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
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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.
💥Karnataka, 1st Indian State to Approve e-vehicle Policy
💥 India Launches ‘Operation Insaniyat’ to Help Bangladesh
💥 Google to Launch Mobile Payment Service in India
💥 74th Venice Film Festival Awards 2017
✨List of Awards are as follows-
1. Golden Lion - Best Movie
The Shape of Water, directed by Guillermo del Toro
2. Grand Jury Prize
Foxtrot, directed by Samuel Maoz
3. Silver Lion - Best Director
Xavier Legrand (for Jusqu’à la Garde)
4. Volpi Cup - Best Actress
Charlotte Rampling (for Hannah)
5. Volpi Cup - Best Actor
Kamel El Basha (for The Insult)
💥 Former United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was elected as Chair of Ethics Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for a four-year term.
💥 The International Day of Democracy is observed across the world on 15 September. The theme for the year 2017 is ‘Democracy and Conflict prevention’.
💥 Goa to Host 36th National Games
💥'Unstoppable: My Life So Far' authored by Maria Sharapova.
💥 India Launches ‘Operation Insaniyat’ to Help Bangladesh
💥 Google to Launch Mobile Payment Service in India
💥 74th Venice Film Festival Awards 2017
✨List of Awards are as follows-
1. Golden Lion - Best Movie
The Shape of Water, directed by Guillermo del Toro
2. Grand Jury Prize
Foxtrot, directed by Samuel Maoz
3. Silver Lion - Best Director
Xavier Legrand (for Jusqu’à la Garde)
4. Volpi Cup - Best Actress
Charlotte Rampling (for Hannah)
5. Volpi Cup - Best Actor
Kamel El Basha (for The Insult)
💥 Former United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was elected as Chair of Ethics Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for a four-year term.
💥 The International Day of Democracy is observed across the world on 15 September. The theme for the year 2017 is ‘Democracy and Conflict prevention’.
💥 Goa to Host 36th National Games
💥'Unstoppable: My Life So Far' authored by Maria Sharapova.
Blue Whale game
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The Supreme Court asked the government to respond to a petition for an immediate direction to ban online game ‘Blue Whale Challenge, which is suspected to be behind the deaths or attempted suicides of teenagers and young adults hooked to it.
A Bench, led by the Chief Justice of India, issued notice to the government on a petition by advocate C.R. Jaya Sukin, representing another lawyer N.S. Ponnaiah, who wanted the government to take immediate steps to spread awareness about the dangers of playing the game and end its availability online. The court asked Attorney-General K.K. Venugopal to assist the court.
It is argued before the Bench that the government, till now, had not taken sufficient steps even as the number of cases of self-inflicted injuries and suicides were increasing.
The petition said the game had spread its tentacles across the cities and was enticing even school students to play.
The game goads young people into killing themselves. The blue whale on-line game encourages people to take part in increasingly dangerous harmful dares that finally culminate in instructions by the administrators to kill themselves.
@UPSC_2018
The Supreme Court asked the government to respond to a petition for an immediate direction to ban online game ‘Blue Whale Challenge, which is suspected to be behind the deaths or attempted suicides of teenagers and young adults hooked to it.
A Bench, led by the Chief Justice of India, issued notice to the government on a petition by advocate C.R. Jaya Sukin, representing another lawyer N.S. Ponnaiah, who wanted the government to take immediate steps to spread awareness about the dangers of playing the game and end its availability online. The court asked Attorney-General K.K. Venugopal to assist the court.
It is argued before the Bench that the government, till now, had not taken sufficient steps even as the number of cases of self-inflicted injuries and suicides were increasing.
The petition said the game had spread its tentacles across the cities and was enticing even school students to play.
The game goads young people into killing themselves. The blue whale on-line game encourages people to take part in increasingly dangerous harmful dares that finally culminate in instructions by the administrators to kill themselves.
Terror attack in London
@UPSC_18
Terror attack with IED during rush hour triggers mass panic at railway station
Britain faced its fifth terrorism incident in 2017 as an improvised explosive device triggered an explosion on a rush-hour tube train at Parsons Green in southwest London injuring at least 22 people and triggering mass panic at the station. Unconfirmed reports said 29 people were injured.
Prime Minister Theresa May chaired a meeting of the emergency COBRA committee, as Britain’s terror threat remained at severe, meaning a terror attack was highly likely.
The Metropolitan police urged members of the public to remain calm and alert and for those who had images of the scene to upload them on a police website.
The explosion took place at around 8.20 in the morning when the device on the district line tube train, travelling from southwest London to Paddington went off, creating what witnesses on the train described as a “fireball.”
Images circulating on social media appeared to show a white bucket within a supermarket bag. One witness, who suffered burns on his scalp, spoke of others who were badly burnt, while others spoke of the panic that ensued after the incident as, after the doors were quickly opened, people attempted to exit the station through its single narrow stairwell.
Blast on the London Tube highlights the challenge facing large metropolitan centres
blast at London Tube that injured at least 22 people highlighted the challenge facing large metropolitan centres, amid a new wave of terror attacks, some of which appear to be carried out by lone agents, often using low-tech weapons such as vehicles, knives or home made devices.
The incident, fifth terror attack this year in Britain, is also likely to reignite the domestic debate regarding funding of emergency services in the country, amid austerity cutbacks to resources and constraints on pay — issues that were raised by the Labour Party following previous attacks.
This attack comes 12 years after 52 people were killed on terrorist bombings on London buses and tubes, and after the March attack on Westminster Bridge and outside the Houses of Parliament that killed five people.
Less than a month after the attack on the Ariana Grande Concert in Manchester in May, 11 people were killed in another attack around London Bridge station. In June, a man was killed outside the Finsbury Park Mosque in north London. Nineteen terrorist plots have been foiled in Britain since June 2013, while 379 people were arrested for terrorism related offences across the country in the twelve months to June.
@UPSC_18
Terror attack with IED during rush hour triggers mass panic at railway station
Britain faced its fifth terrorism incident in 2017 as an improvised explosive device triggered an explosion on a rush-hour tube train at Parsons Green in southwest London injuring at least 22 people and triggering mass panic at the station. Unconfirmed reports said 29 people were injured.
Prime Minister Theresa May chaired a meeting of the emergency COBRA committee, as Britain’s terror threat remained at severe, meaning a terror attack was highly likely.
The Metropolitan police urged members of the public to remain calm and alert and for those who had images of the scene to upload them on a police website.
The explosion took place at around 8.20 in the morning when the device on the district line tube train, travelling from southwest London to Paddington went off, creating what witnesses on the train described as a “fireball.”
Images circulating on social media appeared to show a white bucket within a supermarket bag. One witness, who suffered burns on his scalp, spoke of others who were badly burnt, while others spoke of the panic that ensued after the incident as, after the doors were quickly opened, people attempted to exit the station through its single narrow stairwell.
Blast on the London Tube highlights the challenge facing large metropolitan centres
blast at London Tube that injured at least 22 people highlighted the challenge facing large metropolitan centres, amid a new wave of terror attacks, some of which appear to be carried out by lone agents, often using low-tech weapons such as vehicles, knives or home made devices.
The incident, fifth terror attack this year in Britain, is also likely to reignite the domestic debate regarding funding of emergency services in the country, amid austerity cutbacks to resources and constraints on pay — issues that were raised by the Labour Party following previous attacks.
This attack comes 12 years after 52 people were killed on terrorist bombings on London buses and tubes, and after the March attack on Westminster Bridge and outside the Houses of Parliament that killed five people.
Less than a month after the attack on the Ariana Grande Concert in Manchester in May, 11 people were killed in another attack around London Bridge station. In June, a man was killed outside the Finsbury Park Mosque in north London. Nineteen terrorist plots have been foiled in Britain since June 2013, while 379 people were arrested for terrorism related offences across the country in the twelve months to June.
Golden throne assembled ahead of Dasara
@UPSC_2018
@UPSC_18
The throne is brought out only during Dasara and assembled in the Amba Vilas section for khas durbar
In the run-up to the Navaratri festival to be celebrated by members of the Wadiyar family, the golden throne which plays a significant part in their ceremonies, was assembled.
The throne, which is dismantled and placed in the strongroom under security throughout the year, is brought out only during Dasara and assembled in the Amba Vilas section for khas durbar.
It was out under the supervision of the priests and entailed the involvement of 15 persons from Gejjagalli, who are traditionally engaged for this task.
The throne comprises three parts, including the main seat, a staircase, and the golden umbrella.
There are various theories about the origin of the throne and as per one legend, it belonged to the Pandavas of the Mahabharata fame. It was brought from Hastinapura to Penugonda and was lost to posterity until it was retrieved in 1336 A.D. by Vidyaranya who was the royal preceptor to the founders of the Vijayanagar empire.
It was transferred to the Wadiyars who were the governors to the Vijayanagar rulers after the fall of the empire. But as per historical accounts, it was gifted to ChikkadevarajaWadiyar in 1700 A.D. by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
The golden throne is open to the public only during the Dasara and is shifted to the strongroom after the completion of the festivities.
@UPSC_2018
@UPSC_18
The throne is brought out only during Dasara and assembled in the Amba Vilas section for khas durbar
In the run-up to the Navaratri festival to be celebrated by members of the Wadiyar family, the golden throne which plays a significant part in their ceremonies, was assembled.
The throne, which is dismantled and placed in the strongroom under security throughout the year, is brought out only during Dasara and assembled in the Amba Vilas section for khas durbar.
It was out under the supervision of the priests and entailed the involvement of 15 persons from Gejjagalli, who are traditionally engaged for this task.
The throne comprises three parts, including the main seat, a staircase, and the golden umbrella.
There are various theories about the origin of the throne and as per one legend, it belonged to the Pandavas of the Mahabharata fame. It was brought from Hastinapura to Penugonda and was lost to posterity until it was retrieved in 1336 A.D. by Vidyaranya who was the royal preceptor to the founders of the Vijayanagar empire.
It was transferred to the Wadiyars who were the governors to the Vijayanagar rulers after the fall of the empire. But as per historical accounts, it was gifted to ChikkadevarajaWadiyar in 1700 A.D. by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
The golden throne is open to the public only during the Dasara and is shifted to the strongroom after the completion of the festivities.
What is Regulatory Sandbox in terms of economy? What are its Benefits?Comment
@UPSC_18
Model Answer:
@UPSC_2018
A regulatory sandbox is an experimental oversight mechanism for innovative products and services that do not fall into an existing regulatory regime or cut across traditional regulators’ domains. Such innovations are permitted to operate for a limited period of time at a limited scale to understand its efficacy and implications, so that the best alternatives for regulation can be evolved based on concerns that emerge.
The sandbox needs to be designed to adopt this unified consumer-centric lens through a single integrated sandbox, serving all four financial sector regulators… technology will always be ahead of regulation like RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA.
NITI AAYOG approach this mechanism because India’s financial sectors regulators hinders ideas in the financial technology sector.
Benefits of Sandbox:
Twin objectives of nurturing financial innovation and safeguarding consumer interests.
Graet way to unlock innovation for mass public adoption .
Will be a boost for Start Up .
Globally regulatory sandboxes have been introduces in the UK , Singapore, Australia UAE etc.
@UPSC_18
Model Answer:
@UPSC_2018
A regulatory sandbox is an experimental oversight mechanism for innovative products and services that do not fall into an existing regulatory regime or cut across traditional regulators’ domains. Such innovations are permitted to operate for a limited period of time at a limited scale to understand its efficacy and implications, so that the best alternatives for regulation can be evolved based on concerns that emerge.
The sandbox needs to be designed to adopt this unified consumer-centric lens through a single integrated sandbox, serving all four financial sector regulators… technology will always be ahead of regulation like RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA.
NITI AAYOG approach this mechanism because India’s financial sectors regulators hinders ideas in the financial technology sector.
Benefits of Sandbox:
Twin objectives of nurturing financial innovation and safeguarding consumer interests.
Graet way to unlock innovation for mass public adoption .
Will be a boost for Start Up .
Globally regulatory sandboxes have been introduces in the UK , Singapore, Australia UAE etc.
Economic Times
Business Standard
Ø Government to sell Air India properties owned by them
Ø HPCL plans Rs 61,000 crore investment in 5 years
Ø CAD seen at 1.2-1.3 per cent of GDP in FY18: Icra
Ø Tata Motors plans to breathe fresh life into its PV portfolio
Ø Just two bidders for Rs 37k cr Aamby Valley auction
Ø Gold imports jump three-fold to $15 bn in April-Aug
Ø SES urges Bharti shareholders to reject Telenor deal
Ø Fosun Pharma to buy 74% stake in Gland for $1.09 billion
Ø Drug makers dial foreign regulators on quality issues
Ø Sebi board to take stock of suspected shell cos on Monday
Ø Tata Motors eyes larger share of utility market with SUV Nexon
Ø GSTN reopens composition scheme window for small businesses
Ø Members want preferential treatment in NSE's Rs 10Kcr IPO
Business Line
Mint
Ø Banks to gain as steel sector shows signs of growth
Ø India likely to be 3rd largest economy by 2028: HSBC
Ø Monnet Ispat: IRP calls for expression of interest
Ø CVC to probe govt employees deposits post demonetisation
Ø FPIs pull out Rs. 3,000 cr from stocks in September so far
Ø India-Japan ties set on high growth trajectory
Ø SBI reviewing minimum balance charges for savings accounts
Ø Govt may raise over Rs15,000 crore from share sale of 2 PSU insurers
Ø TVS Motor to roll out electric two-wheelers soon
Financial Express
Financial Chronicle
Ø External debt of India drops 2.7 pct to $471.9 bn, records first such drop in 5 years
Ø Government asks state-owned banks to discuss ways to merge at board level
Ø Bankruptcy board to register 100 more insolvency professionals to add to 940
Ø Indian start-up Kheyti wins prestigious award in Israel
Ø Mergers boost finance sector consolidation
Ø GIC Re IPO next month, over 14% stake dilution can fetch up to Rs 11k cr
Ø Govt to monitor iron ore output
Ø Centre eyes record rabi crop output
Ø RBI may keep policy rate on hold till FY18-end
Business Standard
Ø Government to sell Air India properties owned by them
Ø HPCL plans Rs 61,000 crore investment in 5 years
Ø CAD seen at 1.2-1.3 per cent of GDP in FY18: Icra
Ø Tata Motors plans to breathe fresh life into its PV portfolio
Ø Just two bidders for Rs 37k cr Aamby Valley auction
Ø Gold imports jump three-fold to $15 bn in April-Aug
Ø SES urges Bharti shareholders to reject Telenor deal
Ø Fosun Pharma to buy 74% stake in Gland for $1.09 billion
Ø Drug makers dial foreign regulators on quality issues
Ø Sebi board to take stock of suspected shell cos on Monday
Ø Tata Motors eyes larger share of utility market with SUV Nexon
Ø GSTN reopens composition scheme window for small businesses
Ø Members want preferential treatment in NSE's Rs 10Kcr IPO
Business Line
Mint
Ø Banks to gain as steel sector shows signs of growth
Ø India likely to be 3rd largest economy by 2028: HSBC
Ø Monnet Ispat: IRP calls for expression of interest
Ø CVC to probe govt employees deposits post demonetisation
Ø FPIs pull out Rs. 3,000 cr from stocks in September so far
Ø India-Japan ties set on high growth trajectory
Ø SBI reviewing minimum balance charges for savings accounts
Ø Govt may raise over Rs15,000 crore from share sale of 2 PSU insurers
Ø TVS Motor to roll out electric two-wheelers soon
Financial Express
Financial Chronicle
Ø External debt of India drops 2.7 pct to $471.9 bn, records first such drop in 5 years
Ø Government asks state-owned banks to discuss ways to merge at board level
Ø Bankruptcy board to register 100 more insolvency professionals to add to 940
Ø Indian start-up Kheyti wins prestigious award in Israel
Ø Mergers boost finance sector consolidation
Ø GIC Re IPO next month, over 14% stake dilution can fetch up to Rs 11k cr
Ø Govt to monitor iron ore output
Ø Centre eyes record rabi crop output
Ø RBI may keep policy rate on hold till FY18-end
Question : How Party- Political Secularism Corrupted Constitutional Secularism ? (20 Marks/250 Words)
Model Answer :
https://t.me/UPSC_2018
Indian secularism was unfairly charged by its opponents as a pro-minority doctrine. In India, the situation till at least the 20th century was completely different because, there has been no attempt to liquidate religious diversity. The state has always found ways of dealing with all religious groups. Under modern conditions, this practice developed into a defence of religious pluralism. The state had to respect all religions, treat them non-preferentially. India’s constitutional secularism requires that the Indian state be neither wholly respectful nor disrespectful to religions. Critical respect for all religions is the hallmark of Indian secularism.
To understand India’s constitutional secularism, it is best to contrast it with European conceptions. Each European state closely aligned itself with one or the other dominant church in society. Thus, England became Anglican, Scandinavia became Lutheran, Spain and Italy became Catholic, Denmark became Calvinist, and so on. Over time, however, the church was seen to become too politically meddlesome and socially oppressive. A movement for ‘un-churching’, or curtailing the power of the church, separated themselves from the dominant church. Thus, the separation of state and church became the defining feature of European and later American secularisms.
But in the last 40 years or so, we have developed another secularism, called ‘party-political secularism’, an odd, nefarious ‘doctrine’ practised by political parties, particularly the so-called “secular forces”. This secularism has dispelled principles from the core idea and replaced them with opportunism; opportunistic distance from all religious communities is its slogan. Thus political parties keep off religion or intervene as and when it best suits their party or electoral interests. Electoral politics has sidelined or corrupted our constitutional secularism and breeds opportunism. (Total Words- 278)
Model Answer :
https://t.me/UPSC_2018
Indian secularism was unfairly charged by its opponents as a pro-minority doctrine. In India, the situation till at least the 20th century was completely different because, there has been no attempt to liquidate religious diversity. The state has always found ways of dealing with all religious groups. Under modern conditions, this practice developed into a defence of religious pluralism. The state had to respect all religions, treat them non-preferentially. India’s constitutional secularism requires that the Indian state be neither wholly respectful nor disrespectful to religions. Critical respect for all religions is the hallmark of Indian secularism.
To understand India’s constitutional secularism, it is best to contrast it with European conceptions. Each European state closely aligned itself with one or the other dominant church in society. Thus, England became Anglican, Scandinavia became Lutheran, Spain and Italy became Catholic, Denmark became Calvinist, and so on. Over time, however, the church was seen to become too politically meddlesome and socially oppressive. A movement for ‘un-churching’, or curtailing the power of the church, separated themselves from the dominant church. Thus, the separation of state and church became the defining feature of European and later American secularisms.
But in the last 40 years or so, we have developed another secularism, called ‘party-political secularism’, an odd, nefarious ‘doctrine’ practised by political parties, particularly the so-called “secular forces”. This secularism has dispelled principles from the core idea and replaced them with opportunism; opportunistic distance from all religious communities is its slogan. Thus political parties keep off religion or intervene as and when it best suits their party or electoral interests. Electoral politics has sidelined or corrupted our constitutional secularism and breeds opportunism. (Total Words- 278)
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Dr. Ashok Sharma
What should be the code of ethics if there would be any for the civil servants? Comment
Model Answer:
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The objective of the Code was to prescribe standards of integrity and conduct that are to apply to public services. The salient features of the code are as follows :
1. The public services should assist the government in formulating and implementing policies and administering public services in the most effective way.
2. Employees in public services should uphold the rule of law and respect for human rights, and act solely in public interest. They must maintain the highest standards of probity and integrity.
3. They should conduct themselves in such manner that the public feels that the decisions taken or recommendations made by them are objective and transparent and are not calculated to promote improper gains for the political party in power, for themselves, or for any third party.
4. They should not seek to frustrate or undermine the policies, decisions and action taken in public interest by Government by declining or abstaining from action.
5. Where an employee in public service has reasonable grounds to believe that he or she is being required by superior authority to act in a manner which is illegal or against prescribed rules and regulations, he should decline to implement the instructions. He will have right to bring the fact to the notice of superior authority.
6. Conflict of Interest : Employees in public service should refrain from decisions; i) which are calculated to benefit any particular person or party at the expense of the public interest; ii) shall disclose any clash of interest when there is conflict between public interest and private interest.
7. They should maintain their independence and dignity and impartiality by not approaching politicians and outsiders in respect of service matters or private benefits, and exercise peer pressure to dissuade those within their own cadre who do so and to set in motion disciplinary proceedings against such persons.
8. Accountability to Citizens : i) Employees in public services should be accessible to the people and practice accountability to them in terms of quality of service, timeliness, courtesy, people orientation, and readiness to encourage participation and form partnership with citizen groups for responsive government ii) they should be consistent, equitable and honest in their treatment of the members of the public, iii) they should accept obligation to recognize and enforce citizen’s right for speedy redressal of their grievance.
9. They should have concern for public assets and funds, avoid wastage and extravagance and ensure effective and efficient use of public money within their control.
10. Non- abuse of official position : Employees in public services have a responsibility to take decisions on merits, as they are in a position of trust, they must not use their official position to influence any person to enter into financial or other arrangements with them or any one else.
Model Answer:
@UPSC_18
@UPSC_2018
The objective of the Code was to prescribe standards of integrity and conduct that are to apply to public services. The salient features of the code are as follows :
1. The public services should assist the government in formulating and implementing policies and administering public services in the most effective way.
2. Employees in public services should uphold the rule of law and respect for human rights, and act solely in public interest. They must maintain the highest standards of probity and integrity.
3. They should conduct themselves in such manner that the public feels that the decisions taken or recommendations made by them are objective and transparent and are not calculated to promote improper gains for the political party in power, for themselves, or for any third party.
4. They should not seek to frustrate or undermine the policies, decisions and action taken in public interest by Government by declining or abstaining from action.
5. Where an employee in public service has reasonable grounds to believe that he or she is being required by superior authority to act in a manner which is illegal or against prescribed rules and regulations, he should decline to implement the instructions. He will have right to bring the fact to the notice of superior authority.
6. Conflict of Interest : Employees in public service should refrain from decisions; i) which are calculated to benefit any particular person or party at the expense of the public interest; ii) shall disclose any clash of interest when there is conflict between public interest and private interest.
7. They should maintain their independence and dignity and impartiality by not approaching politicians and outsiders in respect of service matters or private benefits, and exercise peer pressure to dissuade those within their own cadre who do so and to set in motion disciplinary proceedings against such persons.
8. Accountability to Citizens : i) Employees in public services should be accessible to the people and practice accountability to them in terms of quality of service, timeliness, courtesy, people orientation, and readiness to encourage participation and form partnership with citizen groups for responsive government ii) they should be consistent, equitable and honest in their treatment of the members of the public, iii) they should accept obligation to recognize and enforce citizen’s right for speedy redressal of their grievance.
9. They should have concern for public assets and funds, avoid wastage and extravagance and ensure effective and efficient use of public money within their control.
10. Non- abuse of official position : Employees in public services have a responsibility to take decisions on merits, as they are in a position of trust, they must not use their official position to influence any person to enter into financial or other arrangements with them or any one else.
Health Insurance in India
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Countries such as' Brazil, Bolivia, Indonesia and Thailand, all characterised earlier by situations of high inequality and uneven access to health care systems, have revamped policies since the 1980s towards universal health care. The 30 baht scheme in Thailand, decentralisation reforms and social health insurance in Indonesia, and the unified health system in Brazil provide examples of how countries have addressed basic health requirements of the entire population. These examples indicate that strengthening of the primary health care system is a prerequisite for achieving universal health coverage.
Health insurance in India began with Employment State Insurance Scheme (ESIS) and the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) that cater to government employees and their dependants. These schemes focus on high-end secondary and tertiary care and together provide protection to less than 10 per cent of the India's population working in public sector undertakings.
A conditional cash transfer scheme Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) was introduced in 2005 to encourage institutional deliveries among poor women in rural areas. The scheme led to substantial improvement in institutional delivery, particularly in poorer states, though it has not necessarily translated into a reduction in the maternal mortality rate.
The Rashtriya Swasthiya Bima Yojana (RSBY) was launched in 2008, to provide financial protection against catastrophic health expenditure for vulnerable groups and to ensure better access to quality health care for people below the poverty line. Though initially the scheme was to cover only BPL families, it was. extended to vulnerable groups in the informal sector such as rickshaw pullers and rag pickers. The scheme provides a coverage of Rs. 30000 in case of hospital based inpatient care, on an annual registration fee of Rs. 30 by the beneficiary for the family. The coverage limit has recently been enhanced to one lakh rupees. RSBY coverage as on end March 2016 was 41.3 million families out of an eligible 72.8 million families. Total hospitalization cases however were only 11.8 million pointing to low utilisation of the scheme. Further, evidence from the field indicates that one of the main desired outcomes of the RSBY, to reduce the financial burden of health expenditure among the poor, may not have been realized and Out- of-Pocket (OOP) expenditures have not diminished" owing to payments for drugs and diagnostics and other inpatient services not covered by RSBY, additional transport expenses and the like. The RSBY performance is better in states such as Kerala, that have built a good health care infrastructure.
Atleast eight state governments are operating health insurance schemes, prominent among them being Vajpayee Arogyashri Scheme (VAS) for BPL families and Yeshasvini Cooperative Farmers Healthcare Scheme in Karnataka, Rajiv Gandhi Arogyasri Scheme (RAS) in Andhra Pradesh (including Telangana), CM Health Insurance Scheme in Tamil Nadu, Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayee Arogya Yojana in Maharashtr a, Mukhyamantri Amrutam Yojana in Gujarat, and Sanjeevani Kosh in Chhattisgarh. Of these, RAS of Andhra Pradesh with 8.5 per cent coverage is closest to universal health care. However, due to its orientation towards secondary and tertiary care, nearly half of the payments were for cardiac, cancer and kidney failure whereas for the poorest 40 percent of the population, the burning issues continue to be premature mortality and disability due to lower respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, tuberculosis and ischemic heart disease, all of which need attention and can actually be treated at the primary level. Overall, as of 2015, some form of health security is being provided to more than 280 million or about one fourth of the population, through insurance programmes run by the government, viz., CGHS, ESIS, state specific insurance schemes, and RSBY. However, none of the central or the state level insurance schemes cover primary care in the insurance package, with the exception of Me
@UPSC_18
@UPSC_2018
Countries such as' Brazil, Bolivia, Indonesia and Thailand, all characterised earlier by situations of high inequality and uneven access to health care systems, have revamped policies since the 1980s towards universal health care. The 30 baht scheme in Thailand, decentralisation reforms and social health insurance in Indonesia, and the unified health system in Brazil provide examples of how countries have addressed basic health requirements of the entire population. These examples indicate that strengthening of the primary health care system is a prerequisite for achieving universal health coverage.
Health insurance in India began with Employment State Insurance Scheme (ESIS) and the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) that cater to government employees and their dependants. These schemes focus on high-end secondary and tertiary care and together provide protection to less than 10 per cent of the India's population working in public sector undertakings.
A conditional cash transfer scheme Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) was introduced in 2005 to encourage institutional deliveries among poor women in rural areas. The scheme led to substantial improvement in institutional delivery, particularly in poorer states, though it has not necessarily translated into a reduction in the maternal mortality rate.
The Rashtriya Swasthiya Bima Yojana (RSBY) was launched in 2008, to provide financial protection against catastrophic health expenditure for vulnerable groups and to ensure better access to quality health care for people below the poverty line. Though initially the scheme was to cover only BPL families, it was. extended to vulnerable groups in the informal sector such as rickshaw pullers and rag pickers. The scheme provides a coverage of Rs. 30000 in case of hospital based inpatient care, on an annual registration fee of Rs. 30 by the beneficiary for the family. The coverage limit has recently been enhanced to one lakh rupees. RSBY coverage as on end March 2016 was 41.3 million families out of an eligible 72.8 million families. Total hospitalization cases however were only 11.8 million pointing to low utilisation of the scheme. Further, evidence from the field indicates that one of the main desired outcomes of the RSBY, to reduce the financial burden of health expenditure among the poor, may not have been realized and Out- of-Pocket (OOP) expenditures have not diminished" owing to payments for drugs and diagnostics and other inpatient services not covered by RSBY, additional transport expenses and the like. The RSBY performance is better in states such as Kerala, that have built a good health care infrastructure.
Atleast eight state governments are operating health insurance schemes, prominent among them being Vajpayee Arogyashri Scheme (VAS) for BPL families and Yeshasvini Cooperative Farmers Healthcare Scheme in Karnataka, Rajiv Gandhi Arogyasri Scheme (RAS) in Andhra Pradesh (including Telangana), CM Health Insurance Scheme in Tamil Nadu, Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayee Arogya Yojana in Maharashtr a, Mukhyamantri Amrutam Yojana in Gujarat, and Sanjeevani Kosh in Chhattisgarh. Of these, RAS of Andhra Pradesh with 8.5 per cent coverage is closest to universal health care. However, due to its orientation towards secondary and tertiary care, nearly half of the payments were for cardiac, cancer and kidney failure whereas for the poorest 40 percent of the population, the burning issues continue to be premature mortality and disability due to lower respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, tuberculosis and ischemic heart disease, all of which need attention and can actually be treated at the primary level. Overall, as of 2015, some form of health security is being provided to more than 280 million or about one fourth of the population, through insurance programmes run by the government, viz., CGHS, ESIS, state specific insurance schemes, and RSBY. However, none of the central or the state level insurance schemes cover primary care in the insurance package, with the exception of Me
ghalaya that provides partial coverage. All of Achieving universal health coverage is listed as care.
goal 3.8 in the Sustainable Development Goals agenda for 2030. India's performance holds the key to achieving this global aspiration.
goal 3.8 in the Sustainable Development Goals agenda for 2030. India's performance holds the key to achieving this global aspiration.
National Medical Commission Bill, 2016
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Salient Provisions
The bill seeks to address the following:
Ensure adequate supply of high quality medical professionals at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Encourage medical professionals to incorporate the latest medical research in their work and to contribute to such research.
Provide for objective periodic assessments of medical institutions.
Facilitate the maintenance of a medical register for India and enforce high ethical standards in all aspects of medical services.
Ensure that the medical institutes are flexible enough to adapt to the changing needs of a transforming nation.
Medical advisory council
The bill seeks to constitute a Medical Advisory Council which will undertake the following functions:
The Council shall serve as the primary platform through which the states would put forward their views and concerns before the National Medical Commission (NMC) and shall help shape the overall agenda in the field of medical education & training.
The Council shall advise the NMC on the measures to determine, maintain and coordinate the minimum standards in the discipline of medical education, training and research.
The Council shall advise the NMC on measures to enhance equitable access to medical education
@UPSC_18
Salient Provisions
The bill seeks to address the following:
Ensure adequate supply of high quality medical professionals at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Encourage medical professionals to incorporate the latest medical research in their work and to contribute to such research.
Provide for objective periodic assessments of medical institutions.
Facilitate the maintenance of a medical register for India and enforce high ethical standards in all aspects of medical services.
Ensure that the medical institutes are flexible enough to adapt to the changing needs of a transforming nation.
Medical advisory council
The bill seeks to constitute a Medical Advisory Council which will undertake the following functions:
The Council shall serve as the primary platform through which the states would put forward their views and concerns before the National Medical Commission (NMC) and shall help shape the overall agenda in the field of medical education & training.
The Council shall advise the NMC on the measures to determine, maintain and coordinate the minimum standards in the discipline of medical education, training and research.
The Council shall advise the NMC on measures to enhance equitable access to medical education