India’s disassociation from Bali action
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India’s decision to reject a joint statement by the World Parliamentary Forum in Indonesia, that included references to human rights in Myanmar in its ‘Bali declaration’, was a major show of support for the Suu Kyi government after Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his bilateral visit.
The move, however, has put India on the other side of the Rohingya refugee debate from Myanmar’s other neighbours and countries in the region.
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were all among countries that joined the Bali declaration at NusaDua, that India disassociated from.
In their explanation, the Indian delegation headed by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan had said the reference to Myanmar had been “proposed at the eleventh hour” and was unjustified as the Parliamentary forum was meant to focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and not a particular country.
At the drafting committee India raised its objections, especially after Turkey inserted clauses specific to one country (Myanmar), which Bangladesh supported. But the host country went ahead and adopted the declaration despite our objections
In two separate paragraphs, the Bali Declaration that was eventually made by 49 countries, expressed concern about the recent violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, where the UN says at least 1,000 Rohingya Muslims have been killed, and 2,70,000 have fled, mainly to Bangladesh, in the past two weeks.
The statement “called on all parties to contribute to the restoration of stability and security, exercise maximum self-restraint from using violent means, respect the human rights of all people in Rakhine State regardless of their faith and ethnicity,” as “there can be no sustainable development without peace”.
India’s statement followed PM Modi’s visit to Naypyitaw where he expressed his support for the NLD government’s crackdown on terror groups in the Rakhine.
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India’s decision to reject a joint statement by the World Parliamentary Forum in Indonesia, that included references to human rights in Myanmar in its ‘Bali declaration’, was a major show of support for the Suu Kyi government after Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his bilateral visit.
The move, however, has put India on the other side of the Rohingya refugee debate from Myanmar’s other neighbours and countries in the region.
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were all among countries that joined the Bali declaration at NusaDua, that India disassociated from.
In their explanation, the Indian delegation headed by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan had said the reference to Myanmar had been “proposed at the eleventh hour” and was unjustified as the Parliamentary forum was meant to focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and not a particular country.
At the drafting committee India raised its objections, especially after Turkey inserted clauses specific to one country (Myanmar), which Bangladesh supported. But the host country went ahead and adopted the declaration despite our objections
In two separate paragraphs, the Bali Declaration that was eventually made by 49 countries, expressed concern about the recent violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, where the UN says at least 1,000 Rohingya Muslims have been killed, and 2,70,000 have fled, mainly to Bangladesh, in the past two weeks.
The statement “called on all parties to contribute to the restoration of stability and security, exercise maximum self-restraint from using violent means, respect the human rights of all people in Rakhine State regardless of their faith and ethnicity,” as “there can be no sustainable development without peace”.
India’s statement followed PM Modi’s visit to Naypyitaw where he expressed his support for the NLD government’s crackdown on terror groups in the Rakhine.
How do self driving cars work?
Various self-driving technologies have been developed by Google, Uber, Tesla, Nissan, and other major automakers, researchers, and technology companies.
While design details vary, most self-driving systems create and maintain an internal map of their surroundings, based on a wide array of sensors, like radar. Uber's self-driving prototypes use sixty-four laser beams, along with other sensors, to construct their internal map; Google's prototypes have, at various stages, used lasers, radar, high-powered cameras, and sonar.
Software then processes those inputs, plots a path, and sends instructions to the vehicle’s “actuators,” which control acceleration, braking, and steering. Hard-coded rules, obstacle avoidance algorithms, predictive modeling, and “smart” object discrimination (ie, knowing the difference between a bicycle and a motorcycle) help the software follow traffic rules and navigate obstacles.
Sensors generate a 3-dimensional map to aid navigation.
Partially-autonomous vehicles may require a human driver to intervene if the system encounters uncertainty; fully-autonomous vehicles may not even offer a steering wheel.
Self-driving cars can be further distinguished as being “connected” or not, indicating whether they can communicate with other vehicles and/or infrastructure, such as next generation traffic lights. Most prototypes do not currently have this capability.
Various self-driving technologies have been developed by Google, Uber, Tesla, Nissan, and other major automakers, researchers, and technology companies.
While design details vary, most self-driving systems create and maintain an internal map of their surroundings, based on a wide array of sensors, like radar. Uber's self-driving prototypes use sixty-four laser beams, along with other sensors, to construct their internal map; Google's prototypes have, at various stages, used lasers, radar, high-powered cameras, and sonar.
Software then processes those inputs, plots a path, and sends instructions to the vehicle’s “actuators,” which control acceleration, braking, and steering. Hard-coded rules, obstacle avoidance algorithms, predictive modeling, and “smart” object discrimination (ie, knowing the difference between a bicycle and a motorcycle) help the software follow traffic rules and navigate obstacles.
Sensors generate a 3-dimensional map to aid navigation.
Partially-autonomous vehicles may require a human driver to intervene if the system encounters uncertainty; fully-autonomous vehicles may not even offer a steering wheel.
Self-driving cars can be further distinguished as being “connected” or not, indicating whether they can communicate with other vehicles and/or infrastructure, such as next generation traffic lights. Most prototypes do not currently have this capability.
What does gyroscope sensor do?
Gyroscope is a sensor that can provide orientation information as well, but with greater precision. Thanks to this particular sensor, Android's Photo Sphere camera feature can tell how much a phone has been rotated and in which direction. It is also used by Google's Sky Map for telling what constellation you're pointing a phone at.
Gyroscope is a sensor that can provide orientation information as well, but with greater precision. Thanks to this particular sensor, Android's Photo Sphere camera feature can tell how much a phone has been rotated and in which direction. It is also used by Google's Sky Map for telling what constellation you're pointing a phone at.
Nepal, China talks on railway connectivity project
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Nepal on began talks about a railway connectivity project with China. Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal Krishna Bahadur Mahara, who visited Beijing, held talks with top Chinese decision-makers and said that the Belt and
Road Initiative (BRI) opens up the railway connectivity project as a national priority of Nepal.
Nepal government had come up with a common consensus among major political leaders in the government and in the Opposition to carry forward railway connectivity as a national priority project. Both sides agreed to take necessary measures to carry out technical study of the project.
Government of Nepal has accorded high importance to the implementation of MoU on BRI signed between the two countries. Apart from the talk on railways, both sides also sealed an agreement on energy cooperation.
A third agreement signed opened up Nepal’s tourism sector for greater Chinese investment.
The agreements came two days after China held the BRICS summit and indicate Nepal’s desire to reach out to Chinese and Eastern markets as an alternative to India.
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Nepal on began talks about a railway connectivity project with China. Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal Krishna Bahadur Mahara, who visited Beijing, held talks with top Chinese decision-makers and said that the Belt and
Road Initiative (BRI) opens up the railway connectivity project as a national priority of Nepal.
Nepal government had come up with a common consensus among major political leaders in the government and in the Opposition to carry forward railway connectivity as a national priority project. Both sides agreed to take necessary measures to carry out technical study of the project.
Government of Nepal has accorded high importance to the implementation of MoU on BRI signed between the two countries. Apart from the talk on railways, both sides also sealed an agreement on energy cooperation.
A third agreement signed opened up Nepal’s tourism sector for greater Chinese investment.
The agreements came two days after China held the BRICS summit and indicate Nepal’s desire to reach out to Chinese and Eastern markets as an alternative to India.
13-year-old Mumbai rape survivor delivers premature babyafter SC order to abort
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Based on the order of the Supreme Court allowing her to ‘terminate’ her pregnancy in the 32nd week, a 13-year-old gave birth to a boy at the State-run JJ Hospital.
The delivery was via C-section, and the infant was immediately shifted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, doctor. The child, weighing 1.8 kg, was born prematurely with underdeveloped organs.
As per the court’s order, the girl was taken into surgery around 1.30 p.m. The delivery went well without complications. The baby will do fine with good NICU care for a few weeks.
The girl, a rape survivor, found out about her pregnancy only in the 27th week. The family first approached Dr. Kartik Bhagat, who directed them to gynaecologist Dr. Nikhil Datar to see if the SC could be approached for an abortion. As per law, foetuses older than 20 weeks cannot be medically terminated.
By the time a petition was filed in the SC on August 28, the girl was in the 31st week. The apex court allowed termination to relieve the girl of the mental trauma of carrying the pregnancy. While a full term is between 36 and 40 weeks, the girl delivered in the 32nd week.
While Dr. Datar hailed the SC decision as ‘historical’ and ‘path-breaking’, some doctors feel that in the zest to do good for the girl, the order has caused her much harm.
C-section at 31-32 weeks is risky and affects future fertility, albeit marginally. This is apart from the harm to the otherwise completely healthy foetus, which will probably still survive the prematurity but with difficulty.
Section 5 of The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 allows a doctor to take a decision in good faith for terminating a pregnancy beyond 20 weeks to save the life of the pregnant woman.
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Based on the order of the Supreme Court allowing her to ‘terminate’ her pregnancy in the 32nd week, a 13-year-old gave birth to a boy at the State-run JJ Hospital.
The delivery was via C-section, and the infant was immediately shifted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, doctor. The child, weighing 1.8 kg, was born prematurely with underdeveloped organs.
As per the court’s order, the girl was taken into surgery around 1.30 p.m. The delivery went well without complications. The baby will do fine with good NICU care for a few weeks.
The girl, a rape survivor, found out about her pregnancy only in the 27th week. The family first approached Dr. Kartik Bhagat, who directed them to gynaecologist Dr. Nikhil Datar to see if the SC could be approached for an abortion. As per law, foetuses older than 20 weeks cannot be medically terminated.
By the time a petition was filed in the SC on August 28, the girl was in the 31st week. The apex court allowed termination to relieve the girl of the mental trauma of carrying the pregnancy. While a full term is between 36 and 40 weeks, the girl delivered in the 32nd week.
While Dr. Datar hailed the SC decision as ‘historical’ and ‘path-breaking’, some doctors feel that in the zest to do good for the girl, the order has caused her much harm.
C-section at 31-32 weeks is risky and affects future fertility, albeit marginally. This is apart from the harm to the otherwise completely healthy foetus, which will probably still survive the prematurity but with difficulty.
Section 5 of The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 allows a doctor to take a decision in good faith for terminating a pregnancy beyond 20 weeks to save the life of the pregnant woman.
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Question : Dicey' s view on administrative law have been overly criticized. Comment. (30 Marks/400 Words)
Model Answer :
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Dicey’s views on administrative law drew criticism on following grounds:
1. Dicey was of the view that French Droit Administration gave special protection to States and Officials, in their dealing with citizens, which is said to be an inference from composition of administrative courts. The cases with State or State Officials as party are tried by administrative courts consisting of state officials instead of judges. Dicey claimed that these courts were not as independent as civil courts and were biased towards state and state’s officials against citizens. However, the administrative courts had been born during French revolutionary era. Under the influence of theory of separation of powers, these courts evolved as an independent units and developed a jurisdiction meant for protection of liberty of citizens instead of menace to it.
2. Similarly, Dicey was not quite correct about rule of law in England. As Robson says, there was always a special body if law applicable to administrative authorities only, in England, that gave them special rights. Until the passing of Crowns Proceedings Act 1947, the crown was immune from liability in torts that too incomplete. Statutes like Limitation Act conferred on executives performance of positive duties by public authorities.
3. Dicey’s opinion that Constitution of England was a result of Citizen’s right was also not quite correct as Constitution was also not quite correct as Constitution was majorly found on customs, traditions and statutory enactments.
There is a system of administrative law in every country in the same way as there is a system of constitutional law. Where is public administration , there must be also administrative law. In some other countries legal study and analysis may not have advanced sufficiently far to differentiate it from the rest of prevailing law, but that scarcely be a ground for denying its existence. Administrative law as regulating the constitution, functions ,procedure and powers of administrative authorities is a universal phenomenon. It is part of the public law of the country and creates a pattern of relationships between the public authorities and the citizens which is different in many ways from the pattern of legal relationships between citizen and citizen. So critics of Dicey were not quite correct in their estimation and he does not deserve so much criticism. (Total Words- 375)
Model Answer :
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Dicey’s views on administrative law drew criticism on following grounds:
1. Dicey was of the view that French Droit Administration gave special protection to States and Officials, in their dealing with citizens, which is said to be an inference from composition of administrative courts. The cases with State or State Officials as party are tried by administrative courts consisting of state officials instead of judges. Dicey claimed that these courts were not as independent as civil courts and were biased towards state and state’s officials against citizens. However, the administrative courts had been born during French revolutionary era. Under the influence of theory of separation of powers, these courts evolved as an independent units and developed a jurisdiction meant for protection of liberty of citizens instead of menace to it.
2. Similarly, Dicey was not quite correct about rule of law in England. As Robson says, there was always a special body if law applicable to administrative authorities only, in England, that gave them special rights. Until the passing of Crowns Proceedings Act 1947, the crown was immune from liability in torts that too incomplete. Statutes like Limitation Act conferred on executives performance of positive duties by public authorities.
3. Dicey’s opinion that Constitution of England was a result of Citizen’s right was also not quite correct as Constitution was also not quite correct as Constitution was majorly found on customs, traditions and statutory enactments.
There is a system of administrative law in every country in the same way as there is a system of constitutional law. Where is public administration , there must be also administrative law. In some other countries legal study and analysis may not have advanced sufficiently far to differentiate it from the rest of prevailing law, but that scarcely be a ground for denying its existence. Administrative law as regulating the constitution, functions ,procedure and powers of administrative authorities is a universal phenomenon. It is part of the public law of the country and creates a pattern of relationships between the public authorities and the citizens which is different in many ways from the pattern of legal relationships between citizen and citizen. So critics of Dicey were not quite correct in their estimation and he does not deserve so much criticism. (Total Words- 375)
13th September 2017
Economic Times
Ø Telecom Commission rejects Jio's demands, favours relief for telcos
Ø 1 lakh directors of shell companies to be disqualified
Ø Infosys chooses North Carolina for second US hub
Ø NITI Aayog wants more push to digital signatures
Ø Cos to face action for releasing data with name: Prasad
Ø 70% people want scrapped Rs 1000 note back: Survey
Ø Rs 3K cr oil, gas reserves project gets govt nod
Business Standard
Ø Volkswagen has no plans to divide the group, says CEO
Ø Tax dept asks Docomo to pay Rs 2,500 cr on Tata Tele award
Ø I-T dept calls big corporate entities to pay advance taxes
Ø OPEC sees higher 2018 oil demand, trims output
Ø Jet Airways Q1 net doubles to Rs 53 cr on higher other income
Ø New company to hold telecom tower assets of BSNL gets Cabinet nod
Business Line
Ø NSE to extend deadline for filing annual returns to Oct 31
Ø India Inc’s investment overseas down 15% to $1.34 bn in August
Ø Banks need $65 bn more capital to meet Basel-III norms: Fitch
Ø Japanese premier to fast-track bilateral ties
Ø M&A deal value plunges by 46%, firms cautious after GST rollout
Ø L&T Construction wins orders worth Rs. 2,525 cr
Mint
Ø Bill to double tax-free gratuity to Rs20 lakh for government, private employees cleared
Ø India’s coal plants run at 3-year high a hydro, nuclear output falls
Ø Nepal demands window to exchange currency notes banned by India
Ø Tata Sons to raise stake in Tata Global Beverages, Tata Chemicals
Ø Govt mulls Rs10 trillion public financing for infrastructure projects
Financial Express
Ø Sensex settles at 5-week high at over 32,000; all eyes on August inflation data
Ø CPI inflation rises to 3.36 per cent in August as food prices soar
Ø US lawmakers oppose 92 per cent cut in aid to Sri Lanka
Ø GMR Group eyeing airport projects in Asia and Eastern Europe
Ø DLF gets green nod for Rs 240 crore commercial project in Goa
Financial Chronicle
Ø Frequent changes in tax rates to impact investment: Hyundai
Ø HC seeks TRAI's response on Vodafone's appeal
Ø ITC to explore new areas as part of diversification
Ø UN approves new North Korea sanctions, stopping short of oil embargo.
Economic Times
Ø Telecom Commission rejects Jio's demands, favours relief for telcos
Ø 1 lakh directors of shell companies to be disqualified
Ø Infosys chooses North Carolina for second US hub
Ø NITI Aayog wants more push to digital signatures
Ø Cos to face action for releasing data with name: Prasad
Ø 70% people want scrapped Rs 1000 note back: Survey
Ø Rs 3K cr oil, gas reserves project gets govt nod
Business Standard
Ø Volkswagen has no plans to divide the group, says CEO
Ø Tax dept asks Docomo to pay Rs 2,500 cr on Tata Tele award
Ø I-T dept calls big corporate entities to pay advance taxes
Ø OPEC sees higher 2018 oil demand, trims output
Ø Jet Airways Q1 net doubles to Rs 53 cr on higher other income
Ø New company to hold telecom tower assets of BSNL gets Cabinet nod
Business Line
Ø NSE to extend deadline for filing annual returns to Oct 31
Ø India Inc’s investment overseas down 15% to $1.34 bn in August
Ø Banks need $65 bn more capital to meet Basel-III norms: Fitch
Ø Japanese premier to fast-track bilateral ties
Ø M&A deal value plunges by 46%, firms cautious after GST rollout
Ø L&T Construction wins orders worth Rs. 2,525 cr
Mint
Ø Bill to double tax-free gratuity to Rs20 lakh for government, private employees cleared
Ø India’s coal plants run at 3-year high a hydro, nuclear output falls
Ø Nepal demands window to exchange currency notes banned by India
Ø Tata Sons to raise stake in Tata Global Beverages, Tata Chemicals
Ø Govt mulls Rs10 trillion public financing for infrastructure projects
Financial Express
Ø Sensex settles at 5-week high at over 32,000; all eyes on August inflation data
Ø CPI inflation rises to 3.36 per cent in August as food prices soar
Ø US lawmakers oppose 92 per cent cut in aid to Sri Lanka
Ø GMR Group eyeing airport projects in Asia and Eastern Europe
Ø DLF gets green nod for Rs 240 crore commercial project in Goa
Financial Chronicle
Ø Frequent changes in tax rates to impact investment: Hyundai
Ø HC seeks TRAI's response on Vodafone's appeal
Ø ITC to explore new areas as part of diversification
Ø UN approves new North Korea sanctions, stopping short of oil embargo.
Examine the impact of Sovereign Gold bond scheme in the Indian economy ? Bring out the recent changes forwarded by the Govt to woo investers. Comment
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Model Answer:
Examine the impact of Sovereign Gold bond scheme in the Indian economy ? Bring out the recent changes forwarded by the Govt to woo investers.
The Bonds are issued by the Reserve Bank of India on behalf of the Government of India. The bonds are distributed through banks and designated post offices. This should make subscribing to the bonds an easy affair.
SGBs are government securities denominated in grams of gold. They are substitutes for holding physical gold. Investors have to pay the issue price in cash and the bonds will be redeemed in cash on maturity.
Benefit and Impact:
The quantity of gold for which the investor pays is protected, since he receives the ongoing market price at the time of redemption/ premature redemption. The SGB offers a superior alternative to holding gold in physical form. The risks and costs of storage are eliminated. Investors are assured of the market value of gold at the time of maturity and periodical interest. SGB is free from issues like making charges and purity in the case of gold in jewellery form. The bonds are held in the books of the RBI or in demat form eliminating risk of loss of scrip etc.
To help reduce India’s over dependence on gold imports.
Changing the habit of Indians from saving in physical form of gold to paper form with sovereign backing.
Recent changes:
Increase in the limit: to 4 kg from 0.5 kg for individuals HUF and 20 kg for trusts.
Flexibility: in the scheme to design and introduce variants to cater to a cross section of investors.
This was probably done to encourage high net worth individuals , rich farmers as well as Trusts to invest in these bonds.
@UPSC_18
@UPSC_2018
Model Answer:
Examine the impact of Sovereign Gold bond scheme in the Indian economy ? Bring out the recent changes forwarded by the Govt to woo investers.
The Bonds are issued by the Reserve Bank of India on behalf of the Government of India. The bonds are distributed through banks and designated post offices. This should make subscribing to the bonds an easy affair.
SGBs are government securities denominated in grams of gold. They are substitutes for holding physical gold. Investors have to pay the issue price in cash and the bonds will be redeemed in cash on maturity.
Benefit and Impact:
The quantity of gold for which the investor pays is protected, since he receives the ongoing market price at the time of redemption/ premature redemption. The SGB offers a superior alternative to holding gold in physical form. The risks and costs of storage are eliminated. Investors are assured of the market value of gold at the time of maturity and periodical interest. SGB is free from issues like making charges and purity in the case of gold in jewellery form. The bonds are held in the books of the RBI or in demat form eliminating risk of loss of scrip etc.
To help reduce India’s over dependence on gold imports.
Changing the habit of Indians from saving in physical form of gold to paper form with sovereign backing.
Recent changes:
Increase in the limit: to 4 kg from 0.5 kg for individuals HUF and 20 kg for trusts.
Flexibility: in the scheme to design and introduce variants to cater to a cross section of investors.
This was probably done to encourage high net worth individuals , rich farmers as well as Trusts to invest in these bonds.
What are the Challenges to governance and administration? Comment
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Model Answer:
What are the Challenges to governance and administration?
Governance is the exercise of economic, political and administrative authority to manage a count affairs at all levels. It consists of the mechanisms, processes and institutions through which citizens groups articulate their interests, exercise their legal rights, meet their obligations mid mediate t differences.
A series of political reforms have been enacted by Parliament by unanimous these include the electoral funding, reforms promoting transparency and fairness and creating t incentives to donors, disclosure of antecedents of candidates contesting for public office, and the 97 Constitutional Amendment limiting the size of the Council of Ministers to 15 per cent of the strength the Lower House and considerably strengthening anti-defection provisions. A new value-added tax regime has been introduced recently, which is seen as the most ambitious tax reform after Independent The path-breaking Right to Information Act has come into effect recently. This new law applies to union and state agencies, local governments and even societies and trusts which receive public fund This far-reaching law also provides for independent information commissioners, proactive disclosure and reporting mechanisms and has the potential to impact our governance process in a profound an positive way by empowering citizens.
These welcome initiatives indicate that our political system is willing to respond to the growing challenges of governance.
However, a lot more remains to be done. There is increasing lawlessness in several pockets of the country, and armed groups are resorting to violence with impunity for sectarian or ideological reason the state apparatus Is generally perceived to be largely inefficient, with most functionaries serving no useful purpose.
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The bureaucracy is generally seen to be tardy, inefficient, and unresponsive. Corruption is all-pervasive, eating into the vitals of our system, undermining economic growth, distorting competition, and disproportionately hurting the poor and marginalized citizens. Criminalization of politics continues unchecked, with money and muscle power playing a large role in elections. In general, there is high degree of volatility in society on account of unfulfilled expectations and poor delivery. Abuse of authority at all levels in all organs of state has become the bane of our democracy. The perception that every political party and politician is corrupt needs to be seriously addressed, and restructuring the systems in all sectors - political, bureaucratic and judicial - is of paramount importance.
There is a need to restructure our political and governance institutions and rejuvenate our Republic. Otherwise, the growing cynicism and despair among large sections may shatter public confidence in democratic institutions.
@UPSC_18
@UPSC_2018
Model Answer:
What are the Challenges to governance and administration?
Governance is the exercise of economic, political and administrative authority to manage a count affairs at all levels. It consists of the mechanisms, processes and institutions through which citizens groups articulate their interests, exercise their legal rights, meet their obligations mid mediate t differences.
A series of political reforms have been enacted by Parliament by unanimous these include the electoral funding, reforms promoting transparency and fairness and creating t incentives to donors, disclosure of antecedents of candidates contesting for public office, and the 97 Constitutional Amendment limiting the size of the Council of Ministers to 15 per cent of the strength the Lower House and considerably strengthening anti-defection provisions. A new value-added tax regime has been introduced recently, which is seen as the most ambitious tax reform after Independent The path-breaking Right to Information Act has come into effect recently. This new law applies to union and state agencies, local governments and even societies and trusts which receive public fund This far-reaching law also provides for independent information commissioners, proactive disclosure and reporting mechanisms and has the potential to impact our governance process in a profound an positive way by empowering citizens.
These welcome initiatives indicate that our political system is willing to respond to the growing challenges of governance.
However, a lot more remains to be done. There is increasing lawlessness in several pockets of the country, and armed groups are resorting to violence with impunity for sectarian or ideological reason the state apparatus Is generally perceived to be largely inefficient, with most functionaries serving no useful purpose.
@UPSC_18
The bureaucracy is generally seen to be tardy, inefficient, and unresponsive. Corruption is all-pervasive, eating into the vitals of our system, undermining economic growth, distorting competition, and disproportionately hurting the poor and marginalized citizens. Criminalization of politics continues unchecked, with money and muscle power playing a large role in elections. In general, there is high degree of volatility in society on account of unfulfilled expectations and poor delivery. Abuse of authority at all levels in all organs of state has become the bane of our democracy. The perception that every political party and politician is corrupt needs to be seriously addressed, and restructuring the systems in all sectors - political, bureaucratic and judicial - is of paramount importance.
There is a need to restructure our political and governance institutions and rejuvenate our Republic. Otherwise, the growing cynicism and despair among large sections may shatter public confidence in democratic institutions.
'90-90-90’ target by UNAIDS tardy in Odisha
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A large number of HIV positive persons don’t know their infection status
Experiences in Ganjam, the most HIV-infection prone district in Odisha, have hinted that progress on the ‘90-90-90’ target set by the United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) has been tardy in the State.
As per the ‘90-90-90’ target, 90% of all HIV infected persons should get diagnosed and know their HIV positive status. Ninety per cent of these diagnosed HIV positive persons are to be provided regular Antiretroviral
Therapy (ART), and 90% of people taking ART should show signs of viral suppression, which reduces their scope of infection.
Only a small section of HIV-infection prone people have got themselves tested. It means that a large number of HIV-positive persons do not know their HIV infection status.
As per a study, at any time of the year over five lakh rural males of reproductive age from Ganjam stay away from their families as migrant labourers outside Odisha.
But the total number of persons tested in Ganjam in a year is around 90,000,
It means most migrant labourers, who have chances of bringing back HIV infection to their homes in Ganjam, do not get tested.
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A large number of HIV positive persons don’t know their infection status
Experiences in Ganjam, the most HIV-infection prone district in Odisha, have hinted that progress on the ‘90-90-90’ target set by the United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) has been tardy in the State.
As per the ‘90-90-90’ target, 90% of all HIV infected persons should get diagnosed and know their HIV positive status. Ninety per cent of these diagnosed HIV positive persons are to be provided regular Antiretroviral
Therapy (ART), and 90% of people taking ART should show signs of viral suppression, which reduces their scope of infection.
Only a small section of HIV-infection prone people have got themselves tested. It means that a large number of HIV-positive persons do not know their HIV infection status.
As per a study, at any time of the year over five lakh rural males of reproductive age from Ganjam stay away from their families as migrant labourers outside Odisha.
But the total number of persons tested in Ganjam in a year is around 90,000,
It means most migrant labourers, who have chances of bringing back HIV infection to their homes in Ganjam, do not get tested.
Fight to prove Bhagat Singh’s innocence
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Pakistani lawyer files petition in Lahore High Court to set sentence aside
Eighty-six years after revolutionary Bhagat Singh was hanged for the murder of a British police officer, a Pakistani lawyer is fighting to prove the legendary Indian freedom fighter’s innocence in a Lahore court.
Advocate Imtiaz Rashid Qureshi filed a fresh petition in the Lahore High Court for the early hearing of his case to prove Singh’s innocence.
The Division Bench of the Lahore High Court had in February 2016 asked the Chief Justice of Pakistan to constitute a larger Bench to hear the petition by Mr. Qureshi, who runs the Lahore-based Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation. But no action has been taken yet.
In the petition, Mr. Qureshi said Singh was a freedom fighter and fought for the freedom of undivided India.
His petition wants the court to set aside the sentence of Singh by exercising principles of review and order the government to honour him with a state award.
Singh was hanged by British rulers on March 23, 1931 at the age of 23 in Lahore, after being tried on charges of hatching a conspiracy against the colonial government. The case was filed against Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru for allegedly killing John P. Saunders.
In 2014, the Lahore police searched through records of the Anarkali police station on the court’s order and managed to find the First Information Report on Saunders’ killing in 1928.A copy of the FIR was provided to Qureshi on the court’s order.
Written in Urdu, the FIR was registered with the Anarkali police station on December 17, 1928 at 4.30 p.m. against two ‘unknown gunmen.’
The case was registered under Sections 302, 1201 and 109 of the Indian Penal Code. Singh’s name was not mentioned in the FIR, though he was eventually handed down the death sentence for the murder.
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Pakistani lawyer files petition in Lahore High Court to set sentence aside
Eighty-six years after revolutionary Bhagat Singh was hanged for the murder of a British police officer, a Pakistani lawyer is fighting to prove the legendary Indian freedom fighter’s innocence in a Lahore court.
Advocate Imtiaz Rashid Qureshi filed a fresh petition in the Lahore High Court for the early hearing of his case to prove Singh’s innocence.
The Division Bench of the Lahore High Court had in February 2016 asked the Chief Justice of Pakistan to constitute a larger Bench to hear the petition by Mr. Qureshi, who runs the Lahore-based Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation. But no action has been taken yet.
In the petition, Mr. Qureshi said Singh was a freedom fighter and fought for the freedom of undivided India.
His petition wants the court to set aside the sentence of Singh by exercising principles of review and order the government to honour him with a state award.
Singh was hanged by British rulers on March 23, 1931 at the age of 23 in Lahore, after being tried on charges of hatching a conspiracy against the colonial government. The case was filed against Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru for allegedly killing John P. Saunders.
In 2014, the Lahore police searched through records of the Anarkali police station on the court’s order and managed to find the First Information Report on Saunders’ killing in 1928.A copy of the FIR was provided to Qureshi on the court’s order.
Written in Urdu, the FIR was registered with the Anarkali police station on December 17, 1928 at 4.30 p.m. against two ‘unknown gunmen.’
The case was registered under Sections 302, 1201 and 109 of the Indian Penal Code. Singh’s name was not mentioned in the FIR, though he was eventually handed down the death sentence for the murder.
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Dr. Ashok Sharma
Which country in the world has a different calendar?
It is quite an unknown that the whole world, except Ethiopia, has adopted Gregorian calendar. On the other hand, Ethiopia has accepted the Coptic calendar, which is quite different from the Gregorian calendar. The Coptic calendar has 13 months of which 12 months comprise of 30 days each, and a 13th month at the end of the year called the intercalary month usually has 5 days and 6 days in a leap year. The country of Ethiopia celebrates New Year on September 11th.
The relationship between Ethiopian and Gregorian calendars varies whenever the Gregorian calendar misses a leap year. The difference in year numbering is because the Ethiopian Orthodox Church disagrees with the Roman Catholic Church about when Christ was born. The calculation of time is also dissimilar in Ethiopia as hours are counted from down. So the next time, while on September 11th(today) you are engaged in your routine schedule, Ethiopia will be celebrating New Year!
Happy New Year Ethiopia.
It is quite an unknown that the whole world, except Ethiopia, has adopted Gregorian calendar. On the other hand, Ethiopia has accepted the Coptic calendar, which is quite different from the Gregorian calendar. The Coptic calendar has 13 months of which 12 months comprise of 30 days each, and a 13th month at the end of the year called the intercalary month usually has 5 days and 6 days in a leap year. The country of Ethiopia celebrates New Year on September 11th.
The relationship between Ethiopian and Gregorian calendars varies whenever the Gregorian calendar misses a leap year. The difference in year numbering is because the Ethiopian Orthodox Church disagrees with the Roman Catholic Church about when Christ was born. The calculation of time is also dissimilar in Ethiopia as hours are counted from down. So the next time, while on September 11th(today) you are engaged in your routine schedule, Ethiopia will be celebrating New Year!
Happy New Year Ethiopia.
Model Answer:
Supreme court recently ordered setting up of a committee to examine dowry cases. Explain the reason and also what are the issues arises with it?
Comment
@UPSC_2018
Dowry Act: First enacted in 1961, the law sought to protect women from being killed or tortured in their marital homes by greedy husbands and in-laws.
Thereafter, passionate advocacy by women’s rights activists resulted in the insertion of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, making the offence of dowry harassment cognisable and non-bailable
Supreme Court ordered the setting up of ‘family welfare committees’ in all districts under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
Following are the reasons:
a) Section 498A (dowry harassment) of the IPC had come under much abuse.
b) Dowry complaints were being filed in the heat of the moment over trivial issues.
c) Advocates say that disgruntled women determined to destroy family values and drags innocent husbands and in-laws to jail for their own nefarious purpose.
@UPSC_18
Issues arises by the women protagonists:
a) the first attempt to dilute Section 498A came from a 2014 judgment of the Supreme Court which mandated a nine-point checklist before any arrests could be made under Section 498A.
b) Then followed the latest Supreme Court judgment which has almost irretrievably diluted 498A and rendered it nearly unreachable to victims. This judgment mandates a family welfare committee in every district to scrutinise dowry harassment cases.
c) It is not difficult to predict how such committees will operate in our male-dominated districts. The Supreme Court has also done away with the need for the accused to make a personal appearance in court in addition to other forms of relief.
d) The widespread misuse of this section by usurious moneylenders and financial institutions has never been publicly debated. The judiciary and civil society do not appear to ever discuss misuse or “abuse” of other laws and offences, although abuse of any law is possible, and does in fact happen. It is only when any law relating to the empowerment of women is enacted, that hysterical debate ensues about misuse of such a law and the sufferings of the accused.
Suggestion:
a) Proper examination: that how this act is effective in preventing dowry deaths and cruelity to women.
b) Substantial research is needed.
Supreme court recently ordered setting up of a committee to examine dowry cases. Explain the reason and also what are the issues arises with it?
Comment
@UPSC_2018
Dowry Act: First enacted in 1961, the law sought to protect women from being killed or tortured in their marital homes by greedy husbands and in-laws.
Thereafter, passionate advocacy by women’s rights activists resulted in the insertion of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, making the offence of dowry harassment cognisable and non-bailable
Supreme Court ordered the setting up of ‘family welfare committees’ in all districts under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
Following are the reasons:
a) Section 498A (dowry harassment) of the IPC had come under much abuse.
b) Dowry complaints were being filed in the heat of the moment over trivial issues.
c) Advocates say that disgruntled women determined to destroy family values and drags innocent husbands and in-laws to jail for their own nefarious purpose.
@UPSC_18
Issues arises by the women protagonists:
a) the first attempt to dilute Section 498A came from a 2014 judgment of the Supreme Court which mandated a nine-point checklist before any arrests could be made under Section 498A.
b) Then followed the latest Supreme Court judgment which has almost irretrievably diluted 498A and rendered it nearly unreachable to victims. This judgment mandates a family welfare committee in every district to scrutinise dowry harassment cases.
c) It is not difficult to predict how such committees will operate in our male-dominated districts. The Supreme Court has also done away with the need for the accused to make a personal appearance in court in addition to other forms of relief.
d) The widespread misuse of this section by usurious moneylenders and financial institutions has never been publicly debated. The judiciary and civil society do not appear to ever discuss misuse or “abuse” of other laws and offences, although abuse of any law is possible, and does in fact happen. It is only when any law relating to the empowerment of women is enacted, that hysterical debate ensues about misuse of such a law and the sufferings of the accused.
Suggestion:
a) Proper examination: that how this act is effective in preventing dowry deaths and cruelity to women.
b) Substantial research is needed.
LIST OF BRAND AMBASSADORS IN INDIA 2017
● Bindheswar Pathak : Swachh Rail Mission
● Dia Mirza : Swachh Saathi programme
● John Abraham : Arunachal Pradesh
● Lionel Messi : Tata Motors global
● M S Dhoni : Craig McDermott International Cricket Academy (Australia).
● M S Dhoni : Mobile handset maker Lava International
● Madhuri Dixit : INTEX.
● Madhuri Dixit : Mothers’ Absolute Affection.
● Narendra Modi : Incredible India
● Nawazuddin Siddiqui : UP’s ‘Samajwadi Kisan Beema Yojana’.
● P V Sindhu : CRPF
● P V Sindhu and Sakshi Malik : Swachh Bharat Mission.
● Priyanka Chopra : Assam tourism
● R Ashwin : Equitas SFB
● Rahul Dravid : T20 World Cup for the blind
● Ranbir Kapoor : Renault India
● Ricky Ponting : Tasmania
● Sachin Tendulkar : Kerala’s anti-liquor campaign
● Sakshi Malik : Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign for Haryana.
● Salman Khan : BMC’s Open Defecation Free drive.
● Salman Khan :Yellow Diamond, snack maker
● Sonam Kapoor : Kalyan Jewellers
● Sunil Gavaskar : The First Group.
● Vidya Balan : UP’s Samajwadi Pension Yojna.
● Virat Kohli : BSF.
● Virat Kohli : Manyavar
● Virat Kohli : Punjab National Bank
● Virat Kohli : Valvoline.
● Bindheswar Pathak : Swachh Rail Mission
● Dia Mirza : Swachh Saathi programme
● John Abraham : Arunachal Pradesh
● Lionel Messi : Tata Motors global
● M S Dhoni : Craig McDermott International Cricket Academy (Australia).
● M S Dhoni : Mobile handset maker Lava International
● Madhuri Dixit : INTEX.
● Madhuri Dixit : Mothers’ Absolute Affection.
● Narendra Modi : Incredible India
● Nawazuddin Siddiqui : UP’s ‘Samajwadi Kisan Beema Yojana’.
● P V Sindhu : CRPF
● P V Sindhu and Sakshi Malik : Swachh Bharat Mission.
● Priyanka Chopra : Assam tourism
● R Ashwin : Equitas SFB
● Rahul Dravid : T20 World Cup for the blind
● Ranbir Kapoor : Renault India
● Ricky Ponting : Tasmania
● Sachin Tendulkar : Kerala’s anti-liquor campaign
● Sakshi Malik : Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign for Haryana.
● Salman Khan : BMC’s Open Defecation Free drive.
● Salman Khan :Yellow Diamond, snack maker
● Sonam Kapoor : Kalyan Jewellers
● Sunil Gavaskar : The First Group.
● Vidya Balan : UP’s Samajwadi Pension Yojna.
● Virat Kohli : BSF.
● Virat Kohli : Manyavar
● Virat Kohli : Punjab National Bank
● Virat Kohli : Valvoline.
Why Does Swiss Cheese Have Holes?
Swiss cheese, properly known as Emmentaler, gets its hole-y appearance and distinctive flavor thanks to the bacteria that turns milk into cheese. All cheeses contain bacteria (they’re responsible for producing lactic acid) which help them develop into a final edible product, yet not all those bacteria are the same.
To make Swiss cheese, the cultures of the bacteria S. thermophilus, Lactobacillus and P. shermani are mixed with cow’s milk. The bacteria helps produce curds, which are pressed and soaked in brine inside of cheese molds. The cheese is then stored at 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and left to ripen. It’s at this point when the bacteria really does its work. While it’s working, it releases lactic acid and one of those bacteria, a gassy one, consumes it.
That bacteria, more specifically P. shermani, releases carbon dioxide when it consumes the lactic acid and forms bubbles. The bubbles don’t just disappear, they form little air pockets, resulting in the holes of the Swiss cheese. The size of the holes can be controlled by cheese makers through the acidity, temperature and maturing time, which is why it’s possible to have a baby Swiss and regular Swiss option.
Swiss cheese, properly known as Emmentaler, gets its hole-y appearance and distinctive flavor thanks to the bacteria that turns milk into cheese. All cheeses contain bacteria (they’re responsible for producing lactic acid) which help them develop into a final edible product, yet not all those bacteria are the same.
To make Swiss cheese, the cultures of the bacteria S. thermophilus, Lactobacillus and P. shermani are mixed with cow’s milk. The bacteria helps produce curds, which are pressed and soaked in brine inside of cheese molds. The cheese is then stored at 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and left to ripen. It’s at this point when the bacteria really does its work. While it’s working, it releases lactic acid and one of those bacteria, a gassy one, consumes it.
That bacteria, more specifically P. shermani, releases carbon dioxide when it consumes the lactic acid and forms bubbles. The bubbles don’t just disappear, they form little air pockets, resulting in the holes of the Swiss cheese. The size of the holes can be controlled by cheese makers through the acidity, temperature and maturing time, which is why it’s possible to have a baby Swiss and regular Swiss option.
Why do Giraffe's have purple tongues?
The color of a giraffe's tongue is described as black, blue or purple with a pink base.
A giraffe's tongue hasmelanin (same pigment that turns your skin dark when you get suntanned). Their dark tongues have more melanin, which protects them from getting sunburned.
The color of a giraffe's tongue is described as black, blue or purple with a pink base.
A giraffe's tongue hasmelanin (same pigment that turns your skin dark when you get suntanned). Their dark tongues have more melanin, which protects them from getting sunburned.
Govt considering its own cryptocurrency
@UPSC_18
@UPSC_2017
The Central government is considering a proposal to introduce its cryptocurrency similar to Bitcoin.
Sources close to the development said that the proposal was discussed by a committee of government officials, and the panel found the idea of setting up and running blockchain for financial services useful.
Whenever the decision is taken, the cryptocurrency will fall in the domain of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and some Acts such as the Currency Act might have to be amended. Hence, this will be a time-consuming process.
Sources also said the government might name its cryptocurrency “Lakshmi”.
Vaibhav Parikh, partner, Nishith Desai Associates, said: “I won't be surprised if the government comes up with its own cryptocurrency because banks are trying blockchain as a technology and to make blockchain work it would need some cryptocurrency. Since it doesn’t trust Bitcoin it may come up with their own currency."
Running a ledger-like blockchain cryptocurrency is required for settlement and the RBI and government officials have said that they are not comfortable with Bitcoin.
China, Russia, and Estonia are said to be considering having their own cryptocurrencies.
A few days ago RBI Executive Director Sudarshan Sen had talked about the central bank’s discomfort with Bitcoin, which has recently come under intense global regulatory scrutiny.
He had also hinted at the need for India’s own cryptocurrency.
@UPSC_18
@UPSC_2017
The Central government is considering a proposal to introduce its cryptocurrency similar to Bitcoin.
Sources close to the development said that the proposal was discussed by a committee of government officials, and the panel found the idea of setting up and running blockchain for financial services useful.
Whenever the decision is taken, the cryptocurrency will fall in the domain of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and some Acts such as the Currency Act might have to be amended. Hence, this will be a time-consuming process.
Sources also said the government might name its cryptocurrency “Lakshmi”.
Vaibhav Parikh, partner, Nishith Desai Associates, said: “I won't be surprised if the government comes up with its own cryptocurrency because banks are trying blockchain as a technology and to make blockchain work it would need some cryptocurrency. Since it doesn’t trust Bitcoin it may come up with their own currency."
Running a ledger-like blockchain cryptocurrency is required for settlement and the RBI and government officials have said that they are not comfortable with Bitcoin.
China, Russia, and Estonia are said to be considering having their own cryptocurrencies.
A few days ago RBI Executive Director Sudarshan Sen had talked about the central bank’s discomfort with Bitcoin, which has recently come under intense global regulatory scrutiny.
He had also hinted at the need for India’s own cryptocurrency.