Mains Paper 2: Trade policy concerns between India and the US
Concerns from Indian Side
The Centre will raise Indian industry’s concerns over the U.S. visa ‘curbs’, during the India-U.S. Trade Policy Forum (TPF) meeting likely in October
TFP is the premier forum to resolve bilateral trade and investment issues between India and the US
Possible topics of discussion during TFP
From the US side: the U.S. is expected raise its worries over India’s ‘restrictions’ on e-commerce
And the ‘challenges’ faced by American innovative industries due to India’s ‘weak’ Intellectual Property Rights regime
From Indian Side: Indian government is likely to raise the issue of the ‘non-tariff barriers’ by the U.S. that are hurting Indian agriculture, pharmaceuticals and other industrial exports.
Concerns from Indian Side
The Centre will raise Indian industry’s concerns over the U.S. visa ‘curbs’, during the India-U.S. Trade Policy Forum (TPF) meeting likely in October
TFP is the premier forum to resolve bilateral trade and investment issues between India and the US
Possible topics of discussion during TFP
From the US side: the U.S. is expected raise its worries over India’s ‘restrictions’ on e-commerce
And the ‘challenges’ faced by American innovative industries due to India’s ‘weak’ Intellectual Property Rights regime
From Indian Side: Indian government is likely to raise the issue of the ‘non-tariff barriers’ by the U.S. that are hurting Indian agriculture, pharmaceuticals and other industrial exports.
Learning and sharing for UPSC 2018,Target and reach the goal.
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Useful and Important Tips for Government Exam
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Useful and Important Tips for Government Exam
Karpathu IAS is your one-stop Tamil platform for TNPSC preparation – Group 1, Group 2, Group 4, VAO & General Tamil (பொதுத்தமிழ்).
📚 We provide:
✔️ Daily Model Tests
✔️ Previous Year Question…
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Mains Paper 2: Governance | Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
Important
For Prelims: Swachhagrahi
For Mains: Good overview of the progress made so far, under the SBM.
The article talks about the progress of the Swachh Bharat Mission(SBM)
SWB was Launched in October 2014 and scheduled to culminate by October 2, 2019, the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhiji, the SBM is close to completing three years.
Progress under the SBM
The Rural sanitation coverage has increased from 39 per cent to 67 per cent in three years and over 230 million people in rural India have stopped defecating in the open
Five states, 186 districts and over 2,31,000 villages have been declared as ODF(open defection free)
The most significant policy shift in under SBM has been the move from outputs (number of toilets built) to outcomes (ODF villages)
Means, now we calculate our progress in number of ODF villages instead of number of toilet builds
Swachhagrahi
Swachhagrahi are trained grass roots level motivators who work under an incentive-based system
They “trigger” behaviour change by stimulating community-level demand for toilets
The SBM ambitiously aims at having at least one trained grassroots-level swachhagrahi in each village in India
Currently, more than 1.5 lakh swachhagrahi are working in villages
Strict guidelines for Verification
Currently, verification of ODF villages stands at around 56 per cent
To accelerate the verification process, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has recently issued policy guidelines
According to these guidelines, state governments will be eligible for release of the second instalment of central funds only if they have fully verified all their ODF villages
The Way Forward
The emphasis on sustainability differentiates SBM from previous sanitation programmes
The progress made so far and the acceleration expected over the coming 12-15 months with the active engagement of millions of people, the goal is definitely achievable.
Mains Paper 2: Governance | Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
Important
For Prelims: Swachhagrahi
For Mains: Good overview of the progress made so far, under the SBM.
The article talks about the progress of the Swachh Bharat Mission(SBM)
SWB was Launched in October 2014 and scheduled to culminate by October 2, 2019, the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhiji, the SBM is close to completing three years.
Progress under the SBM
The Rural sanitation coverage has increased from 39 per cent to 67 per cent in three years and over 230 million people in rural India have stopped defecating in the open
Five states, 186 districts and over 2,31,000 villages have been declared as ODF(open defection free)
The most significant policy shift in under SBM has been the move from outputs (number of toilets built) to outcomes (ODF villages)
Means, now we calculate our progress in number of ODF villages instead of number of toilet builds
Swachhagrahi
Swachhagrahi are trained grass roots level motivators who work under an incentive-based system
They “trigger” behaviour change by stimulating community-level demand for toilets
The SBM ambitiously aims at having at least one trained grassroots-level swachhagrahi in each village in India
Currently, more than 1.5 lakh swachhagrahi are working in villages
Strict guidelines for Verification
Currently, verification of ODF villages stands at around 56 per cent
To accelerate the verification process, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has recently issued policy guidelines
According to these guidelines, state governments will be eligible for release of the second instalment of central funds only if they have fully verified all their ODF villages
The Way Forward
The emphasis on sustainability differentiates SBM from previous sanitation programmes
The progress made so far and the acceleration expected over the coming 12-15 months with the active engagement of millions of people, the goal is definitely achievable.
What are "dirty thunderstorms"?
Dirty thunderstorms are the ultimate explosive combination. These crackling ash clouds are essentially lightning created by volcanic eruptions. This dynamic display results from the same thing that causes regular lightning: ice particles colliding to produce a static charge, only with rock and ash thrown into the mix. According to the BBC, these voltaic visuals are actually pretty rare, except for at Mount Sakurajima in Japan, where it happens on an almost daily basis. Poor Japan.
Dirty thunderstorms are the ultimate explosive combination. These crackling ash clouds are essentially lightning created by volcanic eruptions. This dynamic display results from the same thing that causes regular lightning: ice particles colliding to produce a static charge, only with rock and ash thrown into the mix. According to the BBC, these voltaic visuals are actually pretty rare, except for at Mount Sakurajima in Japan, where it happens on an almost daily basis. Poor Japan.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Individual vs group
The Maharashtra Prohibition of People from Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act (2016), which received presidential assent last week, is an acknowledgement of a basic principle of citizenship and justice: The social contract in a modern democracy is between the state and the citizen, and crime and punishment must be defined between these two parties.
Like in many other parts of India, caste panchayats in Maharashtra have wielded extra-judicial authority and Indian citizens have been ostracised, even killed by “community” actors despite breaking no laws. That the BJP-led Devendra Fadnavisgovernment has criminalised such actions is a welcome first step. Moving forward, it needs to politically address the climate of prejudice and intolerance that forms the backdrop of a community justice that encourages vigilantism and exclusion.
The Social Boycott Act was brought in in response to sustained movements provoked by atrocities against individuals by gaviks or caste panchayats in Maharashtra. A large number of these incidents were in response to inter-caste marriages. Four years ago, the “honour killing” of Pramila Khumbharkar sparked outrage and murdered rationalist Narendra Dhabolkar was among those who led the movement demanding legislation that specifically tackles feudal forms of mob and vigilante justice.
The new law addresses loopholes in existing laws that were used to thwart justice. For example, it ensures that trials are completed within six months from the date a report is first filed. The Act also penalises individuals or groups who try to prevent others from accessing places of worship, certain professions or even certain forms of dress and public behaviour. In essence, the law asserts the freedom of the individual over the social group they belong to. The legislation does, however, fall short when it comes to addressing inter-community social ostracism — for example, the denial of housing to minorities, or attacks on them for their diet and dress.
While the Indian Constitution has given a pride of place to individual rights, the unit of public discourse and political practice has often been the social group. In debates on caste injustice, secularism, women’s rights and even access to public spaces, it is the ascriptive identity rather than the notion of the individual liberty that is often at the forefront.
The Fadnavis government, in addition to legislation, must now take the lead in changing the tenor of public discourse. It cannot be seen to, for example, legitimise, even tacitly, vigilantism and violence in the name of cow protection, or impose dietary restrictions in the name of “community sentiments”. That, as much as the law itself, will display a political will to safeguard the rights of every citizen.
(Source- The Indian Express)
Individual vs group
The Maharashtra Prohibition of People from Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act (2016), which received presidential assent last week, is an acknowledgement of a basic principle of citizenship and justice: The social contract in a modern democracy is between the state and the citizen, and crime and punishment must be defined between these two parties.
Like in many other parts of India, caste panchayats in Maharashtra have wielded extra-judicial authority and Indian citizens have been ostracised, even killed by “community” actors despite breaking no laws. That the BJP-led Devendra Fadnavisgovernment has criminalised such actions is a welcome first step. Moving forward, it needs to politically address the climate of prejudice and intolerance that forms the backdrop of a community justice that encourages vigilantism and exclusion.
The Social Boycott Act was brought in in response to sustained movements provoked by atrocities against individuals by gaviks or caste panchayats in Maharashtra. A large number of these incidents were in response to inter-caste marriages. Four years ago, the “honour killing” of Pramila Khumbharkar sparked outrage and murdered rationalist Narendra Dhabolkar was among those who led the movement demanding legislation that specifically tackles feudal forms of mob and vigilante justice.
The new law addresses loopholes in existing laws that were used to thwart justice. For example, it ensures that trials are completed within six months from the date a report is first filed. The Act also penalises individuals or groups who try to prevent others from accessing places of worship, certain professions or even certain forms of dress and public behaviour. In essence, the law asserts the freedom of the individual over the social group they belong to. The legislation does, however, fall short when it comes to addressing inter-community social ostracism — for example, the denial of housing to minorities, or attacks on them for their diet and dress.
While the Indian Constitution has given a pride of place to individual rights, the unit of public discourse and political practice has often been the social group. In debates on caste injustice, secularism, women’s rights and even access to public spaces, it is the ascriptive identity rather than the notion of the individual liberty that is often at the forefront.
The Fadnavis government, in addition to legislation, must now take the lead in changing the tenor of public discourse. It cannot be seen to, for example, legitimise, even tacitly, vigilantism and violence in the name of cow protection, or impose dietary restrictions in the name of “community sentiments”. That, as much as the law itself, will display a political will to safeguard the rights of every citizen.
(Source- The Indian Express)
What is "the door to hell" and how did it come about ?
Science can easily explain the 70-meter-wide Door to Hell in Turkmenistan, because science caused it. According to the Daily Mail, back in 1971, Soviet geologists were drilling what they thought was an oil field. But instead, they wound up opening a natural gas-filled cavern. Fearing a poisonous-gas leak, they lit a match, hoping to burn off the toxic vapor. The gas supply they thought would burn off in a few days continues to burn as of this writing. In 2010, Turkmenistan's president Gurbanbuly Berdimuhamedow wanted the hole closed, but that hasn't happened. And in case you're wondering, people can visit the infernal locale. Just don't forget the marshmallows.
Science can easily explain the 70-meter-wide Door to Hell in Turkmenistan, because science caused it. According to the Daily Mail, back in 1971, Soviet geologists were drilling what they thought was an oil field. But instead, they wound up opening a natural gas-filled cavern. Fearing a poisonous-gas leak, they lit a match, hoping to burn off the toxic vapor. The gas supply they thought would burn off in a few days continues to burn as of this writing. In 2010, Turkmenistan's president Gurbanbuly Berdimuhamedow wanted the hole closed, but that hasn't happened. And in case you're wondering, people can visit the infernal locale. Just don't forget the marshmallows.
Phosphorescent (glowing) water?
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In some parts of the world, the beaches are so beautiful that the waves shine at night. It's true! These glowing waves, which can be found in the Everglades, the Maldives, and numerous other places around the world, are actually created by microorganisms, according to National Geographic. These particular microorganisms, phytoplankton, give off light when they're agitated, like when they're struck by waves. The result is an alluring glow, which can be seen in various locations in the world's oceans. It also makes for great, natural mood lighting.
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In some parts of the world, the beaches are so beautiful that the waves shine at night. It's true! These glowing waves, which can be found in the Everglades, the Maldives, and numerous other places around the world, are actually created by microorganisms, according to National Geographic. These particular microorganisms, phytoplankton, give off light when they're agitated, like when they're struck by waves. The result is an alluring glow, which can be seen in various locations in the world's oceans. It also makes for great, natural mood lighting.
What is Flammable Bubbles?
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The bubbles found in Lake Abraham in Canada may look like a giant lava lamp, but they're nowhere near as groovy. These brisk globules actually contain methane released by bacteria, after consuming dead organic matter, which is then trapped in the ice, according to The Guardian. For the most part, the bubbles are harmless. That is unless they're lit. In that case, they turn to bitter bombs. That's right: Lake Abraham, the only lake that needs a no-smoking sign.
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The bubbles found in Lake Abraham in Canada may look like a giant lava lamp, but they're nowhere near as groovy. These brisk globules actually contain methane released by bacteria, after consuming dead organic matter, which is then trapped in the ice, according to The Guardian. For the most part, the bubbles are harmless. That is unless they're lit. In that case, they turn to bitter bombs. That's right: Lake Abraham, the only lake that needs a no-smoking sign.
What is soil free farming ?
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Hydroponics is a subset of hydroculture, the method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent. Terrestrial plants may be grown with only their roots exposed to the mineral solution, or the roots may be supported by an inert medium, such as perlite or gravel.
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Hydroponics is a subset of hydroculture, the method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent. Terrestrial plants may be grown with only their roots exposed to the mineral solution, or the roots may be supported by an inert medium, such as perlite or gravel.
Subtropical jet stream (STJ)
The sub-tropical jet stream is produced by the earth’s rotation (Coriolis force) and temperature contrast between tropical and sub – tropical regions .
At the equator, the rotation produces greatest velocity in the atmosphere.
As a result, the rising air which spreads out and southwards, moves faster than the latitudes over which it is blowing.
It is deflected to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere, and at about 30° latitude, it becomes concentrated as the subtropical jet streams.
During winter, the STJ is nearly continuous in both hemispheres. The STJ exists all year in the southern hemisphere. However, it is intermittent in the northern hemisphere during summer when it migrates north.
The STJ can be temporarily displaced when strong mid-latitude troughs extend into subtropical latitudes. When these displacements occur, the subtropical jet can merge with the polar front jet (more in Indian Monsoons).
STJ is closely connected to the Indian and African summer monsoons.
The sub-tropical jet stream is produced by the earth’s rotation (Coriolis force) and temperature contrast between tropical and sub – tropical regions .
At the equator, the rotation produces greatest velocity in the atmosphere.
As a result, the rising air which spreads out and southwards, moves faster than the latitudes over which it is blowing.
It is deflected to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere, and at about 30° latitude, it becomes concentrated as the subtropical jet streams.
During winter, the STJ is nearly continuous in both hemispheres. The STJ exists all year in the southern hemisphere. However, it is intermittent in the northern hemisphere during summer when it migrates north.
The STJ can be temporarily displaced when strong mid-latitude troughs extend into subtropical latitudes. When these displacements occur, the subtropical jet can merge with the polar front jet (more in Indian Monsoons).
STJ is closely connected to the Indian and African summer monsoons.
BHIM - Bharat Interface for Money
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The Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) mobile app was launched by Narendra Modi on 30 December 2016 in New Delhi.
The BHIM app is dedicated to Dr. Bhimrao R. Ambedkar
♣ Platfotm: Android, iOS and Window mobiles
The app is based on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) . It is an open platform and not a mobile wallet Bank-to-bank payments and Pay and collect money using just Mobile number or Virtual Payment Address (VPA).
♣ Developer: The app was developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
♣ Available Languages: Now available in 12 languages, it will be updated in other languages in future
♣ Process of Transaction: We can send or receive money to different bank accounts with ZERO Transaction charges by using
1.UPI payment addresses by dialling *99#
2.Account number with IFSC(Indian Financial System Code) code or MMID (Mobile Money Identifier) Code
3.QR (Quick Response) code for a fixed amount of money
♣ Limits: Transaction limit per day is limited to Rs.20,000 Transaction limit per transaction is Rs.1 to Rs.10,000 USSD(Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) transaction per day set at Rs. 5,000. Mobile operator may charge you up to Rs.1.50 per transaction.
♣ Remarks: BHIM app has recorded 18 million downloads till March 2017
https://t.me/UPSC_18
The Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) mobile app was launched by Narendra Modi on 30 December 2016 in New Delhi.
The BHIM app is dedicated to Dr. Bhimrao R. Ambedkar
♣ Platfotm: Android, iOS and Window mobiles
The app is based on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) . It is an open platform and not a mobile wallet Bank-to-bank payments and Pay and collect money using just Mobile number or Virtual Payment Address (VPA).
♣ Developer: The app was developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
♣ Available Languages: Now available in 12 languages, it will be updated in other languages in future
♣ Process of Transaction: We can send or receive money to different bank accounts with ZERO Transaction charges by using
1.UPI payment addresses by dialling *99#
2.Account number with IFSC(Indian Financial System Code) code or MMID (Mobile Money Identifier) Code
3.QR (Quick Response) code for a fixed amount of money
♣ Limits: Transaction limit per day is limited to Rs.20,000 Transaction limit per transaction is Rs.1 to Rs.10,000 USSD(Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) transaction per day set at Rs. 5,000. Mobile operator may charge you up to Rs.1.50 per transaction.
♣ Remarks: BHIM app has recorded 18 million downloads till March 2017