The Hindu – Editorials

 

A city for all its citizens

Context – Delhi Jal board has launched The Jaladhikar connection – a right to water connection. It allows households with in the slums to apply for legal, metered water connection irrespective of the status of their residence.

It helps to break the stereotypes in bureaucratic thinking that water connections shall be provided only regularised colonies. It is depriving the citizens necessary basic Need and also bleeding the Jal board from lack of economies of scale and irregular, unbilled  connections.

If observed, Bangalore water supply and sewerage boards introduction of shared taps in slums has improved its financial health along with health of people.

 

Belonging at the margins

Political movements in the northeast are rarely reflected in the national politics. It is also visible in the attention received to the civil society actions. For instance, Iromsharmila fast for 17 years did not bring any change in AFSPA and 12 days fast of Anna Hazare has galvanized the entire nation. In this scenario, following observations are important,

1. In the north east peculiar politico juridical representative democracy co exists with martial laws.
2. The state has not acknowledged the strong civil society movement in the North east. But, it responded to armed struggle through AFSPA.

This marginality of North east in political space of India need to be ended.

Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act

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The road to Genuine reform

There are many causes for Judicial delays and the existing executive and judicial impasse is detrimental to the rule of law. The reasons for Judicial delay are

1. Lack of interest in judicial positions – the incentives for the people of integrity to apply for judicial positions are very weak.
2. Secrecy – collegium system functions in a closed manner to instil confidence among the aspirants to judicial positions.
3. Inconsistency of laws – civil procedure code do not provide any guidelines on the grant of repeated adjournments.
4. Lack of effective alternate dispute redress all systems – methods such as arbitration, mediation practices in many countries are not explored in India.
5. Admission of appeals – Supreme Court of India liberally admits the appeals. As there are doubts on the quality of judgements in the lower courts, every one affordable likes to seek an appeal to the higher judiciary.

Judicial Appointments Conundrum Pre-NJAC Verdict

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On the Executive Judicial impasse –

The ongoing redrafting of Memorandum of procedure and discussions involved need to be transparently placed in the public domain. It helps to make all the parties to function responsibly.

 

Rise and fall of Dilma Rousseff –

Dilma Rousseff is the first woman president of Brazil and was impeached by the legislature. It also ends the long term rule of workers party in Brazil. Michel Temer of Brazilian democratic movement party has sworn in as the new president.

The major allegations against Dilma Rousseff are the illegal book keeping to hide the growing deficit of the country. This allegation and wide spread corruption with economic slow down led to the impeachment.

The alternative formed –  Michel Temer also been implicated in Petrobras scandal. All this makes Brazil unstable.

 

Full circle in singur.

Land acquisition act of 1894 was draconian in the hands of the Government to acquire the land From the farmers and to transfer it to the industrialists. The term Public purpose in the act  is variedly defined by the governments to suit their interests. Supreme Court judgement that struck down the land acquisition in singur for Tata Nano plant is a step to remind the misuse of the act.

In this scenario, the right to fair compensation and transparency in land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement needs an applause for changing the situation.

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Prepared with inputs from CivilsPrep.

The Hindu – Editorials

A green rap on the knuckles

Bio diversity act – 2002

Institutional structure – The act provides for both centralised as well as decentralised institutional mechanisms for conservation and sustainable use of  biodiversity.  It  has the National Biodiversity Authority at  the apex level and Bio diversity Management Committees at  the local level, with an intermediate State  Biodiversity Board at the state level.

In this many of the functions are held in the hands of biodiversity management committees. These include preparation of people biodiversity registers and conservation, promotion of sustainable use of bio diversity. Among this, people bio diversity registers are the comprehensive records of the bio diversity.

Challenge – Bio diversity act though enacted there is no serious implementation.

 

EIA – Environmental Impact assessment –

1. The act mandates impact assessment studies for activities which are likely to have an adverse impact on biodiversity, irrespective  of  the nature and scale of the proposed project. Today,  most projects in ecologically sensitive  areas are able to  circumvent the EIA process as they are below the threshold limits or are not in the listed category. (For example, the law says that only hydro electric power projects of the size greater than 25MW should undergo EIA studies. So, most of the mini hydro power projects in India are of 24.99MW capacity. So, cumulative impact of these projects in Himalayas is very disastrous.)
2. Many of the large projects are exempted from the EIA as they are proposed before 2006, the year EIA act was enacted.

Forest conservation act , 1980 – It allows for the legal diversion of the forest land and India is loosing forests at a rate of 333 acres per day.

In this scenario, PBR – people bio diversity registers can be effective tools to counter the false and misleading statements given in forest diversion proposals and EIA reports.

Read more here – 

https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/forest-policy-india/

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Note – environmental movements

1. Monpa community in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district had to struggle for three years to  prove  before the NGT that the riverine area proposed for the construction of  a dam is the one of  the two wintering sites of  the black-necked crane, a  protected species held sacred by
2. tribals in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, are struggling to protect the last remaining  chilgoza (pine nut) trees from being lost to  a series of  hydropower projects. Forest Department records do not mention the significant role the tree species plays in providing livelihood security to

Do we need a minimum wage law?

The tripartite committee on fair wages in India appointed in 1948 defines three levels of wages: a living wage, a fair wage and a minimum wage.

Living wage is what a human being needs to get the basic essentials of  food, shelter, clothing, protection against ill-health, security for old age,  etc. A fair wage  is lower than the living wage and takes into account efficiency, from the employer’s perspective. Minimum wage  is similar to the fair wage  except in two respects: it is even lower, and has a statutory dimension. (Minimum wages are legally guaranteed)

Indian Labour conference in 1957 mandates taking in to account five factors for calculating the minimum wage. They are

1. Wage must support three consumption units (individuals);
2. Food requirement of 2,700 calories a day;
3. Clothing requirement of  72  yards per worker’s family;
4. Rent for housing area similar to that provided under thesubsidised housing scheme.
5. Fuel, lighting and miscellaneous items of expenditure to  constitute 20  per cent of  the minimum wage.

In 1991, the Supreme Court called for adding another 25  per cent to  the wage yielded by  the above  calculation in order to  take  into account children’s  education, medical requirements, etc.

Based on the above criteria the minimum wage estimate shall be around 26000rs/month.

In this context, following observations are worth noting.

1. India still today did not notify the United Nations convention no 131 on minimum wages fixing.
2. Minimum wages are as low as 4800/month
3. Contractual workers are paid much Lower than the permanent workers.

So, most of the Government either ignore or undermine the law.

 

Surrogacy law –India’s surrogacy regulation bill 2016 allows for the child less couple married for 5 years to seek a child through surrogacy route from a close family relative.not necessarily related by blood. In this, no money shall be paid to the surrogate form the commissioning parents other than the medical expenses. It prohibits the commercial surrogacy. It disallows homo sexual song, singles, live in relationships, foreigners  to have a child through surrogacy. There are many moral dilemmas are involved in this.

1. Right to procreate – Every Individual has a right to procreate and he/she can choose the whatever method they like to achieve this objective.
2. Right of women on her body – the women have a fundamental right to personal liberty and it permits her to use their bodies as they please.
3. Against to the constitution – as per the Indian constitutional structure, if a law seeks to differentiate equal persons, it shall explainthe reasons for the same. Surrogacy law do not explain the differences between married and unmarried people eligibility for surrogacy.
4. Wrong premise – Surrogacy law is based on the wrong premise that payment of money for the surrogacy is wrong and is an exploitation. But, failure to have a legal recognition to surrogacy can worsen the situation further.

Read more, here – 

Surrogacy in India

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Turkeys dangerous move on Syria

Turkeys made an incursions into Syria and declared that it has claimed the town Jarabulas from Islamic state. But the interiors of turkey are Explicit.

1. It aims to counter the Syrian Kurds who are supported by USA and who are fighting effectively against the Islamic state. Turkey that has largely ignored the ISIS activity on the side of Syrian border..But today, It believes strengthening of Syrian Kurds is dangerous to its sovereignty as they have close links with Kurdistan workers party of Turkey. It may consolidate the demand for Kurdistan.
2. Advancement of Kurds makes turkey to loose cross border access to Syria and Turkey backed rebels will be in a weaker position in the Syrian civil war.

So, Turkeys plan can worsen the situation further in Syria.

 

Outwards to Africa

India and Africa have common concerns in health and have many things to give and take. For instance

1. In both countries communicable diseases are the largest killers and incidence of non communicable diseases is increasing.
2. Both of them spends less than 1% of GDP on Health care.
3. They have young demographic profile
4. Both countries have a rich heritage of traditional medicine.

In this context, India is the capital for Generic medicines in the world and cheap drugs supplied by India are effective in fighting HIV/AIDS in Africa. India is also pioneering research in health care through open drug research. So, an effective coordination is possible between them. India’s look Africa policy can be a game changer if it focuses on knowledge generation and Innovation.

Read more – 

Foreign Policy Watch: India-Africa

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India-Africa Forum Summit: Old Friends – Old Family

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Advance the budget

The plan to advance the Indian budget can have significant benefits to Indian economy. Normally, Last quarter has a huge expenditure and with no capital expenditure during Monsoon session.

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Prepared with inputs from CivilsPrep.

The Hindu – Editorials

LEMOA – Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement

India – USA signed logistic exchange memorandum of agreement. It is one of the four foundational agreements for Defence cooperation between India USA. Highlights are

1. It allows the militaries of the country to share each other’s bases for various operations. These include port visits, joint exercises, joint training, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief efforts.
2. All the matters will be approved by each side on a case to case basis.
3. It helps India to undertake rescue operations for Indians stranded in conflict zones.
4. The pact will also enhance the military capabilities.
5. India and USA can explore plans for maritime cooperation in the Asia pacific as vision statement of India and USA goes.
6. It makes the Defence cooperation related transactions smooth and seamless.

On the other side

1. India may be dragged in to the wars of the USA.

Note – It has nothing to  do with setting up U.S. bases in India, and there is no “obligation” on either side to  carry out any joint activity.

Read the full backstory here on our relationships with USA

Surrogacy – Ignoring Best practices

The bill approved by the government of India takes a myopic view of surrogacy.

1. It do not provide for the identity Rights of the child and personal identity of the donor is to be kept confidential at all times, unless directed by the court. That is it overrides the identity rights of the child in favor of confidentiality rights of the donor.
2. Added to this, insurance and other protections available for the surrogate mother are not clearly stated.
3. Many of the laws of the country needs to be amended to ensure the rights of a child born through surrogacy to be fulfilled. As of now now, personal and property laws categorize children as legitimate, illegitimate and adopted. How surrogate children need to be placed is not classified by the law.
4. Role and regulation of ART( assisted reproductive technology) clinics is not specified.

Read the full story on Surrogacy in India 

UNSC reforms – interview with UNGA president elect – Peter Thomson – he clearly stated reform of UNSC and compressive convention on international terrorism are very much on the agenda of UN. The challenge is how to achieve the consensus.

In relation to UN achievements he said that alternative to UN is very bleak. UN success and failure need to be judged not just based on what it did, but also  what it stopped from happening.

Read all about latest happenings at UNSC

The ill health of the nation – The National Health accounts data 2013-14

1. India spends only 1.15% of GDP on Health and it is lower than sub Saharan Africa (2.9%).
2. The share of state governments that are largely responsible for health expenditure is .75% of GDP.
3. In India 64.2% of health expenditure is met by households out of pocket.

If India has to. Achieve the universal medical care two key areas need quick attention. They can quickly reduce the out of pocket expenditure.

1. To put in place a centralized system of procurement of essential drugs and distributing them through state governments. If .5% of GDP is spent on medicines all essential drugs can be made free of cost for all Indians.
2. Centre shall arrive  at  the cost of  all medical procedures for different classes of  hospitals, laying down standards and forming regulatory authorities at  the State  and district levels under law to  enforce  the rules. Regulatory controls would automatically leads to reduction in costs.

Thailand shall be an inspiration for India where 75% of the population was brought under Universal health coverage in just one year.

Al about India’s Health sector Policy Initiatives

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Prepared with inputs from CivilsPrep.

Update: Find the list of state specific news threads here – State’s News Daily. We request other members to start their respective threads soon and show enough activity to be tagged as official threads.

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Local news comes handy in all the 3 aspects of your IAS/ UPSC Preparation –

1. – IAS Prelims: It helps you keep a tab on some rare, seemingly trivial news items which have the potential to make or break your game in IAS Prelims. Those who wrote Prelims 2016 will do well to remember the questions on state butterfly of Maharashtra, the first state to have NIMZ centre and a few more. If you want to know more – click and read IAS Prelims analysis of 2016
2. – IAS Mains: Understanding state specific initiatives and putting the relevant points in answers as examples of case studies can boost your Mains Scores. A lot of subjects of State list and Concurrent list are discussed and debated every day in public policy and special schemes. Where else will you get most interesting matter for brownie points but in these local highlights!
3. – Personality Test: Those who have appeared for interviews can attest to the fact that the UPSC chairman can (at his whims and fancy) go deep into your native towns and city specific trivias. Don’t wait for the last minute sprint! Stay on top of local news in bits and pieces.

Just 5 minutes a day of everyone’s time and we can ace the Local/ State News perfectly.

So, what to do next?

1. – We want existing members of this community to start and own up separate state level threads which will act as repository of important state level trivias
2. – Since you are supposed to know your state best, you might provide additional information on important news links which an outside is likely to miss! That way current affairs can be fun and interesting
3. – Since you are supposed to know your state best, you can easily weed out unnecessary info which might appear attractive to the uninitiated
4. – Don’t worry. You won’t be the lone warrior here – You should soon be joined by fellow aspirants and your energies will inspire them to contribute and keep the knowledge flow going

At the end of this exercise – you will see an amazing repository of accumulated wisdom which can be compiled and provided in a downloadable PDF at the end of every month!

How to start it?

Simple!

1. – Go to the homepage and create a new thread on the forum with this structure – State Name Daily

Example – Punjab Daily, West Bengal Daily, Tamil Nadu Daily and so on… create one for each state

1. – Set your own conditions on that thread of the kind of news that can be put in there, local dailies that need to be looked at. Since you know the state of affairs better – do mention the focus areas as well so that the new joinees can hit the ground running 🙂
2. – Start contributing!

We are hopeful that you will find meaning in doing this. For now, we will be calling out some of the names which can help us extend this initiative.

But feel free to pitch in!

 

The Hindu – Editorials

UP elections.

Up elections have always defined the course of Indian politics. It is popular to hold that any govt to hold power at the centre it shall get its majority in UP. In this scenario, congress has lost its forte after emergency. The rise of OBC during Janata  era led to the consolidation of SP. BSP has traditionally represented the Dalits and BJP the upper castes. In this scenario, SP tried to engineer the OBC and Muslim unity and BJP tried to consolidate all the votes from OBC, Upper caste Dalits in the name of development and better governance. Changed demographic patterns are also reasons for the voters rallying after BJP in the last parliamentary elections. It has significantly weakened the BSP.

After the series of attacks on Dalits and Muslims in UP and Gujarat, BSP is trying its come back on a social engineering based on Dalit – Muslim alignment.

Kashmir – for starters, ban the pellet gun

The road to reconciliation with Kashmiri people can be through empathy, development and assurance of their identity. It is been famously said by Prime Minister Vajpayee as insanityat, Jamooriyat and Kashmiriyat. Prime Minister Modi meeting with opposition leaders and his expression of deep concern and pain at the violence in the valley is a step in this direction.

Pellet gun has become a symbol of state violence in Kashmir and replacement of it with more humane methods of crowd management can be a starting point for reconciliation.

 

Syria – Ankara’s climbdown on Assad

Context – recollect the following events

1. Coup in Turkey
2. Syrian democratic forces consisting of Kurds and Arabs seized the IS held town of Manbij
3. Erdogans reach out to Russia – His visit to Russia

Kurds are a minority in Turkey and are demanding for an autonomy and Kurdistan workers party is banned in Turkey. But it is the same party that is most successful in fight against ISIS. Inspite of Turkeys objections USA is providing air support for their fight against ISIS. In this scenario, initially Turkey has pitched along with USA on Assad must go. The objective of Turkey is to make in roads in to Syria and to find a place for Muslim brotherhood in Turkey.

It was opposed by Russia and it clearly said that damage to the state structure will have long term consequence to the Syrias stability. It  sent its troops in support of Assad forces. It changed the equation and Assad opponents have significantly weakened. Turkey also has brought down the Russian plane on the pretext of crossing its border.

As Turkey sees no light in its strategy and war is effecting its economy and leading to the strengthening of Kurds, it has changed its strategy and reached out to Russia and Iran. It is a blow to the gulf Arabs who relied on Turkey as a pathway in to Syria.

 

Flood Management

Floods are natural occurrences in India in every rainy season and our preparedness, response is dismal. It is causing loss of life and property. The major reasons for this are

1. Lack of scientific data on floods. Much of the information is based on satellite imagery and Geographic Information Systems, but on ground-level surveys and anecdotal reporting. Advanced techniques such as satellite imagery and Geographical information systems can be Used.
2. No capacity building to handle the situation.Though NDRF changed the situation a bit, by and large the states preparedness is still dismal. Orissa example on disaster management and capacity building need to be emulated.
3. Lack of understanding of river patterns Ganga and its tributaries display.

 

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Prepared by the Civilsprep Team.

The Hindu – Editorials

Citizenship without bias

An analysis of The citizenship amendment bill 2016

The bill provides for minorities ( Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians) fled to India form Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan with out Valid travel documents can acquire the Indian citizenship through naturalisation, if they are residing in the country for 6 years.

In this scenarios, chakmas and Hajongs of Bangladesh displaced because of construction of the Kaptai dam can get benefitted. However, rohingyasofg Myanmar, ahmadiyyas in Pakistan and Indian Tamils in Srilanka will not be benefitted from the stated amendment as the countries are not in the purview of the law or the religion is not mentioned. In this scenario, the provisions of the bill could be extended to all neighbours and all the minorities who are the victims of persecution.

Points to remember

1. India do not have a national refugee law.
2. The three principles stated by the late Prime Minister Nehru are – refugees will be accorded a humane welcome; the refugee issue is a bilateral issue; and the refugees should return to their homeland once normalcy returns there.

New Engagement with old Neighbour

India – Myanmar

India and Myanmar relations have changed with the changing democratic tide in Myanmar. India has supported the democratic movement in Myanmar and the changed political situation in Myanmar can strengthen bilateral’ relations. In line with this, Myanmar has promised India that it will not allow its land to be used for any anti India activity.

Other areas where India and Myanmar relations strengthening are

1. Sittwe port – providing an alternative route  to  connect with Southeast Asia, without transiting through Bangladesh.
2. Renovation of Thanlyin refinery
3. India – Myanmar friendship road
4. Deep sea project – sagar samriddhi- i) to explore oil and gas in the Bay of Bengal and at  the Shwe  gas pipeline project in western Myanmar.
5. Myanmar has cooperated with India to crackdown Naga insurgents
6. India is the first country to send the relief after cyclone Nargis in 2008.

Others

1. USA is easing the sanctions on Myanmar as it is returning to the democracy. But, the issue of minorities(rohingyas) Is an irritant.
2. During Ms. Suu Kyi’s trip to Beijing, China and Myanmar pledged to  forge closer ties as “blood brothers” and enhance trade. But China’s main concern has been progress  on the $3.6-billion Myitsone Dam project.
3. Myanmar also needs China’s support in talks with Myanmars ethnic minority armed groups operating along the northern borders with China.

Piracy: The new war on piracy

Government of India has announced that viewing, downloading, exhibition and duplication of  the contents of  the URL as being offences which are punishable under Sections 63, 63-A, 65 and 65-A of  the Copyright Act. It  further states that these provisions prescribe a punishment of  up to three years and a fine of  up to  Rs.3 lakh.

Analysis

1. Burden of proof – As of existing scenario, burden of proof lies with one claiming infringement but the changed provisions criminalises any viewing of a website. It mean that any action with prohibited URL would necessarily
2. Piracy is a productive force – if we see the problem beyond Moral and legal aspects, piracy can spread the knowledge. Ex – LibGen
3. Perceived losses of copyright infringements are overstated. It is based on the presumption that every download equals a lost sale.
4. Piracy also shall be seen as a global pricing problem – High prices for media goods, low incomes, and cheap digital technologies are the main ingredients of global media piracy.

Protecting Good Samaritans

In India more than 1.5lakh deaths are reported due to road accidents. In this, more than 50% of lives could have been saved if an emergency medical care is available. But, the fear of unnecessary legal procedures keeps many people away from helping the accident victims.

Supreme Court of India has advised Centre to prepare the Guidelines protection of the Good Samaritans who help the accident victims. According to this.

a Good Samaritan’s  affidavit will have  the legal force of  a statement.

If a statement is required, it should be recorded in a single examination. This is applicable only to  those who want to  be witnesses, for the guidelines say the police should not compel them to disclose their particulars or to  be witnesses.

Added to this, Ministry of health also has notified all the hospitals that they should not detain those who bring accident victims for admission. They  should not be required to pay for admission or registration, or asked intrusive  questions beyond basic particulars such as names and addresses

 

A fat tax that shouldn’t go up in smoke

Kerala recently imposed a tax of 14.5% on fat rich burgers, Pizzas, tacos, dough nuts sold at the branded restaurants such as Mc Donald’s, KFC etc. The same tax is not applicable to the high fat food items of Indian restaurants. It can attract the non discriminatory clause of WTO.

Speaking truth to power

Office of the speaker is given power to maintain an environment for debate, strengthen democratic institutions of the parliamentary system. But the mass eviction of opposition members in the assemblies of Tamil Nadu and Gujarat is not in this spirit.

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Prepared by the Civilsprep team.

Hello,   

Hope you all saw and experienced the changes on the Civilsdaily website!

To get you upto speed:

1. We are bringing in the user experience to the forefront of our portal – The Newly Launched Target Mains Module will be bang in front of you as you open civilsdaily.com
[Regardless of your preparation levels, do jump in and start attempting the questions. Read this conversation to see how Amit was motivated by Simran and Pranav]

2. You can now upload your scanned/ clicked answer attempts over here. Just make sure that your writing is legible enough for otehrs to review.

3. The left side bar on the website will list all broad initiatives – Newscards, Stories, Blogs, Prelims etc and they can be accessed whenever you need to go deep in content.

But the blockbuster announcement is – Social Profiles!

For the last one year or so, the CD community has not only gained a great deal from stalwarts like Dr. V, UW but also from many sincere aspirants who continue to peddle the knowledge base one comment at a time.

We thought it’s time that we empower the users with more info about their fellow aspirants.

-Click on the top right corner and you see a drop down to edit your profile.

-Fill in the details which helps other users to identify your stage of preparation/ stage of growth and eventually form like minded groups and peer review sets as you participate in daily answer challenges.

-We have tried to keep the list as exhaustive as we can and you can change the privacy setting for each field to keep certain information secure with yourself

 

Go ahead and edit your profiles. Add the information you want to add and chose your privacy settings accordingly (we totally respect your concerns for that).

Your updated profiles would help us understand the community better and make us come out with better products and services 🙂

See you all in full glory!