault lines in the US foreign policy debate will not be surprised either by the president’s decision or by the fierce reaction
against it in Washington’s national security establishment, including from within Trump’s own party. The US Defence
Secretary, James Mattis, who advised against the withdrawal, has resigned and will step down in February. He is the last of
the traditionalists in Trump’s national security team and his departure is bound to sharpen the conflict between Trump,
who has demanded a thorough overhaul of America’s external commitments, and the establishment.

As America’s internal tussle on its external trajectory makes Washington an unpredictable factor in international politics,
the rest of the world has no option but to factor it into their own geopolitical calculus. Through his presidential campaign
during 2016, Trump has questioned the benefits of the US alliances in Europe and Asia. He criticised US military
interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq as extremely expensive and politically foolish. Rather than spend American blood
and treasure abroad to serve other people’s causes, Trump insisted he would put America First. After his election, Trump,
however, was persuaded by the defence establishment to stay put in the Greater Middle East. But his patience has
apparently worn thin and he is now determined to play by his own instinct.
Critics argue that Trump’s move will undermine the war against the Islamic State, help legitimise the Syrian ruler Bashar
al Assad, and boost his backers in Moscow and Tehran. In Afghanistan, the decision to downsize troop presence comes at
a moment when Washington has embarked on direct talks with the Taliban brokered by Pakistan. Trump has been
accused of abandoning the Kurdish allies in Syria and weakening the government in Kabul. At the same time, the
domestic interests of great powers often override the commitments made to friends and partners. And there is no
question that Trump is redefining America’s interests. Insofar as Delhi is concerned, it must start preparing for the
inevitable geopolitical turbulence, including the resurgence of the Islamic State and the potential return of the Taliban to
power in Kabul, that could follow the American retrenchment in the Middle East and Afghanistan.
Keywords: 1. Middle East 2. South Asia 3. Islamic State 4. Kurds 5. Taliban
Q10. What are the concerns from ‘End-to-End’ encryption security protocol with regards to India’s security?
Listening post Indian Express | Internal Security
End to end encryption (E3), a security protocol that keeps internet communications completely private, opaque even to
the service provider, has irked security agencies since 2016, when WhatsApp rolled it out. Russia, China and Turkey ban
them altogether. In 2017, the UK passed the Investigatory Powers Act and in the first week of December, Australia passed
similar laws that require providers to develop technical solutions to offer plain text communications on request. Like India,
these countries already had laws giving agencies access to data. Now, India plans to follow the trend and require E3
services like WhatsApp and Signal to provide access to encrypted “unlawful” communications on request, in plain text, with
users identified.
A discussion over these moves on E3 has raged for a year now, and has ranged from plain speculation to reasonable
arguments. Headlines claiming that E3 services can be “hacked” are highly speculative. But they can be backdoored or
spoofed by the provider by what’s known as a “man in the middle attack”, possibly executed by putting malware on
phones. And that, the reasonable argue, would endanger the security and privacy of all users. The Draft Rules for Section
79 of the IT Act, which makes it incumbent upon providers to offer technology solutions that reveal “unlawful” content to
the government would probably have depended on some stratagem to weaken the security of all users. While the need
for eavesdropping on the conversations of “persons of interest” is understandable, compromising security wholesale
cannot be a reasonable trade-off.
Such steps lay open all users to scrutiny, effectively treating all as guilty until proven innocent. This would have a chilling
effect on speech online, especially since “unlawful” content depends, greatly, on location and current perceptions. The
extending of the provisions of existing law from phones to computers suggested a trust deficit between the public and

the government. The state’s curiosity about encrypted communications can only intensify it, especially since the
technology solution could be applied to all users, not to suspects alone.
Keywords: 1. E3 2. Hacking 3. Section 79 of IT Act 4. Trust deficit
Q11. The Universal Basic Income (UBI) can emerge as an alternative to farm loan waivers to ease the present
agrarian distress. Discuss
Time for Universal Basic Income Business Standard| Economy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi accepted that loan waivers or market interventions are not likely to relieve rural distress
in his interview on January 1, as argued earlier in this space. Why is that so? And more importantly, what should be done
to deal with this burning issue? The answer lies in understanding what causes the malaise in the first place. The income
from the main economic activity, agriculture, is often not sufficient to meet even the family consumption needs. Low
incomes caused by poor productivity and prices do not allow their recipients to lead a life they consider worthwhile.
Unpredictability due to both nature’s vagaries and price fluctuations worsens the situation. Individual landholdings have
grown smaller due to repeated divisions. The added population finds virtually no occupation other than tilling the family
plot. The limited land ends up supporting ever larger numbers, perpetuating low income. Most of it is spent on essentials,
leaving hardly any surplus to invest in income enhancement measures. This vicious circle is exacerbated when crop
failures or market crashes occur with increasing frequency. Debts from usurious moneylenders and diversion of crop
loans for consumption are both rather common. That leads to another basic problem for rural India seldom articulated or
appreciated: Income shortfalls are cumulative, adding to the debt burden, but surpluses are not. In boom times, deferred
expenses — weddings, treatment of illness, adding to the meagre dwelling — take priority. The loan backlog is rarely
wiped out in such periods. When the burden becomes unbearable, waivers are demanded.
Agriculture is the occupation of the last resort, hiding armies of the unemployed (and sometimes, the unemployables).
Migration to cities just shifts the locale of the problem, but does not solve it. The only solution is a shift of the population
away from farming to a large, low-cost labour-intensive rural production base feeding industry everywhere. That needs
substantial investment in job-creation through infrastructure construction. This will take years, possibly a generation or
longer, to come about, far beyond the five-year electoral horizon. Using up available resources for loan waivers would
surely preclude such permanent remedies. But the rural populace or at least its most vulnerable sections cannot wait until
this transformation occurs. Their needs of a living, regular and predictable income are urgent and must be met. As there
are precious few alternatives available, direct transfers become attractive interventions.
The Telangana Rythu Bandhu Scheme involving grants of Rs 10,000 per hectare per season (now Rs 12,500) has received
much favourable attention in this context. The recent landslide victory of the incumbent state government is rightly
construed as the electorate’s approval. But this scheme has a major flaw: It goes against the tenets of egalitarian
development. Larger farmers, many of whom may not need any relief, will get higher benefits linked to the holding size. It
also excludes tenant farmers, and more importantly, the landless, the lowest on the economic pyramid.
Dire situations warrant drastic remedies. In this writer’s view, it is time to consider seriously a modified version of
universal basic income (UBI). The former chief economic adviser, Arvind Subramanian, devoted an entire chapter to it in
Economic Survey 2016-17. Joshi calculates the cost of paying every Indian Rs 17,500 (2014-15 prices) a year as UBI (which

will lift the lowest income tier above the Tendulkar poverty line) to be 3.5 per cent of the GDP. Subramanian’s estimate is a
comparable 4 to 5 per cent of the GDP.
This is where some caveats are needed. These calculations sidestep the difficult question of selecting recipients by making
payments to all citizens. In our present situation, that would be an unaffordable proposition. Hard, arbitrary-sounding,
choices must be made regarding the beneficiaries to make the programme both affordable and targeted. The right to food
and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Guaranteed Employment Scheme (MNREGS) both use predetermined cut-offs for
beneficiaries. If the new basic income programme is restricted to the bottom 50 per cent of the population both urban
and rural, it would cover the most vulnerable groups. That would mean an annual cost of about 2 per cent of the GDP.
This need not all be an additionally. Joshi proposes that if the government thoroughly revamps all subsidies, it will have a
“wiggle room” of about 6 per cent of the GDP. That may not be politically feasible, in view of the entrenched interests. But
a couple of areas could still be explored. The first is MNREGS. Since the basic income transferred would be higher than the
MNREGS wages earned and entails no back-breaking labour, there would be no justification or need for it. That would
offer a saving of about Rs 50,000 crore. The FY 2018 Budget had proposed a food subsidy of Rs 1.7 trillion. With income
transfers, around Rs 1 trillion from this and some other minor subsidies could be avoided. These savings would make the
cost of the income scheme just about 1 per cent of the GDP, eminently affordable. Farmers would no longer face
heartburn of unenforceable MSPs or demand loan waivers repeatedly. This logic appears to be appealing to the central
government as well, since the obvious electoral gain is a substantial collateral benefit. When reports last came in, it was
supposed to be considering a transfer of Rs 2,500 per person per month for 100 million people. The time for this is just
ripe.
Key words: 1. Universal Basic Income 2.Rural Distress 3. Landholdings4.Rythu Bandhu Scheme
Q12: The Government's recent attempts to micromanage the e-commerce sector in India would stifle the growth
of this Industry. Analyze.
Stifling e-commerce Business line | Economy
The latest ‘Review of foreign direct investment in e-commerce’ is based on a misguided view that offline and small online
retailers are in dire need of protection from online giants. The press note spells out three broad curbs, some of which go
beyond the Consolidated FDI Policy Circular 2017. It does not allow “an entity having equity participation by e-commerce
marketplace entity” to sell its products on the latter’s platform. Hence, a product in which, say, Amazon or Flipkart have a
stake cannot be sold on their respective platforms. This is in addition to the proviso that draws a clear line between a
‘market-based e-commerce platform’ and an ‘inventory-based’ one, on the basis of inventories controlled. If more than
25 per cent of the inventories of the former are linked to a single entity, it ceases to be a market-place platform, or an
intermediary between buyers and sellers. Once it is regarded as an inventory-based platform, it cannot attract FDI. Seen
along with the ban on exclusive product deals (such as a branded phone being sold on attractive terms on a particular
site) on such platforms, and the curbs on cash back services, the order seems unreasonable and indifferent to consumer
choice and welfare. It is hard to justify why online stores should not be allowed to display their own labels, when offline
ones are allowed to do so. The new policy does not take into account the expanded options for producers as well. Online
aggregators are able to reconcile producer and consumer interests by reducing logistics, storage and intermediary costs. It
is also a fallacy to believe that in a retail market as large and diverse as India’s, e-commerce players will drive everyone to

the wall. They haven’t done so in the metros, which are their natural constituencies – where consumers strapped for time
have turned to online shopping in a big way. The advantages of disaggregated retail have been underestimated.
The policy goes against the Modi government’s initial assurance of ‘minimum government, maximum governance’, by
leaning towards heavy-handed rather than light-touch regulation. As for anti-competitive practices such as deep
discounts, the marketplace can provide its own checks and balances. The Competition Commission of India can step in
to check such practices.
However, some regulation may be appropriate in view of concerns over data privacy and the uses to which data is put.
The promotion of RuPay is not a bad idea. Rather than focus, as earlier consultation paper floated in August did, on
creating a separate platform for MSME vendors, the Centre should promote easy access to finance. Allowing online start-
ups to retain control in the face of expansion and capital infusion can also be looked into. Consumer concerns over
internet charges levied on movie and airline tickets are genuine. But for now, the regulation is barking up the wrong tree,
by micromanaging the retail space.
Key words: 1.Consolidated FDI Policy Circular 2017 2. Market-based e-commerce 3.Inventory-based e-commerce
Q13. Examine in detail the nature of dispute between India and US over India's cotton subsidies? Do you think the
WTO's Agreement on Agriculture is heavily in the favour of developed countries?
Why India should expose US hypocrisy on cotton subsidies at the WTO Financial Express| Economy
Trade and World Trade Organisation (WTO) discussions thrive on perception. Recent actions by the US seek to portray
India as flouting WTO rules and distorting the global market by providing huge subsidies to cotton. Left unchallenged, the
hypocrisy of the US narrative on cotton could sway WTO members, particularly the cotton-producing African countries. So,
what is the fracas on India’s cotton subsidies all about? Shorn of legalese, the US has made a counter-notification at the
WTO, alleging that India’s subsidies to cotton have breached the limit of 10% of the value of cotton production, as
stipulated in the WTO’s Agreement on Agriculture.
The US contends that, during 2010-16, India’s market price support to cotton was 53% to 81% of the value of the annual
production. On the other hand, in its notifications, India has claimed that the market price support has rarely exceeded
1.4% of the value of production during 2010-16. What explains the reality behind these sharply divergent statistics? The
explanation lies in three variables used in calculating the domestic support for each product under the WTO’s Agreement
on Agriculture.
First, which currency to use in calculating the domestic support? Second, what is the production eligible to benefit from
the minimum price support? Third, how many units of raw cotton are required for producing one unit of lint cotton?
While India has calculated the domestic support to cotton in terms of US dollars, the US insists that the calculations should
be done in Indian rupee. Contrary to what the US insists, the methodology for calculating domestic support under the
Agreement on Agriculture is not prescriptive. It provides a country the flexibility to choose the currency for calculating its
domestic support. The issue of “eligible production” is more complicated. India takes the volume of cotton procured at the
minimum support price to be the eligible production. The US has argued that it should be the total production of cotton.
The US bases its arguments on the findings in a WTO dispute involving domestic support provided by South Korea to beef.
However, the US contention is negated by the reality that the findings in a WTO dispute are specific to the facts of the case

under consideration. What was relevant in the South Korea beef dispute may not necessarily apply in other situations,
including India’s minimum support price scheme.
On the point of conversion rate, the US contends that this figure is close to 3, while India has used a conversion rate of
2.35. The US appears to have ignored some key elements such as wastage, ginning and pressing cost, etc, that go into the
calculation of the conversion rate.
In addition, what about the US’s own subsidies to cotton? Historically, the US has provided extremely high subsidies to its
cotton farmers, who are typically rich and also constitute a powerful political lobby. For instance, in 2001, the product-
specific support to the American cotton farmers was as high as 74% of the value of cotton production in that year. The
high cotton subsidies not only depressed the global prices, but also devastated the economies of some African countries—
such as Chad and Mali—which are overwhelmingly dependent on cotton for their overall development.
The cost of production of cotton lint is much higher in the US ($1.88 per kg in 2015-16) than in India ($0.71 per kg in 2015-
16). The US exports 80% of its cotton production and tops the list of the cotton-exporting countries, while India exported
only about 16% of its cotton output in 2018. Between 1995 and 2017, the US provided subsidy to cotton farmers worth
$38 billion through several programmes, with the top 10% of the recipients guzzling 82% of the total amount of subsidy.
To make matters worse, the US dumped its highly-subsidized cotton in the international market, thereby crowding out
millions of poor farmers of developing countries from the international market and undermining their livelihoods.
It is no surprise, then, that in 2003, the African countries were up in arms against the US cotton subsidies. Some observers
contend that the Cancun Ministerial Meeting of the WTO in 2003 collapsed because the US found it politically inconvenient
to even discuss this issue. However, given the economic devastation that the US subsidies had wrecked upon the African
cotton producers, this issue unleashed strong emotions among many countries at the WTO. In addition, during the Hong
Kong Ministerial Meeting of the WTO held in 2005, the US was compelled to agree to cut its cotton subsidies “specifically,
ambitiously and expeditiously.” However, the US dug its heels in, and 13 years have passed without any significant real
reduction in the US cotton subsidies.
Here it is also relevant to mention that the rules under the Agreement on Agriculture are rigged heavily in the favour of
developed countries, such as the US. While the rules constrain India to limit its cotton subsidies to 10% of its value of
cotton production, the US is not constrained by any such limit. The limit on the US is for its total subsidies to all
agricultural products, without getting fettered by limits on subsidies to individual products. As the limit on the total
agricultural subsidies is very high for the US, effectively the US can concentrate its subsidies in just a handful of products
and still continue to remain within the WTO rules. In conclusion, the US’s counter-notification against India’s cotton
subsidies is a thinly-veiled attempt at diverting attention away from its own market-distorting practices in this sector, and
shifting the blame to other countries. The Indian government, therefore, should expose the hypocrisy of the US on cotton
subsidy, and must continue to demand, at the WTO, steep reduction in trade-distorting support provided to the farmers in
developed countries.
Key words: 1. Agreement on Agriculture, 2.Limit on cotton subsidies
Q14: The idea of an ideal single rate GST does not augur well for India from both economic and administrative
point of view. Discuss

The myth of an ideal single-rate GST Financial Express | Economy
The run-up to the enactment of the GST design revealed that the rate-structure dominated the Parliamentary debate on
Constitution Amendment Bill. It was intensely debated by economists and experts, besides, of course, politicians. The
central idea was to arrive at a ‘Revenue Neutral Rate’ (RNR), a median rate accompanied with a merit (concessional) and
demerit (akin to ‘sin taxes’) rates keeping in mind the fiscal impact and burden on the common man. The committee led by
then chief economic adviser, Arvind Subramanian, arrived at a range-bound RNR of 15-15.5%.
Despite recommendations, the current GST design has a seven-rate structure for goods (nil, 0.5, 3, 5, 12, 18, and 28) and
five for services (nil, 5, 12, 18, and 28). The levy of GST compensation cess adds another tier to this rate structure. The
present clamour in the national debate seems to be pitched for two changes: (i) obviating or pruning the 28% tier and (ii)
merging the 12% and 18% tiers (where most of the goods and services are taxed), i.e., more in line with the RNR model. In
this article, we analytically position these alternatives to adjudge their merit, suitability and importance.
The political rhetoric notwithstanding, a nuanced analysis which factors in both economic and administrative view-points
reveals that making these choices is not a simple matter. The original GST rate structure was arrived at by consolidating
the pre-GST tax incidence on the various goods and services and transposing them in the GST rate schedule. Thus, for
instance, luxury hotels, cars, etc, that were subject to higher tax rates found themselves in the 28% bracket.
From an economic standpoint, as the 13th Finance Commission’s Task Force on GST also acknowledged, standard rates
are ‘highly regressive … [as] the incidence of taxation on articles consumed by the common man will rise, while the rate of
tax on luxuries will fall’. In addition, the price-elasticity analysis and revenue-augmentation capacity also endorse the
necessity for a higher tax rate. Thus, a demand to permanently do away with the highest tax-bracket of 28% may gain
some political mileage but will be detrimental to the interest of the common man as the latter will end up subsidising
consumption of luxurious and sin-goods.
High tax-rate, in general, is unviable for the economy as it discourages consumption and directly affects economic output.
Simultaneously, it could lead to inflationary pressure as tax is a major component of the supply price. Conversely, a
moderate tax-rate promotes compliance by discouraging clandestine supplies as high rates discourage domestic
manufacturers, encourage imports and increase the propensity of smuggling. The current customs duty on gold and its
negative fall-outs establish this fact. Recent tariff curbs on non-essential imports will encourage domestic manufacturing
in the medium- to long-term.
There are additional benefits accompanying a two- or three-tier tax-rate structure. First, the current spate of advance
rulings reveals that classification and rate disputes have begun to occupy the attention of authorities. Most rulings
currently being sought are on the rate slab and the desire of business to claim a concessional rate. Merger to bring to
effect a harmonized rate would significantly curtain classification disputes (due to tax-arbitrage), and doubles up as a
measure to unshackle GST of litigation.
Second, trimming the tax-slabs causes business woes on account of inverted duty structure to also diminish. To
illustrate, all supplies to Railways are currently pegged at 5% whereas most inputs used for making such supplies are
taxed at 18%. This results in excess input credit accumulation which results in working-capital bottlenecks and, in most
cases, incremental cost, as business can’t absorb by way of input credit. This facet is critical as GST is based on a value-
added tax model wherein the input credit feature forms the core element of the tax design, and also ensures that

business remains neutral to the tax regime. With lower tax-rates, the very reasons for inverted duty structure would
vanish.
Merging tax-slabs augurs well for Make-in-India. This is principally on account of (i) overall reduction in tax incidence, (ii)
simplification of the tax-regime, and (iii) obviating the state-bias with some goods attracting 5% or 12% vis-à-vis 18%, etc.
These positive fallout can be reserved for domestic supplies by necessary changes in the customs duties.
While the issues that a multiple tax-rate structure faces are important, they are not always overwhelming. The current GST
design is a work-in-progress. It is important to allow time for stabilising collections, assessing the status on compensation
to states and GST’s overall impact on Centre’s fiscal policy. Petroleum products, which form the bulk of consumption and
contribute most to indirect tax collections (of Centre and states), are presently outside GST. Permanently excluded from
the GST design is alcohol, a significant source of tax revenue, and its inclusion will entail a constitutional amendment. Real
estate transaction costs such as stamp duties are also not a part of the GST structure. Besides, several levies are yet to be
subsumed in the GST design—levies on vehicles, electricity tax, toll tax, etc, muddy the harmonised framework that GST
ought to represent. These are the real mid- to long-term challenges.
Added to the long list is the Union government’s solemn obligation to ensure that the states’ revenues attain a y-o-y
growth of 14%, failing which a compensation provision kicks in. Fiscal pressure for attaining the monthly collection of Rs 1
lakh crore of revenues is a significant road-block that is a hurdle for further reform. In a recent statistical revelation by the
finance minister, it was stated that only six states had achieved the revenue-growth target, while seven were very near to
achieving it. However, eighteen states are still lagging on revenue collection targets. This is bound to put further pressure
on the Centre’s fiscal discipline. Tax-analytics and reinforced compliance, no doubt, expand the tax-base, but they don’t
provide the maneuverability to permit decisions which have an impact on tax collection, such as abolishing the 28% slab
or merging the standard slab of 18% and 12%. It cannot be overstated that buoyancy in revenue collections is necessary
for national growth and stability, besides fiscal discipline.
The GST Council, constituted in September 2016, has had unanimity in its functioning and decisions that are largely
undeterred by political consequences an, hence, is reflective of cohesiveness and maturity. Given that, so far, no state has
deviated from its recommendations, notwithstanding political pressures, point towards no dilution of political will to take
GST reform forward. However, the larger imperfections in the design, which were consciously left out from the original
scheme, need to be addressed. The rate structure woes will themselves perish in this grandiose paradigm.
‘
Key words:1.Revenue Neutral rate 2. GST Compensation cess3. Inverted duty structure
Q15.The government's move to recapitalize the Public Sector Banks in India seems to be a bad idea. Comment.
Recapitalizing PCA banks is a bad idea; here is why Financial Express| Economy
The government’s latest announcement on capital infusion into banks suggests it is attempting to boost loan growth by
empowering weaker lenders. As opposed to a well-defined distribution of resources in the last few rounds when the
capital allocation was based purely on financial metrics such as the return on assets or profitability, this time around the
government appears to be eager to capitalize weak lenders. Ahead of the general elections next year the government is
concerned there could be a shortage of liquidity in the system, choking the flow of credit to the corporate sector,
especially smaller enterprises.

The apprehension stems from the fact that NBFCs and HFCs aren’t able to lend as much as they were earlier because they
aren’t able to access adequate long-term funds at the right costs. The loan growth at these intermediaries has been
exceptionally strong over the last three or four years as they were able to source short-term borrowings at cheap rates.
That is no longer possible. However, pumping capital into weaker banks, especially those that were operating under the
prompt corrective action (PCA) plan, may not be the right way to go about it. The problem is that even after the clean-up at
these banks, many of them continue to post large losses—IDBI Bank for instance. It is apparent that lending processes at
these lenders are not up to the mark and therefore, at this stage, it is better to let these banks recover fully else there
could be a re-lapse.
Indeed, the government has been eager to dilute the PCA framework by reducing the number of filters that trigger
action. Rather than three metrics—capital, NPAs and profits—it wants only capital to be considered. That could have
deleterious consequences for the system since these lenders are financially fragile. Post the Q2FY19 results, a few more
might find themselves with financials that call for PCA to be initiated. The government would be frittering away precious
resources by capitalizing these lenders—it should let RBI initiate action. A bailout by the government each time—by using
taxpayer money—is a bad way to deal with these casualties. While the government no doubt wants to pander to the
middle class since elections are round the corner, that cannot be the answer. The capital must go to the stronger banks to
make them stronger. Over time, the weaker lenders can be amalgamated with them or sold off to private sector buyers.
The PCA was a good step taken by RBI; the balance sheets of the banks concerned were found to be so weak post the
AQR—asset quality review—initiated by RBI in Q4FY16, they would surely have become insolvent had the necessary steps
not been taken. The government should not undermine this move.
As Viral Acharya, deputy governor RBI, has rightly pointed out, had these banks not been re-capitalized they might have
been unstable and jeopardized the rest of the banking system. Within PCA banks, almost half of the total infusion—of
`63,500 crore has taken place during 2017-18 and 2018-19. Given how the lending practices of these banks was poor—
else they would not have been in the mess they were—it was imperative their operations were curtailed for some time till
their balance sheets stopped hemorrhaging. In fact, as Acharya found, despite being more poorly capitalised and at a
higher stressed assets ratio than other lenders, PCA lenders were actually growing their loan books at a pace that was
similar to others until 2014.
Key words:1.PCA Framework 2. Recapitalisation of Banks
Q16. Increasing incidents of violence in Jammu and Kashmir has decreased space for democratic process in the
state. Elaborate the necessary steps which must be taken by the government, security forces and the Election
Commission of India to ensure greater participation during the conduct of elections.
Pave way for polls in J&K Indian Express | Polity & Governance
Amid the debate in Parliament over the dissolution of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and subsequent imposition of
President’s rule, Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s statement that the Union government was willing and ready to assist the
Election Commission (EC) to conduct polls in the state alongside the Lok Sabha elections is a welcome signal of intent.
The space for democratic politics has shrunk considerably in the Valley over the last few years. In this backdrop, and given
the complicated security concerns, the conduct of polls would certainly require, and depend upon, a firm political
commitment from the Centre. Having said that, however, the Union government, as well as other political actors in the

state, must bear in mind that intent alone may not be sufficient to bridge the widening chasm between participatory
elections and the people of Kashmir.
Ever since the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani in 2016, a grim cycle made up of people’s protests, militancy and
the actions of security forces has dented the legitimacy of mainstream politics in the Valley. Anantnag, the erstwhile Lok
Sabha constituency of former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, is one of the longest delayed bypolls — it has been vacant
since July 2016, when Mufti vacated it to become CM. The EC has been unable to hold that election due to security
concerns. The Lok Sabha bypoll in Srinagar held in 2017 recorded less than 7 per cent turnout and in the municipal
elections in the city in October 2018, only 2.3 per cent of the electorate cast their ballot. With the collapse of the BJP-PDP
alliance, the hope of a political middle ground opening up as a result of the union of ideological opposites has faded. The
decision by Governor Satya Pal Malik to ignore the claim to form a government by the PDP, National Conference and
Congress, may have helped underline the perception that state politics is subservient to Delhi’s agenda and whim.
Now, with the Lok Sabha polls beckoning, the central government needs to reassure Kashmir and the rest of India that the
expression of the people’s voice will be enabled and that it is indeed paramount. From a security perspective, this is a
challenge, as the situation in Anantnag bears testimony. But a related and even greater task is to ensure that elections are
also representative. This will require concerted political action, and a conversation that draws in the people and goes
beyond the security discourse. It will require not merely the intent to hold elections but a reaching out with actions and
gestures. This could mean involving those stakeholders in the Valley, for instance, the Hurriyat Conference, that are not
currently part of the electoral process. And, a positive engagement with Pakistan’s overtures. There needs to be an
election in Kashmir, of course, but also a political breakthrough.
Key words: 1. dissolution, 2. Jammu and Kashmir Assembly 3. President’s rule 4. Election Commission (EC)
Q17. Outright ban on commercial surrogacy would push the surrogacy market underground and will defeat the
main purpose of protecting surrogate mothers as per the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2018. Critically analyse the
above statement.
Over to the elders – Surrogacy Bill Indian Express | Polity & Governance
The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha two years after it was introduced in Parliament’s lower
House. The bill bars commercial surrogacy and allows only close relatives to act as surrogates to infertile couples for
“altruistic” reasons. In doing so, the bill sticks to its original principles despite the criticisms by scholars, women’s rights
groups as well as the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s Parliamentary Standing Committee. The discussion
on the Bill in the Lok Sabha, just over an hour long, did scant justice to the issues that were raised in the two years after it
was tabled.
Opponents of the ban on commercial surrogacy contend that outright prohibition would push the surrogacy market
underground, defeating the regulation’s main purpose of protecting surrogate mothers. Its advocates raise bioethical
concerns about treating a woman’s body as a commodity. In August last year, a Parliamentary Standing Committee
responded to these concerns. It agreed with the arguments of the Bill’s proponents to an extent, but refused to go along
with their “moralistic” reasoning. Keeping the surrogacy transaction within the family would, in a patriarchal set-up,
reinforce the idea that a woman’s body is not her own, the committee contended. “In Indian marital homes, the decision-
making power rarely rests with women and not so privileged or financially weak relatives can be coerced into becoming

surrogate mothers,” it noted. Altruistic surrogacy, it observed, is tantamount to exploitation: “The commissioning couple
gets a child, and doctors, lawyers and hospitals get paid. However, the surrogate mothers are expected to practise
altruism without a single penny”. It recommended that surrogate mothers be paid for their services and that the process
be called “compensated surrogacy”.
The committee also made a strong case for broad-basing the eligibility criteria by including widows and divorcees. It
criticised the government for restricting surrogacy to married couples when the Supreme Court has given legal sanctity to
live-in relationships. The need to broad-base the eligibility criteria should, in fact, have acquired momentum after the
Supreme Court decriminalised homosexuality. Unfortunately, however, the Bill, passed by Lok Sabha, scarcely bears any
imprint of this seminal verdict. It is true that homosexual marriages are still not recognised in India, but by prohibiting
same-sex couples from commissioning surrogates, the bill continues to speak the discriminatory language of Section 377.
In Lok Sabha, some members, including Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar of the Trinamool Congress and NCP’s Supriya Sule, did ask
the government to expand the Bill’s scope. But a meaningful discussion on the issue proved elusive. The Rajya Sabha
would do well to debate these matters threadbare when the Bill comes before it.
Key words: 1. commercial surrogacy, 2. surrogates 3. “altruistic” reasons 4. Parliamentary Standing Committee 5. surrogacy
market 6. Altruistic surrogacy
Q18. Discuss the salient features of Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016.
Review & Revise – Transgender Bill Indian Express | Polity & Governance
A Supreme Court judgment in 2014 laid out, for the first time, a bill of rights for the country’s much-exploited transgender
community. Four years on, despite misgivings of the community, the Lok Sabha has rushed through a bill that imperils
many of the gains of the NALSA judgment. The trans/queer movement is known for its radical insistence that gender is
not a one-time fixed membership, but a flowing, subjective and personal experience. In this re-imagination, an individual’s
freedom to define herself as male or female or neither is entirely hers with no quarter given to social or parental vetoes.
This freedom is enshrined at the heart of the Nalsa judgment and completely missing from the Transgender Persons
(Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016. Instead, the bill envisions a district screening committee which will be invested the
power to certify people as trans or not. A person who wishes to transition from one gender identity to another will be
certified as male/female only after a gender reassignment surgery in effect, turning an issue of personal identity into a
medical procedure, and making vast swathes of marginalised persons dependent on the whims of an often hostile
bureaucracy. In fact, the Nalsa judgment had specifically laid out that “any insistence on surgery for declaring one’s
gender is immoral and illegal”. That patronising reluctance to consider trans-people as humans with agency is also
reflected in the provision that they should either live with their natal “family” defined as blood or adoptive relations or sent
to rehabilitation centres, without factoring in the extent to which discrimination begins at home. It also ignores the fact
that hijra communities have for long sheltered young trans-people from the violence and coercion of family. The bill is also
silent on the issue of reserving jobs or educational opportunities for trans-people, or ways to punish the prevalent social
and economic discrimination that impoverishes them. One hopes that, as the bill moves to the Rajya Sabha, these
fundamental errors are removed to allow it to become a piece of legislation that is an ally for the transgender
community, rather than one more element in their exploitation.

Key words: 1. NALSA judgment, 2. The trans/queer movement 3. district screening committee 4. hostile bureaucracy 5. social and
economic discrimination 6. transgender community
Q19. In light of recent Supreme Court verdict on Sabarimala, discuss the fundamental rights of women to freely
profess, practice and propagate her religion against deity’s strict celibate status.
Freedom to pray – Sabarimala verdict The Hindu | Polity & Governance
The Constitution protects religious freedom in two ways. It protects an individual’s right to profess, practise and
propagate a religion, and it also assures similar protection to every religious denomination to manage its own affairs.
The legal challenge to the exclusion of women in the 10-50 age group from the Sabarimala temple in Kerala represented a
conflict between the group rights of the temple authorities in enforcing the presiding deity’s strict celibate status and
the individual rights of women to offer worship there. The Supreme Court’s ruling, by a 4:1 majority, that the
exclusionary practice violates the rights of women devotees establishes the legal principle that individual freedom prevails
over purported group rights, even in matters of religion. The three concurring opinions that form the majority have
demolished the principal defences of the practice — that Sabarimala devotees have constitutionally protected
denominational rights, that they are entitled to prevent the entry of women to preserve the strict celibate nature of the
deity, and that allowing women would interfere with an essential religious practice. The majority held that devotees of
Lord Ayyappa do not constitute a separate religious denomination and that the prohibition on women is not an essential
part of Hindu religion. In a dissenting opinion, Justice Indu Malhotra chose not to review the religious practice on the
touchstone of gender equality or individual freedom. Her view that the court “cannot impose its morality or rationality
with respect to the form of worship of a deity” accorded greater importance to the idea of religious freedom as being
mainly the preserve of an institution rather than an individual’s right.
Beyond the legality of the practice, which could have been addressed solely as an issue of discrimination or a tussle
between two aspects of religious freedom, the court has also sought to grapple with the stigmatisation of women
devotees based on a medieval view of menstruation as symbolising impurity and pollution. The argument that the practice
is justified because women of menstruating age would not be able to observe the 41-day period of abstinence before
making a pilgrimage failed to impress the judges. To Chief Justice Dipak Misra, any rule based on segregation of women
pertaining to biological characteristics is indefensible and unconstitutional. Devotion cannot be subjected to the
stereotypes of gender. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said stigma built around traditional notions of impurity has no place in
the constitutional order, and exclusion based on the notion of impurity is a form of untouchability. Justice Rohinton F.
Nariman said the fundamental rights claimed by worshippers based on ‘custom and usage’ must yield to the fundamental
right of women to practise religion. The decision reaffirms the Constitution’s transformative character and derives
strength from the centrality it accords to fundamental rights.
Key words: 1. Constitution, 2. religious freedom 3. right to profess, practise and propagate 4. Protection to religious
denomination 5. deity’s strict celibate status 6. individual rights of women to offer worship
Q20. Constitutional regulation of capital punishment has failed to prevent death sentences from being “arbitrarily
and freakishly imposed”. In light of this statement, discuss the merits and demerits of retaining capital
punishment in India.

The death debate - on Justice Joseph’s views on capital punishment The Hindu | Polity & Governance
In questioning the merits of retaining the death penalty, Justice Kurian Joseph has re-ignited a debate that is important
and requires serious thought. What he said cannot be ignored, though the law laid down in Bachan Singh (1980),
upholding the validity of the death penalty and laying down guidelines for awarding death in ‘the rarest of rare’ cases’,
still holds the field. Even the other two judges on the Bench have disagreed with Justice Joseph’s view that the time has
come to review the death penalty, its purpose and practice. But it is impossible to ignore the ethical and practical
dimensions of the debate in a world that is increasingly questioning the wisdom of capital punishment. Justice Joseph
has underscored the arbitrary manner in which it is awarded by different judges and the way public discourse influences
such decisions. Concerns over judge-centric variations have been raised in the past. The Supreme Court itself spoke of the
“extremely uneven application” of the norms laid down in Bachan Singh. The Law Commission, in its Report in 2015, said
the constitutional regulation of capital punishment attempted in that case has failed to prevent death sentences from
being “arbitrarily and freakishly imposed”. Justice Joseph seems to endorse the Commission’s assertion that “there exists
no principled method to remove such arbitrariness from capital sentencing”.
In individual cases, much of the conversation about the maximum sentence that may be imposed usually revolves around
the nature of the crime, its gravity and cruelty, and the number of fatalities. In recent times, public outrage, the need for
deterrence, and the clamour for a befitting punishment to render substantial justice have dominated the discourse.
Theories of punishment on whether it ought to be punitive, retributive, reformative or restorative are less relevant to the
public imagination and the law enforcers when the crime is grave and heinous. There is a conflict between those who
sense the danger of inconsistent application and those who believe in condign justice. This conflict can be resolved only if
the debate is taken to a higher plane: a moral position that there shall be no death penalty in law, regardless of the
nature, circumstances and consequences of an offence. The Supreme Court has covered considerable ground in limiting
the scope, to the ‘rarest of rare cases’. Post-appeal reviews and curative petitions are routinely admitted. Review petitions
are now heard in open court. The treatment of death row prisoners has been humanised, and there is scope for judicial
review even against a sovereign decision denying clemency. If there still prevails a perception of arbitrariness in the way
death sentences are awarded, the only lasting solution is their abolition. The views of the Law Commission and Justice
Joseph should not be ignored.
Key words: 1. death penalty, 2. Bachan Singh (1980), 3. ‘the rarest of rare’ cases’ 4. capital punishment 6. Law Commission

Here, we are sharing case studies for self- practice. These
Case Studies case studies are drawn from various aspects of professional
and personal experiences, and are helpful for General
For mains Gs paper IV Studies- Paper IV.
Do practice them!
Case 1: You are a District Magistrate. You come to know about the case of child marriage in your district. You rushed to
the spot and tried to rescue the girl, however in the district child marriage is a big social concern.
a) To stop such practice, you want to take initiatives, what problem you may face in stopping child marriage practice in
your district?
b) Can strict implementation of law be a good solution?
Case 2: A new Indian Police Service incumbent, after completion of his training, has joined first posting in a district.
1. Some influential people, outside his office as well as subordinates in his office come to meet him and offer him
valuable gifts as a welcome gesture.
2. He has also been told by his subordinates that, there is a channel of money collection by the police of the area from
commercial vehicles, shanty vendors and shopkeepers as well as spurious liquor lobby, etc. share of which would
automatically reach to the new officer. This money is unaccounted and does not go to the establishment.
a) The officer is in dilemma. Whether he should accept the gifts as a welcome gesture from influential people outside the
office or only from his official colleagues or from both? What according to you should be his course of action? Give
reasons.
b) Should he take the share from unaccounted money mentioned above? If not what would be professionally and
ethically correct decision for him.
Case 3: You are the officer in charge of traffic of a district where there is a big problem of commutation to places of work
from residences due to extreme jams on the road and often road rages, in which the commuters fall into wrangles and get
wounded or even lose their lives.
Given such a situation, choose from the following options the best line of action and give justification:
a) Allowing limited number of cars on some basis everyday such as odd and even scheme.
b) Heavy charges for parking and violation of the traffic rules.
c) Development of shared or public mode of transport and educating and incentivizing people to use the same.
No single method would be successful, so a combination of all the three needs to be tried.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Current Affairs Analysis CONSTITUTION, POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

DRAFT NATIONAL CHILD POLICY

02 #Governance #Child protection 19

JAMMU & KASHMIR UNDER PRESIDENT’S RULE

PARIS CALL: ANOTHER MISS CALL? 17

GEO-STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE OF GREAT CHANNEL 18 36

FARM LOAN WAIVERS

RECAPITALISATION OF PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS # Education # Employment #Gender Parity 64

# Banking Sector 41 PRADHAN MANTRI UJJWALA YOJANA (PMUY)

DRAFT AGRICULTURE EXPORT POLICY # Health # Empowerment 65

# Agriculture 43 SURROGACY (REGULATION)BILL 2016

STRATEGY FOR NEW INDIA @ 75 # Health 66

# Policies 45 TRANSGENDER PERSONS (PROTECTION OF RIGHTS) BILL,

SDG INDIA INDEX MEASLES 73

CREDIT RATING AGENCIES

FAME INDIA SCHEME 56 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

GI TAG 57 DEEP EARTH 74

KIMBERLY PROCESS CERTIFICATION SCHEME 58 GSAT-11 75

FLOATING SOLAR PLANT 59 AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS) 75

SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY CONFERENCE 60 GRAPHENE 75

PAiSA PLATFORM 60 CHANG’E-4 76

RISE 2018 REPORT 61 AGNI-V 76

SKOCH AWARD 62 GSAT-7A 77

WIPO 62 BENNU ASTEROID 77

INNOVATORS GROWTH PLATFORM 63 BROWN FAT 78

DARK MATTER AND DARK ENERGY 78

# GS Paper (Prelims) and GS Paper I & III(Main) BHITARGAON BRICK TEMPLE

GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD 89

COP-24 : WORLD BANK DOUBLES FUNDS 90 104

MISCELLANEOUS Effective Revenue Deficit

AUSTRALIAN OPEN # Economy 126

#Tennis 113 Stagflation

2018 MEN’S HOCKEY WORLD CUP #Economy 127

#Hockey 114 Seignorage

UNDERSTANDING INDIA’S NORTHEAST #Economy 127

# Books and Authors 114 Special Mention Account (SMA)

ETHICS, INTEGRITY & APTITUDE Bailout

PERSPECTIVE 1: THE PRESCIENCE OF BABASAHEB

PERSPECTIVE 2: How do we remember B.R. Ambedkar? CONTRIBUTORS ZONE

WETLANDS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE

# Terms MANGAL SINGH

RESIDEX EDITORIAL TEAM & EDUCATOR DAILY NEWS SIMPLIFIED

Indian Ports Globa

• Chabaharr port in Iran connects to A

• Chabaharr port is the n

• India, Iran and Russia

FOCCUS | Jannuary 20019 | RA U’S IAS 2

• The development of Chabahar project was delayed due to:

IMPACT OF CHABAHAR PORT ON INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

FOCUS | January 2019 | RAU’S IAS 3

BRIEF ON GWADAR PORT

COMPARISON BETWEEN CHABAHAR PORT AND GWADAR PORT

Chabahar Port Gwadar Port

FOCUS | January 2019 | RAU’S IAS 4

given through Gwad ar port.

Iran has also in

AS SEAN-IN NDIA SU UMMIT Recently, the Prime Minister

FOCCUS | Jannuary 20019 | RA U’S IAS 5

BRIEF ABOUT ASEAN

BRIEF ON INDIA-ASEAN RELATIONS

FOCUS | January 2019 | RAU’S IAS 6

the period from 2010 to 2015.