tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83808796612602929792024-03-16T00:20:31.801-07:00IAS ASPIRANTS..."When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bounds. Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents come alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamt yourself to be."
Maharishi Patanjali Yoga Sutra before 2200 years. Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.comBlogger628125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-66198234990002653392017-11-25T05:16:00.000-08:002017-11-25T05:16:30.794-08:00Putting philanthropy to work in India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Amazon founder and chief executive officer Jeff Bezos tweeted a request for ideas on philanthropic strategy. He noted that much of his work—through Amazon and <i>The Washington Post</i>, for example—was designed for impact in the long term. But for his philanthropic activities, he was interested in working at the intersection of urgent need and lasting impact. His tweet has since received thousands of responses, many from social enterprises looking for funding, but also from economists and development professionals advising Bezos on how best to channel his resources. This is an important conversation—one Indian philanthropists would do well to follow.</div>
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Indian philanthropy, especially individual philanthropy, is at a critical point. According to Bain’s “India Philanthropy Report 2017”, India’s philanthropy market has “matured” considerably, particularly when it comes to contributions from individual philanthropists. Indeed, the report finds that the amount of funds coming from individual philanthropists has grown sixfold in the past five years, from Rs6,000 crore in 2011 to Rs36,000 crore in 2016. Contributions from individual philanthropists have also grown faster than those coming from any other source, such as foreign aid, or from corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.</div>
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The Bain report estimates that India will be short by Rs533 trillion if it’s to achieve its UN-mandated Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Individual philanthropists can play an important role in bridging the gap. Funding trends for the development sector are already moving in that direction. In 2016, private donations made up 32% of total contributions to the development sector compared to just 15% in 2011. The government, of course, is still the largest contributor—in 2016, it spent Rs1.5 trillion in the development sector—but its share in the funding pie is declining steadily and its profile is being renegotiated as philanthropic foundations take on a greater role in driving development initiatives.</div>
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For these initiatives to be effectively realized, the focus has to go beyond the quantum of philanthropy to asking how and where those rupees can be leveraged for maximum impact. From the government’s point of view, this means preparing the ground for greater collaboration with philanthropic foundations. This is already happening at the local level but there’s more scope for cooperation with the Centre. The government also has a role in ensuring transparency and accountability—a Dalberg study found that India has been unable to leverage the philanthropic potential of its diaspora because the latter perceives the development sector to be corrupt and inefficient, and is overwhelmed by regulatory constraints and unfavourable tax policies.</div>
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From the donor’s point of view, the crux of effective philanthropy needs to be designing for maximum impact. First, a potential donor needs to decide where he wants his money to be spent—education, healthcare, disaster relief, public policy, arts and culture, etc. In India, a 2013 study by McKinsey found, there are at least 50 sub-sectors that suffer from a funding gap but donor efforts are focused on just seven to 10 sub-sectors, such as disaster relief and primary health and education. In comparison, in the US, where the philanthropy sector is more developed, donor resources cover a wider range of sub-sectors such as public affairs and environment, even though education and healthcare still get the lion’s share of funding.</div>
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Let’s say a donor decides to put his money in education. He now has a range of options: subsidizing costs at an existing school; building a school from the ground up; setting up a training centre for teachers and school administrators; funding an agency that will help the government better deliver one of its education schemes; or working directly with the government to shape educational policy in the long run.</div>
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The McKinsey study puts these interventions into four categories ranging from the most direct to the most indirect, and notes that while direct interventions have deeper impact in the short term and can be easily measured, indirect interventions usually offer more scope to scale up and provide sustainable solutions for the long term. The entire breadth of interventions are needed, though donors almost always start with direct interventions and then move on to indirect interventions as they become familiar with the lay of the land.</div>
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It is important that Indian donors consider the design and impact of their philanthropic activities and the intersection with development activities carefully. In numerous surveys, India has ranked poorly on generosity indices—not simply because Indians give less but because the giving is often through informal channels. Similar patterns of philanthropy in Pakistan, detailed by Anatol Lieven in <i>Pakistan: A Hard Country</i>, hint at the subcontinental historical and cultural roots of this informal social safety net.</div>
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Indeed, as Pushpa Sundar points out in <i>Revealing Indian Philanthropy, </i>modern India owes much to its tradition of philanthropy, from Jagannath Shankarseth to Jamsetji Tata. But as the socioeconomic context has changed, so have the demands of effective philanthropy—something the inheritors of Shankarseth’s and Tata’s mantles should bear in mind.</div>
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<i>How do you think Indian philanthropists can contribute to the country’s development goals? </i></div>
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<i>Source <a href="http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/LxTXFjVlHSZBEPo0IWZIUN/Putting-philanthropy-to-work-in-India.html" target="_blank">http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/LxTXFjVlHSZBEPo0IWZIUN/Putting-philanthropy-to-work-in-India.html</a></i></div>
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Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com88tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-56982977596114805432017-11-25T05:06:00.002-08:002017-11-25T05:06:32.477-08:00Higher Education Action Agenda (NITI Aayog)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Designation of World Class University: Identify 20 universities (10</span><span style="font-size: large;">Private 10 Public) to be free from regulatory regime. Adopt the</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tiered based funding model for only two out of ten public</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">universities.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Autonomy for Top Colleges: Take out the top college form</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">centralized control, allow greater flexibility in academic matter and</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">option to convert into unitary university. It will boost the</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">competition within cluster of colleges in the university.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Reform of regulatory system: Archaic UGC Act of 1956, should be</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">reformed, from every aspect such as student fee, grants,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">curriculum and course hours responding to the evolving world</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">education system.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Establish a specific project/scholar specific research grants: A</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">system of public funding for research in specific areas of public</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">importance has driven much of the innovation in Science and</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">technology. A prize system should be established in which funding</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">would go to the research which delivered solution to clearly</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">specific problem.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Increased focus on vocational and professional led education:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">establish outcome based certification for institution that focus on</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">skill and trade closely tied to employment. Focus should be on skill</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and vocational training required in public sector such as nursing,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">paramedical and teaching.</span></div>
Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-40583050232563375382017-06-09T02:24:00.001-07:002017-06-09T02:32:25.965-07:00My Marks in UPSC 2016 Mains<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Compulsory Language paper (Telugu) : 156</b><br />
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<b>English : 91</b><br />
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<b>GS 1 : 90</b><br />
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<b>GS 2 : 71</b><br />
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<b>GS 3 : 86</b><br />
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<b>GS 4 : 88</b><br />
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<b><u>Optional Sociology</u></b><br />
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<b>Paper 1 : 111</b><br />
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<b>Paper 2 : 122</b><br />
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<b>Total : 718</b></div>
Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-49741862168976825702017-05-20T07:36:00.001-07:002017-05-20T08:15:55.196-07:00My Review on "Hope In a Challenged Democracy" by Mr.Ashwani Kumar.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FiZ-8NISehQ/WSBNeyPL55I/AAAAAAAAEDM/SQ-4_9H1YvQKrrVnmXjKu-n4fowudywBwCLcB/s1600/Hope%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FiZ-8NISehQ/WSBNeyPL55I/AAAAAAAAEDM/SQ-4_9H1YvQKrrVnmXjKu-n4fowudywBwCLcB/s320/Hope%2Bcover.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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Mr. Ashwani Kumar, the former Law Minister, a legal luminary by himself, with more than a decade of experience in Rajya Sabha, penned down his thoughts and discourses on varied challenges and issues in our democracy in his new book, "<i>Hope In a Challenged Democracy".</i><br />
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<i> His illustrating career in the UPA reflected in his writings. His tried to present his views in simple and lucid language to break the stereotype in understanding issues and framing opinions mostly cultured by media.His expositions in writings, though reflects his knowledge but failed to devoid his Congress Men mark. His ability to convince reader with his arguments by citing constitutional law is laudable. It makes us captured by his views.But, his ideas on RTI and Lokpal unable to address the real scenario of Corruption, Nepotism and Political servitude in our nation, here he is sided by administrative and legal challenges.</i></div>
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<i> He emphasized the <b>virtue of mean</b> in democracy, by presenting the case of three pillars of our constitution, state versus people,majority versus minority, national versus international, need versus state capacity.He tried to remind us the need to acknowledge the diversity of opinions for a inclusive nation building by touching the Extremism,Justice,Privacy, and Freedom.</i></div>
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<i> Mr. Ashwani Kumar, tried to touch possibly everything under the "State of the nation,Constitution, Dynamics of Diplomacy and Transforming the economy" in his book.He provided a statesman's perspective on addressing challenges and optimizing responses with a view on transforming our democracy with collective conscience of our nation.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i> He expounded his vision by discussing from past, present and future of our course as Sovereign Socialist, Secular,Democratic,Republic India in international community.</i><i> Its help us to critically evaluate our nation and our ideas to get the iota of difference in our thinking as an outsider of power kegs.</i></div>
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<i> One should read this book with an open mind to get a new perspective,contrary to that had impounded upon us by emotions, ideas, situations, and media. This book hold good for everyone who concerned with state of our nation and the world today.</i></div>
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<i>Thanks to the <a href="http://www.wisdomtreeindia.com/" target="_blank">WisdomTree</a> publications for presenting me with an another opportunity to write a review on a book written by such distinguished personality.</i></div>
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Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-33538889062089672912017-04-26T00:06:00.001-07:002017-04-26T00:06:49.020-07:00PT365 Vision IAS 2017<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
Please download the PT365 Vision IAS 2017 Current Affairs<br />
<br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/0BzydEOAbvxLJVk9kRDdZeFVEeGM" target="_blank">https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/0BzydEOAbvxLJVk9kRDdZeFVEeGM</a></div>
Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-74323611463947007822017-04-18T10:03:00.002-07:002017-04-18T10:03:41.684-07:00GST what it is all about : profitbooks.net<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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1) What is Goods and Service Tax (<a href="http://www.cbec.gov.in/htdocs-cbec/gst" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">GST</a>)?</h3>
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It is a destination based tax on consumption of goods and services. It is proposed to be levied at all stages right from manufacture up to final consumption with credit of taxes paid at previous stages available as setoff. In a</div>
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nutshell, only value addition will be taxed and burden of tax is to be borne by the final consumer.</div>
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2) What are GST rate slabs?</h3>
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The Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be levied at multiple rates ranging from 0 per cent to 28 per cent. GST Council finalised a four-tier GST tax structure of 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%, with lower rates for essential items and the highest for luxury and de-merits goods that would also attract an additional cess.</div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.profitbooks.net/how-to-setup-service-tax/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Service Tax</a> will go up from 15% to 18%. The services being taxed at lower rates, owing to the provision of abatement, such as train tickets, will fall in the lower slabs.</span></div>
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In order to control inflation, essential items including food, which presently constitute roughly half of the consumer inflation basket, will be taxed at zero rate.</div>
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The lowest rate of 5% would be for common use items. There would be two standard rates of 12 per cent and 18 per cent, which would fall on the bulk of the goods and services. This includes fast-moving consumer goods.</div>
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Highest tax slab will be applicable to items which are currently taxed at 30-31% (excise duty plus VAT).</div>
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Ultra luxuries, demerit and sin goods (like tobacco and aerated drinks), will attract a cess for a period of five years on top of the 28 per cent GST.</div>
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The collection from this cess as well as that of the clean energy cess would create a revenue pool which would be used for compensating states for any loss of revenue during the first five years of implementation of GST.</div>
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Finance minister said that the cess would be lapsable after five years.</div>
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The structure to agreed is a compromise to accommodate demand for highest tax rate of 40% by states like Kerala.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />While the Centre proposed to levy a 4% GST on gold but the final decision on this was put off. During a press conference, finance minister Mr. Jaitley said, “GST rate on gold will be finalised after the fitting to the approved rates structure of all items is completed and there is some idea of revenue projections”.</div>
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The principle for determining the rate on each item will be to levy and collect the GST at the rate slab closest to the current tax incidence on it.</div>
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The GST will subsume the multitude of cesses currently in place, including the <a href="http://www.profitbooks.net/swachh-bharat-cess-sbc/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Swachh Bharat Cess</a>, the <a href="http://www.profitbooks.net/krishi-kalyan-cess-kkc/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Krishi Kalyan Cess</a> and the Education Cess. Only the Clean Environment Cess is being retained, revenues from which will also fund the compensations.</div>
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3) Which of the existing taxes are proposed to be subsumed under GST?</h3>
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GST is set to replace various taxes as mentioned below:</div>
<table style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-collapse: collapse; border-left-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-right-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-spacing: 0px; border-top-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 835px;"><tbody style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-left-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-right-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-top: 1px solid rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); margin: 0px; padding: 5px 10px 5px 5px;" width="376"><span style="font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Taxes currently levied and collected by the Centre:</span></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-left-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-right-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-top: 1px solid rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); margin: 0px; padding: 5px 10px 5px 5px;" width="376"><span style="font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">State taxes that would be subsumed under the GST</span></td></tr>
<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-left-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-right-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-top: 1px solid rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); margin: 0px; padding: 5px 10px 5px 5px;" width="376">a. Central Excise duty<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px;">
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b. Duties of Excise (Medicinal and Toilet Preparations)</div>
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c. Additional Duties of Excise (Goods of Special Importance)</div>
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d. Additional Duties of Excise (Textiles and Textile Products)</div>
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e. Additional Duties of Customs (commonly known as CVD)</div>
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f. Special Additional Duty of Customs (SAD)</div>
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g. Service Tax</div>
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h. Central Surcharges and Cesses so far as they relate to supply of goods and services</div>
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</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-left-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-right-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-top: 1px solid rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); margin: 0px; padding: 5px 10px 5px 5px;" width="376">a. State VAT<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px;">
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b. Central Sales Tax</div>
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c. Luxury Tax</div>
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d. Entry Tax (all forms)</div>
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e. Entertainment and Amusement Tax (except when</div>
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levied by the local bodies)</div>
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f. Taxes on advertisements</div>
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g. Purchase Tax</div>
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h. Taxes on lotteries, betting and gambling</div>
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i. State Surcharges and Cesses so far as they relate to</div>
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supply of goods and services</div>
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The GST Council shall make recommendations to the Union and States on the taxes, cesses and surcharges levied by the Centre, the States and the local bodies which may be subsumed in the GST.</div>
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4) What will be status of Tobacco and Tobacco products under the GST regime?</h3>
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Tobacco and tobacco products would be subject to GST. In addition, the Centre would have the power to levy Central Excise duty on these products.</div>
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<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-left-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-right-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-top: 1px solid rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); margin: 0px; padding: 5px 10px 5px 5px;" width="224"><span style="font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Commodities Proposed to be kept outside GST</span></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-left-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-right-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-top: 1px solid rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); margin: 0px; padding: 5px 10px 5px 5px;" width="520">Alcohol for human consumption, Petroleum Products viz. petroleum crude, motor spirit (petrol), high speed diesel, natural gas and aviation turbine fuel &<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px;">
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Electricity.</div>
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<tr style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-left-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-right-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-top: 1px solid rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); margin: 0px; padding: 5px 10px 5px 5px;" width="224"><span style="font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Taxation of such Commodities in GST Regime</span></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-left-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-right-color: rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); border-top: 1px solid rgba(136, 136, 136, 0.14902); margin: 0px; padding: 5px 10px 5px 5px;" width="520">The existing taxation system (VAT & Central Excise) will continue in respect of the above commodities.</td></tr>
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5) What type of GST is proposed to be implemented?</h3>
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It would be a dual GST with the Centre and States simultaneously levying it on a common tax base. The GST to be levied by the Centre on intra-State supply of goods and / or services would be called the Central GST (CGST) and that to be levied by the States would be called the State GST (SGST). Similarly Integrated GST (IGST) will be levied and administered by Centre on every inter-state supply of goods and services.</div>
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6) Why is Dual GST required?</h3>
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India is a federal country where both the Centre and the States have been assigned the powers to levy and collect taxes through appropriate legislation. Both the levels of Government have distinct responsibilities to perform according to the division of powers prescribed in the Constitution for which they need to raise resources. A dual GST will, therefore, be in keeping with the Constitutional requirement of fiscal federalism.</div>
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7) Which authority will levy and administer GST?</h3>
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Centre will levy and administer CGST & IGST while respective states will levy and administer SGST.</div>
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8) How a particular transaction of goods and services would be taxed simultaneously under Central GST (CGST) and State GST (SGST)?</h3>
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The Central GST and the State GST would be levied simultaneously on every transaction of supply of goods and services except the exempted goods and services, goods which are outside the purview of GST and the transactions</div>
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which are below the prescribed threshold limits. Further, 8 both would be levied on the same price or value unlike State VAT which is levied on the value of the goods inclusive of CENVAT. While the location of the supplier and the</div>
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recipient within the country is immaterial for the purpose of CGST, SGST would be chargeable only when the supplier and the recipient are both located within the State.</div>
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<span style="font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Illustration I:</span> Suppose hypothetically that the rate of CGST is 10% and that of SGST is 10%. When a wholesale dealer of steel in Uttar Pradesh supplies steel bars and rods to a construction company which is also located within the same State for, say Rs. 100, the dealer would charge CGST of Rs. 10 and SGST of Rs. 10 in addition to the basic price of the goods.</div>
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He would be required to deposit the CGST component into a Central Government account while the SGST portion into the account of the concerned State Government. Of course, he need not actually pay Rs. 20 (Rs.10 + Rs. 10 ) in cash as he would be entitled to set-off this liability against the CGST or SGST paid on his purchases (say, inputs). But for paying CGST he would be allowed to use only the credit of CGST paid on his purchases while for SGST he can utilize the credit of SGST alone.</div>
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In other words, CGST credit cannot, in general, be used for payment of SGST. Nor can SGST credit be used for payment of CGST.</div>
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<span style="font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Illustration II:</span> Suppose, again hypothetically, that the rate of CGST is 10% and that of SGST is 10%. When an advertising company located in Mumbai supplies advertising services to a company manufacturing soap also located within the State of Maharashtra for, let us say Rs. 100, the ad company would charge CGST of Rs. 10 as well as SGST of Rs. 10 to the basic value of the service.</div>
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He would be required to deposit the CGST component into a Central Government account while the SGST portion into the account of the concerned State Government. Of course, he need not again actually pay Rs. 20 (Rs. 10+Rs. 10) in cash as it would be entitled to set-off this liability against the CGST or SGST paid on his purchase (say, of inputs such as stationery, office equipment, services of an artist etc). But for paying CGST he would be allowed to use only the credit of CGST paid on its purchase while for SGST he can utilise the credit of SGST alone.</div>
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In other words, CGST credit cannot, in general, be used for payment of SGST. Nor can SGST credit be used for payment of CGST.</div>
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9) What are the benefits which the Country will accrue from GST?</h3>
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Introduction of GST would be a very significant step in the field of indirect tax reforms in India. By amalgamating a large number of Central and State taxes into a single tax and allowing set-off of prior-stage taxes, it would mitigate the ill effects of cascading and pave the way for a common national market. For the consumers, the biggest gain would be in terms of a reduction in the overall tax burden on goods, which is currently estimated at 25%-30%.</div>
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Introduction of GST would also make our products competitive in the domestic and international markets. Studies show that this would instantly spur economic growth. There may also be revenue gain for the Centre and the States due to widening of the tax base, increase in trade volumes and improved 10 tax compliance. Last but not the least, this tax, because of its transparent character, would be easier to administer.</div>
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10) What is IGST?</h3>
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Under the GST regime, an Integrated GST (IGST) would be levied and collected by the Centre on inter-State supply of goods and services. Under Article 269A of the Constitution, the GST on supplies in the course of inter-</div>
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State trade or commerce shall be levied and collected by the Government of India and such tax shall be apportioned between the Union and the States in the manner as may be provided by Parliament by law on the recommendations of</div>
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the Goods and Services Tax Council.</div>
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11) Who will decide rates for levy of GST?</h3>
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The CGST and SGST would be levied at rates to be jointly decided by the Centre and States. The rates would be notified on the recommendations of the GST Council.</div>
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12) What would be the role of GST Council?</h3>
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A GST Council would be constituted comprising the Union Finance Minister (who will be the Chairman of the Council), the Minister of State (Revenue) and the State Finance/Taxation Ministers to make recommendations to the Union and the States on</div>
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(i) the taxes, cesses and surcharges levied by the Centre, the States and the local bodies which may be subsumed under GST;</div>
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(ii) the goods and services that may be subjected to or exempted from the GST;</div>
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(iii) the date on which the GST shall be levied on petroleum crude, high speed diesel, motor sprit (commonly known as petrol), natural gas and aviation turbine fuel;</div>
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(iv) model GST laws, principles of levy, apportionment of IGST and the principles that govern the place of supply;</div>
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(v) the threshold limit of turnover below which the goods and services may be exempted from GST;</div>
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(vi) the rates including floor rates with bands of GST;</div>
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(vii) any special rate or rates for a specified period to raise additional resources during any natural calamity or disaster;</div>
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(viii) special provision with respect to the North- East States, J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand; and</div>
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(ix) any other matter relating to the GST, as the Council may decide.</div>
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13) Who is liable to pay GST under the proposed GST regime?</h3>
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Under the GST regime, tax is payable by the taxable person on the supply of goods and/or services. Liability to pay tax arises when the taxable person crosses the threshold exemption, i.e. Rs.10 lakhs (Rs. 5 lakhs for NE States) except in certain specified cases where the taxable person is liable to pay GST even though he has not crossed the threshold limit. The CGST / SGST is payable on all intra-State supply of goods and/or services and IGST is payable on all inter- State supply of goods and/or services. The CGST /SGST and IGST are payable at the rates specified in the Schedules to the respective Acts.</div>
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14) What are the benefits available to small tax payers under the GST regime?</h3>
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Tax payers with an aggregate turnover in a financial year up to [Rs.10 lakhs] would be exempt from tax.</div>
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[Aggregate turnover shall include the aggregate value of all taxable and non-taxable supplies, exempt supplies and exports of goods and/or services and exclude taxes viz.GST.]</div>
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Aggregate turnover shall be computed on all India basis. For NE States and Sikkim, the exemption threshold shall be [Rs. 5 lakhs]. All taxpayers eligible for threshold exemption will have the option of paying tax with input tax credit (ITC) benefits. Tax payers making inter-State supplies or paying tax on reverse charge basis shall not be eligible for threshold exemption.</div>
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15) How will the goods and services be classified under GST regime? What is HSN under GST?</h3>
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HSN (Harmonised System of Nomenclature) code shall be used for classifying the goods under the GST regime. Taxpayers whose turnover is above Rs. 1.5 crores but below Rs. 5 crores shall use 2 digit code and the taxpayers whose turnover is Rs. 5 crores and above shall use 4 digit code. Taxpayers whose turnover is below Rs. 1.5 crores are not required to mention HSN Code in their invoices. Services will be classified as per the Services Accounting Code (SAC)</div>
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16) How will imports be taxed under GST?</h3>
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Imports of Goods and Services will be treated as inter-state supplies and IGST will be levied on import of goods and services into the country. The incidence of tax will follow the destination principle and the tax revenue in</div>
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case of SGST will accrue to the State where the imported goods and services are consumed. Full and complete set-off 14 will be available on the GST paid on import on goods and services.</div>
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17) How will Exports be treated under GST?</h3>
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Exports will be treated as zero rated supplies. No tax will be payable on exports of goods or services, however credit of input tax credit will be available and same will be available as refund to the exporters.</div>
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18) What is the scope of composition scheme under GST?</h3>
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Small taxpayers with an aggregate turnover in a financial year up to [Rs. 50 lakhs] shall be eligible for composition levy. Under the scheme, a taxpayer shall</div>
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pay tax as a percentage of his turnover during the year without the benefit of ITC. The floor rate of tax for CGST and SGST shall not be less than [1%]. A tax payer opting for composition levy shall not collect any tax from his customers. Tax payers making inter- state supplies or paying tax on reverse charge basis shall not be eligible for composition scheme.</div>
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Please note that the composition scheme is optional.</div>
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19) What is GSTN and its role in the GST regime?</h3>
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GSTN stands for Goods and Service Tax Network (GSTN). A Special Purpose Vehicle called the GSTN has been set up to cater to the needs of GST. The GSTN shall provide a shared IT infrastructure and services to Central and State Governments, tax payers and other stakeholders for implementation of GST. The functions of the GSTN would, inter alia, include:</div>
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<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">facilitating registration;</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">forwarding the returns to Central and State authorities;</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">computation and settlement of IGST;</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">matching of tax payment details with banking network;</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">providing various MIS reports to the Central and the State Governments based on the tax payer return information;</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">providing analysis of tax payers’ profile; and</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">running the matching engine for matching, reversal and reclaim of input tax credit.</li>
</ul>
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The GSTN is developing a common GST portal and applications for registration, payment, return and MIS/ reports. The GSTN would also be integrating the common GST portal with the existing tax administration IT systems</div>
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and would be building interfaces for tax payers. Further, the GSTN is developing back-end modules like assessment, audit, refund, appeal etc. for 19 States and UTs (Model II States). The CBEC and Model I States (15 States) are themselves developing their GST back-end systems. Integration of GST front-end system with back-end systems will have to be completed and tested well in advance for making the transition smooth.</div>
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20) How are the disputes going to be resolved under the GST regime?</h3>
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The Constitution (one hundred and first amendment) Act, 2016 provides that the Goods and Services Tax Council shall establish a mechanism to adjudicate any dispute 16 (a) between the Government of India and one or more States; or (b) between the Government of India and any State or States on one side and one or more other Sates on the other side; or (c) between two or more States, arising out of the recommendations of the Council or implementation thereof.</div>
</div>
Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-23008844589839677222017-04-18T05:11:00.002-07:002017-04-18T05:11:24.148-07:00India defense excersises<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Indian Navy Joint Exercises</b><br />
Varuna naval exercise is joint exercise of navies of France and India.<br />
SLINEX.-Sri Lanka India Naval Exercise<br />
INDRA is a joint, bi-annual military exercise conducted by India and Russia<br />
Exercise Malabar is a bilateral naval exercise involving the United States and India.<br />
Simbex - Indian Navy with Republic of Singapore Navy<br />
IBSAMAR with the Brazil and South African navies.<br />
KONKAN - A bilateral Naval Exercise between Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Britain<br />
AUSINDEX-Indian and Australian Navy Bilateral Maritime Exercise<br />
Sahyog-Kaijin -Joint exercise of Coast Guards of India and Japan<br />
Naseem Al Bahr - Joint navy exercise of India and Oman<br />
<br />
<b>Indian Air Force Joint Exercises</b><br />
The joint India-UK air exercises are known as the “Indradhanush” or “Rainbow”.<br />
India-France Air Exercise “Garuda".<br />
Avia Indra-2014- the India-Russia maiden aerial exercise.<br />
<br />
<b>Indian Army Joint Exercises</b><br />
Mithra Shakti exercise- India and Sri Lanka.<br />
Hand-in-Hand. -India-China joint military training exercise<br />
Exercise Shakti - India and France armies<br />
Exercise Nomadic Elephant- Indian Army exercises with the Mongolian Army.<br />
Exercise Yuddh Abhyas is a series of joint exercises between the Indian and United States Armies since 2005.<br />
Surya Kiran - India Nepal joint military exercise<br />
LAMITYE- India and Seychelles<br />
Prabal Dostyk - India Kazhakhstan Joint exercise<br />
Al-Nagah- Joint military exercise between Indian and Oman</div>
Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-68572428906787682362016-11-15T10:04:00.001-08:002016-11-15T10:04:36.245-08:00What's De monetisation means for a common Man ?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
De Monetisation : What difference it's make for a common man ?<br />
<br />
As an aspiring Bureaucrat may be you think my view is biased towards Government,<br />
but fats are facts.<br />
<br />
The withdrawal of 500 and 1000 rupee notes will certainly help economy. It's directly assault the Money laundering as they hold billions roughly 2 lakh crore a very very conservative estimate of rupees in cash. Black money will be wiped out from our economy, as they have no chance to exchange.<br />
<br />
The RBI will issue any notes with a legal tender, roughly 17 lakh crore is in the form of 1000 and 500 rupees notes. Due to this demonetisation at max we will get back 10 to 12 lack crore back into the system with new notes. then what is the fate of remaining 5 to 7 lakh crore. It's a net profit to the RBI.. The RBI can issue this money back in to the system by paying back to government as Dividend.<br />
So Union Government get 7 lacks crore in its kitty.<br />
<br />
BUT THE COMMON MAN IS SUFFERING. GOVERNMENT GETS MONEY but WHAT I AS A COMMON MAN will GET. I AM STANDING IN QUE's FOR HOURS AND HOURS.<br />
<br />
Any army men also doesnot have any personal enimity with Terrorist and Pak Army but why he need to die in Uri Attacks like incidents.<br />
<br />
So Dear common MAN ( including me),<br />
<br />
Government hadn't taken this action as one stroke if you clearly absorb a series of action had taken to streamline this process.<br />
<br />
1) PMJDY - Opening of bank accounts to all un banked section of India roughly 21.6 crore. So they can have bank accounts to deposit and exchange money. Rupay cards are also given to this accounts.<br />
So if hadn't open the account sorry it's your mistake some extent and officers too.<br />
<br />
2) Seeding of AADHAR to all accounts and PAN to most of them, to trace each of the account for all means, even with legislative backing.<br />
<br />
3) IDS Scheme To give final to correct their mistake and make there money white.<br />
<br />
4) Master stroke De Monetisation.<br />
Apart of all these Government is pushing for DIGITAL INDIA, online money transactions Digital payments systems. As a part of this move RBI brought UNIFIED PAYMENT INTERFACE.<br />
<br />
Hope you find a link of all this actions now...<br />
<br />
Q) But most of the money is in Swiss bank and in Benami properties.<br />
<br />
Yes, It is. As per the Transparency International - Global Corruption perception Index India rank 76 out of 170 nations, We had improved our rank about 16 places from past two years. A conservative estimate of 400 billion dollars would be black money in India. But we have Benami transaction law is in place Supreme Court has already formed SIT on it. We had already made amendment to Bilateral Investment treaty to. Mauritius which apply to Singapore too. So they won't be any TREATY SHOPPING. Apart of all that, Modi already hinted that it's just the beginning more is coming out. So, sure they are enough actions are already in pipeline.<br />
<br />
Government efforts to bring Real estate regulator will help to reduce the black money in this sector.<br />
<br />
The ongoing elections especially UP and other 5 states will get rid of free flow of black money. As we all know what the election really means in India.. Buying and Selling.<br />
<br />
LET COMES TO GOVERNMENT KITTY AGAIN THE SO CALLED 5 to 7 lacks crore.<br />
Government can use this money first to Re-capitalise Banks with 2 lacks crore.<br />
Remaining money is used for HOUSING FOR ALL Scheme,So 3 crore houses to all by 2022. It's will boost the Cement, transport, Real-estate,Banking, Steel and many sectors so supplementary benefit boost to economy and More and More JOBS.<br />
<br />
New Colleges Schools and Hospitals, Ports and Railways all will have spill over effects on economy. Just refer the China crack down on Corruption along with past stories of Singapore and Thailand.<br />
<br />
Internationally it will boost India status as corruption free and transparent economy so More Investment One of the reason why we are poorly performing in Global competitiveness report and Ease of Doing business rankings.<br />
<br />
The irony is even the worlds media like China's Global times and Singapore press is praising this move but we as Indias unable to support this.<br />
<br />
You can see the result here:<br />
RBI has recently published information about the money deposited in the banks in 3 days,<br />
(amounts in crores)'<br />
Top 10 banks:<br />
1. SBI 53,652<br />
2. Central bank of India 49,644<br />
3. PNB 42,877<br />
4. HDFC 39,548<br />
5. ICICI 32,867<br />
6. Bank of India 29,876<br />
7. Bank of Baroda 25,765<br />
8. Axis Bank 18,768<br />
9. Union Bank 16,555<br />
10. Andhra Bank 14,321<br />
<br />
Amount deposited in Post offices 36,009 Crores.<br />
<br />
More and more money to the banking system. So what is for a common man to celebrate. Yes, he has, It will helps the banks to decrease the INTEREST rates, a direct benefit to common man. now he can get money to his plans of Higher education, New own home, for business and for others.<br />
<br />
See how the news are coming more and more JANDHAN accounts which are laying at zero balance sometime back now getting 49000 rupees each because if you deposit 5000 you need to give PAN number. They can use this money by themselves if the original holder of the money ask for return simply call the Tax men they will help you.<br />
<br />
Dear India's , We bearded the plunder of British for 200 years. We seen scams right for Mundhra Scam, Jeep scam from the very year of Independence to recent Coal - 2 lacks crore 2G -1.76 lack crore etc.<br />
India is home for 40 % of undernourished children in South Asia, 37 % of our children are shunted and 22 % wasted. We have 21.9 % of poverty even if you take 40/- for urban areas and 28 rupees for rural areas per capita daily expenditure.<br />
If you consider world bank 1.25 $ as bench mark we may easily end and 40%.<br />
<br />
We have 18% of population of World (125 crore) with just 2.6 % of land mass. We all know how hard it is to earn a daily meal to our tummy.<br />
As I preparing for Civil services I deeply analysed and read about what the INDIA is.<br />
<br />
It's IMPOSSIBLE TO ANY ONE TO CHANGE THIS COUNTRY WITH OUT ANY PAIN IN JUST A NIGHT. ITS NEEDS TIME. LET SUPPORT THIS MOVE. WE ALL ARE VICTIMS OF CORRUPTION ONE DAY AN ANOTHER.<br />
By this move if at least 1000 crore of corrupted money will come out.. Then Yes we are in right path.</div>
Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-43460388366198593732016-10-09T06:44:00.000-07:002016-10-09T06:44:33.372-07:00AIR spotlight summary on “India ratifies Paris climate Agreement” : Insights<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Introduction</u></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">India ratified the <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Paris Agreement on Climate Change</span> by depositing the instrument of ratification with the United Nations on the 147th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. India is the 62nd country to ratify the agreement. The agreement will enter into force one month after 55 countries that account for 55 percent of global emissions ratify the agreement.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Paris Agreement on Climate Change</u></span></span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This treaty which was agreed in Paris convention took 20 years to come to an agreement. There were divergent views, particularly among the industrialised countries and developing countries. Ironing out of differences took lot of time. The treaty has come out that there is a<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">universal need and acceptance</span> that something has to be done to contain the rise of the global temperature within 2 degree centigrade.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">For its operationalisation, the Paris Agreement requires the signing and ratification by at least 55 countries which together account for at least 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Both conditions need to be met. Once these conditions are fulfilled, the Agreement would come into effect regardless of the number of countries that remain outside. The Agreement only needs slightly more than 3 percentage points to reach the 55 per cent threshold. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Green Climate Fund</span> is too small as compared to the needs and programmes that are envisaged. It is important that the developed countries should pass on the technology, knowhow, and wherewithal for having energy efficient technologies.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Kyoto protocol</span> had an unfortunate fate. Countries have not adhered to their commitments and have full faulted on that. That is reason we find continuous CO2 emissions.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The COP-22 will be held in morocco. The information and the experience will be exchanged and get to know the ways and means to achieve the targets.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Significance of the ratification of Paris Agreement</u></span></span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This is been the major and seminal development to maintain the global climate and reducing the growing temperature which is really a great threat to the mankind, livelihood, health and productivity of the biosphere.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">IPCC</span> study says that beyond 2 degree centigrade rise of the earth’s temperature, then it would be difficult situation, irreversible and will go out of hand.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">All the countries which have submitted their INDCs will be taken on board and they have the commitment to adhere to INDCs and take corresponding measures in their countries to meet those expected commitments. India has to work hard to achieve the commitments made.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">India’s Role</u></span></span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">India’s commitments of 100 GW of solar energy, 60 GW of wind energy and by 2022 we would have about 40% of our energy needs to be met from non-fossil fuel energy sources.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">NITI Ayog study</span> says that with the growth scenario of 8%, our energy needs would grow and even then India won’t be high CO2 emitter. It would be much less than the global average. The global average would be 5 to 6 tonnes per capita while we would not exceed more than 4.4 tonnes.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">India needs finance, technology and capacity building support. The <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">climate finance goals</span>that have been set have not yet been met.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">India is working towards replacing fossil fuels with non fossil fuel sources and increasing the energy efficiency. More than 6.5 crores <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">LED bulbs</span> are distributed and this has resulted into more than 4000 MW of electricity saving and saving on per day expenditure. The <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">greening of highways</span>, where plantation of trees is envisaged which will sequester the CO2.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Industry is progressively improving on energy intensity. We have to continue to make our progress to achieve the targets and demonstrate to the public and world at large that we are able to do it.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">India ratified the agreement on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi who led a simple life and who exemplified simplicity. Through this the world is getting a message that there is a need for change in life style particularly the developed world where their lifestyle is considered extravagant.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Without losing much it is possible to contain our energy use and emission of CO2. The underlying message of using this day is only to say that the idealism of Mahatma Gandhi is really helpful, provide a philosophical support and guide to contain our energy needs, at the same time improve the quality of life and welfare of the people.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The silver lining is that the prizes of solar energy is coming down which instils hope to make faster progress. The targets on generating energy through renewable has to be revised upwards.</span></li>
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Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-31257035615577467182016-10-09T06:42:00.004-07:002016-10-09T06:42:45.418-07:00India and Sri lanka relations : Insights<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Introduction</u></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe visited India to discuss wide range of issues and to attend <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">India Economic Summit</span>. His visit assumes significance as India had pulled out of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit, scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The issue on SAARC Summit</u></span></span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">India first decided that it will not attend the SAARC summit. That was immediately followed by Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. The statement made by Sri Lanka was significant. It said the conditions are not conducive to hold a successful summit.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Bangladesh Prime minister said that the SARCC process is jeopardised and is not good for the region and smaller countries get adversely affected. There is much tension between Pakistan and Bangladesh.</span></li>
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<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Historical and Cultural Relations</u></span></span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The ties between both the countries are very old. 70% of Sri Lankans are <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Theravada Buddhist</span> and <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Emperor Ashoka’s son Mahinda</span> who took Buddhism to Sri Lanka. For many matters in terms of Buddhism we find excellent records in Sri Lanka.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Large number of tourists especially Buddhists visit</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Even during freedom struggle there was close cooperation between Sri Lankan leaders and Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru.</span></li>
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<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Economic Relations</u></span></span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">India has strong and well structured bilateral relation with Sri Lanka. We have <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">FTA </span>between both the countries which are doing very well. We should strengthen SARRC, but if there are difficulties we should follow bilateral route and pursue our goals.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">India has been a major giver of <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">development loans and line of credit</span> to Sri Lanka. Almost one-sixth of India’s development loans go to Sri Lanka.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">There is considerable <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">private sector investment</span> from India in Sri Lanka and from Sri Lanka into India. The areas both of cooperation between both the countries are petroleum, Information Technology, Financial Services, Real estate, telecom, hospitals, tourism, banking, food processing etc.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sri Lanka has invested in Vishakhapatnam in garments. So it is a two way relationship which is a sustainable one.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Indian railways are offering special package for Sri Lankan tourists to come to India. India has introduced e-visa for Sri Lanka. Indians find Sri Lanka very attractive.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sri Lanka is the closest friend and neighbour. In 2014 our bilateral trade was $4.6 billion. India is the fourth biggest investor in Sri Lanka. Since 2003 we have invested about $1 billion in Sri Lanka.</span></li>
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<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Political Relations</u></span></span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The President and Prime minister team of Sri Lanka is having good rapport with Indian leadership.</span></li>
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<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Fishermen Issue</u></span></span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The constant and frequent issue of fisherman and recently 5 Indian fishermen were picked up by the Sri Lankan Navy. The fishermen dispute is inevitable between neighbours. Indian Fishermen entering Sri Lankan water is not with any particular intention. What is important is that the two governments and the fishermen associations of both the sides must take care of these incidents and can be contained. </span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Both countries have <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">signed an MOU</span> to equip the fishermen and give them nets and necessary things to help them carry out their trade better and more peacefully.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sri Lanka has taken the position that big fishing trawlers should not be used which is scientific and without which we may lose the fish yield.</span></li>
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<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Developments in Sri Lanka</u></span></span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sri Lanka has progressed in the <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Health sector</span>. When they became independent, they were supposed to be one of the worst affected regions affected by malaria. Now they are declared<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">malaria free</span>. This is a lesson to be learnt for India.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Social development indicators</span> are quite high in literacy, health indicators, etc. They have made considerable progress.</span></li>
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<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Conclusion</u></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Both countries are firm in maintaining their <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Democracy</span>. There is scope for making the relationship richer, broadening and deepening it.</span></div>
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Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-85744073775385043352016-10-03T06:57:00.000-07:002016-10-03T06:57:07.985-07:00How to Approach Ethics GS-4 paper in mains<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-20616319412064534292016-10-03T06:53:00.002-07:002016-10-03T06:53:53.945-07:00How to fill up DAF from for Mains.. Very important please watch before you fill your DAF<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-33606499847648287132016-09-16T20:04:00.001-07:002016-09-16T20:06:12.164-07:00UPSC CIVIL SERVICES EXAM RESULT 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam 2016 Result is Out. Can be checked at:</div>
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<a href="http://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/wr_csp2016_eng_0.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/wr_csp2016_eng_0.pdf</a><br />
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I qualified for mains... Expect cutoff at 118 around. I scored more 126</div>
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Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-25812820079947982262016-09-16T01:17:00.000-07:002016-09-16T01:17:30.180-07:00Sriram's IAS Questions and Answers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ethics and Integrity</strong></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Propriety and Public Life</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Propriety means conformity to established standards of morals and appropriateness for the purpose or circumstances; suitability<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />rightness or justness. It is an essential attribute of those in public service.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The meaning of the term propriety encompasses ‘appropriateness’, ‘rightness’, ‘correctness in behaviour or morals’, ‘conformity with convention in conduct’, ‘the standards of behaviour considered correct by society’. The core principles of the concept of propriety could be summarised as under:</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">v Integrity</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">v Openness</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">v Objectivity</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">v Honesty</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">v Selflessness</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The concept of propriety can be related to various other concepts. To list a few:</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">v Accountability</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">v Legality</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">v Probity</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">v Value for money</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">v Fraud & Corruption</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">v Governance</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Though the concept of propriety is generally associated with public sector activities, the time has now come to apply this concept even in the private sector. With the changing environment, there is a greater emphasis on conformance with prescribed values, customs, procedures and practices, keeping in mind the public interest.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In India there is a Statement of Judicial Values that sets high benchmarks for judicial behaviour in line with propriety.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of all civil servants, for example, participation of government servants in political activities and attendance by government servants at political meetings.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">No member of the Civil Service shall use his position or influence directly or indirectly to secure employment for any member of his family with any private undertaking or Non- Government Organisation.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Civil servants should not abuse office and official power.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Auditors and companies also have demands of propriety. For example, recent examples of Nestle's Maggi being contaminated and the auditors of Satyam Computer Services Ltd overlooking best practices.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">* Fallout of Sushma Swaraj episode</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. How does one resolve the “Calorie Consumption Puzzle” in the case of India?</span></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</span></strong><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> India's “Calorie Consumption Puzzle” has attracted the attention of many scholars in recent years. The relevant question is: why has the country’s nutritional intake been declining over the past few decades while people’s purchasing power is increasing. When it is generally true that richer people consume more calories, why is the Indian trend the opposite? Why do China and Vietnam show normal trend of rising food consumption with growth while only India is going the other way?</span></span></span></div>
<div class="rtejustify" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #999999; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-top: 1.5em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Several explanations for the puzzle have been offered by researchers. One theory that has become popular is declining calorie needs – people are choosing to consume fewer calories since they need less energy as s the workforce shifts from physically demanding agricultural work to while collar occupations in cities and as agriculture becomes mechanised, calorie requirements of the population are expected to decline. Another explanation centres on diseases such as diarrhoea that result in loss of energy. Greater availability of safe drinking water and better sanitation in India has led to better epidemiological conditions, resulting in fewer cases of diarrhoea and other diseases, and ultimately leading to falling calorie requirements.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="rtejustify" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #999999; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-top: 1.5em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Other explanations include increase in food inflation, supplies not matching demand in protein food, vegetarianism that shifts from cereals but can’t have protein as it costs more nor meat, voluntary choice of luxuries like TVs over food, and underreporting of calorie intake due to eating outside the home.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Write on Sufism in Indias: Its origins, Main Silsilas and Impact</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> The early Sufi mystics stressed on the virtues of repentance, abstinence, renunciation, poverty and trust in God. The early Sufis were wanderers but in due course of time the Sufi groups had become orders and we notice the formation of Sufi orders or Salsilas. After the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate, many Sufi orders were established in different parts of India and Sufism became very influential by the 14th century. They believed in the equality of all human beings and brotherhood of man. Their concept of universal brotherhood and the humanitarian ideas of the Sufi saints attracted the Indian mind. A movement similar to Sufism, called the Bhakti cult, was already afoot in India on the eve of the Muslim conquest of the country. The liberal-minded Sufis were, therefore, welcomed in India. The Sufi movement proved very helpful in bridging the gap between the followers of the two religions and in bringing the Hindus and the Muslims together.<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Three of the most important Silsilas during the period of the Sultanate are as follows:</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1. </strong>The Suhrawardi Silsila which was founded in India by Shaik Bahauddin Zakaria (AD 1182-1262).After his death in 1236 A.D., his devotees continued to celebrate an annual Urs festival at Ajmer.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2. </strong>Nizamuddin Auliya. He led a simple austere life and lived in Delhi. By his vast learning, religious knowledge, and tolerant attitude to all religions, he earned devotion of both the Hindu and Muslim masses.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">3. </strong>The Chisti Silsila introduced in India by Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, who died in AD 1236. Even today he is venerated by Muslims and his tomb is located at Ajmer, which became a sacred pilgrimage. Besides the above two orders, there existed the orders of the Firdausi, the Qadiri, the Shatauri, Qalandari, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">While Sufism reached India in the 12th century A.D, ts influence grew considerably during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. In India, Chisti and Suhrawardi Silsila were most prominent.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">A critical study of the tenets of Sufism indicates that it was acquainted with Hinduism and Hindu thought and had imbibed certain elements of Indian idealism and adopted many Yogic practices and also was influenced by Upanishadic idealism and Vedanta.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The early Sufis were not only ascetics but also lived a life of voluntary poverty shunning all types of worldly pleasures. Khwaja Fariduddin, popularly known as Baba declared, “The main purpose of this path is the concentration of heart which can be achieved only by the abstination from prohibited means of livelihood and association with kings”. Thus, most of the Sufis in India conceived and preached divine unity in terms of idealistic monoism while many Hindus found the Sufi ideas very similar to those of Vedantic philosophy.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The lower strata of Hindu community appear to be greatly attracted by the ideas of social equality and fraternity of Islam. Thus the simplicity, toleration and liberation of the Sufis in India released syncretic forces and led to a sort of cultural synthesis.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Sufi movement gained impetus during the reign of Akbar who adopted a liberal religious policy under the influence of the Sufi saints.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Abul Fazal had mentioned the existence of 14 Silsilahs in India. A close link that existed between the leader or Pir and his murids or disciples was a vital element of the Sufi system.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Sufi Movement in India helped in establishing peace and amity among the Hindus and Muslims.</span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Impact of Sufism</strong></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The liberal ideas and unorthodox principles of Sufism had a profound influence on Indian society. The liberal principles of Sufi sects restrained orthodox. Muslims in their attitude and encouraged many Muslim rulers to pursue tolerant attitude to their non-Muslim subjects. Most Sufi saints preached their teachings in the language of common man that contributed greatly to the evolution of various Indian languages like Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Kashmiri and Hindi. The impact of Sufi Movement was deeply felt on some renowned poets of the period, like Amir Khusrau and Malik Muhammad Jayasi who composed poems in Persian and Hindi in praise of Sufi principles.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. What is a social dilemma? How is it related to social capital?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> A social dilemma occurs when an individual faces the choice of incurring a personal cost for a greater benefit for others. When social capital (trust, cooperation, understanding and sharing among members of society) is high, individuals are more prepared to incur such individual costs for the greater good; and when most people in society behave in that manner, society as a whole benefits in higher economic productivity, stronger social insurance, greater social resilience to natural hazards, and greater mutual care (such as Good Samaritans coming to the emergency aid of others).</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Many social dilemmas occur in countless face to-face encounters in daily life and business dealings. When two individuals engage in a business encounter, there are the possibilities that they may engage in deceitful behavior such as theft, fraud, or even violence. Some of these threats can be controlled by legal contracts, but writing and enforcing contracts can be costly or even impossible in some circumstances. Thus, trust is critical: the confidence that the counterparty will behave honestly or morally and transparently.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Without social trust, a wide range of mutually beneficial economic and social arrangements may be impossible to negotiate, much less to sustain.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Other social dilemmas occur at the societal scale. When social capital is high, individual citizens are more prepared to pay their taxes honestly, more prepared to support investment in public goods, and more likely to support social insurance policies. The Scandinavian countries, with perhaps the highest social capital in the world, also have the most extensive social welfare systems (broadly classified as social democracy). High social capital is conducive to electoral support for a strong social safety net and extensive social services.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Social capital is best built by exemplary laws, execution, systems and behaviour of leaders in all walks of life.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Differences between pre-emptive strike, preventive strike, covert and clandestine operations, under cover operations and hot pursuit. Where does the recent Army operation in Myanmar fit in?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans. </strong>A preemptive war is a war that is commenced in an attempt to repel or defeat a perceived imminent offensive or invasion, or to gain a strategic advantage in an impending (allegedly unavoidable) war shortly before that attack materializes. The term: 'preemptive war' is sometimes confused with the term: 'preventive war'. The difference is that a preventive war is launched to destroy the potential threat of the targeted party, when an attack by that party is not imminent or known to be planned, while a preemptive war is launched in anticipation of immediate aggression by another party.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">A covert operation is "an operation that is so planned and executed as to conceal the identity of or permit denial by the sponsor." Covert operations aim to fulfill their mission objectives without any parties knowing who sponsored or carried out the operation.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">To go "undercover" is to avoid detection by the entity one is observing, and especially to disguise one's own identity or use an assumed identity for the purposes of gaining the trust of an individual or organization to learn or confirm confidential information or to gain the trust of targeted individuals in order to gather information or evidence. Traditionally, it is a technique employed by law enforcement agencies or private investigators, and a person who works in such a role is commonly referred to as an undercover agent. It is a part of covert/clandestine operations.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Covert operations and clandestine operations are distinct. A covert operation differs from a clandestine operation in that emphasis is placed on concealment of identity of sponsor rather than on concealment of the operation itself."</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">An overt operation is one conducted openly, without concealment.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In a covert operation, the identity of the sponsor is concealed, while in a clandestine operation the operation itself is concealed. Put differently, clandestine means "hidden," while covert means "deniable."</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">What then is stealth? The term stealth refers to tactics aimed at providing and preserving the element of surprise and reducing enemy resistance; and to a set of technologies (stealth technology) to aid in those tactics. Secrecy and stealthiness are often desired in clandestine and covert operations.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Covert operations are employed in situations where openly operating against a target would be disadvantageous. Covert operations may include sabotage, assassinations, support for coups d'état, or support for subversion. Tactics include the use of a false flag or front group.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hot pursuit implies pursuit without unreasonable delay and generally is immediate pursuit. It can also refer to chasing a suspect into a neighboring jurisdiction in an emergency, without time to alert law enforcement people in that area.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Now, how do we characterise the Indian army's killing of the insurgents in Myanmar? It was clandestine and covert till it lasted. It has become overt when declared. Undercover agents must have been active. Stealth, there was. Hot pursuit, it was not as we did not chase them after they ambushed. We took time to plan and execute. Pre-emptive, it was for future militant actions. The question of it being "preventive" does not arise.</span></span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. What is the controversy around Monosodium glutamate (MSG) in India and elsewhere?</span></strong></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans. </strong>Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer commonly added to Chinese food, canned vegetables, soups and processed meats. Authorities classified MSG as a food ingredient that's "generally recognized as safe," but its use remains controversial. For this reason, when MSG is added to food, it is required that it be listed on the label.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">MSG has been used as a food additive for decades. Over the years, many complaints have been received of adverse reactions to foods containing MSG. These reactions — known as MSG symptom complex — include:</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Headache</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sweating</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Numbness</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Heart palpitations</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Chest pain</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Nausea</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Weakness</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">However, researchers have found no definitive evidence of a link between MSG and these symptoms. Researchers acknowledge, though, that a small percentage of people may have short-term reactions to MSG. Symptoms are usually mild and don't require treatment. The only way to prevent a reaction is to avoid foods containing MSG.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In May 2015 Food Safety Regulators from the Uttar Pradesh, India found that Maggi 2 Minute Noodles had up to 17 times beyond permissible safe limits of lead in addition to monosodium glutamate in it. On 3 June 2015, New Delhi Government banned the sale of Maggi in New Delhi stores for 15 days because it found lead and monosodium glutamate in the eatable beyond permissible limit. The Gujarat FDA on June 4, 2015 banned the noodles for 30 days after 27 out of 39 samples were detected with objectionable levels of metallic lead, among other things. Some of India's biggest retailers like Future Group, Big Bazaar, Easy day and Nilgiris have imposed a nationwide ban on Maggi. Thereafter multiple state authorities in India found unacceptable amount of lead and it has been banned in many states in India. On June 4 2015 Govt. Of Tamil Nadu also bans maggi and other four brand noodles due to unacceptable amount of lead and other components.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">On June 5, 2015, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) ordered recall of all nine approved variants of Maggi instant noodles from India, terming them "unsafe and hazardous" for human consumption. On the same day, Food Safety Agency of United Kingdom launched an investigation to find levels of lead in Maggi noodles. Nepal also indefinitely banned Maggi over concerns about lead levels in the product.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. What is lead poisoning and how is it harmful to humans?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> Lead poisoning (also known as plumbism, colica pictorum, saturnism, Devon colic, or painter's colic) is a type of metal poisoning and a medical condition in humans and other vertebrates caused by increased levels of the heavy metal lead in the body. Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues including the heart, bones, intestines, kidneys, and reproductive and nervous systems. It interferes with the development of the nervous system and is therefore particularly toxic to children, causing potentially permanent learning and behavior disorders. Symptoms include abdominal pain, headache, anemia, irritability, and in severe cases seizures, coma, and death.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Routes of exposure to lead include contaminated air, water, soil, food, and consumer products. One of the largest threats to children is lead paint that exists in many homes. Prevention of lead exposure can range from individual efforts (e.g., removing lead-containing items such as piping or blinds from the home) to nationwide policies (e.g., laws that ban lead in products, reduce allowable levels in water or soil, or provide for cleanup and mitigation of contaminated soil, etc.)</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Elevated lead in the body can be detected by the presence of changes in blood cells visible with a microscope and dense lines in the bones of children seen on X-ray. No safe threshold for lead exposure has been discovered—that is, there is no known sufficiently small amount of lead that will not cause harm to the body.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Comment on the causes for the increasing incidence of woman-headed households in India.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> According to census 2011, a little over 13% of households in the country are headed by women. With about four in every ten houses headed by a women, Lakshadweep has the highest proportion of such households. It is followed by Kerala, Goa, Meghalaya and Himachal Pradesh. Apart from the matrilineal tradition, there are other social and economic reasons behind the presence of female headed households. These include widowhood, divorce, separation, migration of male members for long periods and loss of economic ability of males because of disability.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que Differentiate between "essential amino acids" and others and also define "complete protein".</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> Proteins are composed of 21 biological amino acids. 9 of these are “essential amino acids”, which means our bodies cannot produce them, and they must be derived from food sources. The essential amino acids are phenylalanine (25 milligrams per kg of body weight), leucine (39), lysine (30), valine (26), threonine (15), methionine (15), isoleucine (20), histidine (10), and tryptophan (4). When we digest a food with protein, it breaks down into its amino acids, and each is used by the body for slightly different purposes.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">A complete protein is one that includes all 9 essential amino acids. Most animal sources are complete proteins, and some plant proteins are as well. By combining several types of plant proteins (beans and rice for example), even non-meat eaters get complete protein.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. What is biological value and its importance to diet?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> Biological value (BV) is a measure of the proportion of absorbed protein from a food which becomes incorporated into the proteins of the organism's body. It captures how readily the digested protein can be used in protein synthesis in the cells of the organism. Proteins are the major source of nitrogen in food. BV measures the proportion of this nitrogen absorbed by the body which is then excreted. The remainder must have been incorporated into the proteins of the organisms body. The higher the Biological Value of the protein you use, the more nitrogen your body can absorb, use, and retain. Whey protein has the highest BV value, rating as a 104. Egg protein is only second to whey rating as a 100 with milk proteins being a close third rating as 91Beef rates as an 80 with soy proteins a distant 74. High biological value proteins are provided by animal sources of protein, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, cheese and yogurt. Low biological value proteins are found in plants, legumes, grains, nuts, seeds and vegetables. The topic assumes relevance in the context of the recent decision of some state governments in India like Madhya Pradesh where egg is being replaced with vegetable and fruit</span>.</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Write a short note on “ Goldilocks economy.”*</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> In economics, a Goldilocks economy sustains moderate economic growth and low inflation, which allows a market-friendly monetary policy. Goldilocks economy is characterized by a low unemployment rate, increasing asset prices (stocks, real estate, etc.), low interest rates, steady GDP growth and low inflation.<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />A bullish economy, with steep growth in market values and low losses due to inflation, denotes strong economic growth, though it may lead to rising inflation. In contrast, a bearish economy is the opposite, with stagnant economic performance and inflation rates soaking up any gains. In either extreme, the RBI acts to either cool off or heat up the economy, primarily by raising or lowering the official interest rates. When there is a balance, i.e. not rapid or stagnant growth, but sustained growth and a reasonably low inflation rate, it is a comfortable zone for investors to find long term growth and attractive values in various asset classes. Therefore, experts have labeled this balance between a bull economy and a bear economy, the Goldilocks Economy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The name Goldilocks economy comes from children's story, The Three Bears, when Goldilocks proclaims that the porridge is "not too hot and not too cold…it is just right." Indeed, with sustained growth and a low inflation rate, the economic is usually considered "just right."</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">* RBI Governor used the term while delivering the bimonthly credit and monetary policy yesterday.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Is altruism a core value for civil servants? Answer with an introduction of altruism.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans. </strong>Altruism or selflessness is the principle or practice of concern for the welfare of others. It is a traditional virtue in many cultures and a core aspect of various religious traditions and secular worldviews. Altruism or selflessness is the opposite of selfishness. The word was coined by the French philosopher Auguste Comte as the opposite of egoism.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Altruism is when we act to promote someone else’s welfare, even at a risk or cost to ourselves. Studies have found that people’s first impulse is to cooperate rather than compete.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Altruism has deep roots in human nature because helping and cooperation promote the survival of our species. Darwin himself argued that altruism, which he called “sympathy” or “benevolence,” is “an essential part of the social instincts.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This does not mean that humans are more altruistic than selfish; instead, evidence suggests we have deeply ingrained tendencies to act in either direction. Our challenge lies in finding ways to evoke the better angels of our nature.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Individuals come to exhibit charitable, philanthropic, and other pro-social, altruistic actions for the common good both by nature and by training. Moral education, law, civic leadership also establish ethos to develop altruism. Building social capital is crucial for good governance, economic development and social harmony. At its heart lies altruism and cooperation.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In a welfare state like ours that has the responsibility to eradicate poverty; bring about social equality and deliver goods and services to the deprived and vulnerable, civil service has to be altruistic. It is written in the Code as well. The welfare schemes that we have require our Civil Service to be sensitive , compassionate and generous which is the crux of altruism.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Comment on " currency manipulation" and its effects.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> Currency manipulation occurs when countries sell their own currencies in the foreign exchange markets, usually against dollars, to keep their exchange rates weak and the dollar strong. These countries thereby subsidize their exports and raise the price of their imports, sometimes by as much as 30-40%. They strengthen their international competitive positions, increase their trade surpluses and generate domestic production and employment at the expense of others. It becomes competitive devaluation whcih is a form of " Beggar , thy neighbour policy" in which those economies that can afford to devalue lose.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Currency manipulation extends throughout the Pacific Rim: in Japan, where Tokyo’s central bank has printed more yen to help its slumbering economy grow; in China, where the renminbi has long been fixed to the dollar rather than allowed to fluctuate in response to market forces; and in Malaysia, where the government has intervened to protect the ringgit against currency traders.The Swiss National Bank (SNB) undervalued swiss francs saying the high value of the franc is a threat to the economy. The SNB said it would enforce the minimum rate by buying foreign currency in unlimited quantities.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">India is running a huge trade deficit with China and is becoming de-industrialised because of the undervaluation of Chinese renminbi through manipulation.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The U.S. trade deficit has been several hundred billion dollars a year higher as a result and lost several million additional jobs during the Great Recession. As a result, it joined the currency wars through QE. Currency manipulation is, by far, the world’s most protectionist international economic policy in the 21st century, but e International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organization failed to check it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. What is " big data" ? How is it useful in commerce and governance?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans. </strong><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The basic idea behind the phrase ‘Big Data’ is that everything we do is increasingly leaving a digital trace (or data), which we (and others) can use and analyse. Big Data therefore refers to that data being collected and our ability to make use of it.Data collection itself isn’t new. We as humans have been collecting and storing data since as far back as 18,000 BCE. What’s new are the recent technological advances in chip and sensor technology, the Internet, cloud computing, and our ability to store and analyze data that have changed the quantity of data we can collect.Things that have been a part of everyday life for decades — shopping, listening to music, taking pictures, talking on the phone — now happen more and more wholly or in part in the digital realm, and therefore leave a trail of data.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The other big change is in the kind of data we can analyze.Now data analysts can also look at “unstructured” data like photos, tweets, emails, voice recordings and sensor data to find patterns.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">As with any leap forward in innovation, the tool can be used for good or nefarious purposes. Some people are concerned about privacy, as more and more details of our lives are being recorded and analyzed by businesses, agencies, and governments every day.</span></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #999999; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-top: 1.5em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Companies are using big data to better understand and target customers. Using big data, retailers can predict what products will sell, telecom companies can predict if and when a customer might switch carriers etc.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">It’s also used to optimize business processes. Retailers are able to optimize their stock levels based on what’s trending on social media, what people are searching for on the web, or even weather forecasts. Supply chains can be optimized so that delivery drivers use less gas and reach customers faster.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Big data analytics enable us to find new cures and better understand and predict the spread of diseases. Police forces use big data tools to catch criminals and even predict criminal activity and credit card companies use big data analytics to detect fraudulent transactions.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">As the tools to collect and analyze the data become less and less expensive and more and more accessible, we will develop more and more uses for it — everything from smart yoga mats to better healthcare tools and a more effective police force.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Is organic farming the answer to climate change?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> Organic farming, as an adaptation strategy to climate change is a concrete and sustainable option and has additional potential as a mitigation strategy. The careful management of nutrients and carbon sequestration in soils are significant contributors in adaptation and mitigation to climate change.</span></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #999999; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-top: 1.5em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Organic agriculture is a holistic production management system. It emphasizes the use of management practices in preference to the use of off-farm inputs, taking into account that regional conditions. This is accomplished by using, where possible, cultural, biological, and mechanical methods, as opposed to using synthetic materials. An organic production system is designed to a) enhance biological diversity within the whole system; b) increase soil biological activity; c) maintain long-term soil fertility; d) recycle wastes of plant and animal origin in order to return nutrients to the land, thus minimizing the use of nonrenewable resources; e) rely on renewable resources in locally organized agricultural systems; f) promote the healthy use of soil, water, and air, as well as minimize all forms of pollution thereto that may result from agricultural practices;</span></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #999999; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-top: 1.5em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Organic farming increases resilience to respond to the risk of climate variability. Where a region relies predominantly on rain fed agriculture, organic farming can respond well to droughts. In India, 60% of agriculture depends on rains. They are prone to drought.Climate change may make drought conditions even more common in the future thereby increasing food insecurity and migration rates.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">From field trials conducted in arid, semi-arid, sub-humid and humid regions of India, it was found that organic farming techniques can improve soil carbon levels by five per cent to 25 per cent and increase the water holding capacity of soils between two per cent to 17 per cent. Organic agriculture provides environmental benefits through the sequestration of atmospheric carbon in soil organic matter.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Soils with higher concentration of carbon content are better able to absorb and retain water because the organic matter acts like `sponge` absorbing excess water and retaining it in the soil. More moisture in the soil is particularly valuable for farmers in drought prone, dry regions.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Organic farming systems also increase biodiversity by cultivating different genetically diverse crop varieties.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Together with using adaptation strategies such as water efficient irrigation techniques and drought tolerant seed varieties, organic farming can help farmers cope with the impacts of the changing climate.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. With examples from National Action Plan on Climate Change(NAPCC), differentiate between adaptation and mitigation.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> In 2008, GOI released India’s first National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) policies and programs addressing climate mitigation and adaptation. The plan identifies eight core “national missions” running through 2017. Most of them address mitigation needs while adaptation issues are also covered.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1. National Solar Mission<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />2. National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />3. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat( To promote energy efficiency as a core component of urban planning, the plan calls for:<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />• Extending the existing Energy Conservation Building Code;<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />• A greater emphasis on urban waste management and recycling, including power production from waste;<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />• Strengthening the enforcement of automotive fuel economy standards and using pricing measures to encourage the purchase of efficient vehicles; and<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />• Incentives for the use of public transportation)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />4. National Water Mission: With water scarcity projected to worsen as a result of climate change, the plan sets a goal of a 20% improvement in water use efficiency through pricing and other measures.<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />5. National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem: The plan aims to conserve biodiversity, forest cover, and other ecological values in the Himalayan region, where glaciers that are a major source of India’s water supply are projected to recede as a result of global warming. <br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />6. National Mission for a “Green India”: Goals include the afforestation of 6 million hectares of degraded forest lands and expanding forest cover from 23% to 33% of India’s territory.<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />7. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture: The plan aims to support climate adaptation in agriculture through the development of climate-resilient crops, expansion of weather insurance mechanisms, and agricultural practices.<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />8. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change: To gain a better understanding of climate science, impacts and challenges, the plan envisions a new Climate Science Research Fund, improved climate modeling, and increased international collaboration. It also encourage private sector initiatives to develop adaptation and mitigation technologies through venture capital funds.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">While the last Mission addresses both, the last but one Mission is essentially adaptation-centered. Others are primarily mitigation-focused.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. In climate talks, the terms adaptation and mitigation are used often. What do they mean? Are they complementary? Give examples.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> The challenge of dealing with the impacts of climate change is framed in terms of adaptation and mitigation. Mitigation involves cutting down emissions and thus reducing the magnitude of climate change itself. Mitigation of climate change means reducing greenhouse gas emissions and taking care of greenhouse gas sinks. Renewable energy, afforestation etc are mitigating agencies.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Adaptation, by contrast, involves efforts to limit our vulnerability to climate change impacts through various measures, while not necessarily dealing with the underlying cause of those impacts. Adaptive measures typically only deal with impacts on humans and not on ecosystems and our environment. Coral reefs, for example, are unlikely to adapt to the twin impacts of global warming and ocean acidification.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Restricting emissions is intended to slow and eventually reverse the growth of carbon dioxide (CO2) levels particularly in the atmosphere. Reducing emissions will affect CO2 levels slowly though because this gas has a long lifetime in the atmosphere. Therefore the effect of reductions in emissions on the average global temperature will not be seen for decades. Thus, mitigation has to coexist with adaptation.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Adaptation means to try to reduce the effects of climate change on vulnerable communities. It is thus preparing for a time when the climate, i.e. the average weather, is markedly different from what we experience today. As a word, “preparedness” describes better the active nature of adaptation; we try to forecast future weather conditions and create structures and operating models which will work in these new conditions.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In agriculture, drought resistant varieties, conservation of water structures etc are adaptation measures. Green Climate Fund<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />As explained above, Measures to mitigate climate change and to adapt to it complement each other. Without taking measures to mitigate climate change, there is a threat that the average temperature could rise to such levels that people's lives in many regions of the world would be significantly affected or be made impossible. In such a case even adaptation measures would not be able to guarantee everyone’s well-being. Even if emissions were successfully restricted, the slow elimination of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere would affect the climate for decades and centuries. That is why at the local level it is necessary to prepare for the future in any case and attempt to forecast the nature of the change and its effects. Thus some degree of preparation for the future is essential.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Measures to mitigate climate change and to adapt to it generally complement each other. Unless greenhouse gas emissions are mitigated, people's living conditions will become significantly more difficult and adaptation may become impossible in many parts of the globe. Take organic farming , for example, it adapts to climate change by keeping soil moist. At the same time, by avoiding agro chemicals, it also mitigates.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Green Climate Fund (GCF) that is set up internationally is an example for both.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. What is a heat wave and its effects? How can we minimise its negative effects on humans?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans. </strong>A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity, especially in oceanic climate countries. While definitions vary,a heat wave is measured relative to the usual weather in the area and relative to normal temperatures for the season. Temperatures that people from a hotter climate consider normal can be termed a heat wave in a cooler area if they are outside the normal climate pattern for that area.[2]</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The term is applied both to routine weather variations and to extraordinary spells of heat which may occur only once a century. Severe heat waves have caused catastrophic crop failures, thousands of deaths from hyperthermia, and widespread power outages due to increased use of air conditioning. A heat wave is considered extreme weather, and a danger because heat and sunlight may overheat the human body.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Odisha model of minimizing damage</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">After the heavy casualties in 1998, the Odisha government treats it as a disaster on the scale of cyclone or flood.By February-end, the government starts the preparation for fighting heat wave with a single objective in mind: no human casualty. Schools and colleges shift to early morning sessions. They open at 6.30am and end by 12 noon.Government offices also follow the same timings. Examinations are held by March. Public transport does not operate between 12 noon and 3.30pm. Public wage programmes like, MGNREGA is halted from 11.30am to 3.30pm.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">A look at the heat wave deaths in Andhra Pradesh and Telengana would reveal that most of the people killed in the two states were labourers at construction sites who continued with their work even when the temperatures were at the peak.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">There are other measures in place in Odisha to minimise heat wave impacts. Public health centres keep ice slabs ready to treat stroke patients. Panchayats across the state open water booths.<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />The state government also puts out continuous advertisements which guide people on how to combat heat wave. Hospitals in cities like Cuttack and Sambalpur deploy extra resources to attend to heat stroke patients. The ambulance network is activated and directed to be ready along the state and national highways. The government takes the help of the civil society in spreading awareness.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">During April-June, the government’s state-level and district-level calamity centres continuously monitor the India Meteorological Department (IMD) temperature forecast and devise their strategies at local levels.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In Odisha, not all districts report high temperatures. But districts with high industrial activity report the maximum temperature rise. So, the district authorities devise their own action plans.<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Heat wave is predictable and one can easily point out time band and places. We can’t stop it, but we can prepare well to reduce human casualties.</span></span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Differentiate between Governor and Lt.Governor under the Indian law.</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans. </strong>In India each state has a ceremonial Governor appointed by the President of India. Governor is the head of the state. Generally, a Governor is appointed for each state, but after the 7th Constitutional Amendment, 1956, a Governor can be appointed for more than one state.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Lieutenant-Governor is the head of a Union Territory. However the rank is present only in the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Delhi and Pondicherry (the other territories have an administrator appointed).</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Thus, Governors head the State Government in the states while Lieutenant-Governors exist in some union territories and in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Governors and Lieutenant-Governors are appointed by the President for a term of 5 years.</span></span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Describe the role and importance of Chief Secretary in State Government.</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> In India each state and some Union Territories have Chief Secretaries. Chief Secretary serves as head of all government staff in the state and is the Secretary of the State Cabinet of Ministers. The post of Chief Secretary is encadred within the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), meaning that only an IAS officer may hold this position. The Chief Secretary holds the same rank as a Secretary to the Government of India and the post falls within the "Apex Scale". Other positions in this payscale are Additional or Special Chief Secretary and Special Secretary to the Government of India. By tradition the seniormost IAS officer of the state cadre is chosen as the Chief Secretary but in many cases this is not so. The Chief Secretary heads the Department of General Administration as well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Chief Secretary is appointed by the Chief Minister and the Ministers. Importance of the CS can be seen in these landmark Supreme Court judgments. E.P. Royappa (1974) states that “The post of Chief Secretary is a highly sensitive post…[Chief Secretary is a] lynchpin in the administration and smooth functioning of the administration requires that there should be complete rapport and understanding between the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister. …” Similarly, Salil Sabhlok (2013) says: “it may be necessary for [the] Chief Minister of a State to appoint a ‘suitable’ person as a Chief Secretary or the Director General of Police…because both the State Government or the Chief Minister and the appointee share a similar vision of the administrative goals and requirements of the State. The underlying premise also is that the State Government or the Chief Minister has confidence that the appointee will deliver the goods, as it were, and both are administratively quite compatible with each other. If there is a loss of confidence or the compatibility comes to an end…”</span></span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. How can we prevent destruction of public property? Base your answer on the Justice K T Thomas committee report.</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> The Union Home Ministry has proposed a set of amendments to the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984’ (PDPP) that seek to deter prospective violators from damaging public property during agitations and also make the office bearers of the organizations calling for such agitations responsible for any damage. These amendments follow the recommendations made by the Justice K T Thomas committee setup by the Supreme Court while dealing with a writ petition on this issue.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damage to Public Property during violent protests is common place across the country. Public Transport Buses and other Public Property are the first victims during such protests. The government of India now proposes to the amend PDPP Act to put in place proper deterrents so as to prevent damage to public property.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Background</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Taking a serious note of various instances where there was large scale destruction of public and private properties in the name of agitations, bandhs, hartals and the like, suo motu proceedings were initiated by a Bench of the Supreme Court in 2007. The court appointed two different committees, one headed by former supreme court judge, Justice K T Thomas and the other headed by Mr. Fali S Nariman. The Justice K T Thomas committee recommended:</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1. The PDPP Act to contain provision to make the leaders of the organization, which calls the direct action, guilty of abetment of the offence.<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />2. Enable the police officers to arrange videography of the activities damaging public property</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The court accepted these recommendations. The court also issued certain guidelines for effecting preventive action. It said, as soon as a demonstration is organized:</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1. The organizer shall meet the police to review and revise the route to be taken and to lay down conditions for a peaceful march or protest<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />2. All weapons, including knives, lathis and the like shall be prohibited<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />3. An undertaking is to be provided by the organizers to ensure a peaceful march with marshals at each relevant junction<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />4. The police and State Government shall ensure videography of such protests to the maximum extent possible<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />5.In the event that demonstrations turn violent, the officer-in-charge shall ensure that the events are videographed through private operators and also request such further information from the media and others on the incidents in question.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Does Project Mausam have strategic connotations? Answer with an introduction as to what is the project and its contents.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> Project ‘Mausam’ is a multi-disciplinary project that rekindles long-lost ties across nations of the Indian Ocean ‘world’ and forges new avenues of cooperation and exchange. The project, launched by India in partnership with Indian oceran states is a significant step in recording and celebrating this important phase of world history from the African, Arab and Asian-world perspectives.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The project links historic coastal sites of countries in East Africa, along the Persian Gulf, UAE, Qatar, Iran, Myanmar, and Vietnam since the earlier Harappan civilization days - more than 5,000 years ago, to the present.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Project tries to see how the monsoon winds helped maritime trade which, in turn, encouraged interaction between these Indian Ocean-connected countries. The winds also influenced local economies, scientific quests, modern statecraft, religion, politics and cultural identity.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The project will also record how religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity helped define the boundaries of this Indian Ocean 'world', creating networks of religious travel and pilgrimage through centuries.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This is said to be Indian counter-strategy to China’s Maritime Silk Road in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Project Mausam is essentially a Ministry of Culture project concerning the creation of cultural links with India’s maritime neighbours. Pursued in concert with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the project’s objective is two-fold: at the macro level to re-connect with the countries of the IOR with the aim of enhancing the understanding of cultural values and concerns; and, at a more localised level, to enable an understanding of national cultures in a regional maritime milieu.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The central themes that hold Project ‘Mausam’ together are those of cultural routes that not only linked different parts of the Indian Ocean littoral, but also connected the coastal centres to their hinterlands.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">India's intention to carry out the Mausam project was announced on June 20 at the 38th session of the World Heritage Committee at Doha, Qatar.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Project Mausam is a strategic project aimed at re-establishing India's trade and shipping links with various Indian Ocean states.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">India regards Indian Ocean as the key trade route as 90 per cent of its trade by volume and 90 per cent of its oil imports take place through sea.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to three Indian Ocean countries, Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri Lanka in March shows India is following throguh on Project mausam.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Spice Route refers to revival of old links between 31 countries in Asia and Europe with India, particularly spice-rich Kerala .</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Comment on Kargil war and global response to it.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> The Kargil War was an armed conflict between India and Pakistan that took place between May and July 1999 in the Kargil district of Kashmir and elsewhere along the Line of Control (LOC). The conflict is also referred to as Operation Vijay which was the name of the Indian operation to clear the Kargil sector.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The cause of the war was the infiltration of Pakistani soldiers and Kashmiri militants into positions on the Indian side of the LOC, which serves as the de facto border between the two states. During the initial stages of the war, Pakistan blamed the fighting entirely on independent Kashmiri insurgents, but evidence showed involvement of Pakistani paramilitary forces. The Indian Army, later on supported by the Indian Air Force, recaptured a majority of the positions. With international diplomatic opposition, the Pakistani forces withdrew from the remaining Indian positions along the LOC.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The war, to date, it is the only instance of direct, conventional warfare between nuclear weapon states.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Pakistan was criticised by other countries for instigating the war, as its paramilitary forces and insurgents crossed the Line of Control. Pakistan wanted the world to believe that it was an act of ' "Kashmiri freedom fighters". Veteran analysts argued that the battle was fought at heights where only seasoned troops could survive, so poorly equipped "freedom fighters" would neither have the ability nor the wherewithal to seize land and defend it. Moreover, while the army denied the involvement of its troops in the intrusion, former military dictator General Pervez Musharraf said Pakistan army entered Kargil from four points of which India was not aware(2015 May).Pakistan also attempted to internationalize the Kashmir issue, by linking the crisis in Kargil to the larger Kashmir conflict but, such a diplomatic stance found few backers on the world stage.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">As the Indian counter-attacks picked up momentum, Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif flew to meet U.S. President Bill Clinton to obtain support from the United States. Clinton rebuked Sharif, however, and asked him to use his contacts to rein in the militants and withdraw Pakistani soldiers from Indian territory. Clinton applauded Indian restraint for not crossing the LoC and escalating the conflict into an all-out war.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">G8 nations supported India and condemned the Pakistani violation of the LOC at the Cologne summit. The European Union also opposed Pakistan's violation of the LOC. China, a long-time ally of Pakistan, insisted on a pullout of forces to the pre-conflict positions along the LoC and settling border issues peacefully. Other organizations like the ASEAN Regional Forum too supported India's stand on the inviolability of the LOC.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. How can we prevent destruction of public property? Base your answer on the Justice K T Thomas committee report.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> The Union Home Ministry has proposed a set of amendments to the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984’ (PDPP) that seek to deter prospective violators from damaging public property during agitations and also make the office bearers of the organizations calling for such agitations responsible for any damage. These amendments follow the recommendations made by the Justice K T Thomas committee setup by the Supreme Court while dealing with a writ petition on this issue.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Damage to Public Property during violent protests is common place across the country. Public Transport Buses and other Public Property are the first victims during such protests. The government of India now proposes to the amend PDPP Act to put in place proper deterrents so as to prevent damage to public property.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Background</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Taking a serious note of various instances where there was large scale destruction of public and private properties in the name of agitations, bandhs, hartals and the like, suo motu proceedings were initiated by a Bench of the Supreme Court in 2007. The court appointed two different committees, one headed by former supreme court judge, Justice K T Thomas and the other headed by Mr. Fali S Nariman. The Justice K T Thomas committee recommended:</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1. The PDPP Act to contain provision to make the leaders of the organization, which calls the direct action, guilty of abetment of the offence.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2. Enable the police officers to arrange videography of the activities damaging public property</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The court accepted these recommendations. The court also issued certain guidelines for effecting preventive action. It said, as soon as a demonstration is organized:</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1. The organizer shall meet the police to review and revise the route to be taken and to lay down conditions for a peaceful march or protest</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2. All weapons, including knives, lathis and the like shall be prohibited</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">3. An undertaking is to be provided by the organizers to ensure a peaceful march with marshals at each relevant junction</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">4. The police and State Government shall ensure videography of such protests to the maximum extent possible</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">5. In the event that demonstrations turn violent, the officer-in-charge shall ensure that the events are videographed through private operators and also request such further information from the media and others on the incidents in question.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Describe the role and importance of Chief Secretary in State Government.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> In India each state and some Union Territories have Chief Secretaries. Chief Secretary serves as head of all government staff in the state and is the Secretary of the State Cabinet of Ministers. The post of Chief Secretary is encadred within the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), meaning that only an IAS officer may hold this position. The Chief Secretary holds the same rank as a Secretary to the Government of India and the post falls within the "Apex Scale". Other positions in this payscale are Additional or Special Chief Secretary and Special Secretary to the Government of India. By tradition the senior most IAS officer of the state cadre is chosen as the Chief Secretary but in many cases this is not so. The Chief Secretary heads the Department of General Administration as well.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Chief Secretary is appointed by the Chief Minister and the Ministers. Importance of the CS can be seen in these landmark Supreme Court judgments. E.P. Royappa (1974) states that “The post of Chief Secretary is a highly sensitive post…[Chief Secretary is a] lynchpin in the administration and smooth functioning of the administration requires that there should be complete rapport and understanding between the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister. …” Similarly, Salil Sabhlok (2013) says: “it may be necessary for [the] Chief Minister of a State to appoint a ‘suitable’ person as a Chief Secretary or the Director General of Police…because both the State Government or the Chief Minister and the appointee share a similar vision of the administrative goals and requirements of the State. The underlying premise also is that the State Government or the Chief Minister has confidence that the appointee will deliver the goods, as it were, and both are administratively quite compatible with each other. If there is a loss of confidence or the compatibility comes to an end…”</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Differentiate between Governor and Lt.Governor under the Indian law.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> In India each state has a ceremonial Governor appointed by the President of India. Governor is the head of the state. Generally, a Governor is appointed for each state, but after the 7th Constitutional Amendment, 1956, a Governor can be appointed for more than one state.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Lieutenant-Governor is the head of a Union Territory. However the rank is present only in the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Delhi and Pondicherry (the other territories have an administrator appointed).</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Thus, Governors head the State Government in the states while Lieutenant-Governors exist in some union territories and in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Governors and Lieutenant-Governors are appointed by the President for a term of 5 years.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. What is Codex Alimentarius? Describe its work.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> The Codex Alimentarius (Latin for "Book of Food") is a collection of internationally recognized standards, codes of practice, guidelines and other recommendations relating to foods, food production and food safety.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Its texts are developed and maintained by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, a body that was established in 1961 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). World Health Organization (WHO) is associated with it. The Commission's main goals are to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair practices in the international food trade. The Codex Alimentarius is recognized by the World Trade Organization as an international reference point for the resolution of disputes concerning food safety and consumer protection. As of 2012, there were the 186 members.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Codex Alimentarius covers all foods, whether processed, semi-processed or raw. In addition to standards for specific foods, the Codex Alimentarius contains general standards covering matters such as food labeling, food hygiene, food additives and pesticide residues, and procedures for assessing the safety of foods derived from modern biotechnology. It also contains guidelines for the management of official i.e. governmental import and export inspection and certification systems for foods.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">* Remember, Maggie Noodles of Nestle is in news for violating food safety rules in Uttar Pradesh.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">What is Bitcoin?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bitcoin is a new type of money that is almost entirely virtual. It's like an online version of cash. We can use it to buy products and services, but not many shops accept Bitcoin yet.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Is it a currency?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bitcoin is commonly referred to with terms like: digital currency, digital cash, virtual currency, electronic currency, or crypto currency Its inventor, Satoshi Nakamoto, used the term electronic cash. Bitcoins have 3 useful qualities in a currency, according to the Economist (2015): they are "hard to earn, limited in supply and easy to verify".</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">How does Bitcoin work?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Each Bitcoin is basically a computer file which is stored in a 'digital wallet' app on a smartphone or computer. People can send Bitcoins to our digital wallet, and we can send Bitcoins to other people. Every single transaction is recorded in a public list called the blockchain. This makes it possible to trace the history of Bitcoins so people can't spend coins they do not own or make copies.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">How do people get Bitcoins?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">There are three main ways people get Bitcoins.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">• You can buy Bitcoins using 'real' money. At the moment one Bitcoin costs about £500.<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />• You can sell things and let people pay you with Bitcoins.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">• Or they can be created using a computer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">How are new Bitcoins created?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In order for the Bitcoin system to work, people can make their computer process transactions for everybody. The computers are made to work out incredibly difficult sums. Occasionally they are rewarded with a Bitcoin for the owner to keep. People set up powerful computers just to try and get Bitcoins. This is called mining. But the sums are becoming more and more difficult to stop too many Bitcoins being generated. If one started mining now it could be years before she got a single Bitcoin. One could end up spending more money on electricity for your computer than the Bitcoin would be worth.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Why are Bitcoins valuable?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">There are many financial assets other than money which we consider valuable like gold and diamonds. The Aztecs used cocoa beans as money! Bitcoins are valuable because people are willing to exchange them for real goods and services, and even cash.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Why do people want Bitcoins?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Some people like the fact that Bitcoin is not controlled by the government or banks. That means there are no taxes or bank fees to pay, at least for now. People can also spend their Bitcoins fairly anonymously. Although all transactions are recorded, nobody would know which 'account number' was yours unless you told them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Is it secure?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Every transaction is recorded publicly so it's very difficult to copy Bitcoins, make fake ones or spend ones you don't own. It is possible to lose our Bitcoin wallet or delete our Bitcoins and lose them forever. There have also been thefts from websites that let us store our Bitcoins remotely. The value of Bitcoins goes up and down a lot, so it's impossible to say whether it's safe to turn our 'real' money into Bitcoins.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">What are the advantages?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">• Portfolio diversification</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">• Another vehicle for savings</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">• Safe in the face of banks going bankrupt</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">• Risk-return ratio is high</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">What are the issues?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1. RBI should know how much such virtual currency is in circulation as a part of money supply estimates</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2. Money should be accounted for (Income Tax)</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">3. It should not be drug or terror money</span></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;"></span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;"></span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;"></span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;"></span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;"></span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;"></span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;"></span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;"></span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;"></span><br />
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">4. The use of bitcoin by criminals has attracted the attention of financial regulators, legislative bodies, law enforcement, and media.</span></span></div>
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Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-53067853981657910722016-09-15T23:54:00.002-07:002016-09-15T23:54:58.255-07:00Sriram's IAS Questions and Answers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Write on the recent history of Sinai Peninsula and the reasons why it is in news.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> The Sinai Peninsula is a triangular peninsula in Egypt. It is situated between the Mediterranean Sea to the north, and the Red Sea to the south, and is the only part of Egyptian territory located in Asia, as opposed to Africa, serving as a land bridge between two continents. Israel invaded and occupied Sinai during the Suez Crisis of 1956, and during the Six-Day War of 1967. By 1982, as a result of Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty of 1979( Camp David Agreement), Israel had withdrawn from all of the Sinai Peninsula.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Today, Sinai has become a tourist destination due to its natural setting, rich coral reefs, and biblical history. Mount Sinai is one of the most religiously significant places in Abrahamic faiths.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ISIS launched terror attacks in Sinai in July 2015 that killed about 70 people.</span></span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. What is disruptive technology? Give ample examples.</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans. </strong>A disruptive technology is one that displaces an established technology and shakes up the industry or a ground-breaking product that creates a completely new industry. Here are a few examples of disruptive technologies:</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; color: #999999; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-top: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The personal computer (PC) displaced the typewriter and forever changed the way we work and communicate.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Windows operating system's combination of affordability and a user-friendly interface was instrumental in the rapid development of the personal computing industry in the 1990s.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Personal computing disrupted the television industry, as well as a great number of other activities.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Email transformed the way we communicating, largely displacing letter-writing and disrupting the postal and greeting card industries. <br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Cell phones made it possible for people to call us anywhere and disrupted the telecom industry.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The laptop computer and mobile computing made a mobile workforce possible and made it possible for people to connect to corporate networks and collaborate from anywhere. In many organizations, laptops replaced desktops.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Smartphones largely replaced cell phones and PDAs and, because of the available apps, also disrupted: pocket cameras, MP3 players, calculators and GPS devices, among many other possibilities. For some mobile users, smartphones often replace laptops. Others prefer a tablet.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Cloud computing has been a hugely disruptive technology in the business world, displacing many resources that would conventionally have been located in-house or provided as a traditionally hosted service.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Social networking has had a major impact on the way we communicate and -- especially for personal use -- disrupting telephone, email, instant messaging and event planning.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">E-commerce is disrupting physical departmental stores and malls.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Thus, it is a technology that significantly alters the way that businesses operate. A disruptive technology may force companies to alter the way that they approach their business, risk losing market share or risk becoming irrelevant. Recent examples of disruptive technologies include smart phones and the e-commerce retailing. Clayton Christensen popularized the idea of disruptive technologies in the book “The Innovator's Dilemma” in 1997.</span></span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. What is "shock therapy" in economics? Critically comment.</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> it is a sudden and dramatic change in national economic policy that turns a state-controlled economy into a free-market one. Characteristics of shock therapy include the ending of price controls, the privatization of publicly-owned entities and trade liberalization. Shock therapy is intended to cure economic maladies such as hyperinflation, shortages and other effects of market controls in order to jump-start economic production, reduce unemployment and improve living standards.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Shock therapy can trigger a rough transition while prices increase from their controlled levels and people in formerly state-owned companies lose their jobs, creating citizen unrest that may lead to forced changes in a country's political leadership.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The opposite of shock therapy, gradualism, indicates a slow and steady transition from a controlled to an open economy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">It was implemented in Russia and its erstwhile communist partners in eastern and central europe in 1990's and early last decade.</span></span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Differentiate between Bank Run, Bank Panic and Systemic Bank Crisis. What can be the Causes and Remedies?</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> Bank run is a situation that occurs when a large number of banks or other financial institution's customers withdraw their deposits simultaneously due to concerns about the bank's solvency. It may be beginning to happen in Greece as rthere is uncertainty about Greece's future in the Eurozone.As more people withdraw their funds, the probability of default increases, thereby prompting more people to withdraw their deposits. In extreme cases, the bank's reserves may not be sufficient to cover the withdrawals. A bank run is typically the result of panic, rather than a true insolvency on the part of the bank; however, the bank does risk default as more and more individuals withdraw funds - what began as panic can turn into a true default situation.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Because banks typically keep only a small percentage of deposits as cash on hand, they must increase cash to meet depositors' withdrawal demands. One method a bank uses to quickly increase cash on hand is to sell off its assets, sometimes at significantly lower prices than if it did not have to sell quickly. Losses on selling the assets at lower prices can cause a bank to become insolvent.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">A "bank panic" occurs when multiple banks endure runs at the same time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">A systemic banking crisis is one where all or almost all of the banking capital in a country is wiped out. Something like what happened in 2008 in the USA after the Lehman bankrupcy was filed. The resulting chain of bankruptcies can cause a long economic recession as domestic businesses and consumers are starved of capital as the domestic banking system shuts down.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Several techniques have been used to try to prevent or mitigate the effects of bank runs. They have included government bailouts of banks, supervision and regulation of commercial banks, central banks acting as a lender of last resort, the protection of deposit insurance systems and after a run has started, a temporary suspension of withdrawals.</span></span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Why does Raghuram Rajan think that 1929 type of Crash could recur soon?</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> In order to comprehend Raghuram Rajan's warning, the causes of 1930's Depression as they were linked to the Stock Crash of 1929 need to be understood.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The 1929 crash brought the Roaring Twenties to a shuddering halt. The crash marked the beginning of widespread and long-lasting consequences for the United States. Businesses found it difficult securing capital markets investments for new projects and expansions. Business uncertainty affected job security for employees, and as the American worker (the consumer) faced uncertainty with regards to income, the propensity to consume declined. The decline in stock prices caused bankruptcies and severe macroeconomic difficulties including contraction of credit, business closures, firing of workers, bank failures and other economic depressing events.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The resultant rise of mass unemployment is seen as a result of the crash. The Wall Street Crash is usually seen as having the greatest impact on the events that followed and therefore is widely regarded as signaling the downward economic slide that initiated the Great Depression. The consequences were dire for almost everybody. It wiped out billions of dollars of wealth in one day, and this immediately depressed consumer buying.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">About 4,000 banks and other lenders ultimately failed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Exuberance on stock markets drove the crisis. According to Raghuram Rajan, same could be happening now also with stock markets going higher by the day with real economy not supporting it and thus financial bubbles building that could eventually take down the real and financial economy with it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. What is the rationale for gender sensitization training for police?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans. </strong>In order to make police officers behave and act in a gender sensitive manner in cases of violence against women and in the discharge of their duties in general, there is an urgent need to conduct gender sensitization training courses for police. At present, the concept of gender is grossly misunderstood by a large majority of police officers. There is also a lack of proper awareness of the prevailing gender inequalities among police officers. Even if there is awareness, the cult of masculinity prevailing in the police organizations does not easily permit a change in the attitude and behaviour of male police personnel toward women. The stereotypes held by the police about sexual violence/harassment and domestic violence (blaming the victim etc) indicate the general attitude of police towards women. The following findings of a research study about the opinion of male police personnel regarding the role of women colleagues also reflect the attitude of a majority of police officers towards women and the lack of awareness about the concept of gender:- </span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1. There is no need to integrate women into the mainstream of police. <br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />2. Women police personnel should be given specific tasks related to women and children. <br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />3. Women are not enthusiastic about their jobs. <br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />4. Women may work as cooks in the police mess.<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />5. Women should escort only female prisoners and not male prisoners. <br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />6. Women should not be engaged in operations against militants, extremists and insurgents. <br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />7. Women police officers are very gentle and are not capable of handling hardened criminals.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In order to remove the prejudices and biases of police officers towards women in general and women victims as well as women colleagues in particular and to develop in them the required professionalism (in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes) for dealing with cases of violence against women more effectively, it is imperative that all State police organizations undertake suitable initiatives, including organizing of training programmes to sensitize the police personnel at all levels. Such biases have serious consequences for morale of women, justice meted out to them, entry of women into police force etc.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Discuss India’s Defense Offset policy, rationale and its advantages.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> The global arms trade is increasingly becoming a two-way process. Instead of the traditional off-the-shelf procurement involving goods/ services being exchanged for money, more and more arms buyers are now demanding that some form of work should also directly flow from the contracts they sign with foreign entities. The flow back arrangement in the contract, widely known as offsets, is usually demanded as a certain percentage of the contract value. Offsets are also demanded in various other forms ranging from traditional counter trade practices (barter, buying goods from the purchasing country of defence equipment) to practices such as co-production, investment, and technology transfer. The purpose for demanding offsets also varies from country to country, depending upon their priorities. While some countries seek offsets in the form of foreign investment and the like for general economic development, others demand technology transfer and a definite work share in the items being procured.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">India, predominantly an arms importer country, has evolved its offset policy over the years. Defence Offset Policy will enable creation of local employment, upgradation of technology levels while ensuring substantial increase in both domestic production and export capability. Offset also provides leverage to the domestic industry specifically the SMEs [Small and Medium Enterprises] to enter the sophisticated markets of defence products.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Offset obligations were introduced in 2005 to develop the defence industrial base in the country. It stipulates that for deals worth over Rs. 300 crore, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) has to reinvest 30 per cent of the contract value in the country.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Comment on the role of major powers of the world in Central Asia</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> Central Asia is the core region of the Asian continent and stretches from the Caspian Sea in the west to China in the east and from Afghanistan in the south to Russia in the north. Central Asia includes five republics of the former Soviet Union: Kazakhstan (pop. 17 million), Kyrgyzstan (5.7 million), Tajikistan (8.0 million), Turkmenistan (5.2 million), and Uzbekistan (30 million), for a total population of about 66 million as of 2013–2014. Afghanistan (pop. 31.1 million) is also sometimes included.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Central Asia is rapidly changing after the world started taking more notice of this energy-rich region. Already the flow of capital and expansion of trade is triggering large-scale infrastructure, shipment of goods and flow of people across the region.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Owing to its energy resources and economic potential coupled with radicalism, great powers rivalry in the region has also increased. The major powers have responded in many ways to benefit from region’s strategic and energy resources. Russia is the traditional player and wishes to exert political influence. Moscow has strengthened the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and now it is aggressively pushing the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) to keep Central Asia under its stiff economic control.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The main contestant in the region is China, which has been waiting in the wings, since the Soviet collapse, for fully entering into the region with multiple motives. China considers this region as a source of energy and a critical partner for stabilizing its restive Xinjiang province. China has fully used its geographical proximity to the region and while pursuing an ingenious soft-power policy, it has successfully converted every challenge in Central Asia into an opportunity. China has pursued its interest while using the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a multilateral vehicle for promoting multiple interlocking of economic, security and even cultural ties. In fact, China has rapidly challenged Russian monopoly over Central Asia’s energy exports. Massive infrastructure development including building of pipelines, roads, and railways completed in the recent years are facilitating transport of oil, gas, uranium and other minerals to the Chinese towns. Beijing’s latest Silk Road Economic Belt scheme envisages $40 billion fund for promoting infrastructure, industrial and financial co-operation from Asia to Europe through Central Asia. The countries have quickly pledged support to the ‘Silk Route Belt’ idea for deepening their ancient ties with China. Chinese-led multilateral development institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Shanghai-based BRICS New Development Bank can also be helpful to China.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">During an October 2013 visit to Kazakhstan, Chinese President Xi Jinping outlined his vision of a Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB).SREB will encourage economic development in China’s restive Xinjiang region, and will boost Chinese exports to Central Asia. In addition, expanded land transit allows China to diversify its import and export channels, diffusing risk from maritime lanes still controlled by the U.S. The investment in new infrastructure also cements Chinese economic and, some fear, political influence. Part of the SREB vision is the creation of new institutions with a strong Chinese voice, like the AIIB, that could challenge existing U.S.-led alternatives. China has deployed massive diplomatic, military, academic, and business resources to support the realization of the SREB and this synergy of resources gives its vision the best likelihood of success. While the initial focus is economic, over the long term these developments could even pave the way for increased Chinese-led Asian security cooperation.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The US and its allies remained deeply engaged in the region and used it as a valuable supply hub for the Afghanistan war effort. However, against the backdrop of the crisis in Ukraine, the United States is likely to review its Central Asia strategy. Washington, it seems, is getting concerned about the situation in Central Asia. Russia’s standoff with the West, declining oil prices and overall Western sanctions is already having ripple effects on Central Asian economies, especially on the remittances from millions of migrants from the region working in Russia</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The West is also worried about uncertainty looming in Central Asia stemming from the succession issue of regional leaders.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Europe is also taking a renewed interest in Central Asia following the crisis in Ukraine. The European Union is now trying to import energy directly from the source to offset fears of disruption by Russia. The EU is considering for the 3,300-kilometer Nabucco pipeline project to import gas directly from Azerbaijan and Central Asian nations to the heart of Europe. The EU has unveiled recently a new “Southern Corridor-New Silk Route” strategy for a multiple road, rail and pipeline links between the Caspian area and Europe.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Central Asia and regional and global security</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The region is the northern frontier of the Islamic world hitherto unaffected by fundamentalist wave. There is a major shift to, religious pattern of society, underway in the region. Central Asia is now emerging as the next radical Islamic region. A series of serious explosions and terrorist acts by Islamists have been taking place in Kazakhstan since 2011. The area extending from Chechnya, Ferghana to Xinjiang, comprising 100 million people could form new arc of instability. The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) is more entrenched not only in Af-Pak region but in Central Asia as well. The IMU has strong links with al Qaeda and is now expected to get stronger in Afghanistan after the NATO’s withdrawal. Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has heavily recruited more and more Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Tajiks, and Kyrgyz. China’s concerns in Xinjiang underscore the gravity of extremist threat including from ISIS.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">India’s interests also center around energy, uranium, trade, investment, national security. India “Connect central asia policy 2012” sumps up all these. Our entry into Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in July at Ufa will enable us to some extent to realize these goals.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Discuss the Battle of Waterloo and the impact of it.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> The Battle of Waterloo was fought on Sunday, 18 June 1815, near Waterloo in present-day Belgium, then part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. A French army under the command of Napoleon was defeated by the armies of the Seventh Coalition, comprising an Anglo-allied army under the command of the Duke of Wellington combined with a Prussian army.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Upon Napoleon's return to power in March 1815, many states that had opposed him formed the Seventh Coalition and began to mobilize armies. Two large forces assembled close to the north-eastern border of France. Napoleon chose to attack in the hope of destroying them before they could join in a coordinated invasion of France with other members of the coalition. The defeat at Waterloo ended Napoleon's rule as Emperor of the French.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The bicentenary of Waterloo has prompted renewed attention to the geopolitical and economic legacy of the battle and the century of relative transatlantic peace which followed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Battle ended the First French Empire and the political and military career of Napoleon Bonaparte, one of the greatest commanders and statesmen in history.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">It was followed by almost four decades of international peace in Europe. No further major conflict occurred until the Crimean War. Changes to the configuration of European states, as refashioned after Waterloo, included the formation of the Holy Alliance of reactionary governments intent on repressing revolutionary and democratic ideas. Every generation in Europe up to the outbreak of the First World War looked back at Waterloo as the turning point that dictated the course of subsequent world history. In retrospect, it was seen as the event that ushered in the Concert of Europe, an era characterised by relative peace, material prosperity and technological progress.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Why do we attach "gate" at the end of each scam? It all began with Watergate. Here we go:</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Watergate scandal was a major political scandal that occurred in the United States in the 1970s as a result of the 1972 break-in at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C., and the Nixon administration's attempted cover-up of its involvement. When the conspiracy was scooped up and investigated by the U.S. Congress, the Nixon administration's resistance to its probes led to a constitutional crisis. The term Watergate has come to encompass an array of clandestine and often illegal activities undertaken by members of the Nixon administration. Those activities included such "dirty tricks" as bugging the offices of political opponents and people of whom Nixon or his officials were suspicious. Nixon and his close aides ordered harassment of activist groups and political figures, using the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The scandal led to the discovery of multiple abuses of power by the Nixon administration.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In India we have so many "gates" like Coalgate, Lalitgate and now Chikki-gate. Needless to say, each one of these "gates" threw up its own Bill Gates!</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. What do you understand by the term “Youth”? Can we treat it as a social group?</span></strong></span></span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</span></strong><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> “Youth” is best understood as a period of transition from the dependence of childhood to adulthood’s independence and awareness of our interdependence as members of a community. Youth is a more fluid category than a fixed age-group. However, age is the easiest way to define this group, particularly in relation to education and employment.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The UN, for statistical consistency across regions, defines ‘youth’, as those persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Youth is the time of life when one is young, but often means the time between childhood and adulthood (maturity). Its definitions of a specific age range varies, as youth is not defined chronologically as a stage that can be tied to specific age ranges</span></span></span></div>
<div class="rtejustify" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; color: #999999; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-top: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Young workers are not a homogenous group. There are certain social groups that face distinct disadvantages which, intersecting with the social exclusion experienced by youth, broaden the challenge of their finding opportunities for decent work.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="rtejustify" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; color: #999999; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-top: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In general, young women have more difficulty in securing decent work opportunities. Unemployment rates for young women in the Middle East and North Africa are nearly twice as high as those of young men.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The very young in most countries also face difficulty in securing decent work opportunities. Unemployment rates among ethnic minorities tend to be higher.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. What is "middle income trap" and how can it be avoided?</span></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</span></strong><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> The middle income trap is an economic development situation, where a country which attains a certain income (due to given advantages) will find further growth difficult.The concept was coined in 2007.A country in the middle income trap may lose competitive edge in the export of manufactured goods because wages are on a rising trend. An emerging market brimming with potential really starts growing rapidly, generating growth and prosperity, but as it moves into the middle of the global economic table, growth slows down. Hopes for future wealth diminish. It’s trapped.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For examples of this trend, you might look to Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia, or Thailand, countries that saw per capita income stagnate after achieving middle-income status. There are counter-examples, though: consider South Korea and Taiwan, which went from the range of 10% to 20% of US income up to the 60%-70% range with nary a pause.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Avoiding the middle income trap entails identifying strategies to introduce new processes and find new markets to maintain export growth. Ramping up domestic demand is also important—an expanding middle class can use its increasing purchasing power to buy high-quality, innovative products and help drive growth.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The biggest challenge is moving from resource-driven growth that is dependent on cheap labor and capital to growth based on high productivity and innovation. This requires investments in infrastructure and education--building a high-quality education system which encourages creativity and supports breakthroughs in science and technology.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Justify the Draft National Medical Device Policy 2015.</span></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</span></strong><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> The objective of the National Medical Device Policy 2015 is "strengthening the Make in India drive by reducing dependence on imports and setting up a strong base for medical devices, especially those with critical implications in terms of affordability and availability of patients". The draft policy, which has been put up on the department of pharmaceuticals (DoP) website and communicated to industry bodies and chambers, seeks comments within six weeks, after which a final note will be prepared for Cabinet approval. Medical devices, which are classified as equipment, implants and disposables, are mainly import driven, with nearly 70-80% high-end devices and equipment brought into the country, while the domestic industry manufactures disposables and medical supplies.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Indian medical devices industry is estimated to be worth around $3 billion a year and is largely import-driven. The industry has been demanding a policy that will reverse their present status of “traders” into “manufacturers.” The emphasis of the draft policy is on the “Make in India” and the thrust is to reduce India’s dependence on imports. The draft policy has been formulated so as to work towards making India a global hub of production and innovation in medical devices. Towards this, it details the various measures and concessions that the union government is keen to put in place to help indigenous businesses to face competition, access foreign markets and find new business partners abroad. In the fourth largest market for medical devices in the world, the domestic producers have only a 25% share.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Over the last many months, there have been complaints about overcharging, with regulators investigating cases where patients have coughed up almost three to four times the landed cost (price at which these are imported) for certain devices like cardiac stents and, hence, sold with huge mark-ups of 250-400%.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In a patient-friendly measure, the draft mentions adopting policies on efficacy and safety testing, and quality control through a 'Made in India' marking (BIS) specific to medical devices in line with global standard.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">It proposes creating an autonomous body — the National Medical Devices Authority (NDMA) — pricing control for medical devices by including them under the Essential Commodities Act and, most importantly, floating a separate pricing division in the drug pricing regulator, NPPA.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Significantly, the draft says the government may announce a separate policy for regulating prices of identified medical devices and implement it through a separate medical devices control order. Currently, prices of medicines are notified through the Drug Prices Control Order, by the department of pharmaceuticals.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Elaborate on MERS. Differentiate between MERS and SARS.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> An outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers) has claimed lives in South Korea. The World Health Organization (WHO) says the new coronavirus appears to be passing between people in close contact. It is the biggest outbreak of Mers, which is similar to the Sars virus, outside the Middle East.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">It is a type of coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which includes the common cold and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars).The first Mers fatality was recorded in June 2012 in Saudi Arabia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 449 people have now died from the virus.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mers is a virus that is transmitted from animals to humans. The WHO says that camels are likely to be a source of Mers infection but the exact route of transmission is not yet known. There have been cases where the virus has spread between two people but close contact seems to be needed.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Cases have been confirmed in 25 countries in the Middle East, Europe and Asia. The majority of the cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia. In May 2015, two new countries joined the list: China and South Korea.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Coronaviruses cause respiratory infections in humans and animals. Symptoms are a fever, cough and breathing difficulties. It causes pneumonia and, sometimes, kidney failure.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> It is possible the virus is spread in droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The fact that close contacts appear to have been infected suggests that the virus does have a limited ability to pass from person to person.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Mers is not thought to be very contagious. Up to now, most human cases have been the result of human-to-human transmission in a healthcare setting, the WHO says. How that infection occurs is still not fully understood.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Experts believe the virus is not very contagious. If it were, we would have seen more cases. Coronaviruses are fairly fragile. Outside of the body they can only survive for a day and are easily destroyed by common detergents and cleaning agents.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The greatest global concern, however, is about the potential for this new virus to spread far and wide. So far, person-to-person transmission has remained limited to some small clusters. There is no evidence yet that the virus has the capacity to become pandemic.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Doctors do not yet know what the best treatment is, but people with severe symptoms will need intensive medical care to help them breath. There is no vaccine. As of June 2015, the WHO said about 36% of reported patients with Mers had died.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Experts do not yet know where the virus originated. It may have been the result of a new mutation of an existing virus. Or it may be an infection that has been circulating in animals and has now made the jump to humans.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Coronaviruses are common viruses that most people get some time in their life. Their name comes from the crown-like spikes that cover their surface. Human coronaviruses were first identified in the mid-1960s.Other variants infect many different animals, producing symptoms similar to those in humans.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sars is thought to have infected more than 8,000 people, mainly in China and South-East Asia. Most coronaviruses usually infect only one animal species or, at most, a small number of closely related species. Sars was different: being able to infect people and animals, including monkeys, cats, dogs, and rodents.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sars is thought to have infected more than 8,000 people, mainly in China and South-East Asia, in an outbreak that started in early 2003. The illness spread to more than two dozen countries in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia before the global outbreak was contained. Experts established that Sars could spread by close person-to-person contact. According to the WHO, 774 people died from the infection. Since 2004, there have not been any known cases of Sars reported anywhere in the world.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">It's not known exactly how people catch this virus. However, some general measures may help prevent its spread - avoid close contact, when possible, with anyone who shows symptoms of illness (coughing and sneezing) and maintain good hand hygiene.</span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In the basket of currencies that determine the value of the International Monetary Fund’s reserve asset, the Special Drawing Right (SDR), the following currency does not find a place</span></strong></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a. Euro<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />b. Japanese yen<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />c. British pound<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />d. US dollar</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Choose your answer from below:</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1. b only<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />2. c only<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />3. a only<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />4. None of the above</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. What was the background against which the imposition of national emergency should be understood in India? What was the criticism? How justified is it?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans. </strong>In India, " Emergency" refers to a 21-month period in 1975–77 when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi unilaterally had a state of emergency declared across the country. Officially issued by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed under Article 352(1) of the Constitution for "internal disturbance", the Emergency was in effect from 25 June 1975 until its withdrawal on 21 March 1977.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">It was preceded by turbulence in India for some years. During 1973–75, political unrest against the Indira Gandhi government increased across the country. The most significant of the initial such movement was the Nav Nirman movement in Gujarat, between December 1973 and March 1974. Student unrest against the state's education minister ultimately forced the central government to dissolve the state legislature, leading to the resignation of the chief minister, Chimanbhai Patel, and the imposition of President's rule. After the re-elections in June 1975, Gandhi's party was defeated by the Janata alliance, formed by parties opposed to the ruling Congress party.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Raj Narain, who had been defeated in parliamentary election by Indira Gandhi, lodged cases of election fraud and use of state machinery for election purposes against her in the Allahabad High Court. Shanti Bhushan fought the case for Narain. Gandhi was also cross-examined in the High Court which was the first such instance for an Indian prime minister.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In June 1975, Allahabad High Court found the prime minister guilty on the charge of misuse of government machinery for her election campaign. The court declared her election null and void and unseated her from her seat in the Lok Sabha. The court also banned her from contesting any election for an additional six years.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Strikes in trade, student and government unions swept across the country. Led by JP and Morarji Desai, protestors flooded the streets of Delhi close to the Parliament building and the Prime Minister's residence.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Indira Gandhi challenged the High Court's decision in the Supreme Court. Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer upheld the High Court judgement but she was allowed to continue as Prime Minister. The next day, JP organised a large rally in Delhi, where he said that a police officer must reject the orders of government if the order is immoral and unethical as this was Mahatma Gandhi's motto during the freedom struggle. Such a statement was taken as a sign of inciting rebellion in the country. Indira Gandhi asked President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed to issue a proclamation of a state of emergency. The proposal was sent without discussion with the Union Cabinet, who only learnt of it and ratified it the next morning.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Criticism of the Emergency-era may be grouped as:</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1. Detention of people by police without charge or notification of families</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2. Abuse and torture of detainees and political prisoners</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">3. Use of public and private media institutions, like the national television network Doordarshan, for government propaganda Forced sterilisation.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">4. Destruction of the slum and low-income housing in the Turkmen Gate and Jama Masjid area of old Delhi.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">5. Large-scale and illegal enactment of laws (including modifications to the Constitution).</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">On 18 January 1977, Gandhi called fresh elections for March and released all political prisoners. The Emergency officially ended on 23 March 1977.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Shah Commission was a commission of inquiry appointed by Government of India in 1977 to inquire into all the excesses committed in the Indian Emergency.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Some say that Mrs.Gandhi imposed Emergency for her own survival. Others say that it was called for as the protests did not allow normal functioning of government. The question was: Should the democratically elected government be allowed to function for five years or civil and political agitation be permitted to derail it?</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Describe the "Total revolution" of Jayaprakash Narayan.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> Bihar Movement was a movement initiated by students in Bihar in 1974 and led by the veteran Gandhian socialist Jayaprakash Narayan, popularly known as JP, against misrule of and corruption in the government of Bihar. It later turned against Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's government at the centre. It was also called Total Revolution Movement and JP Movement</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Total Revolution of JP is a combination of seven revolutions, viz., political, social, economic, cultural, ideological or intellectual, educational and spiritual; and the main motive being to bring in a change in the existing society that is in tune with the ideals of the Sarvodaya. JP had a very idealistic notion of society and it is in this endeavor, he shifted from Marxism to Socialism and later towards Sarvodaya.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">By the early 1970s, JP completely withdrew from party and power politics, and concentrated more on social regeneration through peaceful means. In order to better the situation, despite his old age, he embarked on the task of working towards bringing in a complete change in the political and economic life of India.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">JP began to organize youth to save the democracy from degeneration and called this revolution as Total Revolution. The momentum to the movement came when there were agitations in Gujarat and followed in Bihar as well.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In 1974, the Bihar agitations spiralled into massive protests by the people to bring about a change in the political, social and educational system. Explaining the term ‘peoples government’, JP stated that it would be a small unit of democracy at the village, panchayat, or the block level, at all the three levels, if possible.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">These units were regarded as the sources of the power of the people in times of peace, as well injustice or tyranny, and mainly for the reconstruction of the society on the basis of equality and the elimination of poverty, oppression and exploitation. JP further called upon the people of Bihar as well as the entire India to unite by cutting across their individual and party interests.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">His motive behind charging up the Bihar students was to bring about a complete change in the entire governmental structure and the system of Indian polity. It is for this reason he called it a Total Revolution.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">He was aiming at uprooting of corruption from political and social life in India. Besides this, JP wanted to create conditions wherein the people living below the poverty line could get the minimum necessities of life. Thus, total revolution was a device for bringing about a Gandhian humanist version of an ideal society.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Trace the origins of the term "Sarvodaya" and state its post-Independence impact.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> Sarvodaya is a term meaning 'universal uplift' or 'progress of all'. The term was first coined by Mahatma Gandhi as the title of his 1908 translation of John Ruskin's tract on political economy, Unto This Last, and Gandhi came to use the term for the ideal of his own political philosophy. Later Gandhians, like the Indian nonviolence activist Vinoba Bhave, embraced the term as a name for the social movement in post-independence India which strove to ensure that self-determination and equality reached all strata of Indian society.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Gandhi's ideals have lasted well beyond the achievement of one of his chief projects, Indian independence (swaraj). His followers in India (notably, Vinoba Bhave) continued working to promote the kind of society that he envisioned, and their efforts have come to be known as the Sarvodaya Movement. Sarvodaya workers associated with Vinoba, Jaya Prakash Narayan and others undertook various projects aimed at encouraging popular self-organisation during the 1950s and 1960s, including Bhoodan and Gramdan movements. Many groups descended from these networks continue to function locally in India today.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. Partially hydrogenated oils (PHO): Why do we hydrogenate edible oils and what is wrong with it?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> Fatty acids are characterized as either saturated or unsaturated based on the presence of double bonds in its structure. If the molecule contains no double bonds, it is said to be saturated; otherwise, it is unsaturated to some degree.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">To convert soybean, cottonseed, or other liquid oil into a solid shortening, the oil is heated in the presence of hydrogen and a catalyst. That hydrogenation process converts some polyunsaturated fatty acids to monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids. It also converts some monounsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids. Thus, a healthy oil is converted into a harmful one. The problem arises when some of the fatty acids are converted to the “trans” form. The term “trans” comes from the fact that two parts of fatty acid molecules are on opposite sides<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />of double bonds. In the usual “cis” fatty acids, the two parts are on the same side of the double bonds. The degree of hydrogenation determines how solid the final product will be</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hydrogenated oils - treating with hydrogen- are more stable than corresponding natural oils with unsaturated fats. Saturated fats are mostly found in animal sources (Butter, Ghee etc) which are scarce and hence expensive. Oils from vegetable sources are mostly unsaturated, abundant and less expensive. So, partial hydrogenation of less expensive unsaturated fats from vegetable sources is an attractive commercial proposition. They are not only stable and make the fried food product last longer but also adds to the taste. That is why we find widespread use in commercial cooking in Breads, Cookies, Cream Biscuits, Sweets, fried snacks, chocolates and ice creams.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The primary health risk identified for trans fat consumption is an elevated risk of coronary heart disease. The reason is trans fat increases the level of LDL or bad cholesterol and decreases HDL or good cholesterol. Other ill-effects are Alzheimer’s disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Obesity, Liver dysfunction and infertility in women.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Artificial trans fat will be phased out in the USA as Food and Drug Administration has determined that its main source, partially hydrogenated oils, are not safe for human consumption. The FDA wants that food manufacturers must stop using partially hydrogenated oils within three years.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Red and Blue Notices of Interpol</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">An Interpol notice is an international alert used by police to communicate information about crimes, criminals and threats to their counterparts around the world. They are circulated by Interpol to all member states at the request of a member or an authorised international entity. The information disseminated via notices concerns individuals wanted for serious crimes, missing persons, unidentified bodies, possible threats, prison escapes etc.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">There are eight types, seven of which are colour-coded by their function: Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Black, Orange, and Purple. The most well-known notice is the Red Notice which is the "closest instrument to an international arrest warrant in use today."</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Red Notice:</strong> To seek the location and arrest of a person wanted by a judicial jurisdiction or an international tribunal with a view to his/her extradition.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Blue Notice:</strong> To locate, identify or obtain information on a person of interest in a criminal investigation.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Green Notice:</strong> To warn about a person’s criminal activities if that person is considered to be a possible threat to public safety.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">MCQ</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">AP Shah committee was recently set up by the Union Government for the following purpose</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1. to look into the minimum alternate tax (MAT)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />2. General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR)<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />3. mobilisation of resources for major railway projects<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />4. Euthanasia</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. How revolutionary is the "organ on a chip" technology?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> The paradigm used by pharmaceutical companies to discover and develop new drugs is broken. Clinical studies take years to complete and testing a single compound can cost more than $2 million. Meanwhile, innumerable animal lives are lost, and the process often fails to predict human responses because traditional animal models do not accurately mimic human physiology. For these reasons, the pharmaceutical industry needs alternative ways to screen drug candidates in the laboratory. Therefore, organ chips are being tried.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">An organ-on-a-chip (OC) is a multi-channel 3-D microfluidic cell culture chip that simulates the activities, mechanics and physiological response of entire organs and organ systems. It constitutes the subject matter of significant biomedical engineering research, more precisely in bio-MEMS. The convergence of labs-on-chips (LOCs) and cell biology has permitted the study of human physiology in an organ-specific context, introducing a novel model of in vitro multicellular human organisms. Soon, they will perhaps abolish the need for animals in drug development and toxin testing.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Research Institutes are engineering microchips that recapitulate the microarchitecture and functions of living organs, such as the lung, heart, and intestine. These microchips, called organs-on-chips, could soon form an accurate alternative to traditional animal testing. Each individual organ-on-chip is composed of a clear flexible polymer about the size of a computer memory stick that contains hollow microfluidic channels lined by living human cells. Because the microdevices are translucent, they provide a window into the inner workings of human organs.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">However, building valid artificial organs requires not only a precise cellular manipulation, but a detailed understanding of the human body’s fundamental intricate response to any event.</span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. As far as bad loans of banks are concerned, who is a wilful defaulter and what can be done?</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> Wilful default broadly covers the following:</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a. Deliberate non-payment of the dues despite adequate cash flow and good networth;<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />b. Siphoning off of funds to the detriment of the defaulting unit;<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />c. Assets financed either not been purchased or been sold and proceeds have been misutilised;<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />d. Misrepresentation / falsification of records;<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />e. Disposal / removal of securities without bank's knowledge;<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />f. Fraudulent transactions by the borrower.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Steps to be taken</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1. While dealing with wilful default of a single borrowing company in a Group, the banks / FIs should consider the track record of the individual company, with reference to its repayment performance to its lenders. However, in cases where a letter of comfort and / or the guarantees furnished by the companies within the Group on behalf of the wilfully defaulting units are not honoured when invoked by the banks / FIs, such Group companies should also be reckoned as wilful defaulters.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2. Role of auditors: In case any falsification of accounts on the part of the borrowers is observed by the banks / FIs, and if it is observed that the auditors were negligent or deficient in conducting the audit, they should lodge a formal complaint against the auditors of the borrowers with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) to enable the ICAI to examine and fix accountability of the auditors.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">3. Grievances Redressal Mechanism should be set up</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">4. Banks/FIs should take quick measures in identifying and reporting instances of wilful default:like : decisions to classify the borrower as wilful defaulter should be entrusted to a Committee of higher functionaries headed by the Executive Director and consisting of two GMs/DGMs as decided by the Board of the concerned bank/FI; The decision taken on classification of wilful defaulters should be well documented and supported by requisite evidence. The decision should clearly spell out the reasons for which the borrower has been declared as wilful defaulter vis-à-vis RBI guidelines.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">5. Monitoring of End Use</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">6. Criminal Action by Banks / FIs: It is essential to recognise that there is scope even under the existing legislations to initiate criminal action against wilful defaulters depending upon the facts and circumstances of the case under the provisions of Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. What is extradition and how far is extradition a judicial process?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> Extradition is the legal process by which a person is transferred from one place to another without the person’s consent. This is a legal method to prevent people from evading justice. When a person commits a crime in a state and then goes to a different one, the person can be sent back to face charges in the state where the crime was committed. Generally, a country’s power to arrest a fugitive only extends within its borders. If there is no provision for extradition, people can evade justice by moving from one place to another. Extradition treaties are signed between nations with the intention to transfer criminals from a requested country to a requesting country. International extradition is allowed by nations only after imposing conditions to the process. When an extradition treaty is signed, the parties to the treaty provide the offenses for which an individual can be extradited. International extradition matters are negotiated by the executive branch of federal government.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Role of judiciary</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">However, even if the executive branch is in favor of the foreign nation’s request, extradition requests can be turned down by the judicial branch. The judiciary can dismiss an extradition request if the charges the foreign government leveled against the captive are not crimes in the country where the criminal has escaped to. The judicial branch can also dismiss an extradition request if the captive has a reasonable fear of facing cruel and unusual punishment if s/he was extradited, or if the captive had a reasonable fear that s/he would not face a fair trial.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">A nation cannot surrender a fugitive to another nation or demand return of an offender from the nation if it is against the constitution of the nation.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In India the provisions of Indian Extradition Act, 1962, govern the extradition of a fugitive from India to a foreign country or vice-versa. The basis of extradition could be a treaty between India and a foreign country.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Underworld don and prime accused in the Mumbai blasts Abu Salem was extradited from Portugal along with wife Monica Bedi.<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />When India requested Portugal government for the extradition of Abu Salem, Portuguese court ordered their extradition after the Indian government, through its lawyer, gave an assurance that if convicted they would not be sentenced to death. The assurance was given since European law prohibits extradition of any accused to such a country where capital punishment is in vogue. As per the Portuguese Constitution, no one can be extradited in respect of offences punishable by death penalty under the law of the state requesting extradition.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">* Lalit Modi episode fallout</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Que. What is Magna Carta? Why is it important? How is it relevant today?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ans.</strong> Magna Carta, which means ‘The Great Charter’, is one of the most important documents in history as it established the principle that everyone is subject to the law, even the king, and guarantees the rights of individuals, the right to justice and the right to a fair trial.In 1215 King John agreed to the terms of the Magna Carta following the uprising of a group of rebel barons in England.Magna Carta was created as a peace treaty between the king and the rebels.Magna Carta, among other things, gives all English subjects the right to justice and a fair trial. It says: “No free man shall be seized or imprisoned, or stripped of his rights or possessions, or outlawed or exiled, or deprived of his standing in any other way, nor will we proceed with force against him, or send others to do so, except by the lawful judgement of his equals or by the law of the land.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Why is it significant today?</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Magna Carta is considered one of the first steps taken in England towards establishing parliamentary democracy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">What wider role has it played?</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">There are strong influences from the Magna Carta in the American Bill of Rights, written in 1791. Indian Constitution has Fundamental Rights that were inspired by American Bill of Rights.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: tahoma, geneva, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Even more recently, the basic principles of the Magna Carta are seen very clearly in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.</span></span></div>
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Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-30484688090731979352016-08-08T22:15:00.001-07:002016-08-08T22:16:23.362-07:00Civil services 2016 Key for Prelims PAPER 1 And PAPER 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi friends,<br />
<br />
Here is the link for set wise key 2016 CIVIL SERVICES PAPAER 1 and PAPER 2 with expected cutoff for all categories.<br />
<br />
<br />
I had verified the key I am getting 130 marks in paper 1.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://neostencil.com/upsc-prelims-2016-answer-key-prelims-cut-off/" target="_blank">http://neostencil.com/upsc-prelims-2016-answer-key-prelims-cut-off/</a></div>
Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-36802642814529003062016-06-14T20:47:00.001-07:002016-06-14T20:47:28.356-07:00TPP What it is all about..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
R<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">The largest regional trade accord in history, the Trans-Pacific Partnership would set new terms for trade and business investment among the United States and 11 other Pacific Rim nations — a far-flung group with an annual </span><a class="meta-classifier" href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/u/united_states_economy/gross_domestic_product/index.html?inline=nyt-classifier" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: none;" title="More articles about the U.S. gross domestic product.">gross domestic product</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"> of nearly $28 trillion that represents roughly 40 percent of global G.D.P. and one-third of world trade.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #454545;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/06/business/trans-pacific-partnership-trade-deal-is-reached.html" style="text-decoration: none;">The agreement reached by trade ministers on Monday</a> in Atlanta, the result of five days of round-the-clock talks, came after a dispiriting failure to reach consensus in Hawaii in late July.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The product of 10 years of negotiations, the agreement is a hallmark victory for <a class="meta-per" href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/o/barack_obama/index.html?inline=nyt-per" style="text-decoration: none;" title="More articles about Barack Obama">President Obama</a> who has pushed for a foreign-policy “pivot” to the Pacific rim. But the Trans-Pacific Partnership now takes center stage on Capitol Hill, where it remains politically divisive.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In June, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/25/business/obama-bolsters-his-leverage-with-trade-victory-but-at-a-cost.html" style="text-decoration: none;">Mr. Obama successfully overcame opposition from Democrats to win trade promotion authority</a>: the power to negotiate trade deals that cannot be amended or filibustered by Congress. He must now convince Congress — his fellow Democrats, in particular — to approve the trade deal. Lawmakers have 90 days to review the pact’s details.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The debate in Congress will put all the elements of the trade pact under scrutiny. It would be the final step for United States adoption of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the most ambitious trade deal since the North American Free Trade Agreement in the 1990s.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Why Has the Pact Been So Divisive?</span></h4>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Supporters say it would be <a href="https://ustr.gov/tpp" style="text-decoration: none;" title="The website of the Office of the United States Trade Representative.">a boon for all the nations involved</a>, that it would “unlock opportunities” and “address vital 21st-century issues within the global economy,” and that it is written in a way to encourage more countries, possibly even China, to sign on. Passage in Congress is one of President Obama’s final goals in office, but he faces stiff opposition from nearly all of his fellow Democrats.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Opponents in the United States see the pact as <a href="http://www.citizen.org/TPP" style="text-decoration: none;" title="Public Citizen's web page on the pact. ">mostly a giveaway to business</a>, encouraging further export of manufacturing jobs to low-wage nations while limiting competition and encouraging higher prices for pharmaceuticals and other high-value products by spreading American standards for patent protections to other countries. A provision allowing multinational corporations to challenge regulations and court rulings before special tribunals <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/26/business/trans-pacific-partnership-seen-as-door-for-foreign-suits-against-us.html" style="text-decoration: none;" title="Related article in The Times. ">is drawing intense opposition</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Why This, Why Now?</span></h4>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The pact is a major component of President Obama’s “pivot” to Asia. It is seen as a way to bind Pacific trading partners closer to the United States while raising a challenge to Asia’s rising power, China, which has pointedly been excluded from the deal, at least for now.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It is seen as a means to address a number of festering issues that have become stumbling blocks as global trade has soared, including e-commerce, financial services and cross-border Internet communications.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There are also traditional trade issues involved. The United States is eager to establish formal trade agreements with five of the nations involved — Japan, Malaysia, Brunei, New Zealand and Vietnam — and strengthen Nafta, its current agreement with Canada and Mexico.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Moreover, as efforts at global trade deals have faltered (such as the World Trade Organization’s Doha round), the Trans-Pacific Partnership is billed as an “open architecture” document written to ease adoption by additional Asian nations, and to provide a potential template to other initiatives underway, like the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">What Are Some of the Issues Addressed by the Pact?</span></h4>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong>Tariffs and Quotas</strong> Long used to protect domestic industries from cheaper goods from overseas, tariffs on imports were once a standard, robust feature of trade policy, and generated much of the revenue for the United States Treasury in the 19th century. After the Depression and World War II, the United States led a movement toward freer trade.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Today, the United States and most developed countries have few tariffs, but some remain. The United States, for example, protects the domestic sugar market from lower-priced global suppliers and imposes tariffs on imported shoes, while Japan has steep surcharges on agricultural products including rice, beef and dairy. The pact is an effort to create a Pacific Rim free-trade zone.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong>Environmental, Labor and Intellectual Property Standards</strong> United States negotiators stress that the Pacific agreement seeks to level the playing field by imposing rigorous labor and environmental standards on trading partners, and supervision of intellectual property rights.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong>Data Flows</strong> The Pacific trade pact to address a number of issues that have arisen since previous agreements were negotiated. One is that countries agree not to block cross-border transfers of data over the Internet, and not require that servers be located in the country in order to conduct business in that country. This proposal has drawn concerns from some countries, Australia among them, that it could conflict with privacy laws and regulations against personal data stored offshore.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong>Services</strong> A big aim of the Pacific pact is enhancing opportunities for service industries, which account for most of the private jobs in the American economy. The United States has a competitive advantage in a range of services, including finance, engineering, software, education, legal and information technology. Although services are not subject to tariffs, nationality requirements and restrictions on investing are used by many developing countries to protect local businesses.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong>State-Operated Businesses</strong> United States negotiators have discussed the need to address favoritism often granted to state-owned business — those directly or indirectly owned by the government. Although Vietnam and Malaysia have many such corporations, the United States has some too (the Postal Service and Fannie Mae, for example). The final agreement may include terms that seek to insure some competitive neutrality while keeping the door open to China’s future acceptance of the pact.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Why Hasn’t China Been In on the Talks?</span></h4>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">China has never expressed interest in joining the negotiations, but in the past has viewed the pact with concern, seeing a potential threat as the United States tries to tighten its relationship with Asian trading partners. But lately, as the talks have accelerated, senior Chinese officials <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/29/business/international/once-concerned-china-is-quiet-about-trans-pacific-trade-deal.html" style="text-decoration: none;" title="Related article in The Times.">have sounded more accepting of the potential deal</a>, and have even hinted that they might want to participate at some point. At the same time, the deal provides China some cover as it pursues its own trade agreements in the region, such as the Silk Road initiative in Central Asia.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">United States officials, while making clear that they see the pact as part of an effort to counter China’s influence in the region, say they are hopeful that the pact’s “open architecture” eventually prompts China to join, along with other important economic powers like South Korea.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Shadow of Nafta, and the Debate in Washington</span></h4>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Nafta, signed by President Bill Clinton in 1993, helped lead to a boom in trade among the United States, Mexico and Canada. All three countries exported more goods and services to the other two, cross-border investments grew, and the United States economy has added millions of jobs since then. But of course not all those trends were attributable to Nafta, and the benefits were not equal: The United States had a small trade surplus with Mexico when the pact was signed, but that quickly became a trade deficit that has widened to more than $50 billion a year.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Critics of Nafta also point out that job growth in the United States does not account for the loss of jobs to Mexico or Canada; the A.F.L.-C.I.O. contends about 700,000 United States jobs have been lost or displaced because of Nafta.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Nafta was a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1993/11/19/us/the-free-trade-accord-how-clinton-won-56-long-days-of-coordinated-persuasion.html" style="text-decoration: none;" title="Related article in The Times.">significant victory for President Clinton</a> after a difficult congressional battle, where he won support from just enough fellow Democrats to ensure passage. The votes were 234 to 200 in the House, and 61 to 38 in the Senate.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">President Obama may yet win that kind of outcome. Working with Republican leadership in the House and Senate, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/25/business/trade-pact-senate-vote-obama.html" style="text-decoration: none;" title="Related article in The Times.">he gained final approval for trade promotion authority</a>, a critical step that allows the White House to present the trade package to Congress for a straight up-or-down vote, without amendments.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But the tortuous legislative process <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/25/business/obama-bolsters-his-leverage-with-trade-victory-but-at-a-cost.html" style="text-decoration: none;" title="News analysis in The Times.">further soured relations</a> with many fellow Democrats, as well as unions and progressive groups, who vehemently oppose the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Many Democrats said the president would have to address their concerns over labor and environmental standards and investor protections when he returns to Congress seeking approval of the trade deal.</span></div>
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Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-71268776234714128552016-06-14T20:41:00.000-07:002016-06-14T20:41:02.230-07:00Kelkar committee recommendations on PPP<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Kelkar chalks out rules for PPP revival</u></span></span></h4>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 28.8px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">An expert panel led by former Finance Secretary, Vijay Kelkar, has called for swift amendments to the anti-corruption law and an endorsement from the Parliament for a new policy for public private partnerships or PPPs that balances risk-sharing between private and public partners, in order to spur infrastructure building.</span></div>
<ul style="border: 0px; color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 28.8px; list-style: none; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The report, which was released by the government recently, said rebooting PPPs is an urgent priority to take advantage of the ‘historical conjunction of the country’s infrastructure needs and the availability of long-term funding’.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The report also highlighted that it is critical for India to make the leap from a low-income country to a high-income one in two to three decades, else it risks falling into a ‘middle income’ trap.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The panel has also asked the government to actively ‘discourage’ the ‘Swiss Challenge’ for auctioning infrastructure projects, under which any bidder can offer to improve upon a project proposal submitted by another player. This model has been adopted by the government since July to redevelop 400 railway stations.</span></li>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Highlights of the report:</span></div>
<ul style="border: 0px; color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 28.8px; list-style: none; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The report notes that India’s success in deploying PPPs as an important instrument for creating infrastructure will depend on a change in attitude of all authorities dealing with PPPs-public agencies, government departments supervising and auditing and legislative institutions.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The panel has asked the Government to take early action to amend the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 which does not distinguish between genuine errors in decision-making and acts. This is necessary to make only malafide action by public servants punishable and not errors.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The report also underlines the need to further strengthen the three key pillars of PPP frameworks namely Governance, Institutions and Capacity, to build on the established foundation for the next wave of implementation.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The report asks for an independent regulatory with a unified mandate that encompasses activities in different infrastructure sub sectors to ensure harmonized performance by the regulators.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The panel has also asked the government to issue model concession agreements only when 80% of the land for a project has been acquired.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The panel is against adopting PPP structures for very small projects, since the benefits of delivering small PPP projects may not be commensurate with the resulting costs and the complexity of managing such partnerships over a long period.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The panel has recommended the government to notify comprehensive guidelines on the applicability and scope of access to, under RTI and Art 12 of the Constitution, and auditing of financial related matters in order to avoid any delays in public asset provision.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The report asks the government to encourage banks and financial institution to issue Deep Discount Bonds or Zero Coupon Bonds (ZCB) to mobilise long term capital at low cost.</span></li>
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<div style="border: 0px; color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 28.8px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The committee has also favoured disallowing statutory audit into the books of special purpose vehicle formed under the companies act.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">sources: the hindu, pib.</span></div>
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Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-2476888281274096332016-06-14T20:30:00.000-07:002016-06-14T20:31:53.967-07:00Download Insights test series VV Imp..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Please read all the test series with the explanation you may get atleast 25 to 40 questions in those topics.. ALL THE BEST<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/mobile/folders/0B-7pRR2ueeZTU19kWm14VnZ4Nm8?usp=folder&sort=13&direction=a" target="_blank">https://drive.google.com/drive/mobile/folders/0B-7pRR2ueeZTU19kWm14VnZ4Nm8?usp=folder&sort=13&direction=a</a></div>
Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-72995011175907998332016-05-13T05:25:00.000-07:002016-05-13T05:25:03.046-07:00List of schemes of govt of India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Please access the below link for all schemes of govt of India<br />
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<a href="https://doc-0s-38-docs.googleusercontent.com/docs/securesc/ha0ro937gcuc7l7deffksulhg5h7mbp1/fdafl5kkkinf6137563b3sris9ikpurv/1463126400000/08187129906965698182/*/0BzdbbasVhRLtOFc2aW5KTXNXc2M?e=download" target="_blank">https://doc-0s-38-docs.googleusercontent.com/docs/securesc/ha0ro937gcuc7l7deffksulhg5h7mbp1/fdafl5kkkinf6137563b3sris9ikpurv/1463126400000/08187129906965698182/*/0BzdbbasVhRLtOFc2aW5KTXNXc2M?e=download</a></div>
Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-9589537041742612512016-05-13T05:22:00.001-07:002016-05-13T05:22:29.327-07:00Insolveny Act passed in Parliament <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Big Boost to Ease of Doing Business- Passing of Bankruptcy Code; Code is a comprehensive and systemic reform, which will give a quantum leap to the functioning of the credit market and would take India from among relatively weak insolvency regimes to becoming one of the world's best insolvency regimes; Vision of the new law is to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.<br />
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History was created on 11th May, 2016 when the Rajya Sabha passed the major Economic Reform Bill moved by the Government i.e. ‘Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,2016’. With the passing of this Bill, India has crossed an important milestone in becoming a world class economy. The Lok Sabha had already passed the Bill on 5th May, 2016.<br />
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Hitherto India was lacking the legal and institutional machinery for dealing with debt defaults as per the global standards. The recovery proceedings by creditors, either through the Contract Act or through special laws such as the Recovery of Debts due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993 and the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002, has not had desired outcomes. Similarly, action through the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985 (SICA) and the winding up provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 have neither been able to aid recovery for lenders nor restructuring of firms. Laws dealing with individual insolvency, the Presidency Towns Insolvency Act, 1909 and the Provincial Insolvency Act, 1920, were almost a century old. This has hampered the confidence of the lender and development of the credit markets in India. Resultantly, credit by banks is the largest component of the credit market in India and corporate bond market has not yet developed to the desired level.<br />
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The Government decided to embark on a fundamental and systemic reform which would address this problem, both commercially and judicially. The idea was to come up with a comprehensive solution, which would encompass borrowing by firms and by individuals. In recognition of the fact that major sub-components of lending are done by non-banks, in particular the corporate bond market which serve infrastructure projects, bankruptcy reforms needed to have a consistent treatment of default. While the systems of well-functioning advanced economies were studied, the design that was implemented for India reflects a careful judgment about what would work under India conditions.<br />
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The new law aims to consolidate the laws relating to insolvency of companies and limited liability entities (including limited liability partnerships and other entities with limited liability), unlimited liability partnerships and individuals, presently contained in a number of legislations, into a single legislation and provide for their reorganization and resolution in a time bound manner for maximization of value of their assets. Such consolidation will provide for a greater clarity in law and facilitate the application of consistent and coherent provisions to different stakeholders affected by business failure or inability to pay debt. This law will thus promote entrepreneurship, availability of credit and balance the interest of all stakeholders.<br />
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The vision of the new law is to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation. It is true that some business ventures will always fail, but such failures will be handled rapidly and swiftly. Entrepreneurs and lenders will be able to move on, instead of being bogged down with decisions taken in the past. The Code empowers the operational creditors (workmen, suppliers etc.) also to initiate the insolvency resolution process upon non-payment of dues. In order to develop the credit market in India, in case of liquidation, financial debts owed to unsecured creditors have been kept above the Government’s dues in the list of priorities (waterfall).<br />
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Facilitating early resolution and exit is as important as facilitating investment. The essential idea of the new law is that when a corporate entity defaults on its debt, control shifts from the shareholders/promoters to a committee of creditors, who have 180 days (extendable by 90 days in deserving cases) to evaluate proposals from various players about resuscitating the company or taking it into liquidation. When decisions are taken in a time-bound manner, there is a greater chance that the corporate entity can be saved as a going concern, and the productive resources of the economy (labour and capital) can be put to the best use. This is in complete departure from SICA regime where there were delays leading to destruction of the value of the firm.<br />
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The Code separates commercial aspects of the insolvency proceedings from judicial aspects. While Insolvency Professionals (IPs) will deal with commercial aspects such as management of the affairs of the corporate debtor, facilitating formation of committee of creditors, organising their meetings, examination of the resolution plan, etc., judicial issues will be handled by proposed Adjudicating Authorities (National Company Law Tribunal / Debt Recovery Tribunal). One more important institution created under the Code is the ‘Information Utility’ which would store financial information and data and terms of lending in electronic databases. This would eliminate delays and disputes about facts when default does take place.<br />
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The Code also provides a fast track insolvency resolution process for corporates and LLPs. This will be an enabler for start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to complete the resolution process in 90 days (extendable to 45 days in deserving cases).<br />
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The Code also addresses the important issue relating to cross border insolvency by providing the enabling mechanism on the subject. The Government, at an appropriate time, will come out with a detailed framework for cross border insolvency.<br />
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The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code is thus a comprehensive and systemic reform, which will give a quantum leap to the functioning of the credit market. It would take India from among relatively weak insolvency regimes to becoming one of the world's best insolvency regimes. It lays the foundations for the development of the corporate bond market, which would finance the infrastructure projects of the future. The passing of this Code and implementation of the same will give a big boost to ease of doing business in India.<br />
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*****</div>
Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-50533233787937213922016-04-16T22:32:00.000-07:002016-04-16T22:32:08.719-07:00Letter from a Mom to her daughter: The Chanda Kochhar's way<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Popularly known as one of the '100 Most Powerful Women in the World' — a title bestowed by <em style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Forbes </em>— 54-year-old Chanda Kochhar, CEO and Managing Director of ICICI Bank, has been an inspiration to millions of working women across the world. However, the Padma Bhushan awardee has recently written a letter to her daughter which gives an insight into the woman and working mother behind the super-achieving professional.</div>
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In the letter, Kochhar shares struggles and lessons that life taught her, with daughter Aarti. It is sometimes difficult to accept CEOs and leaders of giant companies in the roles of mothers and homemakers, but Kochhar highlights the need for balance between the two roles, especially for women, who are increasingly trying to juggle two responsibilities.</div>
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The letter leaves one with a simple message, one which most parents give their children, "Remember that good times and bad times will be part of your life equally, and you have to learn to handle both with equanimity. Make the most of life's opportunities and learn from every opportunity, and challenge that life brings along."</div>
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<strong style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Read the full-text here:</strong></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dear Aarti,</em><br style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><em style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">It makes me feel so proud today to see you standing in front of me as a confident young woman right on the threshold of an exciting journey through life. I am looking forward to seeing you grow and flourish in the years ahead.</em></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">This moment has also brought back memories of my own journey, and the life lessons I learnt along the way. When I think of those times, I realize that most of these lessons were actually learnt in my childhood, mostly through examples set by my parents. The values that they instilled in my formative years gave me the foundation on which I try to live my life even today.</em></div>
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<a href="http://s2.firstpost.in/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/chanda-kochhar_pti-.jpg" style="color: #3399cc; margin: 0px; outline: 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="A file photo of Chanda Kochhar. PTI" class="size-full wp-image-2732068" data-original="http://s2.firstpost.in/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/chanda-kochhar_pti-.jpg" height="285" src="http://s2.firstpost.in/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/chanda-kochhar_pti-.jpg" style="border: none; display: inline; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 390px;" width="380" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: url(http://s1.firstpost.in/wp-content/themes/firstpost2.0/images/trans_bg.png); background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat repeat; bottom: 0px; color: white; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; height: auto; left: 0px; line-height: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px 10px; position: absolute; width: 370px;">
A file photo of Chanda Kochhar. PTI</div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Our parents treated all three of us — two sisters and a brother — equally. When it came to education, or our future plans, there was no discrimination between us based on our gender. Your grandparents always had the same message for the three of us — that it was important to focus on what gave us satisfaction and to work towards it with utmost dedication. That early initiation enabled us to develop into confident individuals capable of taking decisions independently. This also helped me when I started out on my own journey of self- discovery.</em></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">I was only a young girl of 13 when my father passed away from a sudden heart attack, leaving us unprepared to take on life without him. We had been protected from life's challenges so far. But without warning, all that changed overnight. And my mother, who had been a homemaker till then, faced the responsibility of raising three children all on her own. It was then that we realized how strong she was and how determined to do her duty in the best possible manner. Slowly, she discovered a flair for designing and textiles, found herself a job with a small firm, and quickly made herself indispensable to them. It must have been challenging for her to shoulder the responsibility of bringing up her family single- handed, but she never let us feel like it was a task for her. She worked hard till she saw all of us through college and we became independent. I never knew that my mother had such a wealth of self-assurance and belief within her.</em></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">As a parent with a full time job, one must not let work affect the way you relate to your family. Remember the time you were studying in the US and the announcement of my becoming MD and CEO of ICICI was splashed across all newspapers? I remember the mail you wrote to me a couple of days later. 'You never made us realize that you had such a demanding, successful and stressful career. At home, you were just our mother,' you wrote in your email. Live your life in the same way, my darling.</em></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">I also learnt from my mother that it is very important to have the ability to handle difficult situations and keep moving forward in life, no matter what. Even today I can remember the equanimity and calmness with which she handled the crisis on hand when my father passed away. You have to handle the challenges and emerge stronger from them, rather than allow them to bog you down. I remember how, in late 2008, we were faced with a situation where ICICI Bank's survival was in jeopardy in the face of a global economic meltdown. The situation was being analysed with a hawk's eye by major media platforms and debated widely in the public space… I got down to work, systematically communicating with all stakeholders — from the smallest depositor to the sophisticated investors, and from regulators to the government — the bank was sound and its exposure to these institutions involved a small portion of its assets. I understood their concern because so many of them feared that their hard earned savings in our bank could be at risk. I also advised staff across the bank's various branches to lend a sympathetic ear to those depositors who turned up to withdraw their money, telling them to also offer the depositors a seat and a glass of water while they waited. And though, depositors were welcome to withdraw their money if they wanted to, our staff also took care to explain to them that it would not help them to take their money away, because there was no real crisis situation.</em></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">It was during this period that I took a couple of hours off one day to attend your brother's squash tournament. I did not know it then, but my very presence at the tournament went a long way in reinstalling customer confidence in the bank. A few mothers at the tournament came and asked me if I was Chanda Kochhar from ICICI Bank and when I replied in the affirmative they said that if I could still find time to attend a tournament in the midst of a crisis, it meant that the bank was in safe hands and they need not worry about their money!</em></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">It was also from my mother that I learnt the importance of adapting to circumstances and not being afraid of the unknown. While working hard for my career, I looked after my family, and have been there for my mother and in-laws when they needed me around. They reciprocated in kind with their unconditional love and support for my career. Remember that relationships are important and have to be nurtured and cherished. Also keep in mind that a relationship is a two way street, so be ready to give a relationship just as you would expect the other person to be giving to you</em></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">My career would not have progressed the way it did were it not for your father who never once complained about the time I spent away from home. Your father and I nurtured our relationship despite the fact that we were both busy with our own careers, and I am confident you will do the same with your partner, when the time comes. If you had complained and whined about my extended absence from home, I would never have had the heart to make a career for myself. I am blessed with a great and supportive family and I really hope you too will be as fortunate when you set out on your own!</em></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">I remember the day your board exams were about to commence. I had taken leave from work so that I could take you to the examination hall myself. When you realized I was coming, you told me how you were used to going for your exams alone for so many years. It hurt me to hear you say that, but I also think in some ways, having a working mother made you much more independent from a very young age itself. You not only became independent, but also stepped into the nurturer's role for your younger brother and never let him miss my presence. I learnt to have trust and faith in you and you have now grown into a wonderful, independent woman. I now use the same principle at work to make our growing population of younger talent take on larger responsibilities.</em></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">I believe in fate but I also believe that hard work and diligence plays a very important role in our lives. In a larger sense, we all write our own destiny. Take destiny in your own hands, dream of what you want to achieve, and write it in your own way. As you go ahead in life, I want you to climb the path to success one step at a time. Aim for the sky, but move slowly, enjoying every step along the way. It is all those little steps that make the journey complete.</em></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">As you go forward, you will sometimes have to take difficult decisions, decisions that others might scorn at. But you must have the courage to stand up for what you believe in. Make sure you have that conviction to do what you know is right, and once you have it, don't let skeptics distract you from your path.</em><br style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><em style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Aarti, there is no limit to what a determined mind can achieve, but in achieving your goal, don't compromise on the values of fair play and honesty. Don't cut corners or compromise to achieve your dreams. Remember to be sensitive to the feelings of people around you. And remember, if you don't allow stress to overtake you, it will never become an issue in your life.</em></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Remember that good times and bad times will be part of your life equally, and you have to learn to handle both with equanimity. Make the most of life's opportunities and learn from every opportunity, and challenge that life brings along.</em></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Lovingly yours,</em><br style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><em style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mumma</em></div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">(Excerpted and adapted from the book Legacy by Sudha Menon)</em></div>
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Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-40162251768246819152016-03-11T03:45:00.000-08:002016-03-11T03:45:26.928-08:00Subsidies in India : credits to insightsonindia.com<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="border: 0px; color: green; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Subsidies in India</span></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Table of contents</span></span></div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Introduction</span></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Subsidies: are they solution to a problem or are they themselves a problem?</span></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Subsidies and its opportunity costs</span></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Some subsidies led distortion in India</span></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Direct Benefit Transfers as solution</span></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">JAM Trinity – Jan Dhan Yojna, Adhaar and Mobile base</span></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Conclusion</span></span></li>
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<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Subsidies are one of the quintessential attributes of any welfare state. India, at the eve of independence was left with uphill task of socio-economic development. Markets were almost nonexistence, masses lived in abject poverty and illiteracy, we were not producing enough food to satiate hunger of masses, life expectancy was just 32 years; in short, there was crisis in every sphere; be it agriculture, industry, health or education; partly due to colonial legacy. Given such circumstances, founding fathers of democratic India rightly envisaged Indian state to be a welfare state. However, 70 years down the line only few problems have abated, while new ones cropped up and poverty still stubbornly remains a pressing problem.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In this context, latest economic survey rightly points out that despite spending as high as 3.77 lakh crore rupees annually on subsidies there is no ‘transformational impact’ on standard of living of masses. While subsidies have helped some poor people to do firefighting in life, main allegation on a subsidy economy is that, through subsidies, money meant for poorest is appropriated by richer sections of the society due to mistargeting and leakages.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Subsidies: are they solution to a problem or are they themselves a problem? </span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">As already said, a welfare state without subsidies cannot be imagined. Governments have to extend subsidies to achieve objectives of socio- economic policy. By this, they aim at-</span></div>
<ol style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Making basic necessities affordable to poor people through extension of consumer services.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">To prepare a foundation of various economic sectors in which private sector can participate later. When economy is at lower stages of development, it is often unviable and unaffordable for private sector to step in production. This is mainly because there are limited resources with private investors and there are informational externalities/uncertainties. In such case government do handholding by supporting private sector by extending subsidies and withdrawing them when private sector becomes competitive. </span></li>
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<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Subsidies should be aimed at specific development objectives. On achievement of these objectives subsidies should be phased out. It is only then that subsidies can go well with an undistorted market economy.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">However, in a democracy, subsidy once extended becomes a politically sensitive issue and governments suffer huge political risk if they phase out such subsidies. Overtime, new subsidies are extended which pile up on older ones and they soon consume scarce revenue resources of government. This takes a heavy toll on other expenditure of the government. They are forced to cut allocation to developmental and infrastructure avenues. Further, higher subsidy expenditure pushes up fiscal and revenue deficits as government starts spending more than it earns. This fiscal deficit can be closed preferably by raising more revenue through new taxes (proactively) or by borrowing money.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Most significant consequence of either of this alternative is that money is squeezed out of economy and which results in lower consumption/demand. This, in turn hits the growth in economy. Less growth results in lower collection of taxes. On other hand subsidy burden remains same or even increases. Further, higher borrowing results in higher amount of interest to be paid. So in short, careless or politically motivated subsidy results in lower revenues for government and higher unproductive expenditure. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Further, if government is unable to borrow money or to raise taxes, it will have to print new currency to finance deficits, which increases money supply in the economy. This creates inflationary trends in economy. Incoherent subsidy regime unintendedly does more harm than good for the cause it stands – socio- economic development. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Subsidies and its opportunity costs</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Subsidies are that part of government expenditure that is ‘consumed’ by beneficiaries. In economics, debate between two alternative uses of money: Consumption and Investment is quite old.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Consider a family of four with limited means which earns Rs 10000 a month. If this family consumes food for all this money, month after month then it is likely that its earning will remain same in perpetuity. However, if family manages to save Rs 3000 a month or Rs. 36000 an year, and invest this money in some return yielding avenue, in education of children or developing skills of working members, then its income will gradually increase and poverty, someday, will certainly will be thing of the past. While doing so family will have to take care that all its basic needs like housing and food, gets fulfilled in Rs 7000 a month. It may be quite hard, but if done, will certainly bring family out of poverty.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Same concept goes for economy as a whole. We have Tax to GDP ratio of around 17.7%. (Center plus states) With this amount government has to provide for interest payments of its debt, expenses for its humongous administration, defence of the country, devolution to states and panchayats, developmental work, infrastructure and for subsidies.</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In 2013, total expenditure by government was 13.8% of GDP. Out of this revenue expenditure (consumption) was 12.1% of GDP, <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">leaving just 1.7% of GDP for Capital expenditure (investments)</span>. Out of this revenue expenditure, non-plan expenditure was 9.5% of GDP. Further, non-plan expenditure had following breakup –</span></div>
<ol style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Interest payments – 36.9%</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Defense Services – 12.1%</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Subsidies – 24.2%</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Grants to states and U.T.s – 6.3%</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Pensions – 7.3%</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Others – 13.2%</span></li>
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<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It goes without saying that it is in interest of nation to minimize this consumption part of expenditure and increase allocation to capital expenditure which stood at just 1.7% of GDP. However, most of the components of above list are inflexible. Interest payments cannot be reduces unless there is higher growth in the economy. Pensions are ballooning as there is consistent increase in life expectancy across demographic spectrum of India. Grants to states are also expected to go up given government’s commitment towards federalism. In all this, there is significant scope of reduction in subsidies as they are infested rampantly with problem of mis-targeting and leakage. This can be easily grasped from the fact that just shifting to cash transfers in distribution of subsidized LPG is expected to save annually Rs 15000 crore for the exchequer.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Some subsidies led distortion in India:</span></span></div>
<ol style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Energy- Groundwater nexus</span> – Agriculture sector is perhaps having most justifiable claim on subsidized inputs given the dismal situation of the farmers in the country. On these lines, water and electricity for agricultural use are heavily subsidized by state governments. Again, politics seeped into this economic cause and most governments have failed to ensure rational and sustainable use of subsidized water and electricity. Owing to this, in large parts of India, groundwater is being extracted indiscriminately as electric pump consume electricity that is almost free of cost. This has led to dramatic fall in groundwater levels. Wells have gone dry at numerous places. Water extracted from deep earth often gets contaminated by arsenic mineral. This, together with erratic monsoon due to climate change, has pushed rural India in deep distress.</span></li>
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<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">To remedy this problem, government has plans to separate agriculture feeder network from rest, under Deen Dayal Upadhayay Gram Jyoti Yojna. This separate agriculture feeder will supply electricity only for a few hours a day. This was first tried by Gujrat and results were encouraging as it had role in making Gujrat a power surplus state, along with arresting continuous decline in groundwater levels. </span></div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Subsidized fertilizers</span> – Nutrient Based Subsidy or NBS was introduced in 2010 with objective to promote balanced use of fertilizers and to limit fertilizer subsidy of the government. Idea was to fix subsidy as per nutrients (in per Kg ) in the fertilizer and leave the determination of price to suppliers. Presently Urea is not covered under the scheme due to political compulsions. Consequently subsidized price of Urea remained stagnant even when real costs of production have risen significantly. On the other hand Potassium and Phosphorous are covered under the scheme and a fixed subsidy as per content of nutrients is given to suppliers and they change Maximum Retail Price as per market signals. Secondary and Micronutrients are also covered under the scheme. (In short urea is still controlled and P,K, are decontrolled)</span></li>
</ol>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">As a result, actual use of NPK is in ratio of around 8:3:1 while recommended use is 4:2:1. This additional use of urea doesn’t give any additional benefit to the farmer. Instead this can degrade soil and harm crop. Productivity and quality of a crop depends upon use of diversified mix of macro and micronutrients, which vary from soil to soil. <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">While urea consumption has increased from 59 per cent to 66 per cent </span>of total consumption in 2012-13 over 2010-11<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">, per hectare consumption of fertilizer has declined from 140 kg to 128 kg over the same period.</span></span><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Fertilizer subsidy was `67,971 crore in 2013-14, an increase of 11 per cent over 2009-10. Large part of this went to production and consumption of urea that was not needed at all.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Also, due to excessive use of fertilizers groundwater is also getting polluted and chemical bioaccumulation problem is impacting health of people</span></span><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">.</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Apart from Urea, farmer is not even getting benefit due from NBS in case of subsidized potassium and phosphorus. Subsidy is provided to manufacturers, who in turn are responsible to pass this subsidy to farmers in form of reduced retail prices. Rather, manufacturers have increased their prices forming a cartel and have usurped subsidy meant for farmers. It’s only now that Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has undertaken review of prices charged by registered manufacturers. It has plans to penalize and cancel registration wrongdoers.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Another mistargeting of fertilizer is that most of this is consumed by rich farmers of Punjab, Haryana and North West Uttar Pradesh. Uptake of fertilizers depends a lot on sufficient supply of water to the crop. As about 60% of total cultivated area of India is rain fed, subsidy is cornered overwhelmingly by well irrigated states. </span></div>
<ol start="3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cultivation of wheat, Rice and sugarcane at cost of pulses, horticulture crops and coarse but nutritious grains</span> –</span></li>
</ol>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Consumption patterns in India are shifting rapidly from calorie rich diet to protein and vitamin rich one. Despite this, protein based diet in India is abnormally expensive. Main source of protein for Indian masses is pulses. Last whole year there was clamour on the issue of skyrocketing prices of pulses. India’s subsidy regime had its hand behind this problem.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Pulses are most suitable to be grown in areas of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, yet large parts of these areas are under cultivation of sugarcane. Sugarcane due to high ‘fair and remunerative price’ is being sown in these areas. This create two problems – one, it deprives Indians of their source of protein; two, these areas are water deficit and sugarcane is water guzzling crop. This crop is sucking scarce water rapidly and when monsoon failed again this time, mainly in Marathwada; farmer had no way to escape.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ironically, pulses are water efficient crops with capacity to rejuvenate soil by process of nitrogen fixing and farmer chooses crop like sugarcane which later proves to be a gross liability for him. Sugarcane is suitable to be grown in areas of Bihar and Bengal given abundant water, but it is not due to lack of electricity and irrigation.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Similar is the case for cultivation of Wheat and Rice. These two crops yield much larger quantity (about 5 times) per acre/hectare than crops like pulses. Higher MSP for pulses is not so high to make whole value of produce more remunerative for farmer. So he prefers conventional grains. This has led to huge stockpile of wheat and rice (40-50 million tons) in government inventory which decays and is carried forward at cost of Rs 5/ year. On the other hand, India has to import more than 25% of its consumption of pulses.</span></div>
<ol start="4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Railways:</span> Subsidization and Cross- subsidization – Between 1993 and 2011, the wholesale price index rose by 295% and the fares of sleeper class and second class travel rose just by 144% and 106% respectively. Consequently, railway runs at heavy loss, which can be construed as subsidy to passengers of the railways. It’s only natural that railway has failed to expand capacity and improve quality to serve needs of booming Indian economy. When British left India had network of 52000 Kms, which now increased to measly 64000 Km.</span></li>
</ol>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Apart from this, freight carriers of railways are even more uncompetitive, because railway subsidizes passenger fare further by charging higher freight charges. Accordingly, in 1970’s freight used to contribute 65% of railway revenues and now it does only 33%. This is due to shifting of freight carriage from rail to road transport, which much costlier, more polluting and more time consuming. This has made our economy a lot more uncompetitive.</span></div>
<ol start="5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Agricultural Finance:</span> Farmers are entitled to pre- harvest loan at 7% interest rate. They are allowed further 3% subvention in case of timely payment. Farmers can also take loan for post-harvest time against negotiable warehouse receipt.</span></li>
</ol>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Economic survey notes three discrepancies in this subsidy. One, trend indicates that amount for a single loan is increasing for most of these subsidized loans. This means that more subsidies is going in favor of rich farmers. Two, extension of subsidized credit is concentrated in last three months of the financial year, which indicates that reluctant banks otherwise unable to meet priority sector lending targets, desperately disburse loans to reach target at the end only. It is unlikely that this way credit will reach to desirable party. Third, agriculture credit is getting concentrated on peripheries of urban areas, which means that money is being diverted to nonagricultural use. </span></div>
<ol start="6" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Food inflation</span>: Fact that India produces surplus foodgrains doesn’t mean that these are available to consumers at cheaper prices. Rather, India till couple of years back witnessed spiraling double digit inflation driven by expensive food, even when world was reeling under deflation. This distortion is mainly due to increasing input costs to farmer coupled with persistent increase in Minimum Selling Price declared by government. This forces government’s agency FCI to procure foodgrains in open ended manner. As a result, government ends up procuring 25-33% of total foodgrains production in the country. Apart from this, about 33% of foodgrains are captively consumed by farmers. All this leaves just 33%-45% of total foodgrains for open market. This. At times, culminates in an absurd situation, where there is shortage of grains in open market which push prices upward and millions of tons of grains stored in FCI godowns.</span></li>
</ol>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Few experts believe that entitlements under Food Security Act are sufficient only to fulfill 50% of requirement of foodgrains for a household. For this 50%, there is massive but inefficient storage and PDS system. This in many ways significantly increases price of remaining 50% food grain need of households. So, a well-intended system may be actually working counter to its stated goals. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Direct Benefit Transfers as solution</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Given above are only few examples of subsidy support gone wrong. In such scenario, direct benefit transfers comes to rescue government from this problem. It is likely to have multiple benefits –</span></div>
<ol style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Fiscal savings</span> – Assuming explicit subsidies being extended by state in current form to remain between 3 to 4 lakh crores, DBT will curb this expenditure by around 15%, which is a conservative estimate of current leakages. This can save government around 50,000 crore, which can be used more efficiently for developmental purposes. Given that government is capable of sailing through implementation of DBT in comparative smooth manner, as there is huge support from beneficiaries and opposition is weak (unlike other issues such as disinvestment, land acquisition), this will prove to be a low hanging fruit.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It hits at roots of corruption – </span>It is common knowledge that subsidized fertilizer is diverted to industrial use from agricultural sector, kerosene is mixed in diesel and PDS food is leaked in black markets. In short, subsidy regime has nurtured a mammoth corrupt ecosystem and black economy in India. When DBT is implemented everything will be sold on market prices by the government. For E.g. Fair Price Shop owner will get PDS food in full central issue price plus margin kept by state government. Then question of giving away PDS commodities illegitimately doesn’t arise.</span></li>
</ol>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Further, </span>Direct transfers will eliminate intermediaries which will end system of rent seeking from beneficiaries. Otherwise there is rampant system of illegitimate commission which is collected by government officials where they have power to stop, deny or delay the benefit to be passed.</span></div>
<ol start="3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It is likely to control inflation</span> – Distortions created by subsidy regimes discourage investment in relevant sectors. This creates supply side constraints in economy. It is expected that recent deregulation of diesel will increase production and private firms will reopen their retail outlets. This will create competition which often results in cheaper prices.</span></li>
</ol>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Further, </span>trading and purchase at market prices keeps demand in check. For e.g. subsidy on urea encourages farmers to use it more even when there is no due benefit. This created huge demand of urea and in turn high prices of unsubsidized urea. This scenario has increased government’s subsidy on urea manifold, which is not only waste but a disaster in itself. Similar case is with the food grains. DBT will leave more food grain in market and hence lower prices.</span></div>
<ol start="4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px 30px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Better nutrition – When </span>there is cash transfer poor will be able to diversify their diet by including more items like pulses, eggs etc. This will increase their protein intake.</span></li>
</ol>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">However, </span>there is risk that some households will misuse this cash in social evils like alcohol, tobacco or gambling. For this government has made eldest women in a household target beneficiary for cash transfers. This step is likely to empower women.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Government launched PAHAL scheme – pan India initiative for transfer of direct benefits for Liquefied Petroleum gas. Its huge success and about 3 crore fake beneficiaries have been eliminated, which will contribute to annual saving of Rs. 15000 crore.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Direct Cash Transfer is also being implemented for transfer of wages in MGNREGS scheme. It has resulted in reduction in delayed and fake payments in relevant areas.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Further, Direct Benefit Transfer for fertilizers and kerosene is on the cards. In case of fertilizers government is facing problems in determination of beneficiaries because there is lack of clear land titles.</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">JAM Trinity – Jan Dhan Yojna, Adhaar and Mobile base</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Direct benefits transfers intend to transfer subsidies directly to account of beneficiaries. For this to happen efficiently there are two separate but related issues which need to resolve as prerequisite. One is medium of transfer and second is identification of beneficiaries.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">For first, government is banking upon Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna, under which more than 20 crore accounts have been opened. This is perhaps most significant step toward financial inclusion till date as unbanked population has been halved to 233 million. Subsidies under PAHAL scheme, pensions under National Social Assistance Plan and wages under MGNREGS are being credit to newly opened Jan Dhan account of the people. It also provides for overdraft facility of Rs. 5000 after use of 6 months and Rs. 100000 accidental insurance. These incentives have created a massive demand for opening of accounts. One benefit is that overdraft by account holder will regularly get repaid by automatic transfer of various subsidies in the account. This reduces the risk of default to negligible levels.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">However, lakhs of villages doesn’t have any brick and mortar bank branch. In these villages mobile penetration is steadily growing. India has more than 900 million subscribers and out of these about 370 million users are based in rural areas. Rural subscriber base is growing at 2.8 million a year. Currently internet penetration in India is about 40% and is expected to grow spectacularly once national optic fiber network is in place. This all will be developed into digital mobile or internet based cash transfer mechanism.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Further, RBI has opted for differentiated banking by rolling out licences for Payment and Small banks. A bank licensed as a payments bank can only receive deposits and provide remittances. RBI last year issues 11 licences for payment banks to various corporate giants, telecoms and most importantly, India Post. India post is having about 155000 branches mostly in rural areas.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Apart from this, in-principle licences for Small Finance Banks have been granted to 10 entities. S<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">mall finance banks</span> are a type of niche banks in India. Banks with a small finance bank license can provide basic banking service of acceptance of deposits and lending. The aim behind these to provide financial inclusion sections of the economy not being served by other banks, such as small business units, small and marginal farmers, micro and small industries and unorganized sector entities. Accordingly, it is likely that within few years subsidies will find way to bank accounts of all beneficiaries.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Now, to be sure of identity of beneficiary, Adhaar card base is blessing in disguise. Atleast 93 crore Adhaar cards have already been issued and it will take some more time for universal coverage. Biometrics captured in this card ensures that there is no duplication and no wrong claim is made. Earlier Supreme Court banned use of Adhaar card on privacy concerns, but on government’s appeal it allowed its use provided it is not made mandatory.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Apart from these initiatives<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">, behavioral and technical remedies</span> may be of immense use to control and target subsidies better. Under ‘Give it up’ campaigning, about 50 lakh LPG users have voluntarily given up there subsidy entitlements. On technological side, Urea is being neem coated, which while enhancing agricultural productivity, makes it unfit for industrial use. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Subsidies are meant for poor people and they shall ensure equitable redistribution of resource. Subsidies extended to rich are regressive. They help in keeping poverty intact and create inefficiencies in economy which culminates in inflation and corruption. In such case economy is retarded as we have seen in India’s case. When India grew in first decade of millennium at average rate of 7.5% it was found that this growth was jobless and unsustainable. India’s economy faced supply side constraints, which didn’t increase productivity as compared to GDP. RBI had to then control spiraling inflation by steep hikes in interest rates. Rationalization of subsidy regime will improve markets in India which will then attract more investment. This in short, can turn the wheel of a virtuous economy which creates more employment and attacks poverty at its roots. </span></div>
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Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-80807916014416009222016-02-27T00:43:00.004-08:002016-02-27T00:43:55.304-08:00Economic Survey 2015 -16<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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#EconomicSurvey 2015-16 : Amidst Gloomy International Economic Landscape, India Stands as a haven of Stability; </div>
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Expects GDP Growth Rate for 2015-16 in the range of 7 % to 7.75 % ; </div>
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Increase in Wages and Benefits Recommended by the 7th Pay Commission are not likely to Destabilize Prices and will have little impact on Inflation;</div>
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4 R : Recognition, Recapitalization, Resolution, and reform required to Comprehensively resolve the twin balance sheet challenge of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and some Corporate Houses.</div>
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The Economic Survey 2015-16 tabled in Parliament today by the Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley presents an optimistic picture of Indian economy stating that amidst the gloomy landscape of unusual volatility in the international economic environment, India stands as a haven of stability and an outpost of opportunity. It says the country’s macro-economy is stable, founded on the government’s commitment to fiscal consolidation and low inflation. The Survey underlines that India’s economic growth is amongst the highest in the world, helped by a reorientation of government spending toward needed public infrastructure. Describing these achievements as remarkable, the Survey emphasizes that the task is now to sustain them in an even more difficult global environment.</div>
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The Survey further states that the country’s performance reflects the implementation of number of meaningful reforms. There is palpable and pervasive sense that corruption at the centre has been meaningfully addressed which has been reflected in transparent auctions of public assets. FDI has been liberalized across the board and vigorous efforts have been undertaken to ease the cost of doing business. Stability and predictability has been restored in tax decisions reflected in the settlement of the Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) imposed on foreign companies. Major public investment has been undertaken to strengthen the country’s infrastructure. In the farm sector, a major crop insurance programme has been instituted. The Survey has highlighted creation of bank accounts for over 200 million people under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojan (PMJDY), the world’s largest direct benefit transfer programme in case of LPG with about 151 million beneficiaries receiving Rs. 29,000 crore in their bank accounts and the infrastructure being created for extending the JAM (Jan Dhan Aadhar Mobile) agenda to other Government programmes and subsidies.</div>
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However, the Survey has expressed concern over approval of GST Bill being elusive so far, the disinvestment programme falling short of targets and the next stage of subsidy rationalization being a work-in-progress. It adds that corporate and bank balance sheets remain stressed affecting the prospects for reviving private investments. It further says that perhaps the underlying anxiety is that the Indian economy is not realizing its full potential.</div>
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The Survey states that the country’s long run potential growth rate is still around 8-10% and realizing this potential requires a push on at least three fronts. First, India has moved away from being reflexivity anti-markets and uncritically pro-state to being pro-entrepreneurship and skeptical about the state. But being pro-industry must evolve into being genuinely pro-competition. Similarly, skepticism about the state must translate into making it leaner. It emphasizes that the key to creating a more captive environment will be to address the exit problem which affects the Indian economy. Second, the Survey calls for major investments in health and education of people to exploit India’s demographic dividend to optimal extent. Third, it says that India cannot afford to neglect its agriculture.</div>
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The Survey points-out that the upcoming budget and economic policy will have to contend with an unusually challenging and weak external environment. It suggests that one tail risk scenario that India must plan for is a major currency re-adjustment in Asia in the wake of a similar adjustment in China. Another tail risk scenario could unfold as a consequence of policy actions, to say, capital controls taken to respond to curb outflows from large emerging market countries, which would further moderate the growth. The Survey says that in either case, foreign demand is likely to be weak which requires to find and activate domestic sources of demand to prevent the growth momentum from weakening.</div>
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The Survey highlights that India stands out internationally as an investment proposition and the Rational Investor Ratings Index (RIRI) shows that India compares favourably with peer countries in the BBB investment grade and almost matches the performance of A-grade countries.</div>
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While reviewing the major developments, the Survey states that according to CSO the growth rate of GDP at constant market prices is projected to increase to 7.6% in 2015-16 from 7.2% in 2014-15. Although agriculture is likely to register low growth for the second year in a row on account of weak monsoons, it has performed better than last year. Industry has shown significant improvement on account of acceleration in manufacturing while services continue to expand rapidly. The Survey points out that even as real growth has been accelerating, nominal growth has been falling.</div>
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Among other indicators, the Survey states that low inflation has taken hold and confidence in price stability has improved. The Current Account Deficit has declined and foreign exchange reserves have risen to US$ 351.5 billion in early February, 2016. The fiscal sector registered these striking successes; ongoing fiscal consolidation, improved indirect tax collection efficiency and an improvement in the quality of spending at all levels of government. The Government Tax Revenues are expected to be higher than budgeted levels. Direct taxes grew by 10.7% in the first 9 months of 2015-16 while indirect taxes were also buoyant.</div>
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The Survey states that the aggregate capital expenditure by the government increased by 0.6% in 2015-16. This occurred both in the centre and states, with the former contributing 54% and the latter 46%.</div>
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In the economic outlook, real GDP growth for 2015-16 is expected to be in the 7% to 7.75% range. However, it cautions that if the world economy remains weak, India’s growth will face considerable headwinds. On the domestic side, two factors can boost consumption, increased spending from higher wages and allowances of government workers if the seventh pay commission is implemented and return of normal monsoon. At the same time, the Survey enumerates three down side risks – turmoil in global economy could worsen the outlook of exports, contrary to expectations oil prices rise would increase the drag from consumption and the most serious risk is combination of the above two factors.</div>
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The Survey cautions that one of the most critical short term challenges confronting the Indian economy is the twin balance sheet problem – the impaired financial positions of the Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and some corporate houses. The twin balance sheet challenge is the major impediment to private investment and a full-fledged economic recovery. Comprehensively resolving this challenge would require 4 Rs : Recognition, Recapitalization, Resolution, and Reform. Banks must value their assets as far as possible close to true value (recognition) as the RBI has been emphasizing; once they do so, their capital position must be safeguarded via infusions of equity (re-capitalisation)as the banks have been demanding; the underlying stressed assets in the corporate sector must be sold or rehabilitated (resolution) as the government has been desiring; and future incentives for the Private Sector and corporates must be set-right (reform) to avoid a repetition of the problem, as everyone has been clamouring.</div>
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According to the Survey, the time is right for a review of medium term fiscal frame work. It adds that there are new developments in, and approaches to, medium term fiscal frameworks around the world from which India can usefully learn.</div>
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About inflation, the Survey says that increase in wages and benefits recommended by the 7th pay Commission are not likely to destabilize prices and will have little impact on inflation.</div>
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On the external outlook, the Survey says that overall exports declined by about 18% in the first three quarters. It points-out that in the last two years Indian services exports have been more affected than Indian manufacturing exports and also world service exports. Realizing India’s medium term growth potential of 8-10 percent will require rapid growth of export. To achieve trajectory similar to China, India’s competitiveness will have to improve so that its services exports, currently about 3 percent of world exports, capture nearly 15% of world market share.</div>
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On the issue of trade policy, the Survey says that introspection is overdue on five issues which are – providing support to farmers in light of WHO rules, mitigating the impact of erratic trade policy on farmers incentives, reconciling the “big but poor” dilemma that confronts India in trade negotiations, dealing with outgoing stresses brought on by the external environment, and engaging more broadly with the world on trade. The Survey underlines that India’s position in agriculture has changed, it has become more competitive and relies relatively more on domestic support. It suggests India’s WTO obligations could predominantly be based on this domestic shift away from border protection to domestic support. It further suggests that India could consider offering reduction in its very high tariff bindings and instead seek more freedom to provide higher levels of domestic support.</div>
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Stating that the trade policy is under stress also for reasons related to the ongoing turmoil in the international environment and the global demand is weak, the Survey suggests that India should resist calls to seek recourse in the protectionist measures, especially in relation to items that could undermine the competitiveness of downstream firms and industries. It also suggests that India should strengthen procedures that allow WTO-consistent and hence legitimate actions against dumping (anti-dumping), subsidization (countervailing duties), and surges in imports (safeguard measures) to be taken expeditiously and effectively.</div>
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Gopinathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17630361849081834440noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380879661260292979.post-51568571780099200702016-02-26T09:04:00.000-08:002016-02-26T09:04:36.686-08:00Railway Budget 2016 -17<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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