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RNI No. DELENG/2013/49640 FEBRUARY 2018 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 2 | `100

www.csrtimes.org INDIA’S NO. 1 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MAGAZINE

INSIDE COVER STORY WETLANDS & URBAN SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS

INTERVIEW STRENGTHENING TRADITIONAL SYSTEMS FOR QUALITY HEALTHCARE

SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK Union Minister For Ayush CSR_FEB_1_3.qxd 2/13/1950 7:25 PM Page 2

GENDER EQUALITY

CORPORATES SHOULD SUPPORT GOVT'S FARM SECTOR INITIATIVES inance Minister Arun Jaitley while announcing the General Budget 2018-19 in Parliament gave a clarion call to double Ffarmers’ income by 2022 when India celebrates its 75th year of Independence. While announcing a slew of new initiatives for the farm sector, Jaitley insisted that the Government’s emphasis was on generating higher incomes for farmers. The Minister said that the Government considers agriculture as an enterprise and wanted to help farmers produce more from the same land parcel at lesser cost and simultaneously realize higher prices for HARISH CHANDRA their produce. The Minister announced that the Government has decided to keep Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all hither to unannounced crops of Kharif at least at one and half times of their production cost. “This historic decision would prove an important step towards doubling the income of our farmers and NITI Ayog in consultation with Central and State Governments will put in place a fool proof mechanism so that farmers will get adequate price for their produce,” the Minister said in his Budget speech. As a primary measure, the Government announced raising THIS HISTORIC ` DECISION WOULD institutional credit for agriculture sector to 11 lakh crore for the year PROVE AN IMPORTANT 2018-19 from `10 lakh crore in 2017-18. Further the Government has STEP TOWARDS plans to promote organic farming in a big way. DOUBLING THE INCOME Organic farming by Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and OF OUR FARMERS AND Village Producers Organizations (VPOs) in large clusters, preferably NITI AYOG IN of 1000 hectares each, will be encouraged. According to Government CONSULTATION WITH CENTRAL AND STATE plans, Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) will also be encouraged to GOVERNMENTS WILL take up organic agriculture in clusters under National Rural Livelihood PUT IN PLACE A FOOL Programme. Also, a sum of `200 crore have been allocated to support PROOF MECHANISM SO organized cultivation of highly specialized medicinal and aromatic THAT FARMERS WILL plants and aid small and cottage industries that manufacture perfumes, GET ADEQUATE PRICE essential oils and other associated products, the Minister added. FOR THEIR PRODUCE The Government move will open new vistas for CSR expenditures. Some of the corporate houses have been encouraging best agricultural practices by supporting SHGs through release of CSR funds. This would now have to be addressed in a more comprehensive manner and supplement government efforts at improving lives of the farmers.

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COVER STORY CSR TIMES Wetlands & Urban Vol. 6, No 2 08 Sustainable Livelihoods (February 2018) EDITOR’S CHOICE RNI No. DELENG/2013/49640 ISSUE 2 | EDITOR Harish Chandra

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dr Minnie Bodhanwala, Amit Goenka

CONSULTING EDITORS 6 VOLUME KN Jayaraj, Prashant Das

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS | Dr Sudipta Narayan Roy (WB), Ilaria Gualtieri (West Asia)

CORRESPONDENTS G Shiva (AP), Subramanya Shastri (MS)

PHOTOGRAPHER Anurag Nanda

DESIGNER FEBRUARY 2018 FEBRUARY CSR TIMES Suman CONTENT

VICE PRESIDENT SALES & MARKETING Rajesh Manglani HEAD OPERATIONS & MARKETING GREEN REVOLUTION BILATERAL RELATIONS Rajesh Thakur India-Russia: A Privileged Customised Fertilizers: A SOCIAL INITIATIVE GM MARKETING Solution For Poor Yield, 18 Partnership Shruti Jain, Manoj Sandal 04 MGL The Bands performing at the ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony, at Vijay Chowk, in New Delhi on Farmers’ Poverty BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT HEAD January 29, 2018, to mark end of 69th Republic Day Celebrations SAVING GIRL CHILD 26 Muskaan Reema Garg INTERVIEW Saving The girl child WATER TECHNOLOGY MARKETING MANAGER very year on the cold evening The ceremony this year at 20 From FGM Akanksha Sharma Strengthening Traditional A New Desalination Eof January 29, sounds of the Vijay Chowk saw several military 06 Systems For Quality 28 Method Offers PRODUCTION MANAGER SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Rahul Thakur bands resonate through the Raisina bands, pipes and drums bands Healthcare Low-Cost Alternative To Hills, the seat of Government of from regimental centres and Need for adoption of Big Data Purify Salty Water CIRCULATION HEAD SOCIAL INITIATIVE Analytics (BDA): to stay com- Rahul Halder India. This military ceremony battalions enthralling the crowd, 22 30-31 | SOCIAL SNIPPETS TATA INSTITUTE OF petitive for SMEs in India LEGAL ADVISOR marks the end of the four-day-long with a clear sky and pleasant SOCIAL SCIENCES SAVING HERITAGE Suman Dobal 12 EXPERT VIEW Republic Day function beginning weather adding to the cheerful A World Class Community Turkish Whistling Language Of ADVISOR Engaged University CSR Funds Can Bridge Gaps Mridual Pathak (USA), with the Republic Day parade on atmosphere. Several performances Northern Village Of Kusköy In Education Sector 32 Roob Kirat (UAE), Girish Kumar, Demonstrating Ways to 24 Now On UNESCO List Ravi Shankar, BS Dhillon the morning of January 26. Amid by the Army, Air Force and Naval Achieve Sustainable SOCIAL EVENT PRINTED & PUBLISHED BY soulful classical renditions and foot- bands, among other troupes, Development Goals in Six Harish Chandra for First Step Foundation tapping numbers filling the air, the thrilled the audience with patriotic Districts of Maharashtra Wadia Hospitals organizes PUBLISHED AT Beating Retreat ceremony marks fervour, as they cheered loudly 34 Little Hearts Marathon 2018 312, Vardhman Sunrize Plaza, SOCIAL JUSTICE Vasundhara Enclave, Delhi-110096 the culmination of the celebrations against the backdrop of a ELECTORAL REFORMS Phone: 011-43085920 Social Justice- of India becoming a Republic. delightful twilight. 16 Much To Attain One Nation-One Election: 36 Scope & Caution

EDITORIAL MENTOR SIDHARTH MISHRA F E E D B A C K [email protected] www.linkedin.com/in/csrtimesmag www.facebook.com/csrtimesmag www.csrtimes.org www.twitter.com/csrtimesmag

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GREEN REVOLUTION

use of fertilisers, thus contributing to better crop productivity. CF units can be set up with low investments in the range of `50-60 crore and the gestation period for every unit is only 7-10 months. In comparison, a urea plant typically needs an initial investment of about `400 to India, the agricultural produce output will 500 crore and has a turn-around period of increase. Simultaneously the distribution & three to four years. availability of fertilizer will be better. The production of urea during 2015-16 Customized fertilizer satisfies crop’s was 244.75 lakh metric tonnes with the nutritional demand, specific to area, soil, contribution of Public Sector, cooperative and growth stage of plant. sector and private sector as 70.80, 69.36 and ● CF enhances crop productivity with better 104.59 lakh metric tonnes respectively. At benefit cost ratio. present, there are 30 urea units in our country. ● It is a one-time application of all macro and Out of these thirty urea units, 27 urea units use micro nutrients, except nitrogen, and is Natural Gas (using either domestic gas/LNG hence convenient to use. or both) as feedstock and fuel and remaining ● It promotes balanced application of three urea units viz (i) MCFL Mangalore (ii) nutrients. Petrochemicals Corp and Nagarjuna Fertilisers MFL, Manali and (iii) SPIC Turicorin use ● It is granulated to ensure uniform are some of the companies which are betting Naptha as feedstock and fuel. distribution of nutrients. big on customized fertilisers. It is estimated The total production of urea in 2016-17 that over `700 crore investments would be was 242.01 lakh metric tonnes as compared to CUSTOMISED FERTILIZERS AVAILABILITY OF CF made by these companies to make need-based annual assessment capacity of 207.54 lakh Tata Chemicals is one of the pioneers in soil nutrients. Several private companies aim to million tonnes. In 2015-16, as mentioned A SOLUTION FOR POOR YIELD, FARMERS’ POVERTY the field of customised fertilizers. Sold under set up over the dozen of new customized earlier the total production was 244.75 lakh the brand name Paras Farmoola, these fertilisers’ plants at an approximate investment metric tonnes with the contribution of public, Neeti Jha examines the benefits of Narendra Modi fertilisers contain macro and micro nutrients of `60 crore each. cooperative and private sectors as 70.80, 69.36 required by selected crops in specific regions. These customised fertilizers promote and 104.59 lakh metric tonnes respectively. Govt’s push to more yield fertilisers They have been developed on the basis of soil, sustainable agriculture by maintaining soil crop and water sample analyses. health and providing the best nutritional REFERENCES o feed the growing population, India crop and to optimise the benefit of fertilisers Customized fertilizers is the use of the Paras Farmoola fertilisers have been package for better plant growth and premium http://www.dupont.co.in clearly needs a second green in a cost-effective manner, farmers and Fertilizers Best Management Practices and rigorously tested through more than 300 quality output. http://www.krishisewa.com Trevolution that is broad-based, fertilisers companies are being asked to focus are generally assumed to maximize crop research experiments conducted on the field The fertilisers help correct the nutrient http://www.dailypioneer.com inclusive and sustainable; the farmers need to on customized fertilisers. yields while minimizing unwanted impacts on and at 12 Krishi Vigyaan Kendras. Field trials imbalance in the soil caused by prolonged produce more without the environment The government is planning to introduce the environment & human health. conducted on over 20,000 samples of crops inadequate and indiscriminate getting any more depleted. customised fertilizers in an attempt to boost such as paddy, wheat, potato, maize and This was clearly understood by the agricultural production, doubling farmers’ BENEFITS OF USING CFs sugarcane from 25 districts in western Uttar government and to feed the growing income and reducing the cost of cultivation. ● The use of CF will increase the agriculture Pradesh, report a significant increase in yield population and make farming a more production by 30 per cent and also ensure over traditional fertilisers. sustainable and profitable business the WHAT ARE CUSTOMIZED FERTILIZERS? that the soil fertility is safeguarded. The fertilisers are produced at the Narendra Modi Government has decided to CF is prepared by tweaking the ● Production of customized fertilizers will company’s state-of-the-art, 1,30,000MT introduce customized fertilisers (CFs) across proportions of urea and micronutrients in a ensure improved ‘Fertilizer Use Efficiency’ capacity facility at Babrala, Uttar Pradesh. the country. way that the end products are suited to meet and will create a new “Virtual” source of Apart from Tata Chemicals, Zuari Agro, According to Department of Fertilisers, the special needs of varied types of soil, nutrients, implying from the existing Coromandel Fertilisers, Deepak Fertilisers, to address the special need of a region or crops, and climate. quantity of Urea, available & consumed in CSR_FEBRUARY 2018.qxd 2/13/1950 7:25 PM Page 6

INTERVIEW INTERVIEW

care delivery system pathetic, especially in the rural and tribal set ups. Though there are laws STRENGTHENING TRADITIONAL which governs the practices of different systems of medicine, yet there are some problems here and there. The conventional modern medicine is SYSTEMS FOR QUALITY HEALTHCARE becoming more costly affair, and poor people not able to afford such facilities. On the other Union Minister For Ayush SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK in a hand, the traditional health care system could not make inroads to the extent it was expected discussion with AMIT GOENKA outlines his plans for to. Resultantly, large number of people remain providing quality health care at low price. deprived of basic medical facility.

How CSR can help promote yoga and Even after so many years of enshrine this as stamp of India for whole independence,why primary healthcare world to follow ... Your thoughts! remains an area of concern and what are CSR could play a pivotal role in the your plans to overcome them? promotion and propagation of yoga, as the As already mentioned, with the Corporate sector is spread across the globe. advancement in the modern medical system, effective place in the primary health care management of cancer treatment.Efforts are Initially corporate bodies can adopt Yoga and the treatment today is a costly affair. Also, the delivery system across the country. For that I being made to integrate the AYUSH treatment make their employees to follow it for their modern medicine doesn't have the answer for propose to develop at least one model centre in the National Programme of Prevention and better health. Also, yoga is supposed to all the modern day health problems. for AYUSH in every state, so that people who Control of Non-Communicable Diseases enhance the work efficiency and also promote Secondly, the larger population of the are interested to avail the facility must find a including Cancer. I’m sure in the coming years the cognitive functions of a person. This will country is in rural area, the modern medicine suitable and authentic place for that. it will give results. ultimately add to the work enhancement of doctors are not willing to go to villages and any corporate sector. serve. The traditional systems could not be CSR can play a big role in complimenting Government is planning 100 smart cities Besides this, corporate sector can facilitate developed to the extent that it can cater to government efforts in healthcare. Do you and each of these cities need world class to provide yoga retreat to its employees of the primary health care. have any plan to rope in corporate health care. What are your policies and minimum 7 days at least once in a year, which Thirdly, there is no policy in place that through CSR to meet the challenges! priorities for them? Have you prepared any will also include the family members of the traditional health care systems could be made As mentioned earlier, charity must begin strategy papers? employees. the primary health care system, as prevailing in at home. Corporates have to primarily focus Strategy papers have not been prepared Nevertheless, the corporate sector is also few other countries. to provide health care to their own yet. But I have in mind that while planning handling the health care delivery system in the With the development of a National employees and also to further extend the the smart cities, the health care system need country. It can think of establishing world- Health Mission and National AYUSH facility to others. Corporates sector to be taken into consideration... and Iam class medical facilities in terms of hospitals, Mission, we are trying to overcome these employees are falling prey to acute/sever trying for that. Already I had a preliminary wellness centres in AYUSH especially in Yoga. problems and succeeded to some extent also. stress conditions, which can be managed discussion with my colleague, Minister of Over the years I am sure that we will be able effectively by the regular practice of Yoga. Urban Development and I am sure On health front, what are lndia’s to provide the primary health care to the Corporate sector can plan for establishing the health care needs will be given priority challenges and how would you overcome people to a larger extent. world-class medical facility in AYUSH systems. in this. them? Also, the present Government policies are lf not at least, the existing corporate hospitals In our country there are several traditional aimed at prevention of diseases through can think of integrating the AYUSH systems Can you assure the people of lndia that systems of health care having their own various programmes. After the declaration of in the main stream medical care having a under your leadership world class health concepts and principles of health and disease. lnternational Day of Yoga, the number of separate facility in each Hospital. facilities and care are in offing and people Each system is having its own strengths in people practising Yoga has become will get cheap and best health care in India some area and weaknesses too. People are at considerably higher, which in turn is helping in Are you satisfied with your efforts for which world will be envy of! times confused about which system to follow. the prevention of most of the diseases, cancer care. lf not why and please Certainly! The basic objective behind To add to this there are experts who make tall especially the non-communicable diseases. elaborate on them! launching National AYUSH Mission is to claims about their system, which sometimes No, Not fully...Cancer problem is make available the traditional AYUSH systems defeats the very purpose of treatment. Further, One singular thing you wish to accomplish becoming like an epidemic nowadays. Despite to the larger population with the active there are number of non-qualified, unskilled so as a Minister! best treatment available in the different involvement of the State Governments. As called doctors who are practising in the As a Minister, my wish is that the AYUSH systems, we are not able to make you know these systems are cheap and best country and they contribute to make the health traditional systems of medicine must find an breakthrough in the prevention and health care, which is the need of the hour.

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and nations. This theme is going to reflect in the edition of Wetlands Australia. WETLANDS & URBAN This day is not only a great excuse to go tromp around in your nearest wetland, but it’s also a great chance to take a moment to think about the environment. Therefore, let’s take a look at the history of SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS wetlands and why it is important to have a day in their honour. Priyanka Tomar examines the need to maintain a So, what exactly a wetland is? A wetland can be defined as land that contains marshes balance between sustaining environment and or swamps. They are the land areas that are flooded with water, either seasonally or pushing development permanently. Urban wetlands are found in and around cities or their suburbs. They include rivers and their flood plains, lakes, and swamps as well as coastal variants such hazards are water based. This makes the have been increasingly documented. That as salt marshes, mangroves and coral reefs. wetlands so important. When violent weather millions of people around the world rely on comes in, the wetlands act as a buffer. This wetlands for livelihoods is familiar now to HISTORY OF WORLD WETLANDS DAY gives time for the bad weather to slow a little many. World Wetlands Day brings awareness and give time for the people nearby to get to Not only are they an essential part of the and remembrance of the Convention on safety. If the wetlands can stall the weather global water cycle, wetlands provide water Wetlands of 1971. The convention and the slightly there can be less damage to property resources for crops, wildlife, stock and people, world wetlands day were established to and loss of life. help to regulate the flow of water and nutrients educate on the importance of wetlands and When there are healthy wetlands, the through the landscape, store carbon, are an what they mean to humanity and the planet. people nearby tend to be healthier. On the important habitat for many species - including The first time this day was celebrated other hand, worldwide over a billion people migratory birds, and act as the breeding was in 1997. Since then government earn income directly from wetlands, including grounds for many of our fish stocks. agencies, non-government organisations from jobs in sectors that depend on wetlands Yet, despite the overwhelming benefits we and community groups have celebrated such as fishing, tourism and rice farming. get from these environments more than half World Wetlands Day by undertaking actions Other employment sectors such as water of all wetlands have disappeared. It’s estimated ebruary is the month of World to raise public awareness of wetland values utilities, water transport, handicrafts and that we’ve lost around 65% of the world’s Wetlands Day! A day when we should and benefits and promote the conservation aquaculture; all derive financial benefits from wetlands since 1990. Fall pause for at least a moment to think and wise use of wetlands. healthy wetlands. Data from the International Union for and remind ourselves of the vital role they play These activities include seminars, nature Income generated from healthy wetlands Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of in supporting life and helping people’s walks, and festivals, announcement of new not only helps communities to escape poverty, Threatened Species shows that one in every livelihoods. Ramsar sites, newspaper articles, radio it also ensures that by taking care of their three freshwater species is under threat. This World Wetlands Day is celebrated every interviews and wetland rehabilitation. wetlands, people help to build a sustainable loss and degradation of wetlands means an year on 2 February to raise global awareness Each year a new theme is selected and future for themselves. increase in flooding events, loss of wildlife about the value of wetlands for humanity and that’s the focus of all the celebrations for that One can definitely say; wetlands are among habitat, a decline in water quality, and serious the planet. It also marks the adoption of the year. Some of the past themes have been “No the world’s most productive environments. reductions in the vital and valuable benefits Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971 in wetlands, no water”, “Fish for tomorrow?” They are cradles of biological diversity, that humans receive from nature. the Iranian city of Ramsar. and “Healthy wetlands, healthy people”. providing water and primary productivity upon “Only after the last tree has been cut down, The Day has a different theme and which countless species of plants and animals only after the last river has been poisoned, only message on a relevant subject set each year by IMPORTANCE AND VALUE OF WETLANDS depend for survival. after the last fish has been caught, only then the Standing Committee of the Ramsar Since 1997, the Ramsar Secretariat has Wetlands also perform valuable ecosystem will you realize that money cannot be eaten.” - Convention on Wetlands. And this year’s provided outreach materials to help raise services such as water purification and - Cree Indian prophecy. theme for World Wetlands Day 2018 is, public awareness about the importance and filtration, water storage and storm buffering. Therefore, for yet another anniversary of “Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future.” value of wetlands.There is data that proves the Safeguarding the World’s Wetlands - Let’s World Wetlands Day today; worried This is to raise awareness about the value of link between healthy wetlands and the decrease Be Bold, Brave and Ambitious: environmentalists all over the planet tend to wetlands in the lives of people, and in the of violent weather. Over the past four decades, the multiple agree with this Cree Indian philosophy, economic successes of families, communities UN Water estimates that 90% of natural roles of wetlands and their value to humanity suggesting that there is definitely an urgent

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need to save our Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future. Wetlands In India Under Ramsar Convention ALL ABOUT THIS YEAR’S THEME India is home to several wetlands, both natural and manmade. Here is a Half of humanity about 4 billion people quick recall of these bodies maintaining environment balance live in urban areas today. By 2050 that proportion will reach 66% as people move to 1. Ashtamudi Wetland (Kerala): A natural backwater in 1870 into a water storage area for irrigation purposes, and support the lake ecology that, in turn, sustains the Kollam district. Rivers Kallada and Pallichal drain into it. It which supports a considerable diversity of aquatic, migrating waterfowl. There is other wildlife in the nearby cities in search of jobs and a vibrant social life. forms an estuary with Sea at Neendakara which is a mesophytic, and terrestrial flora and fauna in the bio forests, where Nilgai move freely along with deer and Cities account for around 80% of global famous fishing harbour in Kerala. geographical region, and acts also as a key regulator of foxes. economic output. 2. Bhitarkanika Mangroves (Odisha): Gahirmatha Marine groundwater discharge and recharge with the seasons. 19. Sasthamkotta Lake (Kerala): It is the largest freshwater Wildlife Sanctuary, which bounds the Bhitarkanika Wildlife 11. Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan): A complex of ten lake in Kerala, situated in Kollam district. River Kallada had So, as cities expand and demand for land Sanctuary to the east, was created in September 1997, artificial, seasonal lagoons, varying in size, situated in a a unique replenishing system through a bar of paddy field increases, the tendency is to encroach on and encompasses Gahirmatha Beach and an adjacent densely populated region. Vegetation is a mosaic of scrub which has now disappeared due to indiscriminate sand wetlands, they are degraded, filled in and built portion of the Bay of Bengal. It is also famous for its salt and open grassland that provides habitat for breeding, and clay mining. The lake is now depleting due to water crocodiles and Olive Ridley sea turtle. wintering and staging migratory birds. Also supported are destruction of replenishing mechanism. upon. 3. Bhoj Wetland (Madhya Pradesh): It consists of two lakes five species of ungulates, four species of cats, and two 20. Surinsar-Mansar Lakes (Jammu and Kashmir): Yet when left intact or restored, urban located in the city of Bhopal. The two lakes are the Bhojtal species of primates, as well as diverse plants, fish and Freshwater composite lake in semi-arid Punjab Plains, wetlands make cities liveable, for example: and the Lower Lake, which lie to the west of the city center. reptiles. adjoining the Jhelum Basin with catchment of sandy ● It is a manmade reservoir. A total of more than 20,000 12. Loktak Lake (Manipur): The largest freshwater lake in the conglomeratic soil, boulders and pebbles. Surinsar is rain- Reduce flooding- Wetlands act as giant birds are observed annually. north-eastern region, famous for the phumdis fed without permanent discharge, and Mansar is primarily sponges that absorb flood waters. Rivers, 4. Chandra Taal (Himachal Pradesh): A high altitude lake on (heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil, and organic fed by surface run-off and partially by mineralised water ponds, lakes and marshes soak up and store the upper Chandra valley flowing to the Chandra river of matters at various stages of decomposition) floating over through paddy fields, with inflow increasing in rainy the Western Himalayas near the Kunzam pass joining the it. Keibul Lamjao the only floating national park in the world season. The lake supports many precious species. heavy rainfall. In coastal cities, salt marshes Himalayan and Pir Panjal ranges. It supports Snow floats over it. 21. Tsomoriri (Jammu and Kashmir): A freshwater to and mangroves work as a buffer against Leopard and is a refuge for many species like Snow Cock, 13. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary (Gujarat): A natural brackish lake lying at 4,595m above sea level, with wet storm surges. valuable goods for local residents. Wetlands conservationists, and members of panchayat, Chukor, Black Ring Stilt, Kestrel, Golden Eagle, Chough, freshwater lake that is the largest natural wetland in the meadows and borax-laden wetlands along the shores. The ● Red Fox, Himalayan Ibex, and Blue Sheep. Thar Desert Bio geographic Province and represents a site is said to represent the only breeding ground outside Replenish drinking water- Groundwater also attract tourism, another important academicians, scientists and common masses. 5. Chilika Lake (Odisha): It's a brackish water lagoon, dynamic environment with salinity and depth varying of China for one of the most endangered cranes, the aquifers, rainwater and rivers are the source source of jobs. At the WWF-India Secretariat, New Delhi, spread over the Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of depending on rainfall. The area is home to 210 species of Black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis), and the only of almost all drinking water. Wetlands filter it is celebrated to promote the common people Odisha state, at the mouth of the Daya River, flowing into birds, with an average 174,128 individuals recorded there breeding ground for Bar-headed geese in India. The Great the Bay of Bengal. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India during the winter and 50,000 in the summer. Tibetan Sheep or Argali (Ovis ammon hodgsoni) and the water that seeps into aquifers, helping As explained, Urban wetlands play a vital understandings about the importance of link and the second largest lagoon in the world. The lagoon 14. Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Tibetan Wild Ass (Equus kiang) are endemic to the Tibetan to replenish this important water source. role in making cities safe, resilient and between wetlands and water as “without water hosts over 160 species of birds in the peak migratory Nadu): One of the last remnants of Dry Evergreen Forests. plateau, of which the Changthang is the westernmost part. Protecting rivers and limiting harmful run- sustainable; the aims of SDG 11. Therefore, there will be no wetlands - and without season. The Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) is The migrants include Spoon Billed Sandpiper, Greater The barley fields at Korzok have been described as the the flagship species of Chilika lake. Flamingos. The threats faced are the agricultural & Shrimp highest cultivated land in the world. off also helps safeguard the water supply. to raise awareness for these reasons; this year, wetlands there will be no water!” 6. Deepor Beel (Assam): A permanent fresh water lake in a farm runoff leading to high concentration of chemicals. 22. Upper Ganga River (Uttar Pradesh): A shallow river ● Filter waste and improve water quality- The “Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future” WWF-India organizes a full day program former channel of the Brahmaputra river, of great biological 15. Pong Dam Lake (Himachal Pradesh): A water storage stretch of the great Ganges from Brijghat to Narora with silt-rich soil and abundant plants in theme is selected by the Standing Committee for school students (quiz and painting importance and also essential as the only major storm reservoir created in 1975 on the Beas River in the low intermittent small stretches of deep-water pools and water storage basin for the city of Guwahati. The Beel is a foothills of the Himalaya on the northern edge of the Indo- reservoirs upstream from barrages. The river provides wetlands function as water filters, which of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. competitions) in Himachal Pradesh in staging site on migratory flyways and some of the largest Gangetic plain. Given the site's location on the trans- habitat for Ganges River Dolphin, Gharial, Crocodile, 6 absorb some harmful toxins, agricultural Wetlands deserve to be loved! That is why association with the State Council for concentrations of aquatic birds in Assam can be seen, Himalayan flyway, more than 220 bird species have been species of turtles, otters, 82 species of fish and more than pesticides and industrial waste. Urban show you care by participating in, or Environment Science and Technology and especially in winter. identified, with 54 species of waterfowl. hundred species of birds. 7. East Kolkata Wetlands (West Bengal): World-renowned 16. Renuka Lake (Himachal Pradesh): A natural wetland with 23. Vembanad-Kol Wetland (Kerala): Largest lake of Kerala, wetlands also help treat sewage from organising, an activity for World Wetlands Day Wildlife Wing, Himachal Pradesh Forest as a model of a multiple use wetland, the site's resource freshwater springs and inland subterranean karst spanning across Alappuzha, Kottayam , and Ernakulam households. 2018. This could be: Department. recovery systems, developed by local people through the formations, fed by a small stream flowing from the lower districts. Famous tourist locations like Alappuzha and ● Improve urban air quality- Wetlands radiate ● a family picnic beside a lake or river with Also, it is celebrated in the Jammu and ages, have saved the city of Kolkata from the costs of Himalayan out to the Giririver. The lake is home to at least Kumarakom, known for house boats falls here. River constructing and maintaining waste water treatment 443 species of fauna and 19 species of ichthyofauna mouths of Pamba-Achenkovil rivers in Vembanad forms moist air thanks to their high water levels maybe kayaks to explore the waterway Kashmir, at Mansar Wetland (a Ramsar site) plants. The wetland forms an urban facility for treating the representative of lacustrine ecosystems like Puntius, one of the unique wetland topography of Kerala, the and lush plant life. This naturally cools the ● a community walk, bike or run for wetlands with the involvement of the Department of city's waste water and utilizing the treated water for Labeo, Rasbora, Channa. Prominent vegetation ranges Kuttanad. It is below sea level and is famous for exotic fish air in the local surroundings; a relief both in ● guided walk by an expert on wetland plants Wildlife Protection and Department of pisciculture and agriculture, through the recovery of from dry deciduous like Shorea Robusta, Terminalia varieties and paddy fields that are below sea level. nutrients in an efficient tomentosa, Dalbergia sissoo to hydrophytes. There are 24. Wular Lake (Jammu and Kashmir): The largest tropical cities and in extremely dry climates. or birds Environment and Remote Sensing. The 8. Harike Wetland (Punjab): A shallow water reservoir with 103 species of birds of which 66 are residents. freshwater lake in India with extensive marshes of ● Promote human well-being- When ● workshop or talk, for example, on flax event is celebrated by organizing a thirteen islands, at the confluence of two rivers. Dense 17. Ropar Wetland (Punjab): A human made wetland of lake emergent and floating vegetation, particularly water preserved as green spaces in cities, wetlands weaving symposium (related to event) in the floating vegetation covers 70% of the lake. An important and river formed by the 1952 construction of a barrage for chestnut, that provide an important source of revenue for site for breeding, wintering and staging birds, supporting diversion of water from the Sutlej River for drinking and the State Government and fodder for domestic livestock. offer residents a space for recreation and presence of Minister of State for Forests, over 200,000 Anatidae (ducks, geese, swans, etc.) during irrigation supplies. The site is an important breeding place The lake supports an important fishing industry and is a access to diversity of plant and animal life. LASTLY, A LOOK AT HOW & WHERE, Environment and Ecology. migration. The entire lake is leased on an annual basis to for the nationally protected Smooth Indian Otter, Hog Deer, valuable source of water for irrigation and domestic use. Studies confirm that interacting with nature WORLD WETLANDS DAY IS CELEBRATED commercial fishery organizations. Sambar, and several reptiles, and the endangered Indian The area is important for wintering, staging and breeding 9. Hokera Wetland (Jammu and Kashmir): Located in the Pangolin (Maniscrassicaudata) is thought to be present. birds. Human activities include rice cultivation and tree reduces stress and improves our health. IN INDIA REFERENCES northwest Himalayan biogeographic province of Kashmir, Some 35 species of fish play an important role in the food farming. ● Enable people to earn a living- Many types World Wetlands Day is celebrated every https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com back of the snow-draped Pir Panchal (1,584m asl.), chain, and about 150 species of local and migratory birds of fish spawn and breed in wetlands, year in Ahmedabad, India by organizing https://www.iucn.org Hokera wetland is only 10 km from Srinagar. A natural are supported. REFERENCES: perennial wetland contiguous to the Jhelum basin, it is the 18. Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan): The Sambhar Salt Lake, making them popular fishing grounds. several activities involving both children and http://www.worldwetlandsday.org/ 1. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, "India plans 10 new only site with remaining reedbeds of Kashmir and pathway India's largest inland salt lake. Sambhar is a key wintering Ramsar designations in WWD ceremonies" Press release Wetlands provide reeds and grasses for adults. The event is celebrated by the https://www.daysoftheyear.com of 68 waterfowl species. area for tens of thousands of flamingos and other birds (February 2, 2000); weaving, medicinal plants and fruits; all participation of school students, http://www.indiacelebrating.com 10. Kanjli Wetland (Punjab): A permanent stream, the Kali that migrate from northern Asia. The specialized algae and 2. WWF-India, "India highlights new Ramsar sites on World Bein, converted by construction of a small barrage in bacteria growing in the lake provide striking water colours Wetlands Day" (2 February 2006)

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SOCIAL INITIATIVE SOCIAL INITIATIVE

Skill Training in Agriculture for various stakeholders and TATA INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES Non-Farm Employment Opportunities A WORLD CLASS COMMUNITY ENGAGED UNIVERSITY DEMONSTRATING WAYS TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN SIX DISTRICTS OF MAHARASHTRA Skilling People, Ensuring Water Security, Enhancing Nutritional Security of All People in Six Districts of Maharashtra to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals

killing People, Ensuring Water Security, Hub and Spoke model through Work Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor of Enhancing Nutritional Security of All Integrated Training framework. This Vocational Education Courses Developed, SPeople in Six Districts of Maharashtra would lead to a large number of women Approved by Statutory Authorities and Offered to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals and men to move to non-land related by the Institute in Hub and Spoke Model in To double farm income by 2022, the work opportunities and also become Verticals mentioned above government of Prime Minister Shri entrepreneurs in food processing and Narendra Modi is working on training marketing, sanitation system creation and farmers so as to increase their income from management, information service secondary sources, and also not accounting providers etc. for part-time farmers in its calculations. 2. Holistic Development of Villages to There are around 120 million households Achieve Sustainable Development that depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Gaols in all six districts: “Our target is to double farmers’ income, Through comprehensive assessment of not farm income,” agriculture secretary SK current situation of households develop Pattanayak said, explaining that his ministry Village and Panchayat Development Plans would take into account both farm and non- (VDP and PDPs) and also identify women farm income sources of farmers. and men and their interest in skill training. “That is why we are focusing on skills While VDPs and PDPs will aid in bringing and creating secondary sources of income in holistic development of peoples’ lives the rural sector,” he said. Pattanayak said through convergence and systemic farmers would also gain from transparency in implementation of health, education, agricultural trade due to the Goods and nutrition, water, sanitation, infrastructure Services Tax. development programs and schemes of State “Traders, who dealt in cash only, can’t hide and Union Governments. their incomes any longer. Farmers will TISS has demonstrated skills and automatically demand higher prices if they find knowledge base to skilling people in varity of out the real rates for their produce,” he said. areas. TISS’s School of Vocational Education The Government of Maharashtra has an has 163 Training HUB Partners and 177 Skill ambitious program of strengthening farm Development Partners - providing Work and non-farm sectors in rural areas. The Integrated Training Program in following Chade te Banda program and Tata Institute verticals: of Social Sciences’ engagement in these ●MEPS (Management, Entrepreneurship and districts is meant to double farmers income Professional Skills) ●BFSI (Banking, Financial by 2022. The TISS has also selected four Services and Insurance) ●Healthcare more districts -Palghar, Osmanabad, Latur ●Childcare & Geriatric Care ●ITeS Process of Implementing Objectives 1 and 2: assessment and implementation processes) and Beed- for the farmers’ income doubling ●Media & Entertainment ●Travel & Identify and bring five women and men for each panchayat. initiative. Tourism ●Childcare ●Hospitality from village and five students from nearby Train the volunteers from the TISS’s objectives are two fold: ●Automotive ●Geriatric Care ●Industrial college (youth can play an important role in Community and Students to do Micro Level 1. Skilling for non-farm employment and Tool Manufacturing ●Pharmaceuticals rural transformation process. The idea is to Planning leading Village Development Plan Entrepreneurship: TISS shall link with ●Telecom ●Agriculture ●Dialysis use Unnat Bharat Abhiyan program of the (VDP) and Panchayat Development Plan Vocational Skills imparting organisations Technology ●Electronics ●Printing & MHRD, GoI to enumerate students from (PDP). The students from colleges and and related industries to impart skills in Packaging ●Renewable Energy colleges and universities to engage in University may be those enrolled for

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SOCIAL INITIATIVE

of every year. The causes of change or lack of change in each of the indicators will be identified by the people through REFLECT approach and necessary modification to implementation of the schemes and programs will be made. Ten key indicators of SDGs would be measured and documented annually. The education / awareness and motivational program would include the importance of strengthening Children, adolescents, women and elderly and ways of achieving it; storage and conservation of water, enhancing ground water recharge, safe cooking medium and move away from biofuel for cooking, eliminate cooking related pollution and health risks, reducing carbon contribution and safeguarding against adverse climate change; protection from Malaria, Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS; malnutrition, wasting and stunting; and other aspects identified by women, men, children, adolescents and elderly will be part of the awareness creation modules. The process of implementing VDPs and PDPs using the convergence approach with support from businesses and corporate sector can enable each of the villages and panchyats in the selected districts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals indicated in 10 Indicators below.

CONCLUSION National Service Scheme and those willing data regularly (weekly updating of the data), The Tata Institute of Social Sciences to volunteer. (iii) Train people on REFLECT Approach to requests the Public and Private Sector In addition to preparation of VDP and plan, implement, monitor, bring mid-course industries and businesses to join hand with PDP, the MLP process will also Identify corrections based on review and reflection, us, the district administration and the resources from (i) Union and (ii) State and evaluation of VDPs and PDPs. communities in making the people to move Government Development, Social Security, The local travel, shelter and food charges out of poverty, malnutrition, water Nutrition and Infrastructure Creation and of the students and community members shortage and contribute to attainment of Strengthening Schemes and Programs, (iii) working in other villages are to be met by the Sustainable Development Goals at the community, (iv) Private and Public Sector program. The students and community earliest. We are aiming at holistic Businesses and Industries, and other sources. volunteers get certificate of having completed development of a large administrative units Train the volunteers from Community and training and participated in program planning, - rather than taking a few villages and there Students to (I) ways of converging Union and implementation and M&E activities. is great chance that communities and State Government Schemes and Programs, (ii) Data needed for creation of Indicators university / college students can assume Implement them in participation from the of health, education, nutrition of women, greater responsibility for the development Panchayat and Village, Tehsil and District adolescents, children and elderly; water and of villages and the nation. Through this officials, (iii) develop capacity to computer / sanitation, basic social, health, water, model enabling farmers and non-cultivators mobile phone based online monitoring of the sanitation and education infrastructure will to double their income would become a implementation by collection and input of be developed at the baseline and at the end reality.

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SOCIAL JUSTICE SOCIAL JUSTICE

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF movement was an act by commoners in a Companies Act brings a new dimension of SOCIAL JUSTICE village against deforestation who, in a bid to sharing profits. Social justice is an underlying principle keep woodcutters at bay and protect the for peaceful and prosperous coexistence environment, started hugging trees. Taken in GLOOMY GLOBAL SCENARIO within and among nations. It encompasses a broader sense, this shows that the sense of But the situation in the world is not that gender equality or the rights of indigenous a united community is essential in protecting bright. The UN’s department of economic peoples and migrants. the environment. affairs says that despite global efforts the Social justice is advanced when we The Constitution of India accepts the popular contention that the rich get richer remove barriers that people face because of use of social justice in wider sense, which and poor get poorer appears to be largely gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture includes both social and economical justice. based on fact. Moreover, extreme or absolute or disability. As former Chief Justice P. B. Gajendragadkar poverty, experienced by those whose income Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice put it, “In this sense social justice holds the is barely sufficient for survival, remains everywhere, said Martin Luther King. It is not aims of equal opportunity to every citizen in widespread. just judicial justice. Judicious society is the matter of social and economical activities The time has come to move the expected to ensure a just regime across colour, and to prevent inequalities”. developmental discourse beyond the current creed, class, caste - any social barrier for an The Indian government is also acting in discussion of outcomes of opportunities and inclusive system so that nobody is excluded. ensure a framework for free environment of The Black Lives matter movement by the opportunities and coherent redistributive African-American community in the United INJUSTICE ANYWHERE IS policies that would make the global society States against violence, systemic racism A THREAT TO JUSTICE equitable toward black people and police brutality EVERYWHERE, SAID Furthermore a global public education recently came out in the form of protests but campaign for lesbian, gay, bisexual and aimed to accomplish precisely this goal. MARTIN LUTHER KING. IT transgender (LGBT) equality raises Exclusion is also against the tenets of IS NOT JUST JUDICIAL awareness of homophobic and transphobic social justice. The inclusive society is JUSTICE. JUDICIOUS violence and discrimination, and promotes expected to ensure equal opportunity, fair SOCIETY IS EXPECTED TO greater respect for the rights of LGBT deal and does not deprive anyone. people everywhere. On his first day in office, the UN ENSURE A JUST REGIME But this does not seem to have borne Secretary-General, António Guterres, ACROSS COLOUR, much fruit considering a pushback from the pledged to make 2017 a year for peace and CREED, CLASS, CASTE - extreme right/conservatives in favour of expressed his concern for the millions of ANY SOCIAL BARRIER traditional values regardless of whichever is people suffering massively in wars with no the dominant religion. end in sight and stated that peace must be our FOR AN INCLUSIVE The way forward for governments is to SOCIAL JUSTICE- goal and guide. SYSTEM SO THAT reaffirm the commitments made in Geneva NOBODY IS EXCLUDED. Development Summit 1995 which is a INDIAN CONNECTION TO THE commitment to promote national and global WORLD SOCIAL JUSTICE DAY economic systems based on the principles of MUCH TO ATTAIN Indian society has produced several accordance with the International Labour justice, equity, democracy participation, personalities in the past who strove to ensure Organization (ILO) resolution of 2013 transparency, accountability and inclusion. Despite Considerable Progress Since First World Day equity and justice. Some of the most devoted concerning sustainable development, decent Reaffirming a commitment for full and Of Social Justice In 2009, Equal Society Still Far Away workers for social justice in the history of work, and green jobs putting forward a policy productive employment and decent work for India have included Mahatma Gandhi, framework for a just economic transition. all, including for women and young people Off, Reports Immanuel Cyrus Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Swami Ravidas, Key policy areas as per ILO are will ensure that the Feb 20, World Day of Swami Vivekananda, KM Munshi, macroenconomic and growth policies, #SocialJustice promotes social justice, he UN General Assembly Schools, colleges and universities World Day of Social Justice. Babasaheb Ambedkar etc. industrial and sectoral policies, enterprise solidarity, harmony & equality for all. proclaimed 20 February as World typically prepare special activities for the day It is recommended by the UN that during The resolute force and courage of these policies, skill development, occupational TDay of Social Justice in 2007 and or plan a week of events around a theme the observation of this day, particular reformers along with the ardent support safety and health, social protection, labour REFERENCES the observance of this day was meant to related to poverty, social and economic attention needs to be given to specific topics from the people enabled them to take robust market policies, rights, social dialogue and www.un.org help in poverty eradication, the promotion exclusion or unemployment. such as the illicit trade in diamonds and actions against injustice. tripartism. http://pib.nic.in/ of full employment and decent work, Different media, including radio and armed conflicts, particularly in Africa, and The common people also take part in The MGNREGA is the biggest action in www.timeanddate.com gender equity and access to social well- television stations, newspapers and Internet the importance of the International Criminal such actions without knowing the the world for ensuring right to work. The www.greeningtheblue.org being and justice for all. sites give attention to the issues around the Court. implications of their actions. The Chipko corporate social responsibility in the

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BILATERAL BILATERAL RELATIONS RELATIONS

of Honour. Apart from this event, PM also International Arctic Forum Meeting in The development of the BrahMos Missile had a number of meetings on the sidelines of Arkhangelsk. Russian Minister for Industry System as well as the production of SU-30 SPIEF which included interaction with the and Trade, Mr. Denis Manturov visited India aircraft and T-90 tanks in India are examples Federal Chancellor of Austria, Prime Minister in March 2017. He jointly inaugurated the of such flagship cooperation. During the 17th of Mongolia, Secretary General of UN, and International Engineering Sourcing Show - Annual Summit, the sides concluded the Chairman of the Eurasian Economic 2017 with CIM, Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman in agreements for the supply of S-400 air Commission. Earlier, President Putin visited Chennai. He later attended the first-ever defence systems, construction of frigates India in October 2016 for participation in the India-Russia Military Industrial Conference in under Project 1135.6, and shareholders 17th Annual Bilateral Summit and the BRICS Delhi on March 17-18, 2017, and also had a agreement on the formation of joint venture Summit in Goa. separate meeting with Raksha Mantri. to manufacture Ka-226T helicopters in India. There is regular high-level interaction Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Yury Trutnev The two countries also hold exchanges and between the two countries. The two Inter- visited India in March 2017. He met EAM in training exercises between their armed forces Governmental Commissions - one on Trade, Delhi. Raksha Mantri, Mr. Arun Jaitley annually. The joint military exercise ‘Indra Economic, Scientific, Technological and attended the 6th Moscow Conference on 2016’ was held in the Ussuriysk District in Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC), co- International Security on 25-26 April 2017. Vladivostok from 22 September-02 October chaired by the External Affairs Minister He also had a bilateral meeting with his 2016. The annual bilateral naval exercise ‘Indra (EAM) from the Indian side and Deputy Russian counterpart during this visit. Raksha - Navy’ took place off the coast of Prime Minister (DPM) from the Russian side, Mantri again visited Russia on 21-23 June Vishakhapatnam on 14-21 December 2016. and another on Military Technical 2017 and also co-chaired the first ever Both sides have also decided to hold the first Cooperation (IRIGC- MTC), co-chaired by meeting of the India-Russia High-Level ever tri-services exercises in the year 2017. A the Russian and Indian Defence Ministers, Committee on Science and Technology held roadmap for the development of bilateral meet annually. The Inter- Governmental in Novosibirsk. NSA visited Russia again in defence cooperation was signed during the Commission on Military Technical May 2017 to attend the 8th International 17th Meeting of the IRIGC-MTC. The first Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) and its Working Meeting of High Level Officials Responsible ever India-Russia Military Conference took Groups and Sub-Groups review defence for Security Matters in Zavidovo. He also had place in Delhi in March 2017. cooperation between the two countries. The a bilateral meeting with his Russian 17th Meeting of IRIGC - MTC took place in counterpart. Earlier in 2016, EAM held NUCLEAR ENERGY Moscow on June 23, 2017. Raksha Mantri, separate bilateral meetings with DPM Russia and India have developed very Mr. Arun Jaitley co-chaired this meeting with Rogozin and Foreign Minister, Mr. Sergey significant ties in the field of peaceful use of INDIA-RUSSIA: Defence Minister, Mr. Sergei Shoigu. DPM Lavrov on the sidelines of the 14th Russia- nuclear energy. Both countries concluded Mr. Dmitry Rogozin had visited India in India-China (RIC) Foreign Ministers meeting the Strategic Vision for Strengthening September 2016 to co-chair the 22nd session in Moscow on 18 April 2016. Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Atomic of the IRIGC-TEC with EAM. In 2017, Hon’ble Speaker of Lok Sabha Smt. Energy in December 2014. Russia and India DPM Mr. Dmitry Rogozin visited India for Sumitra Mahajan led a delegation of are also working together to build the the meeting of Co-Chairs of IRIGC-TEC on Members of Parliament of India to Russia for Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant A PRIVILEGED PARTNERSHIP May 10, 2017. the 4th India-Russia Inter-Parliamentary (KKNPP) which will comprise of six ussia has been a longstanding and different areas. During the visit of the Russian Annual Summit, which took place in St. The year 2017 has been marked by a Commission meeting on 11 July 2017. individual units upon completion. Two such time-tested partner for India. The President to India in December 2010, the Petersburg and resulted in the conclusion of number of high level visits and events Hon’ble Speaker met the Chairman of the units (KKNPP Units 1 and 2) have already Rdevelopment of India-Russia Strategic Partnership was elevated to the level 12 documents related to cooperation over a between India and Russia which have helped State Duma Mr. V.V. Volodin, and the become operational. PM and President Putin relations has been a key pillar of India’s of a “Special and Privileged Strategic very wide range of activities. The 18th in the further consolidation of bilateral Chairperson of the Federation Council Ms. jointly dedicated them to the nation on foreign policy. The signing of the Partnership.” Summit also witnessed the adoption of the relations. Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Dmitry Valentina Matvienko in Moscow. She also separate occasions through video “Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic ‘St. Petersburg Declaration’ which not only Rogozin led a large Russian delegation to the addressed the Plenary Meeting of the State conferencing. They also initiated the Partnership” in October 2000, provided POLITICAL RELATIONS highlights the multi-faceted cooperation Vibrant Gujrat Summit in January 2017, and Duma in Moscow on 12 July 2017. concrete pouring for Units 3 & 4 through additional impetus to bilateral ties and Prime Minister of India and the President between the two countries but also provides a called on PM. NSA, Mr. Ajit Doval visited videoconference on October 15, 2016. contributed towards the enhancement of of the Russian Federation meet annually for comprehensive matrix for future cooperation. Russia on January 30-31, 2017 and met the DEFENCE COOPERATION Construction of Units 3 & 4 is currently cooperation in almost all areas of the bilateral the Annual Bilateral Summit which is the During this visit, PM had a separate meeting Secretary of the Security Council of the India and Russia have traditionally enjoyed underway. The agreement for KKNPP Units relationship. The strategic partnership highest institutionalized dialogue mechanism with governors of sixteen Russian regions Russian Federation, Mr. Nikolai Patrushev. a very comprehensive partnership in the area 5 & 6 was concluded during the 18th Annual between the two countries has promoted the in the strategic partnership between the two where they discussed various aspects related Foreign Secretary Mr. S. Jaishankar visited of defence. Military-Technical Cooperation Bilateral Summit in St. Petersburg in June development of institutionalized dialogue countries. Eighteen Annual Summit meetings to the enhancement of cooperation between Russia for Foreign Office Consultations on between the two countries encompasses a very 2017. Earlier, an agreement on localization mechanisms at various levels in order to have taken place till now. These meetings take Indian and Russian regions. PM also March 16-17, 2017. Deputy NSA Mr. Arvind broad range of activities which include joint of manufacturing of nuclear equipment in strengthen bilateral interaction and follow up place alternatively in Russia and India. PM participated in the St. Petersburg Gupta visited Russia in March 2017 and met research, development, and production of India was signed during the Annual Summit on activities related to cooperation in visited Russia in June 2017 for the 18th International Economic Forum as the Guest his counterpart. He also attended the 4th advanced defence technologies and systems. in December 2015. (Courtesy MEA, GOI)

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SAVING GIRL CHILD SAVING GIRL CHILD

complications, including not only haemorrhage but also urinary retention, urinary infection, wound infection, and septicaemia.

WHY IS FGM PRACTISED? The motivations and justifications given SAVING vary and often overlap. Among them are: Controlling female sexuality: FGM has THE GIRL CHILD been closely associated with the control of female sexuality. According to the World Health Organisation, in different cultures, FROM FGM some believe the procedure curbs women’s sexual urges, and thereby increases the likelihood of them remaining virgins until Zero Tolerance Against Female they are married. Genital Mutilation Is Need Of Religion: FGM is practised within both Muslim and Christian communities, as well as Hour Writes Neeti Jha by followers of some indigenous religions. Although neither Islam nor Christianity constitutes an extreme form of bout 120 to 140 million women have Female Genital Mutilation is a non- In Sunnath, girls as endorse it, religious doctrine is often used to discrimination against women and girls. The been subject to FGM and 3 million medical procedure comprising partial or total young as 6-9 years of age are justify it. practice also violates their rights to health, Agirls are at risk each year, according removal of the external female genitalia, forced to go through the painful, Social obligation: Partly because of its security and physical integrity, their right to to the World Health Organization (WHO). including the clitoris. And one might’ve life-threatening procedure. In India, only the association with religion, many societies be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or FGM relates to all procedures that involve thought Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is Dawoodi Bohra community was believed to consider FGM an essential part of raising a degrading treatment, and their right to life partial or total removal of the external female not prevalent in India anymore but as it turns be practicing this ancient technique. But a girl and preparing her for womanhood and when the procedure results in death. genitalia or other injury to the female genital out, that’s far from true. recent investigation by Aarefa Johari and marriage. With its direct link to beliefs about To promote the abandonment of FGM, organs for non-medical reasons. This According to a report by Sahiyo, it was Aysha Mahmood from Sahiyo, a collective premarital virginity and marital fidelity, the coordinated and systematic efforts are practice is an abuse of human rights and found a medical clinic in Kozhikode (Calicut) fighting against FGM, revealed that a social pressure to adhere to the practice can FGM IS PRACTISED needed, and they must engage whole causes serious health complications, where two doctors admitted that they community in Kerala has been following this be intense. WITHIN BOTH MUSLIM communities and focus on human rights and including fatal bleeding. perform the procedure of ‘sunnath’, or practice as well. Economic factors: And because of AND CHRISTIAN gender equality. These efforts should The UN first officially commemorated circumcision, on both boys and girls. The According to a report by WHO, more these associations, in many communities, COMMUNITIES, AS WELL emphasize societal dialogue and the the International Day of Zero Tolerance for investigation was conducted when Sahiyo got than 200 million girls and women alive today FGM is a prerequisite for marriage. In places empowerment of communities to act Female Genital Mutilation on February 6, a tip about the clinic. have been cut in 30 countries in Africa, the where women may be financially dependent AS BY FOLLOWERS OF collectively to end the practice. They must 2003. It continues to fight against FGM Middle East and Asia where FGM is on marriage, economics can become a SOME INDIGENOUS also address the sexual and reproductive through a range of activities in addition to concentrated. justification for FGM. RELIGIONS. ALTHOUGH health needs of women and girls who suffer the observance. “Harmful traditions exist in many Aesthetics: In some communities, the NEITHER ISLAM NOR from its consequences. different forms, but they share origins in the practice is presented as a form of The International Day of Zero Tolerance LET’S UNDERSTAND WHAT International Day of Zero Tolerance To Female Genital Mutilation historically unequal social and economic beautification. CHRISTIANITY ENDORSE for Female Genital Mutilation is a global FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IS relationships between men and women. IT, RELIGIOUS DOCTRINE observance but sadly what is ignored is the Female genital mutilation (FGM) Female genital cutting, early marriage and FORMS OF FGM IS OFTEN USED TO fact Genital mutilation is not just a practice comprises all procedures that involve altering childbearing, and gender bias have received According to the World Health JUSTIFY IT amongst the female but also with the males or injuring the female genitalia for non- global attention due to their severe, negative Organization there are four main categories: as well. medical reasons and is recognized impact on the health and well-being of ● Type I: Often referred to as clitoridectomy, Similar is the practice of Male Genital internationally as a violation of the human females”, says Sahar Khan, student of is the removal of the clitoral hood only ● Type IV: This includes all other invasive Mutilation referred to as ‘male circumcision’, rights of girls and women. University of Delhi. ● Type II: Also known as excision, is the procedures on female genitalia for non- comprises all procedures involving partial or UNFPA, jointly with UNICEF, leads the FGM, which involves the partial or removal of the clitoris and the labia medical purposes, including pricking, total removal of the external male genitalia or largest global programme to accelerate the complete removal of the genitalia, is a crime minora (inner vaginal lips) piercing, incising, scraping and other injury to the male genital organs. abandonment of FGM. The programme because it is abhorrent by any measure. It ● Type III: Also referred to as infibulation cauterising. So on ‘International Day of Zero currently focuses on 17 African countries subjugates women, makes intercourse consists in the removal of all the woman’s Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation’ let’s and also supports regional and global extremely difficult and painful, and can be external genitalia and the narrowing of Female Genital Mutilation reflects deep- pledge to get rid of any kind of genital initiatives. the cause of a number of serious medical the vaginal entrance. rooted inequality between the sexes, and mutilation, be it female or male.

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

selling price, payment automation, proper infrastructure and operational abilities. They Visualization and Reporting NEED FOR ADOPTION OF BIG DATA ANALYTICS (BDA): packaging, transportation, brand building. It use these capabilities to harness actionable will help MSME’s to sell their products directly insights from data with analytics. On the other Data Analytics to buyers across the nation and this will create hand, SMEs are limited by constraints such as Data Processing huge employment opportunities even in the scale, storage, capital, and security. These Data Storage ancillary industries and reduce the migration of factors leave a lasting impact, especially when

TO STAY COMPETITIVE capabilities and Security,

Hardware and networking infrastructure infrastructure management rural population to the urban areas. Analytics technology is maturing at a rapid pace and and market intelligence provided by X will keeping up with change becomes challenging. Figure 1 : Reference IT Architectur for Big Data Analytics; assist in improving product R&D to help the Apart from the large unawareness of Big S. Coleman et.al. FOR SMES IN INDIA artisans and master craftsmen create better Data potential for SMEs and general major saleable product ranges. The focus will be to concerns for data security and privacy; The future of the BDA industry looks DR. INDRAJIT BHATTACHARYA, DIRECTOR, NABET, QCI continue to help entrepreneurs create products advocates reduced the challenges to six main bright. According to a NASSCOM report, in tune with buyer requirements and grow points for SME growth: the data analytics market in India is Autonomous he Ministry of MSME is Robots ● Velocity: Frequency of data generation significantly so that they may become ● Ways to compete with enterprises & expected to touch $2.3 billion mark in implementing “Digital and/or frequency of data delivery data manufacturers not only at a local but also at a franchisees 2017-181. SMEs have the perfect MSME” Scheme for creation like streaming and aggregation national level. This in turn will help them plan ● Inability to invest in customer acquisition opportunity to restructure their tech T Simulation ● ● promotion of Information & Big Data Value: The extent to which big data their production and expand their business, Inability to manage supply chain, knowledge and infrastructure to Communication Technology in generates economically worthy insights revolutionising manufacturing in India, distribution & sales force leverage large-scale benefits of BDA. MSME Sector with a total budget and or benefits through encouraging entrepreneurship and growing the ● Lacking timely insights into market Real-time and affordable cloud services System ` Augmented of 85.705 Crore including Reality INDUSTRY 4.0 Integration extraction and transformation rural economy. movements facilitate SMEs across verticals to Government of India’s ● Veracity: Inherent In the recent past, enterprises have been ● Inability to deliver large order size with exploit BDA potential to their contribution of `58.105 crore unpredictability of some data skeptical about the adoption of Big Data short cycle times advantage. This is possible without Additive Internet of ● during 2017- 18 to 2019-20. Manufacturing Things requires analysis of big data to gain and its return on investment. However, Lacking Big Data expertise making huge capital investments and by The scheme envisages reliable prediction. (Wamba et al., 2015) Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Cloud technology and open source taking advantage of available cloud promotion of ICT applications to make them Three subcategories of business analytics (SMEs) across various industry verticals Hadoop systems for storage and computing services to access data anywhere, “Digital” by adopting new approach of Cloud are distinguished: (i) Descriptive analytics have begun to leverage investments in big are considered as cost-effective solutions in anytime. BDA offers the freedom and Cloud Cybersecurity Computing with the objectives to sensitize Computing summarise, condense and aggregate data in a data analytics. Data is a highly valued asset in terms of hardware and software investments mobility of using technology to improve and encourage MSMEs towards new approach way to make big and complex data sets more today’s connected world and is growing in to process and analyze structured & customer understanding and penetrate new ie., Cloud Computing for ICT adoption in their Big Data Analytics (BDA) is the process easily accessible for human understanding. volume like never before. Enterprises across unstructured data as well as reducing the total markets. Adoption of BDA has paved the production and business processes with a view of examining large and varied data sets -- i.e., Graphics and aggregate statistical metrics are the spectrum, from multinationals to SMEs, number of IT employee within the company. way for SMEs to outperform their peers to improve their competitiveness in National Big data -- to uncover hidden patterns, the basic tools of descriptive analytics. (ii) are exploring avenues to harness and exploit Also, reducing the focus on IT with intelligent and competitors. Cutting across industry and International Market; Adoption of best unknown correlations, market trends, Predictive analytics enable forecasts of data. The use of big data technologies is business systems can lead SMEs to innovate lines, both established and new players are practices to improve quality of products and customer preferences and other useful future effects based on historical data. The altering the way businesses across industries hence, to growth. On the other hand, it takes now leveraging data analytics for driving services; and to benefit large number of SMEs information that can help organizations make methodology of predictive analytics comprises operate. To address their voluminous data us back to the privacy and security concerns. strategies and innovation. Now is the time in terms of standardizing their business more-informed business decisions. statistical learning, machine learning, data challenges, there is a dire need for SMEs to As SMEs create and store more transactional to move to BDA and organizations should processes, improvement in productivity Analytics firms worldwide are also mining and knowledge discovery from seriously think about big data adoption.This data in digital form, they can collect more do this before the opportunity has passed! through Cloud Computing by reducing the deploying analytical tools and techniques with databases. (iii) Prescriptive analytics plunge will help them improve customer accurate and detailed performance Conclusion : Potentials and promises burden of investment on Hardware, Software big data gaining significant traction. More big transforms the results of descriptive analytics understanding, penetrate new markets, and information on everything from product of Big Data are significant for SMEs. Big and Infrastructural Activities using Cloud data pilot projects are expected to be and predictive analytics into business decisions. eliminate overhead expenses in real-time.Big inventories to sick days, and therefore expose Data can offer SMEs by arrivingat real-time Platform. successfully delivered in the next few years Methods from optimisation theory and Data Analytics (BDA) renders various variability and boost performance. Big data solutions to challenges in every industry. Cloud computing and Big data are because the returns on investment meet client operations research are important quantitative opportunities for SMEs to create a allows ever narrower segmentation of Two reasons are a) A small change in SMEs considered as two sides of a coin: cloud expectations. tools of prescriptive analytics. Work in these competitive strategic influence on decision customers and therefore much more precisely can have larger macro level effect due to computing’s killer application is seen as Big “Compared to traditional data, the features areas is referred to as data science with people making. Advanced data management and tailored products or services. McKinsey Global their overall position in the economy; b) data, whereas IT infrastructure of big data is of big data can be characterized by 5V; namely proficient in data science being referred to as analytics drive growth for industries and Institute’s analysis report states that big data They have the advantage and flexibility for provided by cloud computing (Jin et al., 2015). huge Volume, high Velocity, high Variety, low data scientists.The rapid rate of big data companies.SMEs have proved themselves to helps organizations to make more efficient quicker adaptation to changes towards

Financial Veracity, and high Value” (Jin et al., 2015). adoption by SMEs is fuelling SME Big Data be slow adopters of the new technology of demand forecasting, shaping and supply efficiency. The first step towards deriving Risk Predictive Analysis Customer ● Analytics Segmentation Volume: Large volume of data that either Market growth at a CAGR of 42.94 percent Big Data Analytics (BDA) and are in danger planning, sensor data-driven operations benefits from Big Data Analytics is to Sentiment Product consume huge storage or consist of large for the 2013-2018 period. of being left behind. analytics, “Digital Factory” for lean embrace Cloud Storage of all transactional Performance Analysis number of records (Exabyte, Zettabyte) A Leading supply chain Industry (X) in Scope of Big Data Analytics in SMEs : manufacturing, product sensor data analysis data.Modern analytics tools assist in Social ● Media Campaign Variety: Data generated from greater India, recently aims to make optimal use of SMEs are under intense pressure to prove for after-sales service, concurrent engineering, building a serious strategy for collecting Analysis Analytics variety of sources and formats, and contain available data to guide entrepreneurs and themselves against corporate giants. Large design-to-value, crowd sourcing possible. digital data and for harnessing the potential Big Customer multi-dimensional data fields artisans on areas like deciding on the right businesses are equipped with technology (Manyika et al., 2011). available through modern data analysis. Fraud Relationship Detection Data Management

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EXPERT VIEW EXPERT VIEW

nature by the exploitation of natural resources (extraction of minerals), and results in pollution and damage to the CSR FUNDS CAN BRIDGE environment in many ways (release of effluents, and pollution of water, soil, air, etc).But, it is not possible to close the GAPS IN EDUCATION SECTOR industry as many interests are developed in the process like employment, dependent Dr JAI PRAKASH SHARMA is a Professor of Law & Corporate Governance, and the immediate past subsidiaries, and revenue in the form of taxes Head and Dean, Faculty of Commerce & Business at the Delhi School of Economics, University of to the Govt. The polluter must pay for the damage to the nature and to repair the Delhi. He has authored 20 books and over 100 research papers/articles published in several damage done, while damage done to the national and international journals of repute. His book titled ‘Corporate Governance, Business nature can’t be repaired. Therefore, those Ethics & CSR’ has its review written by Sir Adrian Cadbury, who in 1992 gave the world its first pleading for CSR are trying to find out a code on corporate governance. He is/has been Visitor’s (President of India)/Central Government monetary equivalence to the damage done to the nature in the form of CSR contribution Dr JP Sharma With Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Nominee on number of Central Universities. He is a Fellow Member of the ICSI and Member of towards society. several other professional bodies. He is member of Association of North America Higher Education India is perhaps the first country to Statue of Sardar Vallabbhai Patel (Statue of International (ANAHEI)’s Educational Council. He is the Fellow Member of the Australian Academy provide CSR in its Statute. Countries like Unity) which is being installed at the Sadhu of Business Leadership (AABL). He has been the Member/Chairman of the Governing Body of Shri Indonesia, Mauritius, and France have CSR Bet Island 3.5 South of Sardar Sarovar Dam Legislations but in a very loose format.In in Gujarat. While ONGC and IOC will Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), St. Stephens College, IP College for Women, PGDAV College, India, the concept of CSR is governed by contribute `50 Cr each out of CSR funds, and Guru Nanak Dev College under Delhi University. He agreed to answer some of the queries made clause 135 of the Companies Act, 2013. The other profit making PSUs have been directed by HARISH CHANDRA on the status of CSR in our country. Act lists out a set of activities eligible under to pay 25 Cr each. Building Statue of Unity is CSR. As per the said section, the companies the pet project of PM awarded to L&T and What is the status of CSR movement in our country today having Networth of INR 500 crore or more; to be completed by 2018, costing `2989 Cr. with reference to initiatives of Narendra Modi Government? or Turnover of INR 1000 crore or more; or There are three approaches to business that is ‘Shareholder Net Profit of INR 5 crore or more during What is the future of CSR as an area of Approach’, ‘Stakeholder Approach’ and ‘CSR Approach’. any financial year shall be required to academics? According to ‘Shareholder Approach’, which was practiced largely constitute a CSR Committee of the Board Since independence, the education sector in upto late 60s, the only responsibility of business is towards with effect from 1st April, 2014. India has grown in rapidly and there have shareholders. Supporting the approach “The business of business been significant improvements in this area. is to do business, Noble Prize winner Milton Friedman(in 1976) How can corporate sector contribute Major initiatives of the Government include pleaded that CSR is an unproductive activity and hence should not more effectively in the area of CSR? offering education for all under the “Sarva be promoted at the cost of shareholders. However, this approach Big corporate houses in the country have Shiksha Abhiyan”. While school has become outdated now. now come forward to support Modi infrastructure and scholarships are receiving In the late 60’s and early 70’s few multinational corporate government’s flagship projects Swachh maximum support, issues such as pedagogy, bodies in USA coined the term ‘Stakeholders’ over and above the Bharat Abhiyan. Major corporate houses early education, community awareness, etc. term ‘Shareholders’. According to ‘Stakeholder Approach’ primary such as L&T, Vedanta, TCS, Bharti, Ambuja have remained unexplored. responsibility of business is towards a long list of Stakeholders Cements, Maruti, Tata Motors, Coca Cola, Most of listed companies in India prefer that in addition to shareholders, employees, suppliers, customers, Dabur, DLF, Aditya Birla, Adani, Infosys, CSR in Education. A study by Samhita Social government departments, includes even public at large. This TVS, and many others have laid budget for Ventures, based on publicly available Dr JP Sharma With Dr K Narayana Murthy Stakeholder theory and CSR complement each other. According to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The projects vary information from the top 100 listed ‘CSR Approach’, because business is created by the society, so it from building toilets in schools and distant Government to make the district open companies, shows that more than three- has obligations towards the society and that is why CSR has now villages; waste management, cleanliness and defecation free. DLF has launched a flagship quarters of them implemented at least one come at the centre stage across the globe. sanitation. TCS and Bharti Foundation have waste management programme in villages programme in education over the last three Further, manufacturing activities are important because those both committed `100 crore each as part of surrounding Gurgaon. Apart from private years. With Section 135 of the Companies give products, employment, revenueto government in the form of CSR initiative to construct toilets in schools. firms, PSU Companies like Coal India, Act 2013 making spending on CSR taxes. But, manufacturing activities have some ill effects too. In the While TCS has planned to finance hygienic ONGC, OIL, IOC, have also invested in mandatory for qualifying companies, there is process of manufacturing, a company consumes certain natural sanitation facilities for girl students across these projects.Following instructions from ample potential for the corporate sector to resources belonging to the society, though it pays for it. 10000 schools in the country, Bharti has Petroleum Ministry in June 2017, PSUs will address the missing gaps in the education Additionally, every manufacturing process causes damage to the adopted Ludhiana and is working with fund atleast `200 Cr for the 182 meter tall ecosystem.

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SOCIAL INITIATIVE SOCIAL INITIATIVE

towards the project. Post renovation the following initiatives were rolled out:- ● Balwadis:- Toddlers of the slum were highly vulnerable to abuse. Since both the parents go out to work, they do not have the required support structure at home. The balwadi and study class is an initiative wherein the community members can get their toddlers and kids enrolled and engaged positively with no fear of abuses. Supplementary meal is also provided under the initiative.150 toddlers are being nurtured under the initiative. ● Remedial Classes / Tuition Classes:- Remedial classes and tuition classes are organized on regular basis for students from 1st standard till 8th standard. Since Poonam Kannojia along with other students of study class most of these students are first generation learners the remedial classes / tuition community residents through its health CASE STUDY POONAM KANNOJIA MGL MUSKAAN classes benefits the students in post school interventions. Poonam Kannojia’s family migrated to hours. The classes also provide a learning ● Women Empowerment:- With the Navi Mumbai in quest of job. The family MGL Muskaan is an initiative designed by Mahanagar environment which many of the dwellings objective of enhancing household level settled in Turbhe Slums. Her father started in the slum could not provide. income, skills augmentation training is daily wages earning in APMC Turbhe while Gas Limited to bring smiles and happiness in ● Support Classes:- Special support classes being provided to women folk in trades like her mother started working as domestic are conducted for students in 9th and 10th tailoring and beautician. Inputs on help in Vashi. Poonam and her sister had the lives of slum residents standard to assist them in their studies. The necessary entrepreneurial skills and studied till 5th but could not continue their support classes mainly focus on STEM financial management is being provided education in Navi Mumbai. ´Aarambh’, s quoted by Geoffrey West “Slums subjects. under the project. MGL’s partner for project Muskaan was could be thought of as the MGL targets to benefit 300 children with The project targets to train nearly 150 active in Turbhe Slum region worked with Adevelopment of a special organ, or the remedial classes and support classes. The women in these trades and also provide the parents to get the girls admitted in local they could be thought of as a tumor that’s education initiatives are designed to lay a strong assistance in job placement and self- schools. Soon the girls were back to school. grown, and in some ways is unhealthy and foundation for the future generation. employment. Mahanagar Gas Limited in partnerships could ultimately lead to the city’s destruction. ● Linkage with School: - The project has ● Retail management and office skills:- with Aarambh launched project ‘MGL My own feeling is that slums are probably a facilitated linkage with nearby schools Mumbai provides myriad opportunities to Muskaan’. Both Poonam and her sister bit of both.” wherein admission of the children is skilled manpower. With the focus on started benefitting from support classes Slums are often an offshoot of facilitated. Further, regular follow up of tapping such opportunities for youth of the while her mother got trained in tailoring. development characterized with substandard progress of individual child is also made community, MGL has initiated training on She was also able to sell cloth bags in a mall dwellings, extremely dirty, unpleasant, with the schools. retail management and office skills for in Vashi under the initiative. unwelcoming and inhumane. Slums grow for ● Computer Classes and Personality youth of the community who have The support class was of great help for a combination of demographic, social, Development:- Computer classes and completed their basic education. Poonam particularly for mathematics and economic and political reasons. Some personality development classes are Mahanagar Gas Limited is targeting to science. Her confidence blossomed because of reasons include migration, poor urban organized for the youth with the objective reach to nearly 150 youth in the trade and encouragement from the teachers in support planning, poverty, high unemployment, etc. of enhancing their employability. The assist them in future placement. class and she appeared and cleared her class They are often regarded as breeding ground personality development classes also ● Linkages:- Another important aspect of the tenth with flying colours. for diseases and anti-social activities. The include spoken English sessions for the project is to facilitate linkages. The “MGL has given a new meaning to my life dwellers are often exposed to myriads abuses. Navi Mumbai and surrounded by high end Project MGL Muskaan deploys youth. More than 100 youth are to be community center is acting as a knowledge and my aspirations by shaping the course of Amidst all these humanity dwells and residential localities and MIDC, the slum is multifaceted approach for development of benefitted from the initiative. center for the community. Information my dreams” said Poonam Kannojia. prevails. supplier of labour force in this township. various stakeholders. The centrifuge of the ● Health Camps:- Health camps are related to various schemes are being Poonam is now pursuing her higher Turbhe Slum Community is no different Most of the female folk of the slum work as intervention is the community centre from organized regularly for the community. disseminated through the center. Many education and thanks project ‘MGL Muskaan’ to other slums. It is the largest node of Navi domestic help in Navi Mumbai, while male where the interventions are rolled out. Health and nutritional counselling sessions youth from the community were linked for enhancing her self-belief. She is also Mumbai and has more than 70% of members are mostly engaged as daily wage Mahanagar Gas Limited took up renovation are also conducted regularly. with ITIs and vocational training programs benefitting from the computer classes and population as migrants. Sitting at the heart of earners or labourers. of the community centre as the first step MGL targets to reach out to nearly 1000 through the linkage initiative. hopes to support her family soon.

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WATER TECHNOLOGY

OUR SYSTEM AVOIDS THAT The team discovered that the BDI SECOND REGENERATION system effectively removed the salt at levels consistent with CDI, while using only an STEP BY JUST SWITCHING applied voltage of 0.6 volts. Furthermore, THE CAPTURED FLOW BY the low voltage required and materials used ALTERNATING THE DIRECTION helped prevent unwanted side reactions, OF THE APPLIED ELECTRICAL achieved greater desalination abilities and consumed less energy than traditional CDI. CURRENT. THAT MAKES IT Since the team created simultaneous VERY EASY TO OPERATE, AND production of desalinated and IT USES VERY LITTLE ENERGY concentrated water in two channels, it also circumvented the two-cycle approach, so the system no longer needs to go through water by separating the water’s ions. A typical the regeneration stage. Additionally, they CDI cell consists of two electrodes attached found that stacking additional membranes on opposite sides of a flow channel. between electrodes reduced energy The electrodes capture the salt ions consumption even further. through electrical exchanges that occur when “Other people have talked about an electrical current is applied to the cell. The capturing energy from the second CDI cycle, cell is then regenerated by releasing the salt but it’s really hard to do, and, therefore, it’s ions in a second cycle by alternating the impractical,” Logan said. “Our system avoids direction of the applied electrical current. that second regeneration step by just Since CDI does not require membranes switching the captured flow by alternating and has lower energy requirements than the direction of the applied electrical current. other popular methods, it is becoming a That makes it very easy to operate, and it competitive technology for removing salt uses very little energy.” from water. Although the current configuration is not But the problem with CDI systems is suited to desalinate extremely salty water that they are limited by low salt adsorption such as seawater, the results, published in the when using the typically applied 1.2 volts. journal Environmental Science & Increasing the applied voltage does improve Technology Letters, showed that the BDI the salt adsorption, but it also increases the technique could be effective as a low energy A NEW DESALINATION METHOD OFFERS potential for unintended side reactions that method for brackish, or slightly salty, water, waste energy and can create permanent such as groundwater, or for desalinating electrode corrosion. water before it enters treatment plants. The researchers now plan to work on LOW-COST ALTERNATIVE TO HOW THIS EXPERIMENT scaling up and improving the stability of the SOLVES THE PROBLEM system. other contaminants, so we are seeing an But, in the team’s newly developed BDI “This is an innovative technology,” said increasing need to rely on less optimal water system, a custom-built flow cell utilizes two the researchers. “This is not something that sources,” he added. channels. The channels are separated by a is out there and commercialized. It’s Therefore, with an aim to combat this membrane and two identical battery something that is right at the cutting-edge of PURIFY SALTY WATER problem, Logan and his colleagues came up electrodes are secured at each end. new ways to get salt out of water.” with a desalination method called battery To test the cell’s effectiveness, the team This research funding was provided by PRIYANKA TOMAR electrode deionisation (BDI). BDI improves fed each channel with a salty solution at a the National Science Foundation, King upon standard capacitive deionization (CDI) specified flow rate while applying a constant Abdullah University of Science and roviding safer drinking water to those The “battery electrode deionisation” same result. “Globally, there is reduced techniques by eliminating the regeneration electrical current to the cell. Several current Technology and Penn State University. in need may become a little easier as method improves upon previous techniques access to fresh water,” said one of the stage and lowering the voltage required to densities were used, depending on the PPenn State researchers have developed by avoiding a regeneration step by alternating researchers Bruce Logan, Professor at complete the process. number of membrane stacks. The REFERENCES a new desalination technique that removes the direction of the electrical current. Thus, Pennsylvania State University in the US. researchers then reversed the cell voltage https://www.newsgram.com salt from water using less energy than instead of using 1.2 volts, researchers “More and more, the waters that are HOW STANDARD CDI TECHNIQUES WORKS flow when it reached a low of ?0.6 volts or a http://news.psu.edu/ previous methods. switched between -0.6 and 0.6 volts to get the being used are impaired, either due to salt or Standard CDI techniques desalinate high of +0.6 volts. https://www.sciencedaily.com

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SOCIAL SNIPPETS SOCIAL SNIPPETS

Suzuki Motorcycle India constructs aegis of CSR. Suzuki has planned CSR Ambuja Cement YES FOUNDATION announces INR 7.5 under 3 top heads/initiatives: Health, Basketball Court Facility for Environment, and Education. On 11th Foundation Silver Crore Grant and Accelerator support January 2018, under the leadership and Jubilee year celebrated Darbaripur Govt. School Children guidance of Managing Director- Mr. Satoshi for NGOs and Social Enterprises Uchida, a Basketball court was inaugurated ES FOUNDATION, the social for the children of Govt. Senior Secondary development arm of YES School at Darbaripur. This school caters to YBANK, will launch the 5th edition the education of children of villages of of YES! I am the CHANGE (YIAC), a development aspects, YIAC has lined up Darbaripur, Hasanpur, Palra and other nationwide mindset transformation awards, and all-expenses paid scholarships nearby villages. program to inculcate the spirit of to acclaimed documentary film festivals The basketball court was inaugurated by responsible youth citizenship and drive such as IDFA (Amsterdam), Docedge SMIPL Director - Yasuhide Kamo and mbuja Cement Foundation (ACF), the CSR positive social action through the Kolkata. As part of the Open Challenge other senior colleagues from Suzuki Aarm of India’s leading cement company impactful medium of films. (Youth/ Individuals/ Filmmakers), the top Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. in front of Ambuja Cement Ltd., marked its Silver Jubilee year YES FOUNDATION will provide 20 winning film entries will be eligible for dignitaries including the School Principal, with a grand celebration at its mother plant in Youth, NGOs/Social Enterprises with a the same. The program will also identify Teaching Faculty, Village Sarpanch and Ambujanagar (Kodinar district), from where it platform to use films as a storytelling Everyday Heroes, discovered through Senior Citizens. The inauguration was embarked on an incredible journey that has medium to drive social impact. The YES! i am the CHANGE film entries, to eing a socially responsible Corporation, Japan; always considers the followed with a welcome song by school empowered and transformed over two millions lives Foundation invites Youth/ Filmmakers/ be felicitated across 1000 locations across organization, Suzuki Motorcycle opportunity to contribute to the overall children followed by a small competition. through holistic initiatives, thus spurring a radical NGOs/Social Enterprises to participate in India for their exceptional attitude towards BIndia Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of two- good of humanity and how to pay back to More than 50 children played on the change in the landscape of various regions. the YIAC Social Filmmaking Challenge, to community service. wheeler manufacturer, Suzuki Motor the common good of society under the basketball court. The recently held event was graced by Ambuja depict stories of change in a 3-minute film Commenting on the launch, Rana Cement’s Founder and Chairman Narotam Through this process, the Foundation Kapoor, Chief Mentor & Co-Chairman, Sekhsaria whose single-minded visionary approach hopes to identify 25 deserving NGOs/ YES FOUNDATION and Managing Samsung Launches Smart Healthcare with a strong sense of social commitment was Social Enterprises who operate in areas of Director & CEO, YES BANK said, “YES Citizenship Initiative in Manipur instrumental in the creation of ACF. Climate Change/ Natural Capital, FOUNDATION follows a differentiated Brimming with pride on this significant Livelihood Generation, Gender equality approach innovatively harnessing media to occasion, Mr Sekhsaria said, “Twenty-seven years etc. YES Foundation would support these channel high octane energy and stimulate ago, this was a remote location with agriculture as the NGOs with Grant of INR 7.5 Cr, towards entrepreneurship for an empowered and primary source of livelihood. Ever since Ambuja scale up & capacity building. The grantee equitable India. This year, through YES! i Cement commenced its operations, the face of this organizations will also receive 3-year am the CHANGE, we will continue to region has significantly changed. Since inception, we mentoring to ensure onground tangible inspire individuals and nurture Dalmia Bharat’s fund raising for embarked on a mission to run a business that excels social impact. development sector organisations, on all parameters as well as enables the prosperity of Additionally, to encourage enhancing their contribution to nation ‘Bharat Ke Veer’ helps raise INR neighbouring communities.” mainstreaming of India’s youth in social building.” 13 crore for families of martyrs n continuation to support the ‘Bharat ke Veer’ initiative, Genpact Social Impact Fellowship Showcases the IDalmia Bharat, the world’s greenest cement company, organised a fund-raising event at Teen MurtiBhavan, New Delhi. amsung India inaugurated the Samsung Smart Healthcare program Power of Collaboration to Transform the Social Sector The event helped raise INR 13 crore for families of CAPF Sat Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal, martyrs from participation and contribution from patrons and Manipur to provide affordable and quality healthcare to patients from enpact (NYSE: G), a global successful, scalable program that Corporates Houses. the economically and socially weaker sections of society. Gprofessional services firm serves as a model for many other Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Puneet Dalmia, Managing As part of its Smart Healthcare program, Samsung provides focused on delivering digital organizations seeking to make a Director, Dalmia Bharat Group said, “We are very privileged to advanced and innovative healthcare equipment such as ultrasound and transformation for clients, hosted a lasting difference in the social sector. support and organise this event. We believe that with each and digital x-ray manufactured by the Company free to select government leadership forum with EdelGive The year-long fellowship every person’s contribution together we can bring a huge difference hospitals across the country. Foundation - the philanthropic arm program in partnership with to the families of CAPF martyrs. We express our gratitude to all the The Samsung Smart Healthcare facility was inaugurated by Smt. of Edelweiss Group, to discuss how EdelGive Foundation deploys contributors and supporters for raising more than Rs 13 crore. We Najma Heptulla, Governor of Manipur in the presence of other companies can join forces to process excellence experts to work are hopeful that this fund amount will have a huge impact in their dignitaries. transform the non-profit sector. The on high-impact projects in India to lives. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with ‘Bharat Samsung Smart Healthcare is Samsung India’s flagship citizenship event featured Genpact Social bring a systemic change in the social ke Veer’ initiative in every possible manner.” initiative in the healthcare domain. Impact Fellowship (GSIF) as a sector.

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SAVING HERITAGE SAVING HERITAGE

Young people are no longer interested in neither learning the language, nor in finding TURKISH WHISTLING ways to update its vocabulary with new words, and in a few generations it may be gone for good. Why This Form Of Communication Was LANGUAGE OF NORTHERN Born? The ‘bird language’ has a tone higher than other similar whistle languages, and it VILLAGE OF KUSKÖY NOW can travel greater distances, up to 5 km with its piercing tones. So this unusual form of communication was born from sheer necessity and transmitted from generation to ON UNESCO LIST generation. Dozens of whistled languages are found PRIYANKA TOMAR across the world, primarily in areas where steep terrain or dense forests make communication difficult over distances, such as the Atlas Mountains of North Africa, the highlands of northern Laos or the Amazon This village of some 400 people where one seems to be the most high-pitched and basin in Brazil. tea and hazelnuts are cultivated is located in lexical extended, with more than 400 words But now, technology is not the only the heart of the “whistle country” and more and phrases. threat to this unique language. In the past than 80% of its inhabitants practice this decades many young people have left Kuskoy incredible method of communication. ALL ABOUT THIS UNUSUAL TRADITION as in other rural parts of Turkey, in search for Using only their fingers, tongue, teeth, Roughly 500 years old, this form of better opportunities. lips, and cheeks, people can quickly say things communication was once widespread across Therefore, Turkish Culture Minister as simple as “okay,” or as complicated as the Black Sea regions. With over 400 words Numan Kurtulmus weighed in the “Would you like to join us tomorrow to and phrases, it is used to communicate in the safeguarding process of this language, calling harvest hazelnuts?” rugged terrain where it could otherwise be on its users to keep the practice alive. “We are very satisfied that our bird hard to communicate at a distance. Since 1997, Ku?köy has held the Bird language is now a part of the world culture But 50 years ago it suffered the impact of Language Festival in July in their village and heritage, it was a dream come true because the progression of technology and nowadays it has become a real tourist attraction with we think that it will also inspire others,” said the ever rapid growing of cellular mobile hundreds of people attending from these Muhtar Kocek, the elected headman of systems has put this cultural heritage under parts and also from very different regions of Kuskoy (literally translated as ‘bird village’) serious threat. Turkey to have these people back in their He added that despite setbacks because In the days before mobile phones, these native land with friends or family, to enjoy of technology, “bird language is still used by high pitched noises allowed people to this heritage. many local to communicate between each communicate across great distances, with Also, as mentioned above, to promote other and is the most practical way to do it their whistles winging through the air, the language’s use, the district has also instead of yelling across the valleys, which is connecting one remote house on the steep provided training programs to primary bad for our throats.” terrain with the next. school pupils for the last three years. n the mountains of northern Turkey, unusual and very efficient whistle language modern technology. Also, where it joins But villagers also fears that it could soon But as technology has made its way But despite these efforts, UNESCO people might hear the strains of used as a means of communication by other whistled languages, as well as be overtaken by modern technology and across the region, smatterings of bird found that “the whistled language may soon Iwhistling on the breeze. It sounds like villagers in remote northern Turkey has Neapolitan pizza spinning. thus, District authorities have started language have been replaced by much more totally disappear, unless essential birdsong, complete with trills, chirrups and entered the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Around 10,000 people, mostly in the teaching the language at the primary school private text messages. safeguarding measures are undertaken using lilting whistles. But this whistling is entirely Heritage list. district of Canakci in Giresun province, use level since 2014 in order to instil the practice For centuries, the language has been an integrated approach. human. The United Nations Cultural Agency this still today the language, which is a highly- to the younger generations. passed on from grandparent to parent, from The next time you are in Turkey, visit week has accepted the “bird language” of developed and high pitch system of whistling According to experts, whistle languages parent to child. Now, though, many of its REFERENCES Kuskoy - the village in district Canakci in Black Sea villagers as an endangered part of among each other to communicate in the have existed through the ages across the most proficient speakers who use their http://www.hindustantimes.com Giresun province where people world heritage in need of urgent protection rugged terrain where mostly they cannot see world like in Spain’s Canary Islands, in tongue, teeth and fingers, are aging and http://www.xinhuanet.com communicate through bird sounds. The because it could soon be overtaken by each other. Mexico or in Greek villages, but the Turkish becoming physically weak. https://www.atlasobscura.com

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SOCIAL EVENT SOCIAL EVENT

message of a healthy active lifestyle amongst children. Mrs. Amruta Fadnavis Said "Awareness WADIA HOSPITALS ORGANIZES of doing physical activity is very important in children. Running, walking will help them to keep healthy. Today's generation play on laptops, phone, and video game. Little hearts LITTLE HEARTS MARATHON 2018 marathon has seen more than 25000 children participated for healthy lifestyle & creating ● 25,000 children participated to raise children's most favourite event- "Little Minnie Bodhanwala, CEO, Wadia Hospitals. awareness. She concluded by appreciating the awareness for a Healthy Heart Hearts Marathon 2018" at Bandra Kurla Approximately 100,000 babies are born initiative of Wadia hospitals of 'Save Heart ● With increasing popularity amongst Complex on 7th January 2018. More than each year with "major" and "critical" Save Life' and gave them best wishes for the Children; LHM will expand to more cities 25,000 children from across Maharashtra Congenital heart diseases (CHD) in India. event." in future -- Ness Wadia participated in the marathon. As symptoms for congenital heart diseases Ness Wadia, MD, Wadia Group, said, ● Funds generated from the marathon to be Mrs Amruta Fadnavis, Wife of Hon. begin at 1 or 2 months of age, often the "We are extremely happy to see how Little utilised for the Paediatric Cardiac Surgery Chief Minister of Maharashtra Mr Devendra diagnosis of the same is missed; making it Hearts Marathon has evolved over the last 5 department Fadnavis, graced the occasion and flagged off the biggest reason for increased mortality years. The zeal with which children have ● In 2017, Wadia Hospitals conducted 200 the marathon. Also present at the flag-off and morbidity. Due to general lack of participated year after year gives us sheer joy Paediatric cardiac surgeries; This year event were Dr Ramdas Ambatkar, State awareness, approximately 10% of infant and encourages us to do more to 'Save Dr. Minnie Bodhanwala, CEO Wadia Wadia Hospitals is the first children's hospital (2018) it's expected to conduct 500 heart General Secretary, BJP Maharashtra, Ms. mortality in India can be accounted for by Hearts Save Lives'. In our endeavour to have Hospitals, said, "We dedicate the success of to have introduced expert Paediatric Cardiac surgeries Shraddha Jadhav, Corporator & Ex Mayor of CHD alone. The number of children who no waiting lists for cardiac surgeries Little Hearts Marathon to the lovely children Care services in the bustling and heavily Mumbai, Mr Arvind Sawant, MP, Shree are in waiting list for heart surgeries is more throughout the country, we will be taking who enthusiastically participate to support populated metropolis of Mumbai. At Wadia ai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple Trust, Mr then 500 in Maharashtra state alone. Also Little Hearts Marathon to more cities across children of their age suffering from heart we have a specialized team including in association with Shree Rajesh Mahapuskar, Director of the award- the rate of cardiac diseases in young adults India in coming years. We wish more and diseases. Today there exist only a handful of Paediatric Cardiologist, Paediatric cardiac BSiddhivinayak Ganapati Temple winning Marathi film 'Ventilator', Mr Ness is increasingly alarmingly with sedentary more people come forward from the specialized centres offering dedicated Surgeon and Paediatric Cardiac Intensivists," Trust organized the 5th edition of the Wadia, MD, The Wadia Group and Dr lifestyle. The Marathon also promotes the community to support this noble cause." paediatric cardiac services across India. added Dr Bodhanwala.

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ELECTORAL REFORMS ONE NATION-ONE ELECTION SCOPE & CAUTION ddressing the joint session of Parliament at the beginning of the current chief Amit Shah, Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar, Budget session, President Ramnath Kovind made a mention about the need Election Commissioner Sunil Arora, JD(U) Afor the nation to have elections for the parliament and state assemblies held secretary general KC Tyagi, BJD MP Baijyant Panda simulteneously. This has led to a major discussion, with Bihar chief minister Nitish and Rajya Sabha member Rajeev Chandrashekhar Kumar doubting its feasibility for now. which clearly indicated the ideological leanings of BACKGROUND the gathering. One of the main driving forces behind the promulgation of the Anti-Defection Though Sahasrabuddhe has been at pains to Law by the Rajiv Gandhi government in the 1980s was the brute majority enjoyed state, “We do not want to create any agenda by by the Congress party in the Lok Sabha. It had won more than 400 seats in the promoting this reform. The election phenomenon 1985 General Elections thanks to the sympathy wave which followed assassination from Municipal corporations to Vidhan Sabha to SIDHARTH MISHRA of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.The Congress strategists loyal to Rajiv Gandhi at Lok Sabha elections halts the development work and that point of time had advised for bringing such law which would keep the folk the movement of security personnel during elections is also another cost factor. Niti together lest the old school veterans carry out a coup against the reformist agenda Ayog has also discussed on this reform and this will be proven as the mother of all of the ‘young’ Prime Minister. The law has withstood the trial of time and survived reforms for a delivering democracy.” to end the politics of “Aya Rams, Gaya Ram”, which had come to make mockery of FEDERAL CHARACTER people’s mandate. However, the major question is whether such a practice in the name of cost- Three decades later, another government led by a Prime Minister belonging to cutting and administrative efficiency be able to deliver a robust democracy. another party is now pushing for another major electoral reform - simultaneous According to former secretary-general of Rajya Sabha and later its nominated holding of the elections of the Parliament and the State assemblies. The move member BN Banerji, “Indian Constitution is federal in form but unitary in spirit.” comes as for the first time since Rajiv Gandhi’s term, we have a Prime Minister Another famous constitutional expert DD Basu wrote, “Indian Constitution is neither whose party enjoys absolute majority in the house and is also undisputed leader of purely federal, nor purely unitary but a combination of both.” his party. The constitutional history of the country of the past seven decades which MODI, THE UNDISPUTED LEADER includes constitutional amendments and Supreme Court orders have all been Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not only the undisputed leader of his the BJP directed towards strengthening the federal characteristics of the Indian state. This but also its main poll campaigner. Ever since his ascendance started in BJP’s in practice has meant lessening of central superintendence over the state pantheon as party’s Prime Ministerial candidate in the run-up to the 2014 Lok governments, greater functional autonomy to the state governments and allowing Sabha polls he has remained party’s undisputed poll mascot. He has been party’s co-existence of diverse ideologies in matters of state-centre relationship. campaign spearhead in the states which went to polls post-2014 Lok Sabha This has so far worked well for the democracy of the country though may have elections - Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Maharashtra, Haryana, Jharkhand, Assam, somewhat hampered ‘administrative efficiency’, as the case is being made out by Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and off course Gujarat. Of these Sahasrabuddhe. For achieving ‘administrative efficiency’ could another major states, the party faced defeat in just one - Bihar, but there it has managed to have feature of the Indian state – Unity In Diversity, be put to risk. The first state its old ally Nitish Kumar now back in its camp. government with an ideology diverse from that of the Centre was that of Communist Over the next 24 months, polls are scheduled in the major states of Karnataka, leader EMS Namboodripad’s in Kerala, which also became the first government to Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattishgarh and also Tripura. There is a BJP face dismissal by the Centre under Article 356. government in the three states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattishgarh led CONCLUSION by powerful regional leaders Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Vasundhara Raje and Raman The phenomenon of diverse governments at the Centre and in the states gained Singh respectively. Though they would be the face of the party, they all are battling greater currency post 1967, when several non-Congress governments came to humongous anti-incumbency factor and to neutralize the same the role of the Prime power in the states. In the next decade or so, these governments often faced the Minister during the campaign would be vital. wrath of Centre facing dismissal under Article 356. However, the Supreme Court AGENDA PAPER order in the SR Bommai case has ensured that the existence of the state Thus there would be no relief for Modi the poll campaigner and it’s here that government has not remained dependent of the mere ‘pleasure’ of the President the issue of having ‘One Nation One Election’ becomes relevant. The propagators of (read Centre). this theory believe that with the administrative leader of the country getting Administrative efficiency and cost-cutting could be good ideas but who would repeatedly involved in poll campaign, governance suffers. This view is being ensure that it would not cut into the progress which our polity has made from being aggressively articulated by Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS)-backed think largely unitary in nature to now greatly federal in spirit. These are issues which need tank Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini Academy, Mumbai. to be discussed on larger forum than from the dais of a party think tank. The Academy is headed by BJP vice-president and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe. Its holding of a brainstorming session, which was slotted as (The writer is president, Centre for Reforms, apolitical, but had its participants from Niti Ayog’s Vice chairman Rajiv Kumar, BJP Development & Justice and Editorial Mentor, CSR TIMES)

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