Monthly PDF February 2015

Edition
CURRENT AFFAIRS 2015
February 2015
Monthly PDF
CURRENT
AFFAIRS
2015
This monthly pdf is a compilation of current affair articles published on
www.civilmentor.iasacademy.in(affiliated to civilmentor.in)
(Main examination)
Email us: iasacademy.upsc@gmail.com
Page 1
GS paper I
History & Indian Culture
Ahar culture
Ques. Write a brief note on Ahar culture in India. Also analyze how Ahar culture was related to Harappan
culture?
The Ahar culture, also known as the Banas culture is a Chalcolithic archaeological culture of southeastern Rajasthan
state in India, lasting from c. 3000 to 1500 BCE, contemporary and adjacent to the Indus Valley Civilization. Situated
along the Banas and Berach Rivers, the Ahar-Banas people were exploiting the copper ores of the Aravalli Range to
make axes and other artefacts. They were sustained on a number of crops, including wheat and barley.
A number of sites with Ahar culture level are also found from Jawad, Mandsaur, Kayatha and Dangwada in Madhya
Pradesh state. In Rajasthan, most of the sites are located in Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, Banswara, Ajmer, Tonk
and Bhilwara districts, which include, Ahar, Gilund, Bansen, Keli, Balathal, Alod, Palod, Khor, Amoda, Nangauli,
Champakheri, Tarawat, Fachar, Phinodra, Joera, Darauli, Gadriwas, Purani Marmi, Aguncha and Ojiyana.
Relation between Ahar culture & Harappan civilisationThere are 90 sites of Ahar a ruralsociety. The recent round of excavations is establishing that Ahar culture and
Harappan civilisation were different though contemporary and related. This village life emerged much before the
mature Harappan era. Harappas progress in the mature Harappan period (2,500 B.C.) helped the rural Ahar people
to flourish and develop their own township and stone and brick houses. On the scale of civilisation, they emerged far
ahead of other chalcolithic cultures in the subcontinent.
The Ahar-Banas people introduced reserved slip ware, which was later adapted by the Harappans, and learnt the
standardised brick ratio from the Harappans. Also the Ahar people had trade links with Harappans.
The peoples of Ahar culture were the first farmers of the region. They were engaged in small-scale craft production
and developed a complex trade and exchange network with each other, and the Harappan sites and the sites of the
Deccan.
Why recently in news?
Excavation is under way at Pachamta, which belongs to the Ahar-Banas culture under the Mewar Plains
Archaeological Assessment. Artefacts such as perforated jars, shell bangles, terracotta beads, shells and the semiprecious stone lapis lazuli, different types of pottery and two hearths have been found during excavation under way
at Pachamta, a village 100 km from Udaipur in Rajasthan.
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Pachamta belongs to the Ahar-Banas culture in the Mewar region, which was contemporaneous with the early and
mature Harappan culture. The Ahar culture, datable to 3,000-1,700 BCE, was chalcolithic (the Bronze Age), and its
people had trade links with the Harappans.
Razia Sultan
Ques. Critically describe the role of Razia Sultan, the first muslim women to rule India, in the India history.
Razia Sultan, a brave sultan belonged to slave dynasty and was the first muslim women to rule India and only women
to occupy the throne of Delhi. She succeeded her father Shams-ud-din Iltutmish to the Sultanate of Delhi in 1236.
She was talented, wise, brave, excellent administrator, and a great warrior that attracted her father which resulted
that she became the next sultan of Slave dynasty.
Iltutmish (1210-1236) a doting father, who ordered grand celebrations to welcome the birth of his first daughter
after many sons. He took personal interest in her education and training and by the time she turned 13, Razia was
acknowledged as an accomplished archer and horse rider who would frequently accompany her father in his military
expeditions.
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Words of Iltumish:
This daughter of mine is better than many sons.
Work Razia Sultan:
Being an efficient ruler Razia Sultana set up proper and complete law and order in her in his empire. She tried to
improve the infrastructure of the country by encouraging trade, building roads, digging wells. And also she
established schools, academies, centers for research, and public libraries that included the works of ancient
philosophers along with the Quran and the traditions of Muhammad. Hindu works in the sciences, philosophy,
astronomy, and literature were reportedly studied in schools and colleges. She contributed even in the field of art
and culture and encouraged poets, painters and musicians.
End of Razia Sultan
When she was trying to curb a rebellion against her by the Turkish Governor of Batinda, the Turkish nobles who were
against such female throne, took advantage of her absence at Delhi and dethroned her. Her brother Bahram was
crowned.
To save her own head, Raziya sensibly decided to marry Altunia, the governor of Batinda and marched towards Delhi
with her husband. On October 13, 1240, she was defeated by Bahram and the unfortunate couple was put to death
the very next day.
A new show named Razia Sultan going to start from March 2, will air on Hindi entertainment channel &TV, This new
historical show on the first woman ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, aims to bring the message of womens
empowerment to viewers through her inspirational tale.
The intent is to empower the women of modern society by showcasing the life of Razia Sultan, tracing how from an
emperors daughter, she went on to rule a dynasty.
Mrinalini Mukherjee
Ques. Write a brief note on the contribution of Mrinalini Mukherjee as a great artist.
Mrinalini Mukherjee was a noted sculptor and artist who was a unique voice in contemporary Indian art. She was
the only daughter of artists Benode Behari and Leela Mukherjee, Mrinalini studied art at MS University and mural
design under KG Subramanyan. Shedid her BFA in painting from Faculty of Fine Arts, Maharaja Sayajirao University,
1965-70. Later received Post Diploma in Mural Design under K.G. Subramanyan, in 1970. In 1994-95, she was invited
by the Museum of Modern Art at Oxford to mount an exhibition of her sculptures that later travelled to other cities
in the UK.
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Her sculptures evoke a fecund world of burgeoning life, lush vegetation, iconic figures. The strong note of sexuality is
manifest in the phallic forms, the mysterious folds and orifices, the intricate curves and draped. There is a sensuous,
tactile quality to her work which exercises a compelling hold on the viewer. Mukherjee dedicated herself, especially
through the 1980s and early 1990s, to creating, and recreating, in dyed and woven hemp, rather figurative
sculptures that evoked ancient, wizened spiritual beings.
Her iconic piece, Pushp (1993), is a flower, but also reminiscent of the vulva. A voluptuous red opening leads to a
dark interior. The work is based on prakriti, the female principle, an aspect of the mother goddess central to
regeneration. Over the last decade, the artist also created masterpieces in bronze as she explored the material to
attain a level of marvel that edged slightly towards the monstrous.
As an artist who has seen a long way of changing styles, isms, transitions from traditional to modern, dimensions and
meanings in the history of Indian art, Mrinalini has also witnessed art growing and developing in her own
surroundings. This has led her to cultivate herself as a professional artist, creating a style of her own, which is rooted
in her personality and environment.
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Mrinalinis works relate inevitably to her Indian origins and experiences, the affinities with the astonishing craft
practices of our country, the spontaneous dialogue between high art and colloquial speech sources.
Sustainable Livelihoods and Adaptation to

Climate Change (SLACC) Project
There is growing concern that climate change could slow down Indias progress in poverty reduction and push
vulnerable populations in poverty. The frequency and magnitude of droughts, floods and other extreme events has
been steadily increasing. Climate change can adversely impact the rural households through its negative effect on
agricultural productivity, water and biomass availability, health, infrastructure, among others.
SLACC project will help community institutions of the rural poor, particularly women farmers, to foster improved
resilience in the production system in collaboration with government programs such as MKSP and MGNREGS.
Main objective: The project aims to improve adaptive capacity of the rural poor engaged in farm-based livelihoods
to cope with climate variability and change in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh and scale up the demonstrated best
practices and lessons into the Government of Indias National Rural Livelihoods Mission.
Implementing agency: National Rural Livelihoods Mission
Some of the negative impacts of climate change include:
The main agricultural livelihoods of the poor (crop cultivation, livestock, fisheries, etc.) are mainly dependent
on natural resources such as rainfall, fodder, water bodies.
Climatic hazards that affect the availability of these natural resources, adversely affect the livelihoods of the
poor by impacting agriculture production, affecting incomes and preventing building up of assets. Low access
to productive resources, financial services and information as well as low assets and high debt, greatly
enhances the vulnerability of the rural poor to climate related shocks and stresses.
Households exposed to repeat climate hazards face further deprivation due to distress sale of assets, high
debt burden, etc. Hence, there is a need to build the adaptive capacity in the rural-poor communities
through multiple interventions.
The Sustainable Livelihoods and Adapta tion to Climate Change (SLACC) project enhances the activities being
undertaken under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), which is a national program of the Ministry of
Rural Development, Government of India. It brings in the climate change lens into the NRLM and aims to strengthen
community based climate planning and adaptation measures into the sustainable livelihood program.
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=115426
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A Grant Agreement for World Bank assistance of US$ 8 million for Sustainable Livelihoods and Adaptation to Climate
Change (SLACC) Project has been recently signed between the Government of India and the World Bank. The grant
project is funded through the Special Climate Change Fund of US$ 8 million
National Tribal Festival VANAJ

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is organizing the National Tribal Festival VANAJ in the capital from 13th to 18th
February, 2015.
Objective: To showcase rich tradition and culture of tribal communities in India.
Features:
The Festival includes cultural programmes, exhibition and live demonstration of traditional skills like
paintings, art & craft, traditional healing practices, books etc. These activities are a part of the week long
Festival and are intended to show case the rich diversity of Tribal culture, art, painting, music, dance, tribal
medicine, tribal food, and a special attraction- tribal cuisine.
This Festival marks active participation by the artistes from across the length and breadth of the country. It is
also a part of the vision of the Prime Minister for uplifting the quality of Tribal lives and will provide an
opportunity to the residents of the national capital to enjoy and appreciate the rich tribal culture and
heritage.
Residents of the national capital will also get an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate Indias rich tribal
culture and heritage. Approximately 900 participants from Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh,
Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu and
West Bengal would be participating in the event.
While this would help advertise our diversity, it also helps in national integration. The festival is also intended to
conserve and promote the distinctive cultures by providing them a national platform amongst other things.
Recently in news:
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=115432
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Geography
Gas hydrates
Ques. In context with meeting the countrys growing demand for energy gas hydrates are considered as vast
resources of natural gas, Critically analyse.
Gas hydrates are naturally ocurring, crystalline, ice-like substances composed of gas molecules (methane, ethane,
propane, etc.) held in a cage-like ice structure. (clathrate).
The formation and stability in the subsurface of these structures are constrained by a relatively narrow range of high
pressure and low temperature and depend on the influx of free gas and the amount of gas dissolved in the pore
fluid.
Page 8
Hydrates are a concentrated form of natural gas compared with compressed gas, but less concentrated than
liquefied natural gas. It is estimated that a significant part of the Earths fossil fuel is stored as gas hydrates, but as
yet there is no agreement as to how large these reserves are.
Where Gas hydrates are found?
They are found abundantly worldwide in the top few hundred meters of sediment beneath continental margins at
water depths between a few hundred and a few thousand feet. They are present to a lesser extent in permafrost
sediments in Arctic areas
Gas hydrate resources in India are estimated at 1894 TCM and these deposits occur in Western, Eastern and
Andaman offshore areas.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has formulated the National Gas Hydrate Programme (NGHP) in
2000. NGHP Expedition-01 launched in 2006, had established presence of gas hydrates in KG and Mahanadi basins
and Andaman deep waters. NGHP Expedition-02 and 03 are under advanced stage of planning and are due in the
period 2014-2017.
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Importance:
Large quantities of gas hydrates exist on the worlds continental margins. Methane from gas hydrates may
constitute a future source of natural gas. This energy potential is probably the main motivation for many
national gas hydrate programmes overseas, e.g., in Japan and the U.S.
Gas hydrates are also important for seafloor stability studies, because melting gas hydrate may cause
seafloor land slides. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas. Methane released from gas hydrate may
therefore play a significant role in climate change3.
It is important to distinguish between the climate change aspects of methane released naturally from gas
hydrates and those of methane produced from gas hydrates for energy use. By burning methane or using it
in fuel cells, the methane is converted to CO2. just like burning coal or oil. Combustion of methane,
however is more CO2 efficient than that of any other hydrocarbon, e.g., twice as efficient as burning coal.
Hence, using methane from gas hydrate as an energy resource would be, compared to other hydrocarbons,
relatively climate friendly.
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http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/environment/developmental-issues/developing-equipment-to-tap-gashydrates-from-indian-ocean/articleshow/46157695.cms
http://www.business-standard.com/content/b2b-manufacturing-industry/india-and-us-to-join-hands-for-gashydrates-114092600811_1.html
To meet Indias growing demand for energy, the ministry of earth sciences is developing high-end equipment to
harness and exploit the deposits of gas hydrates in Indian Ocean.
Gas hydrate or crystalline form of methane and water, existing in shallow sediments of outer continental margins
deposits will be a sustained source of energy for the whole country.
Also, Union government on September 24, 2014 gave its approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) between India and the US for cooperation in gas hydrates for a period of five years. The MoU is expected to
help India explore gas hydrates potential in the country and identify sites for pilot production testing.
Global Calculator
Ques. Write a brief note on Global Calculator, a new tool has recently launched by UK.
UK has recently launched a new tool Global Calculator to help businesses and governments understand the
environmental impacts of energy and emissions policies. It is a project led by the UKs Department of Energy and
Climate Change and co-funded by Climate-KIC.
Built in collaboration with a number of international organisations from US, China, India and Europe, the calculator is
an interactive tool for businesses, NGOs and governments to consider the options for cutting carbon emissions and
the trade-offs for energy and land use to 2050. It is open, with its data fully available to the public, and it is also
simple enough for everyone to use.
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For the first time this Global Calculator shows that everyone in the world can prosper while limiting global
temperature rises to 2C, preventing the most serious impacts of climate change.
The Global Calculator is a free and interactive tool that helps you to understand the link between our lifestyles, the
energy we use, and the consequences for our climate. It is aimed at anyone interested in exploring what a lowcarbon world could look like in 2050. The Calculator shows that it is possible to prevent dangerous climate change
and ensure peoples living standards continue to improve if we act now.
Uses:
Global Calculator can be used to explore the options the world has to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and
see how these options affect one another.
NGOs such as green groups and humanitarian groups could use the tool to inform their own internal
strategies and campaigns.
National governments will find the Global Calculator useful for determining whether the plans for their
countries are aligned with a global 2C pathway using benchmarks from the tool. For example, governments
could compare how the carbon intensity of their electricity generation or total emissions per head compares
to the global average for 2C pathways as set out in our report and accompanying metrics document. Eg- The
Chinese Government is already using the Global Calculator to analyse global sectoral emissions and they are
publicly endorsing the work by hosting a Global Calculator launch event in Beijing.
Businesses and investors will find the tool useful for understanding how their sector will evolve at a global
level in the transition to a low carbon 2050, the markets that will grow in the future, and how their
businesses can take advantage of these opportunities.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/india-to-deploy-global-calculator-to-study-climateimpact/article6872418.ece
India will deploy a global calculator to calculate climate impact scenarios. The calculator could illustrate climate
impacts based on different choices and was linked to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
reports.
Idea is to introduce three main principles in calculating the impacts of climate change:
1. Transparency
2. Collaboration
3. Simplicity
Calculator in Excel format could be used by policymakers, companies, governments and even schoolchildren.
Farm Mechanisation in India

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What is Farm Mechanisation?
It is the use of machines for conducting agricultural operations, replacing the traditional methods which involve
human and animal labour. Agricultural mechanisation is recognized in enhancing production together with irrigation,
biological and chemical inputs of high yielding seed varieties, fertilizers and pesticides among others.
Planting, tending and harvesting a crop requires both a significant amount of power and a suitable range of tools and
equipment. Mechanized farming increases the acreage for farming which translates into higher farm yields. Most
farmers in developing countries such as Uganda experience a greater annual expenditure on farm power inputs than
on fertilizer, seeds or agrochemicals.
Advantages of Farm Mechanisation
Improves utilization efficiency of Inputs such as seeds, chemicals, Fertilizers and energy
Ensures timeliness of farm operations leading to higher productivity and cropping intensity
Reduces cost of production and increases agricultural income
Reduces drudgery and improves safety in operation of farm machinery
Page 13
Helps In conserving natural resources e.g,water
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Ongoing
Programmatic Interventions
Orientation towards Individual Ownership:
Macro Management of Agriculture (MMA)
National Food Security Mission (NFSM)
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY)

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/icar-to-set-up-model-mechanised-farms-at-100-villages-acrosscountry/article6889145.ece
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has planned to set up model mechanised farm units at select 100
centres particularly in peripheral villages of agricultural colleges and research institutes across the country to
motivate farmers understand and apply advantages of the latest technology in agriculture.
Likely Implications:
Farmers would be motivated to understand various mechanisation techniques being adopted in different
fields and would adopt them in their fields.
The villagers would be motivated to float groups on the lines of the self-help groups and the groups would
be responsible for utilisation of the machinery.
Page 16
Sustainable Livelihoods and Adaptation to

Climate Change (SLACC) Project
There is growing concern that climate change could slow down Indias progress in poverty reduction and push
vulnerable populations in poverty. The frequency and magnitude of droughts, floods and other extreme events has
been steadily increasing. Climate change can adversely impact the rural households through its negative effect on
agricultural productivity, water and biomass availability, health, infrastructure, among others.
SLACC project will help community institutions of the rural poor, particularly women farmers, to foster improved
resilience in the production system in collaboration with government programs such as MKSP and MGNREGS.
Main objective: The project aims to improve adaptive capacity of the rural poor engaged in farm-based livelihoods
to cope with climate variability and change in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh and scale up the demonstrated best
practices and lessons into the Government of Indias National Rural Livelihoods Mission.
Implementing agency: National Rural Livelihoods Mission
Some of the negative impacts of climate change include:
The main agricultural livelihoods of the poor (crop cultivation, livestock, fisheries, etc.) are mainly dependent
on natural resources such as rainfall, fodder, water bodies.
Climatic hazards that affect the availability of these natural resources, adversely affect the livelihoods of the
poor by impacting agriculture production, affecting incomes and preventing building up of assets. Low access
to productive resources, financial services and information as well as low assets and high debt, greatly
enhances the vulnerability of the rural poor to climate related shocks and stresses.
Households exposed to repeat climate hazards face further deprivation due to distress sale of assets, high
debt burden, etc. Hence, there is a need to build the adaptive capacity in the rural-poor communities
through multiple interventions.
The Sustainable Livelihoods and Adapta tion to Climate Change (SLACC) project enhances the activities being
undertaken under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), which is a national program of the Ministry of
Rural Development, Government of India. It brings in the climate change lens into the NRLM and aims to strengthen
community based climate planning and adaptation measures into the sustainable livelihood program.
A Grant Agreement for World Bank assistance of US$ 8 million for Sustainable Livelihoods and Adaptation to Climate
Change (SLACC) Project has been recently signed between the Government of India and the World Bank. The grant
project is funded through the Special Climate Change Fund of US$ 8 million
Community-based ecotourism (CBE)
Page 17

Ques. What do you mean by Community-based ecotourism (CBE)? Critically analyse its importance for local
communities.
Community-based ecotourism is a form of ecotourism that emphasizes the development of local communities and
allows for local residents to have substantial control over, and involvement in, its development and management,
and a major proportion of the benefits remain within the community.
With this form of ecotourism, local residents share the environment and their way of life with visitors, while
increasing local income and building local economies. By sharing activities such as festivals, homestays, and the
production of artisan goods, community-based tourism allows communities to participate in the modern global
economy while cultivating a sustainable source of income and maintaining their way of life.
Community-based ecotourism helps improve standard of living
It brings about political empowerment, since it creates a forum for the expression of peoples voices
concerning issues of local development
It constitutes a tool for both social empowerment and long-term economic development of the local
communities
Poverty Alleviation by providing economic benefits to the poor
Act as a tool for sustainable development
Stimulate the local economy by generating income through the sustainable use of natural resources.
With general tourism, tourist visits are often marketed and organised by private travel companies and government
protected areas and the bulk of the profits go to the private companies and government enterprises. In contrast,
CBET is managed and run by the community itself, management decisions are made by local people and profits
directly go to the community.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/ecotourism-trekking-starts/article6900447.ece
Role of IT in Indian Agriculture

Ques.Information of the required quality always has the potential of improving efficiency in all spheres of
agriculture. Discuss the role of IT in Indian Agriculture. Critically examine the constraints and remedies for
effective dissemination of e-revolution in agriculture.
Role of IT in Agriculture:
In the context of agriculture, the potential of information technology (IT) can be assessed broadly under two
heads :
(a) as a tool for direct contribution to agricultural productivity and
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(b) as an indirect tool for empowering farmers to take informed and quality decisions which will have positive
impact on the way agriculture and allied activities are conducted.
Precision farming, popular in developed countries, extensively uses IT to make direct contribution to
agricultural productivity. The techniques of remote sensing using satellite technologies, geographical
information systems, agronomy and soil sciences are used to increase the agricultural output. This approach
is capital intensive and useful where large tracts of land are involved. Consequently it is more suitable for
farming taken up on corporate lines.
The indirect benefits of IT in empowering Indian farmer are significant and remains to be exploited. The
Indian farmer urgently requires timely and reliable sources of information inputs for taking decisions. At
present, the farmer depends on trickling down of decision inputs from conventional sources which are slow
and unreliable. The changing environment faced by Indian farmers makes information not merely useful, but
necessary to remain competitive.
Constraints and Remedies for Effective Dissemination:

Some of the major constraints delaying the spread of e-revolution to rural India are listed below:
Haphazard development : Keeping in view the giant task involved, it is necessary to form a coordination mechanism
to strive for a concerted effort to support farming community in the country. Such a coordination agency may only
have advisory powers such as user interface, broad design, delivery mechanism of the content, standards for setting
up kiosks.
User friendliness : The success of this strategy depends on the ease with which rural population can use the content.
This will require intuitive graphics based presentation. Touch screen kiosks are required to be set up to encourage
greater participation
Local languages : Regional language fonts and mechanisms for synchronisation of the content provides a challenge
that needs to be met with careful planning.
Restrictions : Information content based on remote sensing and geographical information systems can provide
timely alerts to the farmers and also improve the efficiency of administration. These applications can have a major
impact on the farmers and help them to appreciate the potential of information technology. However, governments
map restriction policies often threaten to stifle the optimal utilisation of these tools.
Power Supply : In most of the rural India, power supply is not available for long hours. This will reduce the
usefulness of the intended services. Since almost entire country receives sunshine for most part of the year, it is
useful to explore solar power packs for UPS as well as for supply of power.
Connectivity : Despite the phenomenal progress made in the recent years, the connectivity to rural areas still
requires to be improved .Many private ISPs are setting up large networks connecting many major towns and cities.
Since some of these networks pass through rural areas, it is possible to provide connectivity to a large number of
villages. Cable network is a possible medium for providing the last mile connectivity to villages.
Bandwidth : Even in areas where telephone and other communication services exist, the available bandwidth is a
major constraint. Since internet based rural services require substantial use of graphics, low bandwidth is one of the
major limitations in providing effective e-services to farmers.
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Dissemination Points : Mass deployment of information kiosks is critical for effective use of the Internet based
content and services. In order to ensure that the information kiosks are economically feasible, it is necessary to
make the proposition sustainable and viable. This requires a major focus on a viable revenue model for such kiosks.
Conclusion:
The rapid changes in the field of information technology makes it possible to develop and disseminate
required electronic services to rural India. The existing bottlenecks in undertaking the tasks need to be
addressed immediately. A national strategy needs to be drawn for spearheading IT penetration to rural
India. A national coordinating agency with an advisory role can act as a catalyst in the process.
Food Corporation of India

Ques. Critically analyse the role and objectives of Food Corporation of India (FCI). How far FCI achieved these
objectives? What is the rational to relook the FCI?Highlight the recommendations of Shanta kumar committee on
FCI and its criticism.
Role and Objectives of FCI:
FCI was set up in 1965 (under the Food Corporation Act, 1964) against the backdrop of major shortage of
grains, especially wheat, in the country. Self-sufficiency in grains was the most pressing objective, and
keeping that in mind high yielding seeds of wheat were imported from Mexico. Agricultural Prices
Commission was created in 1965 to recommend remunerative prices to farmers, and FCI was mandated
with three basic objectives:
(1) to provide effective price support to farmers;

(2) to procure and supply grains to PDS for distributing subsidized staples to economically vulnerable sections
of society; and
(3) keep a strategic reserve to stabilize markets for basic foodgrains.
How far FCI achieved these objectives? What is the rationale behind to relook FCI?
The NSSOs (70th round) data reveals that of all the paddy farmers and wheat farmers who reported sale of
paddy and wheat to any procurement agency together, they account for only 6 percent of total farmers in
the country, who have gained from selling wheat and paddy directly to any procurement agency.So large
chunk of farmers not benefited from FCI procurement process.
Recent estimates reported that diversions of grains from PDS amounted to 46.7 percent in 2011-12; and that
country had hugely surplus grain stocks, much above the buffer stock norms, even when cereal inflation was
hovering between 8-12 percent in the last few years are all indicates that India has moved so far away from
the shortages of 1960s, into surpluses of cereals in post-2010 period, but somehow the food management
system, of which FCI is an integral part, has not been able to deliver on its objectives very efficiently. The
benefits of procurement have not gone to larger number of farmers beyond a few states, and leakages in
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TPDS remain unacceptably high. Needless to say, this necessitates a re-look at the very role and functions of
FCI within the ambit of overall food management systems, and concerns of food security.
How the new face of FCI should be according to Shanta Kumar Committee?
The new face of FCI will be akin to an agency for innovations in Food Management System with a primary
focus to create competition in every segment of foodgrain supply chain, from procurement to stocking to
movement and finally distribution in TPDS, so that overall costs of the system are substantially reduced,
leakages plugged, and it serves larger number of farmers and consumers.
In this endeavour it will make itself much leaner, focus on eastern states for procurement, upgrade the
entire grain supply chain towards bulk handling and end to end computerization by bringing in investments,
and technical and managerial expertise from the private sector. It will be more business oriented with a proactive liquidation policy to liquidate stocks in export markets, whenever actual buffer stocks exceed the
norms.
Recommendations of the Shanta Kumar Committee:

FCI procurement should focus on eastern belt, where farmers do not get minimum support price.
FCI should hand over procurement of wheat and rice to six States which include Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
Grain storage needs to be outsourced to private and government agencies like state-owned Central Warehousing
Corporation (CWC), State Warehousing Corporations (SWCs) and private organisations.
Proposed uniform tax of minimum 3 percent and maximum 4 percent on wheat and rice and the same to be
included in the minimum support price (MSP). In Punjab, this tax rate on wheat and rice as of now is 14.5 percent.
To strengthen distribution of foodgrains, there needs to be end-to-end computerisation and a vigilance committee
needs to be set up. At present, the leakage in Public Distribution System is estimated at 13.7 percent.
Recommended cash transfer in 52 cities having 1 million or more population in two years and also asked the
government to give deficit states the option of either supplying grain or cash transfer.
Called for encouraging private investment in logistics in next two-three years and suggested bulk handling of
foodgrains through grain trains.
Criticism over this report:
Some of the political parties criticized that this report is blueprint to destroy Indias public distribution,
procurement and storage systems and to hand it over to market forces. It will badly hit Indias farmers and
also affect the interests of food deficit states.
Food Security Act (FSA) which, although highly inadequate, covered 67 per cent of the population and
claimed that the Shanta Kumar Committee now wants to slash that down to 40 per cent. This will make
crores of people food insecure by bringing down the amount of foodgrain to be distributed from over 60
million tonnes to below 40 million tones.
However, it skips the issue of autonomy for FCI, even though it acknowledges that FCI does not operate on
business principles. The report is also silent on the role of the artiya (the middlemen) in the whole
procurement process.
Conclusion:
Page 21
Barring some minor shortcomings, the report suggests a comprehensive overhaul of FCI. With these major
changes in the procurement, stocking, movement and distribution of grains, the FCI will transform itself into
an agency for innovations in food management.
Soil health card scheme

Farming as an activity contributes nearly 1/6th of our Gross Domestic Product and a majority of our population is
dependent on it for their livelihood.
Deteriorating soil health has been a cause of concern, leading to sub optimal utilization of farming resources.
Why soil health is deteriorating?
Mainly due to: Imbalanced use of fertilisers, low addition of organic matter and non-replacement of depleted micro
and secondary nutrients over the years.
Measure needed to address this issue:
Soil health needs to be assessed at regular intervals so as to ensure that farmers apply the required nutrients while
taking advantages of the nutrients already present in the soil.
Governments initiative in this context:
Government has launched a scheme to provide every farmer a Soil Health Card in a Mission mode. The card will
carry crop wise recommendations of nutrients/fertilizers required for farms, making it possible for farmers to
improve productivity by using appropriate inputs.
Uses of a Soil Health Card
A Soil Health Card is used to assess the current status of soil health and, when used over time, to determine changes
in soil health that are affected by land management. A Soil Health Card displays soil health indicators and associated
descriptive terms. The indicators are typically based on farmers practical experience and knowledge of local natural
resources. The card lists soil health indicators that can be assessed without the aid of technical or laboratory
equipment
Features of Soil health card scheme:
Central Government provides assistance to State Governments for setting up Soil Testing Laboratories for
issuing Soil Health Cards to farmers. State Governments have adopted innovative practices like involvement
of agricultural students, NGOs and private sector in soil testing, determining average soil health of villages,
etc., to issue Soil Health Cards.
Though quite a few states including Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Haryana are successfully
distributing such cards, Centre plans to make it a pan India effort. According to the data, up to March 2012
over 48 crore soil health cards have been issued to farmers to make them aware about nutrient deficiencies
in their fields. Tamil Nadu has started issuing soil health cards from the year 2006 onwards.
Page 22
A computerized system will be developed, allowing local agriculture science centres to keep details of soil
test results. Soil samples will be collected even from small farms in remote villages.
The system eventually, allows farmers to download the Soil Health Card using unique number allotted to
each soil sample. This way, any change in ownership of the particular farm land will not create any problem
in getting such cards or getting it updated.
In absence of knowledge about soil health and adequate fertilizer recommendations, farmers often adopt excessive
use of nitrogen which not only deteriorates the quality of agricultural products but also enhances nitrate content in
ground water and creates several environmental problems. Hence farmers must have correct information about the
health of their soil.
GS paper II
Polity + Social issues + Governance
Party rule and governance

Ques. Same party rule at the centre as well as state may leads to corruption and inefficiency in the governance
process critically comment.
Appointment of Prime Minister / Chief Minister according to India constitution:
The President of India appoints only that person as Prime Minister who is the leader of the party or coalition
of parties having an absolute majority in House of the People.
The Governor of a state appoints only that person as Chief Minister who is the leader of the party or
coalition of parties having an absolute majority in State legislative assembly.
Page 23
Any party/coalition which is having majority in Lok sabha / State legislative assembly, is eligible to hold the
post of Prime Minister / Chief Minister post irrespective of the nature of the party [ ruling party / opposition
party]
Points in favor of Same party rule

1. Cooperation between states and centre will improve if same party rules at both centre and state level.
2. Same party rule will strengthen cooperative federalism.
3. Analysts say Same party rule will do away with the politics of abuse and lead to politics of development.
Points against Same party rule
1. Critics say Same party rule at both centre and state may lead to corruption.
2. Critics argue Opposite party rule in centre and state may result better monitoring of projects/ programmes
implemented by state & centre.
3. Critics say same party rule can actually be dangerous for democracy and may lead to authoritarianism.
The way forward
It is difficult to generalize that if same party rule at both centre and state may lead to improved governance
and reduced level of corruption.
After Independence, Centre and states faced same party rule/ opposition party rule many times. Corruption
and malgovernance persisted irrespective of this.
So it is upto the people to decide which party should rule at the centre and state level.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kejriwal-opposes-same-party-rule-in-state-centre/article6840202.ece
Recently Arvind Kejriwal said same party rule at the state and centre can actually dangerous for the country.
Here, the issue is important. so we will analyze the pros and cons of such issue.
Milk adulteration
Ques. Critically comment whether offence of milk adulteration should be made punishable by life imprisonment.
Highlight the drawbacks of present law regards milk adulteration. Suggest measures.
Food adulteration: Act of intentionally debasing the quality of food offered for sale either by the admixture or
substitution of inferior substances or by the removal of some valuable ingredient.
What is Milk Adulteration?
Page 24

Under the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Rules, 1955, milk is defined as the normal mammary secretion
derived from complete milking of an healthy milk animal without either addition thereto or extraction there from.
Milk Adulteration in India
Over 68 per cent of milk in the country does not conform to the standards set by the Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the Centre has told the Supreme Court on a plea for checking sale of
synthetic and adulterated milk and various dairy products.
These adulterants are very hazardous to human life and can cause serious diseases like cancer.
The milk is being laced [adulterated] with white paint, caustic soda, detergent, shampoo, urea, starch and
blotting paper and the practice is going unabated.
Why Present law does not deter Food Adulteration especially milk adulteration in India?
The present punishment for food adulteration is for six months in Jail. But the six months punishment for
milk adulteration is hardly a deterrent for this menace.
Sale of any adulterated and misbranded article of food is an offence punishable with minimum
imprisonment of six months and with fine, which shall not be less than Rs.1000/-. In case adulterated
foodstuff causes death or grievous hurt, the offence is punishable with imprisonment, which may extend to
term of life and with fine which shall not be less than Rs.5000/-.
Why Milk is adulterated?
These adulterants are used to increase the thickness and viscosity of the milk as well as to preserve it for a
longer period.
National Survey on Milk Adulteration 2011
In December 2014, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) collected milk samples across the
country.
It is a first-of-its-kind survey [National Survey on Milk Adulteration 2011] conducted by FSSAI.
70 per cent milk samples collected across the country by food safety authority did not conform to standards
& most Indians are consuming detergents and other contaminants through milk.
Page 25
What needs to be done?
Milk sold in packets and loose milk need to be checked. Milk sold within the state and imported from other
states should also be checked thoroughly.
There is a need to set up an information centre which provides all necessary information related to
composition of milk, how milk is adulterated , how to check whether milk is adulterated or not etc.
There is a need to comprehensively review the Food Safety and Standards Act, Rules and Regulations to
address the concerns relating to food adulteration
Punishment for milk adulteration should be made more stringent [ preferably life imprisonment as proposed
by RK jain committee recently]
Government should strengthen manpower and infrastructure to tackle the menace of food adulteration.
Consumer awareness should be increased /encouraged by organizing camps / campaigns etc.

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/milk-adulteration-life-imprisonment-centre-health-ministry-supreme-courtrakesh-nayal-fssai/1/416991.html
Recently centre has formed a high level committee to consider if to make the offence of milk adulteration
punishable by life imprisonment.
Head of the committee RK Jain
Section 66A of the Information Technology

Act (IT)
Page 26

Section 66A of the IT act makes it an offence to send , by means of a computer resource (or) communication device,
any information that is grossly offensive, having menacing character , false information sent with the intention of
causing annoyance (or) inconvenience , injury , insult, danger , enmity , hatred , criminal Intimidation etc..
The act provides for arrest of persons violating the section 66A & may be punished with a maximum sentence of 3
years of jail (or) fine (or) both.
Section 66A of IT act says that:
any information that is grossly offensive or has menacing character; or
any information which he knows to be false, but for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, danger,
obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, or ill will, persistently makes by making use of such
computer resource or a communication device
any electronic mail or electronic mail message for the purpose of causing annoyance or inconvenience or to
deceive or to mislead the addressee or recipient about the origin of such messages
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to THREE years and with fine.
For the purposes of this section, terms Electronic mail and Electronic Mail Message means a message or
information created or transmitted or received on a computer, computer system, computer resource or
communication device including attachments in text, image, audio, video and any other electronic record, which
may be transmitted with the message. ]
What the government said before Supreme Court?
The government recently clarified before the Supreme Court that its laws were meant to fight cyber crime and not
curb free expression.
The government has been saying that it has no intention to curb the freedom of speech and expression. It
says that Section 66 A pertains to only certain Cyber Crimes and not freedom of speech.
The government also says nobody can file a complaint saying something caused me annoyance or
inconvenience. The provisions of the Act require a serious obstruction. But who decides the seriousness of
the obstruction is the issue.
The main objective behind including section 66A in the IT act is to protect the reputation of people & prevent misuse
of digital networks & social networking sites. However section 66A of the act, has the potential of prejudicially
impacting free speech in digital & mobile Ecosystem which will be against the democratic values enshrined in the
constitution. Hence , the section 66A need to be amended at the earliest in such way the problem areas like
definition , discretion in the hands of law enforcement agencies are taken care off.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sc-to-examine-what-sec-66a-deems-as-grossly-offensive/article11313736.aspx
Page 27

Many PILs have been filed/pending in various courts challenging the constitutional validity of section 66A of the IT
act.
National Deworming Initiative

Ques. Health sector in the country faces several challenges in the context of the diverse geo-spatial, socio-cultural
and sub-national disparities prevailing across various regions, Critically analyse the importance of recently
launched National Deworming initiative in this context.
The Ministry for Health & Family Welfare launched the National Deworming initiative aimed to protect more than 24
crore children in the ages of 1-19 years from intestinal worms.
Objective: Deworming Initiative of the Health Ministry aims to deworm all pre-school and school-age children
(enrolled and non-enrolled) between the ages of 1-19 years. This is a path breaking initiative focused primarily to
reduce the threat of parasitic worm infections and other forms of stomach worms seen in millions of children across
the nation.
Two phases:
Phase I
14 crore children
Across eleven States/UT of Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Haryana, Karnataka,
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Tripura.
Staring from the National Deworming Day on 10th February 2015
Albendazole tablets will be given to all targeted children; half tablet to 1-2 years children and one full tablet
for 2-19 years.
Phase II
10 crore will be covered the remaining will be covered by the mop up rond which will to be carried out till
February 14, 2015.
Features:
It is a cost effective programme, as a single dose costs even less than a rupee and disease burden costs in
crores.
While the Centre will play the nodal agency providing guidelines, tools and resources, the initiative will be
implemented by states.
The deworming initiative would help us to achieve the aim of Swachh Bharat as envisioned by the Prime
Minister.
Measure required for its proper implementation:

Page 28
Participation of all MPs, MLAs, and local public representatives in addition to school teachers, ASHAs and
Anganwadi workers for converging and supporting the Government in its mission to achieve Worm Free
India.
Initiative needs to be coupled with improved sanitation, hygiene, and availability of safe drinking water for
reducing worm load. This needs active partnership and participation of the other ministries such as M/o
Women and Child Development, M/O Human Resources Development, M/o Panchayati Raj and M/o Water
and Sanitation, he said.
Hazards/threats:
Parasitic worms in small children interfere with nutrient uptake and can cause severe complications for them
resulting in anemia, malnutrition and improper mental and physical development.
Soil transmitted helminthes, transmitted by eggs that are passed in the faeces of infected people, are among
the most common infections worldwide. Adult worms, which live in the intestine, produce thousands of eggs
each day. In areas that lack adequate sanitation, these eggs contaminate the soil.
Worm infections lead to high financial loses to the country. There is a survey, which shows that 20-30%
children do not go to school because of worm infection.
India has the highest burden of soil-transmitted helminthsparasitic wormsin the world. According to the 2012
report Children in India, published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Govt. of India, 48%
of children under the age of 5 years are stunted and 19.8% are wasted, indicating that half of the countrys children
are malnourished.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 241 million children, representing 68% of them, in the 1-14 year
age group are estimated to be at risk for soil transmitted helminthes or parasitic worms in India.
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=115295
Cooperative federalism
What is Cooperative Federalism?
Cooperative federalism is a concept of federalism in which national, state and local governments interact
cooperatively and collectively to solve common problems, rather than making policies separately.
National and state governments tackle issues together in a cooperative fashion as opposed to a system in
which policy is imposed on local governments by an all powerful federal regime.
It emphasizes DECENTRALIZATION of power.
Is Indian federalism competitive or cooperative in nature?
Page 29
Indian Constitution is generally considered as Quasi Federal in nature. Quasi Federation

means federation with strong centre [unitary feature]. Our constitution is federal in structure but unitary in
spirit.
Competitive federalism means that regional or local governments compete with other regional or local
governments [ horizontal competition] or between Central and regional governments [ VERTICAL
competition]
Horizontal competitive federalism is desirable because in a free market economy, competition between two
parallel units [state vs state] increases efficiency in their functioning.
Vertical competitive federalism is generally undesirable in federal system because competition between
Centre and states will increase conflict. So cooperation between two constituent units particularly with
centre and states is necessary.
Establishment of NITI Aayog excellent example for cooperative federalism
The guiding principle behind NITI Aayog is cooperative federalism, based on empowerment and equality of
all stakeholders.
The recently constituted NITI Aayog is seen as a remedy against the centralist attitude of the previous
Planning Commission, which had no aspect of federalism in it, due to absence of representatives of states.
The newly established NITI Aayog plans to walk on the path of cooperative federalism for the
implementation of the planning and other developmental agenda for the states incorporating all chief
ministers as its members and setting up a regional council to deal with the various states aspirations.
Challenges being faced by NITI Aayog
Diverse needs and demands of states there will be conflict of interests between different states and
between center & states
Delay in consensus which may lead to slow down in pace of schemes & projects.
Different party rule in centre and state may lead to competitive federalism instead of establishing
cooperative federalism.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-31274460
National Minorities Development & Finance

Corporation (NMDFC)
Ques. NMDFC has emerged to be leading Social Sector Corporation in most of the parameters, working for the
economic empowerment of Specifically defined Socio-Religious Communities (SRCs) in this case, Minority
Page 30

communities, While critically aalysing the given statement describe the rode and mandate of NMDFC towards
promoting backward sections of minority communities in India.
The National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) was incorporated on 30th September 1994,
with the objective of promoting economic activities amongst the backward sections of notified minorities. To
achieve its objective, NMDFC is providing concessional finance for self-employment activities to eligible beneficiaries
belonging to the minority communities, having a family income below double the poverty line.
NMDFC implements its schemes through 37 State Channelizing Agencies in 29 States/UTs, NMDFC will tie up with
the Nodal Bank wherever required to enhance its outreach.
Main Objectives:
To promote economic and developmental activities for the benefit of Backward Sections amongst the
Minorities, preference being given to the occupational groups and women
To promote self-employment and other ventures for the benefits of Minorities
To grant loans and advances at such rates of interest as may be determined from time to time in accordance
with the guidelines or schemes prescribed by the Central Government or by the Reserve Bank of India;
To assist the up-gradation of technical and entrepreneurial skills of Minorities for proper and efficient
management of production units
To help in furthering the Government policies and programmes for the development of Minorities.

http://netindian.in/news/2015/02/10/00032552/cabinet-okays-increase-authorised-share-capital-nationalminorities-develop
Recently Union Cabinet gave its approval for increasing the authorised share capital of the public sector
NMDFC from Rs. 1500 crore to Rs. 3000 crore:
Approval was given to revise the shareholding pattern from 65:26:9 to 73:26:1 among the Centre,
States/Union Territories and Individuals/Institutions respectively.
Further, approval was also given for restructuring of the NMFDCs business model.
Implications:
This will enlarge the quantum of funds available for economic activities, better coverage and enhanced
outreach.
Enhancement of share capital would expand its ambit of coverage and increase disbursement of funds to
larger sections of the economically deprived minority population. The target of NMDFC for the year 2014-15
is to cover 97,000 beneficiaries.
Page 31
Children in armed conflict

Ques. Children are the primary victim of armed conflict. Hundreds of thousands serve as soliders in armed conflict
around the world, In context with given statement examine the features of UNICEF published recently on Red
Hand Day. Discuss the significance of optional protocol of the convention on the rights of the child on the
involvement of children in armed conflict.
What is Red Hand day?
February 12 is Red Hand Day, an international effort to raise awareness against the use of child soldiers.
Red Hand day is an initiative of UNICEF in an effort to spur action towards Disarmament, Demobilization,
Reintegration of Child Soldiers
According to Children have been used repeatedly as soldiers in recent years including armed conflicts in
the Democratic Republic of the
Congo, Rwanda, Uganda,Sudan, CtedIvoire, Myanmar, Philippines, Colombia, and Palestine
Children as victims of Armed Conflict
Children are the primary victims of armed conflict. Hundreds of thousands serve as soldiers in armed
conflicts around the world.
Child soldiers are victims, whose participation in conflict bears serious implications for their physical and
emotional well-being. They are commonly subject to abuse and most of them witness death, killing, and
sexual violence
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict
The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed
conflict aims to protect children from recruitment and use in hostilities.
The Protocol was adopted by the General Assembly on 25 May 2000 and entered into force on 12 February
2002.
The Optional protocol is a commitment that:
States will not recruit children under the age of 18 to send them to the battlefield.
States will not conscript soldiers below the age of 18.
States should take all possible measures to prevent such recruitment including legislation to prohibit and
criminalize recruitment of child under 18 and involve them in hostilities.
States demobilize anyone under 18 conscripted or used in hostilities and to provide physical, psychological
recovery services and help their social reintegration.
Page 32
Armed groups distinct from the armed forces of a country should not, under any circumstances, recruit or
use in hostilities anyone under 18.
How many Countries have Signed or Ratified the Protocol?
At present, 158 countries have ratified the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed
conflict. There are 22 countries that have neither signed nor ratified the protocol and 15 countries that have
signed but are yet to ratify.
Status of Children as victims of Armed Conflict
According to the UN, tens of thousands of boys and girls are associated with armed forces and armed groups
in conflicts in over 20 countries around the world. In Afghanistan, for instance, children continue to be
recruited into national security forces and, in some extreme cases, used as suicide bombers.
Meanwhile, in the territories of Iraq and Syria controlled by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL),
children as young as 12 are undergoing military training and being used to carry out suicide bombings and
executions as well.
At the same time, a number of conflicts in Africa have witnessed a rise in the use of children for military
purposes. In the Central African Republic, where sectarian violence continues to ripple across the country,
boys and girls as young as eight years old have been recruited and used by all parties to the conflict.
Modern Slavery
Ques. According to 2014 Global Slavery Index (GSI), over 23.5 million people in Asia are living in modern slavery,
Of these, over 14.2 million are in India In light of the given statement, define modern slavery, analyse the causes
of high prevalence of modern slavery in India. Describe the steps taken to tackle the problem.
Modern slavery refers to bonded labour (often over generations), trafficking for sexual exploitation, forced
marriages and forced prostitution, domestic servitude, and being with organized begging gangs. It also includes
certain professions and manufacturing sectors such as brick-making, carpet weaving, embroidery, certain textile
manufacturing, agriculture and mining.
Status of Modern Slavery in the World:
The 10 countries with the greatest prevalence account for 71 per cent of the overall global total. The West
African nation of Mauritania has the highest proportion of people in modern slavery at 4 per cent of its
population, followed by Uzbekistan (3.97 per cent), Haiti (2.3 per cent), Qatar (1.36 per cent), and India (1.14
per cent).
India ranks fifth in percentage terms but in terms of absolute numbers, it tops the list with an estimated
14.29 million enslaved people, followed by China (3.24 million), Pakistan (2.06 million), Uzbekistan (1.2
million, new to the top five), and Russia (1.05 million). This totals 61 per cent of those living in modern
slavery.
Why in India vulnerability is high to modern slavery?

Page 33
Vulnerability of the average Indian citizen to modern slavery is rated at 56.7 per cent, it is highest in the
world because there are certain groups rated as highly vulnerable and among them are Dalits with their low
social protection and inability to move out of their group. Informal labourers, women and girls are also listed
as highly vulnerable.
What are the measures/steps taken by the Indian government to deal with modern slavery?
To deal effectively with modern slavery, Indian government (Ministry of Home Affairs) launched the antitrafficking portal, which provides information on criminal justice statistics, anti-trafficking police units,
government and law enforcement training, the anti-trafficking legislation, and reporting mechanisms,
including the ChildLine hotline number. However, giving crucial information about forced or bonded labour
is relegated to being the responsibility of the Department of Labour and that on human trafficking is seen as
the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice.
Bonded labour is monitored by the National Human Rights Commission. There is also a Supreme Court order
that has authorised district vigilance committees to survey bonded labour in their regions.
About Global Slavery Index:
The Global Slavery Index presents a ranking of 162 countries, based on a combination of three factors:
estimated prevalence of modern slavery by population, levels of child marriage, and levels of human
trafficking into and out of the country. This gives the weighted measure.
Not all the countries in the world are represented in the Global Slavery Index. The 162 countries that are
included, however, represent nearly all of the worlds 7 billion people. These countries collect a sufficient
amount of standardised data to allow comparison across countries and regions. While equally as important,
those countries that have not been included are for the most part, those having fewer than 100,000 citizens.
Why a Global Slavery Index?
Modern slavery is a global issue. Some countries have a bigger problem than others but the crime affects all
of us. Human trafficking reaches across borders, and the products of modern slavery flow into global supply
chains, into local shops, and ultimately into our homes. Many of the problems that help modern slavery to
flourish are also global: corruption, conflict, poverty, discrimination and the impact of poor or declining
economic conditions and adverse environmental change.
The Global Slavery Index aims to be a tool that citizens, civil society groups, public authorities, and their
partners can use to understand the size of the issue and assess progress in the eradication of all forms of
modern slavery. The Index will help countries and citizens to understand their strengths and challenges in
addressing modern slavery, and to build sound policies on that knowledge.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-is-now-the-worlds-slave-capital-Global-Slavery-Index2014/articleshow/45178623.cms
National Health Policy 2015

Page 34

Ques. A country is recognised as a developed nation, if it is counted among worlds top ranking nations in terms of
human development to which health and education are of paramount importance. Critically examine the draft
National Health Policy 2015 to see healthcare as a Fundamental right.
Aim and objectives:
The primary aim of the National Health Policy, 2015, is to inform, clarify, strengthen and prioritize the role of
the Government in shaping health systems in all its dimensions investment in health, organization and
financing of healthcare services, prevention of diseases and promotion of good health through cross sectoral
action, access to technologies, developing human resources, encouraging medical pluralism, building the
knowledge base required for better health, financial protection strategies and regulation and legislation for
health.
Provisions of Draft National Health Policy 2015
It aims to make health a fundamental right, similar to education, the denial of which would be justiciable.
A National Health Rights Act would assure universal access to primary healthcare and free drugs through
public facilities.
The implementation of the policy would require public health spending to rise to nearly 2.5 per cent of the
gross domestic product, from the present dismal one per cent, with the Centre bearing about 40 per cent of
it.
To meet these expenses, the policy draft wants to introduce a complex system that relies largely on tax
collection but also proposes tapping the services of not-for-profit ventures and trusts.
A health cess is suggested, on the lines of the education cess, on specific commodities such as tobacco and
alcohol.
The draft document highlights the urgent need to improve the performance of health systems,
-with focus on improving maternal mortality rate,
-controlling infectious diseases,

tackling the growing burden of non-communicable diseases,
-bringing down medical expenses among other things.
While there is an intent to increase spend on health care, the draft policy also stresses on the role of private
sector.
Critical analysis:
An assortment of secondary and tertiary services are proposed to be bought by the government from public
and private healthcare facilities, though it is unclear how this differs from the present system of
empanelled private hospitals.
Page 35
Indeed private provision and public financing is everywhere a recipe for disaster, and will serve no interests
but that of private healthcare providers.
The new policy acknowledges that the present concept of primary healthcare covers hardly 20 per cent of
the health needs and that heavy out-of-pocket health expenditure is pushing nearly 63 million people into
poverty every year.It has, consequently, done well to broaden the definition of primary healthcare to include
more services related to reproductive and child health as well as several infectious and non-communicable
diseases.
But although bringing down medical expenses has been listed among the major objectives of the new policy,
it has no ideas on how to do it. It is silent, for example, on regulating the private healthcare sector.
Considering the myriad glitches faced by the rights to food, education and employment, it seems puzzling
that a right to health is being added to that list.
The countrys existing public healthcare infrastructure is in a shambles -and is anyway woefully inadequate,
being ill-equipped and under-staffed. Most health centres even at the district level lack basic diagnostic
facilities.
In the end, good healthcare is about effective and well-administered public provision of the basics. The Centre and
states must expand public healthcare infrastructure, recruit more doctors and paramedical staff, set up new
diagnostic laboratories, and revamp procurement, stocking and distribution of drugs.
Hindu Marriage Act

Ques. Critically examine the salient features of section 13 of Hindu Marriage Act. Recently law commission of
India has proposed to union law ministry to enact Hindu Marriage [Amendment] Act 2013 for the introduction of
irretrievable breakdown of marriages as aground of granting divorce, Critically examine the concerns raised
regarding the proposed act.
Section 13(1)(1a)(1b) of the Hindu Marriage Act for dissolution of the marriage.
Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, describes the following grounds of divorce as under:
Adultery
Conversion
Mental disorder/Unsound Mind
Leprosy
Venereal disease
Renounced the World
Not heard alive for seven years
Page 36
Judicial Separation
No Resumption of Co-habitation
Cruelty
Demand for Including Irretrievable breakdown of marriage as a ground for granting divorce
Law Commission in its reports in 1978 and 2009 recommended the introduction of irretrievable breakdown
of marriage as a ground for its dissolution
Marriage Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2013
Recently Law commission of India has proposed to Union Law Ministry to enact Hindu Marriage
[amendment] act 2013 for the Introduction of Irretrievable breakdown of marriage as a ground of granting
divorce.
Arguments against the introduction of Irretrievable breakdown of marriage

1. The present Hindu Marriage [amendment] act is enough to address the issue of divorce. The provision for
divorce by mutual consent adequately covers the situation of a marriage lapsing into dysfunction.
2. A women may enter into a sham marriage and later walk away with the husbands property by getting it
annulled at will.
3. The Introduction of Irretrievable breakdown of marriage may destroy the institution of marriages and even
encourage the Live in relationships.
4. Why Introduction of Irretrievable breakdown of marriage is considered only to Hindu communities and why
not to other communities?
5. Already women started claiming unjustifiable sums of money in alimony. With the Introduction of
Irretrievable breakdown of marriage in the Hindu Marriage act by amending it may aggravate the situation.
6. The proposed amendments provide the wife the chance to oppose the divorce, but not the husband. It also
gives her the right to a part of the inherited and inheritable property of the husband.
7. Mens rights activists in the country are upset over a proposed amendment in the Hindu Marriage Act that
would make the husbands family responsible for the financial upkeep of a wife in case the husband has
passed away or is disabled.
Official Secrets Act 1923

Ques. Discuss the salient features of Official Secrets Act 1923. Experts feels that Official Secrets Act 1923 is
draconian law and need to be repleted with Changing Times. Do you agree with this statement? Also describe the
recommendations of 2nd ARC on Official Secrets Act 1923.
What is Official Secrets Act of 1923?
Page 37
The Official Secrets Act of 1923 broadly means gaining access or passing on information that is marked
classified.
Salient features of Official secrets act 1923
Section 3 of OSA makes it clear that a person is liable to be punished only if information obtained by him is
intended to be useful to an enemy or relates to a matter the disclosure of which is likely to affect
sovereignty or integrity of India, the security of the state or friendly relations with foreign states
It extends to the whole of India and applies also to servants of the Government and to citizens of India
outside India.
Punishments under the Act range from three to fourteen years imprisonment. A person prosecuted under
this Act can be charged with the crime even if the action was unintentional and not intended to endanger
the security of the state. The Act only empowers persons in positions of authority to handle official secrets,
and others who handle it in prohibited areas or outside them are liable for punishment.
Under the Act, search warrants may be issued at any time if the magistrate feels that based on the evidence
in front of them there is enough danger to the security of the state.
When a company is seen as the offender under this Act, everyone involved with the management of the
company including the board of directors can be liable for punishment. In the case of a newspaper everyone
including the editor, publisher and the proprietor can be jailed for an offence.
Uninterested members of the public may be excluded from court proceedings if the prosecutions feels that
any information which is going to be passed on during the proceedings is sensitive. This also includes media;
so the journalists will not be allowed to cover that particular case.
Concerns associated with Official secrets act 1923
Once used by the British Raj to target freedom fighters, the OSA was retained after independence as the
Indian state realised it needed to protect its secrets.
What makes this law draconian is the fact that the term official secrets has not been defined, leaving it
open to misuse.
A simple refusal to share information with police can land any person in jail for three years. This runs counter
to the constitutional right of every person not to be compelled to be a witness against himself. It is also in
conflict with media ethics that requires journalists not to disclose their sources.
Recommendations of Second Administrative Reforms Commission
The second Administrative Reforms Commission, headed by Veerappa Moily, had in 2006 recommended
that the Official Secrets Act of 1923 be repealed.
The panel wanted it to be replaced with adequate safeguards in the National Security Act.
The Commission had argued that the archaic law was a major impediment in the way of administrative
reforms.
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The way forward
Official Secrets Act 1923 should be diluted in view of the changing times.
Official secrets act 1923 should be repealed. The relevant provisions of Official Secrets Act 1923 can be
retained by incorporating them in the National Security Act, as suggested by Second Administrative Reforms
Commission to deal with such situations.
It should be limited to internal security and defence matters
Fourteenth Finance Commission

Ques. Highlight the functions and responsibilities of 14th finance commission. Also mention its major
recommendation.
According to Article 280 of the Constitution of India requires the Constitution of a Finance Commission every
five years, or earlier. For the period from 1st April, 2015 to 31st March, 2020, the 14th Finance Commission
(FFC) was constituted by the orders of President on 2nd January, 2013 and submitted its report on
15th December, 2014.
Recently the Union Government has accepted the recommendations of the Finance Commission and it
shows governments commitment to cooperative federalism.
Major Recommendations of the Fourteenth Finance Commission:
TAX DEVOLUTION TO BE BASED ON AREA, POPULATION, DEMOGRAPHY, INCOME DISTANCE & FOREST
COVER- Highest weight of 50 per cent is given to distance from the highest per capita income district,
followed by population (1971 census) at 17.5 per cent, demography (2011 census) at 10 per cent, area at 15
per cent and forest cover at 7.5 per cent
CENTRES FISCAL AND REVENUE DEFICITS - Fiscal deficit should come down to 3.6 per cent of GDP in 201516 from projected 4.1 per cent in 2014-15 and then 3 per cent in following year and kept at that for three
more years. Not different from existing roadmap, though the present time frame ends in 2016-17. Wants
revenue deficit to come down from 2.9 per cent in FY15 to 2.56 per cent in FY16 and then progressively
reduce to 0.93 per cent by 2019-20
STATES FISCAL AND REVENUE DEFICITS Fiscal deficit should be at 2.76 per cent in FY16, to come down to
2.74 per cent by FY20 though it would increase in between. To be revenue surplus in all these years
NATIONAL SMALL SAVING FUND (NSSF) States be taken away from operation of NSSF with effect from
next financial year.
CONSOLIDATED SINKING FUND Examine the possibility of setting up of CST for amortisation of debt of the
Union government.
RAIL TARIFF AUTHORITY- Replace the advisory body with a statutory body, through necessary amendments
to the Railways Act, 1989.
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ADVERTISEMENT TAX- States should empower local bodies to impose this tax to augment their revenues
BOOST FOR STATES SHARE IN NET PROCEEDS OF TAX REVENUES- The commission has recommended
states share in net proceeds of tax revenues be 42 per cent, a huge jump from the 32 per cent recommend
by the 13th Finance Commission, the largest change ever in the percentage of devolution. As compared to
total devolutions in 2014-15, total devolution of states in 2015-16 will increase by over 45 per cent
TAX DEVOLUTION BE PRIMARY ROUTE OF TRANSFER OF RESOURCES The panel has recommended tax
devolution be the primary route of transfer of resources to the states; the government has accepted the
recommendations keeping in mind the spirit of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI).
GRANTS FOR LOCAL BODIES BE BASED ON 2011 POPULATION- The commission has recommended
distribution of grants to states for local bodies using 2011 population data. Grants will be divided into two
broad categories on the basis of rural and urban population (i) a grant constituting gram panchayats and
(ii) a grant constituting municipal bodies
GRANTS BE IN TWO PARTS BASIC AND PERFORMANCE- The panel has recommended the grants to states
for local bodies be in two parts, a basic grant and a performance grant. The ratio of basic to performance
grant is 90:10 with respect to panchayats and 80:20 in the case of municipalities.
GRANTS TO GRAM PANCHAYATS & MUNICIPALITIES- The total grants recommended by the commission are
Rs 2,87,436 crore for a five-year period from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2020. Of this, Rs 2,00,292.20 crore
will be given to panchayats and Rs 87,143.80 crore to municipalities. The transfers for financial year 2015-16
will be Rs 29,988 crore
STATES SHARE IN DISASTER RELIEF SHOULD STAY UNCHANGED- The Commission has said, with regard to
disaster relief, the percentage share of states will continue to be as before and follow the existing
mechanism. This will be to the tune of Rs 55,097 crore. After implementation of GST, the recommendations
of the panel on disaster relief would be implemented.
POST-DEVOLUTION REVENUE DEFICIT GRANTS FOR STATES- The panel has recommended post-devolution
revenue deficit grants for a total of Rs 1,94,821 crore on account of expenditure requirements of the states,
tax devolution and revenue mobilisation capacity of the states. These grants will be given to 11 states.
SOME CENTRAL SCHEMES BE DE-LINKED- Eight centrally sponsored schemes will be delinked from support
from the Centre. Various centrally sponsored schemes will now see a change in sharing pattern, with states
sharing a higher fiscal responsibility for implementing the schemes
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS The Finance Commission has also made recommendations on cooperative
federalism, GST, fiscal consolidation roadmap, pricing of public utilities and public sector undertakings.
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of

Children) Act
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Ques. Why government wanted to amend the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2000? What
are the objectives and important provisions of Juvenile Justice Bill 2014?
Why government wanted to amend the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2000?
As per data available with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), there has been a rise of 132% in
incidents of crimes committed by juveniles against women in 2013 over previous year i.e. 2012. But they
cannot be punished according to the law.
So to overcome this hurdle, the Ministry of Women and Child Development had introduced the Juvenile
Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill 2014 in the Lok Sabha which contains both punitive and
reformative measures for children in conflict with law.
What are the objectives of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill 2014?
To provide both deterrent and reformative options for overall development of children.
The Bill seeks to achieve the objectives of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children as ratified
by India in December, 1992. It specifies procedural safeguards in cases of children in conflict with law.
It seeks to address challenges in the existing Act such as delays in adoption processes, high pendency of
cases, accountability of institutions, etc.
The Bill further seeks to address children in the 16-18 age group, in conflict with law, as an increased
incidence of crimes committed by them have been reported over the past few years.
What are the important provisions in the Bill?
The Bill defines a child as anyone less than 18 years of age. However, a special provision has been inserted
for the possibility of trying 16-18 year olds committing heinous offences, as adults. A heinous offence is
defined as one for which the minimum punishment under the Indian Penal Code is seven years.
States shall constitute one or more Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) for each district for dealing with
children in need of care and protection.
A Special Juvenile Police Units (SJPU) will be established in each district, consisting of a police officer and
two social workers. One Child Welfare Police Officer will be present in every police station
Prospective adoptive parents must be consenting. A single or divorced person can also adopt, but a single
male cannot adopt a girl child. Parents must be physically fit, financially sound, and mentally alert and
motivated to adopt. Regulations regarding adoption shall be framed by the Central Adoption Resource
Authority.
Any official, who does not report an abandoned or orphaned child within 24 hours, is liable to imprisonment
up to six months or fine of Rs 10,000 or both.
One or more Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) to be constituted, for each district, for dealing with children in
conflict with law. JJBs are composed of a Metropolitan or Judicial Magistrate and two social workers, one of
whom shall be a woman.
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Powers and responsibilities of the JJBs include:
ensuring legal aid for a child;
adjudicating and disposing of cases related to children in conflict with law;
conducting regular inspection of adult jails to ensure no child is lodged in such jails and other inspection
visits and;
Conducting inspection visits of residential facilities for such children.
A parliamentary committee has rejected the governments proposal to try juveniles as adults for heinous
crimes like rape and murder. The government was trying to bring changes in the law to make this happen.
International Relations
Intended Nationally Determined

Contributions (INDCs)
Ques. What do you mean by Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs)? Critically analyse its
importance and concept.
Under the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), countries across the globe committed to
create a new international climate agreement to be signed no later than 2015. During previous climate negotiations,
countries agreed to publicly outline what actions they intend to take under a global agreement well before the Paris
Summit (and for those countries in a position to do so, by March 2015).
These country commitments are known as Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). Their form and
rigor will largely determine whether the world achieves an ambitious 2015 agreement and is put on a path toward a
low-carbon, climate-resilient future.
How does the process work?
INDCs bring together elements of a bottom-up systemin which countries put forward their contributions in the
context of their national priorities, circumstances and capabilitieswith a top-down system, in which countries
collectively aim to reduce global emissions enough to limit average global temperature rise to 2 degrees C, thus
averting the worst impacts of climate change. As a result, INDCs can create a constructive feedback loop between
national and international decision-making on climate change.
In their INDCs, countries will propose the steps they will take to reduce emissions. They might also address other
issues, such as how they will adapt to climate change impacts, and what support they need fromor will provide
toother countries to address climate change.
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Following the initial submission of INDCs, there will be an assessment phase to review countries INDCs and possibly
adjust them before the Paris Climate Summit (COP 21).
An INDC, if well-designed, will signal to the world that the country is doing its part to combat climate change and
limit future climate risks.
What makes a good INDC?
Countries should follow an efficient and transparent process when preparing their INDC to build trust and
accountability with domestic and international stakeholders.
A good INDC should be ambitious, leading to transformation in carbon-intensive sectors and industry;
transparent, so that the level of ambition can be reviewed; and equitable, so that each country does its fair
share to address climate change.
An INDC should also articulate how the country is integrating climate change into other national priorities,
such as sustainable development and poverty reduction, and send signals to the private sector to contribute
to these efforts.
It is also important that INDCs be clearly communicated so domestic and international stakeholders can
anticipate how these actions will contribute to global emissions reductions in the future.
Progress of Countries on INDCs
An understanding is emerging that the INDCs need not reflect a countrys contribution to the global GHG
emissions. They should instead be largely based on national circumstances and existing and ongoing
initiatives to reduce GHG emissions. This is being followed by a number of countries in the region.
China: 40% 45% reduction in CO2 intensity (from 2005 level) and share of non-fossil fuels to reach 15% by
2020.
India: Under the Low Carbon Growth Strategy, a reduction in emission intensity of GDP by 25%, over 2005
levels, by 2020.
Indonesia: 26% reduction in GHG emissions below the business as usual level by 2020, and a further
reduction of up to 41% if adequate international support is made available to the government.

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/invitation.aspx?relid=115133
South Asia Pro Poor Livestock Policy

Programme (SAPPLPP)
Page 43

Ques South Asia Pro Poor Livestock Policy Programme stems from the strong belief that livestock can play an
important role in contributing towards poverty reduction and meeting the millennium development goals in the
South Asian countries, Critically discuss.
The South Asia Pro-Poor Livestock Policy Programme (SAPPLPP), joint initiative of Indias National Dairy
Development Board (NDDB), Anand, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, was
officially launched in 2006 as a regional platform to promote the interests of poor rural livestock keepers in national
and international policy making in three selected South Asian countries Bangladesh, Bhutan and India.
SA PPLPPs interventions in these countries were implemented through programme partners BRAC in Bangladesh,
the Department of Livestock Services in Bhutan and BAIF Development Research Foundation in India. The
programme mandate included the identification of good practices that had demonstrated sustainable benefits to
smallholder livestock rearers, documentation of these practices, collating lessons learnt and using these lessons to
advocate for a more conducive policy and programme support environment for smallholder livestock rearers in the
South Asia region. Good practice documentation currently focuses on three core sectors common lands and the
impact of development and regeneration of these lands on smallholder livestock rearers; smallholder poultry
rearing; and small ruminant rearing. The programme is funded by the National Dairy Development Board and the
Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.
Features:
SA-PPLPP is a joint FAO-NDDB project that aims to ensure that the interests of poor livestock keepers are
taken into account in livestock sector related policy making and programme development.
The programme intends to gathers and documents pro-poor livestock development practices from the
region and shares them with development practitioners and policy makers, provides a platform for policy
dialogues and offers analytical evidence in support of policy formulation.
The programme has adopted a process approach which involves continuous learning and inputs as it
progresses. Partnerships are an essential element of programme implementation so as to capitalize on the
vast pool of knowledge and experience in livestock development in South Asia.
Third phase of the programme that commenced in July 2012, focuses on building collaborations and partnerships to
strengthen field implementation and state / national policy frameworks for smallholder livestock development
programmes (primarily smallholder poultry rearing and small ruminant rearing), and facilitate an improved
translation of policy and programme design on the ground.
South Asia has the largest concentration of the worlds extreme poor, over 80 per cent of them living in the rural
areas. For a large majority, livestock is the only means for escaping the vicious circle of poverty and deprivation.
Marginal households own two thirds of sheep and goats, over half the cattle and buffaloes and three quarters of pigs
in South Asia. The demand for livestock products is growing rapidly, which provides an opportunity for the livestock
sector to become an engine for growth and poverty reduction.
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South Asia Pro Poor Livestock Policy Programme (SAPPLPP) in collaboration with the Department of Animal
Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries (DADF), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, organised a National
Workshop on Strengthening Small Ruminant Based Livelihoods from January 16-17, 2015 in New Delhi.
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight international development goals that were established
following the Millennium Summit of the United Nations in 2000, following the adoption of the United Nations
Millennium Declaration.
INDIAS PROGRESS ON MDGS:
On poverty, with 21.9 per cent of the population below the poverty line, India has already achieved the
target of reducing poverty by half.
On education indicators, the county has already achieved gender parity in primary school enrollment and
according to the report it is likely to reach parity in secondary and tertiary education by 2015.
India is also set to achieve the goal of reducing hunger by half and reduce maternal mortality by three
quarters.
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The country has successfully managed to control the spread of deadly diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria
and tuberculosis.
It has also creased the forest cover and has halved the proportion of population without access to clean
drinking water.
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India lags in achieving MDGs : India lags behind on targets for empowering women through wage employment and
political participation, reducing child and infant mortality and improving access to adequate sanitation to eliminate
open defecation.
The report points out that progress on achieving MDGs is mixed across states, with faster growing states performing
better on achieving MDGs. High income states such as Tamil Nadu and Gujarat fare better on the MDG performance
index. As the MDGs reach their December deadline, a new set of transformative and universal sustainable
development goals will be adopted by world leaders in September 2015. Rapid growth by provide greater resources
for governments through taxation to spend on public welfare can have a favorable impact on achieving MDGs in
many ways.
http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/millennium-development-goals-india-s-achievement-isa-mixed-bag-115020500035_1.html
India-US
Ques. India needs to move from strategic autonomy to strategic cooperation with the United States,
Critically comment.
Since India embraced globalization at the turn of the 1990s, many of its traditional strategic objectives have evolved,
and the pace of that evolution has gathered momentum as Indias economic growth has accelerated in recent years.
Yet the United States remains unclear about its potential allys goals and objectives. Despite significant advances in
Indo-U.S. relations during George W. Bushs presidency and bipartisan agreement in Washington to support Indias
rise, Barack Obamas administration has found it hard to make big strategic advances.
Indias grand strategy has four broad objectives. In all four areas, strategic cooperation with the United States is
critical.
Indias first objective is to pacify the northwestern part of the subcontinent, or the AfPak region, as it is
known in Washington. The challenge for India is not just about managing its differences with U.S. policies in
Afghanistan and Pakistan. New Delhi has no choice but to work with Washington to stabilize its northwest.
That in turn involves encouraging the United States to think very differently about Pakistan and its relations
with Afghanistan and India. And that demands getting the United States to pressure the Pakistani Army to
end its promotion of extremism in Afghanistan and India.
Indias second objective is to become an indispensable power in the littorals of the Indian Ocean and
southwestern Pacific. As the power of a rising China today radiates across the subcontinent, the Indian
Ocean, and the western Pacific, balancing Beijing has become an urgent matter especially given the
relative decline of the United States. In the past, India balanced Beijing through a de facto alliance with the
Soviet Union. Today, it needs a strategic partnership with the United States to ensure that Chinas rise will
continue to be peaceful. India has no option but to hedge against growing Chinese power as well as the
dangers of a potential Sino-American condominium. This necessarily involves nuanced bilateral economic
and political engagement with China, albeit with eyes wide open.
Page 48
Indias third objective is to increase its weight in global governance and eventually emerge as a rulemaker in the international system. In that sense, Indias civil nuclear initiative with the US was as much
about producing electric power as it was about redefining Indias position in the global nonproliferation
regime, bid to permanent membership in UNSC. The United States, instead, wants to test whether India is a
responsible stakeholder in the negotiations on issues ranging from climate change to international
trade. India is prepared to engage on these issues and participate more fully in global decision-making
bodies on the basis of its own enlightened self-interest.
Indias fourth objective is to strengthen the factors that are critical for becoming a credible power on the
regional and global stages. This involves sustaining its current high economic growth rate, consolidating its
advantages in knowledge industries, providing education and skills to its younger population, and
modernizing its armed forces and security agencies. On all these fronts, India needs deeper and more open
cooperation with the United States through the integration of their advanced technology sectors, trade
liberalization, opening the Indian education system to American universities and community colleges, U.S.
investments in the Indian defense industry, and American expertise to upgrade Indian intelligence gathering
and processing. New Delhi is already engaged with Washington on all these fronts, but the results remain
way below potential.
Most of all, the United States needs to recognize that it is dealing with a new India. For too long, India saw itself as a
weak, developing country unwilling to unlearn its anti-colonial grievances. Only in recent years has India begun to
inch away from its previous focus on the chimera of strategic autonomy to emphasize its own role in shaping the
regional and global environments.
Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

(CTBT)
Ques.What do you mean by Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)? Critically analyse its objectives and
importance in context with India.
The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), is a legal mandate designed to globally forbid nuclear tests.
Envisioned by the US President John F Kennedy, the international ban on nuclear tests finally became a reality in
1996 when the CTBT was internationally declared open. However, as per the notions of the UN-Director General at
Palais Des Nations in Geneva, Vladimir Petrovsky (Russia), the concept of nuclear test ban program was first
conceived by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1954.
What is the CTBT?
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) bans nuclear explosions by everyone, everywhere: on
the Earths surface, in the atmosphere, underwater and underground.
What are the main functions of CTBT?

The main functions of the CTBT are:
Preventing and strongly discouraging research and development of nuclear weapon potentiality for states that do
Page 49

not have the background or capacity to enhance their nuclear weapons developments
Block permanently the states that have authorized considerable nuclear weapon arsenals from affirming elevated
nuclear weapon designs that has not seen successful tests
To bridle the arms race, that seems to go on unmitigated. This especially applies for the Asian countries that have
developed a propensity to stockpile their nuclear arsenals
Why is the CTBT important?
It makes it very difficult for countries to develop nuclear bombs for the first time, or for countries that
already have them, to make more powerful bombs. It also prevents the huge damage caused
by radioactivity from nuclear explosions to humans, animals and plants.
CTBT almost universal but has yet to become law. Why?
Many attempts were made during the Cold War to negotiate a comprehensive test ban, but it was only in
the 1990s that the Treaty became a reality. The CTBT was negotiated in Geneva between 1994 and 1996.
183 countries have signed the Treaty, of which 163 have also ratified it (as of december 2014), including
three of the nuclear weapon States: France, the Russian Federation and the United Kingdom. But 44 specific
nuclear technology holder countries must sign and ratify before the CTBT can enter into force. Of these,
eight are still missing: China, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan and the USA.
India, North Korea and Pakistan have yet to sign the CTBT.
What is the Indias stand on CTBT for not signing this treaty?
The Indias stand on the CTBT has four direct objections to the CTBT.
The first was that the issue of time-bound disarmament had been shelved; the Nuclear 5 had not put
forward a schedule for disarming their existing weapons. The CTBT was focused more on non-proliferation
than disarmament.
Second, the CTBT was non-comprehensive and zero-yield; it made no mention of nuclear testing and refining
of old systems through computer simulations.
Third, it increased the divide between the haves and the have-nots; those already possessing nuclear
technology were at an advantage and could withdraw from the treaty without fear of repercussions.
Finally, Article XIV, the entry-into-force clause which required 44 nuclear-enabled states (including India) to
ratify the Treaty before it came into force, would place India under unwarranted international pressure to
ratify the Treaty.

http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/india-and-the-ctbt/article6892680.ece
India Sri Lanka relation

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India is Sri Lankas closest neighbour. The relationship between the two countries is more than 2,500 years
old and both sides have built upon a legacy of intellectual, cultural, religious and linguistic intercourse.
Relations between the two countries have also matured and diversified with the passage of time,
encompassing all areas of contemporary relevance.
In recent years, the relationship has been marked by close contacts at the highest political level, growing
trade and investment, cooperation in the fields of development, education, culture and defence, as well as a
broad understanding on major issues of international interest. Today, the India-Sri Lanka relationship is
strong and poised for a quantum jump by building on the rich legacy of historical linkages and strong
economic and development partnerships that have been forged.
How new government in Sri Lanka will boost the bilateral relations?
From the Indian perspective this new regime in Sri Lanka should help strengthen the bilateral relations.
Under Rajapaksa, although the relations remained cordial, occasional tensions and suspicion remained the
order of the day. Government of India faced tremendous political pressure from Tamilnadu over fishermen
issues and from the diaspora over the problems of ethic Tamils in Sri Lanka. As a responsible neighbour,
India had to tread very cautiously respecting the sovereignty of the neighbour while attending to concerns
surrounding human rights.
List of Agreements/MoUs signed between India and Sri Lanka during the State Visit of the President of Sri Lanka to
India:
India and Sri Lanka signed an agreement on cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy. This agreement
would facilitate cooperation in the transfer and exchange of knowledge and expertise, sharing of resources,
capacity building and training of personnel in peaceful uses of nuclear energy including use of radioisotopes,
nuclear safety, radiation safety, nuclear security, radioactive waste management and nuclear and
radiological disaster mitigation and environmental protection.
Programme of Cultural Cooperation between Sri Lanka and India for the years 2015 18: The Programme
of Cultural Cooperation for 2015-18 seeks to enhance the level of cooperation in a wide variety of fields such
as performing arts, visual arts, libraries, museums, archives & cultural documentation, archaeology,
handicrafts, publications and professional exchanges.
MoU on the Establishment of Nalanda University: The MoU would enable Sri Lanka to participate in the
Nalanda University Project.
The two sides also signed Work-Plan 2014-2015 under the MoU on cooperation in the field of agriculture.
This agreement would facilitate bilateral cooperation in agro processing, agricultural extension, horticulture,
agricultural machinery, training in farm mechanization, livestock diseases, etc. between relevant institutes
and organizations from both countries.
Areas needs to cooperate to enhance the bilateral relations:
Firstly, Devolution of power to north eastern province and enactment of 13th amendment still remains a
bone of contention and India must strike out a balance in not antagonizing the Sinhalese majority and
securing the rights for the Tamil minority.
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Secondly, The unresolved fishermen dispute can be seek for solution with the new government. India as to
resolve its fishermen issue at the earliest.
Thirdly, With deep pockets and competitive prices, China may try to woo the new government for new
economic and military deals. India should counter this by enhancing its strategic and defence cooperation
and mutual trust.
Conclusion:
India has been hoping that the new Lankan government will develop the country on the foundation of
genuine and effective reconciliation creating harmony among all sections there. India has also been
pressing for implementation of 13th amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution on devolution of powers.
It can be hoped that the governments of both the countries will focus on all these areas and do everything possible
to take bilateral relations to newer heights.
India Afghanistan relations

India has made major economic, political, and strategic investments in Afghanistan since the Taliban lost power in
2001. The two countries share an interest in Afghanistans postwar reconstruction, pursuing common diplomatic
goals, and cooperating against mutual security threats. For years, India has been undertaking programs to bolster
Afghanistans security capabilities and integrate the country into regional diplomatic and economic structures. Now
with the withdrawal of Western combat forces, India is acceding to longstanding Afghan government requests and
deepening bilateral security cooperation, despite the risks of provoking a strong and adverse reaction in Islamabad,
as well as enlarging their economic collaboration.
Why and for What India is engaging with Afghanistan?
Indias objectives in Afghanistan stem from a carefully calculated assessment of its domestic, regional, and
global interests.
Indias engagement aims to win Afghans hearts and minds through foreign aid, with special focus on
building roads, medical facilities, education programs, power generation networks, and other critical
infrastructure sectors. India has adopted soft power approach towards Afghanistan, to revive its historical,
traditional, socio-cultural and civilizational linkages with the country. Indias role is seen as crucial for the
long-term stability of Afghanistan, and India realizes that a stable, prosperous and democratic Afghanistan is
also in its strategic interests. Indias approach toward Afghanistan has largely been a function of the desire
to prevent Pakistan from dominating that country, Islamabad views as a vital counterweight to Indias
preponderance in South Asia.
Indias economic and commercial concern:
Indias extensive private investment aims to integrate Afghanistan into regional trade arrangements that will
promote the type of economic growth that is critical for Afghanistans long-term stability. Furthermore, the
Indian government has promoted Afghanistans regional economic integration, such as securing its
membership in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.
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Despite growing ties with Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries, Indias lack of direct access to the
region continues to impede its commercial opportunities there. Developing international rail and road links
with Afghanistan strengthens that countrys economy as well as India access to important Central Asian
trade and energy markets. Indian investors would like to help market the trillions of dollars of mineral
resources Afghanistan is thought to have beneath its soil. Indians also see Afghanistan as partners in their
economic outreach to Iran.
Indias strategic concern over Afghanistan:
Prevent Anti-India Terrorism Delhis most fundamental goal for Afghanistan is to prevent Afghanistan from
being used as a base for Pakistani-supported extremists to launch terrorist attacks in India or against Indian
interests (for example, against its diplomatic missions in Afghanistan)
Bilateral security cooperation has also been growing. Indian security strategists see Afghanistan and Central
Asia as falling within Indias extended strategic neighborhood. Given New Delhis concerns about
geopolitical encirclement, Pakistani and Chinese activities in Afghanistan and Central Asia have traditionally
received much attention.
New Delhis nightmare would be the emergence of a bloc of hostile governments in Central Asia,
Afghanistan, and Pakistan, linked closely with China, which would seek to contain India, support terrorism in
Kashmir, and perhaps stir up trouble among Indias other Muslim minorities. The growth of terrorism and
Islamic radicalism has become a more recent concern. Though Kabul follows a balanced rhetoric aiming to
prevent alienating Islamabad, Afghans perceive New Delhi as a more reliable strategic partner. In their 2011
Strategic Partnership Agreement, India agreed to train Afghani military officers and provide light-weapons
useful for counterinsurgency operations.
Conclusion:
India seeks a stable regional security environment to continue its steady economic ascendancy. To that end,
Afghanistans post-occupational security becomes of paramount concern. Broader defense cooperation with
the Afghan government helps both protect Indias economic interests in Afghanistan and counter larger
regional destabilization scenarios detrimental to New Delhis foreign policy aspirations.
MoU Signed Between Indian Army and State

Bank of India
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Indian Army and State Bank of India (SBI) on the
Defence Salary Package on 23 Feb 2015.
Objective:
To offer a customised salary package to army personnel across India
Importance:
Page 53

The revised MoU will benefit almost 19.5 lakh pensioners and 10 lakh serving personnel who hold Pay or Pension
accounts with SBI and also provide them an opportunity to access modern banking facilities.
Features:
Number of free / concessional services like free drafts, free cheque books, free funds transfers to any bank in
India through RTGS / NEFT, free ATM cards etc.
The provision also includes the Nepal Express Remittance Scheme which enables instant fund transfers to
Nepal for the benefit of the Nepali Domicile Gorkha Soldiers serving in the Indian Army.
Linking of the Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) to the Savings account instead of the debit card,
enhancement of the PAI amounts, enhancement of the exemption percentage of margin money for house
and car loans and waiving off of the processing charges on the loans.
The first MoU between SBI and the Indian Army was signed in 2011 and was valid for a period of three years. The
revised MoU is tailor-made to suit the requirements of serving soldiers, pensioners and families. A number of
additional facilities have been incorporated in the revised MoU after concerted efforts spanning over a year.
Features of MoU signed in year 2011:
The first MoU between SBI and the Indian Army was signed in 2011 and was valid for a period of three years.
The revised MoU is tailor-made to suit the requirements of serving soldiers, pensioners and families. A
number of additional facilities have been incorporated in the revised MoU after concerted efforts spanning
over a year.
The bank also offers under the MOU, free Anywhere Banking and free additional ATM cards even for single
account holders so that even family members can transact with the same bank account through ATMs when
personnel are stationed away from home.
The package also offers automatic sweep to Multi Option Deposits that ensure higher yield on the salary
savings as also free Personal Accident Insurance. Also offered are free drafts, free cheque books and free
transfer of funds.
The SBI is also offering under a unique and innovative initiative, training facilties to defence personnel in
learning centres in the bank.
Other initiatives under the package include installation of Point of Sale machines at CSD canteens. These can
be accessed free of cost.
BRICS development bank

Ques. The New Development Bank will mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects
in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries. What was the rationale for establishing BRICS
development bank? What is the purpose and functions of NDB and CRA?
Background:
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The association of five major emerging national economies, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa
(BRICS) has a special responsibility towards helping the world achieve its goal of ending extreme poverty,
reducing inequality and achieving sustainable development, as they collectively represent some of the
worlds greatest challenges and achievements. Despite remarkable strides made in reducing poverty within
India and China, BRICS countries still house nearly half of the worlds poor and with the exception of Brazil
have experienced a rise in inequality in recent years. The creation of a BRICS Bank, and with it the promise
of reforming the global development architecture, offers a real and concrete opportunity for governments of
these countries to ensure development financing is sensitive to the needs of those who are poorest and
most marginalized.
What was the rationale for establishing BRICS development bank?
The rationale for the BRICS development bank has been built focussing on the major needs in infrastructure
and more sustainable development. BRICS bank a major step increase in investment in infrastructure and
more sustainable development, based on the need for growth, structural change, inclusion as well as
sustainability and resilience.
Developing countries need a step-increase in infrastructure investment to accelerate economic growth and
development. There is extensive empirical evidence that infrastructure development can increase economic
growth and reduce levels of inequality. As countries move from primary to secondary and tertiary sectorbased economies, infrastructure needs expanding.
Furthermore, there is strong evidence that a lack of infrastructure is a barrier to growth. As regards
structural change, with around two billion people projected to be moving into urban centres in emerging
and developing countries in the next three decades, there is a great need for major investments in urban
infrastructure.
What is the purpose and functions of BRICS New Dvelopment Bank(NDB)?
The Bank shall mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and
other emerging economies and developing countries, complementing the existing efforts of multilateral and
regional financial institutions for global growth and development.
To fulfill its purpose, the Bank shall support public or private projects through loans, guarantees, equity
participation and other financial instruments. It shall also cooperate with international organizations and
other financial entities, and provide technical assistance for projects to be supported by the Bank.
What is the purpose of BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA)?
The BRICS CRA will help India and other signatory countries to forestall short-term liquidity pressures,
provide mutual support and further strengthen financial stability.
It would also contribute to strengthening the global financial safety net and complement existing
international arrangements (from IMF) as an additional line of defence.
Membership, Voting, Capital and Shares:
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The founding members of the Bank are the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Russian Federation, the
Republic of India, the Peoples Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa.
The membership shall be open to members of the United Nations, in accordance with the provisions of the
Articles of Agreement of the New Development Bank. It shall be open to borrowing and non-borrowing
members.
The New Development Bank shall have an initial subscribed capital of US$ 50 billion and an initial authorized
capital of US$ 100 billion. The initial subscribed capital shall be equally distributed amongst the founding
members.
The voting power of each member shall equal its subscribed shares in the capital stock of the Bank.
The Bank will be headquartered in Shanghai, China.
Its first Presidency will be held by India.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cabinet-approves-agreement-on-brics-developmentbank/article6934099.ece
Recently,The Union Cabinet cleared the establishment of the New Development Bank for funding
infrastructure and development projects in the BRICS countries.It also cleared the BRICS Contingent
Reserve Arrangement (CRA) which is meant to provide short-term liquidity support to the members in case
of a Balance of Payments Crisis.
GS paper III
Economy
Indias insolvency regime

Ques.Indias insolvency regime has drawn much criticism globally pulling down Indias ranking in the Worlds
Banks Doing Business report. What is mean Insolvency? What are the reasons for Indias low ranking in resolving
Insolvency? Steps taken by government, suggestion given by Bankruptcy Law Reform Committee (BLRC).
What is Insolvency ?
When an individual or organization is not able to meet its financial obligations with its lender or lenders as
debts become due. This condition is called as insolvency.
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Insolvency will lead to insolvency proceedings, in which legal action can be taken against the insolvent entity
(individual / organization) and assets may be liquidated to pay off outstanding debts.
Reasons for low ranking in resolving Insolvency:
The ranking of countries are based on various parameters including starting a business, dealing with
construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting investors, paying
taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts and resolving insolvency.
Indias ranking slipped in the 2015 report that ranked 189 nations even though its score improved on various
parameters. The reason: other nations performed even better. There is a continuous improvement across
the world. India improved, but others improved at a faster pace.
It takes about 4-5 years to resolve insolvency in India ,far longer than the South Asia & OECD average.
Delays in resolving insolvency issues result in loss in the value of the physical, financial and human assets of a
company. Delays in resolving insolvency increase investment risks, as the mobility of capital is impeded.
Steps taken by the Government to improve Indias Insolvency regime:

A government appointed panel suggested changes in different legislations including the Companies Act (CA) 2013 for
development of an effective corporate insolvency regime to improve Indias rank in ease of doing business index.
BLRC report suggestions:
Bankruptcy Law Reform Committee (BLRC) report said not only requires some substantive changes to
COMPANIES ACT 2013, but also certain institutional and practice related changes.
It also identifies the amendments required to comply with the judgements of the Supreme Court in relation
to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
Given the multiplicity of laws and adjudicatory forums governing insolvency matters in India, the BLRC said it
is of the opinion that developing an Insolvency Code and its operationalisation will require more time.
The report has suggested amendment in CA to specify that any secured creditor may initiate rescue
proceedings if the debtor company fails to repay debt.
It has also recommended that the NCLT should be empowered to impose sanctions/costs/damages on a
petitioner and disallow re-applications on the same grounds if it finds that a petition has been filed to abuse
the process of law.
Report suggested that Sections 253 to 258 of CA 2013 should be redrafted to ensure that the viability of a
company is taken into account while determining its sickness and enabling the creditors to have a say in such
determination.

http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/panel-for-strong-corporate-insolvency-regime115021001037_1.html
Page 57

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/banking/finance/banking/bankruptcy-law-reform-committee-seekschanges-in-companies-act-2013/articleshow/46194174.cms
The most recent Doing Business Report, a joint project of the World Bank and the International Finance
Corporation, ranks India 137 out of the 189 economies for resolving insolvencies.
The BLRC is hopeful that most of the changes proposed in the report will help in development of an effective
corporate insolvency regime in India and may also help in improving Indias ranking in the Resolving
Insolvency indicator of the Doing Business reports, the report added.The report, however, does not
address issues relating to insolvency resolution of banks and other financial institutions.
Delhi Sustainable Development Summit

Ques. Critically analyse the features and importance of Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS).
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), since 2001, annually organizes the DSDS, an international platform to
facilitate the exchange of knowledge on all aspects of sustainable development. Over the past fourteen years, it has
emerged as one of the foremost fora on issues related to global sustainability.
Features:
This flagship event of TERI brings together various Heads of State and Government, thought leaders, policymakers and the crme de la crme of industry and academia to deliberate on myriad issues.
Till date, over 37 Heads of State Government and over 50 countries have registered their presence at the
Summit.
The DSDS attracts worldwide thinkers and practitioners, coming from governments, business and industries,
multilateral and bilateral organizations, research and academia and civil society.
Following this success, TERI has established the World Sustainable Development Forum (WSDF), which aims to
emulate the DSDS, but applying its talks and research worldwide, and aiming to monitor worldwide industrial
development, associated environment and sustainability analysis, and to provide interesting solutions to local
industries and government, to meet the MDGs.
DSDS 2015: Sustainable Development Goals and Dealing with Climate Change has been identified as the theme for
the 15th edition of the Summit, which is scheduled to be held from 5-7 February, 2015 at New Delhi, India.
Page 58
Issue of displacement in India

Ques. The issue of displacement is seen as necessary evil in order to construct industries, infrastructure such as
dams, mining, roads, and power projects, which are intended to serve greater good. Discuss the development
induced displacement issue, impact of displacement, defects in policy. Suggest some measures to effectively deal
with displacement.
Development-induced displacement Forcing of communities and individuals out of their homes, often also their
homelands, for the purposes of economic development.
Why? => Natural resource extraction, urban renewal or development programmes and infrastructure projects such
as highways, bridges, irrigation canals, and dams all require land, often in large quantity.
Consequence => upheaval and displacement of communities
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Development- Displacement and Environment

In achieving the so called greater common good or the national interest the long run adverse impacts on the
natural resources are ignored.
Various developmental projects stands accused of the destruction of entire environments, including flora,
fauna, landscapes, river systems, water quality, and shorelines as well as the creation of mercury
contamination, greenhouse gases, water quality deterioration, downriver hydrological change, reservoir
sedimentation, transmission line impacts, quarries and borrow pits.
The large scale deforestation due to mining and establishment of industries has resulted in climate change
and inconsistent weathers.
Big Dams submerge huge area of forest cover causing irreversible loss to varieties of flora and fauna besides
the land area.
Defects in Compensation, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy

For the Government and its agents of development, cash compensation seems to be the only panacea for the
problems induced by displacement and only policy for rehabilitation. Moreover, the manner in which the law is
framed and interpreted ensures that the displaced land-owner or house-owner is always the loser.
The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act (LARR)
has been criticised from all sides. The limited provisions in the Land Acquisition Act to challenge the rate of
compensation are, in practice, inaccessible to the indigent and illiterate oustees. Even, only those landowners who
were familiar with the legal details of the Land Acquisition took their cases to court. The value of the land is
calculated as on the date of the gazette notification and interest is liable to be paid only from the date of taking
possession up to the date of payment of full compensation. The LAAR thus does not take into consideration the
escalation of the market value between the time of notification and the date of actual possession.
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Suggestions:
Following are some suggestion and recommendations to deal with problem of displacement caused by
development :
1. States should ensure that eviction impact assessments are carried out prior to the initiation of any project
which could result in development-based displacement, with a view to fully securing the human rights of all
potentially affected persons, groups and communities.
2. States should fully explore all possible alternatives to any act involving forced eviction.
3. Sufficient information shall be provided to affected persons, groups and communities concerning all State
projects as well as to the planning and implementation processes relating to the resettlement concerned,
including information concerning the purpose to which the eviction dwelling or site is to be put and the
persons, groups or communities who will benefit from the evicted site.
4. The State must provide or ensure fair and just compensation for any losses of personal, real or other
property or goods, including rights or interests in property.
Resettlement must occur in a just and equitable manner and in full accordance with international human rights law.
States should ensure that adequate and effective legal or other appropriate remedies are available to any persons
claiming that his/her right of protection against forced evictions has been violated or is under threat of violation.
The very basis of the Land acquisition policies in its legal premises is required to be compatible with constitutional
frame of Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy and Special Provisions for the Scheduled Castes /
Tribes and weaker sections.
Conclusion:
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The effects of displacement spill over to generations in many ways, such as loss of traditional means of employment,
change of environment, disrupted community life and relationships, marginalization, a profound psychological
trauma and more. To conclude, there is a strong need to put legal thought into issues concerning the land acquirers
as well as to thoroughly investigate issues regarding removing the imbalance from the system.
Making Cities Resilient

Ques. What do you mean by City resilience? Discuss the importance of Rockefeller Foundations 100 Resilient
Cities project in context with Indias economic growth.
What do you mean by City resilience?
A Resilient City is one that has developed capacities to help absorb future shocks and stresses to its social, economic,
and technical systems and infrastructures so as to still be able to maintain essentially the same functions, structures,
systems, and identity.
Importance of Resilient Cities:
Resilience seems a clear lens for addressing the problems of cities, suggesting unlike sustainable or
livable a fairly inclusive standard of measurement.
Resilience reflects a citys ability to persevere in the face of emergency, to continue its core mission despite
daunting challenges
Resilient systems are everyday systems that can be scaled up. Managing in an emergency is like managing
normally, except more so. In other words, as cities work to build resilience, they should develop procedures
that enable them to carry out their daily mission, whatever that mission may be.
Resilience can also address life expectancy in cities.
Rockefeller Foundations 100 Resilient Cities programme:

Objective: Designed to promote urban resilience around the world, the programme will award grants to 100 cities
that have demonstrated a dedicated commitment to building their own capacities to prepare for, withstand, and
bounce back rapidly from shocks and stresses.
It is built on two ideas:
1. Cities are complex ecosystems and have a hard time organising themselves around what their key
challenges.
2. The cities dont access the resources or best practices efficiently enough.
What Rockefeller Foundations 100 Resilient Cities programme going to do?
This programme will provide some interventions that try to address these two problems, such as:
Page 62
Provide Chief Resilience Officer (CRO) in each city, or a senior person to work in municipal government
usually with mayors or more commissioners with the breadth and gravitas to work across the sectors and
silos and engage with private sector and civil society and with other levels of governments and at the State
and national level, to promote and coordinate on the resilience agenda.
Help cities put together a resilience strategy, and to put together a risk analysis to understand what the city
is doing, is it doing it well enough, what are the key objectives for building resilience and initiatives to
support that.
Features:
The Foundations support will include hiring a chief resilience officer for the city, as well as providing aid to
develop a resilience plan and access to services to begin implementing that plan.
The intention is to circumvent the problem of conflicting civic and cultural philosophies by focusing on
solving specific problems
The programme will form the basis of a set of systematic resilience principles that are generalizable. The
project hopes to help all cities learn to view their specific problems through a resilience lens. It is likely to
be pragmatic and ad hoc, a collection of best practices for dealing with a variety of crises.
The Making Cities Resilient campaign addresses issues of local governance and urban risk while drawing
upon previous UNISDR Campaigns on safer schools and hospitals, as well as on the sustainable urbanizations
principles developed in the UN-Habitat World Urban Campaign 2009-2013.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/bengaluru-chennai-surat-among-100-resilientcities/article6866947.ece
The Rockefeller Foundation has recently announced the 100 Resilient Cities project with a $100 million commitment
to build urban resilience worldwide. It has already selected 67 cities and from India, Chennai, Bengaluru and Surat
figure in that list.
Advance Pricing Agreement (APA)

Ques. Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) is hoped to give a major boost to the companies operating in India as
well as scope of litigation for transfer pricing taxation, Critically examine.
The Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) is an arrangement between the taxpayer and the tax authority covering future
transactions, with a view to solve the potential transfer pricing disputes in a cooperative manner. APA provisions
were introduced in India with effect from July 1, 2012 by Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) introduced by by the
Finance Act, 2012.
The concept of the APA is to provide a means by which taxpayers and tax administrations can voluntarily and
mutually agree on TP issues. This process may be bilateral in nature and include the tax administration of other
Page 63

countries in which the taxpayer and its associated enterprises have transactions (provided a treaty relationship exists
between the countries).
Transfer pricing (TP) the means by which income is allocated between taxing jurisdictions has emerged as the
preeminent international taxation issue worldwide, including in India.
What was the need of APA?
Indian TP legislation was introduced with an effective date of1 April 2001. Since its introduction, TP has emerged as a
key tax challenge for multi-national enterprises (MNE) doing business in India. The nature of the transfer pricing
controversies have ranged from mundane issues such as selection of comparable data to more complex issues
involving intangible property (IP), business restructuring and financial transactions.
APA program provides a welcome opportunity for taxpayers to prevent future controversies and thus eliminate
uncertainty and cost and effort expected to be expended on future litigation.
Types of Advance Pricing Agreement (APA):
1. Unilateral APA: An APA that involves only the tax payer and the tax authority of the country where the tax
payer is located.
2. Bilateral APA (BAPA): An APA that involves the tax payer, associated enterprise (AE) of the tax payer in the
foreign country, tax authority of the country where the tax payer is located, and the foreign tax authority.
3. Multilateral APA (MAPA): An APA that involves the tax payer, two or more AEs of the tax payer in different
foreign countries, tax authority of the country where the tax payer is located, and the tax authorities of AEs
Importance of APA:
APA programme are designed to help taxpayers voluntarily resolve actual or potential transfer pricing
disputes in a proactive, cooperative manner, as an alternative to the traditional examination process.
It provides greater certainty on the transfer pricing method adopted, mitigating the possibility of disputes
and facilitating the financial reporting of potential tax liabilities.
Importantly, an APA also reduces the incidence of double taxation, and the costs associated with both audit
defence and documentation preparation.
This would also facilitate increase in the number of filing of bilateral APAs.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20150123/business-news/India-US-near-tax-pact-to-boost-foreigninvestment.553006
http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-12-20/news/57257587_1_an-apa-transfer-pricing-advancepricing-agreement
India signed its first bilateral advance pricing agreement (APA) on 19.December.2014 with with a Japanese
company is valid for five years.
Page 64
India and the US have finalised a framework to resolve transfer pricing cases, some of them pending for five
years. Under the transfer pricing deal, both sides have also agreed to respect bilateral advance pricing
arrangements.
Petrochemical industry in India

Ques. The petrochemical industry in India has been one of the fastest growing industries in the country. India is a
niche player in certain hi-tech sectors, it would strive to become so in the Petrochemical sector also Critically
describe the importance of petrochemical industry with respect to Indias growth. Also define Downstream
Industries.
The Petrochemical industry entered in the Indian industrial scene in 1970s, registered a rapid growth in the 1980s
and 1990s.
Petrochemical industry mainly comprise of synthetic fibre / yarn, polymers, Synthetic Rubber (ealstomers), Synthetic
detergent intermediates, performance plastics and plastic processing industry.
Indian petrochemical industry grew at a rate of ~11% in 2010-11. The outlook for 2011-12 is also stable and the
chemicals market is expected to grow at 11-13% p.a. over the next five years.
This is being led by strong growth in polymers, fibre intermediates, synthetic fibre andelastomers. Per capita plastic
consumption in India is still hovering at 7.0 kgs as compared to 46 kgs in China and 65 Kgs in Europe. This signifies
huge potential for future growth going by current global average per capital consumption.
What are Downstream Industries?
Industrial firms that process the output of other firms (which are at the previous level of material processing) into a
finished or different product. Examples are plastic manufacturers whose inputs come from petroleum processors,
and agro processors whose inputs come from farmers or growers. Downstream industries are, in general, more
stable and have higher profit margins than the upstream (raw material producing) industries.
Why Petrochemical industries are important?
Petrochemical products permeate the entire spectrum of daily use items and cover almost every sphere of
life like clothing, housing, construction, furniture, automobiles, household items, agriculture, horticulture,
irrigation, packaging, medical appliances, electronics and electrical etc.
Development of value added, quality petrochemical products at globally competitive prices using ecofriendly processes and technologies
Innovation of newer applications and products with focus on sustainable development.
Play a vital role in addressing our basic needs in the fields of food and water security, shelter, clothing and
textiles, health care, social and physical infrastructure, information, communication and entertainment.
It provides the foundation for manufacturing industries such as pharmaceuticals, construction, agriculture,
packaging, textiles, automotive, etc.
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Challenges faced:
lack of low cost feedstock
dependence on western countries for technology
high capital and energy costs
shortage of natural gas
lack of skilled manpower
low focus on value added exports of end products
Lack of infrastructure
The key demand drivers of this industry
GDP growth
improvement in disposable income
aspirations of young India
urbanization
boosting manufacturing sector
Petrochemicals are the derivatives of crude oil and natural gas. Olefins (ethylene, propylene & butadiene) and
Aromatics (benzene, toluene & xylenes) are the major building blocks from which most Chemicals and
Petrochemicals are produced. They are used in dyes, synthetic fibres, rubbers, plastics, pharmaceutical bulk drugs,
industrial appliances, packaging industry, detergents (surfactants).
Petrochemical Conclave is being organised on 12th February 2015 in India. The Petrochemical Conclave is the fourth
in the series of such Conclaves. It is organized by Indian Oil Corporation. A large number of stakeholders and
interested companies in the Petrochemical sector from India and abroad have participated in the conclave.
Theme of the Conclave Petrochemicals Beckon Make in India
Major points of discussion:
Government will act as a facilitator and not as regulator of the Petrochemicals Sector.
Government is ready to address the basic issues concerning the sector of Petrochemicals and downstream
industries, like environment, infrastructure and incentives.
Page 66
There is a need of capacity building in the Petrochemical sector. There could be another vertical in several
institutes for training the personnel in the petrochemicals which will provide formal and structural skill
development.
Refining companies could to be anchor units and should take part in the development of downstream
industries and infrastructure. This would help in better coordination and cooperation and the Government
would be more than happy to act as a catalyst.
There should be State level Conclaves of Petrochemical industry where all the stakeholders could participate
to thrash out the issues in an amicable manner.
Need of setting up more Petrochemical complexes in the country
Peter Pan Syndrome

Ques. What do you mean by Peter Pan syndrome? Why India is a better example for this syndrome? Explain
culture of informality. How it could be cured?
What is Peter Pan Syndrome?
A regulatory environment in which firms prefer to stay small rather than grow. A Peter Pan system is
characterized by a significant portion of firms remaining small, even though the firms could be more
productive and profitable if they were larger.
The Peter Pan syndrome can be seen in both developed and developing economies. Firms remain small in
order to avoid reaching thresholds that, if crossed, could expose them to a different set of regulations.
Why emerging markets like India is described better example for Peter Pan Syndrome?
According to economic theory, firms make investments in technology to increase productivity. But in
emerging markets such as India, where a culture of informality is widespread, businesses fear IT as it
removes the veil of secrecy around business practices that are conducive for tax evasion.
India presents an ideal setting to study this question:
First, the retail sector is at an early stage of modernization, labor is still relatively cheap, the complementary
infrastructures are still not fully available; and hence the productivity gains from IT adoption is a priori ambiguous,
requiring systematic empirical analysis. Specifically, the minimum wages and literacy levels vary across states, giving
us state level variation on the labor-saving productivity benefits of using computers.
Second, with high level of corruption in India, the transparency concerns are especially acute as India scores a poor
36 (out of 100) in the Transparency International (2012) report and ranks at 94 out of 176 countries.
Further, given Indias federal system of government where states have significant power, there is considerable
variation in the levels of corruption, enforcement and auditing across different states in India.
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This tendency of firms(retail sector) in emerging markets to shun growth and remain small at the expense of
efficiency, technology adoption and innovativeness to avoid taxes and regulatory scrutiny has been dubbed
the Peter Pan Syndrome.
REASON- Culture of Informality:
A culture of informality where firms keep business outputs hidden or opaque from the formal system of
monitoring and thus avoid being subject to government taxation and regulation varies across economies.
Why firms prefer informality?
Firms prefer informality as it helps them avoid taxes and costly regulation. When unilaterally avoiding taxes
becomes a competitive advantage when firms are unlikely to be caught and punished. For example, when
corruption is high or enforcement is patchy, tax avoidance is feasible through paying bribes.
How this syndrome cured?
The Peter Pan Syndrome will be cured once the governments across the emerging markets has to improve
the business environment to be free from corruption, and enhance the level and consistency of
enforcement.

http://www.thehindu.com/business/markets/retailers-hit-by-peter-pan-syndrome/article6892692.ece
Recently, a study conducted by Yale University has revealed that corruption and lower enforcement reduces
adoption of productivity-enhancing technology among retailers in India. The study was based on a survey of
1,948 Indian retailers, who are part of a $500 billion industry that is growing at 8-10 per cent per annum.
Forward markets commission (FMC)

Ques. Critically analyse the structure and functioning of Forward markets commission (FMC). Describe the
problems faced by FMC. Do you think SBI and FMC should be merged? Examine the pros and cons of such move.
Forward markets commission (FMC) is headquartered at Mumbai. It is a regulatory authority which is overseen by
the Ministry of finance. It is a statutory body set up in 1953 under the forward contracts (Regulation) act 1952
Functions of forward markets commission
1) To advise the central government in respect of the recognition (or) the withdrawal of the recognition from any
association or in respect of any other matter arising out of the administration of forward contracts (Regulator ) act
1952.
2) To make recommendations generally with a view to improving the organization & the working of
forward markets.
3) To keep forward markets under observation and to take such action in relation to them, as it may consider
necessary, in exercise of the powers assigned to it by or under the act.
Page 68

BN Sri Krishna committee recommendations:
BN Sri Krishna head of Financial sector legislative reforms commission (FSLRC)
The committee recommended for a unified Financial Agency in place of the multiple regulators in the
financial sector.
Problems being faced by commodities market:

1) Forward trading in commodities market is facing tough time as volume has dipped to five year low.
2) Imposition of commodities transaction tax (CTT)
3) National spot exchange limited (NSEL) payment crisis.
4) Shifting of investors from commodities to equity.
Why FMC & SEBI should be merged?
Forward trading in commodities is also one of the capital market activities & a kind of financial transactions.
So both should be merged.
At present, an investor have to keep track of seven regulators. (Like insurance, capital market, pension etc..)
So all financial institutions including Forward Market Commission should be merged to streamline the
financial system in India so that it will become investor friendly.
Creation of single entity will help to monitor the futures market more efficiently.
Why FMC and SEBI should not merged?
According to opponents, forward markets commission is a chief regulator of the commodities derivatives.
SEBI is a capital markets regulator. So the issue merging both is irrelevant in the context of todays globalized
markets.
Commodity market is very different from the capital market. The commodity markets requires much more
handholding & physical market reforms than the capital markets. The commodities market is very different
from capital markets in terms of objectives & characteristics. So both should not be merged.
We should learn lesson from western experience. They tried to trade treat commodity derivatives on a par
with other financial markets & the move backfired. This led to the rise of crude oil futures to all time high.
One key difference between commodity and capital market is delivery of goods. In the capital market,
delivery of goods. In the capital market, delivery involves book entries. But in the commodity market, the
participants will give or take physical delivery of the underlying commodity through the exchanges.
Road Safety and Transport Bill, 2014

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Ques. Road traffic accidents are amenable to remedial action. Critically examine the important proposals in the
Road Safety and Transport Bill, 2014. Discuss the Bills shortcomings to address the road safety and the way
forward.
The global safety report of WHO states that India has the highest road traffic accident rate worldwide with
over 140,000 deaths annually, beating even China. Road accidents are a serious problem, but little attention
is being paid to this. While annually the nation loses almost 1.5 per cent of its GDP on account of road
accidents, we are not even spending 10 per cent of that amount to make our roads safe.
To address the problem of road safety, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways(MoRTH)
introduced draft Road Safety and Transport Bill, 2014. If passed by Parliament, it would replace the existing
Motor Vehicles Act of 1988.
Important Proposals of the bill:
The bill proposes strict penalties and heavy fines for violating signals. The proposed fine varies from Rs.
5,000 to 50,000
It proposes fine of Rs. 5 lakh per vehicle, as well as imprisonment, for faulty manufacturing design, besides
cancellation of licenses for rash and negligent driving and holds both the manufacturer and the user liable. In
case of using vehicle in unsafe conditions such as using a vehicle which as prior defects, violates the safety
standards; a penalty of Rs. 1 lakh or imprisonment for six months, which may extend to one year or both, is
proposed.
It proposes the creation of three lead agencies: national authority for road safety, national transport and
multimodal coordination authority and state transport authority
It has set targets to reduce the number of fatal road accidents
Strict penalties for offences involving children
Unified vehicle registration system and registration to be linked with insurance, vehicle offences, and vehicle
fitness
vehicle fitness testing and worthiness road tests for all cars and two-wheelers every five years
multi-modal integration of bus rapid transport and intra-city transport
Provisions for NMT and pedestrian bicycle infrastructure
Emphasis on safety of schoolchildren/women/persons with disability
Analysis :
The draft Road Safety and Transport Bill, 2014, stresses on improving the system of catching an offender,
streamlining issuance of driving licences, penalty, and registration of vehicles and introduction of digital
systems.
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To check speed limit, it proposes use of the intelligent speed adaptation, driver alert control and eye
drowsiness detector, but these are to be managed and made functional by the states at their level.
The proposed road safety bill is focused more technology solutions than urban design solutions. There is also
no clarity on monitoring and compliance strategies and institutional arrangements.
The main focus of the bill is on stronger punitive action and penalty. It aims to make the penalties more
stringent, with an aim to curb traffic violations. It has proposed steep penalties of up to Rs 3 lakh, along with
a minimum seven-year imprisonment for death of a child in certain circumstances, besides huge fines for
driving violations.
Bills Shortcomings:
There are several shortcomings in the bill to address the problem of road safety.
The proposed fines are about 10 times higher than what they should be. The penalty amount has not been
decided by keeping Indias per capita income in view.
Secondly, as the deterrent is quite high it can lead to under-reporting which is already a major issue in India.
the effectiveness of delivery of reforms- The reforms created in road safety bill are similar to that existed in
JNNURM and to our surprise not more than one or two cities could fulfill any of the reforms successfully in
the last eight years in the JNNURM scheme. Creating similar reforms with similar set ups are again going to
create parallel authorities with no specific transport solution.
There is no clarity about institutional arrangements. When it comes to catching the traffic offenders, the bill
is not clear about who is going to collect the fine and how it is going to be utilised.
This bill has completely ignored the role of urban design in ensuring safe access.
Way ahead
Roads in India have to be designed keeping land uses and road activities in mind. Road design should include
needs of pedestrians and cyclists. The bill has to take into account the principles of National Urban Transport
Policy guidelines and other street design guidelines and they have to be made mandatory. The proposed
road safety bill ought not to repeat the mistakes of JNNURM, which just brought in more projects of road
widening, constructing signal free roads and making road infrastructure unsafe for vulnerable users such as
pedestrians and cyclists. However good the bill maybe, but a stringent enforcement has to act as a
deterrent.
Together, this is known as a sustainable transport approach to road safety. It includes the redesign of
urban streets and transport systems so that greater emphasis is put on public transport, non-motorised
transport and transit-oriented development.
Subsidies
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Ques. Subsidies are like cholesterol, bad for the most part, but some good ones can be greatly helpful. What is a
Subsidy? Why government providing subsidies when it is burden to the economy? What are the reasons for
increase in subsidy burden, advantages and potential problems of subsidy?
What is a Subsidy?
A subsidy is a financial contribution by a government, or agent of a government, that confers a benefit on its
recipients.
To increase consumption and production, the government can offer a subsidy to reduce the price and
increase quantity.
Examples of goods with positive externalities in societies
Health care free universal health care can ensure everyone gets vaccinated; this prevents the spread of
infectious disease, which benefits everyone. In other words, you have a personal benefit from other people
being healthy.
Collecting refuse and litter If litter is picked up it benefits everyone else who can enjoy a more beautiful
environment. It also helps improve public health.
Education. If the long-term structurally unemployed workers gain useful training and education, it enables
them to find work. This has benefits for other people in society The government receives more tax
revenue and pays less unemployment benefit. There is also a less tangible benefit of a more cohesive
society.
Why Government providing subsidies when it is burden to the economy?
It is true that subsidies are a burden currently. It is also true that a significant number of people in the
country are poor and therefore need help. But what is not true is that by keeping prices artificially
depressed through subsidies the government is trying to help the poor man. All it is doing through this
populist measure is to ensure that it gets enough votes to remain in power for another term. What the
government needs to do is to do things in tandem. This means that it needs to get on with the policy
reforms and at the same time start cutting back on the subsidies. Doing just one without the other would
not help achieve the desired result. And the desired result is one we all want India to shine in the long
term.
What are the reasons account for the increase in the Central Government subsidies in recent years?
(i)moving the petroleum sector to a transparent system of budgetary subsidies and delay in the announced phasing
out of the subsidies on PDS kerosene and domestic LPG;
(ii)increase in explicit budgetary subsidies on food and fertilizer; and
(iii)increase in input costs unaccompanied by any improvement in recovery rates resulting in escalation of implicit
subsidies on a variety of economic and social services.
Advantages of Subsidies
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Enables greater social efficiency. Consumers end up paying the socially efficient price which includes the
external benefit.
If you subsidise public transport, it will encourage people to drive less, and reduce their negative
externalities. In the long term, subsidies for a good will help change preferences. It will encourage firms to
develop more products with positive externalities.
Potential problems of subsidies:
The cost will have to be met through taxation. Some taxation, e.g. income tax, may reduce incentives to
work. Though the most efficient way to raise revenue for subsidising positive externalities, would be to tax
goods with negative externalities, e.g. tax cars driving in city centres (congestion charge) and use the money
to pay for public transport.
Difficult to estimate the extent of the positive externality, therefore the government may have poor
information about the service and how much to subsidise.
There is a danger that government subsidies may encourage firms/industries to be inefficient and they come
to rely on subsidy rather than improve efficiency.
Callable and Non-Callable deposits

Ques. What do you mean by callable and Non-Callable deposits? Why RBI want to allow bank to take Non-Callable
deposits? Also describe its benefits.
What is callable deposit?
A callable deposit is a time deposit with a bank or financial institution. But unlike other CDs, callable CDs can
be redeemed by the issuer before the maturity date.
According to the RBI, All deposits accepted from individuals and Hindu undivided family (HUF) up to Rs. 1
crore are callable have the facility of premature withdrawal.
What is non callable deposit?
Non-callable(fixed deposits which cannot be broken) means is that once a depositor agrees to deposit a sum
of money in a non-callable deposit, he/she will not be able to withdraw it till the end of the contracted
tenure. Depositors could earn higher returns by placing a non-callable deposit.
Why RBI wanted to allow non-callable deposits?
Current deposit scheme: Currently, banks are allowed to offer differential rates of interest on deposits on
the basis of tenor for deposits less than Rs. 1 crore and on the basis of quantum for deposits of Rs. 1 crore
and above. Banks are, however, not permitted to differentiate on the basis of any other parameter of the
deposit contract.
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Currently, only five-year fixed deposits that are invested for tax-saving purposes are non-callable. All other
fixed deposits in India can be broken. This results in asset-liability management issues, especially under the
Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) requirement under the Basel III framework. It is, therefore, RBI proposed to
allow non-callable deposits.
Benefits of allowing non-callable deposits:
By allowing non-callable deposits, banks will be able to get longer term funds which they are sure will not be
withdrawn.
The stability on the funding side could help banks lend more. Banks can exactly match their liabilities with
assets.
It also helps banks to reduce their interest rate risk- depositors may choose to break their existing deposits
to earn higher interest. Non-callable deposits will mitigate that risk for banks.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/banking/banks-will-soon-be-allowed-to-takenoncallable-deposits/article6852051.ece
Recently, RBI said that banks will be allowed to take non-callable deposits to deal with the asset-liability
management issues.
Environment & Biodiversity
Algae bloom
Ques. Algae are emerging to be one of the most promising long-term, sustainable sources of biomass and oils for
fuel, food, feed, and other co-products as well as bloom-forming algal gives a new hope in addressing global
warming, Critically examine.
Algae is a single or multi-cellular organism that has no roots, stems or leaves and is often found in water. They
photosynthetic organisms(i.e. use sunlight and chlorophyll to make food). They live all over the world, from the
oceans to the desert, and from hot springs to snow and ice. Examples seaweed, kelp, and red, brown and green
algae.
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Algal bloom/bloom forming algae:

An algal bloom or marine bloom or water bloom is a rapid increase in the population of algae in an aquatic system.
Algal blooms may occur in freshwater as well as marine environments. Some algal blooms are the result of an excess
of nutrients (particularly phosphorus and nitrogen) into waters and higher concentrations of these nutrients in water
cause increased growth of algae and green plants. As more algae and plants grow, others die. This dead organic
matter becomes food for bacteria that decompose it.
Benefits/uses of algae:
Algae store energy in the form of oils and carbohydrates, which, combined with their high productivity,
means they can produce from 2,000 to as many as 5,000 gallons of biofuels per acre per year.
Algae Can Purify Wastewaters.
Rich in protein, can be uses as fodder for animals.
Macroalgae (seaweeds) are grown in the sea, or even on land with seawater, and their sugars can be
converted into biofuels and chemicals.
What is Harmful Algal Bloom?

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With more food available, the bacteria increase in number and use up the dissolved oxygen in the water.
When the dissolved oxygen content decreases, many fish and aquatic insects cannot survive. This results in a
dead area.
Algal blooms may also be of concern as some species of algae produce neurotoxins.
At the high cell concentrations reached during some blooms, these toxins may have severe biological
impacts on wildlife.
Algal blooms composed of phytoplankters known to naturally produce biotoxins are often called Harmful
Algal Blooms, or HABs.
Recent discovery:
Recently, two beneficial algal species Ulva paschima Bast and Cladophora goensis Bast were discovered off the west
coast of India.
1. Carbon Capture and Storage It is defined as the ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and
reduce global warming. Recently discovered algal species have excellent carbon capture properties. So they
can be used to produce Biofuels & in reducing the climate change / global warming impacts
2. Bio-invasion is nothing but the rapid expansion of a species into regions where it had not previously existed,
often as a result of human agency. Two beneficial algal species Ulva paschima Bast and Cladophora goensis
Bast are ENDEMIC species restricted to the west coast of India. So the chance of bio invasion is least.
3. These Algal species have similar characteristic like other algal species which have a substance
called Kahalalide-F , used in in clinical trials against prostate and breast cancers. So they can be used in
Pharmaceutical products.
4. These algal species can be used to control Global warming. Generally Cultivation systems are costlier. But
growing these algae is not expensive. Reason they can grow spontaneously [less fertilizers required]
[ called bloom forming algae].
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/beneficial-algal-species-discovered/article6857202.ece
Two new bloom-forming algal species were discovered recently off the west coast of India.
Global Environment Facility (GEF)

Ques. GEF is the largest provider of funds for environmental initiatives to developing countries. India has been a
leading developing country participant in the GEF since its inception in 1991and has played a major role in shaping
the restructuring of the GEF, Critically discuss
The Global Environment Facility is a partnership for international cooperation where 183 countries work together
with international institutions, civil society organizations and the private sector, to address global environmental
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issues. GEF is a financial mechanism to support countries in efforts to achieve the goals of United Nations
Conventions covering climate change, biodiversity, Ozone layer depletion, land degradation etc.
GEF is also working on an Integrated Program on Sustainable Cities to develop conceptual models on integrated
urban design, planning and management for resilient and sustainable development.
The GEF provides grants through 13 operational programs (OPs):
Biodiversity
OP1. Semi-Arid Zone Ecosystems
OP2. Coastal, Marine, and Freshwater Ecosystems
OP3. Forest Ecosystems
OP4. Mountain Ecosystems
OP13. Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity Important to Agriculture
Climate Change
OP5. Removal of Barriers to Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation
OP6. Promoting the Adoption of Renewable Energy by Removing Barriers and Reducing
Implementation Costs
OP7. Reducing the Long-Term Costs of Low Greenhouse Gas Emitting Energy Technologies
OP11. Promoting Environmentally Sustainable Transport
International Waters
OP8. Water body based Operational Program
OP9. Integrated Land and Water Multiple Focal Area Operational Program
OP10. Contaminant-Based Operational Program
Multi-focal Area
OP#12. Integrated Ecosystem Management
India is both a donor and a recipient of GEF. It had contributed US $ 6.0 million to the core fund in the GEF Pilot
Phase. India has formed a permanent Constituency in the Executive Council of the GEF together with Bangladesh, Sri
Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and Maldives. The Council Meetings are held semi-annually or as frequently necessary. At each
meeting, the Council elects a Chairperson from among its members for the duration of that meeting. Indias
Executive Director in the World Bank represents the GEF Council from our Constituency.
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Global Environment Facility (GEF) has recently agreed to undertake pilot projects in four Indian cities for promoting
green urban practices.
Coral reefs
All coral reefs began life as single polyp a tiny, soft marine animal like a small sea anemone which
attached to a hard surface.
Stony coral species live as colonies and exude calcium carbonate, which forms an external skeleton. As the
polyps grow and die, these stony corals create the reefs. There are also other coral and coral-like species,
including soft corals which do not form a skeleton.
Tropical corals additionally get energy from small algae living symbiotically inside the polyp. It is these algae,
called zooxanthellae, which give the corals their colour.
Tropical coral reefs are found between 30 north and south of the equator, in areas where surface water
temperatures do not drop below 16C.
Tropical reefs can grow upwards at rates of 1cm to 100cm per year. They can form huge structures over
incredibly long periods of time, making them the largest and oldest living systems on earth. For example,
Australias 2,000-km long Great Barrier Reef was formed over the course of five million years.
Tropical coral polyps have small algae, or zooxanthellae, growing inside them. This is a cooperative, or
symbiotic, venture. The algae gets shelter and food (in the form of nutrients from captured plankton) from
the polyp, while the polyp also gets some food in return from the algae via photosynthesis (turning light
energy from the sun into food). This photosynthesis means algae need sunlight to live, and this is why
tropical corals only grow where the sea is shallow and clear.
The algae also give corals their colour. If the algae become stressed, such as if the water temperature
becomes too high, they leave the polyp. This exposes the white, calcium carbonate skeletons of the coral
and is called coral bleaching.
coral species include algae, fish, dugongs, marine turtles, sea snakes, worms, crustaceans, mollusks,
starfish,and many more.
Types of Coral Reefs:
There are three basic kinds of coral reefs: fringing reefs, barrier reefs, and atolls.
-Fringing reefs
grow in shallow waters close to the coast.
-Barrier reefs are separated from
land by a lagoon, growing parallel to the coast and forming a large and continuous
reef
-Atolls are ring-shaped reefs that
develop near the sea surface on underwater islands or islands that sink, or subside.
Importance of coral reefs:
Tropical coral reefs are very productive ecosystems. Not only are do they support enormous biodiversity,
they are also of immense value to humankind.
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Fisheries: Coral reefs are vital to the worlds fisheries. They form the nurseries for about a quarter of the
oceans fish, and thus provide revenue for local communities as well as national and international fishing
fleets.
Tourism: Tourism revenues generated by coral reefs are also significant. For example, according to a report ,
Australias Great Barrier Reef generates well over US$1 billion per year. Sustainably manged coral reef-based
tourism can also provide significant alternative or additional sources of income to poorer coastal
communities in developing countries.
Coastal protection: Coral reefs break the power of the waves during storms, hurricanes, typhoons, and even
tsumanis. By helping to prevent coastal erosion, flooding, and loss of property on the shore, the reefs save
billions of dollars each year in terms of reduced insurance and reconstruction costs and reduced need to
build costly coastal defences, also reduces human cost of destruction and displacement.
Source of medical advances: coral reef species also contribute to future medical advances. Already coral
reef organisms are being used in treatments for diseases like cancer and HIV.
Major threats to coral reefs and their habitats include:
Destructive fishing practices: These include cyanide fishing, blast or dynamite fishing, bottom trawling, and
muro-ami (banging on the reef with sticks). Bottom-trawling is one of the greatest threats to cold-water
coral reefs.
Overfishing: This affects the ecological balance of coral reef communities, warping the food chain and
causing effects far beyond the directly overfished population.
Careless tourism: Careless boating, diving, snorkeling, and fishing happens around the world, with people
touching reefs, stirring up sediment, collecting coral, and dropping anchors on reefs. Some tourist resorts
and infrastructure have been built directly on top of reefs, and some resorts empty their sewage or other
wastes directly into water surrounding coral reefs.
Pollution: Urban and industrial waste, sewage, agrochemicals, and oil pollution are poisoning reefs. These
toxins are dumped directly into the ocean or carried by river systems from sources upstream. Some
pollutants, such as sewage and runoff from farming, increase the level of nitrogen in seawater, causing an
overgrowth of algae, which smothers reefs by cutting off their sunlight.
Sedimentation: Erosion caused by construction (both along coasts and inland), mining, logging, and farming
is leading to increased sediment in rivers. This ends up in the ocean, where it can smother corals by
depriving them of the light needed to survive. The destruction of mangrove forests, which normally trap
large amounts of sediment, is exacerbating the problem.
Coral mining: Live coral is removed from reefs for use as bricks, road-fill, or cement for new buildings. Corals
are also sold as souvenirs to tourists and to exporters who dont know or dont care about the longer term
damage done, and harvested for the live rock trade.
Climate change: Corals cannot survive if the water temperature is too high. Global warming has already led
to increased levels of coral bleaching, and this is predicted to increase in frequency and severity in the
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coming decades. Such bleaching events may be the final nail in the coffin for already stressed coral reefs and
reef ecosystems.
Science & Technology
Agni-V Missile
Ques. Write a note on Agni-V missile developed by DRDO.
Agni-V is an intercontinental ballistic missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO) of India. Agni V is part of the Agni series of missiles, one of the missile systems under the original Integrated
Guided Missile Development Programme.
Features:
Agni-V is Indias first 5,000 kilometre range missile and it is a matter of pride for us all.
The Agni missiles, including Agni-V are crucial for Indias defence keeping in mind China- since the country
has in recent times, deployed missiles in the Tibet Autonomous Region bordering India.
Once fired, the Agni-V cannot be stopped, also travels faster than a bullet. Plus, it can carry 1,000 kgs of
nuclear weapons. It can be launched using a special canister means that it could even be launched from the
roadside.
Agni-V is Indias longest-range missile to carry a nuclear warhead. It carries the capacity to load a nuclear
warhead weighing over a tonne.
Missile is about a big seventeen metres tall. So, when it is fired, the first rocket takes it to a height of 40
kilometres, the second pushes it past 150 kilometres and the third takes it over 300 kilometres above the
earth. In its final stage, the missile reaches a height of approximately 800 kilometres.
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DRDO has recently successfully test-fired the third developmental trial of Agni-V surface-to-surface missile from the
Wheeler Island off Odisha coast. Many new technologies relating to navigation and guidance, warhead as well as
engine has been tried out in this version.
Page 81
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Linking HIV treatment to aadhaar

Ques. Critically analyse the importance of linking HIV treatment to Aadhaar. How it will bring more efficiency and
transparency in the treatment process?
A pilot project has been launched by the National AIDS Control Organisation or Naco to link people living with HIV to
the Aadhar card scheme, enabling every patient to have a unique ID. Even those coming for HIV infection testing will
have to produce their Aadhaar cards.
Objective: The project aims to ensure better access to health, financial and social sector benefits for all.
Importance:
The National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) has created a special software which will identify a patient
who goes for testing at different centres and gets registered at all the centres.
Once linked to Aadhaar, the computer will blink and we will be able to know that the individual is already
registered elsewhere and has come for re-testing. This is to avoid duplication of patients going to several
ART Centres for testing.
It will ensure speedy access to existing health, finance and social sector benefits for the people living with
HIV.
This will also help us record authentic details, particularly home address of patients and will be helpful in
tracking down if he or she does not turn up to take the regular check-ups or medicines.
The most common reason for going to various centres for testing is stigma and discrimination associated with the
disease, or at times because of side-effect of medicines. People often register under fake names and addresses and
it is difficult to track them down when the do came up for check-ups or to take their medicines. Linking HIV
treatment with aadhaar is hoped to address this issue successfully.
Light-emitting diode (LED)

What is LED?
A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits visible light when an electric current passes
through it. The light is not particularly bright, but in most LEDs it is monochromatic, occurring at a
single wavelength.
The output from an LED can range from red (at a wavelength of approximately 700 nanometers) to blueviolet (about 400 nanometers).
What is Ultra Violet light?
Ultraviolet light is a form of radiation which is not visible to the human eye. Its in an invisible part of the
electromagnetic spectrum.
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Ultraviolet (UV) light has shorter wavelengths than visible light. Although UV waves are invisible to the
human eye, some insects, such as bumblebees, can see them.
Sources of UV radiation
The Sun is a source of the full spectrum of ultraviolet radiation, which is commonly subdivided into UV-A,
UV-B, and UV-C. These are the classifications most often used in Earth sciences. UV-C rays are the most
harmful and are almost completely absorbed by our atmosphere. UV-B rays are the harmful rays that cause
sunburn. Exposure to UV-B rays increases the risk of DNA and other cellular damage in living organisms.
Fortunately, about 95 percent UV-B rays are absorbed by ozone in the Earths atmosphere.
Significance of UV LEDs
UV LED curing is an emerging technology used to treat surfaces with monochromatic ultraviolet
radiation from LEDs. Ultraviolet curing is traditionally carried out with mercury-vapor lamps. With the advent
of LEDs capable of producing UV radiation, curing devices using the technology have increasingly been
incorporated in industrial and commercial applications
Overall Applications and Advantages of deep UV LEDs
These deep UV LEDs emit even shorter wavelengths of light than blue LEDs, and they have promising
applications.
Environmental applications
The sterilizing effects of deep UV radiation can be put to use disinfecting water and sewage.
This is already done using mercury lamps, but the new LEDs have many advantages: They are smaller and
can run on lower voltage, around 5-7 volts. They are far more durable, lasting more than 10,000 hours,
compared to around 3,000 to 5,000 hours for mercury lamps. Finally, they do not use toxic mercury.
Medical applications
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It has a wide range of applications in addition to the sterilization of medical instrumentation.
One example is dermatology, where selective dosing with different wavelengths of deep UV radiation can be
used as a form of light therapy to treat skin disorders.
Another example is the measurement of the purity and density of proteins and DNA by combining the LEDs
with photodetectors.
Industrial Applications
Used with UV-hardening resins for bonding and coating processes, the LEDs can improve the efficiency of the
production line because they can reach stable output much faster than mercury lamps, which take more
time to warm up.
Why recently in News?

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/led-revolution-unfolds-in-guntur/article6903319.ece
Urea subsidy policy in India

What is urea?
Urea or carbamide is an organic compound with the chemical formula CO(NH2)2. The molecule has two NH2
groups joined by a carbonyl (C=O) functional group. Discovered by Friedrich Whler in 1828.
Urea serves an important role in the metabolism of nitrogen-containing compounds by animals and is the main
nitrogen-containing substance in the urine of mammals.
It is a colorless, odorless solid, highly soluble in water and practically non-toxic. Dissolved in water, it is neither acidic
nor alkaline. The body uses it in many processes, the most notable one being nitrogen excretion. Urea is widely used
in fertilizers as a convenient source of nitrogen. Urea is also an important raw material for the chemical industry.
Scope of urea in agriculture:
Urea has the highest nitrogen content of all solid nitrogenous fertilizers in common use. Therefore, it has the
lowest transportation costs per unit of nitrogen nutrient.
Urea is also used in many multi-component solid fertilizer formulations. Urea is highly soluble in water and
is, therefore, also very suitable for use in fertilizer solutions.
The most common impurity of synthetic urea is biuret, which impairs plant growth.
In grain and cotton crops, urea is often applied at the time of the last cultivation before planting. In high
rainfall areas and on sandy soils (where nitrogen can be lost through leaching) and where good in-season
rainfall is expected, urea can be side- or top-dressed during the growing season.
Urea policy in India
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In 2004, when the UPA came to power India was totally self sufficient in production of urea with no imports.
The subsidy on locally produced urea was 8521 crore that year.
In April 2014, the UPA government in its last days, cut off the lifeline of three urea plants. It gave a final push
to a ten-year-old trend of replacing domestic urea production with imports.
Today, India imports over a quarter of the urea it uses. The imported urea is not cheap. It is, in fact, far more
expensive than the urea produced by the naphtha based plants but is heavily subsidised by the Finance
Ministry. The subsidy on urea imports was 18,016 crore in 2012-13.
Consequences of shortage of urea:

The urea shortfall has been a boon for some of the dealers and traders who have indulged in black marketing this
product. Depending on the market, urea is being sold at more than double its official price, thereby creating a money
making racket for a handful of dealers and traders while the government is burdened with a huge subsidy payout .
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/aap-to-launch-jai-kisan-abhiyan-in-haryana/article6906766.ece
Mridaparikshak
Ques. Critically analyse the features of Mridaparikshak recently developed by ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil
Science.
ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, a research institute under the Natural Resource Management (NRM)
Division of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has developed Mridaparikshak, a MINILAB that can
determine soil health.
The development of the MINILAB is an outcome of the initiative of ICAR and the concerted efforts by a team of
scientists of ICAR-IISS, Bhopal in collaboration with M/s Nagarjuna Agrochemicals Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad to meet the
need for having a quick, portable, scientific, and economical system of determining soil health.
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The Features of MRIDAPARIKSHAK include:
Mridaparikshak is a digital mobile quantitative minilab/soil test kit to provide soil testing service at farmers
doorsteps.
Mridaparikshak determines all the important soil parameters i.e. soil pH, EC, organic carbon, available
nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and micronutrients like zinc, boron and iron.
It also provides crop and soil specific fertilizer recommendations directly to farmers mobile through SMS.
It is highly compatible with soil health card.
Mridaparikshak comes with soil sampling tools, GPS, balance, shaker, hot plate, and a Smart Soil Pro, an
instrument for determining the soil parameters and displaying of fertilizer nutrient recommendations.
It can be operated by young educated farmers/rural youths (11-12 Pass) with short training.

Nanotechnology
Ques. Critically analyse the importance of Nanotechnology. Describe its various applications.
NANOTECHNOLOGY
Nanotechnology is defined as the manipulation of materials measuring 100 nm or less in at least one
dimension. Nanotechnology can be defined as the science and engineering involved in the design, synthesis,
characterization, and application of materials and devices whose smallest functional organization in at least
one dimension is on the nanometer scale or one billionth of a meter.
Nanomaterials Why?
Tiny size
Incredible surface area per unit mass
Light weight
Strong
Applications :
Sunglasses using protective and antireflective ultrathin polymer coatings. Nanotechnology also offers
scratch-resistant coatings based on nanocomposites that are transparent, ultra-thin, simple to care for,
wellsuited for daily use and reasonably priced.
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Textiles can incorporate nanotechnology to make practical improvements to such properties as

windproofing and waterproofing, preventing wrinkling or staining, and guarding against electrostatic
discharges.
Electronics and communications: recording using nanolayers and dots, flat-panel displays, wireless
technology, new devices and processes across the entire range of communication and information
technologies, factors of thousands to millions improvements in both data storage capacity and processing
speeds and at lower cost and improved power efficiency compared to present electronic circuits
Chemicals and materials: catalysts that increase the energy efficiency of chemical plants and improve the
combustion efficiency (thus lowering pollution emission) of motor vehicles, super-hard and tough (i.e., not
brittle) drill bits and cutting tools, smart magnetic fluids for vacuum seals and lubricants
Pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and life sciences: nanostructured drugs, gene and drug delivery systems
targeted to specific sites in the body, bio-compatible replacements for body parts and fluids, self-diagnostics
for use in the home, sensors for labs-on-a-chip, material for bone and tissue regeneration
Manufacturing: precision engineering based on new generations of microscopes and measuring techniques,
new processes and tools to manipulate matter at an atomic level, nanopowders that are sintered into bulk
materials with special properties that may include sensors to detect incipient failures and actuators to repair
problems, chemical-mechanical polishing with nanoparticles, self-assembling of structures from molecules,
bio-inspired materials and biostructures.
Sports equipment manufacturers are also turning to nanotech. A high-performance ski wax, which produces
a hard and fast-gliding surface, is already in use. The ultra-thin coating lasts longer than conventional waxing
systems. Tennis rackets with carbon nanotubes have increased torsion and flex resistance. The rackets are
more rigid than current carbon rackets and pack more power. Long-lasting tennis-balls are made by coating
the inner core with clay polymer nanocomposites and have twice the lifetime of conventional balls.
Energy technologies: new types of batteries, artificial photosynthesis for clean energy, quantum well solar
cells, safe storage of hydrogen for use as a clean fuel, energy savings from using lighter materials and smaller
circuits.
Space exploration: lightweight space vehicles, economic energy generation and management, ultrasmall
and capable robotic systems.
Environment: selective membranes that can filter contaminants or even salt from water, nanostructured
traps for removing pollutants from industrial effluents, characterisation of the effects of nanostructures in
the environment, maintenance of industrial sustainability by significant reductions in materials and energy
use, reduced sources of pollution, increased opportunities for recycling.
National security: detectors and detoxifiers of chemical and biological agents, dramatically more capable
electronic circuits, hard nanostructured coatings and materials, camouflage materials, light and selfrepairing
textiles, blood replacement, miniaturised surveillance systems.
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India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO)

Project
What are neutrinos?
Neutrinos are subatomic particles and, like photons and electrons, are one of the fundamental particles of
nature. Neutrinos are products of radioactive decay. Like the streaming photons that we see as light, neutrinos
are streaming all over the universe in great abundance. In fact, after photons, neutrinos are the most abundant
particles in the universe.
Types of neutrinos:
Three typeselectron, muon and tau

http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/what-will-be-the-indiabased-neutrino-observatorysimpact/article6764398.ece
Government of Indias Union Cabinet recently approved the India-based Neutrino Observatory project. The
India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) Project is a multi-institutional effort aimed at building a world-class
underground laboratory with a rock cover of approximately 1200 meter.
INO project is jointly supported by Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Department of Science & Technology
(DST) with DAE acting as the nodal agency.
Objective: Conduct basic research on the elementary particle called neutrino.
Why is a study of the elusive neutrinos important?
Since neutrinos abound in the universe, even their tiny masses can have an effect on the evolution of the
universe through their gravitational effects.
Neutrino studies, such as at the INO, to determine their masses and other properties will thus be able to provide
information that is complementary astrophysical measurements on the evolution of the universe. Thus,
neutrinos hold the key to fundamental questions on the origin of the universe and energy production in stars.
Since not everything about neutrinos is known, the INO and other future experiments will seek to find answers
to many outstanding questions about the nature of the universe that we are a part of. The INO is thus an
experimental project in basic sciences seeking to expand our knowledge horizon.
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Features of project:
Presently 21 research institutes, Universities and IITs from all over the country are involved in this project.
INO is expected to galvanise interest in basic science research in the whole country and particularly in and
around Theni and Madurai districts of Tamil Nadu. Science students across the country will have opportunity
to pursue cutting edge research in the field of particle physics while being located in India.
The observatory will be located underground so as to provide adequate shielding to the neutrino detector
from cosmic background radiation.
India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) is a proposed particle physics research project to primarily study
atmospheric neutrinos in a 1,300 meters (4,300 ft) deep cave under Ino Peak near Theni, Tamil Nadu, India.
This project is notable in that it is anticipated to provide a precise measurement of neutrino mixing
Page 90

parameters. The project is a multi-institute collaboration and one of the biggest experimental particle
physics projects undertaken in India
Neutrino oscillation:
A phenomenon by which one type of neutrino transforms into another. They can morph from one type or
flavour to another as they pass through space, people, matter and the earth itself.
Village Resource Centres (VRCs)

Ques. What are Village Resource Centres (VRCs)? Examine the concept of setting up VRCs. Also highlight its
importance.
What are Village Resource Centres (VRCs)?
Village Resource Centres (VRCs) are the centres set up by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to
demonstrate the potential of satellite technology for development of rural areas. so far 456 VRCs have been set
up.
Concept:
Technology plays a prominent role in development initiatives particularly more so in recent decades. Space
technology and Information communication technology are state of art technologies of modern
civilization. But unfortunately the benefit of these technologies never or rarely reach the poor. The benefits
that technology brings normally reaches or pocketed by the few affordable rich, further widening the
poverty gap and also limiting accessibility capabilities within the community.
There are more than 600,000 villages in India, wherein around 700 million people live. Many of these villages
are considerably deprived of basic amenities and services, especially in the areas of education, healthcare,
sanitation and empowerment. Improving the quality of life in the villages is an integral part of the overall
national development endeavour in the country.
Information and Communication technology with space technology component can play a tremendous role
in the development perspective. It can be a tool to disseminate the knowledge flow of any kind to the rural
masses; acting as a catalysts to the growth process. Knowledge is power, We will be free only where we
know. ISRO, has envisaged the VRC concept to enhance the knowledge of rural community of the country
and thus to empower them.
Importance:
Spontaneous flow of information on health, education, etc., to the grass-root-level.
It will empower the poor and needy as they will also have an access to these.
Spread education, issues of equality and rural livelihood.
Promotion campaigns particularly health and sanitation related.
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Inter linking of development process.
VRC Service:
1. Tele-education: Focus is on imparting vocational training at local level aimed at skill development and
capacity building to catalyse livelihood support in rural areas; supplementary teaching to rural children; and
non-formal and adult education.
2. Tele-healthcare: Thrust is on both preventive and curative healthcare at primary level.
3. Land and Water Resources Management: Information on land and water resources extracted from satellite
images is organised in Geographical Information System (GIS), and provided to the villagers through the VRC.
The local farmers, availing the support of the skilled/ trained personnel managing VRCs, utilise this
information for better management of their land resources.
4. Interactive Advisory Services: VRCs facilitate interactions between the local people and experts at
knowledge centers Agricultural Universities, Technical Institutions, etc on a wide range of subjects such
as alternative cropping systems, optimisation of agricultural inputs-like seeds, water, fertilizer, insecticides,
pesticides, producer- oriented marketing opportunities, crop insurance, etc.
5. Tele-fishery: VRCs located at coastal tracts are being provided with near real time information on satellite
derived Potential Fishing Zones (PFZ).
6. e-Governance services: The services include information and guidance to local people on village oriented
governmental schemes on agriculture, poverty alleviation, rural employment, social safety nets and other
basic entitlements, animal husbandry and livestock related, micro-finance related, etc.
7. Weather Services: Short, medium and long-term weather forecasts, at local level; and agrometeorology
advisory services are being enabled.
Resent status:
At present, there are 461 VRCs set up in 22 States/Union Territories, namely Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar,
Delhi, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya,
Nagaland, Orissa, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Sikkim. Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and A &
N islands. The 461 VRC nodes include 81 Expert Centres.
Over 6500 programmes have been conducted by the VRCs so far addressing the areas like,
Agriculture/horticulture development; Fisheries development; Live stock development; Water resources; Tele
health care; Awareness programmes; Womans empowerment; Supplementary education; Computer literacy;
Micro credit; Micro finance; Skill development / vocational training for livelihood support etc. So far, over five
Lakh people have used VRC services.
Human Genome Project

Page 92

Ques. What was the Human Genome Project and why has it been important? What were the goals of the
Human Genome Project? What were some of the ethical, legal, and social implications addressed by the
Human Genome Project?
What is a genome?
A genome is an organisms complete set of DNA, including all of its genes. Each genome contains all of the
information needed to build and maintain that organism. In humans, a copy of the entire genomemore
than 3 billion DNA base pairsis contained in all cells that have a nucleus.
What was the Human Genome Project and why has it been important?
The Human Genome Project was an international research effort to determine the sequence of the human
genome and identify the genes that it contains. The Project was coordinated by the National Institutes of
Health and the U.S. Department of Energy. Additional contributors included universities across the United
States and international partners in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, and China.
The Human Genome Project formally began in 1990 and was completed in 2003. The work of the Human
Genome Project has allowed researchers to begin to understand the blueprint for building a person. As
researchers learn more about the functions of genes and proteins, this knowledge will have a major impact
in the fields of medicine, biotechnology, and the life sciences.
What were the goals of the Human Genome Project?
The main goals of the Human Genome Project were
-to provide a complete and accurate sequence of the 3 billion DNA base pairs that make up the human genome
and to find all of the estimated 20,000 to 25,000 human genes.
also aimed to sequence the genomes of several other organisms that are important to medical research, such
as the mouse and the fruit fly.
In addition to sequencing DNA, the Human Genome Project sought to develop new tools to obtain and
analyze the data and to make this information widely available.
Also, because advances in genetics have consequences for individuals and society, the Human Genome
Project committed to exploring the consequences of genomic research through its Ethical, Legal, and Social
Implications (ELSI) program.
What did the Human Genome Project accomplish?
The Project made the sequence of the human genome and tools to analyze the data freely available via the
Internet. In addition to the human genome, the Human Genome Project sequenced the genomes of several
other organisms, including brewers yeast, the roundworm, and the fruit fly.
By studying the similarities and differences between human genes and those of other organisms,
researchers can discover the functions of particular genes and identify which genes are critical for life.
What were some of the ethical, legal, and social implications addressed by the Human Genome Project?
Page 93
The Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) program was founded in 1990 as an integral part of the
Human Genome Project. The mission of the ELSI program was to identify and address issues raised by
genomic research that would affect individuals, families, and society.
The ELSI program focused on the possible consequences of genomic research in four main areas:
Privacy and fairness in the use of genetic information, including the potential for genetic discrimination in
employment and insurance.
The integration of new genetic technologies, such as genetic testing, into the practice of clinical medicine.
Ethical issues surrounding the design and conduct of genetic research with people, including the process of
informed consent
The education of healthcare professionals, policy makers, students, and the public about genetics and the
complex issues that result from genomic research.
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/states/the-real-genome-project-needs-countries-to-shareinformation/article6933642.ece
Panchagavya Therapy
Ques. Explain about Panchagavya Therapy. Describe its uses, benefits and scope.
What is Panchagavya Therapy ?
Panchagavya is a concoction prepared by mixing five products of cow. The three direct constituents are cow
dung, urine, and milk; the two derived products are curd and ghee. These are mixed in proper ratio and then
allowed to ferment. The mixture which is made using yeast as a fermenter, bananas, groundnut cake, and the
water of tender coconut, is a potent organic pesticide and growth promoter. The Sanskrit word Panchagavya
means mixture of five products, and it has been used in traditional Indian rituals throughout history. It is also
called cowpathy treatment based on products obtained from cows used in Ayurvedic medicine and of religious
significance for Hindus.
Uses & Benefits:
A common usage is as a fertilizer and pesticide. Seeds can be treated with panchagavya. This was found
useful in rhizome of turmeric, ginger and sugarcane and they yielded more. Helps in plant growth and
immunity.
The medicinal usage of panchakavya, particularly cow urine, is practiced in Ayurveda. Proponents claim that
cow urine therapy is capable of curing several diseases, including certain types of cancer, although these
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claims have no scientific backing. In fact, studies concerning ingesting individual components of
Panchagavya, such as cow urine, have shown no positive benefit, and significant side effects, including
convulsion, depressed respiration, and death. Cows urine can also be a source of harmful bacteria and
infectious diseases, including leptospirosis
Proponents claim it is an antibiotic growth promoter in the broiler diet, capable of increasing the growth of
plankton for fish feed, the production of milk in cows, the weight of pigs, and the egg laying capacity of
poultry chicken.
It is sometimes used as a base in cosmetic products.
Out of 7835 licensed Ayurvedic drug manufacturing units in the country, many Ayurvedic drugs manufacturing
companies manufacture medicinal formulations made from Panchgavya or cows products.
Medicinal uses of Panchagavya and its individual ingredients including cow urine are mentioned in the
authoritative books of Ayurveda listed in the First Schedule of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Its therapeutic
uses in Ayurveda include Krimi Roga, Kushtha, Kandu, Shoola, Gulma, Udara Roga, Anaha, Shotha, Pandu,
Kamala, Vasti Roga, Kasa, Shavasa, Atisara, Mutraroga etc.
Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), an autonomous Ayurvedic research organization of
Central Government, has undertaken study to evaluate the immune-modulatory activity and safety/toxicity of
Panchgavya Ghrita, which is an Ayurvedic formulation made from cows five products and mentioned in
Ayurvedic classical texts and Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I.
Jan Aushadhi Scheme

Ques. Write a brief note on Jan Aushadhi Scheme. Discuss its objectives and importance.
Jan Aushadhi is a scheme which seeks to make available quality medicines at affordable prices for all,
especially the poor and the disadvantaged. Under this, less priced quality unbranded generic medicines will be
made available through Jan Aushadhi stores which inherently are less priced but are of same and equivalent
quality, efficacy and safety as compared to branded generic medicines.
Under this Scheme, the State Government has to provide space in Government Hospital premises for the
running of the outlets . Government hospitals, NGOs, Charitable Organisations and public societies like Red
Cross Society, Rogi Kalyan Samiti typically constituted for the purpose can be operating agencies for the JAS.
The State Government has to ensure prescription of unbranded generic medicines by the Government
doctors.
The Jan Aushadhi Programme is accordingly a self sustaining business model not dependent on government
subsidies or assistance. It is run on the principle of Not for Profits but with Minimal Profits.
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Benefits of the Scheme:
The Jan Aushadhi Scheme will help:
Improve access to healthcare in as much as cost of treatment would come down substantially. This would
enable the Public Health System to increase the coverage.
Secure a socio-economically viable mechanism/institutional arrangement for efficacious sales of Pharma

CPSU products, thereby improving their viability.
Promote & encourage private industry to sell their quality unbranded generic products through these retail
outlets.
Ensuring successful implementation of the Jan Aushadhi campaign would dispel the myth that quality of
medicines is linked to price and demonstrate that quality medicines can be sold at substantially lower prices.
Educate doctors that unbranded generic medicines provide a better option that branded products since
quality of generic medicines can be equally efficacious and safe at much lower prices.
Create consumer awareness by involving private, charitable bodies and NGOs by making them part of the
campaign.
Reduce promotional cost and profits for the benefit of patients.

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Farm Mechanisation in India

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Advantages of Farm Mechanisation

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Act as a tool for sustainable development

Role of IT in Indian Agriculture

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Food Corporation of India

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Soil health card scheme

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