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Friday, February 27, 2015

Economic Survey – 2014 – 2015 : Highlights and Download PDF

Economic Outlook, Prospects and Policy Challenges
Download: Volume - 1
                    Volume - 2
Macroeconomic fundamentals in 2014-15 have dramatically improved. Highlights are:
  • Inflation has declined by over 6 percentage points since late 2013.
  • The current account deficit has declined from a peak of 6.7 percent of GDP (in Q3, 2012-13) to an estimated 1.0 percent in the coming fiscal year.
  • Foreign portfolio flows have stabilized the rupee, exerting downward pressure on long-term interest rates, reflected in yields on 10-year government securities, and contributed to the surge in equity prices.
  • In response to the favourable terms of trade shock (especially with regard to oil), macroeconomic policy has appropriately balanced government savings (two-thirds) and private consumption (one-third).
  • After a nearly 12-quarter phase of deceleration, real GDP has been growing at 7.2 percent on average since 2013-14, based on the new growth estimates of the Central Statistics Office. Not with standing the new estimates, the balance of evidence suggests that India is a recovering, but not yet a surging, economy.
  • From a cross-country perspective, a Rational Investor Ratings Index (RIRI) which combines indicators of macro-stability with growth, illustrates that India ranks amongst the most attractive investment destinations. It ranks well above the mean for its investment grade category (BBB), and also above the mean for the investment category above it (on the basis of the new growth estimates).
  • Several reforms have been undertaken and more are on the anvil. The introduction of the GST and expanding direct benefit transfers can be game-changers.
  • Structural shifts in the inflationary process are underway due to lower oil prices, deceleration in agriculture prices and wages, and dramatically improved household inflation expectations. Going forward inflation is likely to remain in the 5-5.5 percent range, creating space for easing of monetary conditions.
  • In the short run, growth will receive a boost from the cumulative impact of reforms, lower oil prices, likely monetary policy easing facilitated by lower inflation and improved inflationary expectations, and forecasts of a normal monsoon in 2015-16. Using the new estimate for 2014-15 as the base, GDP growth at constant market prices is expected to accelerate to between 8.1 and 8.5 percent in 2015-16.
  • Medium-term prospects will be conditioned by the “balance sheet syndrome with Indian characteristics” that has the potential to hold back rapid increases in private sector investment. Private investment must be the engine of long-run growth. However,there is a case for reviving targeted public investment as an engine of growth in the short run to complement and crowd-in private investment.
  • India can balance the short-term imperative of boosting public investment to revitalize growth with the need to maintain fiscal discipline. Expenditure control, and expenditure switchingfrom consumption to investment,will be key.
  • The outlook is favourable for the current account deficit and its financing. A likely surfeit, rather than scarcity, of foreign capital will complicate exchange rate management. Reconciling the benefits of these flows with their impact on exports and the current account remains an important challenge going forward.
  • India faces an export challenge, reflected in the fact that the share of manufacturing and services exports in GDP has stagnated in the last five years. The external trading environment is less benign in two ways: partner country growth and their absorption of Indian exports has slowed, and mega-regional trade agreements being negotiated by the major trading nations in Asia and Europe threaten to exclude India and place its exports at a competitive disadvantage.
  • India is increasingly young, middle-class, and aspirational but remains stubbornly male. Several indicators suggest that gender inequality is persistent and high. In the short run, the renewed emphasis on family planning targets,backed by misaligned incentives, is undermining the health and reproductive autonomy of women.

Fiscal Framework
  • India must adhere to the medium-term fiscal deficit target of 3 percent of GDP. This will provide the fiscal space to insure against future shocks and also to move closer to the fiscal performance of its emerging market peers.
  • India must also reverse the trajectory of recent years and move toward the golden ruleof eliminating revenue deficits and ensuring that, over the cycle, borrowing is only for capital formation.
  • Expenditure control combined with recovering growth and the introduction of the GST will ensure that medium term targets are comfortably met.
  • In the short run, the need for accelerated fiscal consolidation is lessened by the dramatically changed macro-circumstances and the less-than-optimal nature of pro-cyclical policy. The ability to do so will be conditioned by the recommendations of the Fourteenth Finance Commission (FFC).
  • Nevertheless, to ensure fiscal credibility and consistency with medium-term goals, the process of expenditure control to reduce the fiscal deficit should be initiated. At the same time, the quality of expenditure needs to be shifted from consumption, by reducing subsidies, towardsinvestment.
  • Finally, implementing the FFC recommendations will lead to states accounting for a large share of total tax revenue. This has the important implication that, going forward, India’s public finances must be viewed at the consolidated level and not just at the level of the central government. If recent trends in state-level fiscal management continue, the fiscal position at the consolidated level will be on a sustainable path.

Subsidies and the JAM Number Trinity Solution
  • The debate is not about whether but how best to provide support to the poor and vulnerable. The government subsidises a wide variety of goods and services with the aim of making them affordable for the poor, including: rice, wheat, pulses, sugar, railways, kerosene, LPG, naphtha, iron ore, fertiliser, electricity, water.
  • The direct fiscal cost of these select subsidies is roughly Rs. 378,000 crore or 4.2 percent of 2011-12 GDP. This is roughly how much it would cost to raise the expenditure of every household to the level of a 35th percentile household (well above the 21.9percentTendulkar Committee poverty line).
  • Are these subsidies effectively targeted at the poor? Unfortunately, subsidies can sometimes be regressive and suffer from leakages. For example, electricity subsidies by definition only help electrified households. Even in the case of kerosene, 41 percent of PDS kerosene is lost as leakage and only 46 percent of the remaining 59 percent is consumed by households that are poor.
  • The JAM Number Trinity – Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhaar, Mobile – can enable the State to transfer financial resources to the poor in a progressive manner without leakages and with minimal distorting effects.

The Investment Challenge
  • The stock of stalled projects stands at about 7 percent of GDP, accounted for mostly by the private sector. Manufacturing and infrastructure account for most of the stalled projects. Changed market conditions and impeded regulatory clearances are the prominent reasons for stalling in private and public sectors, respectively.
  • This has weakened the balance sheets of the corporate sector and public sector banks, which in turn is constraining future private investment, completing a vicious circle.
  • Despite high rates of stalling, and weak balance sheets, the stock market valuations of companies with stalled projects are quite robust,which is a puzzle.
  • Combining the situation of Indian public sector banks and corporate balance sheets suggests that the expectation that the private sector will drive investment needs to be moderated. In this light, public investment may need to step in to ramp up capital formation and recreate an environment to crowd-inthe private sector.

The Banking Challenge
  • The Indian banking balance sheet is suffering from ‘double financial repression’. On the liabilities side, high inflation lowered real rates of return on deposits. On the assets side, statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) and priority sector lending (PSL) requirements have depressed returns to bank assets. As inflation moderates and the banking sector exits liability-side repression, it is a good time to consider addressing the asset-side counterpart.
  • In a cross-country comparison, controlling for the level of development, the size of the Indian banking system, measured by credit indicators, does not seem too high either in absolute terms or relative to other sources of financing. However, going forward, capital markets and bond-financing need to be given a boost.
  • Private sector banks did not partake in the biggest private-sector-fuelled growth episode in Indian historyduring 2005-2012. This is reflected in the near-constant share of private sector banks in deposits and advances in those years.
  • There is substantial variation in the performance of the public sector banks, so that they should not be perceived as a homogenous block while formulating policy.

Putting Public Investment on Track – the Rail Route to Higher Growth.
  • The Indian Railways over the years have beenon a ‘route to nowhere’characterized by underinvestment resulting in lack of capacity addition and network congestion; neglect of commercial objectives; poor service provision; and consequent financial weakness. These have cumulated to below-potential contribution to economic growth.
  • Very modest hikes in passenger tariffs and cross-subsidisation of passenger services from freight operations over the years have meant that Indian (PPP-adjusted) freight rates remain among the highest in the world, with the railways ceding significant share in freight traffic to roads (that is typically more costly and energy inefficient).
  • As a result, the competitivenessof Indian industry has been undermined. Calculations reveal that China carries about thrice as much coal freight per hour vis-à-vis India. Coal is transported in India at more than twice the cost vis-à-vis China, and it takes 1.3 times longer to do so.
  • Econometric evidence suggests that the railways public investment multiplier (the effect of a Rs. 1 increase in public investment in the railwayson overall output) is around 5.
  • However, in the long run, the railways must be commercially viable and public support must be linked to railwayreforms: adoption of commercial practices; tariff rationalization; and technology overhaul.

Skill India to Complement Make in India
  • What should we ‘Make in India’? Sectors that are capable of facilitating structural transformation in an emerging economy must:
  • Have a high level of productivity.
  • Show convergence to the technological frontier over time.
  • Draw in resources from the rest of the economy to spread the fruits of growth.
  • Bealigned with the economy’s comparative advantage; and Betradeable.
  • Registered manufacturing, construction and several service sectors — particularly business services — perform well on these various characteristics. A key concern with these sectors however is that they are rather skill-intensive and do not match the skill profile of the Indian labour force.
  • India could bolster the Make in India’’initiative, which requires improving infrastructure and reforming labor and land laws by complementing it with the‘’Skilling India initiative. This would enable a larger section of the population to benefit from the structural transformation that such sectors will facilitate.
A National Market for Agricultural Commodities
  • Markets in agricultural products are regulated under the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act enacted by State Governments. India has not one, not 29, but thousands of agricultural markets.
  • APMCs levy multiple fees of substantial magnitude, that are non-transparent, and hence a source of political power.
  • The Model APMC Act, 2003 could benefit from drawing upon the ‘Karnataka Model’ that has successfully introduced an integrated single licensing system. The key here is to remove the barriers that militate against the creation of choice for farmers and against the creation of marketing infrastructure by the private sector.

Climate Change
  • India has cut subsidies and increased taxes on fossil fuels (petrol and diesel along with a coal cess) turning a carbon subsidy regime into one of carbon taxation. The implicit carbon tax is US$ 140 for petrol and US$64 for diesel.
  • In light of the recent falling global coal prices and the large health costs associated with coal, there may be room for further rationalization of coal pricing. The impact of any such changes on affordable energy for the poor must be taken into account.
  • On the whole, the move to substantial carbon taxation combined with India’s ambitious solar power program suggests that India can make substantial contributions to the forthcoming Paris negotiations on climate change.

The Fourteenth Finance Commission
  • The FFC marks a watershed in the history of Indian federalism. Unprecedented increases in tax devolution will confer more fiscal autonomy on the states. This will be enhanced by the FFC-induced imperative of having to reduce the scale of other central transfers to the states. In other words, states will now have greater autonomy both on the revenue and expenditure fronts.
  • All states stand to gain from extra resources although there will be some variation between the states.
  • FFC transfers are highly progressive; that is, states with lower per capita NSDP receive on average much larger transfers per capita. In contrast, plan transfers were much less progressive.
  • The concern that more transfers will undermine fiscal discipline is not warranted because states as a whole have been more prudent than the centre in recent years.
Source: PIB

[The Big Picture] President’s address : What’s the vision?

Summary:
  • The address of the President of India at a joint session at the beginning of the year is a well established convention and ritual. However, this year’s address is significant as it is a first full fledged budget session of the new government. The President address spells out the achievements of the government in the past year and what it seeks to do in the coming year.
  • This address brings out the broad contours on how India can achieve 8% growth from next year onwards. It even brings out the strong commitment for equitable and inclusive growth. Agriculture has received greater importance. It has indicated some strong macroeconomic changes. 
  • Hence, this vision of the government is being appreciated by experts. The President at the opening of the budget session of Parliament said that the government was committed to developing India in a way that lifts up everyone in the country’s economically diverse population. 
  • Some say that the speech also reflects the conflict of interests and conflicts of opinion within the party and the within the Sang Parivar. This address also reflects the concern which is there for humiliating defeat which the BJP faced in the recent elections. 
  • This is felt so because in this speech there is an attempt by the government to please everyone without giving any concrete decisions.
  • The speech also touched upon topics as varied as improving women’s safety and tackling corruption, to toilets, yoga, India’s Mars mission and legal aid reform. 
  • The President said that the government was committed to providing a toilet in every school by Aug. 15 – when India celebrates its 69th Independence Day. A lack of toilets in school is one of the main reasons for the high drop-out rate of female pupils once they hit puberty.
Source: RajyaSabha TV

Thursday, February 26, 2015

[Quiz] Daily MCQ - 16, 17 February 2015

1. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched? 
[A]Kunal Bahl & Rohit Bansal- Snapdeal
[B]Sachin Bansal & Binny Bansal- Red Bus
[C]Deepinder goyal & Pankaj Chaddah – Zomato
[D]Bhavish Aggarwal & Ankit Bhati – Ola Cab


2. The World Radio Day is observed on which date? 
[A]February 12
[B]February 13
[C]February 14
[D]February 15


3. The three member Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Pramod Asthana is to probe__? 
[A]Bhopal Gas Tragedy
[B]Anti-Sikh riot cases
[C]Ganga river pollution
[D]Illegal Money laundering


4. The “Minsk Peace Summit” seeks to end conflict and establish peace in which country
[A]Yemen
[B]Syria
[C]Ukraine
[D]Iraq


5. Ngangom Bala Devi is associated with which of the following sports? 
[A]Football
[B]Cricket
[C]Hockey
[D]Volleyball


6. Which country is world’s largest producer of Palm oil? 
[A]Malaysia
[B]Indonesia
[C]Philippines
[D]China


7. Which among the following teams has topped the medal tally list in the recently concluded 35th National Games? 
[A]Kerala
[B]Haryana
[C]Services SCB
[D]Punjab


8. To convey the message of cleanness, the “Litter Free Campaign” has been launched by which company? 
[A]Pepsi Co
[B]Parle Products
[C]ITC
[D]MTR


9. Which movie has won the golden bear award at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival
[A]Body
[B]Taxi
[C]45 Years
[D]Aferimi


10. The Great Artesian Basin, one of the largest and deepest underground water reservoirs in the world is located in___? 
[A]Australia
[B]USA
[C]China
[D]Japan


For Solution : Click Here

[The Big Picture] Swine Flu : Assuming epidemic proportions?

Summary:
  • The way the Swine flu or H1N1 VIRUS is spreading across India, has become a serious cause for concern. Over 670 people have died so far and 10000 affected. The worst hit states are Rajasthan with 191 deaths, 155 deaths in Gujarat and 90 deaths in Madhya Pradesh so far. Some other states like Delhi, UP, Haryana and Punjab are also affected by the Virus. This year’s toll is the highest since
  • 2008 when the virus was found and spread from the US to other parts of the world including India.
  • This virus now seems to be assuming pandemic proportions.
  • Experts call this one as a seasonal and contagious disease. This is also airborne disease. The intensity is increased in winter and it decreases in summer. Since Northern states had prolonged winter this year, the disease had some greater impacts. When patients come late for treatment it is difficult to treat them. 
  • Vulnerable section includes people above 60, children below 5, pregnant women, heavy smokers, diabetic people, People with transplants and people having cardio problems.
  • The district hospitals and state medical colleges are prepared to handle such worst diseases. With frontline/ primary health workers providing the support majority of the cases can be treated at home. 
  • Middle level health care centres and colleges need institutional support to fight such diseases. With right approach the disease can be prevented.
  • Some of the reasons for the spread: (1) Government and media wake up late. (2) Lack of awareness. (3) No campaigns.
  • It is also being said that since the disease was known, government should have bothered about creating awareness about the disease. The medicines are costly too. 1 to 2% of H1N1 cases are fatal.
  • In Delhi deaths were low since people were aware of the disease and healthcare facilities were also good. Tamil flu medicine is used to treat the disease. It is also being said that population explosion is responsible for 50% of the problems. There also seems to be panic present even among the health workers.
  • 0.29% of the GDP is allocated to the health sector in India’s health budget. 
  • 30% of the budget is unspent and in current financial year the budget expenditure on Health has also been cut. 
  • There is also a notion that infectious diseases are treated only in government hospitals and is a state burden.
  • There is a need for private sectors to step in. Apart from budgetary support, institutional strengthening is necessary. 
  • Focus should be increased at the state level and district level. Both the public and private sector should come together to help the government and work together.
  • Government has to put in adult vaccination program for this disease. Enough isolations wards should be created in hospitals.
Source: RajyaSabha TV

[India’s World] Greece on collision course with EU

Summary:
The voters in Greece have handed over the power to a communist leader who leads Syriza party. The new leader has assumed power when Greece is deeply in Debt and in a debt repayment crisis. The Greek bailout expires on February 28th. By that date the political leadership in Greece and European Union have to decide whether to continue the bailout and if so whether Greece would continue to agree to the spending limits imposed by lenders. The New Greek government is committed to anti austerity measures and greater public spending. However that would amount to breaking the contract with the lenders.

Under the Macro Adjustment Programme, Greece had to compulsorily implement the following programs:
  1. Fiscal reforms to generate savings, that is, austerity.
  2. Structural reforms to enhance competitiveness and growth, such as privatisation of public assets and deregulation of markets including the labour market, that is, labour market flexibility.
  3. Financial reforms to enhance financial stability, such as banking regulations, and bank recapitalisation and resolution mechanisms.
The feeling of nationalist pride has resulted in such a change. Experts say that Greek’s policies are now decided in Brussels and not in Athens. It is also being said that this crisis began in 1994 when the EU 15 decided to go further and expand to EU 27. Political unification without economic similarity is a big problem and the EU countries then forgot this. The problem now has been aggravated in Greece because of the 2008 recession. Few other European countries may face similar problems in the near future.

There is also a concern that the public popular measures announced by the new government would push the country into a deeper economic crisis. And this crisis would affect all the European Union member countries. Greek Debt is not a private debt but it is a government debt. If this muddle continues the Greek economy would collapse.

Since its inception, the new government has been asking for debt write-off. But the Eurozone countries are not supporting the country. Greek at this point of time is virtually isolated. If Greece exits Eurozone and European Union it will have major political and economic implications on Europe.
Source: RajyaSabha TV

[The Big Picture] PM’s message on religious tolerance

Summary:
  • The atmosphere of religious intolerance which has seen a sharp rise in the last several months has been a serious cause for concern in the country. This has led to a situation where it was even impinging upon the functioning of the parliament as it was witnessed in the last session. Recently, the PM of India told the country that he would act strongly against any communal violence. The PM’s promise to ensure complete freedom of faith and that everyone has undeniable right to retain or adopt any religion of their choice has been welcomed widely. This unequivocal assurance has been looked forward to by the country for sometimes now. This is expected to maintain harmonious environment in the country.
  • The Prime Minister said equal respect for all faiths had long been a part of India’s ethos. Swami Vivekananda said we believe not only in universal toleration but we accept all religions as true. The tradition of welcoming, respecting and honouring all faiths is as old as India itself. The PM also said that India is the land of Gautam Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi and it was in the DNA of every Indian not to accept violence against any religion. His remark on religious tolerance is also being seen as an assurance to the minorities in general and government’s outreach to Christians in particular in the wake of recent attacks on churches.
  • The intolerance in India was even reflected in the international newspapers. Religion is a matter of personal faith. This is a civilizational right. The PM’s move has been welcomed by many. This is a constitutional obligation of any government too. The trust deficit has been filled up. Experts also say that in a diverse country like India such assurance messages from the government are necessary along with actions.
  • Some also say that political compulsions have forced the PM to deliver such assurance messages. They also feel that the message which PM delivered seemed largely to be for international audience. The crisis should have been solved by the institutional mechanisms in the country like Police, Judiciary etc.
Source: RajyaSabha TV

अतुल्य भारत के लिए अतुल्य रेल ‪Rail Budget 2015‬

  • रेल भाड़े में कोई बढ़ोतरी नहीं।
  • एक भारत श्रेष्ठ भारत बनाने के लिए सभी से सहायता की अपेक्षा।
  • रेलवे भावी चुनौतियों का सामने करने के लिए तैयार।
  • पर्यटकों को आकर्षित करने के लिए गांधी सर्किट को बढ़ावा देने का प्रस्ताव।
  • सौर मिशन के तहत रेलवे की सौर ऊर्जा के स्रोत के विस्तार की योजना।
  • कौशल विकास के लिए भारतीय रेल अपने स्टेशन तथा प्रशिक्षण केंद्र मुहैया कराएगा।
  • जल संरक्षण मिशन के तहत जल संबंधी ऑडिट और वाटर हार्वेस्टिंग सिस्टम का विस्तार।
  • 2015-16 में 1,00,011 करोड़ रुपये का योजना बजट ।
  • 2015-16 के दौरान पूर्ण रूप से संपन्न विश्वविद्यालय खोलने का प्रावधान।
  • रेलवे भूमि का अतिक्रमण रोकने के लिए भूमि रिकॉर्डों का अंकीय मापन शुरू।
  • जम्मू-कश्मीर और पूर्वोत्तर राज्यों को रेल से जोड़ने का काम तेज़ होगा।
  • ' विदेशी रेल प्रौद्योगिकी सहयोग योजना ' शुरू करने का प्रस्ताव।
  • NIFT और NID के साथ मिलकर भारतीय रेल को सुन्दर बनाया जाएगा।
  • रेलवे की पुरानी योजनाओं को तीव्र गति से पूरा करने की जरूरत।
  • पूरी तरह से मशीनों से एकीकृत रेलपथ अनुरक्षण की संभावना का पता लगाने का प्रस्ताव।
  • IIT-BHU में मालवीय जी के नाम से रेल तकनीक पर रिसर्च केंद्र बनाया जाएगा।
  • जून 2015 तक पांच वर्षीय समवेत संरक्षा योजना तैयार करने का प्रस्ताव।
  • भारतीय रेल को तेज़ बनाया जाएगा, 9 नए हाई स्पीड कॉरिडोर बनाये जाएंगे।
  • ऊपरी बर्थ पर चढ़ने के लिए सुविधाजनक सीढ़ियों की व्यवस्था करने का प्रस्ताव।
  • 400 रेलवे स्टेशन पर Wi-Fi सेवा उपलब्ध करवाई जायेगी।
  • नई लाइन के लिए सार्वजनिक क्षेत्र की कंपनी के साथ संयुक्त उद्यम स्थापित करने का प्रस्ताव।
  • "कायाकल्प" के नाम से भारतीय रेल की तकनीकी आधुनिकरण किया जाएगा।
  • चुनिंदा मार्गों पर गाड़ी सुरक्षा चेतावनी प्रणाली और गाड़ी टक्कर बचाव प्रणाली लगाने का प्रस्ताव।
  • आईआरसीटीसी के माध्यम से कॉनसियाज सेवा शुरू करने का प्रस्ताव।
  • शीघ्र निर्णय लेने के लिए मंडल औऱ क्षेत्रीय कार्यालयों को अधिकार संपन्न बनाने का प्रस्ताव।
  • वरिष्ठ नागरिकों के लिए निचली बर्थों में कोटा बढ़ाने का प्रस्ताव।
  • डिजिटल इंडिया के तहत बी कोटि के स्टेशनों पर वाई-फाई की सुविधा मुहैया कराने का प्रस्ताव।
  • मोबाइल फोन चार्ज करने की सुविधा साधारण श्रेणी में प्रदान की जाएगी।
  • स्टेशनों की आधारभूत सुविधाओं का आधुनिकीकरण करने के लिए निजी क्षेत्र के साथ भागीदारी करेंगे।
  • सुरक्षा से संबंधित शिकायतों के लिए टोल फ्री नं 182।
  • बहुभाषी ई-टिकटिंग पोर्टल पर कार्य करने का प्रस्ताव।
  • स्मार्टफोन पर अनारक्षित टिकट को जारी करने का प्रावधान।
  • केंद्रीय रूप से नियंत्रित रेलवे डिस्प्ले नेटवर्क को अगले 2 सालों में 2 हजार से ज्यादा स्टेशनों पर लगाने की संभावना।
  • अनारक्षित टिकट्स को खरीदना सरल होगा, स्मार्ट फोन के द्वारा भी खरीदा जा सकेगा ।
  • वाटर वेंडिंग मशीनों का स्टेशनों पर विस्तार करने का प्रस्ताव।
  • किसानों के लाभ के लिए 'नश्य पदार्थ कार्गो सेंटर ' आजादपुर मंडी में खोला जा रहा है।
  • प्राइवेट फ्रेट टर्मिनलों में निवेश योजना की नीति की समीक्षा का प्रस्ताव।
  • औटोमैटिक फ्रेट रिबेट स्कीम को अखिल भारतीय स्तर पर शुरू करने का प्रस्ताव।
  • पूर्वोत्तर राज्यों और जम्मू-कश्मीर से बेहतर रेल कनेक्टिविटी।

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

[The Big Picture] Media, Activism in Conflict Zones in West Asia and Middle East

Summary:
  • Conflict zones have always created conflicts for the media itself about how to cover them.
  • The major conflict zones like Middle East and West Asia have stretched not only the resources but more importantly the imaginations of the media in covering such things.
  • Media’s role has been crucial and controversial sometimes.
  • There have been dilemmas for the media where some have taken an activists role, in contrast to the view of media as a passive and neutral reflections of existing social and political world.
  • The advent of social media and its increasing usage in these conflicting zones has added a new dimension to this.
  • The advent of social media has diversified the dimension of the media.
  • Each media defines a conflict in their own way and hence things are not so clear sometimes.
  • There is rethinking required in the firmament. There is enough space for mainstream media to contribute in an effective manner to the society.
  • Relationship between the state and media has always been symbiotic relationship.
  • We should not limit activism to the act of protesting. Activism is sensibility and is also diversified.
  • Activism as far as the media is concerned is inevitable.
  • Experts say that Critical thinking is activism.
  • There is a strong case for public service media in India. And also is a strong case for transparency and accountability of the corporate media.
  • Accountability to the citizens of the country is required from the media.
Source: RajyaSabha TV

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

[The Big Picture] Vacancies in Key Posts : What is the impact?

Summary:
  • For some time now concerns are being expressed in several quarters about the vacancies in key posts in government institutions. Like Chief Information Commissioner, Central Vigilance Commissioner, Vigilance Commissioner, High Court judges and police department.
  • The post of CIC has been vacant since 5 weeks.
  • A question also had been raised in the Supreme Court about the transparency in the methodology of shortlisting for various constitutional/non constitutional posts.
  • The selection is being delayed due to 2 issues: One is the composition of the selection committee. Second is the procedure for shortlisting the eligible candidate.
  • There is considerable opacity in shortlisting of the eligible candidates.
  • It is being said that complacency in the government is the reason for all these delays.
  • Whatever might be the reason, the onus is on the government to quickly fill these posts.
  • All these institutions are required for oversight, vigilance and scrutiny. Hence, strengthening of these institutions is necessary.
  • These vacancies also create workload. And hence the justice will be delayed.
  • Some leaders say that since there is no leader of the opposition, appointments to various key posts (which require the Opposition leader to be a part of the selection committee) are delayed. But, experts opine that even the leader of the largest party in opposition could fill the post of Opposition Leader in the selection committee.
Source: RajyaSabha TV

[The Big Picture] Defying Election Commission : How to handle it?

Summary:
  • Some of the influential leaders have always been defying the election commission’s Code of Conduct and its orders.
  • This is also said to be a corrupt practice and violation of law.
  • National parties are not paying much attention on this.
  • The best solution is to place the responsibility on political parties. Civil society can only play a complimentary role.
  • Model Code of Conduct has been adopted by political parties.
  • There are 3 main stakeholders in this process; one, Election Commission; second, the political parties; third, the people who are going to vote. All three have to play role to maintain the order.
  • These are also the defiance and violation of Representation of People act.
  • Election commission should have some judicial powers to take direct action during the times of elections on certain issues.
  • This is the time for the people of India to say NO to communal and non-secular politics. The entire country must rise as one.
  • It is clear that Election Commission has not been very effective in dealing with such cases. And hence, there is a need to empower the Election Commission to deal with such cases.
Source: RajyaSabha TV

[The Big Picture] Al Qaeda Vs IS : Can it pose a threat to India?

Summary:
  • For years the Al-qaeda has operated in many parts of the world with its biggest strike in America among others in the last decade.
  • Meanwhile the breakaway group of Al-qaeda -the Islamic state- has been indulging in deadly activities in Iraq and Syria. It has challenged its parent organization.
  • The recently released video by al-qaeda has shown that it is planning to launch attacks on India and some of its neighbours.
  • In India terrorism has been mainly dominated by lashkar e taiba and its various avatars.
  • IS has started attracting some Indian youth.
  • Real threat is the money which is attracting the youth.
  • India has to have its own investigation system dedicated to investigate Islamic State’s roots in India.
  • What IS has done in the recent past is said to be the creation of mobile anarchy.
  • The terrorist organizations have been splitting up due to differences in ideologies.
  • The IS does not seem to be a western creation.
  • New modules are sprouting up to recruit new people.
  • Communal disturbances and alienation in India have been attracting Terrorist organization to recruit people from India.
  • The funding sources for Terrorist organizations are also keeping an eye on the marginalized sections of India.
  • Marginalization and lack of inclusiveness in economic and political processes are the reasons for indulging and participating in such activities.
  • Studies conducted by some security agencies have shown that radicalization in India is on the rise.
  • Minority representation in the Indian Parliament is very less.
  • There are home grown terror activities in India and these internal issues need to be tackled immediately. And this can prevent external forces from coming to India.
  • Because of unemployment, poverty and ideologies, the youth is being attracted.
  • The funding to the terrorist organization should be cut.
  • Along with the measures to counter terrorism, several other things have to be looked upon to ensure that Indians don’t get attracted to these terrorist outfits.
Source: RajyaSabha TV

[The Big Picture] Modi’s US Visit : Has it heralded a new beginning?

Summary:
  • The Indo -US relation which is going through a rough period needs to be restored. Prime Minister Modi’s visit is expected to improve the bilateral relationship.
  • The US has also been showing some special interest in India in the recent years.
  • The PM did not discuss about Geopolitics.
  • The PM proposed “make in India” global initiative in US and asked the US companies to come and invest in India.
  • He also expressed his willingness to make India as a link between east and the west.
  • It is necessary for India to play a balanced role to tap the opportunities from both the eastern and western countries.
  • The PM has been trying to instil a new confidence in corporate industries in US. And the PM has also been spreading the message of effective governance.
  • There seems to be certain similarity in the political trajectory of Narendra Modi and Barack Obama. And in the American scheme of things, at least, it matters if there are personal equations.
  • The US has also been modest in their estimation. They said that the deliverables are possible in 3 areas: defence and security cooperation, clean energy and climate change.
  • This visit is not just about rebooting the hung relationship between the two countries but it is also about imparting a fresh focused approach.
  • He also expressed India’s readiness to revive the relationship and realize the untapped potential it has got.
  • After the visit of Indian PM, the investors and business community in US have found some ground for confidence.
Source: RajyaSabha TV

[The Big Picture] FDI in insurance: Will it kick-start investments?

Summary:
  • The FDI in insurance sector has been raised from 26% to 49%. This proposal had been pending since 2 years.
  • This proposal first came in 1998.
  • The insurance sector was thrown open to private players in the year 2000.
  • This move will be welcomed globally and would increase the investments in the country.
  • This is something which a lot of companies outside India were waiting to happen.
  • However, we have to be cautious seeing the current market situation and economic downturn. We should not be too ambitious.
  • First 26% is through the automatic route and next upto 49% is through the FIPB route.
  • FIPB has much diverse set of people sitting there and it is possible to take a wholesome view.
  • Companies would have preferred to go through non FIPB route completely. And Companies also wanted to get the option to have controlling stake in terms of the Board of Directors and things like that. But the government is not willing to delegate such powers.
  • It is the fund which foreign companies bring into India, is of special interest
  • The previously set 26% cap had not attracted many companies.
  • The East Asian crisis, 2007 economic crisis and European Union crisis have exposed the whole world to the kind of volatility and risks that exist in the financial sector.
  • The kind of reforms that had to be undertaken, post the crisis, were actually not undertaken.
  • The insurance cap will also apply to the pension sector. Hence there are risks associated with it.
  • India performed reasonably well during the crisis because of the good regulatory structures in place.
  • India, with 3.2% of the GDP, has one of the smallest penetration of insurance in the world.
  • This proposed increase would affect the general insurance public sector companies. But some argue by saying that the problem of the public sector companies lies in the underwritten policies.
  • Insurance funds are the long term funds which bring in foreign funds and provide capital to the infrastructure sector. Infrastructure sector really needs the fund for a longer period of time.
  • Insurance is the sector where there is a huge solvency requirement.
  • Insurance funds are basically subscriber funds.
  • We should look for a more competitive environment which requires a level playing field for both Public Sector and Private Sector companies.
  • There are also chances of Indian market being exposed to the risks of Global financial market due to opening up of the sector.
Source: RajyaSabha TV

[Quiz] Daily MCQ - 14, 15 February 2015

1. Which among the following states has maximum number of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in February 2015?
[A]Karnataka
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C]Tamil Nadu
[D] Telangana


2. Which one of the following committee was constituted to review environmental laws in the country? 
[A]Subramanian Committee
[B]Kasturi Rangan Committee
[C]Madhav Nair Committee
[D]Ullas Karanth Committee


3. Which among the following companies has developed the mobile agro advisory system called “mKrishi”? 
[A]TCS 
[B]Infosys
[C]Wipro
[D]IBM


4. Which country was the partner country in India’s first Renewable Energy Global Investors Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST)? 
[A]USA
[B]China
[C]Germany
[D]Russia


5. The per capita availability of doctors per 1000 people in India is ____? 
[A]0.5
[B]2
[C]0.6
[D]1.5


6. Who among the following has been named as new heir of Mysore Royal Family? 
[A]Yaduveer Gopal Raj Urs
[B]Chaduranga Kantharaja Urs
[C]Aditya Gurudev Urs
[D]Chandra Shekar Urs


7. The Shubhamsari (Subansiri) project, is the 2000MW hydroelectric project is coming up in which of the following states? 
[A]Tripura
[B]Arunachal Pradesh
[C]Haryana
[D]Sikkim


8. Which among the following cities has been ranked top in the list of Brookings Institution’s 2014 Global Metro Monitor Map? 
[A]Macau
[B]Istanbul
[C]Bengaluru
[D]Izmir


9. The host country of 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup is __? 
[A]France
[B]Germany
[C]India
[D]South Africa


10. India’s rank in the recently released World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) 2015 is __? 
[A]120 
[B]135
[C]136
[D]140


Answer :

1. C
2. A
3. A
4. C
5. C
6. A
7. B
8. A
9. C
10. C

For Solution : Click Here

[The Big Picture]Jayalalithaa Conviction: How to hasten justice?

Summary:
  • The conviction of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, after the case was made to drag on for 18 years, has brought to fore once again the laxity in the justice delivery system.
  • The influential and wealthy dragging the case at the cost of justice has much been discussed.
  • There are similar other cases which are dragging on in different Indian courts with similarly alarming regularity.
  • Following a recent order of the Supreme Court that the cases against elected representatives should be completed in one year, the government is drawing a plan to hasten up the justice delivery.
  • Can these proposed changes to both-the role of court and the role of police-be effective?
  • The main reason for delay in cases is frequent adjournments. Another reason is transferring of cases from one state to another.
  • There are many other factors which contribute in delaying the cases- like less number of judges, lack of infrastructure, lack of effective policies etc.
  • It is said that our criminal justice system is on the rocks today.
  • In every case, the general tendency of the accused is to seek as many adjournments as possible.
  • The prevention of corruption act contemplates day to day trial but then that doesn’t take place as a matter of rule. Therefore the whole system requires overhauling.
  • In our judiciary system, the accused is presumed to be innocent till he is convicted.
  • Rule of law postulates that punishment follows trial and not the other way.
  • Making someone accountable without giving them the freedom and autonomy to function can become disastrous.
  • Police reforms are also needed to make our criminal judiciary system more efficient.
Source: RajyaSabha TV

[The Big Picture]Coal block allocation cancellations : Implications and future?

SUMMARY:
  • SC has cancelled 214 of the 218 coal block allocations made since 1993.
  • The apex court had held that the allocations made by the various regimes at the center since 1993 were illegal and were made arbitrarily.
  • The court has also directed the companies, which were allocated coal blocks but had not operationalized, to pay compensation to the government for the loss to the exchequer.
  • The findings of the CAG had said that the loss of rupees 295 per ton was caused due to the non- operation of the mines. It was also upheld by the court.
  • Few companies, which are already operating, are given a time- period of 6 months to wind down their operations.
  • The government had urged the court to spare 44 blocks. But the court hasn’t made any exceptions. It has upheld the transparency and has taken the judgement holistically.
  • It will be a benchmark judgement which will enhance transparency in public dealing involving all the natural resources.
  • This is a time for introspection for all the parties.
  • This judgement provides an equal platform for all the steel companies. Earlier, the companies with captive coal blocks had an unfair advantage.
  • So far as coal is concerned, the mine and minerals act says that if it is for a private company it has to be auctioned.
  • SC judgement on presidential reference on natural resource allocation says that auction is not necessary in every natural resource allocation.
  • But when it is being given to any private company for commercial purpose then allocating through any other methods except competitive method would fall foul of article 14 of the constitution.
  • The SC in its 2G judgement held that two things are essential for competitive method. One is, Fairness between the various competitors. Second is, the people of the country, who own the resources, should get a fair compensation.
Source: RajyaSabha TV

[The Big Picture]CBI: Should it be within the ambit of RTI and Whistleblower laws?

Summary:
  • As many the controversial cases the CBI has been investigating it seems to be involved in as many controversies itself.
  • The CBI director is accused of meeting the persons who are friends or relatives of those accused under the cases being investigated.
  • According to a former CBI director, it is not appropriate to receive the people known to accused or accused himself at the director’s residence which is the unwritten law. It is appropriate to meet such persons at the offices to avoid speculations.
  • The present CBI director has defended himself by saying that it was necessary for him to meet those people to get to know whether his officers are doing the right thing or wrong thing.
  • Question which arises is: Does a senior police officer need to meet the accused or his representatives to find out whether his officers are doing the right thing or not?
  • CBI is now under Deptt. of Personnel, Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances, Government of India.
  • DoPT works like a secretariat of CBI but not the other way round.
  • CBI has the tendency of hitting the iron when it is hot.
  • CBI is an autonomous agency under the CrPC. Some sections under CrPC give autonomous powers to the investigating powers to the officers under CBI.
  • Need of the hour is to remove the constraints on their functioning.
  • More and more cases are being handed over to CBI by not only the central Government but also by the Supreme Court and High courts. And many posts in CBI are kept vacant. So there should be functional autonomy and the Director should be made accountable to the Courts directly.Functional autonomy include filling up of the vacant posts by the director himself.
  • According to the RTI law, intelligence agencies and security agencies and organizations under schedule 2 of the RTI act are outside the ambit of RTI. But many argue that the CBI doesn’t fit into either of these categories.
  • The question now is: why the CBI has been kept out of the ambit of the law as it is neither the security nor intelligence organization? CBI defends itself by saying that the RTI is impeding its investigations.
  • The government to protect itself from providing information on sensitive issues like 2G scam, granted blanket protection to the CBI.
  • Revelation of identity of whistleblower is not the right thing to do according to many experts.
Source: RajyaSabha TV

Monday, February 23, 2015

[The Big Picture] Scotland Vote : What does it imply?

Summary:
Why they demanded Independence ?
  • It is said that working class in particular demanded independence and upper class was quite happy with the united system.
  • Growth of nationalism and assertion of identity politics has led to the demands for smaller states wanting to rule themselves.
  • Many Scotts felt that they are being suppressed by the British. In the past Scotts along with British have suppressed many countries
  • English too are demanding some special privileges since they form a bigger part of the kingdom.
  • There is no colonial relationship between Scotland and England unlike between England and Ireland
  • There is an ideological difference between conservative English and Scottish people since the neo liberal policies of Tony Blair.

Why they voted against ?
  • With 55% voting against the independence Scotland will continue to remain with United Kingdom.
  • As Richer people have greater links with England in particular and Europe in general. Hence business people had many questions like which currency would be used and how would they set up a central bank? This necessitated them to vote against the independence in referendum.
  • Rise of English nationalism can be seen along with the Scottish vote.
  • Many Scots felt that there should not be differentiated identity between scots and British. And hence voted against.
  • European Union has brought Europeans together and decimated regional identities and aspirations.
  • Scottish people are afraid of losing welfare measures like free university education and national health services and hence most of them voted against the independence.
  • Joining hands together and making economy more effective has won finally.
  • Economic interests played role in retaining the unity.

What Next ?
  • Prime Minister David Cameron who had made several promises to the people of Scotland to avoid the divide has before him the tough task of walking the talk.
  • UK is going to devolve the powers at the regional level in a way that has never done before.
  • Realignment of administrative system takes place. The UK will no longer experience the centralised tendency.

Does this process hold good for India?
  • The process of nation making or unmaking has been attempted in a democratic way for the first time without any violence. There is lot to learn for India from this. This was a democratic referendum.
Souce : RajyaSabha TV

[The Big Picture] US strategy against ISIS: Will it work?

SUMMARY:
  • After having been recognised internationally as the most dangerous terrorist organisation, Islamic State also known as ISIS is now facing a concerted attack from a global coalition led by the United States.
  • The US forces have launched air attacks and held territories in Iraq and Syria.
  • Syria, which is worst affected, finds itself in a tricky situation. British PM has said that they will not be supporting Syrian government and blames the Syrian government for the growth of terrorism.
  • As things have evolved after June when IS terrorists smashed Iraqi army in central Iraq and moved swiftly to capture various cities, the US president had very little options but to combat it in a concerted way.
  • Obama had no other option when American journalists were beheaded. He has made it clear that these actions are against terrorism and not against Islam.
  • It is interesting to note here that the US has not gone through UN route. It has been trying this coalition outside the UN system. It is primarily because US doesn't want to appear as if it is completely against Islam as a whole. It is also because US is looking forward for some support from the Arab states.
  • There are 3 parties in Syria- the recognised Syrian government, the IS forces and the opposition to the Syrian government. There is no general consensus in Iraq on how to combat this problem.
  • Some experts opine that Jihadism can be fought militarily but eventually it should be fought ideologically and theologically which has to come from within the Islamic world in general and Arab world in particular.
  • The 2003 invasion of Iraq is said to be illegal since UNSC had not authorized it. Iraq has become more fractured since then. Different groups like Sunnis, Shias and many others have become more fragmented since then.
  • Genesis of the present crisis goes back to 2003 Iraq invasion, especially more intensely in Sunni areas. Sunnis who have ruled Iraq for several centuries now feel that they are being deprived of their powers by Shia led government.
  • US strategy of Degrade and destroy has 5 components: air strike, degrading the capacity of terrorists, shrink their space and territory, prevent funds from flowing to them and block the channels of recruitment.

Criticisms against the US strategy:
  • Some criticize the US strategy by saying that Instead of solving the problem, it is being aggravated by sucking more and more new regional countries(for eg; Saudi, Jordan). This will create much more extreme groups to emerge.
  • Some criticize the US strategy by saying it as a practice of mobile anarchy. And it is a Gimmick.
  • The local governments can take care of this problem. If, Turks take control of their borders this can be solved. Since closing of borders prevent funds flowing in to the IS. And hence US strikes are not needed. But the IS has become fairly sophisticated organization with their own ideals and their capacity has increased tremendously. And hence, it is not possible to destroy by mere closing of the borders.

What India should do?
  • India should provide intelligent co-operation as it is a war against global terrorism. But we must wait till the UN authorization comes.
  • Few Indians have also joined IS. Flow of recruits from India should be prevented.
  • So, as of now, it is better for India to remain neutral.
  • Regime change policy of the US must be abandoned.
Source : RajyaSabha Tv

"Mann Ki Baat" on Board Exams 2015 : PM Modi's top 10 advices to students for Inspiration (Help to define somewhere in Q-Answer,Essay,Interview)

  1. Take exams as a festival, Enjoy them;
  2. Read Success is when you help others;
  3. Think positive, complete with yourself not others. Complete to be better than what you were yesterday;
  4. Don't waste time on irrelevant or negative thoughts;
  5. There is a life beyond examination, do not stress over it. It is not a burden;
  6. Be confident about yourself; do not let an outer factor trouble you. Have confidence o your abilities;
  7. Desires (अरमान) + Stability (स्थिरता) = Determination (दृढ़ संकल्प), Determination (दृढ़ संकल्प) + Righteousness (धर्म) = Accomplishment (सिद्धि);
  8. Recognize your inner potentials;
  9. Do not build castles in the air; live in the present not passt or future;
  10. Exam are an opportunity not a challange

INDO-US NUCLEAR DEAL AFTER OBAMA VISIT

Introduction:-
  • Nuclear power is the fourth-largest source of electricity in India after thermal, hydroelectric and renewable sources of electricity.As of 2013, India has 21 nuclear reactors in operation in 7 nuclear power plants, having an installed capacity of 5780 MW and producing a total of 30,292.91 GWh of electricity while seven other reactors are under construction and are expected to generate an additional 6,100 MW.

  • India did not sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and exploded its first nuclear weapon in 1974. Consequently, the United States stopped supply of nuclear materials to India in 1978. For thirty years, there was no cooperation between the two countries on uses of atomic energy. Subsequently, India developed its indigenous nuclear industry.

  • The US signed a historic deal with India in 2008 to resume supply of nuclear technology and materials. The treaty was inoperative for more than six years for two reasons: (i) insistence of Washington on tracking of nuclear materials and (ii) the supplier's liability in the event of a nuclear accident.

  • The recent nuclear deal between India and the US removes both the hurdles and paves the way for US suppliers to build nuclear power plants in India. According to the deal, the US will not track nuclear materials in India but the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will apply safeguards to all of its civilian nuclear installations.

  • At present, all international conventions make the operators of nuclear power plants liable for damages, regardless of the cause of the accident. The maximum liability of the operator is usually limited to $300 million. The state takes responsibility for damages exceeding this limit. It may be noted that the costs of damages are likely to exceed $100 billion in both the nuclear disasters in Chernobyl and Fukushima.

  • Failing to get adequate compensation from the plant supplier after the world's worst industrial disaster in Bhopal in 1984, Indian parliament passed the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages Act, 2010 which makes suppliers of equipment liable for nuclear damages. Russia, which built two nuclear power reactors in Kudankulam in India, agreed to accept the supplier's liability for building two more reactors at the same site.

  • Under the new deal, the US agreed to provide insurance coverage for nuclear damages to the suppliers of nuclear power plants. Since the US ban, Russia had been the only foreign supplier of nuclear power plants to India. Now, the USA is ready to enter into this lucrative market. France may also follow the suit. The participation of the western suppliers may encourage competition and result in a positive impact on both quality and costs of nuclear power plants in India.

Analysis of Impact of Obama’s Visit on the Nuclear Deal:

  • In a visit heavy on pageantry and symbolism, the India-US civil nuclear deal took center-stage, with the two sides announcing a breakthrough to start implementing it commercially - a development that could potentially open the path for

Japan and Australia to sign nuclear deals with India.
  • The importance of supplier liability is illustrated by the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011. When the reactors were hit by the tsunami that year, the weakness of the General Electric (GE) Mark I design was cruelly exposed. The reactors’ inadequate containment was unable to prevent the spread of radioactivity when the cooling systems failed and pressure built up inside the reactors. Although this design defect was first noted about 40 years ago, just as the Fukushima reactors were commissioned, the industry resisted regulatory changes that could have amended the disaster.

  • The Japan Center for Economic Research estimated that the cost of cleanup at Fukushima may reach $200 billion. A 2013 expert study published in the journal Energy and Environmental Science estimated that the disaster may lead to about a thousand excess deaths due to cancer. However, it is unlikely that GE will ever be held accountable for its poor design choice. Under Japanese law, the supplier is protected from liability for an accident. This is the framework of exemption under which nuclear suppliers like to operate.

  • Legal indemnity for suppliers creates a "moral hazard" - encouraging suppliers to take excessive risks since they don’t have to pay for the consequences. The case of GE not strengthening the Mark I containment is not an exception. The Presidential commission appointed to study the 1979 Three Mile Island disaster, which saw a partial nuclear meltdown, pointed out that the supplier, Babcock and Wilcox, was already aware of design defects that contributed to the accident, but never bothered to resolve them.

  • Nevertheless, suppliers have ferociously defended their privilege of being free of liability, and they exerted tremendous pressure on the Indian government when the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act was framed in 2010. Contrary to the industry’s propaganda, this is not a "tough" law. Indeed, several clauses in the law were directly lifted from an annex to the "Convention on Supplementary Compensation," created by the U.S. government to benefit its nuclear industry.

  • The law channels primary liability for an accident to the operator — the public sector Nuclear Power Corporation of India - and caps it at Rs. 1,500 crores. This overrides the absolute liability judgment of the Supreme Court, passed after the Bhopal gas leak disaster, which had no such limit. The cap is about a thousand times smaller than estimates of the damage that a serious nuclear accident could cause. Therefore, the law is designed to protect the financial interests of the operators and the supplier; victims or the taxpayers will simply have to bear costs beyond this cap.

  • Multinational suppliers are unhappy because a relatively minor clause allows the operator to recoup this compensation. By the scales of nuclear commerce, the amount of money involved is minuscule. A single reactor may cost up to an estimated Rs. 60,000 crores - 40 times the maximum amount the supplier could be liable for. The figures of each unit have been arrived at from studying plants under construction in Finland and France. If imposing liability on suppliers leads to cost increases, it can only mean that they are using the law as an excuse to escalate prices.

  • A close reading of the statements made by advocates of their interests reveals what suppliers are really concerned about: the Indian law could set a precedent that could undermine the unfair international system of exemption that they enjoy. "If litigants were able to file suit against suppliers, essentially it could destroy the whole industry," declared Ashley Tellis, an American negotiator for the nuclear deal.

  • The United Progressive Alliance government repeatedly tried to subvert the law, earning a sharp rebuke from Arun Jaitley who wrote in 2013 that "a leopard never changes its spots. The government's intention to dilute the right of recourse … [has] continued." He should explain why his own government is pursuing a similar policy. The current proposal of using a "legal memorandum" to reinterpret the law is similar to the UPA’s attempt to sign away its "right of recourse" on various pretexts.

  • The most baffling feature of the current agreement is that it holds no tangible benefits for India. The United States has offered to sell two reactor designs - both of which are expensive and untested. The Westinghouse AP1000, which has been chosen for Mithi Virdi (Gujarat) is not in commercial operation anywhere and has encountered difficulties wherever it is being built. At Plant Vogtle, in the U.S. state of Georgia, Westinghouse and its partner Georgia Power have sued each other for a billion dollars over cost increases and delays. Even in China, the AP1000 has been delayed by about two years because of problems with reactor coolant pumps.

  • Even less can be said for GE's Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor (ESBWR), selected for Kovvada (Andhra Pradesh). After years of questions about ESBWR's steam dryer, the design obtained regulatory approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission - the first step before construction can commence - only in September 2014. There are no firm orders for the ESBWR.

  • The Vogtle plants were initially estimated to cost about $7 billion apiece. Even accounting for lower construction costs in India we showed - in a detailed study "Cost of Electricity from the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant" published in the Economic and Political Weekly - could translate into electricity tariffs that are as high as Rs. 15 per unit. If the government is looking for cheap electricity to promote development, importing American reactors hardly seems like a smart choice.

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Barack Obama discussed methods of circumventing the Indian nuclear liability law to protect American reactor suppliers from the consequences of accidents caused by design defects. Although public details are scarce, if they have indeed reached an understanding on the issue, then this is not a cause for celebration; it should be a matter of deep concern.

[Quiz 1] Geography

1. A lunar eclipse occurs when...
(A)Sun is between the earth and the moon
(B)Earth is between the sun and the moon
(C)Moon is between the earth and sun
(D)Earth is at right angle to the direction of the sun and the moon


2. Actual heights of place above sea level are represented by..,
(A)Spot height
(B)layer colouring
(C)pictures
(D)contours


3. Day and night are equal at the...
(A)equator
(B)poles
(C)prime meridian
(D)antarctic


4. Day and night are the result of the...
(A)earth's rotation around its axis
(B)earth's revolution
(C)earth's rotation accompanied with its revolution
(D)none of these


5. London is located at 0' while Baghdad at 45' E. If a news is broadcast from London at 10:00 a.m., at what time It be heard at Baghdad?
(A)11:30 a.m.
(B)2:00 a.m.
(C)1:00 p.m.
(D)12:30 p.m.


6. One Lunar month is equal to...
(A)1 earth year
(B)365 earth days
(C)14 earth days
(D)28 earth days


7. Tropical cyclone storms occurring in Philippines,Japan and China seas are known as
(A)tornado
(B)thunderstorms
(C)typhoons
(D)hurricane


8. Which is the hottest planet in solar system?
(A)Venus
(B)Neptune
(C)Mars
(D)Jupiter


9. Which planer is known as the evening star?
(A)Saturn
(B)Venus
(C)Jupiter
(D)Mars


10. The main periods of Mesozoic era include...
(A)Triassic period and Cretaceous period
(B)Jurassic period and Triassic period
(C)Triassic period, Jurassic period and Cretaceous period
(D)Cretaceous and Jurassic period


Answer :

1. B
2. A
3. A
4. A
5. C
6. D
7. C
8. A
9. B
10. C

For Solution : Click Here

Saturday, February 21, 2015

An Analysis : Swine Flu

Influenza – A (H1N1) (earlier know as swine flu) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. First detected in Mexico in April, 2009, it has spread to many countries in the World.

Swine flu is basically a misnomer. This was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to those found in pigs in North America. Further on, it has been found that this new virus has gene segments from the swine, avian and human flu virus genes. The scientists calls this a ‘quadruple reassortant” virus and hence this new (novel) virus is christened “influenza-A (H1N1) virus.”

Swine Flu / Pig Flu
  • Is an infection caused by any one of several types of swine influenza viruses that is endemic in pigs. As of 2009, the known strains include influenza C and the subtypes of influenza A known as H1N1, H1N2, H2N1, H3N1, H3N2, andH2N3.Swine influenza virus is common throughout pig populations worldwide. Transmission of the virus from pigs to humans is not common and does not always lead to human flu, often resulting only in the production of antibodies in the blood. If transmission does cause human flu, it is called zoonotic swine flu. People with regular exposure to pigs are at increased risk of swine flu infection.

History
  • Swine influenza was first thought to be a disease related to human flu during the 1918 flu pandemic, when pigs became ill at the same time as humans. For the following 60 years, swine influenza strains were almost exclusively H1N1. Then, between 1997 and 2002, new strains of three different subtypes and five different genotypes emerged. The H1N1 form of swine flu is one of the descendants of the strain that caused the 1918 flu pandemic. After persisting in pigs, the descendants of the 1918 virus have also circulated in humans through the 20th century, contributing to the normal seasonal epidemics of influenza. However, direct transmission from pigs to humans is rare.

Transmission
  • Influenza is quite common in pigs; the main route of transmission is through direct contact between infected and uninfected animals. These close contacts are particularly common during animal transport, Intensive farming. Transmission may also occur through wild animals, such as wild boar.
  • People who work with poultry and swine, especially those with intense exposures, are at increased risk of zoonotic infection with influenza virus endemic in these animals, and constitute a population of human hosts in which zoonosis and reassortment can co-occur. Other professions at particular risk of infection are veterinarians and meat processing workers, although the risk of infection for both of these groups is lower than that of farm worker.

Signs and symptoms
  • Direct transmission of a swine flu virus from pigs to humans is occasionally possible (zoonotic swine flu). In humans the symptoms of "swine flu" H1N1 virus are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Because these symptoms are not specific to swine flu, a differential diagnosis of probable swine flu requires not only symptoms, but also a high likelihood of swine flu due to the person's recent history. A diagnosis of confirmed swine flu requires laboratory testing of a respiratory sample (a simple nose and throat swab).

Diagnosis
  • The CDC recommends real time PCR as the method of choice for diagnosing H1N1. The oral or nasal fluid collection and RNA virus preserving filter paper card is commercially available. This method allows a specific diagnosis of novel influenza (H1N1) as opposed to seasonal influenza

Spread of infection
  • Prevention of swine influenza has three components: prevention in swine, prevention of transmission to humans, and prevention of its spread among humans.
  • Methods of preventing the spread of influenza among swine include facility management, herd management, and vaccination. Facility management includes using disinfectants and ambient temperature to control viruses in the environment. They are unlikely to survive outside living cells for more than two weeks, except in cold (but above freezing) conditions, and are readily inactivated by disinfectants. The virus survives in healthy carrier pigs for up to three months, and can be recovered from them between outbreaks.

In humans

Prevention of pig-to-human transmission
  • The transmission from swine to humans is believed to occur mainly in swine farms, where farmers are in close contact with live pigs. Although strains of swine influenza are usually not able to infect humans, this may occasionally happen, so farmers and veterinarians are encouraged to use face masks when dealing with infected animals. The use of vaccines on swine to prevent their infection is a major method of limiting swine-to-human transmission.

Prevention of human-to-human transmission

  • Influenza spreads between humans when infected people cough or sneeze, then other people breathe in the virus or touch something with the virus on it and then touch their own face, eyes, nose or mouth. Swine flu cannot be spread by pork products,since the virus is not transmitted through food. The swine flu in humans is most contagious during the first five days of the illness, although some people, most commonly children, can remain contagious for up to ten days.
Prevention
  • How to keep away from getting the flu? First and most important is follow simple steps as cough etiquettes (covering mouth & nose with handkerchief or tissue paper while coughing), stay at least an arm’s length from persons coughing or sneezing, avoid gathering and wash your hands frequently. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after cough or sneeze; avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth and try to avoid close contact with people having respiratory illness.
  • If one gets sick with influenza, one must stay at home, away from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Treatment
  • If one is having any respiratory distress, one should report to a nearby hospital. If a person becomes sick with swine flu, antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and make the patient feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms). Beside antiviral, supportive care at home or in a hospital focuses on controlling fevers, relieving pain and maintaining fluid balance, as well as identifying and treating any secondary infections or other medical problems. Use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses is recommended. However, the majority of people infected with the virus make a full recovery without requiring medical attention or antiviral drugs.

Present Outbreak in India
  • It is noted that that during the period 1 Jan 2015-10 February 2015, the total number of H1N1 cases is 5157 and number of deaths is 407. Largely the cases are from Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Telangana whereas largely the deaths due to H1N1 are in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Telangana. Now even cases have been reported from West Bengal. The status of H1N1 influenza being monitored daily by the union M/O Health & Family Welfare. 
  • Various health institutions treating H1N1 cases are being advised for vaccination against H1N1 influenza for the concerned health workers in the hospitals in contact with H1N1 patients. This will be in addition to the proper personal protective measures being followed at the hospitals. Guidelines are being drafted for vaccination of healthcare workers and these will be shared with the states for dissemination to all health institutions.
  • The Government of India has already placed an order for enhancing stock of diagnostic kits to be supplied to the lab network under Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) being used for testing H1N1 influenza. To enhance the level of preparedness, additional 60,000 Oseltamivir medicines and 10,000 N-95 masks are being procured. In addition, NCDC has floated a tender for additional 10,000 diagnostic kits. In case of need, labs under ICMR have been identified across the country to provide additional testing facilities. In order to prevent panic and inconvenience to people, and to encourage only those cases requiring H1N1 testing are actually taken up for testing, it was decided that the communication strategy should create awareness among the general public regarding this aspect. 

Homeopathy for Swine Flu
  • At the instance of the Department of AYUSH, the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) had convened a meeting of a Group of Experts in Homoeopathy, who has recommended that the homoeopathic medicine Arsenicum album could be taken as prophylactic medicine against flu like illnesses. It has recommended Arsenicum album 30, one dose (4pills of size 30 by adults and 2 pills by children) daily, on empty stomach, for 3 days. The dose should be repeated after one month by following the same schedule in case flu like conditions prevails in the area.

India Made Vaccine
  • The testing of the Pandemic influenza H1N1 vaccines was undertaken by the Central Drug Laboratory, Kasuali (National Control Laboratory) and declared to be of Standard quality. The H1N1 vaccine (Brand Name: VaxiFlu S) is manufactured by M/s Zydus Cadila Health Care Limited; live attenuated H1N1 vaccine (Brand Name: Nasovac) manufactured by M/s Serum Institute of India Limited, Pune; inactivated H1N1 vaccine is also manufactured by M/s Serum Institute of India. However, Vaccination is not a recommended intervention for Swine flu infected patients.
Source : PIB