Editor-in-Chief & CMD Dear Aspirants, Dr. Vikas Divyakirti A common adage says that ‘the worst part of life is waiting, the best part of life is Director Dr. Taruna Verma having something worth waiting for’. The Civil Services (Main) Examination 2019 has just Chief Executive Officer concluded, and now the wait for the results will be arduous. But this phase of the preparation Shivesh Mishra must not be wasted either on feeling apprehensive or being euphoric. This is because after Advisory Board the declaration of the results, there hardly remains a time to prepare for the Personality D. Kumar, Kumar Gaurav, Akhil Murti, Test and come out with flying colours. This calls for the optimum utilisation of this period Rajesh Mishra, Nishant Shrivastava, Ritesh Jaiswal, Sourabh Chaturvedi, K.P. Dwivedi of three-four months. This is more so because a trusting attitude and patience go hand Executive Editor in hand. Patience is not just about waiting for something, it is about how you wait, or Abhishek Mishra your attitude while waiting. The nature of Civil Services Exam is such that its preparation Dy. Executive Editor is always a ‘work-in-progress’ and one should continue to strive towards the elusive Georgi Mathan Ninan perfection as it would ultimately make one better. Editorial Team Rishikesh (Editor), Saurabh Kumar Shanu, With this in mind, we present this issue of the Drishti Current Affairs Today. In this Vivek Hari Singh, Nisha Jindal, issue we are providing a supplement comprising the detailed model answers of all the M.S. Suman, Dr. Deepshikha, Gaurav Bana, Rabmeet Kaur, Debabrat Gogoi, Niket Jain, four GS papers of the 2019 Main examination. In order to provide a comprehensive answer Yashwant Singh Rana for a better understanding to the reader, the corresponding word limits have not been Typesetting and Designing strictly adhered to. Besides, the detailed answers will allow you to understand both the Mohd. Sajid Saifi, Jitender Ruhela, demand of the questions and also how to answer them. We believe that this supplement Jitesh, Amit Kumar Bansal, Vivek Pal, Anil Kumar, Poonam Saxena, Medha, would be of immense use besides our regular coverage of current affairs. From next issue Karuna Aggarwal, Lokesh Pal, Rajo Kamti onwards, we intend to provide additional content focussing on Prelims 2020. Web Section Together with you in this journey. Narendra Pratap, Avinash Kumar, Durgesh, Geeta Pal, Abhishek Kumar, We look forward to your feedback and suggestions. Anu Raj, Vinay Prakash Srivastava With Best Wishes Managerial Support (Senior) Mohd. Aftab Alam, Ekta Kalia, Arun Singh, Ajay Sharma, Aditi Verma, Gopal Rai

©Copyright (Dr. Vikas Divyakirti) Drishti Publications, (A Unit of VDK Publications Pvt. Ltd.), All Rights Reserved. The use, publication, translation or storage in a system where it can be reused or transferred in any form or by any method (electronic, mechanical, photo copy, recording or any other CONTACT  US means) of any section published in this magazine, cannot be done without the prior For suggestions/feedback, write to : permission of the publisher. Executive Editor, Drishti Current Affairs Today, Drishti Publications, 641, First Floor, Dr. Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi-110009 Printed by Phone: 87501 87501, WhatsApp: 81303 92355 Email: [email protected] M.P. Printers, B-220, Phase-2, Noida, Drishti IAS (DCAT page): facebook.com/Drishti.IAS.Online.Prep/ Uttar Pradesh and Published for Owner, Printer & Drishti IAS (General, Hindi): facebook.com/drishtithevisionfoundation/ Publisher Vikas Divyakirti, H-203, Signature View Apartments, Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi-110009. Editor: Vikas Divyakirti The views expressed in the articles in this magazine are of the individual writers. It is not necessary that the editor or the publisher shares the same viewpoint. It is our CONTACT FOR ADVT. & BUSINESS endeavor to include articles from writers believing in diverse ideologies so that our Ajay Karakoti (COO) readers can benefit from the diversity of views on any subject. (0-81303 92355)  The information, facts and news items published in this booklet have been thoroughly examined and validated. If, by any chance, any discrepancy in any information or CONTACT FOR SUBSCRIPTION fact is found, the publisher, the editor or the book printer is in no way responsible for the damage(s) caused to any person or organization. (0-8448485516) The images and maps used in this magazine are for representational purposes only.

THIS MAGAZINE IS A RESULT OF TEAM DISCLAIMER We believe that the information provided in this book has been fundamentally written COLLABORATION. WE EXPRESS OUR GRATITUDE by our content developers. In case of a copyright violation, the publisher, the editor TO ALL OUR TEAM MEMBERS. APART FROM THE or the book printer would not be held responsible under any circumstance(s). GIVEN NAMES, SEVERAL FREELANCE WRITERS All legal disputes are subject to the Delhi jurisdiction only. HAVE ALSO MADE IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS. ContentS

Making Electricity Sustainable and Available to Current Affairs All (84)

Polity & Governance (7) Women Empowerment: A New Paradigm (84) Nation & States (12) Ensuring Children’s Health and Nutrition (86) Economic Scenario (20) International Relations (35) Down to Earth (89) Environment & Ecology (43) State Divert Forests, Tigers Move Too (89) Science & Technology (48) Open for Invasion (89) History, Art & Culture (54) Social Issues (62) The Ban on Colistin (89) Ethics (70) Science Reporter (91)  Did You Know? (71) Chandrayaan-2 Historic Launch, Exciting Academic Vitamins Possibilities (91) LIGO-India to Set Sail by 2025 (91) Economic and Political Weekly (75) Code on Wages and the Gig Economy (75) To The Point The Value of Federalism (75)  Misdiagnosis of the Lynching Problem (76) Ration Card Portability (93) Yojana (77) One Country Two System (94) Addressing Rural Poverty: Livelihood Development and Diversification (77) Essay India’s Foreign Policy Approach (77) India’s Journey Towards a $5 Trillion Learning Economy (77) Through Maps Developing a Knowledge-Based Society (78) Energy - a Key Driver of Socio-Economic Map 1 (96) Growth (79) Map 2 (97) Transforming Indian Health Systems (79) Infrastructure Development for the Next Target Mains Generation (80) Kurukshetra (83) Social Security Schemes for Social UPSC CSE (Main) Development (83) 2019 Model Answers CURRENT AFFAIRSPolity & Governance (Coverage from 24th August to 23rd September)

Polity & Governance 7-11 zzReduction of Corporate Tax (22)

zzNo Steps Taken in 63 Years on Uniform Civil zzThird Set of Economic Reforms (23) Code, Says SC (7) zzRediscovering Development Banks (24)

zzPresident Appoints Five Governors (7) zzDepository Receipts Scheme (25)

zzNCST Recommends to Include Union Territory zzNew Provisions for FDI (25) of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule (9) zzExternal Benchmark for Loans (27)

zzThe Marine Fisheries (Regulation and zzRBI Calls for Secondary Market for Management) Bill, 2019 (10) Corporate Loans (28)

zzDr. Harsh Vardhan Committee (28) Nation & States 12-19 zzMK Jain Committee on Farm Loans (29) Nation (12) zzSteering Committee Report on Fintech (30) zzStatus of Policing in India zzCabinet Approves Higher Procurement Report 2019 (12) Price for Ethanol (32) zzDelhi Declaration on Emergency zzMarket Intervention Price Scheme (32) Preparedness (13) zzThe Suitability of e-Pharmacies (33) zzGlobal Liveability Index 2019 (13)

zzThe Travel and Tourism Competitiveness International Relations 35-42

Report, 2019 (14) zzPM’s Visit to Russia (35)

zzPradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan zzG7 Meet (37)

Yojana (15) zzIndia-US Trade Issues (37) CONTENTS zzInstitution of Eminence Status (15) zzStrategic Hedging (38)

zzNew GI tags (15) zzIndia-Mongolia Relations (39)

States (16) zzPresident’s Three Nations Visit (40)

zzTelangana Passes Resolution against zzMotihari-Amlekhgunj Pipeline (41) Uranium Mining (16) Environment & Ecology 43-47 zzPublic Safety Act (17) zzGovernment Announces to Cut the Use of zzNational Register of Citizens (18) Plastics (43)

Economic Scenario 20-34 zzComposite Water Management Index 2.0 (44)

zzAmalgamation of National Banks (20) zzThe Setting of the International Coalition for

zzBimal Jalan Committee on Economic Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (45)

Capital Framework of RBI (20) zzCOP-14 of UNCCD (45)

NOVEMBER 2019 || DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY 5 Science & Technology 48-53 zzIndia Child Well-Being Report (64) zzUNCTAD Report Suggests Localization of Data (48) zzMalnutrition and Disease Burden (65) zzBivalve Reefs (48) zzGirls Dropping Out of Higher Education (65) zzGravitational Lensing (49) zzAssisted Reproductive Technology and Elderly Parents (66) zzSpace-based AIS to Track Merchant Ships (49) zzHigher Mortality from Cardio-Vascular Diseases (67) zzFacial Biometric Seafarer Identity Document (BSID) (50) zzIndia – the Top Source of Immigrants (67) zzWHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia (50) zzAdditional Frequencies for Community Radios (68) zzControlled Human Infection Model (CHIM) (51) Ethics 70 zzNational Genomic Grid (52) zzMedia and National Interest (70) zzBombay Blood Group (52) Did You Know? 71-74 zzNational Animal Disease Control Programme & National

Artificial Insemination Programme (53) zzFloating Nuclear Plant (71)

zzApache Helicopter (71) History, Art & Culture 54-61 zzMilitary Medicine Conference (71) zzGenetic Lineage of Indus Valley/Harappan Civilisation (54) zzTSENTR 2019 (72) zzKeeladi: Sangam Age Site (55) zzIndia-South Korea Logistic Pact (72) zzPothuvachery Megalithic Site (55) zzGlobal Antimicrobial Resistance Research and zzLutyens’ Delhi (56) Development Hub (72) zzAthi Varadar Festival (57) zzK2-18b: Potentially Habitable Planet (72) zzErrum Manzil (57) zzWorld Ozone Day (72) zzJayakar Bungalow (58) zzIndia’s Cooling Action Plan gets UN Applaud (72) zzHindi Diwas (58) zzCentre Forms Panel on Power Reforms (73) zzSaint Ravidas (59) zzRare Tarantula Sighted (73) zzE.V. Ramasamy, 'Periyar' (59) zzFit India Movement (73) zzDr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (59) zzSteel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) (73) zzGovind Ballabh Pant (60) zzBharat Bill Payment System (73) zzDhrupad (60) zzGood Agricultural Practices for SAARC (73) zzThumri (60) zzTime Bank in Madhya Pradesh (74)

Social Issues 62-69 zzNew Varieties of Wheat (74) zzEmerging Threats to Children (62) zzPradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (63)

6 DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY || NOVEMBER 2019 Polity & Governance Polity & Governance

No Steps Taken in 63 Years protections are enjoyed by Meghalaya and Mizoram. on Uniform Civil Code, Says SC Even reformed Hindu law, in spite of codification, protects customary practices. Recently, the Supreme Court described State of Goa as a ‘shining example’ where Uniform Civil Code is „„More recently, the Law Commission in its consultation applicable to all, regardless of religion. This has put the paper titled ‘Reform of Family Law’ concluded that a spotlight back on the debate over a Uniform Civil Code. Uniform Civil Code is neither feasible nor desirable at this stage. Background Way forward „„A Uniform Civil Code is one that would provide for one law for the entire country, applicable to all religious „„Law commission has recommended that instead of communities in their personal matters such as marriage, UCC, there should be a push towards religion-wise divorce, inheritance, adoption, etc. reformation in all personal laws to end discrimination within the communities. „„Article 44 of the Constitution lays down that the state shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for „„The commission further said that a unified nation citizens throughout the territory of India. does not necessarily need to have uniformity in every sphere. Efforts have to be made to reconcile our „„Article 44 is one of the directive principles. These, diversity with universal and indisputable arguments as defined in Article 37, are not justiciable (i.e. not on human rights. enforceable by any court) but the principles laid down therein are fundamental in governance. „„The term secularism in the Constitution has meaning only if it assures the expression of prevailing diversities „„Though the Hindu laws were codified in the year 1956, among the citizens. This diversity, both religious and there has been no attempt to frame a Uniform Civil regional, should not get subsumed under the louder Code applicable to all citizens of the country. voice of the majority. However, discriminatory practices Issues involved within religions should not hide behind the cloak of faith to gain legitimacy. „„Article 25 guarantees freedom of religion, Article 26 upholds the right of religious denomination to manage „„Therefore, as a step towards UCC, the codification of their own affairs in matters of religion and Article 29 all personal laws can be considered so that prejudices guarantees the right to conserve distinctive culture. and stereotypes in every one of them can be tested But, the Supreme Court held in Minerva Mills case on the anvil of fundamental rights guaranteed. (1980) that to give absolute primacy to one over President Appoints Five Governors the other (vis-à-vis FRs and DPSPs) is to disturb the Recently, the President appointed new Governors harmony of the Constitution. for Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala „„Indian laws do follow a uniform code in most civil and Telangana. matters – Indian Contract Act, Civil Procedure Code, etc. However, the States have made hundreds of The Governor amendments and therefore in certain matters, there „„Governor is the Constitutional head of the state. is diversity even under these secular civil laws. He acts as an agent of the Centre in the State. He „„All Hindus of the country are not governed by one law, submits periodical reports to the Centre about the nor are all Muslims or all Christians. Not only British administrative affairs of the state. legal traditions, even those of the Portuguese and „„The Governor is neither directly elected by the people the French remain operative in some parts. nor indirectly elected by a specially constituted electoral „„In the Northeast, there are more than 200 tribes with college as is the case with the President. He is appointed their own varied customary laws. The Constitution by the President by warrant under his hand and seal. itself protects local customs in Nagaland. Similar He is a nominee of the Central government.

NOVEMBER 2019 || DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY 7 Current Affairs Nation & States

NATION NOTE: Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) is a mission mode project under the National e-Governance Plan. It aims Status of Policing in India Report 2019 at creating a comprehensive and integrated system for enhancing the Recently, the Centre for the Study of Developing efficiency and effectiveness of policing through adopting principle of Societies (CSDS) released theStatus of Policing in India e-Governance and creation of a nationwide networking infrastructure for evolution of IT-enabled state-of-the-art tracking system around Report 2019. The report highlights the dismal work ‘investigation of crime and detection of criminals’. conditions in which the police operate in the country. „„Crime Investigation „„The Report is based on various parameters like zzThe police personnel cite unemployment and lack the adequacy of police personnel, working hours, of education to be the prime factors behind the availability of resources to carry out their duties rise in crime. Apart from increased CCTVs and efficiently, gender and caste composition of police street lighting, they attribute increased patrolling forces, and engendered bias of personnel against and more active police role to be the main reason religious communities. behind decline in crime rates. Key highlights zzPolitical interference was found to be the biggest factor adversely impacting crime investigation „„Working Conditions along with non-cooperation of witnesses and zzThe police personnel reported of being overloaded departmental pressure during investigation. with work. zzThey reported of being transferred in defiance of zzThey work for more than 14 hours a day on an such pressures. Thus, further weakening the system average with the chances of getting a weekly off because of undue external pressures. being only 50%. Only Maharashtra Police reported „„Police and Gender of getting a weekly off. zzAlthough the service conditions are equally harsh zzMoreover, junior officers reported of ill treatment for both women and men in the police force, by their seniors along with doing menial domestic women have to fight extra battles in a misogynist duties for them. All such things increased their environment. stress levels and adversely affected their ability zzThe survey points out that there is a bias against to do their job well. women police personnel in the Indian Police System. „„Resources at Disposal There is a high percentage of officials who did not zzThe infrastructure was found to be far from being receive training on gender sensitisation. perfect with basic facilities like toilets or drinking zzA large section of Police personnel opines that water not being available. to a high extent there is a false and motivated zzThere is shortage of manpower at police stations, complaints of gender based violence. which is a common impediment in discharging „„Police and the Society routine duties like escorting criminals to court, zzLess than half of personnel reported of equal reaching crime spots on time, etc. treatment meted out to their fellow officers zzMoreover, there is a lack of access to vehicles or belonging to SC and ST groups. Moreover, the last fuel in emergencies which often forces personnel time they received training on caste sensitisation to spend from their own pockets. was at the time of their appointment. zzOnly two thirds of civil police reported to have zzThere is also a palpable anti-Muslim and anti-Dalit access to a functional computer and only 50% had bias. The bias is found to be worse in certain states access to Crime and Criminal Tracking Network like Uttarakhand, Bihar, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Systems (CCTNS). Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.

12 DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY || NOVEMBER 2019 Current Affairs Economic Scenario

Amalgamation of National Banks „„Monitoring: With the number of PSBs coming down The Finance Minister has announced the biggest capital allocation, performance milestones, and consolidation plan of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) whereby monitoring would become easier for the government. 10 PSBs will be merged to form 4. „„Technological Synergy: All merged banks in a particular bucket share common Core Banking Solutions (CBS) Key points platform synergizing them technologically. „„The proposed mergers include - (i) Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, and United Bank Challenges of India; (ii) Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank; (iii) „„Geographical Synergy: During the process of merger, Union Bank of India, Andhra Bank, and Corporation the geographical synergy between the merged banks Bank; (iV) Indian Bank and Allahabad Bank. is somewhat missing. In three of the four merger „„After this merger exercise, the next-generation PSBs cases, the merged banks serve only one specific region of India will include State Bank of India; Punjab National of the country. However, the merger of Allahabad Bank; Bank of Baroda; Canara Bank; Union Bank of Bank (having a presence in East & North region) with India; Bank of India; Indian Bank; Central Bank of the Indian Bank (having a presence in South) increases India; Indian Overseas Bank; UCO Bank; Bank of its geographical spread. Maharashtra; Punjab & Sind Bank. „„Slowdown in Economy: The move may be a good „„The total number of PSBs after this consolidation will one but the timing is just not apt. There is already a come down to 12 from 27 in 2017. The other recent slowdown in the economy, and private consumption mergers were State Bank of India and its five associates and investments are on a declining trend. There is a and the Bharatiya Mahila Bank in 2017; and of Vijaya need to lift the economy and increase the credit flow Bank and Dena Bank with Bank of Baroda in April 2019. in the short-term, while the mergers will block that credit in the short-term. Benefits of merger „„Weak Banks: A complex merger with a weaker and „„Competitiveness: The consolidation of PSBs helps in under-capitalized PSB would stall the stronger bank’s strengthening their presence globally, nationally and recovery efforts as the weaknesses of one bank may regionally. get transferred and the merged entity may become „„Efficiency: It has the potential to reduce operational weak. costs due to the presence of shared overlapping networks and this improved operational efficiency Bimal Jalan Committee will reduce the lending costs of the banks. on Economic Capital Framework of RBI „„Self-Sufficiency: Larger banks have a better ability to Accepting the recommendations of the Bimal Jalan raise resources from the market rather than relying Committee, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided on State exchequer. to transfer `1.76 lakh crore in dividend and surplus Core Banking Solutions (CBS) reserve to the Government. It includes `1.23 lakh crore ` „„Core Banking Solutions (CBS) enables banks to offer a multitude of of annual dividend and 526 lakh crore of excess capital. customer-centric services on a 24x7 basis from a single location, Background supporting retail as well as corporate banking activities. „„ „„The centralisation thus makes a one-stop shop for financial services The issue of reserves has generated tension between a reality. Using CBS, customers can access their accounts from any RBI and Government, with former governor strongly branch, anywhere, irrespective of where they have physically opened opposed to the transfer of surplus funds. The RBI their accounts. The customer is no more the customer of a Branch. had transferred `50,000 crores to the Government He becomes the Bank’s Customer. in June 2018.

20 DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY || NOVEMBER 2019 Economic Scenario

„„The Government felt that the RBI’s reserves exceeded size of the realized equity in the form of Contingent its requirements and these could be used for productive Risk Buffer should be 6.5% of the balance sheet, with purposes such as recapitalizing Public Sector Banks a lower bound of 5.5%. (PSBs). To resolve these disputes, the Bimal Jalan „„Surplus Distribution Policy: The Committee has committee was set up in December 2018 to review recommended a surplus distribution policy which is the Economic Capital Framework(ECF) of RBI. based on the level of realized equity to be maintained „„Economic capital is used for measuring and reporting by the RBI. Entire net income can be transferred to the market and operational risks across a financial Government if RBI’s realized equity is equal to or greater organization. than the upper bound of the ‘requirement’. There shall „„The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has developed an be no distribution of unrealized revaluation balances. Economic Capital Framework (ECF) to provide an „„Review of the Reserve Banks Economic Capital objective, rule-based, transparent methodology for Framework (ECF) every five years. If there is a significant determining the appropriate level of risk provisions. change in the RBI’s risks and operating environment, The mandate of the Bimal Jalan Committee an intermediate review may be considered. „„RBI’s accounting yearof July-June can be brought in „„Review status, need and justification of various sync with the fiscal year of April-March from the provisions, reserves and buffers held by the RBI and financial year 2020-21. It would also bring about a to determine whether it is surplus/deficit. greater cohesiveness in the monetary policy projections „„Review global best practices followed by the central and reports published by the RBI. banks in making assessments and provisions for risks. „„To suggest an adequate level of risk provisioning that the RBI needs to maintain; „„To propose a suitable profit distribution policy. Major recommendations of the committee „„RBI’s Economic Capital: A clearer distinction between the two components of economic capital (realized equity and revaluation balances). Realized equity could be used for meeting all risks/losses as they were primarily built up from retained earnings. „„Revaluation balances are highly volatile, which depends on financial and external stability, coupled with international market developments reflected in movements in the price of foreign assets, exchange rate, interest rate and gold price. Revaluation balances could be reckoned only as risk buffersagainst market risks as they represent unrealized valuation gains and hence it should not be distributed with the Government. Related information Action taken on the Committee’s recommendation „„Revaluation Balances consist of periodic unrealized/notional gains/ losses in values of foreign currencies and gold, foreign securities „„All the recommendations of the committee were and rupee securities, and a contingency fund. accepted. The Surplus Distribution Policyof RBI was „„Realized equity, is a form of a contingency fund for meeting all risks/ finalized in line with these recommendations. losses primarily built up from retained earnings like its reserve and „„Adhering to the recommendations, theRBI has decided funds. It is also called the Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB). to set the CBR level at 5.5% of the balance sheet, „„Size of Realized Equity: It should be adequate to while transferring the remaining excess reserves provide for financial and monetary stability risks. The worth `52,637 crores to the Government.

NOVEMBER 2019 || DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY 21 Current Affairs

It reduces the prevalent corporate tax which is paid by the companies registered under company law in India on the net profit that it makes from businesses. Key provisions „„A new provision has been inserted in the Income-tax Act with effect from FY 2019-20 which allows any domestic company an option to pay income tax at the rate of 22% subject to the condition that they will not avail any exemption/incentive. „„The effective tax rate for these companies would be around 25.17% inclusive of surcharge and cess. Also, such companies would not be required to pay Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT). „„To attract fresh investment in the manufacturing sector, companies set up in the sector, on or after October 1, 2019, will get an option to pay 15% tax. „„The effective tax rate for these companies would be around 17.01% inclusive of surcharge & cess. Also, such companies will not be required to pay MAT. „„A company which does not opt for the concessional tax regime and avails the tax exemption/incentive shall continue to pay tax at the pre-amended rate. Further, for such companies, the rate of MAT has been reduced from the existing 18.5% to 15%. Issues involved „„In order to stabilise the flow of funds into the capital market, the enhanced surcharge introduced by the „„The policy of keeping CBR at a lower range of 5.5%, Finance Act, 2019 shall not apply on capital gains has lowered RBI’s buffer to deal with various risks. It arising on sale of equity share in a company. It would reduces RBI’s space to manoeuvre monetary policy also not apply to capital gains arising on sale of any and provision out various financial risks. security including derivatives, in the hands of Foreign „„It also raises concerns over the autonomy of the RBI, Portfolio Investors (FPIs). with the transfer of RBI’s profit to manage Government’s fiscal deficit. Way forward „„RBI should adopt a more transparent presentation of its annual account regarding the components of economic capital, as recommended by the committee. „„The fund transfer provides some much-needed relief to the Government to increase Government expenditure. However, the Government should use it prudently in combating the economic slowdown and to conform to the fiscal targets. Reduction of Corporate Tax Recently, the Government has brought in the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2019 to make amendments in the Income Tax Act, 1961 and the Finance Act, 2019.

22 DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY || NOVEMBER 2019 Current Affairs

Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) „„AIF is any privately pooled investment fund in the form of a trust or a company or a body corporate or a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) which are not presently covered by any Regulation of SEBI governing fund management nor coming under the direct regulation of any other sectoral regulators in India-IRDA, PFRDA, RBI. „„Hence, in India, AIFs are private funds which are otherwise not coming under the jurisdiction of any regulatory agency in India. „„Categories of AIF: zzCategory I AIFs are those AIFs which generally invests in start- ups or early-stage ventures which the Government or regulators consider as socially or economically desirable, e.g. Venture capital funds (Including Angel Funds), SME Funds. zzCategory II AIFs do not fall in Category I and III and which do not undertake leverage or borrowing other than to meet day- to-day operational requirements and as permitted in the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012, e.g. real estate funds, private equity funds. zzCategories III AIFs employ diverse or complex trading strategies and may employ leverage including through investment in listed or unlisted derivatives, e.g. hedge funds, private investment in public equity funds. External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) „„External Commercial Borrowings is a loan availed by an Indian entity from a non-resident lender with a minimum average maturity of 3 years. Most of these loans are provided by foreign commercial banks Measures to boost the housing sector and other institutions. „„ECBs include commercial bank loans, buyers’ credit, suppliers’ credit, „„The Government will set up a fund to provide credit securitized instruments such as Floating Rate Notes and Fixed Rate to under-construction homes, which are not non- Bonds etc. performing assets or have gone into the insolvency „„Advantages of ECBs: process under National Company Law Tribunal zzECBs provide opportunity to borrow a large volume of funds. (NCLT). zzThe funds are available for relatively long-term. „„The Government will provide `10,000 crores, while zzInterest rates are also lower compared to domestic funds. an equal amount will be provided by investors like LIC. zzECBs are in the form of foreign currencies. Hence, they enable the corporate to have foreign currency to meet the import of „„The fund will be set up as a Category-II Alternative machineries etc. Investment Fund (AIF) registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and will be Rediscovering Development Banks similar to the National Investment and Infrastructure Recently, the Finance Minister mooted the idea of Fund. setting up Development Bank, as a measure to boost „„This funding for non-NPA and NCLT projects is expected our economy. to arrest the rise of NPA’s and also reduce the NCLT and Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) complaints Key points overall. „„Development Banks are financial institutions that „„The External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) guidelines provide long-term credit for capital-intensive will also be relaxed to help the housing sector obtain investments spread over a long period and yielding overseas funds in consultation with the Reserve Bank low rates of return, such as urban infrastructure, of India. mining and heavy industry, and irrigation systems.

24 DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY || NOVEMBER 2019 Economic Scenario

„„Boost to MSMEs: Peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding in India and provided necessary regulatory approvals have the potential to improve access to finance to for expanding their services in the country. small and medium enterprises who are otherwise „„Expanding agricultural credit guarantee schemes: declined credit from banks due to their risky portfolio. Those NBFCs who have made significant progress in „„Agriculture lending and insurance: Fintech firms and leveraging Fintech to increase their outreach, maybe technology-led NBFCs are playing a crucial role in incentivised to work in the agricultural space by providing access to finance for small and marginal including them in credit guarantee schemes. farmers. Similarly, Fintech firms can potentially play „„Reforming P2P markets and creating a marketplace a crucial role in increasing the penetration of crop model for debt financing: The Government should insurance and other forms of rural insurance. develop a marketplace model of debt financing in „„Regulation technology for financial institutions: India by reforming the present model of P2P lending Regulators around the world are relying on technology platforms. to monitor regulated entities. The use of RegTech „„Reformed KYC process in the light of the recent reduces this cost as some compliance becomes Supreme Court judgement on Aadhaar: Various automatic. Big Data and predictive analytics to identify options, including the possibility of video-based KYC, irregularities and industry trends are becoming popular. documents verification through DigiLocker, etc.may „„Virtual banking: A virtual bank is a bank which delivers be considered. retail banking services through the Internet or other forms of electronic channels instead of physical bank General policy, technology branches. It can offer faster and cheaper services to and databases related measures consumers and provide a higher interest rate on „„Dedicated innovation teams in Public Sector Financial deposits compared to conventional banks. Services companies: They should establish innovation teams and sandboxes with bright talent (from inside and outside the PSEs) to experiment with cutting edge technology and evolve promising fintech solutions. „„Artificial Intelligence for back-end processes: To harness opportunities that exist to increase the levels of automation using Artificial Intelligence (AI), cognitive analytics and machine learning in back-end processes of PSU banks, especially risk management, compliance management and fraud control. „„Expanding open government data: National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy needs wider acceptance Measures required for expanding fintech services and implementation, making way for sharing of data generated by state entities in real-time through Open „„Removing discriminatory regulatory barriers in the digital payments infrastructure: To realise the full APIs. potential, a level playing field needs to be created „„Competitive ‘neutrality’ in regulation: Regulators amongst banks and non-bank players. Government should approach fintech keeping in view the principle and RBI need to take necessary steps to eliminate of ‘competitive neutrality’ with a view to enhancing discrimination in access to payments infrastructure competition while making regulations. to non-banks vis-à-vis with a view to enhancing „„Regulatory Sandboxes: Regulators should introduce competition and innovation. mechanisms, such as regulatory sandboxes and „„Fintech for cybersecurity: The usage of fintech to laboratories, that enable learning and adaptation of bolster cybersecurity, fraud control and money regulatory responses which can play an important laundering. Also, the fintech firm specialising in this role, without further delay, in order to maintain India’s field should be encouraged to set up their businesses competitive edge.

NOVEMBER 2019 || DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY 31 International Relations International Relations

PM’s Visit to Russia between India and Russia’s Far East region. The push Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to ‘Act Far East’ will allow India to demonstrate its to Vladivostok, situated in the Far East region of Russia, commitment to an area of concern for Moscow. to participate in the 20th India-Russia Annual Summit zzThe policy will boost India’s engagement in the and the 5th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF). The Prime region. It will help in the development of the region Minister was the Chief Guest of EEF, the motto of which and will create more business opportunities for was “The Far East – Development Horizons”. Indian companies. zzIt will give Russia an opportunity to diversify from Key highlights of the visit China as well. Russia has been worried about the „„The visit was aimed at enhancing cooperation growing presence of China in its Far East. with Russia. The two sides discussed cooperation „„Travel: India and Russia agreed to open a maritime between New Delhi and Moscow in the sphere of route between Chennai and Vladivostok to ensure the development of Russia’s far-east. connectivity between the two countries. „„Trade/economy: India and Russia agreed to step up zzA Memorandum of Intent was signed between industrial cooperation and create new technologies the Indian Ministry of Shipping and Russia’s and investment partnership, especially in advanced Ministry of Transport for development of maritime high-tech areas, with an aim to increase bilateral communication between Chennai and the Far East trade to $30 billion by 2025. region. The route can reduce the transport time zzBoth sides agreed to intensify work for eliminating from the existing 40 days to 24 days. trade barriers. This would be facilitated by the zzBoth sides also agreed to extend by one year proposed trading agreement between the Eurasian the duration of e-visas for business and tourism Economic Union (EAEU) and India. purposes, including for Russian nationals, and the zzIndia also announced a $1 billion Line of Credit introduction of free e-visas for Indian nationals to (LoC) for the development of the Far East region. visit the Kaliningrad region and Vladivostok. It is expected to help finance Indian business zzFurther, the two nations agreed to review the projects in the region. possibility of expanding direct passenger and cargo „„Energy: Both the nations signed a roadmap for flights including flights between various regions cooperation in the hydrocarbons sector to be of both the countries. implemented between 2019-24. „„Paradiplomacy: India also promoted ‘paradiplomacy’ zzRussia agreed to supply coking coal from its Far where Indian States are being encouraged to develop East region. Coal India has signed a deal to mine relations with foreign countries. States like Uttar coking coal in Russia’s Far East. Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana and Goa would be collaborating with Russian Provinces to zzBoth the nations agreed to expand energy increase trade and investments. partnership in hydro and thermal power and explore joint development of oil and gas fields in Russia and India including offshore ones. zzIndia also showed its willingness to play a significant role in the Arctic Council.Trade routes in the Arctic are becoming accessible due to global warming and are important as India wants to diversify its energy sources away from an unstable West Asia. „„Act Far East policy: India unveiled the ‘Act Far East policy’ to develop economic and commercial linkages

NOVEMBER 2019 || DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY 35 Current Affairs

Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Arctic Council „„The Eurasian Economic Union is an international organization for „„Arctic Council is the leading intergovernmental forum promoting regional economic integration. It was established in 2015 by the cooperation, coordination and interaction among the Arctic States, Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union. Arctic indigenous communities and other Arctic inhabitants on common „„The EAEU provides for free movement of goods, services, capital Arctic issues, in particular on issues of sustainable development and and labour, pursues coordinated, harmonized and single policy in environmental protection in the Arctic. the sectors determined by the Treaty and international agreements „„Formed under the Ottawa Declaration 1996, the Council has eight within the Union. members: Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, „„The Member-States of the Eurasian Economic Union are the Republic the Russian Federation, Sweden and the United States. India has of Armenia, Republic of Belarus, Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz the status of an observer. Republic and Russian Federation. „„Headquarters: Tromsø, Norway. „„The Union is created to comprehensively upgrade, raise the competitiveness of and cooperation between the national economies, Significance of Vladivostok-Chennai sea link and to promote stable development in order to raise the living standards „„Vladivostok-Chennai sea link can be considered as a of the nations of the member-states. counter to China’s Maritime Silk Route (MSR) plan. China’s ambitious MSR plan is about establishing and, hence, directly controlling the Asia-Africa sea route. „„Vladivostok-Chennai shipping link is likely to pass through or very close to the South China Sea, resource- rich maritime zone in the Pacific Ocean. China claims exclusive control over the sea. „„There is an alternate possibility as well that Vladivostok- Chennai link would become an extension of existing ‘Pacific, Indian Ocean Corridor’ of India and Japan, which China considers as a challenge to its maritime Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) plan in the region. „„If properly implemented, India would be able to access new energy sources to reduce its Middle East dependence. „„A new maritime route from Chennai to Vladivostok with Arctic access creates connectivity in areas India had not explored earlier. It may also allow India to have a greater say in the Arctic Council. Importance of Far East „„Far East is a region situated in the cold Siberian climate and shares borders with China, Mongolia, Eastern Economic Forum North Korea and Japan (maritime). „„The EEF was established by the President of the Russian Federation, „„Russian Far East is a resource-rich region. It is rich Vladimir Putin, in 2015, with the aim of supporting the economic in oil, natural gas, timber, gold and diamond among development of Russia’s Far East, and to expand international cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. other resources. „„Among the participants in the Summit are India, Malaysia, Japan, „„Development of resources in the Far East region of Australia, and South Korea. Russia, where 98% of diamond and 50% of gold are „„The forum aims at bringing investment and development to what is mined, is one of the top priorities for the Russian known as the Russian Far East, a region extending between Lake government. Further, the region has geo-strategic Baikal – world’s largest freshwater lake and deepest lake, and the importance due to its location in the Pacific Ocean Pacific Ocean. and proximity to China and Japan.

36 DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY || NOVEMBER 2019 Environment & Ecology Environment & Ecology

Government Announces to Cut the Use of Plastics continues to be a big menace. Enforcement of such On August 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called a ban is a big issue due to limited resources with the for a movement to eliminate single-use plastic (SUP) in enforcement agencies. India, beginning on Gandhi Jayanti. „„Implementation of management rules is poor: Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 are not implemented What is single-use plastic? effectively on the ground due to weak local bodies. „„ Single-use plastics, often also referred to as disposable „„Lack of alternative substitute: In the absence of a plastics, are commonly used for plastic packaging and suitable alternative, it is impractical and undesirable include items intended to be used only once before to impose a blanket ban on the use of plastic all over they are thrown away or recycled. the country. The real challenge is to improve plastic „„These include, among other items, grocery bags, food waste management systems. packaging, bottles, straws, containers, cups and cutlery. Way forward „„According to a 2017 report by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the country generates around 26,000 „„Behaviour change: Campaigns like “dates with the tonnes of plastic waste a day. Around 40-50% of these ocean” should be initiated on a mass scale to bring are single-use plastics. a public behaviour change. Health and ecological impacts of single-use plastics should be done in order Impact of single-use plastics to promote people’s participation in the elimination „„The problem of microplastics: These are smaller plastic of plastics. particles (< 5 mm) formed through the wear and tear „„Holistic accounting of plastic impact on the economy: of larger pieces of plastic. Finally, they accumulate in It should include the impact on human and animal animals, including fish and consequently enter the health, losses incurred to the marine sector. Also, the human food chain. greenhouse gases are released in its production. All „„Human health concerns: Microbeads of nano sizes these externalities should be included while calculating can enter into the bloodstream and cause fatal disease the economic cost of plastic use. like Cancer. Harmful gases generated from the burning „„Innovative solution for the collection of plastic of plastics, like dioxins and furanes are known to be waste: Reverse vending machine should be installed carcinogenic in nature. at public places that pay the users for returning the „„Ocean pollution: Plastics dumped on land find its plastic bottles. way to the oceans wherein it lies on the sea bed for indefinite time, e.g. North Pacific gyre. „„Replacing plastic at the industry level: Majority of plastics are used at the packaging stage. Replacing „„Fatal to marine ecosystem: Worldwide, about 90% of these initially and then their complete elimination in marine organisms and birds are consuming plastic in a phased manner can be a great way forward. some form or the other, impacting their health. This also impacts the coral reef system. „„Reduction in plastic usage in the distribution supply chain of FMCG goods: Business and civil society should Issues involved find innovative solutions. For E.g. the Dispensing booth „„Impact on the informal sector: Ban on single-use plastics of Mother Dairy is a novel invention that reduces the can increase the input cost for small manufacturers need for packaged milk packets. and shopkeepers. This would, in turn, affect the end „„Promotion of cottage industry: To make good quality consumer. jute and cotton products that can meet the needs of „„Past experiences of plastic ban: Most of the States the packaging industry. It would also generate a large already have total/partial plastic bans, and yet, it number of labour-intensive employment.

NOVEMBER 2019 || DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY 43 Current Affairs Science & Technology

UNCTAD Report Suggests Localization of Data „„The only way for developing countries to exercise Recently, Digital Econ­omy Report­ 2019 was released­ effective economic “ownership” of and control over by UNCTAD. It outlines the enormous potential gains the data generated in their territories may be to and possible associated development costs involved as restrict cross-border flows of important personal and the world moves, connects and buys online. community data. „„Governments may decide to restrict the flow of data Key points for reasons such as privacy of data and protection of „„Regarding the implications of the digital economy their citizens, security, and the need to foster national for international trade and development, a relevant economic development and market competition. and contentious issue is that of cross-border data „„Data localization laws would require cloud companies flows (CBDFs). to build infrastructure within a country in order to „„The global reach of global digital platforms results in access data from its citizens. massive amounts of data flowing internationally between users and platforms located in different countries. Bivalve Reefs „„The international dimension of data is complicated Artificial reefs and bivalves with seaweed and owing to the fact that data are a particular kind of seagrass offer a well-tested natural solution with many resource and one that still lack a proper definition. benefits. Mumbai is an ideal test-bed for a pilot Recording transactions is not always possible for CBDFs. experiment in this natural solution. „„Also, it is difficult to determine the geographical origins and destinations of the flows. And assigning Key points territorial sovereignty, and therefore jurisdiction, is „„The human impacts on climate, habitats, species and not obvious, as this may not be evident when digital the air and water quality are complex interconnected data cross borders. problems. Issues involved „„Artificial habitats, especially artificial reefs, have been employed as biodiversity recovery and conservation „„Lack of any global agreement for recognizing solutions across many coastal regions. “ownership” of community data; once the data leave the home jurisdiction, the notion of ownership „„Artificial reefs can comprise well-designed sculptures becomes largely meaningless. or abandoned ships, oil rigs, deconstructed bridges and buildings, etc. Artificial reefs aimed at bivalves like „„Concerning issues of “data sovereignty” arise. These are related to control, access and rights over the data mussels have also been successfully deployed to clean at the international level, and the appropriation of up water pollution in estuaries and coastal waters. the value that could be generated from refining them. „„The same approach is being considered for the „„At present, data are primarily subject to the jurisdiction Mumbai coastal waters where the potential negative of the territory of residence of the parties, which for environmental impacts of the under-construction now is taking place overwhelmingly in developed coastal highway from Kandivali to Marine Lines need countries where most data controllers reside. to be dealt with. Way forward What are bivalves and what are their benefits? „„There is a need for a clearer definition of CBDFs to „„Bivalve is a class of marine and freshwater molluscs inform policy discussions. that have laterally compressed bodies enclosed by a „„A balanced analysis of the implications of CBDFs needs shell consisting of two hinged parts. Like fish, bivalve to take into account the divergent interests of various molluscs breathe through their gills. agents, individuals, firms and governments, as well „„Bivalve reefs tend to be biodiversity hotspots, which as different countries. adds value to local artisanal fisheries and also makes

48 DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY || NOVEMBER 2019 Current Affairs History, Art & Culture

Genetic Lineage of Indus town’. The cities followed a grid pattern with Valley/Harappan Civilisation houses made up of burnt bricks. Recently, a study of DNA from skeletal remains zzAgriculture: The Harappans practised agriculture excavated from the Harappan cemetery at Rakhigarhi on a vast scale. They used the wooden plough to site of Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) was published in till the soil, about which evidence has been found the journal Cell. at Kalibangan. They produced wheat, barley, peas, rai etc. The Harappans were the earliest to grow Key findings cotton. „„The hunter-gatherers of South Asia, who then zzPolity: The civilisation had uniformity in weights became a settled people, have an independent origin. and measures, brick structure, city planning and They do not contain genome from either the Steppe so on. A central authority probably existed which region or ancient Iranian farmers. contributed to the uniformity of the Harappan „„The same hunter-gatherer communities developed civilisation over a large area. The citadel may have into agricultural communities and formed the been the seat of the sovereign power. Harappan civilisation. zzReligious Practices: In Harappa, numerous terracotta figurines of women have been found „„Farming in South Asia was not due to the movement of people from the farming cultures of the west but which indicates that the people of the civilisation developed independently and was indigenous to believed in the fertility cult. India. zzSeals: The greatest artistic creations of the Harappan culture are seals. About 2000 seals have „„The researchers also suggest that there was a been found, and of these, a great majority carry movement of people from east to west as the short inscriptions with pictures of unicorns, Harappan people’s presence is evident at sites like buffaloes, tigers, rhinoceroses, goats etc. The Gonur in Turkmenistan and Sahr-i-Sokhta in Iran. civilisation also had a pictorial writingscript which „„Harappans had trade relations with the civilisations is yet to be deciphered. of Mesopotamia and Egypt and their movement created a mixed genetical history. Decline of Indus Valley Civilisation „„Prior to the arrival of steppe pastoralists bringing „„The civilisation started to decline around 1800-1900 their Indo-European languages about 4,000 years BC. Several theories have been proposed to explain ago, researchers found no evidence of large-scale the demise of the civilisation. Some of the prominent movements of people into South Asia. ones are: „„It infers that the Aryans migrated to South Asia after zzAryan Invasion Theory: This theory suggested that the demise of the IVC. Hence, the Aryan Invasion a nomadic, Indo-European tribe, called the Aryans, Theory that the attacks of Aryans were responsible invaded and conquered the Indus Valley for the decline of the IVC does not stand true. Civilization. The theory was proposed by British archaeologist Mortimer Wheeler. Harappan Civilisation zzClimate Change Theory: Some scholars suggest „„Harappa was a bronze-age civilisation that existed that the collapse of Harappan society resulted between 2500-1800 BC in the Indus river valley and from climate change. The eastward shift of beyond. It was one of the oldest civilisations in the monsoon, change in river course, or a shift in world. temperature and weather pattern would have „„Some of the key features of the civilisation include: caused the decline of Harappa. zzTown Planning: The Harappan cities were usually zzTrade Decline Theory: The decline in long- divided into two sections ‘Citadel’ and ‘Lower distance land and sea trade with Mesopotamia

54 DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY || NOVEMBER 2019 Current Affairs Social Issues

Emerging Threats to Children „„Mass Migration Recently, the United Nations Children’s Fund zzProblem: When migration is driven by desperation, (UNICEF) outlined eight emerging challenges for the children often take perilous journeys across deserts, world’s children, in addition to existing threats like oceans and armed borders, encountering violence, education, poverty, inequality and discrimination. These abuse and exploitation on the way. One of the were listed as part of the upcoming events to greatest migrations the world has ever seen is commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Convention happening within borders, with millions migrating on the Rights of a Child. internally from rural to urban areas. The eight challenges zzSolution: It is essential that child migrants have their rights upheld. Governments can protect child „„Prolonged Conflicts migrants by prioritising the best interests of children zzProblem: One in four children live in countries in the application of immigration laws. Social affected by violent fighting or disaster. Children policies and programmes designed to support and young people’s education is disrupted by child survival and development should pay greater conflict and natural disaster. attention to the poorest and most marginalized zzSolution: A digitally inclusive world that allows urban children. young people, irrespective of their situation, to „„Statelessness get access to education. zzProblem: Every child has a right to a legal identity, „„Pollution and the Climate Crisis to birth registration and to a nationality. It is zzProblem: Climate change is becoming a key force expected that, almost 1,00,000 babies born today, behind the rise in global hunger, as escalating may never have an official birth certificate, reason droughts and flooding degrade food production. being parents are stateless or a persecuted or This translates into the next generation of children marginalised community. bearing the greatest burden of hunger and zzSolution: Registering children at birth is the first malnutrition. Air pollution, toxic waste and step in securing their recognition before the law, groundwater pollution is damaging children’s health. safeguarding their rights, and ensuring that any zzSolution: Governments and businesses need to violation of these rights does not go unnoticed. work together to tackle the root causes by reducing The United Nations’ goal that every human being greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris on the planet will have a legal identity by 2030 Agreement. They also need to work hand in hand need to be effectively pursued. to reduce fossil fuel consumption, develop cleaner agricultural, industrial and transport systems and „„Future Skills for Future Work invest in scaling renewable energy sources. zzProblem: Too often, it is seen that young people „„Decline in Mental Health lack access to an education that will prepare them for contemporary job and business opportunities zzProblem: Mental illness among adolescents has i.e. giving them the skills and outlook they need been on the rise in the years since the adoption for a twenty-first century economy. of the CRC. Depression is among the leading causes of disability in the young. zzSolution: There is a need to prepare young people to become productive and engaged citizens. zzSolution: Rehabilitation for children and young people affected by mental health issues need to „„Data Rights and Online Privacy be prioritised. The stigma and taboo surrounding zzProblem: Children do not know what rights they mental illness needs to be challenged so that have over their own data and do not understand treatment can be sought and support is provided. the implications of their data use. Privacy terms

62 DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY || NOVEMBER 2019 Current Affairs

India Child Well-Being Report while Meghalaya (0.53), Jharkhand (0.50) and Madhya The India Child Well-Being Report was released Pradesh (0.44) featured at the bottom. recently. „„Among the Union Territories, Puducherry led the way with a score of 0.77 and Dadra & Nagar Haveli featured Background at the other end with a score of 0.52. „„The report has been compiled by NGOs World Vision „„On many measures of child well-being, Kerala surpassed India and the Institute of Financial Management and most Indian states by ensuring access to good health Research. and nutrition to children and safe drinking water and „„The report is an attempt to look at how India fairs on sanitation, providing quality education and addressing child well-being using a composite child well-being poverty. Among the UTs, Puducherry topped with index. The index captures the performance of each good scores in the areas of providing health, nutrition state and union territory on a composite child well- and clean water and addressing poverty. being score. „„However, a low performance in the areas of child „„The index is based on three key dimensions and 24 survival, nutrition, crimes against children and juvenile indicators. The three dimensions are – healthy crimes, brought the scores down for Madhya Pradesh. individual development (stunting, mortality, mental More children live in poorer families in Madhya Pradesh. health, education, sanitation etc.),positive relationships Way forward (sex ratio, suicide rates, juvenile crimes, etc.), and protective contexts (houselessness, child labour, „„Children are the future of our nation, if neglected, poverty etc. they will exacerbate the burden of poverty and „„The report, thus, highlights the multi-dimensional inequality. So, the burden lies on the shoulders of all approach towards measuring child well-being – going concerned stakeholders to prioritise and invest in the beyond mere income poverty. well-being of our children. „„Child survival, nutrition and access to water and Key findings sanitation are the key areas that need to be focussed „„Kerala (0.76), Tamil Nadu (0.67) and Himachal Pradesh on. Efforts are also needed to ensure children complete (0.67) topped the charts in the child well-being index schooling.

64 DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY || NOVEMBER 2019 Current Affairs ETHICS

Media and National Interest likely to jeopardise, endanger or harm the paramount Recently, the Press Council of India courted interests of the State and society. controversy for arguing that the media need to strike a balance between national interest and free and fair reporting in Jammu and Kashmir. Issues with media reporting „„Credibility: Despite having 400 private TV news channels, 1,000 newspapers and 3,000 radio stations, the credibility of the Indian news media ecosystem is still questioned. Editors often give directions to field reporters on the kind of soundbites they want from the ground to fit into their studio scripts. This reminds of the pre-reforms period when people used to repose faith more to the BBC than to the All India Radio. „„Competing Narrative: Nearly every piece of information which contests the establishment narrative, that all is „„Reasonable restrictions on free speech shall be well in Kashmir, has come from a non-Indian source. acceptable when any news, comments or information The narrative of foreign media organisations is often seem to endanger the national interest. at variance with that of Indian media houses who have Ethical dilemma felt duty-bound to broadcast sunshine stories that You are a Senior Superintendent of Police of a major city. You life is back to normal and getting better every day. have been in this position for the past two years. Given your track record „„Free Speech: Media is considered the fifth pillar you are expecting a promotion. Instead, you have been transferred to a of democracy and its freedom is paramount for a lesser known place for unexplained reasons. Your application for democracy to flourish. But in a competitive market, reconsideration of the transfer was rejected and you were informed that free speech is often extended to paid news or to air the decision has been taken in the interest of better administration. Your colleagues and seniors are advising you to go to media and put pressure a narrative with vested interests. This calls for the on the government. What will you do? need to have reasonable restrictions. Arguments against accepting the transfer: Expecting promotion is „„Role in Nation-building: During the pre-Independence akin to expecting acknowledgement for the good track record. The transfer times Indian journalism had aptly played its role of to a lesser known place is disrespecting for a senior officer and compounds nation-building. For the British, their rule was in the to demotion. That too without explaining reasons and hiding it beneath interest for its colony but for Indians, it is the rule the ambiguous phrase of better interest of administration implies that the was exploitative to enrich the British coffers. Today, officer has been punished. Moreover, accepting the transfer could amount while the western media can only see anger, abuse, to toeing the line of the authority and showcase oneself as weak. One has chaos, and violence in Kashmir, the Indian media can to stand up to oppose the establishment if it is going against the rules. only see peace, order, happiness and acceptance. Arguments in favour of the transfer: Everybody cannot be pleased and satisfied at once. As a civil servant, one is duty-bound to serve in Way forward whatever capacity the higher authority deems fit. To disobey on the „„The basic journalistic code of conduct framed by the ground of personal expectations will set a wrong precedent. It may result Press Council of India is steeped in ‘morality, social in chaos if others follow. Moreover, one should be optimistic as the and national interest’. It requires the media to indulge authority has reposed faith in the officer that he will strive for better administration in the lesser known place. A civil servant should be driven in self-regulation while reporting on various subjects. by a sense of responsibility rather than personal ambitions. „„The journalists should exercise due restraint and caution in presenting news, comment or information D C A T

70 DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY || NOVEMBER 2019 Did You Know?

Floating Nuclear Plant versatility to helicopter in network-centric aerial Russia has launched a pioneering floating nuclear warfare. power station, named Akademik Lomonosov, which will zzIt also carries fire control radar, which has a 360° sail 5,000km from the Arctic port of Murmansk to Chukotka coverage and nose-mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night vision systems. in the far east. „„Apache will replace Russian origin MI-35 helicopters „„It the world’s only floating power unit and the world’s that are on the verge of retirement. northernmost nuclear installation. „„The addition of Apache Attack Helicopter is a significant „„A floating nuclear plant has significance in terms step towards modernisation of Indian Air Force of boosting the power supply to remote areas, and helicopter fleet. powering extraction of natural resources in the Arctic region. It will also help reduce emissions of carbon Military Medicine Conference dioxide, thus help in mitigating climate change. India recently hosted the first conference of Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) of Shanghai Cooperation „„However, the environmental group Greenpeace has Organisation (SCO) in New Delhi. termed it ‘Chernobyl on Ice’ linking it to the 1986 „„The primary objectives of the conference wereto share accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the best practices in the field of military medicine, build erstwhile USSR. capacities and overcome common challenges. Apache Helicopter „„In India, the Directorate General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) is an apex organization which Recently, the Indian Air Force formally inducted the coordinates the medical services of the Army, Navy AH-64E Apache attack helicopter into its inventory. and Air Force. „„The original manufacturer of these attack helicopters is Boeing of the USA. „„These are all-weather capable, easily maintainable and have high agility and survivability against battle damage. „„The capabilities of the AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter include: zzIt can carry out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from the ground. zzIt can transmit and receive battlefield picture through data uplinking and networking. zzIt can also shoot fire and forget anti-tank guided missiles, air to air missiles, rockets while providing

NOVEMBER 2019 || DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY 71 ECONOMIC AND POLITICALWEEKLY

SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS AND ARTICLES: 3, 10, 17, 24 AUGUST

Code on Wages and the Gig Economy „„The Code on Wages contains a definition of “employee” far wider than any of the laws it repeals. It potentially „„Recently, the Supreme Court delivered its judgement cover workers in the gig economy also. However, this in the Officer In-Charge, Sub-Regional Provident does not address the issue entirely. Fund Office v Godavari Garments case, and held that „„The platform workers in the gig economy are not tied the women who worked from home doing piece work to any one particular platform by law. There are usually would be considered “employees” of the company, contractual. Hence, the level of enforcement is even if there was no direct contract of employment unknown which raises various questions: Who is the between the two. The Supreme has already delivered employer? If a delivery person switches between two a similar judgement in the context of beedi workers. non-competing delivery apps, or even competing taxi „„Simultaneously, the Code on Wages, 2019 has come apps, would they be considered an employee of both into force. It seeks to repeal and replace four separate entities? legislations dealing with wages with one comprehensive „„While the Code on Wages covers those who are doing code which covers all the aspects of payment of time work or piece work, it leaves those who are paid wages. The code was drafted on the recommendations on the basis of tasks fulfilled. It is unclear how will of the Second National Commission on Labour, 2002. later’s minimum wages be fixed in the absence of any „„The recent judgment is significant in the current guidance from the law. Hence, an expansive definition, context of the so-called “gig economy,” where workers even widely interpreted, may not meet the needs of are not necessarily working out of a fixed place of workers of the gig economy. employment, whether at home or elsewhere. The „„With the structural changes taking place in the Indian very nature of work and employment is changing economy, the very notions of what a job is and the because of technological changes which are occurring definition of an employer/employee is undergoing across various sectors. radical change. Hence, it might have been a worthwhile effort to go deeper into the definitions of “employee” „„Workers in the gig economy, unlike permanent and “employer” in the law itself. employees are largely doing poorly paid work with „„The Code on Wages should have acknowledged the none of the legal protections and rights enjoyed by workers of the gig economy and create separate permanent employees. Moreover, platform gig workers provisions for them, keeping in mind the peculiar such as app-based taxi drivers and delivery persons nature of work and the trend of economic and enjoy little control over their work and receive a lot technological change in the country. of direction through apps. „„Hence, in the Godavari Garments case, the SC’s The Value of Federalism reaffirmation that the test to determine the relationship „„Recently, the government abrogated the special status of employment is the test of control and not necessarily of Jammu and Kashmir, thus bringing it on par with location, has large implications for workers in the gig the other constituent states of India. The government economy. The judgment is the most emphatic rejection took the step in order to integrate the state with the of the idea that an employee–employer relationship rest of India and start development activities in the requires the employee to work at the employer’s region and initiate welfare schemes for the benefit premises in any way. of the Kashmiri people.

NOVEMBER 2019 || DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY 75 YOJANA

GIST OF MAJOR ARTICLES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE

ADDRESSING RURAL POVERTY: approach is reflected in the foreign policy pillars of LIVELIHOOD DEVELOPMENT Panchamrit - Samman (dignity and honour), Samvaad AND DIVERSIFICATION (engagement and dialogue), Samriddhi (shared prosperity), Suraksha (regional and global security) „„The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) bring out and Sanskriti evam Sabhyata (culture and clearly that poverty is multi-dimensional and therefore civilisational linkage. requires a range of interventions. „„The emphasis has also shifted from SAARC to BIMSTEC „„Rural poverty is multi-dimensional. The efforts should and Indian Ocean Region (IOR), in particular. BIMSTEC be towards convergence of rural initiatives that target is fast replacing SAARC as the primary forum for India’s both the poverty of households and the poverty of regionalism. The emerging maritime dimensions of geographies. India’s neighbourhood policy is reflected in SAGAR „„Factors contributing poverty of households include doctrine which stands for Security and Growth for All lack of education and skills, under-nutrition and ill- in the Region. health, lack of employment opportunities, lack of safe housing, limited access to public services, lack INDIA’S JOURNEY of social protection for the vulnerable, and absence TOWARDS A $5 TRILLION ECONOMY of social capital collectives. It is essential to think big when seeking to make a „„Factors contributingpoverty of geographies include difference, for transformation does not come from low price for produce, violence/crime, unirrigated modest plans. In this context, the target of %5 trillion agriculture, vagaries of monsoon, lack of basic economy for India by 2024 holds significance. infrastructure like roads, lack of non-farm opportunities, and lack of access to markets and jobs. How to reach that target? „„The Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 provides „„Basic Requirements - According to Economic Survey an evidence based criteria for selection of beneficiaries 2018-19, to achieve the $5 trillion economy India under various government schemes. The application must grow at 8%. Private investment is the key driver of deprivation criteria of SECC to Ujjwala (free LPG as it drives demand, creates capacity, increases labour connection), Saubhagya (free household electricity productivity, introduces new technology and generates connection), Ayushman Bharat, etc. have ensured job. There needs to be a focus on smoothening the that the benefits of development reach the most process for private investment including structural deprived on a priority. reforms, clarity in policy and processes, efficiency in allocation risk and resources. Moreover, exports must INDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY APPROACH form an integral part of the growth model because „„India’s rise is an opportunity to reimagine an India in higher savings preclude domestic consumption as consonance with our highest civilisational ideals - joy, the driver of final demand. sustainable prosperity, responsible freedom, inclusive „„Agriculture Sector - 60% of India’s population lives growth, peace and mutual respect. These ideals, when in rural areas and is mostly engaged in agriculture. they influence our foreign policy, have the potential To double farmers’ income by 2022 the focus needs to shape a plural and inclusive global order. to shift from increasing per acre productivity to „„India’s foreign policy approach has been undergoing gainfully employing farm households on other farm- a paradigm shift with economic and strategic relations related activities and to improve post-production gaining significant cultural undercurrents. The new value addition. This can be achieved by pooling of

NOVEMBER 2019 || DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY 77 Academic Vitamins

„„The importance of PHC has been reiterated time and „„Re-design PHC system based upon available local again since Alma Ata Declaration in 1978 and more evidence recently in Astana Declarationin 2018. zzThe common characteristics of best performing Stronger Health Systems PHCs in India include an assured package health services; appropriate mix and sufficient availability through Stronger PHC System of providers; continuum of care with functional „„Correct the inverted pyramid of health services referral linkages; stronger local level leadership; provision and utilisation and community engagement. zzA large proportion of health services in India are zzSeveral States have started additional initiatives delivered and used at secondary and tertiary level. to strengthen PHC such as Mohalla Clinics (Delhi) Ideally, these services should be available at and Basthi Dawakhana (Telangana). PHC level. zzMoreover, a sub-district-based health system can zzIn short, the pattern of service utilisation and have population linked and registered at the delivery is inverted. India needs to correct the facilities. Two-way referral linkage with secondary inverted pyramid by both re-organising and and tertiary level facilities should be adopted. strengthening the health services at PHC level „„Start focussed initiatives to tackle social determinants (supply side) and nudging behaviour of people to of health (SDH) use these services at PHC level (demand side). zzAn estimated half of the health outcomes are zzMoreover, the PHC system in urban areas need faster and effective interventions, if inverted dependent upon SDH like improved drinking water pyramid of service delivery is to be tackled. This supply and sanitation, better nutritional outcomes, needs stronger governance of urban health services. health and education for women, improved air quality and safer roads, etc. zzThere is need for multi-sectoral planning and ‘health in all policies’ approach. Initiatives to tackle SDH can be added as a third component under the Ayushman Bharat Programme, in addition to existing Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) and PM Jan Arogya Yojana. „„Use of behavioural economic for better health outcomes zzHealth seeking behaviour of people can be significantly influenced by behavioural change. zzThis is needed to ensure that people seek early care to prevent complications and seek care at the appropriate level, which will reduce burden from higher level of facilities. zzMoreover, public awareness and education about good nutrition, improved sanitation and health promoting behaviour is an integral part of health service delivery. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE NEXT GENERATION For building a new India, the Government has undertaken various projects like the Sagarmala Project (for accelerating port-led development), the Bharatmala Project (to link India from west to east), the Mumbai

80 DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY || NOVEMBER 2019 KURUKSHETRA

GIST OF MAJOR ARTICLES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE

Social Security Schemes „„Kishor: covering loans above 50,000/- and upto 5 lakh for Social Development „„Tarun: covering loans above 5 lakh and upto 10 lakh Social security is protection provided by the society Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY) to its members through a series of public measures „„PMVVY is a pension scheme launched exclusively for against economic and social distress that otherwise is caused by the stoppage or substantial reduction of senior citizens aged 60 years and above. earnings resulting from sickness, employment injury, „„There is no maximum entry age. One can invest a occupational diseases, unemployment, old age and maximum amount of `15 lakh under the scheme on death. Economists Amartya Sen and Jean Dreze or before March 31, 2020. distinguish two aspects of social security - ‘protection’ „„For the policy term of 10 years, senior citizens will and ‘promotion’. While the former denotes protection get a minimum pension of `1,000 per month and a against a fall in living standards and living conditions maximum pension of `10,000 per month depending through ill health, accidents, the latter focuses on on the amount invested. enhanced living conditions, helping everyone overcome persistent capability deprivation. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) Over the last five years, the narrative of social „„PMSBY is an accident insurance scheme available security for the marginalised has witnessed a fundamental to people between 18 and 70 years of age with shift. The focus has moved from the welfarism and bank accounts. entitlement to a more participatory model of „„In case of accidental death or full disability, the empowerment. The Government has taken several steps payment to the nominee will be `2 lakh and in case to actualise the objectives of social justice and holistic of partial permanent disability `1 lakh. development of the last man, which is reflective of the eternal commitment to the principles of Antodaya. Atal Pension Yojana (APY) Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana (PMJJY) „„APY is a pension scheme specifically launched for the unorganised sector. Under the scheme, all subscribing „„ PMJJY is a life insurance scheme that is available to people between 18 and 50 years of age with bank workers below the age of 40 are eligible for pension ` accounts. upto 5,000/month on the attainment of 60 years of age. „„In case of death due to any reason, the nominee will receive a sum of `2 lakhs. „„In order to incentivise people to enrol in the scheme, the Government contributes 50% of the total contribution Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) of `1,000 per annum, whichever is lowest, for a „„PMMY is a flagship scheme of the Government to period of 5 years. “fund the unfunded” by enabling small borrowers „„The minimum eligible age for joining APY is 18 years. to borrow from all Public Sector Banks (PSBs), Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs), Non-Banking Finance Green Business Scheme Companies (NBFCs), etc for loans upto `10 lakh for „„The scheme has been started by the National Safai non-farm income generation activities. Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation „„Under the aegis of Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, (NSFDC), with an aim to promote green business to three kinds of loans are provided. support sustainable livelihoods of Scheduled Castes „„Shishu: covering loans upto 50,000/- and Safai Karamcharis.

NOVEMBER 2019 || DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY 83 Academic Vitamins in their communities. It signifies promotion in the social, Health Empowerment economic, spiritual or political status of an individual. In „„Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): the context of women, it is an exercise in enhancing their PMMVY was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of educational, economic, social, political, and health status. Women and Child Development. It provides cash There are several provisions such as constitutional, transfer for the expecting and lactating women ( for institutional to empower women and protect their rights. the first child only). „„ Constitutional Provisions:Some Fundamental Rights „„Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017:The Act that have been enshrined in the Indian Constitution extended maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks are central to women empowerment. This includes and can be availed from eight weeks before the date Article 15 and Article 16. Both these Articles together of expected delivery. prohibit discrimination on the ground of sex and provide equal opportunity to all. „„National Nutrition Mission (Poshan Abhiyaan): It was launched to improve the nutritional status of „„Institutional Mechanism: National Commission for Women (NCW), National Mission for Empowerment pregnant women, lactating women, adolescent girls of Women (NMEW), National Institute of Public and children in the age group of 0-6 years. NNM Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) etc targets to reduce stunting, undernutrition, anaemia are some of the institutional mechanisms that are (among young children, women and adolescent girls) working for women empowerment. and reduce low birth weight by 2%, 2%, 3% and 2% per annum respectively. „„International Conventions:International Conventions like the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Social Security and Empowerment Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), „„Swachh Vidyalaya Initiative:It was launched Ministry The Mexico Plan of Action and the Nairobi Forward- of Human Resource Development in 2014 with the Looking Strategies encourages countries to work for objective to provide access to toilet facilities separately the empowerment of women. to both boys and girls. Women empowerment can elevate and enhance „„Ujjwala Yojana: it was launched in 2016 with the social, economic, political and legal strength of the objective to distribute around 50 million LPG women and equip them with the positivity to claim their connections to women belonging to BPL category, right. It requires holistic interventions in multiple fields hitherto using unclean fuels with attendant harm. such as health, social security, financial security etc. The aim is to protect the health of women and stem the health hazards resulting from the use of fossil and other fuels for cooking. „„Pradhan Mantri AWAD Yojana (PMAY): The objective of the scheme is to provide housing facilities to all by 2022. Under the scheme, the ownership of a house is mandated to be in the name of the woman of the family. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation. „„Working Women Hostel: The scheme was launched to ensure the safety, security and convenience of working women. The purpose is to provide accommodation, which is located at a convenient place and also has a daycare arrangement for their children. Financial Security and Empowerment for Women „„Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: The scheme was launched as a part of ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign. It is a small deposit scheme exclusively for the welfare of the girl child. Under the scheme, ‘Sukanya Samriddhi

NOVEMBER 2019 || DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY 85 Academic Vitamins

„„There are two dimensions of child healthcare: (i) stages and low-birth-weight babies in most backward districts of the life cycle; (ii) places where the care is provided. of the country. These together constitute the ‘Continuum of Care’. „„The initiatives proposed under Poshan Abhiyaan include real-time monitoring of programme implementation, National Nutrition Mission (Poshan Abhiyaan) introducing the measurement of children’s height at Anganwadi centres, incentivising states for meeting „„Launched in 2017-18, Poshan Abhiyaan is mandated to the targets and involving masses through Jan Andolan. reduce the level of undernutrition, stunting, anaemia „„It strives to reduce stunting from 34.8% to 25% by 2022.

NOVEMBER 2019 || DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY 87 DOWN TO EARTH Academic Vitamins

GIST OF MAJOR ARTICLES FROM 31 JULY & 15 AUGUST ISSUES

States divert forests, due to the change in the census methodology. Till tigers move too 2014, only tigers older than 1.5 years were counted. But in the recent census, the cutoff age was reduced „„The recently released Status of Tiger in India, 2018 to one year. report states that the overall tiger population in the country has improved from 1,411 in 2006 to Open for invasion 2,967 in 2018. However, their number have dipped in five States. „„In the past 15 years, India has faced at least 10 major invasive pest and weed attacks. The most recent was „„Among these five States, four (Odisha, Chhattisgarh, the fall armyworm that destroyed almost the entire Andhra Pradesh & Telangana) have diverted large maize crop in the country in 2018. amounts of forests for mining. While Jharkhand is the only other State that has registered a decline in „„Invasive pests and weeds can enter a country by flying tiger population. over the border or by simply growing uncontrolled. „„It is difficult to establish how pests and weeds are entering India. However, the problem is there is no institutional mechanism to probe these invasions. „„Imports of agricultural products is governed in India by the Destructive Insects and Pests Act, 1914. The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has also prepared lists of plants whose import is allowed, restricted or banned. „„The country has 108 plants quarantine centres located at major airports, seaports and transborder railway stations. The checkposts at these quarantine centres are under the control of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBITC). Key concerns

„„Regulations are often flouted by officials. „„Only half of India’s plant quarantine centres, are functional. „„Moreover, no tigers were found in the tiger reserves in „„Shortage of staff and other manpower. Buxa (West Bengal), Palamu (Jharkhand) and Dampa (Mizoram). However, the Management Effectiveness The ban on Colistin Evaluation of Tiger Reserve report has stated that the „„Recently, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare three reserves are in good condition. (MoHFW) issued a notification to prohibit the sale, „„The States with the highest tiger population are Madhya manufacture and distribution of Colistin and its Pradesh (526), Karnataka (524) and Uttarakhand (442). formulations in food producing animals, poultry, aqua One reason for the hike in tiger population could be farming and animal feed supplements.

NOVEMBER 2019 || DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY 89 SCIENCE REPORTER

GIST OF MAJOR ARTICLES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE

Chandrayaan-2 Historic „„The twin Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Launch, Exciting Possibilities Observatory (LIGO) detectors in the United States 4-km long arm uses laser light to split into two beams „„Chandrayaan-2, India’s most ambitious space mission that travel back and forth down the arms. attempts to foster a new age of discovery, increase „„The light monitors the distance between mirrors that our understanding of space, stimulate the advancement are positioned at the end of each arm. When of technology, promote global alliances, and inspire gravitational wave passes by, the distance between a future generation of explorers and scientists. However the mirrors will change by an infinitesimal amount. the Vikram lander could not descent on the moon as planned and the communication was lost. „„While the LIGO detectors are built to measure displacements less than one-ten-thousandth of the „„While data from India’s first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, diameter of a proton, only the most massive phenomena confirmed the presence of water on the moon without out there would be loud enough to catch their attention. landing on the lunar surface, Chandrayaan-2 was the world’s first mission to land on the lunar South Pole. „„Gravity is the weakest of the four fundamental forces and requires the use of highly sensitive instruments. Key objectives of Chandrayaan-2 NOTE: The four fundamental forces are Gravitation; Electromagnetism; „„Demonstrate ability to soft-land on lunar surface and Weak Interaction; Strong Interaction. operate a robotic rover. LIGO-India „„Shed light on a completely unexplored section of the Moon - its South Polar region. „„In February 2016, the LIGO-India team (India Initiative in Gravitational Wave Observatories, IndIGO) selected „„Gain insight into the origin and evolution of the Moon Hingoli District in Maharashtra as the observatory’s by extensive mapping of the lunar surface. South Pole 300-acre home. region has craters that are cold traps and contain a fossil record of the early Solar System. „„Why was Hingoli chosen? In order to decrease the terrestrial noise, the observatory must be built where Why the Moon? earthquakes have a low probability of surfacing. The „„The Moon is the closest cosmic body at which space Deccan Plateau in India rose out to be one of the discovery can be attempted and documented. most seismically quiet zones in the world. „„It is also a promising test bed to demonstrate „„Predicted to be functional by 2025, LIGO-India will technologies required for deep-space missions. be built by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) LIGO-India to Set Sail by 2025 and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) with a Memorandum of Understanding with the „„Two black holes had spiralled into each other 13 National Science Foundation in the United States. million years ago, an event so extreme that it oozed „„The long-awaited advanced LIGO-India observatory out a gravitational wave- a wrinkle in space and time will bring numerous opportunities in cutting edge that reaches us in 2014. This collision of two black technology, allowing Indian scientists to take global holes was first brought to light with the help of LIGO. leadership in pushing the boundaries of gravitational „„Gravitational waves agrees with and completes wave astronomy. Einstein’s view of our universe, and a major prediction „„The project will motivate Indian students and young in his General Theory of Relativity in which space scientists to explore new frontiers of knowledge, and and time are intricately interwoven and dynamic. will add further impetus to scientific research.

NOVEMBER 2019 || DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY 91 To The Point

RATION CARD PORTABILITY

Why in news? „„The scheme is also driving the faster implementation of initiatives to digitise and integrate the food storage The launch of the nationwide food security network and public distribution system. - ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ scheme - is scheduled for June 2020. What are the challenges? Background „„Availability of Data: The biggest challenge may lie in the lack of any concrete data on inter-State migration „„India’s National Food Security Act (NFSA) provides trends, especially short-term migration. subsidised foodgrain to the beneficiaries through a „„Integration of Data: The scheme involves creation of network of ration or fair price shops. a central repository of NFSA beneficiaries and ration „„This is mostly a location-linked benefit i.e. each cards. Aadhaar seeding is important to authenticate household’s ration card is linked to a specific fair price and track the usage of ration anywhere in the country. shop and is allowed to buy rations from that particular „„Digitisation: All fair price shops must be equipped shop. This leaves crores of migrant workers and with electronic Point-of-Sale machines (ePoS), replacing families out of the food safety net. the old manual record-keeping of transactions with „„However, several States allow beneficiaries to buy a digital real-time record. On the back-end, all the rations from any fair price shop within that State. warehouses and godowns storing grain should be Recently, two pairs of States - Andhra Pradesh-Telangana integrated to create a seamless flow of online and Maharashtra-Gujarat - have also implemented information from procurement until distribution. portability between their States. „„System Failure: In Jharkhand, there have been „„The Centre is now in the process of expanding these widespread complaints of denial of food due to system efforts into a nationwide portability network, called failures. Right to Food activists have blamed around the ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ scheme. It will 20 deaths from September 2017 to June 2019 on enable a ration card holder to buy subsidised grain hunger caused by irregularities in the PDS system. at any fair price shop in the country. „„Entitlement: There is also difference between ration benefits offered by the States and the Centre. Tamil What are the benefits? Nadu, for example, offers 20 kg of free rice per month „„The main beneficiaries of the scheme are the country’s as well as subsidised sugar, pulses and oil, over and migrant workers. As per Census 2011, there are more above the NFSA benefits. Offering these benefits to than 45 crore internal migrants in India, of whom migrant workers will involve huge costs and otherwise more than half have not completed primary education. it may lead to discriminatory treatment. „„Apart from this, four crore to ten crore people are Way forward short-term migrants i.e. not moving permanently. „„The major source States for migrants like Bihar, West „„Thus, registering for ration cards at their new location Bengal and the Northeast must speed up ePoS is a difficult process, especially if some members of installation for the system to work smoothly. the household still remain in their original home. „„In rural and remote areas, ePoS connectivity should „„Allowing ration card portability will also curb corruption be improved for smooth functioning. and improve access and service quality by removing „„The allocation of foodgrains to States shall be dynamic monopolies. This is because the beneficiaries will not to match movement of grain and migration flows.

dependent on a single fair price shop. D C A T

NOVEMBER 2019 || DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY 93 Practice MCQs

„„PAPER-I (250 Marks, UPSC CS Main Examination): “Essay: Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.” That is what the UPSC says about the Essay paper in the CSE notification. Through an essay, the commission wants to know if you will make the right civil servant who has balance of judgement, variety and depth of interest, logical exposition and other such bureaucratic qualities. „„Keeping this in mind, we present a forum where you are asked to practice your writing skills by writing essays on the given topics. The topics are decided keeping in view the thematic trends in CS (Mains) examination. „„If that is not all, the best essays shall be rewarded and published. We’ll judge the essay based upon four parameters viz. Structure of the essay, Content, Flow and language. „„The prize details are as follows: First Prize: 6 Months Subscription Second Prize: 4 Months Subscription Third Prize: 2 Months Subscription

Essay Writing Competition—42 Topic: ‘Constant vigilance is the price for liberty.’ Terms and Conditions— 1. The essay shall be of length between 1000-1200 words. 2. It should be neatly typed on A4 sheets. 3. Only one entry per participant is allowed. 4. Entries are to be sent by Registered/speed post only on following address: EXECUTIVE EDITOR, DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY, 641, FIRST FLOOR, DR. MUKHERJEE NAGAR, DELHI-110009. Please mention ‘For Essay Competition’ in capital letters on the envelope. 5. Remember to submit your personal details on the form printed on this page after neatly tearing it off the marked pointers. Submissions without this form shall not be entertained. 6. Your essay must reach the given address before 20th October, 2019. Entries reaching us after the given date will not be accepted. 7. Essays should be original and not plagiarized or copied except for properly quoted references. Prior published or awarded essays will not be accepted. 8. All rights related to the results of the competition are secure with ‘Drishti Current Affairs Today’. The winners shall be announced in the subsequent issue of the magazine and the winners shall be contacted by email and telephone. 9. Copyrights of the rewarded essays will lie with the magazine which may be used in any way by ‘Drishti Publications’.

Form for Essay Competition–42 (Kindly cut and attach this form along with your essay. Use original form and not photocopy.) Name of participant: …………………………………………………. Mobile no. ………………………………………… Address: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Pin code: …………….…………….. Email ID: …………………………………………………......

NOVEMBER 2019 || DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY 95 LEARNING

4

1 (A) 1 (B)

3

2 MAP-1

Questions

1. Identify the National Parks situated in Arunachal Pradesh. 2. Identify the city where “5th Aqua Aquaria India” the largest aquaculture exhibition was held? 3. Identify the place where India’s second riverine Multi-Modal terminal has been built? 4. Identify the place where India has established its own seed storage facility? (Answers : Refer to Page No. 162)

96 DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY || NOVEMBER 2019 97

MAP-2

DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY || (Answers : Refer to Page No. 162) No. to Page : Refer (Answers 019 ‘#FridayForFuture’ ‘#FridayForFuture’ campaign was change? climate launched against trilateral inaugural the in participated SITMEX-2019? exercise naval recently cut its official ties with Taiwan Taiwan with ties official its cut recently China? of policy China’ ‘One support to ‘East to capital its relocate to decided submergence? of risk to due Kalimantan’ Identify the country which has recently recently has which country the Identify Identify Identify the country where Identify thecountries which recently Identify Identify the Island country which

3. 4. 1. 2.

Questions

NOVEMBER 2

1

4(C) 2

4(B) 4(A) 3 THROUGH MAPS THROUGH Target Mains TARGET MAINS

PAPER-I zzMass poverty: At the time of Independence, the incidence of poverty in India was about 80% or Examine the early challenges that India uestion 1. about 250 million. Famines and hunger pushed faced as a newly independent country and the world’s Q India to take external help for its food security. largest democracy. zz th Illiteracy: When India gained Independence, its nswer: 15 August 1947 marked the end of colonial population numbered about 340 million. The Arule in India and the country found itself standing on literacy level then was just 12% or about 41 the gatway of a new era wherein the task was to build a million. strong nation. While India gained independence from the zzSocial Barriers: like caste and gender-based British, it was still to find independence from social, discrimination and Inequalities. This led to the economic and political problems that hindered India’s debate of Hindu code Bills. growth story. Challenges faced by India post-independence External Challenges „„Internal Challenges „„Global world order marked with cold war tensions: India followed a policy of Non-Alignment to stay away zzPartition and its consequences: Partition was from cold-war politics and focus on its internal marked with large scale communal violence. development. Partition not only led to the division of assets but also created huge refugee crisis followed by „„Hostile neighbours: Such as India and China, not only the origin of the Kashmir problem. hindered India’s growth and created regional instability. zzMaintaining India’s unity: which many believed The history of independent India has Changed theories to be impossible due to its diversity in terms of of democracy based on the experience of the West. It language, religion and culture. was due to India’s strong commitment to its constitutional Ethos that led India to not only survive as a nation but zzFraming the constitution and Establishing also to emerge as the leader of the newly independent Democracratic traditions: A democratic countries. constitution is necessary but not sufficient for establishing a democracy. The challenge was to uestion2 . “Indian democracy will disintegrate under develop democratic practices in accordance with Qthe burden of caste, communalism, regionalism, the Constitution. economic disparities, linguistic jingoism and other zzContaining Secessionist tendencies from erstwhile economic challenges.” Examine the factors that contributed Princely states: like Hyderabad and Manipur. to Indian democracy’s resilience despite these challenges. zzDealing with the demands of reorganization of nswer: India got independence in a hostile states: Initially, the partition fear had led to a Aenvironment which posed huge challenges for a feeling that linguistic states may foster separatism newly born nation. There was mass poverty, illiteracy, and create pressures on the newly founded nation. hunger, poor industrial and agricultural base to support a large population. Moreover, there were demands for zzLack of Infrastructure and industries: due to the linguistic reorganization of states leading to the rise destruction of Handicraft Industry and limited of secessionist trends. Thus, it was predicted by political growth of modern Industries during the British analysts that Indian democracy will not survive under Period. such conditions. zzThe problem of Hunger and Food Insecurity: The land Productivity had stagnated due to the Following factors contributed Zamindari system. Also, the Commercialization to Indian democracy’s resilience: of crops had resulted to shift from Food crops „„Strong leaders: It was only because of strong leaders leading to food insecurity in the country. that India could steer its path to democratic glory.

98 DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY || NOVEMBER 2019 Target Mains

„„Grievance redress: Besides, the scheme does not zzEqual Wages: Wage disparity between men and provide a clear design of transfers and a framework for women has serious implication on poverty. Equal effective grievance redressal. In the Mahatma Gandhi wages for females would ensure increased National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, for household income and productive expenditure instance, State governments still struggle to resolve on health and nutrition of the whole family. complaints and curb corruption. zzSkill Development: Women are significantly „„Failure in targeted delivery: Even medium and large involved in collecting minor forest produce and farmers are entitled for the benefits and not the tenants household-based industries. Enhancing their and sharecroppers who need income support the most. skills can directly reduce their economic PM-KISAN is an ambitious scheme that has the dependence on their husbands, which in turn potential to deliver significant welfare outcomes. However, will increase their decision-making power in the current top-down, rushed approach ignores governance productive expenditure and family matters. For constraints. Besides, cash transfer is neither a substitute Eg: Kudumbashree project in Kerala for the structural reforms needed in agriculture nor does zzPolitical: A society where the female voice is it adequately compensate the farmer for the risks and sought and heard and where the principles of uncertainty of crop cultivation. equity (fairness) and equality (opportunity) co- exist, is a more powerful and effective society. uestion 4. Focus on improving the condition of For instance, Increasing due representation of women of India can immensely contribute to poverty Q women in decision-making at the grassroots alleviation. Discuss. level can effectively help better-targeting nswer: Women constitute almost half of the country’s government poverty alleviation programs. population, therefore improving their condition in A The government in its recent social sector program the country can immensely contribute to poverty has effectively engaged the women-centric efforts like alleviation. Women’s empowerment plays a catalytic role rural sanitation through Swachh Bharat, improving health towards the achievement of transformational economic, outcomes through POSHAN Abhiyan and UJJWALA Scheme political and social changes required for sustainable etc. A lot is required to be done to achieve zero hunger development. and poverty alleviation in the country. Improvement in Women’s Conditions and Poverty Alleviation PAPER-III „„Social uestion 5. An overdependence on the unorganized sector has been the reason behind India’s zzHealth: Improvement in the health indicators Q unemployment and under-employment issue. Discuss of women can significantly contribute to the overall health of the family and the newborn. nswer: The term ‘unorganized sector’ is defined as Since the significant amount of earnings of Athe residual of the organized sector. The term underprivileged are spent on medical treatment, ‘organized’ is generally used for enterprises in which 10 improved women’s health and their newborns or more employees work together with the aid of power can drastically reduce household expenditure. or 20 or more without aid of power. Above 80% of the labour force is in the informal sector. zzEducation: It is a major tool for eliminating poverty. Educated women are more sensitive Reasons for large Unorganised sector toward their children’s education and contribute „„Poverty and rural distress: Significant rate of poverty more to their development. and rural distress create a vicious cycle of unorganized „„Economic economy. zzAgriculture: FAO estimates that if women farmers „„Weak capacity of Formal sector had the same access to tools and credit as men, zzFailure to boost manufacturing sector: It has agricultural output in 34 developing countries led to low employment absorption from the would rise by an estimated average of up to 4%, Agriculture sector which comprises a large chunk translating to up to 150 million fewer hungry people. of unorganized workers.

100 DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY || NOVEMBER 2019 UPSC CSE (Main) 2019 Model Answers

Dear Aspirants,

We are providing the model answers of General Studies Papers I, II, III and IV of the just concluded UPSC Civil Services (Main) Exam. These model answers have been written by our in-house team of experts to give you a fair idea of what all should an answer contain to fetch good marks. The Civil Services (Main) Exam is by its very nature subjective and we have tried our best to provide indicative answers to all the questions. The word limits set by UPSC is very stringent and at places we have taken liberty to exceed it to serve the cause of better comprehension of the issue at hand. The best way to improve answer writing is through regular practice and these model answers are intended to guide you in tackling such questions. We look forward to your feedback and comments.

Team Drishti UPSC CSE (Main) 2019

Candidates Candidates Candidates must not write PAPER – I must not write must not write on this margin on this margin on this margin 1. Highlight the Central Asian and Greco-Bactrian elements in Gandhara art. Ans: Gandhara art is a style of Buddhist visual art that developed between the 1st century BCE and the 7th century CE in what is now northwestern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan. The region came under the political influence of a variety of kingdoms which resulted in the emergence of a mixed school of art. The sculptural tradition in Gandhara had the confluence of Bactria, Parthia and the local Gandhara tradition. However, the real patrons of this school of art were the Scythians and the Kushanas, particularly Kanishka. Features of Gandhara art borrowed from Greco-Bactria: „„The Gandhara school drew upon the anthropomorphic traditions of Roman religion and represented the Buddha with a youthful Apollo-like face, dressed in garments resembling those seen on Roman imperial statues. Its significance lies in the fact that until thenBuddha was not represented in a human-like figure. „„Wavy hair in a top knot, sometimes a moustache on the face, urna (a dot or third eye) between the eyebrows, elongated earlobes, garment with thick pleats usually covering both shoulders, and muscular formation of the body are other resembling features. „„Other motifs and techniques that Gandhara school incorporated from classical Roman art, include vine scrolls, cherubs bearing garlands, tritons, and centaurs. „„The images having physiognomic features depictingsymbolic expression such as of calmness, sharp outlines, smooth surface, expressive images etc. are the centre point of attraction. Gandhara art not only assimilated the features of Hellenistic art but also borrowed many West Asiatic and Central Asiatic features such as: „„Disc-shaped attribute behind the head of Buddha was associated with solar deities of ancient Persian and Greek art. „„Figures with conical and pointed caps on their heads resemble the Scythian caps of similar design. „„The regular depiction of fire worship in the Gandhara art, a trait which was probably derived from Iranian sources. The foreign elements imbibed in the Gandhara art not only placed it on a high pedestal of artistic achievements but also made possible the naturalistic depiction of the human form for the first time in the Indian art history. 2. The 1857 Uprising was the culmination of the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British Rule. Elucidate. Ans: Introduction „„“The Indian Rebellion was not one movement, … it was many.” C.A. Bayly brings to our notice what Eric Stokes has written in his book ‘The peasant armed: the Indian Revolt of 1857’. „„During the first century of British rule, there were a series of uprisings which Kathleen Gough has called “restorative rebellions’’ as they were started by disaffected local rulers, Mughal officials or dispossessed zamindars. „„The century before 1857 witnessed more than 40 major rebellions apart from hundreds of minor ones. However, these were local in character and effects & isolated from each other because each rebellion had a different motive. Peasant Uprisings „„The Faqir and Sanyasi Rebellions, Bengal & Bihar (1770-1820s): These were widely recurrent confrontations with almost 50,000 participants involved at the height of insurgency. „„The Revolt of Raja Chait Singh, Awadh (1778-81): Primary goal was to restore the existing agrarian relations and it kept recurring till 1830s. „„Polygar Rebellions, Andhra Pradesh (1799-1805): Polygars (feudal lords appointed as military chiefs) were joined by peasants against Company’s tactics and the rebellion reached a big scale before it was oppressed. „„Paika Rebellion, Odisha (1817): An armed rebellion under the leadership of Bakshi Jagabandhu against the Company’s rule. It is considered to be the First War of Independence. „„Fairazi Movement, Eastern Bengal (1838-1848): First ever no-tax campaign led by Shariatullah Khan and Dadu Mian. It was local in nature and kept on recurring till 1870s.

104 DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY | NOVEMBER 2019 UPSC CSE (Main) 2019

Candidates „„Loss of classical music for Pop and Jazz culture: The changing taste of music among Indian youth has put Candidates Candidates must not write must not write must not write on this margin a question mark over the survivability of traditional classical music in India. on this margin on this margin „„Loss of collective identity for individualism: With rise in metropolitan of Indian population, the individualism is growing and the social relations are now based on commercial benefits. „„Loss of joint family structure for nuclear family system: Economic migration and the choice for individual space have broken the joint structure of family in India. At this junction, the old-aged and children are depriving of the required care. „„Loss of moral education for advanced commercial education: The growing disorientation between morality and higher education is the greatest demolition of our identity. „„Degradation of the institution of marriage: The growing acceptance to the live-in-relationship has questioned the sanctity of the institution of marriage in our society. This represents the dominance of western culture and the Indian way of living. „„Changing style of clothing: With the rise in corporate culture, the Indian dressing style has remained merely an occasional stuff that too in cultural occasions only. „„Loss of traditional food choice: With the rise of chain restaurants and hotels, the food choice of Indian youth has inclined towards the Italian and Chinese fast foods. This has caused foods that are comparatively healthy and rich in nutrients. „„Deadline of cultural values: In the have of freedom of speech, the traditional values of moral decency, respect to elders, following the rituals etc. are all declining. „„Loss of indigenous system of medication like Ayurveda, Yoga etc. Despite these facts, another dimension of thoughts about globalization points to the universalization of our local beliefs and cultural values rather than demolition. This dimension is also supported equally through various facts like: „„Indian festivals are now being celebrated all across the world: The most significant example is the Diya stamps issued by UNO to celebrate Diwali. Even a local religious festival of Chhath Puja is celebrated in Silicon Valley, USA. „„Observance of International Yoga Day on 21st June: This has popularized the Yoga throughout the globe. „„Observance of World Hindi Day on 10th January and organization of World Hindi Conference. „„ISKCON foundation has spread the practice of Bhakti Yoga in different Western countries. This promotes religious tourism in our country. „„Indian classical music is being liked all across the world and it is appreciated at Berklee school of music. SPIC MACAY, an NGO has promoted the Indian classical music and culture among youth across the world. „„Taj Mahal is among the seven wonders of the world Thus, culture is an ever-evolving entity which constantly changes through diffusion and amalgamation. Of course, we should embrace our cultural identity and values and it is our duty to preserve our cultural identity, however, globalization is not a matter to worry and infusion of global identity should be welcomed. PAPER – II

1. Do you think that Constitution of India does not accept principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balance’ ? Explain. Ans: Indian constitution have meticulously defined powers and functions of the different organs of the state. Legislature, executive and judiciary have to function within their own spheres demarcated under the constitution. Unlike the US constitution, instead of having strict separation of power India follows the principle of ‘checks and balance’ which is evident from the various constitutional provisions dealing with executive, legislative and judicial organs. „„The executive power of the state is exercised by the President, who acts on the advice tendered by the council of ministers headed by the Prime Minister. However, according to article 75, the council of ministers with the responsibility of forming policies and implementing them are the members of the Parliament and responsible to the Lok Sabha.

118 DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY | NOVEMBER 2019 UPSC CSE (Main) 2019

Candidates Candidates its oil imports but also for the Chabahar port and International North-South Transport Corridor (INTC) that Candidates must not write must not write must not write on this margin on this margin will enable India to have a reach to Central Asia and counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, on this margin this stands opposed to the US policy of restricting Iran’s influence in the region. The US has pulled out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear agreement and subsequently imposed sanctions under Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) on Iran. „„Afghanistan: Political development in Kabul have always had its implications in New Delhi. Situation in Afghanistan also poses security risks for India given Pakistan’s close proximity to the Taliban. This is more so given India’s huge investments in Afghanistan to bring peace and stability there. But the US policy has moved to focus on its withdrawal of troops. Any peace deal with the Taliban, an insurgent body, will legitimise the terrorist activities and hurt India’s interests. „„Russia: India’s strategic relations with Russia have historically been very significant and useful given Russia’s veto power at the Security Council. Russia is also the major defence partner of India. It is also emerging as a major option to meet India’s energy requirements. But, as bequeathed by the Cold War, the US considers Russia as its adversary and it has brought Russia under the CAATSA. This stood opposed to India’s defence deals with Russia involving the S-400 missile systems. „„Trade relations:Being a developing country, India wants to bring millions of its masses out of poverty and to have a strong economic footprint globally. The US is a major trade partner in this context and it Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) has been a useful mechanism for India. But the US’ policy to bring back jobs home and to restrict China’s growth trajectory has negative fallout on India. The US has accused India of not opening the Indian economy for American trade by means of tariffs, intellectual property regulations, subsidies, etc. and has clamped tariffs on Indian exports to America. Moreover, the USA’s National Defense Strategy 2018 marked Russia and China as its central challenge and for the US India is an ideal balancer against rising China. In this context, India must convince the US that a strong India is in concurrence with the US’ interest. Besides, India must follow strategic hedging i.e. simultaneous engagements with major powers because in international relations, there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies, only permanent interests. PAPER – III

1. Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been subsumed in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Also, comment on the revenue implications of the GST introduced in India since July 2017. Ans: Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an indirect, comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based tax that is levied on every value addition. The Goods and Service Tax Act was passed in the Parliament in March 2017. The Act came into effect on 1st July 2017. At the Central level, the following taxes have been subsumed in the GST: „„Central Excise Duty „„Additional Excise Duty „„Service Tax „„Countervailing Duty „„Special Additional Duty of Customs At the State level, the following taxes have been subsumed in the GST: „„State Value Added Tax/Sales Tax, „„Entertainment Tax (other than the tax levied by the local bodies), Central Sales Tax (levied by the Centre and collected by the States) „„Octroi and Entry tax „„Purchase Tax „„Luxury tax „„Taxes on lottery, betting and gambling

NOVEMBER 2019 | DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY 133 UPSC CSE (Main) 2019

Candidates „„The Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) which is touted as a robust and Candidates Candidates must not write must not write must not write on this margin integrated system, is capable of addressing the gaps in the present system of border security by seamlessly on this margin on this margin integrating human resources, weapons, and high-tech surveillance equipment, should be proactively deployed. „„Sustained community interaction programmes so that the border tribal communities can be sensitised to participate in the nation building on both sides of the border. India should endeavour to meaningfully engage with Myanmar and solicit its cooperation in resolving all outstanding issues and better manage their mutual border. PAPER – IV SECTION – A 1. (a). What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three of these with suitable examples. Ans: The fundamental principle in a democracy is that all persons holding authority derive it from the people; in other words, all public functionaries are trustees of the people. With the expansion of the role of government, public functionaries exercise considerable influence over the lives of people. The trusteeship relationship between the public and the officials requires that the authority entrusted to the officials be exercised in the best interest of the people or in ‘public interest’. One of the most comprehensive statements of what constitutes principles of public life came from the Nolan Committee, which outlined the following seven principles of public life Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty, Leadership. „„Leadership: Holders of public office should promote and support the principles of public life by leadership and example. „„For eg. Lal Bahadur Shastri used to fast every Monday to save grains for poor people of the country and he gave a call for the nation to follow it. Thus exhibiting a true example of how leaders should lead from the front. „„Selflessness: Holders of public office should act solely in terms of public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends. „„For eg. Tukaram Omble of Maharashtra police tackled Kasab one of the terrorists of Mumbai attack so that he couldn’t attack his fellow servicemen. Thus showing exemplary courage and the highest degree of selflessness by giving away his life for the cause of his nation. „„Gita also in one of its shloka- karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana reiterates the principle of selflessness which means one should only focus on our actions and should not worry about the result. „„Accountability: Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office. „„For eg. Vikram Sarabhai accepted the failure of ISRO first mission without actually putting it on the mission head (APJ Abdul Kalam). Thus taking full accountability for the failure of his team. „„Thus it can be established that principles of public life are important for every democracy. Guidelines of public behaviour arising from such principles can play a crucial role in creating trust between the public functionaries and common public. Therefore any person who is privileged to guide the destiny of the people must not only be ethical but must be seen to practice these principles of public life. (b). What do you understand by the term ‘public servant’? Reflect on the expected role of the public servant. Ans: A public servant is generally a person who is employed directly or indirectly by the government, either through appointment or election. A public servant values public good over his/her personal interests. Taxpayers and public funds partially or fully fund their wages, which is why they are known as servants of the public. The duties of public servants are as diverse as the duties and responsibilities of the government. There are many elements which a public servant can imbibe to bring about a more humane and ethical governance structure. A few of these are: „„Public Servants have an obligation to protect and promote our constitutional ideals enshrined in the preamble, to uphold the rule of law, dispense administrative justice and ensure administrative facilitation.

148 DRISHTI CURRENT AFFAIRS TODAY | NOVEMBER 2019