CURRENT AFFAIRS: EDITORIAL ANALYSIS

2016-2017

March 16, 2017

Gauntlet at Sukma Editorial 16th March'17 The Hindu

Details : Gauntlet
at Sukma
Background:
A road-opening party of the CRPFs 219 battalion was ambushed by Maoists in insurgency-hit Sukma
district of Chhattisgarh, about 450 km from the State capital Raipur.

Twelve personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force were killed in Sundays attack.

Maoists need to be taken seriously:

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that extremist groups were restless because of the unprecedented
success of the forces against them in 2016, especially in Chhattisgarh where there was a 15% drop in left-
wing extremist (LWE) incidents.

However, it would be dangerous to see the deadly ambush by Maoists in Chhattisgarhs Sukma
district as just a desperate act of a fading insurgent group.

The precision and scale of the attack are an indication that the Maoists continue to hold formidable
sway in Sukma, their long-time stronghold.

Wake-up call:

It must serve as a wake-up call for the security forces to beef up their standard operating
procedures, especially intelligence-gathering capabilities, in the Maoist heartland in central India.

The insurgents used improvised explosive devices, country-made mortars and arrows mounted with
explosive heads, and made off with some weapons and radio sets of the force.

Maoist-related violence:

It is estimated that over the last two decades at least 15,000 people have been killed in Maoist-
related violence. More than 3,000 of them were security personnel.

However, the violence is down from its peak in 2009-10.

 In 2016, official estimates put the toll at 213 civilians, 65 security force personnel and 89 Maoists.

Deficiencies in government approach:

The government has over the past decade taken a patchy approach to bringing the so-called red
corridor (where there is Maoist presence) under its writ.

Civil administration is barely visible. The only presence of the state consistently visible across the
region has been of the security forces.

Counter-insurgency operations by the security forces have often been undermined by o

Poor intelligence
o Flagging alertness of the security forces and

o Absence of a multi-layered political strategy.

Maoist machinery:

The Maoists do not survive merely on ideology. In the absence of a robust state responsive to the
security and welfare needs of the civilian population, the Maoists run a well-oiled machinery providing
protection to various interest groups. They indulge in extortion in the name of "protection money",
especially from Industrialists and contractors, who indulge Maoists as the government is unable to assure
their security.

Way forward:

Ultimately, any fight against non-state actors will be effective only when the state puts forward its
combined might to exhibit what it can provide to the people.

Importance:

GS-III: Internal Security

Related question:

Despite the successes in reducing the Maoist related violence, it would be dangerous to become complacent
in dealing with them. Discuss.

A lost opportunity Editorial 16th March'17 The Hindu

Details :A
lost opportunity
Background:
On March 9, a day after International Womens Day, Parliament cleared the Maternity Benefit
(Amendment) Bill.

The Bill extends the period of paid maternity leave for women working in the organised sector to 26
weeks from the current 12. This is applicable to all organisations that employ 10 or more people.

Note: Students can read the details of the Bill here - https://lms.vajiramandravi.com/current-
affairs/paid-maternity-leave-extended-to-26-weeks/58c26e86b680d365b8b2954e/ )

The Bill has unintended downsides:

On the face of it, this is a Bill that will benefit women employees.

However, in its implementation, it is likely to adversely impact women in the workplace.

 This will further negatively impact the gender ratio in corporate India, which is already highly lopsided. In
2015, women accounted for only 21% of the jobs at the entry level to managerial position, according to a
report.

Increased costs to company:

There is both a direct as well as an indirect cost to long maternity leaves.

The cost of the absentee employee, especially when teams are small, is borne by other employees,
especially in terms of working additional hours to make up for the absence.
 Therefore, when make a hiring decision, companies have to think about the impact that having several
young women in a team will have on the overall productivity of the team and the hidden costs that the
organisation has to bear.

Women already leaving jobs after maternity:

In India, the number of women who quit their jobs between junior and middle levels is 50%,
compared to the average of 29% in Asia.

This also implies that the number of women who avail their maternity benefits and yet do not
resume their jobs is rather high.

This also adds to the cost concerns of their recruiters.

Will lead to fewer women being hired:

Corporate HR managers always strive to increase the gender diversity in their organisations,

But, they are also wary about the added costs of hiring young, fertile women.

This extension of maternity leave to six months will effectively double these costs.

It is likely to result in much fewer women being employed in the corporate sector.

Should Government share the costs?

In progressive countries, at least a part of the maternity costs are borne by the government.

In India, this is entirely passed on to companies.

Encouraging for working mothers:

Some of the other provisions in the Bill are encouraging and will help young mothers stay in the
workplace.

Organisations which employ more than 30 women (or 50 people, whichever is less) will now have to
provide a crche. The mother is allowed to visit the crche four times during the day.

Also, mothers who adopt babies are entitled to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave.

Neglects the roles of fathers in raising children:

The Bill completely neglects the roles of fathers. It puts all parental responsibilities exclusively on the
mothers.

This is a lost opportunity to make some provisions for gender parity in parenting.

It further pushes the arguments of comparative costs of hiring women versus men.

It also ties women down to the primary role of being childcare providers and not professionals in the
workplace.

Importance:

GS-I: Society - Role of women

GS-II: Governance - Government policies

Related question:

The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill 2016, despite being well-intentioned, might result in much fewer
women being employed in the corporate sector. Do you agree? Analyze the merits and demerits of the
Bill.

March 15, 2017

Early visit of PM Modi to the U.S. would have a positive impact Editorial 15th March'17 The Hindu

Details : Early visit of PM

Modi to the U.S. would have a positive impact Background:
Several recent developments indicate the need for India to strategise long term:

Chinas ambitious connectivity infrastructure in South Asia

The arrival of a new U.S. president

New Delhis increasing political distance from Russia, a traditional ally.

Domestic factors affecting US Foreign influence:

The Trump administration faces the big problem of domestic political opposition and the resistance of
the Washington elite (who see Trump as an outsider) to several of his policies

There is also growing polarisation in American society.

This could mean that external engagement of the U.S. may well suffer. There is possibility of its
global profile becoming relatively diminished.

US to remain an indispensable partner for India:

Nevertheless, India-U.S. relations have become much stronger and broad-based in the past decade and
enjoys support from all major political players.

This is a valuable asset and a factor of stability even in uncertain times.

India should seek to expand the relationship wherever possible.

Despite its current preoccupations, the U.S. is and is likely to remain the foremost economic and
military power in the world and the source of cutting-edge technological innovation.
Therefore, it will continue to be an indispensable strategic partner in Indias trajectory towards great
power status.

An early visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to US would have a positive impact on India-US
relations.

Can the H-1B visa issue be raised at WTO?

The trend towards limiting visas to Indian IT professionals (H-1B visas) in the U.S. began during the
Obama administration and is likely to continue.

Since issuance of visas is considered to be an immigration issue and not a trade issue, one cannot take
the suspension to the WTO dispute settlement mechanism.
What can be done?

India must highlight the fact that Indian IT services contribute to enhancing the global
competitiveness of U.S. companies.

Indian IT companies also provide significant employment in their operations to U.S. citizens.

There are many US tech companies in India too and they enjoy great profits.

Thus, India-US tech partnership is one in which both parties gain.

India should also leverage the fact that India is a growing market for U.S. products and services, in
particular for defence hardware and technology.

Indian IT companies should also adapt to the changed situation by diversifying markets away from the
heavy dependence on the U.S.

There are expanding opportunities in other parts of the world and within India itself.

(Note: Students should note down the facts on investment and employment by Indian companies in US
whenever they come across them.)

Attacks against Indian immigrants in the U.S.:

When there is a general anti-immigration sentiment unleashed by the government itself, people with
prejudice feel empowered to abuse and attack people who look different from themselves.

However, it is reassuring that ordinary American citizens and local communities came out in support of
the victims.The local and central administrations have responded promptly.

However, there is an anti-immigrant sentiment sweeping across the world and not just the U.S. and we
need to be mindful of that.

Is there a way to deal with it?

India does not have an official policy to encourage emigration of Indian citizens.

However, it is the duty of the government to look after the welfare of those Indians who have chosen to
seek employment abroad.

The ideal situation would be to improve the availability of employment opportunities to all strata of
society within India itself, so that there is less pressure to seek jobs abroad.

Should India avoid getting too close to the U.S. and invest more in other international partnerships?

The objective of Indian foreign policy has been to develop and expand a diversified set of relations with
all major powers and with countries in the developing world.

India has never neglected relations with the other countries in favour of strengthening relations with the
U.S.

Even if protectionist trends are visible in some sectors in the U.S., such as IT, there are opportunities to
expand trade and investment in other sectors.

India's regional partnerships:

India has concluded Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) with Japan and South
Korea and a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in trade, investment and services with the ASEAN.

India is participating in negotiations for the conclusion of a Regional Comprehensive Economic

Partnership (RCEP) among ten ASEAN countries and India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New
Zealand (ASEAN+6).

These open up significant opportunities to expand our external trade and investment with a broad
range of countries.

Similarly with Russia, we have been expanding our trade and investment relations, particularly in the
energy field.

Security cooperation:

On the security side, it also makes sense for India to work with countries with which we have
convergent interests.

We have strengthened our security relationships with the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Australia and with
several ASEAN countries.

We have maintained the long-standing military relationship with Russia, which continues to be a
major defence partner, including in hardware and technology.

Even with China, we have maintained military-to-military ties.

We should work with China and other partners in areas of shared interest, such as counter-terrorism.

Diversification of relationships must for optimal foreign policy:

Robust relationships should be built with all partners and such relationships should not be seen as
mutually exclusive.

The more broad-ranging and diversified are these relations, the more options will India have in
pursuing an optimal foreign policy.

If US reduces its global role, will China become more aggressive?

It is not clear whether the U.S. under Mr. Trump will reduce its global engagement.

However, if the global footprint of the U.S. and its Western allies diminishes, this may create spaces for
other major powers to play a bigger role.

This is already seen in Russian activism in West Asia (especially Syria) and recent Chinese initiatives on the
Afghanistan issue.

Also, not all Chinese activism should be considered negative from an Indian perspective. For
example, if China is able to contribute to peace in Afghanistan and is able to restrain Pakistani
meddling, that should be welcomed.

India-China relations:

India-China relations are influenced by Indias relations with other major powers, especially Indo-
U.S. relations.

However, it is not the defining factor. The future of India-China relations will be determined by how the
two countries handle the several bilateral issues between them.

Both countries need to show a readiness, despite differences, to seek areas of convergent interest and
shared concern and work cooperatively on them.
 Enhancing the competitiveness of Indian goods and services, developing a modern infrastructure, and
improving trade practices and support facilities will be the keys to confront Chinese in trade challenge.

Border issue:

There is an outstanding border issue between the two countries and China reiterates its territorial
claims, such as on Arunachal Pradesh, regularly.

In 2005, Political Parameters and Guiding Principles were concluded between India and China. It was
agreed that settled populations would be taken into account in any settlement. This inherently referred to
Tawang, which is the only area with a significant population in the border area.

Despite that, China wants India to make concessions in the eastern sector, including Tawang, and
China would make concessions in the western sector.

India should continue to reject Chinese claims even while seeking an early settlement.

At the same time we must strengthen our border defences and capabilities, so we can effectively foil any
aggressive moves by China on our borders.

US as India's major partner on counter -terrorism:

Since the Mumbai terrorist attack in 2008, India-U.S. cooperation on counterterrorism has expanded
significantly and has contributed to the security of both countries.

Such cooperation is likely to continue and even expand under the Trump presidency. Another good
thing is that Trump considers jihadi terrorism a threat which needs a robust response, which puts
pressure on countries like Pakistan.

However, India will have to tackle crossborder terrorism on our own. It cannot be outsourced to the
U.S. or any other country.

India has garnered support from the international community on the issue of terrorism and there is
acceptance that Pakistan is the breeding ground of terrorism.

China's credibility as a partner in the war against international terrorism has taken a dent as a result of its
blocking of the inclusion of JeM chief Masood Azhar in the UN terrorists list.

Keep an eye on Russia-Pakitan ties:

Russia has recently improved relations with Pakistan and entered into a military hardware
relationship with it for the first time in several decades. T

his is a matter of concern for India and should be clearly conveyed to our Russian friends.
 Our response should be to enhance our engagement with Russia rather than react by limiting it.

Importance:

GS-II: International relations

March 11, 2017

Stability In The Time of Change Editorial 10th March'17 The Hindu

Details :
Background:

Is the liberal rule-based international order - the system that came into being after World War II,
coming to an end?
This order has been led and shaped by the West under U.S. leadership for the last seven decades.
Cracks in this order have been showing up in recent years (including UK's exit from EU). However,
it is after the election of Donald Trump as U.S. President (who campaigned against this world order),
that a conviction has grown that the seven-decade-old order is dead.

But is this happening suddenly?

It is true that the tides of change is happening only now in the Western world.
But the signs of this change have been visible in other parts of the world for nearly a decade, at least
from 2008 with the global financial crisis.
The pace of change now is also much faster, with greater volatility and churning in the world today
than before.

Turmoil in Asia:

West Asia has been in turmoil at least since the turn of the 21st century with the growth of jihadist
extremism. Though extremism was visible in the region even a decade earlier, 9/11 was a turning
point.
The reordering of Central Asia and Eastern Europe began with the disintegration of the Soviet Union
in 1990s and has now been unfolding for nearly a quarter century.

Rise of China:

Chinas rise started four decades ago (Deng reforms towards end of 1970s) and gathered steam after
globalisation.
It was facilitated by the US initially, justified as part of the Cold War logic which saw the USSR as the
mortal enemy (US being Pro-Capitalism was happy to help China away from Communism and
Communist USSR).
After the Cold War, US hoped that a prosperous China would gradually move towards becoming part
of the liberal order. But that did not happen.

Shift in the geopolitical centre of gravity:

Chinas rise is accompanied by the rise of other emerging economies and a shift in the geopolitical
centre of gravity from the Euro-Atlantic to Asia and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. This change is
best seen in an estimate by PricewaterhouseCoopers that predicts that by 2040, the E7 (emerging
countries of China, India, Indonesia, Brazil, Russia, Mexico and Turkey) will be twice the economic
size of G7, the seven major advanced economies.
What is meant by "Liberal world order"? (Not from the editorial)

Liberal Order arose from the ashes of World War II with an idea to uphold peace and support global
prosperity.
It was underpinned by institutions like the World Bank, the IMF, as well as regional security
arrangements, such as NATO.
It emphasized multilateralism, including through the United Nations, and promoted free trade.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, a triumphant West expanded the concept of the liberal
world order substantially.
The Liberal Order expanded to establish shared rules to which national governments must adhere.
Institutions like the WTO and the International Criminal Court (ICC), as well as new norms like the
Responsibility to Protect (R2P) sought to shape the world in the Wests image.

Reality of Liberal world order:

 The World War II marked the end of colonialism and the post-WWII World order was intended to
be based on the democratic principle of equality of sovereign states.
But the realities of the Cold War meant limited the influence of this idea.
The UN became an arena for the power play between the two superpowers (US and USSR).
By the time the Cold War ended in 1990s, the institutional structures of the UN were out of sync
with the new political reality. The U.S. became the sole superpower.
But US' high-handedness and the decision to invade Iraq soon eroded its authority.
Looking back, we can see that the liberal international order was not global and was liberal and rule-
based only in a small part of the world, the West.

Backlash against the Liberal world order in the West:

It is in the West today that populism, nationalism and illiberalism have emerged, reflecting a decisive
momentum for change and rejection of status quo.
This is partly due to economic reasons that got aggravated after 2008.
The rejection of the status quo is equally a rejection of globalisation that enriched Corporate
America but not the average worker in Middle America.
The liberal world order has contributed to the creation of a global elite and the backlash against it
has taken the form of anti-immigration, nationalism and populism.
Donald Trumps victory and a tired and ageing Europe with its breaking experiment of EU - a union
that undermined sovereignty of members, mark the end of the myth.

A post-West world:

The rising populism in the West is leading to some describing the current change as a shift to a
post-West world, that is a world where the Western world has lost its primacy.
The biggest challenge of coping with this shift is absence of credible multilateral institutions.

How to look for stability in times of change?

In such times of change, it is difficult to talk of the idea of stability. However, it is possible to talk of
stability by breaking it up into crisis stability, deterrence stability and arms race stability with modest
objectives.
In today's world, with complex power-plays between countries and conventional precision-strike
weapons powerful enough to cause heavy destruction, arms race stability is not feasible.
Therefore deterrence stability and crisis stability assume greater significance.
Deterrence stability rests on mutual vulnerability, and so more and more countries are exploring
both multiple-warhead missiles (MIRVs) and missile defence technologies.
In addition to deterrence stability, it is vital to ensure crisis stability. This requires communication links
and risk reduction mechanisms.
It is important that all states with nuclear weapons must move towards establishing crisis stability
mechanisms.
Way forward:

Today's world is in an age of uncertainty and change which increases the likelihood of crisis escalation.
A new initiative for a modest degree of stability is needed if the nuclear taboo (that is shunning the
use of nuclear weapons) has to hold.
Given the growing convergence between the leaders of India and Japan, these two countries are
well placed to launch such an initiative.

Importance:
GS-II: International relations
Essay

Related question:

The Liberal World order envisaged by the West enabled a stable rule-based world. Critically evaluate.
After Mosul Editorial 11th March'17 The Hindu

Details : After
Mosul
Background: Islamic State timeline (Note: This is not part of the editorial. Given to aid students in
understanding.)

The Islamic State (IS) also known as ISIS, ISIL, or Daesh emerged from the remnants of al Qaeda in
Iraq (AQI).

2004: Abu Musab al Zarqawi establishes al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI).

2006: al Masri announces the establishment of the Islamic State in Iraq (ISI)

2009: Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki targets Sunni leaders, increasing sectarian tensions. Support for ISI
begins to increase in Sunni tribal areas

2010: Abu Bakr al Baghdadi becomes the leader of ISI after a joint U.S.-Iraqi operations kills the top two
leaders

2011: Abu Bakr al Baghdadi sends operatives to Syria.

2013: After Syrian city of Raqqa falls to opposition and various jihadi organizations including Baghdadi's
operatives, Abu Bakr al Baghdadi creates The Islamic State in Iraq and Levant (ISIL), also called Islamic
State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). By the year end, ISIS in Iraq take control of Fallujah and parts of Ramadi.

2014: ISIS takes over Raqqa after fierce fighting with rival rebels fighting against the Syrian government.
Later, Al Qaeda officially cuts ties with ISIS. By mid-year, ISIS takes over Mosul in Iraq. It then seizes the
strategic border crossing between Syrias Deir Ezzor province and Iraq. On June 29, ISIS announces the
establishment of a caliphate and rebrands itself as the Islamic State, with their chief Abu Bakr al-
Baghdadi as "Caliph" and "leader for Muslims everywhere". US vows to build an international coalition to
defeat the group. The US and Arab allies launch air strikes on IS in Syria.

2016: The Sunni town of Ramadi, capital of the Iraqi province of Anbar, is recaptured from the
jihadists in February. Iraqi forces recapture Fallujah in June 2016. A coalition of Iraqi federal and
Kurdish forces backed by US-led air support launches an operation to retake Mosul on October 17,
2016.

2017: Iraqi forces led by the elite Counter-Terrorism Service retake the east side of the Mosul city. Till
date, lot of strategic locations in West Mosul have also been taken by Iraqi forces.

Shrinking of IS territory:

In less than three years, the ISs territory has shrunk.

It once controlled huge swathes in central and eastern Syria and north-western Iraq, but its influence is
now limited to some pockets.
 This is a result of sustained military operations in which several actors such as Iraqi and Syrian
armies, Kurdish and Shia militias, and the U.S. and Russian air forces .

Significance of Mosul:

Iraqs second largest city, Mosul in Iraq was the jewel of the ISs military gains.

It is from Mosul where Islamic State (IS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared his Caliphate in June
2014.

And now, IS has been practically defeated in Mosul.

The loss of Mosul is perhaps the biggest military setback for the Islamic State.
 Iraqi troops have already captured the Mosul airport and major administrative buildings, and
liberated population centres.

What remains is isolated resistance by small groups of jihadists.

Prolonged campaign:

It was a prolonged campaign to defeat IS. Apart from territory in Syria, they has taken up huge
amount of territory in Northern Iraq.

At one point, IS reached the outskirts of Iraq's capital Baghdad.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi ordered the Mosul offensive in October 2016.

Iraqi troops, backed by Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and Shia militias on the ground and U.S. air
power in the sky, took back territoty inch by inch.

They first liberated eastern Mosul, the left bank of the Tigris that divides the city into two, and then
moved to the west, the ISs power centre.

IS not finished:

The defeat in Mosul does not mean that the threat from the IS is over.

The group still has presence in some pockets in Iraq and in at least two major cities in Syria, Raqqa and
suburbs of Deir ez-Zor.

Even if the group loses its territories, it could transform itself into a state-less jihadist group like al-
Qaeda and continue to target civilians in the region and beyond.

No more Caliphate:

IS derived its legitimacy among its followers by calling itself as Islamic Caliphate in 2014. The Caliph is the
head of Muslim community.

IS leader Baghdadi declared himself The Caliph and demanded the loyalty of Muslims all over the
world.

Influenced by him, many Muslims from around the world moved to IS ruled territories.

Now, after sustained operations, IS has lost most of its territory. Without territories, the IS couldnt
claim to be a Caliphate.

It will be driven away from cities to deserts and mountains, wrecking its conventional military
capabilities.
Wiping off IS:

In the short run, the military operations to liberate territories from the IS in Syria and Iraq should
continue.

In the longer run, the governments should adopt a more comprehensive approach to deal with the
asymmetric threats the group will pose.

Dealing with Shia-Sunni sectarian tensions in Iraq:

In Iraq, the ISs eventual defeat depends on how the Iraqi government led by Prime Minister Al-Abadi
addresses Shia-Sunni tensions.
 Iraq is a Shia Muslim majority state, with a large Sunni Muslim minority.

Mr. Al-Abadi's predecessor took various pro-Shia sectarian policies that drove the Sunni population into
revolt against him. Many of these Sunnis, who were angry with Iraq government for being anti- Sunni,
supported IS. This support allowed IS to capture many territories in Iraq.

However, current PM al-Abadi appears to be clear on his preferences.

He reached out to the Sunnis and promised to heal the sectarian wounds.

Way forward for Iraq:

After the military victory in Mosul, Iraq government has to make sure that the Sunnis are treated as
equal citizens and share power equitably.

This may not happen overnight given the deep sectarian divisions.

But Mr. al-Abadi should at least begin a process that would erase the suspicions among Sunnis about the
government.

Else, IS-like outfits will continue to channelise support and regroup.

Importance:

GS-II: International relations

Related question:

The military victory over it is only the beginning of a long struggle to defeat the Islamic State (IS). Do you
agree? Suggest a way forward.

March 9, 2017

The Mystery of Police Reform Editorial 9th March'17 The Hindu

Details :
Police reforms:

The National Police Commission (1977-79) set up by the Janata government kick-started the police
reforms.
After that many commissions were set up on police reforms but no real reforms took place.
 Mr. Prakash Singh, former DGP of UP and a former BSF chief, filed a PIL in Supreme Court in 1996
and sought major changes to the police structure.
His stress was on autonomy and more space for police professionalism by giving a fixed tenure for
police officers in crucial positions.
In 2006, the Supreme court gave its directions in 2006, which was supposed to bring in police reforms.

SC directives:
 It also mandated a new Police Act on the basis of a model Act prepared by the Union government and
circulated to the States.
Policemen believed that an end to gross political interference in police routine was in sight.

Lack of police reforms despite SC directive:

Despite the SC directives, no real reforms happened on the ground and police continue to face full
interference of political leadership.
Frustrated by lack of reform, Supreme Court bench headed by the Chief Justice said, Police reforms
are going on and on. Nobody listens to our orders.
It is unfortunate that the highest court of the land also feels so helpless in the matter. It
epitomises the poor state of affairs in public administration in the country.
It further emboldens our political heavyweights to brazenly halt the few contemplated reforms.

Reason- State governments breaking spirit of reform:

Despite the excitement, events since 2006 have been discouraging.

Several State governments found their own ways to dilute or disregard the Supreme Court's directions.
Realising that the court had stepped in mainly because there was no law on the subject, many
States brought in some legislation. But the new laws barely met the essentials of the Supreme
Court directions.
This is why senior police officers are being given a two-year tenure on paper, but given marching orders
midway into their tenure on the most untenable and imaginary grounds.
The objectives of the Police Establishment Board, conceived only to depoliticise appointments and
transfers, have been nullified. The DGPs are getting informal prior political approval from the Chief
Minister/Home Minister to place politically amenable officers in vital places in the police hierarchy.

Political pressure discouraging police:

 Many young IPS officers lose their idealism early in their careers, because of fear of vengeful politicians
or disloyal subordinates.
The fears of proactive and dedicated officers about reprisal over honest action against powerful
men in society and politics are well-known.

Will the reforms directed by SC completely transform police?

Some analysts sat that mere autonomy to the police and job security will not be of much help.
Along with that, there is a need to upgrade the quality of recruits and ensuring dedication and
honesty in the day-to-day delivery of service to the public.
They also dispute the popular theory that all police ills are traceable only to political interference
 in police routine.

Police themselves are also to be blamed:

Many dishonest policemen get away with poor performance by accusing the local politician of
preventing them from discharging their duties.
Political interference or lack of resources cannot be blamed for the gross apathy of police.
Police leadership is not contributing enough to the cause of consumer-sensitive policing. They are either
selfish or dishonest, or indifferent.
The pathetic state of police stations and their slowness in responding to the common man's
problems is well known.
Policemen either ignore complaints, or when they do take cognisance of them, take the side of the
culprits.
It is also common to treat perpetrators of violence as witnesses while the victims of crime are
converted to be accused.
Insensibility towards the common mans simple, legitimate and uncomplicated requests, be it the rich
or poor, who go to the police on a grievance, is far too common.
The excuse of preoccupation with law and order problems and inadequate manpower cannot fully
explain the inclination to inaction that has become routine in our style of policing.

How to improve quality of policing?

It won't be easy.
Unless there is self-correction within the police, a process initiated by the DGP and his aides, we cannot
see a perceptible change in the manner in which policing is carried out
There are many good officers in the police forces, and many enlightened elements in our polity who
are willing to listen to police woes.
A symbiotic relationship between police and polity needs to be nurtured if there is to be any
improvement in the quality of policing.

Importance:
GS-III: Internal Security

Related question:

Assess the reasons why the quality of policing ha not improved despite many Commissions on police reforms
and Supreme Court directives. Suggest a way forward.
March 8, 2017

No economy for women Editorial 8th March'17 The Hindu

Details : No
economy for women
Low labour force participation in India:

According to a recent report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), India and Pakistan have the
lowest rates of womens labour force participation in Asia.

According to National Sample Survey, around 22% of all women worked in 2011-12.

In comparison, other Asian countries like Nepal, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia that have the highest, with
richer nations like Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia falling in between.

Declining Labour force participation:

Moreover, even this low rate of labour force participation seems to be declining.
The National Sample Survey found that while in 1999-2000, around 26% of all women worked, by
2011-12 this proportion had dropped to around 22%.

This is in stark contrast to worldwide trends. Of the 185 nations that are part of the ILO database,
since the 1990s, 114 countries have recorded an increase in the proportion of women in the workforce,
and only 41 recorded declines.

Possible reasons:

A positive explanation could be that with rising incomes, women have the opportunity to escape
harsh labour in farms and on construction sites, and focus on their families.

A more realistic explanation might be that with declining farm sizes, rising mechanisation, and
consequently lesser labour demands in agriculture, women are being forced out of the workforce.

Women happy to work:

Research has shown that when women have access to more work opportunities, they gladly take
them.

Increased availability of wage work also enhances womens control over household decision-making.

A survey by National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) found that the provision of work
under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has brought more
rural women into wage labour.

Among such MGNREGA women workers in 2011-12, 45% were not in wage labour before the scheme
was initiated. This clearly shows that as soon as work became available under MGNREGA, women took
it.

Since NREGA work by itself cannot be expected to provide consistent stable employment for women, it is
imperative to explore other avenues.

How to increase women in work?

First, in view of shrinking farm work, we need to create opportunities for women to move from
agricultural to non-agricultural manual work.

o Some studies found that in villages where roads were constructed, the roads also facilitated the
movement of the rural workforce, especially women, into non-agricultural work even in neighbouring
villages and towns.

Second, we must create a work environment that allows more women, especially urban and
educated women, to take up salaried jobs.

o There is a need to make it possible for educated women to continue to work even while raising
families. Women continue to bear the major share of household work and childcare.
o The shortage of family-friendly work institutions create impediments to womens access to white-
collar jobs in the formal sector.

o The only way this issue can be addressed is by encouraging workplaces to become more responsive to
family needs and to promote sharing of household responsibilities between both genders.

Husband's career prioritized in inflexible work culture:

Work-family balance requires increased participation by men in household chores and caring for
children.

Work structures in Indian companies and even the government were mostly highly inflexible.

Also, workers in India work greater hours. A worldwide study found that young workers in India
worked 52 hours per week as against, say, 42 hours by their counterparts in Canada.

Thus, workplace inflexibility forces prioritising careers of husbands, which often results in wives
taking a back seat and at times even dropping out of the workforce.
Way ahead:

The benefits of reducing obstacles to womens full economic participation are huge.

It is thus high time to talk of the gender dividend rather than the demographic dividend.

March 7, 2017

All those who are out of the tax net Editorial 7th March'17 The Hindu

Details : All those

who are out of the tax net Background:
Of nearly 127 crore Indians (2015 estimates), only 2.6 crore pay income tax.

The Finance Minister during his Budget speech this year said that India is a tax non-compliant
society and too many people evade taxes.

PM Modi also said it is unbelievable that only 24 lakh Indians reported an income greater than 10 lakh
rupees.

Former Finance Minister, in his 2013-14 Budget speech, said that only 42,800 persons admitted to an
income of more than Rs.1 crore per year.

Is the perception misleading?

The perception that too few Indians pay income taxes and most Indians under-report their incomes and
that India is a land of tax avoiders and black money hoarders is entrenched.

It is misleading to conclude that Indias small number of taxpayers is entirely a result of some
genetic and cultural trait of dishonesty of Indian society at large.

Data:

Indias per capita GDP is roughly Rs. 1 lakh, i.e. the average Indian earns a lakh of rupees every year.

The income tax exemption threshold in India is Rs. 2.5 lakh, i.e. anyone earning below Rs. 2.5 lakh need
not pay income tax.

Basically, only those who earn more than 2.5 times the average income of Rs. 1 lakh will fall under the
tax bracket.

With a greater majority of Indians earning less than Rs. 1 lakh, along with an income tax exemption
threshold of Rs. 2.5 lakh, means a vast majority out of the tax bracket.

Recent research by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and Peoples Research on Indias
Consumer Economy (PRICE) found that the average income of the richest 20% of Indians is Rs. 95,000.
This means that even a large majority of the richest 20% of Indians do not qualify to pay income
taxes.

What does this mean?

It shouldn't be surprising that only small percent of Indians pay tax.

This is not a function of a large number of Indians avoiding tax, as portrayed.

It is merely a reflection of the fact that India is a terribly poor country with an extremely high income tax
exemption threshold.

Number of tax exempted earners:

India is the only large economy with an income tax exemption threshold that is 2.5 times the
average national per capita income.

In most countries, including in emerging economies such as China, Brazil and Argentina, anyone
earning more than half the average national income (that is 1.5 times) falls under the income tax
bracket.

India has increased the income tax exemption threshold on seven occasions, from Rs. 40,000 to Rs.
lakh in the last two decades.

Compared to this, China, where the exemption threshold has just doubled from 10,000 yuan to
roughly 20,000 yuan in the same period even though average incomes grew much faster in China than
in India.

Little benefit from lowering tax exemption threshold:

If India lowers its income tax exemption to, say, Rs. 1 lakh from the current Rs. 2.5 lakh to be more in
line with the rest of the world, nearly 1.5 crore more Indians will fall under the tax bracket.

But such a move will not fetch any meaningful extra tax revenues for the government but will
merely bring more people into the tax bracket.

Are those earning over 10 lakhs or 1 crore too few?

10 lakh equals 10 times Indias per capita GDP.

Even in the much richer United States, only 12.5 lakh people out of nearly 20 crore adults reported an
income greater than 10 times the per capita GDP of the U.S.

In the United Kingdom, only 2 lakh people out of an adult population of 4 crore reported an income of
greater than 10 times the average annual income.

Similarly, an annual income of Rs. 1 crore in India is equal to 100 times the average annual income.

For comparision, just 43,000 people in the US, 5,000 in the UK and a few hundred in Canada earn
more than 100 times the average annual income.

Against this backdrop, out of 68 crore adults in India, 24 lakh people earning more than Rs. 10 lakh per
year or 42,800 earning more than Rs. 1 crore is not as abnormal as is suggested.

Conclusion:

Though there is tax evasion in India, the number of Indians paying income tax or earning high
incomes is not nearly as outlandishly small as claimed.

Most urban Indians are unable to fathom the scale and size of Indias poverty.

Their personal experiences make them believe that a significant majority of Indians earn more than Rs.
20,000 a month to qualify to pay income taxes.

Name calling all of Indian society solely on the basis of the small number of taxpayers is plain
egregious. There is political motivation to saying such things grand proclamations that India is a tax non-
compliant society is unfair.

Importance:

GS-III: Economic Development (Indian Economy and issues relating to mobilization of resources, growth,
development)

Related question:

"India is a tax non-compliant society." Critically analyze the statement. Provide relevant data to support
your argument.

March 6, 2017
No time for complacency Editorial 6th March'17 The Hindu

Details : No
time for complacency
Background:
The Indian economy continues to perform well despite the doubts expressed by critics of the
demonetisation exercise.

This is clearly seen from the GDP growth estimates in the third quarter.

There could be correction in the fourth quarter, primarily to factor the impact of the informal sector. But,
it has never been easy to capture real time data on economic activity in the informal sector. This is not a
new problem and past estimates of GDP numbers have also suffered from multiple ex-post corrections.

Moving towards greater digitisation and reducing dependence on cash transactions is expected to
accelerate the pace of financial inclusion and formalisation of the informal economy.

Critics were wrong:

The critics' predictions of a collapse of GDP growth numbers, widespread unemployment and
displacement of job workers along with rural distress all turned out needless fears in view of the actual
outcomes.

The Indian GDP estimates are supported by two other important independent international
assessments - by IMF and also OECD economic survey.

Both conclude that Indian economic growth is strong, propelled by consumption demand and
accelerated structural reforms.

Robust macroeconomic framework:

The overall macroeconomic framework remains robust and credible, despite some challenges, as can be
seen by:

Continued fiscal consolidation

A modest current account deficit

Subdued inflation

Enhanced public and private consumption These

are good indicators of sustainable growth.
Concerns:
The one major concern is the the depressed private investment. The
other risks which seem modest for now include:
Exogenous shocks from sharp increases in commodity prices, particularly oil

A sudden global slowdown impacting remittances and exports

Unpredictability relating to the Chinese economy

Challenges to further growth:

The growth projection of 7.5% (growth of 6.75-7.5% range was forecasted in this years Economic
Survey) for the next fiscal depends on resolving several short-term challenges.

Debt: There are concerns about Indias large interest payments due to the high levels of public debt
as compared to other emerging economies. India has come a long way in discouraging fiscal irresponsibility.
Responsible leadership is realizing that we are best served by improving the quality of public expenditure
than enhancing budgetary outlays.

Health of the banking and financial sector: The twin balance sheet problem of both corporates and
banks was highlighted in the Economic Survey. Dealing with them should be a priority. The Indra-
dhanush I plan to revamp Public Sector Banks has distinct positives. The Indra-dhanush II is in pipeline.

Consensus needed to reforms:

Creating an enabling political environment for deeper reforms is a must. But, expecting the ruling party
alone to invest excessive political capital in this endeavour will have little result. All parties must come
together to gather consensus for necessary reforms.

Creating an institutional framework or mechanism to seek broader consensus is necessary to move to a

more rule-based management of the economy.

The constitution of the Monetary Policy Committee, GST Council, Banks Board Bureau, are robust
examples.

One way forward is the constitution of a Banking Council to facilitate a dialogue with political parties and
stake holders on a new banking road map

Empowering local governments:

Local government entities need greater empowerment.

These go beyond the enhanced devolution of resources based on the recommendations of the 13th and
more importantly 14th Finance Commissions.

The government could also look at making grants available in two parts a basic grant and
performance grant.

Enabling local bodies to impose and realise property taxes and other levies would strengthen their
financial viability.

15th FC must consider incentivising States on empowerment and delegation of powers to local
bodies.

Way forward:

It would be dangerous if the decision-making spirit is hindered by growing complacency.

The future may look bright but pursuing and deepening structural reforms is the way forward.
 The political leadership need to recognise this and come together for consensus based reforms.

Quote: We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them. - Albert
Einstein

Importance:

GS-III: Economic Development

Related question:
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them. Discuss in light
of the need for continued reforms for sustainable economic growth.

March 4, 2017

The road to China is through Kabul Editorial 4th March'17 The Hindu

Details :

The road to China is through Kabul

Afghanistan as stage for India-China cooperation:

Afghanistan has again emerged as a platform providing new possibilities on the India-China
cooperation front.

The recent India-China strategic dialogue was divided into five sub-groups of which Afghanistan was one.

This focus significantly on one country shows the importance given to it by both the States. There is a
broader understanding that New Delhi and Beijing need to strengthen the government in Kabul.

China also expressed admiration for Indias developmental work in Afghanistan.

Background (Efforts for India-China cooperation on Afghanistan earlier):

For long, India sought to include Afghanistan in its discussions with China on counterterrorism.

But, as concerns started rising in the region about the consequences of the withdrawal of NATO
forces from Afghanistan in 2014, China reached out to India.

This couldnt go far as China continued to emphasise that its relationship with Pakistan was far more
important than a regional approach on terrorism with India.

The road to stability in Aghanistan lies through Pakistan's military establishment, which looks at
Afghanistan as kind of strategic area for its influence.

IS threat:
The renewed interest in China vis-a-vis cooperation with India on Afghanistan comes against a
backdrop of the growing threat of the Islamic State (IS) to China.

The IS recently released a video this week of Chinese Uighur Muslims (of Xinjiang province in China)
vowing to return home and commit huge attacks.

The Uighur militants potential to link up with global jihadist groups including Taliban is a major
concern for China.

China is calling for greater global cooperation against the IS, which is also a reason why China has
joined ranks with Russia in a bid to engage the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Importance of Afghanistan stability for China:

China is worried about the spillover effect of continuing instability in Afghanistan.

The impact of Afghanistans destabilisation will be felt not only in Kashmir but also in Xinjiang where the
East Turkistan Islamic Movement is active.

Moreover, Chinas mega investment plans in Pakistan including CPEC need regional stability.

Why's China keen cooperating with India on Afghanistan now?

The new US administration under Donald Trump is yet to clarify its position on Afghanistan.

US has been major factor in maintianing some stability in Afghanistan. But it is looking unlikely to add
more troops to the depleting reserves of Western forces in Afghanistan.

This combined with the fears that Uighur militants influenced by the IS can link up with global
terrorist groups is concerning China.

So China is keen to engage India, as India has built a reservoir of goodwill in Afghanistan and has
demonstrated some ability to deliver concrete results on the ground.

There remain some fundamental divergences in Sino-Indian positions on Afghanistan (role of

Taliban) and broader counterterrorism postures.

Divergences on counterterrorism:

The Sino-India counter-terrorism dialogue was initially viewed as a promising bilateral initiative for
dealing with terrorism.

For India, the main source of terrorism is Pakistan where the state machinery continues to view
terrorism as a legitimate tool of national policy.

For China, Pakistan is an important asset in its South Asia policy and an all-weather friend.

As a consequence, there was only disappointment at the outcome of these dialogues.

China also continues to block the inclusion of JeM chief Masood Azhars name in the United Nations list
of global terrorists.
Way forward:

India should not expect Beijing to change its Afghanistan policy significantly to suit Indian interests.

China's friend Pakistan continues to find its interest in an unstable Afghanistan.

But the fact that China is interested in working with India on Afghanistan suggests that new
possibilities on regional cooperation are emerging. India should not hesitate to explore these new
possibilities.

Importance:

GS-II: International Relations (India and its neighborhood)

Related question:
The withdrawal of America from Afghanistan and the threat of global cooperation between jihadist outfits
calls for Sino-Indian cooperation to ensure regional stability. Discuss the opportunities and bottlenecks in
greater cooperation.

March 3, 2017

Campaigning on a budget Editorial 3rd March'17 The Editorial

Details : Campaigning on
a budget Background:
It is commonly acknowledged in India that political funding is the nodal centre of unaccounted and
illicit money transfers, and is the primary cause of corruption in government.

Corruption is strongly associated with the bureaucracy, command organs, public sector, and other
constitutional and statutory bodies.

Further, even civil society institutions such as the media can act both as the conduit of corruption or
harbour it as such.

Political corruption:

It is also important to distinguish political funding from political corruption. Political corruption may
involve funding of members of legislative organs of political parties directly, members of the executive
branch of the government or even of the judiciary.

All political corruption involves an unfair, and most often unlawful, use of public office to secure a
private gain.

In the process common good, which a public office is supposed to serve, is appropriated for partisan
ends.

Political funding (Party funding, Election expenditure etc.):

Party funding is often equated with political funding.

But political funding is not limited to party funding, and may include election expenditure of
candidates at various tiers, federal, state and local.

However, in a competitive electoral democracy, political parties cannot be denied legitimate ways of
receiving funds, and a candidate is also entitled to seek resources for his/her elections.

Sources of party funding:

 The total income of all political parties in India from 2004-05 to 2014-15 was 11,367 crore.

Till recently political parties were required to disclose donations only for amounts higher than
20,000. From such known donors, for the period mentioned above, political parties received 1,835
crore, i.e. 16%, of their income.

Another 15% they raised by way of membership, sale of coupons, interest on deposits, etc.

The rest, i.e. 69%, of the income of political parties came from unknown sources, and this segment has
been steadily on the rise during this period.

Political parties are expected to file their income tax returns every year although they do not have to pay
income tax.

For some regional parties, more than three-fourths of income came from unknown sources.

Anonymous corporate funding:

It is also important to bear in mind that the corporate sector in India that contributes to political
parties has generally not favoured the disclosure of the name of the donor.

They fear facing recriminations from the governments in power at both State and Central level if they
are seen donating heavily to other parties. So they route their donations anonymously by breaking
them into smaller amounts.

Changes:

It was announced by the Finance Minister during last Budget making it necessary for every cash
donation above 2,000 (earlier 20,000) to be acknowledged in the IT returns.

This, along with the recent demonetisation move (that restricted unaccounted cash), further
constrains flow of undisclosed funds to parties.

But it's not all about party funding:

It is important to stress that between 2004-05 and 2014-15 the average income of all the political parties
in India was just over 1,000 crore, and comes to about 2,000 crore at present annually.

Even the income of large parties such as the BJP and the Congress is just about the budget of a modest
university in India.

Therefore, while political party funding need to be made transparent, that is not the only major issue.

Election expenditures:

The big political funding in India, however, goes into election expenditures.

The funds that a political party advances to its party candidates in an election vary from one candidate to
another, and from party to party. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, 263 members of the House claimed that
they received a total of 76 crore from their parties, which averages out to roughly 28 lakh each. This claim
is negligible compared to actual expenditure.

Rough estimates on election expenditure:

One of the important considerations before political parties in selecting their candidates today is
whether they can foot the expenditure of their election.

As per rough estimates, an MLA spends on an average about 5 crore to get elected, though the legal limit
is just 28 lakhs. Considering multiple serious candidates per seat, the expenditure works out to an average
of about 13,000 crore per annum.

Similarly, a Lok Sabha MP spends an estimated 10 crore to get elected, though the legal limit is 70
lakhs. This also comes up to about 3,300 crore expenditure per annum on an average .

These estimates tally up with those by Centre for Media Studies, which estimated that an amount of
30,000 crore was spent by the government, political parties and candidates in the 2014 Lok Sabha
elections.
Return the favour after election:

Once a candidate is so elected, he has to return favours for the patronage of those who fund his
election.

The return from political funding need not always be a substantial gain, such as land or coal blocks; it
could be deferred advantage, defeat of an adversary, ideological support, ensuring a certain measure be
not implemented or be implemented in a certain way, postponement of a proposed action to a favourable
point of time, a third party advantage, etc.

Given the significance of public opinion in a democracy, political funding may also be employed to
create favourable public opinion.

Way out:

The key to regulate political funding therefore lies in bringing down election expenditure and
ensuring that it provides an opportunity to get the best public men and women to participate in
elections.
 One of the ways suggested for the purpose is holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha as well as
the State Assemblies. While a return to this practice that prevailed till 1967 is worth exploring for other
reasons, it may not lead to any significant reduction in the election expenditure as such (it will however,
drastically reduce the halting of administration in the name of code of conduct).

Better and close monitoring of the election process by the Election Commission has ensured that
overt modes of violation are checked.

Solutions are feasible to reform competitive electoral democracy, such as citizen activism that keeps a
close watch over campaigning.

But in the longer run, political patronage itself needs to be reined in. This calls decentralisation of
power in more substantive ways and also reordering the relation between the legislature and executive.

Importance:

GS-II: Polity and Constitution (Electoral reforms)

Related question:

The unaccounted political funding is at the root of political corruption in India and it subverts the spirit of
electoral democracy. Explore.

March 2, 2017

Food on its own terms Editorial 2nd March'17 The Hindu

Details : Food on
its own terms Issue:
Why is it that Kerala, a State once identified by the wealth of its agriculture, has to now seek a
greater allocation of rice to the State from the Centre?

Some reports in Kerala suggest that the State produces only one-eighth of its consumption
requirement.

Is it a reflection of the failure of public policy in Kerala that it has not addressed the problem of a
declining production of its staple food (rice) though a trend is in evidence for nearly half a century.

Impact of migration on Agriculture in Kerala:

For a long time, Kerala had witnessed migration, but it was the educated people migrating
domestically (within India) for want of opportunities.
But, in the early 1970s, following the boom in the Arabian Gulf region, the State saw a new form of
emigration.

This means, for the first time, there was a significant outflow of manual labour, some of it from
agriculture.

While it was only the men who migrated, the higher incomes transformed the households socially, and
the women too withdrew from the labour market.

This hit paddy cultivation most as women were heavily employed in the planting and harvesting of
paddy.

With the sector facing severe labour shortage, the wages rose and the cultivation of paddy was no
longer viable, as cheaper rice came in from the rest of India.

Failure of land reforms:

 Kerala is one of the rare case across the world where agricultural production actually declined after land
reforms.

In abolishing tenancy, the land reforms had extinguished the traditional landlords but did not
transfer land to those who actually laboured on the field.

The temptations of overseas migration and the impact of rising wages may have been less, had the tiller
also owned the land.

Archaic tenancy laws:

Leasing of land was also made unlawful by the land reform Act.

At the time of its legislation, tenancy had been a symbol of the exploitation of the peasantry who
were held down by the possibility of eviction at will.

But now, almost half a century later, the owners of small parcels of agriculture land have little
economic position to exploit tenants. To hold on to an archaic tenancy law holds no value except
symbolically.

Other factors in fall of agriculture production:

The natural environment in Kerala today is less hospitable to agriculture of any kind, let alone paddy
cultivation.

This has come about due to the depletion of groundwater and sand mining of the riverbeds to
provide material for luxury house construction.

Using fallow paddy fields as exhibition grounds or for shopping festivals, even when the structures
made are temporary, could also degrade the land permanently.

Land reforms needed:

One form of reorganisation possible even at this stage in Kerala is to bring in land reforms allowing
leasing out of the land by land owners who do not wish to cultivate.

It is necessary to remove all barriers to the leasing of land so that smaller portions can be pooled to form
larger operational holdings and paddy production becomes viable again.

To conserve the agriculture land, he State could also consider acquiring all unused paddy land and
making it available to the agitating Adivasis on long-term lease.

Way forward:

The emerging scenario of rising food prices and a shrinking Gulf economy will surely impact
livelihoods in the State.

Kerala needs new policies for its economy to adjust to the new emerging situation.

Public policy is likely to adapt only if political parties are pressurised by its citizenry.
Importance:

GS-III: Land reforms in India; Agriculture

March 1, 2017

Getting the basics wrong Editorial 1st March '17 The Hindu

Details : Getting the

basics wrong Background:
The Economic Survey 2016-17 tabled in Parliament in February has proposed introducing a
Universal Basic Income (UBI) in India.
 It proposes a universal and unconditional income transfer to all citizens in order to address the twin
problems of poverty and unemployment.

Economic Survey on UBI:

UBI has three components: universality, unconditionality, and agency (by providing support in the
form of cash transfers to respect, not dictate, recipients choices).

A universal basic income is, like many rights, unconditional and universal: it requires that a just society
needs to guarantee to each individual a right to a basic income to cover their needs, just by virtue of
being citizens. It provides the necessary material foundation for a life with access to basic goods and a
life of dignity.

UBI different from existing employment or income guarantee schemes:

Existing guaranteed incomes schemes world over are usually targeted or means-tested, that is, only
available to those below a threshold level of income. Or they are often linked to work-
requirement/employment status.

Means test: Whether the recepient's income falls below a certain minimum

Work Requirement: Whether they are seeking work, are in job-related training, or have part-time
employment

The core of the concept of UBI is the absence of the means test and the absence of the work test and
it is provided by the state to all citizens on an individual basis.

Universal basic income has been proposed internationally in place of employment or income
guarantee schemes.

Alternatives to UBI:

The most commonly discussed alternative to universal basic income is a negative income tax.

This is a scheme in which, for individuals below a certain income threshold, not only is the income of a
household not taxed, but the household receives a tax credit that is the difference between the basic
income or guaranteed income and tax liability.

However, the negative income tax is only feasible in a country where all citizens file tax returns. Also,
some economists suggest it will be more expensive than UBI.

Problem areas with Economic Survey's proposal:

1. The purpose of such a measure

The Economic Survey proposal constitutes an attack on welfare schemes.

The theory behind the UBI was meant for it to replace only income guarantee programmes and not all
welfare programmes like on Health, Education, Food etc. It is envisaged as providing all persons (the poor,
in particular) with an income to lead a dignified life, after basic needs such as education, health, and basic
food consumption are taken care of.

However, the Indian Economic Survey wants UBI not to supplement, but to replace, all existing anti-
poverty and social welfare programmes.

It is technically and ethically wrong to compare the costs and benefits of UBI with other welfare
programmes.

2. The redistributive intent of such a measure

A basic income needs resources.

The philosophy behind concept of UBI is clearly one of redistribution. It is not one of taking existing
benefits, whether in the form of in-kind (such as food subsidies) or in cash transfers (such as maternity
benefit), and dividing it up among all individuals as cash.

While the basic income is given to all, the manner in which the basic income is funded has to ensure that
society transfers resources from the rich to the poor.

But, the Economic Survey also refuses to frame UBI as a transfer payment from the rich to the poor. It
does not propose any new resource mobilisation or taxation to meet the goal of UBI. It talks of universal
basic income replacing other schemes at various places.

Way forward:

Resource mobilisation has to increase hugely for India to afford the universal basic income without
cutting back on other social welfare programmes.

One way is to increase tax resources. India has one of the lowest tax-to-GDP ratios in the world.

Importance:

GS-II: Social Justice

Related question:

Critically evaluate the Universal Basic Income as proposed in the 2016-17 Economic Survey. Can you suggest
ways to improve it while remaining economically viable.

Feb. 28, 2017

NOTA and the Indian voter Editorial 28th Feb'17 The Hindu

Details : NOTA and

the Indian voter Background:
Three years, one Lok Sabha election and four rounds of Assembly elections have passed since the
introduction of None of The Above (NOTA) option in the Indian electoral system.

NOTA allows voters to express their dissent against all the contestants. Thus, it is also referred to as
Negative voting.

NOTA was introduced in India following the 2013 Supreme Court directive in the Peoples Union for
Civil Liberties v. Union of India judgment.

NOTA button saw its debut in the 2013 Assembly elections held in four States and Delhi.

NOTA is not rejection:

 With NOTA, India became the 14th country to institute negative voting.

However, NOTA in India does not provide for a right to reject.

That is, the candidate with the maximum votes wins the election irrespective of the number of NOTA
votes polled.

Patterns of NOTA voting:

NOTA polling figures are still small. The maximum NOTA vote share has not crossed 2.02% of the total
votes polled in any election cycle.

In 2013 State elections when NOTA was first introduced, it constituted just 1.85% of the total votes
polled.

The average NOTA vote share further dropped to 0.95% in the 2014 Assembly elections held in eight
States. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, NOTA constituted 1.1% of the total votes.

It increased to 2.02% in the 2015 Assembly elections held in Delhi and Bihar. However, if you look at just
Bihar, it saw 2.49% of NOTA votes, which remains the highest NOTA votes polled so far in any State in
Assembly elections.

In the 2016 Assembly elections held in some States, NOTA vote share dropped again to 1.6%.

Has NOTA made any difference?

We can say NOTA made a differnce in constituencies where NOTA votes were more than the winning
margin of the candidate. (That is to say, hypothetically, had all NOTA votes been polled to second placed
candidate, he would have won.)

Across the elections since 2013, the number of NOTA votes polled was larger than the winning
margin in 261 Assembly constituencies and in 24 Lok Sabha constituencies.

Did we learn anything from NOTA voting patterns?

An analysis of NOTA usage in all elections so far does suggest some interesting early pointers:

Reserved constituencies have seen a relatively larger number of NOTA votes, which might suggest
continued social prejudice against political reservation for SC/STs. (It could also be disgruntled supporters
of incumbent who had to give up his seat as it turned to "reserved".)

Constituencies affected by left-wing extremism (LWE) have also recorded higher NOTA performance and
here probably it served as an instrument of protest against the State itself. The LWE affected Assembly
constituencies of Gadchiroli, Jhargram, Chhattarpur and Lok Sabha constituencies of Bastar and the Nilgiris
figured figured in the list of top NOTA polling constituencies.

Given the disaffection among the people in these areas against the Indian state, these numbers are
expected.
At the same time, it is important to note that these voters have used the democratic means of NOTA
to express their resentment rather than boycotting the polls outright.

NOTA figures are comparatively higher in those constituencies which have seen a direct contest
between the Congress and the BJP. One may read into this some indication of the peoples
disenchantment with two mainstream political parties and yearning for alternatives.

Conclusion:

So far, a small number of Indian voters have come to see NOTA as an instrument of protest. The
voting percentages for NOTA remain insignificant.

Overall, Indian voters seem to be using NOTA not just to show their disapproval of the candidates in the
fray but to express their protest against many things they perceive wrong in the political system.

The perceived cynicism of voters against the political class seems exaggerated.

Way forward:
 This electoral option will become a meaningful means of negative voting only if it becomes a right to
reject rather than being a symbolic instrument to express resentment as it is now.

A PIL has already been filed in Madras High Court seeking the full right to reject in place of NOTA.

Importance:

GS-II: Polity and Constitution (Electoral reforms)

Related question:

Despite the loud activism leading to its introduction, NOTA has largely failed in making any impact. Do you
agree? Give reasons and suggest ways to make NOTA a more powerful instrument of democratic
expression.
Feb. 27, 2017

What exactly is a money bill? Editorial 27th Feb'17 The Hindu

Details : What
exactly is a money bill?
Background:
The Supreme Court is hearing arguments petition challenging the validity of the Aadhaar (Targeted
Delivery of Financial & Other Subsidies, Benefits & Services) Act, 2016 or the Aadhaar Act.

Ever since Lok Sabha passed the Aadhaar Bill in 2016, questions have been raised about the legality
behind introduction of the Aadhaar Bill as a money bill.

History of Aadhaar:

Originally, Aadhaar was conceived to provide to every Indian a unique identity number, to enable a fair
and equitable distribution of benefits and subsidies.

However, it was given no legislative backing. That means, there was no law enabling it. It was
implemented just through an Executive order which established UIDAI in 2009.

When a draft Bill (The National Identification Authority of India Bill, 2010) was introduced in the
Rajya Sabha in December 2010, it was done so as an ordinary bill.

But the parliamentary standing committee which looked at the Bill released a detailed report differing
with the government of the time over critical aspects of the bill, particularly its treatment of concerns
over privacy and protection of data security.

Petitions against Aadhaar:

As Aadhaar project was being implemented even without statutory support, PILs were filed in the
Supreme Court challenging the projects legitimacy.

In these cases, the court issued a series of interim orders prohibiting the government from making
Aadhaar mandatory. The court, however, permitted the use of Aadhaar for some governmental schemes.

Aadhaar Act 2016:

To provide statutory backing to Aadhaar, the Union government in 2016 withdrew the earlier bill, and
introduced a new draft legislation titled the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial & Other Subsidies,
Benefits & Services) Bill, 2016, as a money bill. Money Bill requires only the Lok Sabhas affirmation for
it to turn into law and it was passed by Lok Sabha in March 2016.

The opponents, led by Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh, said the classification of Aadhaar Bill 2016 as a
money bill is against the spirit of the Constitution.

Money Bill:
 A money bill is defined by Article 110 of the Constitution.

It is a Bill that contains only provisions that deal with all or any of the matters listed therein. These
comprise a set of seven features, broadly including items such as the imposition or regulation of a tax; the
regulation of the borrowing of money by the Government of India; the withdrawal of money from the
Consolidated Fund of India; and so forth. (please refer to text book for all the provisions)

If a Bill contains any other features not listed in Article 110, it cannot be classified as a money bill.

Article 110 further clarifies that in cases where a dispute arises over whether a bill is a money bill or not,
the Lok Sabha Speakers decision on the issue shall be considered final.

What is Government's position?

 The Aadhaar Bill fulfilled all the constitutional requirements of a money bill.

The Speakers decision to classify a bill as a money bill is final and immune from judicial review.

Previous SC judgements on Speaker's powers on Money Bills:

In Mohd. Saeed Siddiqui v. State of UP (2014) case, a three-judge bench had ruled, in the context of State
legislatures, that a Speakers decision to classify a draft statute as a money bill, was not judicially
reviewable, even if the classification was incorrect.

The court ruled that any error in classification constituted nothing more than a mere procedural
irregularity.

Criticism of the judgement: Some say that the Constitution is clear that a bill that legislates on matters
beyond the features delineated in Article 110 must not be treated as a Money Bill. Any violation of this to
provision to treat a bill as Money Bill must be seen as a substantive constitutional error.

Another case: In Raja Ram Pal v. Honble Speaker, Lok Sabha (2007) case, a Constitution bench of the
court ruled that there are numerous circumstances where the court can review parliamentary
pronouncements, which would include instances where a Speakers choice is grossly illegal, or disregards
basic constitutional mandates, or where the Speakers decision is taken with dishonest intentions.

Provisions of Aadhaar Act 2016:

A simple reading of the Aadhaar Act shows that its contents go far beyond the features enumerated in
Article 110.

Ordinarily, a draft legislation is classified as a money bill when it provides for funds to be made
available to the executive to carry out specific tasks. In the case of the Aadhaar Act, such provisions are
manifestly absent.

Critics point out the Acts core purpose is to create a framework for maintaining a central database of
biometric information collected from citizens, and the provisions pertaining to the Consolidated Fund and
its use that are incidental.

Government argues that the purpose of Aadhaar is distribution of benefits from Consolidated Fund of
India and thus it is a Money Bill.

Privacy concerns:

Privacy is important not merely because it advances the cause of equality and freedom, but also
because it is inherently an important value.

A failure to protect privacy affects our abilities to determine for ourselves how we want to live our
lives.

The Aadhaar Act is problematic as it permits the creation of a database of not only biometric
information but also various other private data, without bothering about safeguards that need to be
installed to ensure their security.

Without any regulatory checks, it is a concern on what the government and other agencies which are
able to access this data can do it, including its misuse.

Conclusion:

Considering the possibilities of misuse of Aadhaar, including the possibility of violation of Right to
Privacy, it is not advisable to enact such an important law by introducing it as a money bill.

By making it a Money Bill, it negates altogether the Rajya Sabhas legislative role, and renders the
Parliamentary checks and balances redundant.

Importance:

GS-II: Polity and Constitution

Related question:

The extraordinary provisions of Money Bill can be misused to evade checks and balances of Parliament.
Discuss in light of the introduction of the Aadhaar bill as a money bill in Parliament, and its enactment.

Feb. 25, 2017

Shining Bright Editorial 25th Feb'17 The Hindu

Details : Shining
Bright
Background:
In 2014, PM Modi announced a goal to increase solar power capacity to 100 gigawatts (GW) by
2022.

Recently, the Cabinet has approved the doubling of solar park capacity to 40,000 MW. This will mean
setting up of an additional 50 solar parks at a cost to the government of Rs. 8,100 crore.

The total capacity when operational will generate 64 billion units of electricity per year which will lead
to abatement of around 55 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year over its life cycle.

Increased capacity to meet solar targets:

The clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs for a plan to double the capacity of solar
power installed in dedicated solar parks to 40 gigawatts by 2020, with partial government fiscal assistance.

This is in line with the goal of creating a base of 100 gigawatts by 2022 - the target set for solar
power capacity by PM Modi.

Benefits of solar power:

Expansion of solar power capacity is among the more efficient means to meet the commitment to
keep carbon emissions in check under the Paris Agreement on climate change.

It can provide the multiplier effect of creating additional employment, with overall economic
dividends.

Renewables and new energy storage technologies are on course to overshadow traditional fossil
fuel-based sources of power as the costs decline.

Solar jobs:

As per the International Renewable Energy Agency report, among various renewable energy sectors, jobs
in solar energy globally have witnessed the fastest growth since 2011.

Asia provided 60% of all renewable energy employment.

China enjoys the bulk of this with a thriving solar photovoltaic and thermal manufacturing industry,
besides installations.

India should move towards competitive manufacturing of the full chain of photovoltaics (to compete
with China and others).

India must also open training facilities to produce the human resources that the solar industry will
need in the years ahead, with increasing solar power capacity.

Low-cost financing needed:

Low-cost financing channels hold the key to quick augmentation of solar generating capacity.
 The trend in some emerging economies, including India, has been a reduction in public financing of
renewable energy projects over the last five years.

Electricity regulators must into account the reduction in the levelised cost of electricity (the minimum
cost at which electricity must be sold in order to break-even over the lifetime of the project) in fixing
tariffs.

Without realistic purchase prices, the electric utilities could reduce purchase of renewable power
sources and look to other sources, which will affect investments in solar.

Other funding options, including green bonds, would be necessary to achieve the ambitious targets.

The funding mix for renewables should give climate financing an important role. At the Paris UN
Climate Change Conference, developed countries pledged to raise $100 billion a year by 2020 for
mitigation, and more in later years. This needs to be vigorously pursued.

Other measures to increase solar capacity:

Besides promoting phase two of the solar parks plan, the government is also looking at powering
public facilities such as railway stations and stadia using solar power.

The Centre should put in place arrangements that make it easier for every citizen and small
business to adopt rooftop solar.

Way forward:

Government's will and support, low-cost financing and augmenting rooftop solar capacity all remain
crucial to achieving the overall goal of 100 GW from solar energy by 2022, and to raise the share of
renewables in the total energy mix to 40 per cent in the next decade.

Importance:

GS-III: Economic Development and Environment

Related question:

The increase in solar power capacity not only good for the environment, but it is also good for the economy.
Discuss. Suggest the steps government must take to ensure benefits to the economy.

Feb. 24, 2017

Should triple talaq be outlawed? Editorial 24th Feb'17 The Hindu

Details : Should triple
talaq be outlawed? Background:
The Supreme Court is hearing several petitions on the triple talaq issue and this has resulting in a wide
ranging debate throughout the country. Several women have filed a petition before the Supreme Court
seeking the quashing of the triple talaq practice.

The petitioners wants the Supreme Court to declare all three discriminatory islamic practices of
polygamy, triple talaq and nikal halala as illegal and unconstitutional as they violate the rights
guaranteed by the Constitution under Article 14, 15, 21 and 25.

There are previous judgments by Indian courts where the triple talaq provision has been struck down as
invalid. But it has not led to this practice being rooted out from our society.

In 2002, the Supreme Court had given its ruling on triple talaq in the Shamim Ara v. State of U.P. case
and said that a mere pronouncement of talaq in response to a womans plea for maintenance cannot be
treated as pronouncement of talaq. In order to be valid, talaq has to be pronounced according to the
Koranic injunction.
There was a similar judgement from the Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court in the Dagdu
Pathan v. Rahimbi case (2002) which struck down triple talaq.

Forms of talaq:

The whole point of talaq (divorce) is to find a dignified way of getting out of a marriage that has
irrevocably broken down.

The talaq-e-ehsan, one form of divorce, states the conditions which have to be observed. Triple talaq
must be pronounced over three months. One per month. During the months, mediation is essential with
both parties being represented during the negotiation. It is only after following these conditions that talaq
is granted and once granted is irrevocable. It is only after the completion of the third month that the
divorce is confirmed.

The talaq-e-bidat or triple talaq at one go allows the man to exhaust all the options at once, and is thus
instant divorce.

Practice of triple talaq:

For Muslims, Triple talaq continues to be the most common method of divorce. A sample study of
4,710 women done by Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan found that out of 525 women who were
divorced, 349 were victims of triple talaq.

On the other hand, some say that divorce is the least prevalent among Muslims in among among all
religions and thus the practice of triple talaq is also rare among Muslims. And those who practise it are
usually the uneducated and the poor who do not know their Koran or those who are misled by others.

Why only the man can pronounce triple talaq?

According to some Muslim leaders, under Islam, the man shares the greater responsibility in marriage as
far as maintenance of his wife and children are concerned. He has many duties to fulfil and many
responsibilities too. That is why he has been given the responsibility of ending the marriage only when it
breaks down.

Women too have the option of khula. But, she will have to approach the qazi if her husband is
absconding, of bad character and so on.

The unjustness of the triple talaq practice:

A man can simply utter the word talaq thrice or communicate it through phone with no witness
deemed necessary.

The burden is on the wife to legally contest it.

There is no law binding the man on when he can issue divorce though this practice, he can just act on
his whim.

This is absolutely unfair and must be stopped.

Example: A woman in Madhya Pradesh who did not wake up when her husband returned late from
work received talaq thrice when she was asleep.

Various interpretations of Koran on triple talaq:

One version:

Gender justice is a central tenet of the Koran and gender inequality and triple talaq are in violation of
the Koranic principles. In fact, in the Koran, the very conception of humankind is based on an equal footing
between man and woman. Triple talaq is just not valid according to Koran, and is a violation of the tenets
of justice and fairness.

It is the patriarchal misinterpretations and distortions that promote triple talaq and thus, rule our lives
of women. Thus, any talk of reform in personal law is brushed aside as interference in religious matters.

Another version:

The pronouncement of triple talaq is acceptable in Islam, and is very much a Koranic injunction.
Divorce is deemed one of the worst things in the institution of marriage and allowed only in extreme
situations. It eventually comes down to the nikahnama, which is a contractual obligation between the
two parties during marriage. If the terms of the contract do not have provisions against triple talaq, the
pronouncement of talaq at one go is allowed in the Koran.

Reforms in Muslim personal law:

Activists argue that Muslim personal law needs drastic reform just like the Hindu code or the
Christian laws. There has been a legal discrimination of Muslim women.

Muslim women are still subject to the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937 which is
silent on triple talaq, nikah halala and polygamy.

Though due to the patriarchal nature of society, discrimination exists also against Hindu and
Christian women, they do not face legal discrimination the way Muslim women do.

The Hindu women have the Hindu Succession Act and the Hindu Marriage Act.

Muslim women need to be brought at par with Hindu and Christian women who have a legal
recourse. It is the constitutional obligation of the government to enable Muslim women to obtain
gender justice for Muslim women.

What's the way out:

Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan is seeking is that the Supreme Court should lay down the procedure
for talaq based on the talaq-e-ehsan method. The objective is that the woman should not be rendered a
destitute. This is an evolved system of jurisprudence calling for just and fair divorce.

The Supreme Court will be requested to have a separate department with people who are well-
versed in the Sharia laws if at all the court wishes to mediate on the matter.

The Muslim community has to look within and take the lead in reforming such reprehensible practices,
or else the state will interfere with personal laws (though personal laws are deemed in sync with the
constitutional rights).

Importance:

GS-I: Women's problems and their remedies

GS-II: Constitution and Fundamental Rights

GS-IV: Ethics - Values (Relevant values for Ethics in the article: Justice; Equality; Compassion)
Feb. 23, 2017

A disaster thats still unfolding Editorial 24th Feb'17 The Hindu

Details :A
disaster thats still unfolding
Irresponsibility and Inadequate response:

It is still not known how Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL) authorities allowed the incident to happen. A
probe by the Ministry of Shipping is under way.

After the accident, KPL delayed action as toxic oil was being leaked into the sea and the response was
utterly inadequate.

Had the accident response mechanisms swung into action, the oil spill could have been contained.

By the time the Coast Guard was informed much later in the morning, great damage had already been
done.
Trust deficit:

Such incidents, where false information is put out to cover up disasters, create a trust deficit
between people and the public authorities.

Therefore, the first demand of citizens should be that when a disaster happens, agencies should act
immediately to contain the disaster not act immediately to contain the damage to their reputations.

The National Oil Spill-Disaster Contingency Plan:

The National Oil Spill-Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP) was sanctioned in 1993, drafted in 1995 and
adopted in 1996.

The plan has routinely been updated and revised to reflect the latest in international safety and
regulatory standards.

But no plan can account for a complete failure in action.

Lack of State contingency plans:

For over two decades, the Indian Coast Guard has been demanding a State contingency plan from
States.

This was reiterated as recently as August 2016 in the 21st annual meeting of the NOS-DCP and
during the most recent meetings of the State Coastal Zone Management Authority.

Despite this, Tamil Nadu has not furnished such a plan. For the past three years, the Tamil Nadu
Maritime Board has been working on a draft for the plan.

The State needs to explain why a local contingency plan has not been put in place.

Lack of communication from the administration, especially on safety:

There is absolutely no disaster-related information, especially details regarding the current status of the
spill, or precautions the public needs to take.

No information was released on whether the fishermen venture out to sea, or if it is safe to eat sea
food near the spill, and importantly if it safe to even volunteer to help clean the toxic oil sludge without
proper protective gear, using only buckets. 187 tonnes of oil sludge have been removed by the Coast
Guard and Chennais people (many without any protection).

This information should have been widely disseminated the administration. The political turmoil
cannot be an excuse when a permanent bureaucracy is in place.

Also important to note that Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL) has only now been issued tenders to buy oil spill
response machinery. This is extremely irresponsible.

The steps being taken to clear out the spill are also not clear.

Bioremediation is inadequate:
 Some news reports talk of bioremediation being carried out by experts from the IIT and Indian Oil.

Bioremediation is a waste management technique that involves the use of organisms to remove or
neutralize pollutants from a contaminated site

However, the sludge is reported to have a heavy concentration of heavy materials such as zinc, lead and
arsenic which are non-biodegradable and cannot be removed by bioremediation.

These will remain in the ecosystem for the foreseeable future, poisoning marine life all the way up the
food chain and causing irreparable damage to humans as well as to the marine ecosystem.

Criminal negligence in disposal:

Some reports suggest that the oil sludge was buried in neighbouring villages, where pits containing oil
sludge were found. Further burying was stopped only after local residents protested.

To dispose of the sludge waste among the very community most affected by the spill, and despite
grave hazards to their health and safety, is criminal.

The authorities were either negligent or complicit along with the ship owner/agent.

Containment work must continue till all spill is fully contained:

It has already been announced that the spill containment work has been almost completed.

But on the other hand, some reports indicate that the slick has spread far south to the Pichavaram
mangroves, and northwards to affect the Pulicat mangroves. The compromising of mangroves would be a
disaster of epic proportions.

Containment and damage control must continue until the damage is fully contained and not stopped
arbitrarily.

Conclusion:

The State and Central governments are duty-bound to keep the public informed.

The public has the right to know how much damage has occurred, where and whether the damage
continues. What are the safety precautions that have to be taken now, and for how long?

The matter is before the National Green Tribunal and the matters of culpability and compensation
matters are being examined.

Those in authority, officials and otherwise, who are guilty of criminal negligence must be brought to
book.

The culpable owners/crew should be severely penalised. It must ultimately be ensured that the
polluters pay an exemplary price for their sins.

The incident shows that a concerted and determined effort by ordinary citizens can move the
governments to action. Citizens must also come together and force accountability and action from the
authorities.

It must also be ensured that contingency plans for oil spills are in place for all coastal states. Also, it must
be mandatory for all ports to have oil spill response machinery ready.

Feb. 22, 2017

When the unelected set the agenda Editorial 22nd Feb'17 The Hindu

Details : When the

unelected set the agenda The context
The behavior and identity of an individual in the society is increasingly being dictated by small
groups instead of the State and the larger society.

Rules and individual agency

Following a rule has two components: the action corresponding to the rule, and our interpretation of the
intention of that rule.

Typically, we are expected to follow the action corresponding to a rule and not worry about the
intention.

Most times, people dont intend to break a rule but interpret it in their own terms acting as
independent decision-makers.

This ambiguity in interpreting a rule is the source of many conflicts in our society today.
 Some people argue that we should not blindly follow social norms one should be independent
interpreters of the rules of society.

Sometimes it may seem that our individual decision is better than the social norm and when the
context is not appropriate, rational individual decision supersede social norms.

But when each of us interprets social rules, it leads to chaos and individual interpretations of social
norms drives much of the conflicts in India today, including the problem of corruption and conflicts of
identity politics.

Understanding identity

Identity is primarily about rules and how we follow these rules.

Identities such as gender, caste and religion are largely decided by the norms of a larger society, and
socialisation is learning how to follow these norms.

But since identity is intensely personal, we also repeatedly violate social norms and assert our own
individual decision-making capacity.

Choosing our own identity is one of the most cherished autonomies that we have.

But this autonomy is what is being challenged today by small groups who take on the authority of
defining what our identities should be.

The erosion of autonomy

Today, it is not easy to craft an individual identity since our identity is constantly challenged by
others and we are slowly losing our autonomy to define ourselves.

Instead of the state or the larger society which earlier defined our identity, small groups are defining the
rules of what an identity is.

This is because those who are supposed to create meaningful social (political leaders) rules have
abdicated their responsibility.

Consequence of democratic politics

Representative politics is a system where we voluntarily give away our autonomy to politicians.

Democracy is the contract by which we voluntarily agree to follow the rules created by a group of
people whom we elect.

The other aspect of the contract is that the politicians not only make rules that benefit the citizens but
also communicate the intention behind those rules in clear terms.

When these intentions are left ambiguous, social conflicts arise since individuals and groups interpret
the intentions behind rules to suit their interests, leading to the failure of the democratic contract.

Conclusion
 The unelected has started dictating what social rules mean instead of democratically negotiating
these rules.

This is the first sign of failure of the system.

Democratically elected leaders should reassert themselves and take the responsibility to negotiate the
rules governing the society and convey the intentions behind these rules to the public in clear terms.

Feb. 21, 2017

In India, diverging incomes despite equalising forces Editorial 21st Feb'17

The Hindu

Details : In India,
diverging incomes despite equalising forces Background
If India has to grow at a high rate of growth, States must show convergence (reduction in relative
disparities).

This years Economic Survey throws up two deep puzzles about convergence within India.

In the 2000s, while standards of living (measured in terms of Gross State Domestic Product or
consumption) per capita increased in all the States, the disparities among them also increased i.e. there
was divergence across the States instead of convergence.

The first puzzle is that across countries disparities are declining in contrast to India.

The second puzzle is the tendency towards disparities within India has been strengthening, not
weakening, over time.

Bucking a global trend

There has been an improvement in living standards across the States between 1984 and 2014. The least
developed State (Tripura) increased its per capita GSDP 5.6 fold and the median State (Himachal Pradesh)
increased its income level 4.3 fold.

Convergence occurs when a State that starts off with a lower level of per capita GDP sees faster
growth of per capita GDP in the future so that it catches up with better-performing States.

But instead of convergence, Indian States are showing divergence (aggravation of regional
inequality).

Across the world, poorer countries are catching up with richer countries, the poorer Chinese
provinces are catching up with the richer ones.

But in India the less developed States are not catching up; instead they are, on average, falling
behind the richer States.

Internationally, gap between growth rates of per capita GDP widened at least since the 1820s with
poorer countries growing slower than richer countries, leading to the basic divide between advanced and
developing countries characterised as Divergence, Big Time.

However, since 1980 this long-term trend was reversed and poorer countries started catching up with
richer ones. In contrast, there continues to be divergence within India.

Evolution of convergence over time

In the 1990s, there was either weak convergence or divergence.

But in the 2000s, the world and China showed convergence but India still showed divergence.

This was despite the promise that less developed States such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and
Chhattisgarh had started improving their relative performance.

The data show that those developments were neither strong nor durable enough to change the
underlying growing inequality.

Therefore, the evidence suggests that in India, catch-up remains intangible.

Process of convergence

Convergence happens through trade and through mobility of factors of production.

If a State/country is poor, the returns to capital will be high and this should attract capital and
labour, thereby raising its productivity and enabling catch-up with richer States/countries.
 Trade, based on comparative advantage, is a proxy for the movement of underlying factors of
production.

A less developed country that has abundant labour and scarce capital will export labour-intensive
goods (a proxy for exporting unskilled labour) and import capital-intensive goods (a proxy for attracting
capital).

The cross-country puzzle

Within India, where borders are porous (between States), convergence has failed whereas across
countries where borders are much thicker (because of restrictions on trade, capital and labour) there is a
convergence strong.

The temporal puzzle (within India)

The Economic Survey shows that trade within India is quite high and mobility of people has
increased dramatically almost doubled in the 2000s.

These indicate that India has porous borders and that porosity has been increasing. Yet over time,
divergence has been increasing rather than narrowing.

The driving force behind the Chinese convergence has been the migration of people from farms in the
interior to factories on the coast, raising productivity and wages in the poorer regions faster than in
richer regions.

But in India disparities have been widening.

Possible explanations

1) Governance deficit

Due to governance or institutional deficit capital will not flow to regions of high productivity because this
high productivity may be more notional than real.

Poor governance could make the risk-adjusted returns on capital low even in capital-scarce States.

Greater labour mobility from these areas, especially of the higher skilled, could worsen governance.

2) Pattern of development

India has relied on growth of skill-intensive sectors rather than low-skill ones (reflected not just in the
dominance of services over manufacturing but also in the patterns of specialisation within manufacturing).

Thus, if the binding constraint on growth is the availability of skills, labour productivity would not
necessarily be high in capital-scarce States.

Unless the less developed regions are able to generate skills (in addition to providing good
governance), convergence may not occur.

Conclusion
 Both these hypotheses are ultimately not satisfying because they only raise an even deeper political
economy puzzle.

Given the competition between States where successful States serve both as models (examples that
become evident widely) and magnets (attracting capital, talent, and people), there should be pressure on
the less developed States to reform their governance to make them competitive.

Persistent divergence amongst the States is against competitive federalism which impels
convergence.

More research should be conducted to understand and address persistent divergence among the
States.

Importance

GS 3 (Indian Economy)
Feb. 20, 2017

Speak in our own voice Editorial 20th Feb'17 The Hindu

Details : Speak in
our own voice Background
In the backdrop of a tensed bilateral relationship with China, Foreign Secretary is heading to Beijing this
week for Strategic Dialogue with the Chinese.

In the past few months, there has been a series of interventions from American officials on India-
China issues.

Australian and Japanese experts as well as Indian think tanks are increasingly clamouring for a
strategic middle power coalition.

Ills of involving others in India-China equation

An impression created is that New Delhi is allowing, possibly even encouraging, the U.S. to be its
voice on what are essentially bilateral issues between India and China.

At a time when India and China have had major differences over a series of issues, allowing an
external voice will be detrimental to Indias interests.

India is not, nor is it likely to be a treaty ally of the U.S., as Australia and Japan are and such a
coalition would necessarily be considered a front to counter Chinese maritime hegemony.

While Indian naval presence would Australian and Japanese efforts to police the South China Sea, they
would not be able to help India on its unresolved boundary issue with China.

Therefore, India stands to lose much more than it can gain.

Three-and-a-half fronts

India and China have conflicts on what can be called three-and-a-half fronts.

1. The land front, where they have fought one war in 1962;

2.The maritime front, where the U.S. and its allies want India to take part in joint patrols to confront
Chinas naval ambitions in Indo-Pacific;

3.Indias neighbourhood, particularly Pakistan, where Chinese investment is altering bilateral

equations;

4. The Tibetan front, which could be considered a half-front.

Way forward

Despite the lows of the past year, New Delhi and Beijing have kept their bilateral engagement
steady.

It is hoped that the Strategic Dialogue will bring some stability to the bilateral relationsl, especially as
India recalibrates its foreign policy in an ambiguous environment due to uncertainties of the new
U.S. Presidency.

It should not allow other powers to intervene in the bilateral relations with China.

Importance

GS 2 (International relations)
Feb. 18, 2017

Working on the ISRO principle Editorial 18th Feb'17 The Hindu

Details : Working on
the ISRO principle Background
ISRO has demonstrated its capacities in the development of cutting-edge technology and global
standards in execution by launching 104 satellites from a single rocket.

ISRO stands for excellence when other government agencies suffer from severe challenges in terms of
capacity and execution.

ISRO can show the way to create other high-performing government organisations.

More autonomy

ISRO reports to the PMO rather than a line ministry.

Line ministries, ministers and bureaucrats have a tendency to micromanage things and this include
autonomous bodies under them.

The PMO sphere of activity cuts across all government departments and its officials would dont
have the time to supervise the affairs of a single institution.

ISRO, therefore, has a real autonomy that most other government agencies do not.

Location matters

The geographical location of the organisation also matters in terms of creating an appropriate
ecosystem to nurture excellence.

A number of critical government-run organisations and enterprises are either headquartered in Delhi
because its the capital or are in places that have some political importance.

If the orgnaisation is located in Delhi, it will be vulnerable to the whims and fancies of the parent
ministry and the bureaucratic attitude and work culture.

A politically important location outside Delhi may not have the ecosystem to feed knowledge
creation and build capabilities.

ISRO is headquartered in Bengaluru which Indias science and technology hub and free from Delhis
drawbacks.

It has the right ecosystem to attract talent and build its knowledge capabilities more than most
government agencies do.

Specialists and private sector participation

Unlike many government agencies which are staffed by generalists, ISRO is staffed by specialists. This
has been critical in its success.

ISRO is also more open than most government agencies about cooperating with and working with the
best in the private sector.

Lessons to be learnt

Conventionally, it is believed that the Government is poor in project execution but ISRO shows that it is
possible for the government to build high-performing organisations/agencies.

This doesnt mean that the Government must get involved in more areas but is should buildtop
quality institutions in a limited number of areas where the governments role cannot be substituted by
the private sector.

Cutting-edge research and development in spheres where there may not be ready profits is one area
the government should focus on building ISRO-like institutions. Some examples are defence, vaccines
for under-researched diseases etc.

For Government organisation not engaged in cutting-edge research or reports to the PMO,
independence from line ministries is important for a high performance.

Way forward

The problem is that it is not easy to change the nature of institutions by tinkering with them
because here is a path dependency in the way institutions evolve.

(Path dependency is an idea that tries to explain the continued use of a practice based on historical
preference or use. This holds true even if newer, more efficient practices are available due to the previous
commitment made.)

For creating high performing government bodies one need to start from scratch and focus on a few
basics: real autonomy from ministries, right geographical location/appropriate ecosystem, a team of
specialists, partnership with the private sector and operating only in spheres where there is no alternative
to government.

Importance

GS 2 (Governance)

Related question

ISRO has established itself as a dependable organisation capable of executing complex projects
successfully and efficiently while other Government organisations are known more for their poor
performance. Analyse the reasons for this.

Feb. 17, 2017

Should elections be state-funded? Editorial 17th Feb'17 The Hindu

Details : Should
elections be state-funded? The context
State funding of elections is routinely pushed as an effective solution to curb money power in
politics and corruption.

But different experts have different views regarding their efficacy.

Arguments in favour Infusing
white money
Black money dominates politics as there is an acute lack of white money in the field.Focus should shift
from how to control black money in politics to how to infuse white money in politics.

Since Indians have failed to develop healthy traditions of political funding, state funding of elections may
help to infuse white money in politics.

Though state funding by itself will not do away with the nexus of black money and electoral politics.

A floor-level fund for every serious candidate will ensure a level playing field.

Any scheme of state funding of elections should be designed in such a way that it infuses a
substantial amount of white money into politics in a transparent and flexible manner.
Possible system

For example, at the end of every election, every candidate can be reimbursed at the rate of 100 for each
vote secured by that candidate in the elections.

There could be a minimum qualifying cut-off of, say, 1% of valid votes polled, so as to deter non-
serious candidates.

There could also be a ceiling on reimbursement, say, twice the maximum permissible expenditure for a
candidate in a constituency.

Black money will not disappear but the dependence of political leaders and parties on black money will
reduce.

If the party workers know that the party has access to some legitimate funds, they would be able to make
demands on their party. It would increase internal democracy and reduce the clout of rich within parties.

Cost

Over a five-year period, across one round of parliamentary and Assembly elections, it would cost
around 5,000 crore which is about 0.05% of the Central governments Budget for five years.

It will improve the quality of our democracy and will ensure a clean democracy.

Argument against
Argument 1
The two aspects

There are two aspects to the financing of the democratic process: the financing of elections from the
panchayat level to Parliament, and the funding of political parties that is not election-specific.

Indian political parties, unlike western democracies, have large number of full time office bearers and
thus need continuous funds.

Candidates funded by a variety of sources, even criminal syndicates seeking patronage and
protection.

Any practical initiative aimed at bringing transparency, accountability and cleanliness to the political
financing needs to address these aspects simultaneously.

Disclosing sources

Under the existing law, election candidates are obligated only to reveal their spending and keep it
within limits prescribed by the Election Commission, which is routinely violated.

All candidates should reveal the sources of their electoral funding statutorily and in addition to the
expense statement, a daily collection statement detailing the identity of the donors and full financial
details must be filed with the expenditure observer.

The Supreme Court must take suomotu cognisance of the recent ADR report that revealed that 69% of
the income of political parties between 2004-05 and 2014-15 came from unknown sources.

Section 13 (A) subsection (b) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 exempts political parties from keeping a record
of the source of donations below 20,000. Read in conjunction with Section 29 (C) of the Representation of
the People Act 1951, it provides the legal architecture and immunity for the political and electoral financing
processes.

This exemption needs to be quashed by the Supreme Court because Parliament will never legislate to
remove this loophole as collective vested interests would ensure its continuity.

The identity of every donor to every political party irrespective of the amount donated must be in the
public domain so that the Election Commission, Income Tax Department and other electoral oversight
initiatives can verify them.

Part of democratic process

 Conceptually, state funding of elections is based on the presumption that there would be then no
private funding which is not possible in a democracy.

Elections are a democratic participatory process and state funding of elections is therefore
antithetical to democracy itself.

Argument 2

There is distinction between state funding of elections and state funding of political parties.

It is impossible to keep tabs on money spent in elections therefore state funding of elections will fail to
deliver the desired outcomes.

To check corruption in elections, it is necessary to consider public funding of political parties

though certainly not of elections.

Funding parties post-election

Politics cannot be run without money. It is easier to monitor the funding of political parties which is a far
more realistic goal than seeking state funding of elections.

Political parties can be funded post-election based on their actual performance. For instance, for
every vote obtained, 100 be given.

Since the number of votes polled cannot be fabricated, reimbursement based on polled votes would be
accurate.

It will cost around 5,500 crore. And this roughly corresponds to the amount raised by all political
parties together in five years.

This money can be distributed among the parties based on their poll performance and must be paid by
cheque.

Also, all private donations will be totally banned if we follow this system and the party accounts will be
subject to audit by the CAG.

This will ensure honesty and transparency in governance.

Another system

A national election fund could be created to which corporates and others can be asked to donate and
the funds will be disbursed according to the performance.

This will reduce the tax pressure from the public to fund the elections.

Way forward

A study, Political Finance Regulations Around the World, by the International Institute for Democracy
and Electoral Assistance, Stockholm (2012), in 180 countries shows 71 nations have the facility of giving
state funds based on votes obtained.
 This includes 86% countries in Europe, 71% Africa, 63% of the Americas and 58% of Asia.

If it works well in so many countries, there is no reason why it cannot be implemented in India.

Importance

GS 2 (Polity)

Related question

Critically analyse the proposal for state funding for elections.

Feb. 16, 2017

The devil is in the fine print Editorial 16th Feb'17 The Hindu

Details : The
devil is in the fine print
Background
The Finance Minister announced a slew of reforms in political funding in this years Budget which
were widely hailed as a step in the right direction.

But a detailed analysis of the Finance Bill shows that proposals for bringing transparency and
accountability would not achieve much and could also be counter-productive.

They also draw national attention away from a series of electoral funding reforms that the Election
Commission and democratic reform activists have been asking for a long time.

The four proposals

The Budget had four proposals to cleanse the system of funding of political parties.

1.A ceiling of 2,000 on the amount of cash donation that a political party can receive from one
person in a year.

2.Political parties would be entitled to receive donations by cheque or digital mode from their
donors.

3. A new scheme of Electoral Bonds.

4.Every political party would have to file its Income Tax return within the prescribed time limit in
order to enjoy exemption from payment of income tax.

The Finance Minister claimed that these measures will result in greater transparency and
accountability in political funding, while preventing future generation of black money.

Limiting cash donations

The proposal about limiting cash donations to 2,000 has been widely misunderstood as the limit for
anonymous donations has been reduced from the existing 20,000 to 2,000.

But the Finance Bill reveals that the existing limit of 20,000 on anonymous donation as per Section 23 of
the Representation of the People Act (RPA) has been left untouched.

The proposal is merely a new, additional, clause that limits cash donation from one source to 2,000 in
one year.

Redundant proposals

The proposals about donations by cheque or digital mode and Income Tax return are redundant as the
existing law provides for the same.

Political parties were always entitled to receive donations by cheque or digitally but the need was for a
new law to mandate that the parties would be required to receive donations by cheque or digitally.
 Similarly, the existing law requires political parties to file their income tax returns to enjoy tax
exemption.

The Finance Bill now proposes a new proviso in Section 13A clause (d) of the Income Tax Act 1961 that
explicitly says that the return should be filed within the stipulated time limit.

All major parties have routinely failed to file Income tax returns timely but there is no penalty for this non-
compliance and the Finance Minister did not address this issue.

Business as usual

There was and is no requirement to disclose a contribution by cheque or digital transfer up to

20,000 and there was and is no limit to how much a party can receive from anonymous donations.
 There was and is no limit to how much overall a party can receive in cash from all sources put
together.

These 3 proposals are unlikely to make any difference to political parties as most political funds remain
with the party leaders, a small amount becomes party funds and a tiny fraction of party funds is placed in
the bank accounts.

Most of this is not voluntary contribution or donation but black money generated by party leaders
which is turned into white money by way of book entries as donations to the party by breaking the
entire amount into entries of 20,000 or below.

Now they will absorb the same amount by breaking it down into entries of 2,000 or below.

Trouble with electoral bonds

Electoral bonds could be purchased from authorised banks by anyone who wants to donate to a
political party. This purchase will have to be in white money against cheque and digital payments only.

Once purchased, these bonds will be like bearer bonds and will not contain the name of the eventual
beneficiary.

(A bearer bond is a bond or debt security issued by a business entity such as a corporation, or a
government. As a bearer instrument, it differs from the more common types of investment securities in
that it is unregistered no records are kept of the owner, or the transactions involving ownership.)

These bonds shall be redeemable only in the designated account of a registered political party
within a prescribed period.

The donors bank would not know the name of the party which received electoral bonds and the
partys bank would not know the identity of the donor.

As reporting of donor, beneficiary, or even the amount of contribution has been exempted by
amending the Income Tax Act Section 13A (b) and the RPA, Section 29C the Income Tax authorities and
the EC would not the knowledge of the transactions.

The net effect will be that no one except the fund giver and the fund receiver would know about
these transactions.

These bonds will reduce the little transparency that exists in the current system.

Way forward

The limit for anonymous donations should be reduced from the existing 20,000 to 2,000.

The ECs proposal that no party should be allowed to receive more than 20 crore or 20% of its
overall donations from anonymous sources should be implemented.

There should be stringent penalty if a party doesnt files timely income tax returns.

The reporting of donor, beneficiary, and the amount of contribution through electoral bonds should not
be exempted.

Importance

GS 2 (Polity)

Related question

The Budget for 2017-18 has proposed a slew of reforms in electoral funding. Do you think that these
proposals will result in greater transparency and accountability in political funding, while preventing future
generation of black money? Justify your answer.

Feb. 15, 2017

The ecological balance-sheet Editorial 15th Feb'17 The Hindu

Details : The
ecological balance-sheet
Background
The Union Budget for 2017-18 has increased the allocation for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change (MoEFCC), by 18.88% from last year.

But the approach to environmental protection appears to be fragmented and flawed as the Budget
doesnt recognizes the inter-relations between environment protection and other issues.

A detailed analysis shows indifference to specific issues of wildlife conservation, pollution abatement and
related areas which demand immediate policy interventions by the state.

Recognising interconnections

The issues of forest management, resource conservation, pollution control and wildlife protection are
interconnected but they are treated in isolation at the micro level and attention is paid only at the macro-
level.

Many measures for environment protection are counter-balanced by weak regulation in other
sectors such as energy and large industries.

Funds for the Environment Ministry should be matched by corresponding measures to boost
alternative energy sources, placing curbs on polluting industries and vehicles and adoption of
sustainable development approaches to economic growth.

In the current Budget, while there has been an increase in allocation to the MoEFCC, funding for
renewable energy forms, solar use in rural areas, etc. has been reduced.

Meagre budgetary allocation

The budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Environment under various heads is inadequate when
compared to environment challenges faced by the country.

Climate change and increasing pollution are emerging as matters of great concern but a sum only of
40 crore and 74.30 crore have been allocated to the Climate Change Action Plan and Central Pollution
Control Board (CPCB), respectively.

Environment and ecology, coastal management, environmental monitoring and governance, National
Afforestation Management have received inadequate funds with no accompanying rationale for such
allocations (arbitrary allocations) or a clear framework for their utilisation.

Wildlife conservation has also received insufficient funds. The National Tiger Conservation Authority
(NTCA) has been allotted an arbitrary sum of 8.15 crore.

Fluctuating funds

Budgetary flow for the schemes under the Ministry of Environment has been fluctuating in the past.
 The rise and decline in allocations do not appear to have been based on receipts and expenditures of the
preceding financial year.

Under-utilisation of funds

The expenditure budget for the MoEFCC reveals that under the Centrally sponsored schemes,
transfers made to the States and the Union Territories remain grossly under-utilised.

The Centrally sponsored schemes include Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Integrated Development of
Wildlife Habitats and Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems.

Project Tiger has barely managed to utilise half the funds allocated to it.

State projects are also plagued by under-utilisation.

Way forward

The need is to balance industrial growth and environment protection, to address the problems of
disappearing wildlife, increasing conflicts, deterioration of ecology and habitat destruction.

For this, scientific, sustained and intensive measures of conservation that recognize inter-
connections between various issues are required.

There is need to approach issues of environment protection and sustainable development in a

holistic manner and ensure rational dedication of funds.

Importance

GS 3 (Environment)

Feb. 14, 2017

Swimming out of a numerical soup Editorial 14th Feb'17 The Hindu

Details : Swimming out

of a numerical soup The context
The Budget for 2017-18 is criticized by many commentators for lacking in any major announcement but
this years Budget was presented against a difficult economic scenario.

The effects of demonetization are still persisting and the IMF estimates a 1% reduction in the GDP
growth rate and the Economic Survey also admits some adverse effect on the economy.

The introduction of GST meant that the Government doesnt have firm estimates on indirect tax
collection.

And the early presentation of the Budget by a month meant that the Government did not have firm
estimates of the rate of growth of the economy.

This was also the first time that the Railway Budget was being integrated with the general Budget.

The electoral temptation

The Government must have been tempted to present a populist budget with elections in several
states round the corner but the budget was devoid of any signs of it.

The Government is letting the economy grow on its own, with minimal additional interference or help
from the government.
Fiscal indicators

The government has achieved the fiscal deficit target of 3.5% of GDP for 2016-17 and the earlier
target of 3% for 2017-18 has been relaxed slightly to 3.2%.

The Finance Minister has stuck to the path of fiscal prudence even though many economists suggested
that the Government should choose a larger deficit to provide a fiscal stimulus in order to offset the
contraction of demand following the demonetization.

The Government must have hoped that expansionary State budgets and remonetisation of the
economy will provide demand stimulus.

The Budget proposes that both revenue as well as expenditure will record only modest increases
during the next financial year.

A major reason for thelow growth in tax revenue collection is that excise duties will contribute very little
to the increase in contrast to the current year when higher duties on petrol and diesel increased
tax collections.

As crude oil prices are increasing, the Government cant increase taxes of petroleum products.

Taxes

1) Direct taxes

The income tax rate for the first slab has been reduced from 10% to 5% which has resulted in a
discontinuous rate structure, with the marginal tax rate for the next slab jumping to 20%.

This discontinuity is a bad move because tax-to-GDP ratio is very low at 11%.

The tax to GDP ratio should be increased significantly to finance increased public expenditure in
priority sectors like the social sectors and infrastructure.

This will be possible only through a twin-pronged strategy of unchanged tax rates and bringing a
significantly larger share of national income under the scope of income tax.

The corporate tax rate has also been reduced to 25% for companies with an annual turnover below
50 crore which will compensate small companies that have been adversely affected by demonetisation.

But it is a regressive step because it provides disincentive to companies to expand and reap
economies of scale.

This may also encourage bigger units to split up so as to enjoy the lower tax rate.

2) Indirect taxes

The Budget keeps the structure of indirect taxes virtually unchanged because the government
hopes to introduce the GST during the next financial year.

Many commentators have pointed out that there are many flaws with the structure of the GST, with
numerous slabs being the most glaring defect.

The Budget has nothing much to say about the GST since decisions on the GST remain with the GST
Council, in which the Central government representative is just one of many members.

The farm challenge

Although agriculture and the rural sector constitute a major thrust area in the Budget, with the
budgetary allocation being increased by as much as 24%, but there are no concrete plans to double farm
incomes.

Agriculture has also been promised increased credit and market reforms in agriculture will also be
encouraged. Allocation for MNREGS has also been increased.

Political funding

The budget has proposed a ceiling of 2,000 on cash donations to political parties, as well as the
introduction of electoral bonds for political funding.
 These will not clean up the system completely but these measures are certainly steps in the right
direction.

Way forward

The Government should have kept the 10% tax slab unchanged, and actually introduced a new 5% tax
slab for those with taxable income of 2 lakh to 2.5 lakh.

Increased computerisation, KYC requirements, penalties on large cash transactions will all help in
making tax evasion more difficult and increase tax-to-GDP ratio.

Steps to clean political funding need to be supplemented by other steps such as subjecting the
accounts of all major parties to auditing by CAG.

Importance
 GS 3 (Indian Economy)

Feb. 13, 2017

Sex offender registries dont work Editorial 13th Feb'17 The Hindu

Details : Sex
offender registries dont work
Background
In the backdrop of increasing reports of sexual assaults, Minister for Women and Child Development has
stressed the need to set up a national sex offender registry.

Such registries have been operational in some of the developed countries for quite some time.

What is it?

Sex offender registration laws typically require offenders convicted of a sexual offence to
periodically check in with law enforcement agencies and informing them about where they are
residing, their place of employment, and provide details of their physical description.

In addition, these laws often place severe restrictions on where a previously convicted sex offender can
reside and work.

This in theory is meant to aid officials to track and monitor former sex offenders.

The laws in the U.S. and South Korea even allow the public to access these records so that the
community may be aware of a sex offender in their locality.

Ministers suggestions

The Minister has suggested a system where the public can have access to the registry.

The Minister wants to include even juveniles and undertrials for sexual offences to be on the
register.

Impact on crimes

While sex offender registration laws and public access to these records create a sense of security to
parents and residents, several studies have concluded that they have failed in making any significant
difference in sex crimes.

This failure is significant while comparing the tremendous associated costs and damage they
impose on law officials and former convicts.
Former convicts often find it very difficult to gain meaningful employment and have very limited
options in finding housing.

Several studies find that because of open and free public access to these registries, former convicts often
face threat, harassment and violence.

Their status as former sex offenders stigmatises them for life, rendering reformation and a dignified life
after prison impossible.

Inclusion of juveniles and undertrials

This proposal ignores a basic consideration for civil rights of an accused person and the
disproportionate impact it would have on their lives.

Similarly, the proposal to put children on a sex offender register is against their rights under the
Constitution and international obligations under the UN Convention for the Rights of the Child.
Framing sexual offences

At present, the Protection of Children From Sexual Offences Act, 2012 criminalises consensual
sexual intercourse with minors and between minors.

Most of the cases under this act are filed by objecting parents against romantic relationship
between minors.

In the state of the current law, a person could possibly face the consequences of being on the
register for a lifetime for having a consensual sexual relationship.

Institutional failure

The rate of conviction for the offence of rape is very low at 29% and the rate of pendency for rape
cases is very high at 86.2%.

A study conducted on the functioning of childrens courts in Delhi found that 67.5% of victims do not
even testify against the accused and conviction resulted only in 16% of the child sexual abuse cases in
Delhi.

Way forward

In the background of weak investigative and institutional machinery and overwhelming evidence
showing the failure of sex offenders registries, the idea should be dropped.

Instead, investigative and institutional machinery should be strengthened through police and judicial
reforms.

Importance

GS 2 (Governance)

Related question

Evaluate the efficacy of a national sex offender registry in curbing cases of sexual assaults.

Feb. 12, 2017

When hospitals infect you Editorial 12th Feb'17 The Hindu

Details : When
hospitals infect you
Background
A 2015 study finds that the rates of hospital-acquired infections (HAI) and antimicrobial resistance
were much higher in India than in the U.S.

According to the WHO, at any given time over 1.4 million people across the globe suffer from a
nosocomial infection or HAI. HAIs account for 2 million cases and about 80,000 deaths a year.

The most common types of HAIs are bloodstream infection, pneumonia, urinary tract infection and
surgical site infections.

Key findings

A study published in 2015, studied the rate of device-associated infection rates in 40 hospitals from 20
Indian cities over a 10-year period from 2004.

The study found high incidence rates of central line-associated bloodstream infections, catheter-
associated urinary tract infections and ventilator-associated pneumonia.

The study reports that these high rates could reflect the typical ICU situation in hospitals in India.
The study found that adherence to practice bundles is irregular, hospital accreditation is not
mandatory, and some of the technology applied is different from that of high-income countries.

(A bundle is a structured way of improving the processes of care and patient outcomes: a small,
straightforward set of evidence-based practices generally three to five that, when performed
collectively and reliably, have been proven to improve patient outcomes.)

Administrative and financial support in public hospitals is insufficient to fund full infection control
programmes, and results in extremely low nurse-to-patient staffing ratios which have proved to be
highly connected to high HAI rates in ICUs and hospital overcrowding.

Issue of overcrowding

Overcrowding of hospitals leads to neglect of many basic hygiene processes.

With limited resources, there are limitations on providing enough manpower, proper guidelines,
proper training, proper education, good behaviour, and right technology.

Growing antibiotic resistance

Pathologists are constantly in catching up mode trying to counter antibiotic resistance.

And the persons most susceptible to infection are those whose immune system is already
compromised.

The misuse and excess use of antibiotics increase resistance.

The approach should be to prevent infections and in the process bring down the HAI rate together with
bacterial resistance.

Way forward

Most HAIs are caused due to a lack of compliance with infection control guidelines and use of
outdated technology.

The first step should be to improve hygiene practices and implement standard operating procedures at
each step.

Technology used in the hospitals should also be upgraded.

Importance

GS 3 (Science and Technology)

Related question

Can overuse and the availability of antibiotics without doctors prescription, the contributors to the
emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and
control? Critically discuss the various issues involved. (UPSC/GS 3/ 2014)
Feb. 11, 2017

Looking beyond our own species Editorial 11th Feb'17 The Hindu

Details : Looking
beyond our own species Background
The Supreme Court, in Animal Welfare Board of India v A. Nagaraja, 2014, had struck down an earlier
effort to legalise jallikattu.

Tamil Nadus new jallikattu law presents complex constitutional issues on how we treat animals.

It raises questions like do animals have rights? If so, how are these rights to be administered, and
against whom can they be enforced? If not, do human beings owe an obligation to treat animals with care
and compassion? Are any of these responsibilities inalienable, and to what extent can Constitutional
protection could be extended to ensure animal welfare?

To settle the issue, the Supreme Court may have to take a law-making role, at the potential cost of
endangering constitutional separation of powers.

The present dispute shows us that the existing legal regime governing animal welfare in India is
inadequate and too flexible to accord animals a reasonable guarantee of dignity and respect.

A more sustained and more intellectually rigorous debate on how best to improve the welfare of
animals is need today.

Evolution of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act), 1960

Rukmini Devi Arundale, then a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha, introduced a private bill in
1952 that intended to replace the existing colonial era statute of 1890.

Nehru requested Arundale to withdraw her bill, assuring her that his government would establish a
committee to study the subject thoroughly, promising to introduce appropriate legislation at a future
date.

In 1960, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act) was enacted but some of the
fundamental tenets of Arundales bill were missing for example, the law created a blanket
exception for experiments conducted on animals with a view to securing medical advancement.

In spite of this, the PCA Act was still ahead of its times as it was based on an underlying belief that it was
morally wrong for humans to inflict unnecessary pain on animals.

Intellectual basis for modern animal welfare movement

1) Singer

The modern animal welfare movement is based on the Australian utilitarian philosopher Peter
Singers book, Animal Liberation, published in 1975.

He argued that basic principles of ethical behaviour called for an end to the causing of avoidable
suffering to animals.

He argued that animals too can suffer and feel pain and therefore, to treat humans as special is like
discrimination based on, say, race or sex. This he called speciesism.

Humans, simply by virtue of being human, do not possess a greater claim over moral rights than
animals do.

Though the threshold for pain may be greater for animals, if its wrong to inflict certain amount of pain
on a man, inflicting an equivalent amount of pain on ananimal is also wrong.

2) Regan
 The American philosopher Tom Regan in his book, The Case for Animal Rights,argues that animals, at
least emotional ones, possess basic moral rights, since they possess an inherent value, much like humans.

Therefore, a recognition of their rights requires us to fundamentally change the way we treat them.

But if we one is to see rights as associated with responsibilities, the question arises that how do one
impose duties on animals?

New Jallikattu law

This conflict, on the true nature of animal rights, will likely be at the heart of the arguments to be
advanced by both those for and against the new jallikattu law.

Although the Supreme Court, in A. Nagaraja, appeared to suggest that animals possess a right to life, like
that guaranteed to human beings under Article 21 of the Constitution, the primary reason for the court
striking down Tamil Nadus law was because the law was repugnant to the PCA Act.
 The new jallikattu law amends the PCA Act and creates a specific exception for jallikattu.

Even though it is repugnant to the PCA Act, it is still valid as it has secured Presidents assent.

Therefore, the petitioners in the Supreme Court would have to prove that jallikattu infracts at least one
of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

This may be very difficult as the Constitutions framers never intended to guarantee to animals any
fundamental rights, and a reading of the Constitution doesnt permit such interpretation.

Therefore, to follow the path set in A. Nagaraja, the SC would require holding that an animal is a
legal person.

Such a conclusion may be philosophically justifiable as some scholars such as Steven Wise have made
precisely such an argument.

Challenges in holding such a conclusion

If Wises arguments are used for constitutional interpretation, were we to treat animals as our
equals under Article 14, for instance.

This will result in several anomalies and a host of otherwise acceptable activities may come under
challenge.

But if the court rejects the petitioners argument, it would highlight the hollowness of the present
animal welfare regime.

Best practices elsewhere

In 2002, Germany amended its Constitution to specifically mandate the state to legislate and
protect animal rights within the framework of the constitutional order.

This has meant that the federal constitutional court in Germany now has to weigh the dignity of
animals against other liberties such as the right to freely practise religion or the right to conduct of
medical research.

Therefore, any legislative exception to animal rights would have to be narrowly tailored, ensuring that
animals welfare is protected to the greatest extent possible.

Way forward

As Martha Nussbaum, an American philosopher, has observed, the pursuit of global justice has
required the inclusion of many people that were previously excluded as fully equal subjects of
justice.

We should now look beyond these barriers of our own species and incorporate a provision similar to that
of Germany in our Constitution.

Importance
 GS 4 (Ethics)

Related question

Do you believe that animals have moral rights similar to that of humans? Justify your answer.

Feb. 10, 2017

TPP is dead, but its legacy lives on Editorial 10th Feb'17 The Hindu

Details : TPP is
dead, but its legacy lives on
Background

One of the first act of Mr. Donald Trump as President was to veto US participation in TPP seemingly to
protect American interests.

The TPP was opposed by many quarters as it had provisions that promoted corporate interests at the
cost of interests of workers and consumers.

Its provisions regarding pharmaceuticals and intellectual property rights were of particular concern.

Leading public health organisations termed the TPP the worst trade agreement on access to
medicines.

Biologics

Biologics are drugs manufactured in a living organism, rather than through chemical synthesis.

TPP was the first trade agreement to provide explicit protection to them.

Data exclusivity

Its provisions regarding data exclusivity were far more damaging with pharmaceutical data
obtaining five to eight years of protection.

Data exclusivity or market exclusivity refers to protection of clinical trial data required to be
submitted to a regulatory agency to prove safety and efficacy of a new drug, and prevention of
generic drug manufacturers from relying on this data in their own applications.

The justification given was that clinical trials are the most expensive part of drug development and
hence there is a necessity to provide drug developers the ability to limit access to that data so as to
incentivise research.

Data exclusivity undermines generic competition and in fact, it is possibly a stronger restriction than
patent protection itself.

Patent protection can be challenged on certain grounds and generic companies can also innovate
around patents and produce chemical entities that have the equivalent efficacy of the original drug.

But the generic version needs to present proof of efficacy and safety that is generated by the clinical trial.

The restriction on the use of test data would therefore require a generic company to undertake clinical
trials by itself, which is both unfeasible (in terms of expense) and unethical (since it would expose patients
to trial protocols, during which some patients would have to receive a placebo when a proven cure is
available).

Therefore, data exclusivity would block generic competition for a period of five to eight years even if
there is no patent barrier, thereby reducing access to cheaper medicines.

Other provisions
 Extension of patent terms beyond 20 years

Weaker patent standards that would allow a greater number of ever-greening patents on
pharmaceuticals

Harsher intellectual property rights enforcement.

Legacy of TPP

1) On other trade agreements

The damaging provisions of TPP may be incorporated in other agreements like RCEP.

Due to efforts by Japan and South Korea, the RCEP negotiations include several of the intellectual
property provisions of the TPP.

This is a great concern for access to medicines globally, as countries involved in the RCEP
negotiations include key generic drug-producing countries, including India.

2) On US trade policy

After the withdrawal from the TPP the US may switch from trade agreements that include several
countries to bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs).

The U.S. is more than likely to continue to enforce its vigorous standards of intellectual property
rights.

The public health impact of the TPPs provisions may not guide U.S. trade or foreign policy.

Conclusion

The quiet global subversion of access to medicines through trade agreements and diplomatic
pressure by the U.S. will continue.

With these efforts spilling across the developed world and into multiple trade agreements, there is now
an even greater need for vigilance against the ever-expanding corporate control over medicines.

In India, we will need far greater government commitment to the use of the public health safeguards in
our patent law.

Importance

GS 2 (International relations)

GS 3 (Intellectual property rights)

Related question

Even though the Trans-Pacific Partnership is dead after US withdrawal, concerns raised by it remain.
Comment.

Feb. 9, 2017

Getting back home, safely Editorial 9th Feb'17 The Hindu

Details : Getting
back home, safely
Background
Indias response to protect its citizens in times of crisis in other countries has come a long way from half-
hearted and delayed responses to complex evacuations such as Operation Raahat.
As the size and complexity of the diaspora increases, India can no longer rely on ad-hoc measures and
quick-fix solutions.

The Government should expand its capacity and improve its procedures to conduct evacuation
operations and institutionalize best practices.

What should be done?

1) Learning from history

The government should enable policy-oriented research at universities and think tanks so that
history of conducting more than 30 evacuation operations since the 1950s is studied and best
practices and lessons learned are institutionalized.

2) Preparing a manual

An attempt should be made to formulate a blueprint that lists core tasks for all operations. An inter-
ministerial committee should prepare a manual with guidelines.

3) Specific training

Indias diplomatic cadre must be given specific training to operate in hostile environments and
conduct frequent evacuation drills.

4) Cooperation with friendly countries

India should establish cooperative frameworks with friendly governments to facilitate coordination
among countries that have large expatriate populations in West Asia and among leading powers with
evacuation capacity in the Indian Ocean region.

5) Greater role for armed forces

The government should assign a greater role to the armed forces and strengthen the Navy and Air
Forces capacity to operate in cooperation with civilian authorities.

It should direct the military to develop a non-combatant evacuation (NEO) doctrine, improve inter-
services and civil-military coordination, direct the services to conduct more multilateral NEO exercises,
and adapt military modernisation plans to increase capacity for out-of-area deployment and evacuation.

6) Inter-ministerial coordination mechanism

The government must institutionalise a permanent inter-ministerial coordinating mechanism for

emergency evacuations and encourage State governments to create regional contingency plans.

7) Reserve air fleet

The government must establish a permanent civil reserve air fleet that pools aircraft from all Indian
airlines based on pre-established requisition and reimbursement procedures. This willavoid cost inflation
and delays.

8) New technologies

The government should acquire new technologies to better monitor the diasporas profile and
mobility.

9) Managing public opinion

The government must expand efforts to manage public opinion and be able to conduct a quiet
diplomacy that is crucial to safely extricate Overseas Indians from conflict zones.

Conclusion

To secure the lives and assets of Indians abroad, the government must avoid an ad hoc approach and
seek to institutionalise best practices, strengthen diplomatic and military capabilities, and improve
coordination.

Importance
 GS 2 (Indian Diaspora)

Feb. 8, 2017

Testing times on NEET Editorial 8th Feb'17 The Hindu

Details : Testing
times on NEET The
context
The Supreme Court has ruled that from 2017 onwards, admissions in medical courses will be
through a common entrance test NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test).

Tamil Nadu legislative assembly has passed two Bills to exempt itself from it and retain its present
admission system based on marks obtained by students in their higher secondary school examination.

Background of NEET

NEET was initially proposed to take place from 2012 onwards. However, for several reasons, the
CBSE and Medical Council of India deferred NEET by a year.

Regulations introducing NEET were struck down by a three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court in
2013 by a two-one majority.

In 2016, a five-judge Bench recalled the verdict and NEET was back in place.

Students were gripped by anxiety and tension following the sudden change in the admission
method.

The Centre promulgated an ordinance to grant relief for under-graduate medical admissions in
2016, but no such protection is available this year.

Arguments given by Tamil Nadu for exemption

NEET would be traumatic for both parents and children, as it would be based on a syllabus different
from the one taught in schools under the board for higher secondary education.

NEET would be difficult for students from rural areas and under-privileged backgrounds and those who
cannot afford coaching centres.

Urban students, especially those from streams such as the CBSE, would dominate admissions under
NEET.

Challenges in taking legislative route

The Bills may not stand a challenge in the Supreme Court, which insists that NEET marks be the sole basis
for admission.

The Bills will also require the Presidents assent as they are against the provisions of the Indian
Medical Council Act and the Dentists Act that prescribe the entrance test.

The conflict

There is conflict between the need for a fair and transparent admission system to curb rampant
commercialisation of medical education and the need to produce enough committed doctors ready to
serve in rural areas.

Although uniformity should not be thrust on a country that has wide regional, economic and linguistic
disparities,States cannot remain insulated from the need to upgrade educational standards.

Conclusion
 The political leadership, and not the courts, that should resolve such conflicts and dilemmas and
evolve a viable admission policy.

The Government and the private sector should maintain high standards and pass the courts triple test
of fairness, transparency and freedom from exploitation.

Importance

GS 2 (Governance)

GS 4 (Ethics)

Related question

Fairness and transparency may not be always the sole criterion for arriving at a decision. Comment.
Feb. 7, 2017

What America First means for India Editorial 7th Feb'17 The Hindu

Details : What
America First means for India The
context
Many policymakers and observers in Washington DC feel the US has been extraordinarily generous
towards India.

A section of the U.S. establishment has always argued for extracting more in return from India.

But another section favours the non-reciprocal approach as it sees India as a crucial partner in
maintaining a balance of power that favours liberal democracies.

With the US President translating his campaign slogan of America first into policy, it is essential to
understand what does it mean for India.

Pragmatism and ideology

Mr. Trumps personality has two parts the pragmatic and the ideological.

The pragmatic Mr. Trump believes that all international relations are based on give and take and
there is no larger moral goal.

The ideological Mr. Trump believes that Islamist terror is threatening the existence of the Judeo-
Christian civilisation.

So he will seek to build alliances to secure the survival of the U.S. and Israel, of Christianity and
Judaism.

Mr. Trump would be willing to dealing with India with an ideological frame of reference and a
pragmatic one, simultaneously.

Points of friction

At the ideological level, the defeat of Islamism could be a common ground between the USand India.

But a possible point of ideological friction could be the Indias action against U.S.-based Christian
charities operating in India (like Compassion International which wound up its India operations
recently).

These groups have more influence in the current US establishment than in the previous one.

On the pragmatic level as both Mr. Modi and Mr. Trump came into power on the promise of job
creation, there could be some friction as the growth of bilateral cooperation in recent decades has
involved a movement of U.S. jobs to India, and of Indian workers to the U.S.

Catching the attention

As Mr. Trump busies himself in a variety of contentious domestic and international issues, India will not
be top priority for the new administration.

The burden would be more on India to catch the attention of the new administration.

India could also maintain a low profile for some time, as bilateral cooperation continues on their
momentum

Pressure on H-1B

The Trump administration has been clear that it will end the misuse of the H-1B programme.

Indian IT companies follow a business model under which they locate part of their workforce in the
U.S. but bulk of the operations is carried out in India.

In recent years, partly due to political resistance to outsourcing, these companies have increasingly hired
Americans in their local workforce.

So a crackdown on H-1B visas may not necessarily affect such companies, which will be able to
function by hiring Americans in America.

But anti-H-1B campaigners have changed their focus away from H-1B visas to the business model.

Defence cooperation

The Trump administration is expected to carry forward the ongoing defence cooperation.

The Trump administration may clear the sale of unarmed drones and taking a step further, look
favourably look at Indias pending request for armed drones.

After being designated a major defence partner, Indias requests for high technology are now considered
with a presumption of approval as opposed to presumption of denial but each request is individually
assessed and the decision is largely a political one.

What Mr. Trump wants in return?

Mr. Trump might want India to openly partner with it in its efforts to tackle China.

He may want India to sign the COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) that
would enhance joint surveillance of Chinese vessels.

Although Mr. Trump may put pressure on other regional powers like South Korea, Japan and Australia
first as they have the most at stake and their capabilities are located nearby, it may not be very
sympathetic towards Indias constraints in confronting China.

The contours of Mr. Trumps Af-Pak policy are still not clear and Indias demand that the U.S. bring
more pressure on Pakistan to take action against terrorist groups could be met with USs demand to send
Indian troops to Afghanistan.

The Trump administration has limited its options to pursue an Afghan policy less dependent on
Pakistan by increasing tensions with Iran.

India has been reluctant to send its soldiers due to domestic sentiment but the new administration may
be less understanding about Indias domestic sentiment.

It is also not clear whether the Trump team will be pro-active on Indias bid for membership in the
NSG.

Way forward

The asymmetric generosity of US with little immediate return is unlikely to persist and the new
administration will likely demand more from the relationship with India.
But many experts of India-U.S relations think that the pragmatism of Mr. Trump and Mr. Modi will
make them good partners.

Importance

GS 2 (International Relations)

Related question

Discuss the likely course that Indo-US relations will take under the Trump administration.

Feb. 6, 2017

Targeting old scourges Editorial 6th Feb'17 The Hindu

Details : Targeting
old scourges Background
The Union Budget for 2017-18 has aimed to eliminate kala-azar (leishmaniasis) and filariasis by
2017, leprosy by 2018, measles by 2020 and tuberculosis by 2025.

Eliminating tuberculosis

India has a higher burden of new patients with TB than previously estimated 2.8 million in 2015
compared to 2.2 million in 2014, i.e. 25% of the worlds cases.

In a welcome step, the Budget promises of a well-funded five-year scheme to meet the TB challenge
beginning in 2017.

But to eliminate TB by the new elimination deadline of 2025 capabilities of the health system should be
improved to meet the daily drugs requirement and a feeling of ownership must be created at the State
level.

As per WHO recommendation, private practitioners should be integrated with the national mission on
tuberculosis for guaranteed access to drugs and continuous monitoring of such patients.

Eliminating leprosy

It was announced in 2005 that leprosy had been eliminated as a public health problem, based on a rate
of less than one person in 10,000 having it.

This weakened policy focus and funding in some pockets in eastern India, where it exceeded the
accepted prevalence rate.

Detecting new cases early and preventing them from progressing to disability-inducing grade two level
is crucial, although complete removal by 2018 may prove difficult.

Rehabilitation of patients must also be paid adequate policy attention.

Eliminating kala-azar and filariasis

Kala-azar is mainly confined to Bihar and Jharkhand and can be eliminated in the current year as
there are only few thousand cases and the protozoal parasite have no animal reservoir.

Control of the vector, the sand fly, holds the key in its elimination.

Following good medical protocol can remove pockets of filariasis in many States.

Way forward

Having set concrete goals, the Centre must now demonstrate its seriousness by moving away from the
flawed policies of the past.

There should also be a timetable for universal health coverage and political will to increase
expenditure on health.
 There should be more resources and policy support for rehabilitation programmes for these
diseases.

Importance

GS 2 (Governance)

Feb. 4, 2017

Tarred by the oil spill Editorial 4th Feb'17 The Hindu

Details : Tarred by
the oil spill Background
Recently, two ships, one of them an oil tanker and the other one an LPG carrier, collided off
Kamarajar Port in Ennore.

The port authorities initially denied any oil spill but there was an oil spill which destroyed significant part
of the Chennai coastline.

A large quantity of oil was released into the sea, affecting marine life and livelihoods of coastal
communities.

Ironic

The collision is ironic because pollution due to such incidents is steadily decliningbecause GPS-based
navigation systems have made shipping operations much safer.

Deficient response

The first response to the collision was seriously deficient.

The port initially denied any significant environmental damage from oil, but it became obvious that the
spill had not been quickly contained.

This puts question mark on the efficacy the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP).

The removal of the coastal sludge depended in large part on volunteers with buckets but as per the
protocol for mitigation under the NOSDCP, it is the responsibility of local authorities.

International commitments

Hiding facts after an oil spill is counterproductive, since the impact is prolonged and it could erode the
confidence of the international community in the countrys ability to fulfil its commitments within the UN
system to protect marine life and biodiversity.

Failure to safeguard marine turtle and bird habitats is a clear violation of the provisions of the
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, and its specific memorandum on
the Indian Ocean-Southeast Asian region to which India is a signatory.

Way forward

An independent inquiry should be conducted to determine whether the training and acquisition of
equipment to handle such accidents for all agencies was adequate.

Ports must contribute their share in purchase of pollution response equipment,which is funded to the
extent of 50% by the Centre, and build the capabilities to handle disasters.

Considerable oil pollution is caused through the discharge of ballast, sludge and water used for the
cleaning of tanks and NOSDCP should address these issues also.

The efficacy of chemical dispersants to degrade oil at sea remains controversial and alternative
methods like use of microorganisms should be explored.

Timely forecast on the course of oil spill must be provided by the Indian National Centre for Ocean
Information Services, which is mandated to do so under the NOSDCP.

Additional information

National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan

Background

The responsibility for co-ordination of marine oil spills at sea was transferred to the Coast Guard in
1986 and subsequently a draft National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP) was prepared by
the Coast Guard in 1988. The final draft was approved by the Committee of Secretaries in 1993
and the NOS-DCP was published in 1996 and subsequently updated in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2006
to include additional information. The 2014 edition of the NOS-DCP was completely revised in 2015 to
reflect current international norms and best practices.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PLAN

The objectives of the plan are:-

a. to establish an effective system for detection and reporting of spills;

b. to establish adequate measures for preparedness for oil and chemical pollution;

c. to facilitate rapid and effective response to oil pollution;

d.to establish adequate measures for crew, responders, and public health and safety, and protection of
the marine environment;

e.to establish appropriate response techniques to prevent, control, and combat oil and chemical
pollution, and dispose-off recovered material in an environmentally sound manner; and

f. to establish record-keeping procedures to facilitate recovery of costs.

g. to maintain the evidences for the purpose of identifying the polluter and taking suitable administrative,
civil or criminal action against the polluter.

http://indiancoastguard.gov.in/WriteReadData/bookpdf/201512281221565793127NOSDCPCGBR771.pdf

Importance

GS 3 (Environment)

GS 3 (Disaster Management)

Related question

Discuss the threat of oil spills in India and its impacts. Also explain the salient features of the
National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan in this context.

Feb. 3, 2017

A season to repair relations Editorial 3rd Feb'17 The Hindu

Details :A
season to repair relations
Background
China has refused to back Indias bid for NSG membership and has been blocking Indias efforts to bring
Masood Azhar under UN sanctions.

This coupled by the development of CPEC through PoK has complicated the relationship between the two
Asian giants.

There is a marked absence of trust between the two exemplified by intermittent tensions along the LAC
and Chinas anxieties regarding Indias Tibet policy.

In this tense backdrop, the Chinese Ambassador to India has given some suggestions to repair the ties.

Ambassadors suggestions

In a prepared speech the Chinese Ambassador suggested a friendship and cooperation treaty, a FTA
and cooperation Chinas OBOR initiative, and to reap some early harvest outcomes (based on
negotiations held so far) on the unresolved boundary question.

The Ambassador's statement can be part of an effort within the Chinese government to review
relations with India, in the background of the strategic uncertainties generated by the election of
Donald Trump in the U.S. and his aggressive approach towards China.

It is not known whether these ideas have been discussed at the government-to-government level
previously.

It is possible that some of them, particularly the early harvest concept relating to the boundary, may
have been broached in some form or other by the Chinese side.

Reaping the early harvest

The Sikkim and the middle sector (Uttarakhand/Himachal Pradesh) of the boundary are by and large free
of the disputes that one sees in the western (Jammu and Kashmir) and eastern (Arunachal Pradesh)
sectors.

But solutions that segment the border instead of ensuring an overall comprehensive settlement of the
boundary may be difficult to accept for India because it weakens Indias bargaining position without any
significant benefit.

Friendship and cooperation treaty

The treaty of friendship and cooperation should be based on 1954 Panchsheel Agreement which
outlined the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the 1993 and 1996 agreements on peace and
tranquility and confidence-building in the India-China border areas which reiterated the five principles and
also included the non-use of force and the concept of mutual and equal security.

While India should not reject the latest Chinese offer but there should be greater details about the
proposal.

In the current state of bilateral relations, the extent of unresolved political and security issues and the
disparity in economic strength, a treaty of friendship and cooperation may not be able to transform the
relationship.

FTA

Trade between India and China has grown to an annual volume of $70 billion (2015-16).

India has courted Chinese investments under Make in India in infrastructure development, solar
energy and smart cities but Chinese firms seeking to invest in India face security hurdles.

An FTA that is goods-centred will obviously not benefit India given the huge trade in goods
imbalance that favours China.

An FTA that is comprehensive, covering goods and services, cross-border investment, R&D,
standards and dispute resolution would be worth exploring as it could have political and strategic
benefits too.
Connectivity and OBOR

Connectivity strengthens diplomacy today and in South Asia poor inter-country connectivity
reinforces the poor state of diplomatic cooperation.

Indias approach to OBOR has been cautious, mainly because of the CPEC through PoK.

At the same time, India is a founder member of the AIIB that is financing OBOR.

The Chinese have disregard the sovereignty issues surrounding the Kashmir dispute, despite the
provisions of the 1963 China-Pakistan Boundary Agreement which conceded the disputed nature of the
territory covered under the agreement.

The Chinese are seen by India to have acted in neglect of Indian sensitivities on this matter, which is a
cause for legitimate concern.

But India should as a test of the Chinese approach, and with reference to OBOR, explore the
development of connectivity between Tibet and India, especially through the Sikkim sector into
Bengal.

The old route between Lhasa and Kolkata via Nathu La may be the most easily traversed route despite
the road networks constructed by the Chinese in Tibet between Tibet and mainland China, via land and
sea.

The Xinjiang region of China should also be connected with India and providing for air connectivity
between Urumqi and New Delhi as one of the OBOR linkages would help the promotion of people-to-
people ties and trade and commercial contact and could also help open a new chapter in counter-
terrorism cooperation between India and China.

The two countries have a common interest in curbing religious radicalism and terrorism. Kashmir and
Xinjiang, both contiguous neighbours, have similar challenges posed by terrorism and separatist
movements.

Way forward

India-China relations need some new thinking and new ideas.

Competitive coexistence, with a clear delineation of areas of difference and how to manage them, the
promotion of business and people-centred connectivity, and mutual confidence-building with tension-
reduction measures are needed.

As the border problem will take some time to resolve due to its complexity and size, maturity of
approach and strategic patience is needed from both the countries.

China as the larger neighbour must take the initiative and an indicator of Chinese positivity would be
approval for India to open a Trade Office in Lhasa in place of the old Consulate General that operated there
until 1962.

China cannot expect India not to pursue her legitimate interests in ensuring the security of its periphery,
and to promote ties with countries like the U.S. and Japan and ASEAN partners in the Indo- Asia Pacific
which have extensively evolved and developed relationships with China.

Indias cooperation with them should not hinder a productive, comprehensive, open and frank
dialogue between India and China.

Importance

GS 2 (International Relations)

Related question

Critically analyse the suggestion of FTA between India and China.

Feb. 1, 2017

This land is their land Editorial 1st Feb'17 The Hindu

Details : This
land is their land
Background
Conflict over land acquisition remains even after a seemingly improved land acquisition law (LARR,
2013) and recent violence in Bhangar in West Bengal is an example.

This poses the question that why does land acquisition creates conflicts even after better
compensation, social impact assessment and prior informed consent.

Reality of LARR, 2013

1) Greater common good

 Infrastructure projects are initiated for the greater common good, but the people whose land is
acquired benefit from them.

2) Prior informed consent a farce

Although the LARR, 2013 has provisions for prior informed consent of the people whose land is being
acquired, the information about the projects is either insufficient or not accessible at all.

People realize the full implications of the project either by accident or by using their right to
information.

There are no clear procedures for establishing consent in the case of private sector involvement and
there is complete exemption for state-led projects.

3) Inadequacy of compensation

The given compensation is inadequate in compensating security provided by land, livelihoods, socio-
cultural lifeworlds (all the immediate experiences, activities, and contacts that make up the world of an
individual), and the loss of environment and biodiversity.

A large numbers of small and marginal farmers and the landless are impoverished and even the large
farmers face insecurity once compensation money dries up in conspicuous consumption.

The insider and the outsider

Agitators are portrayed by ruling governments as being under the influence of outsiders to delegitimize
the agitations when, in fact, infrastructure models, investors and beneficiaries are always the outsiders.

The state considers itself as the sole authentic insider and uses police forces to assert its right of
eminent domain.

This has been the strategy of the State to tackle protests against land acquisition regardless of the party
in power and LARR, 2013.

Some examples

The struggles of the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) in the 1980s against the Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP)
have continued till today. The rehabilitation and resettlement has been incomplete and many people are
not even recognized as adversely affected.

Villages affected by the Dholera Smart City project are protesting the diversion of the promised
irrigation waters of the SSP canals to the infrastructure projects in the smart city.

The agitations over Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are other recent examples.

Agitations have forced POSCO to cancel its plans to set up a plant in Jagatsinghpur, Odisha.

Similar agitations have unfolded in Nandigram, Mangaluru, Maharashtra and Goa, stalling projects or
eventually cancellation of SEZS.
A capitalist idea

The official idea of what constitutes infrastructure is rooted in ideas of infrastructure aiding
capitalist growth, increasingly created in direct partnership with capitalist investors.

Existing agrarian and local infrastructure is considered less valuable, seen as backward, and in need of
improvement for greater economic growth to accrue.

But the benefits from these projects dont accrue to those affected by them.

The Bhangar story

The Government maintains that the residents of Bhangar first agreed to part with 14 acres of land and
then outsiders created unrest.

But the local residents claim that they had no knowledge of the full extent of the project.
 They were informed only of a power sub-station and they later discovered that it will also involve
lying of high-transmission lines.

They demand an environmental impact assessment to ascertain the adverse impacts of the high-
transmission lines on the local population, agriculture and ecology.

Agitations have left two dead, several arrested and many injured since November 2016.

Conclusion

Agitations against land acquisition lead to losses of life, livelihood, peace and well-being of the local
residents during months and years, sometimes decades, of agitation.

There is also loss to the exchequer, and ultimately the Indian public, due to the effort made to
suppress agitations.

Eminent domain is a colonial doctrine which facilitates capitalist development. It should be

abolished in the interests of democratic principles and inclusive and just development.

Importance

GS 2 (Governance)

GS 3 (Land reforms)

Related question

Analyse the causes for continued opposition to land acquisition even after the passage of LARR.

Jan. 31, 2017

How land use affects climate change Editorial 31st Jan'17 The Hindu

Details : How land

use affects climate change The context
Mans interaction with land dates back to the time he was still a hunter and gatherer and each phase of
technological and associated social changes transformed his relationship with land.

Human interventions in land, water and local ecologies affect the availability of resources (for e.g.
clearing of forest land for agriculture may increase food supply but decrease the supply of forest
resources).

In fact, the impact of Man has been so profound on the earth that the present times are called
Anthropocene epoch in the geological history of earth.

The associated land use changes affect local and global climate.

Changing land use

Land-use change takes place through human activity in several ways like deforestation and putting
forest land to agricultural use, urbanization etc.

Urban sprawl is a major mechanism of land use change. Cities are expanding well beyond their
formal limits, either along inter-city corridors or in other directions.

This changes land use from agriculture and forests into industry, residential and commercial
buildings and associated infrastructure, and horticulture.

The peri-urban (fringe) areas (outside city limits but not quite part of the rural hinterland) see rapid
change in land use and serve many functions for the city.
Land use change lock-in

These land-use changes are alarming for climate change because they are proliferating at a rapid pace
and are near permanent changes as cities and urban areas last over 500 years.

Changes in India

Urbanising areas grow and expand in different ways, parts of them planned and other portions of
informal and unplanned growth.

In India, there are multiple patterns of urban and peri-urban growth resulting in different
consequences for each region.

The degree of equity of access to services which city infrastructure can provide varies depending on both
history and geography.

For e.g. the growth of Mumbai was from core to periphery led by efficient public transport.

But in some cities such as Hyderabad and Bengaluru, expansion and infrastructure development took
place primarily outside the core areas due to location of PSUs and IT companies.This was supported by
private vehicles dependent transport network and associated land-use change (in-filling by private
developers).

Similarly, the peri-urban areas of many other cities New Town in Kolkata, Navi Mumbai have
each had their own version of sprawl, or vast planned or unplanned spaces, that have together
extended a large footprint across India.

Implications

The specific patterns of urban growth of a city and its periphery have implications for poverty, food,
water, health, jobs and access to services and it can lead to particular lifestyles and limit a quality of life for
its many residents.

Conversion of agricultural land and encroachment of water bodies for urban land use impact
ecosystem services and climate adaptation.

This especially affects the poor who are largely reliant on ecosystems for their livelihoods.

Unlike carbon dioxide whose effects are more global, land cover and land management influences local
and regional weather patterns through changes in aerosols, carbon, nitrogen and other gases along with
the moisture in the air, heat and light.

The urban heat island effect also affects peri-urban regions.

Way forward

The implications of land use for climate change require more research to provide guidance to
policymakers.

But protecting water bodies, conserving groundwater, reducing ecological footprint and living in more
compact communities are good ways to address both climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Importance

GS 3 (Environment)

Related question

Discuss the implications of rapidly changing land use patterns in the developing world.

Jan. 30, 2017

Gandhi for our troubled times Editorial 30th Jan'17 The Hindu
Details : Gandhi for
our troubled times The context
Many Indians think that Gandhiji is irrelevant today but he continues to fascinate people world over.

Leaders like Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and Vclav Havel took
inspiration from him.

Explaining his universal appeal

Gandhiji has become a part of the moral conscience of humanity and symbolizes dissent and revolt
against injustice.

He questioned established beliefs and still simulates people to take action through his persistent
criticism of orthodoxy.

Gandhiji had immense courage and he believed that when fighting injustice, one must have the
courage to give his life for the cause.

Gandhiji always paid attention to the moral struggles he faced every now and then and took a
position independent of those in the power as well as the general opinion of the society.

His aim was self-examination which leads to self-transformation of the society.

His nobility of spirit (integrity in this context)in spite of popular pressure shows how dissent can
become a tool to change the world and oneself.

These characteristics make him a Socratic gadfly (A gadfly is a person who interferes with the status quo
of a society or community by posing novel, potently upsetting questions, usually directed at authorities).

A vision by creating possibilities

Gandhiji has a courageous attitude but he knew which battles to fight and which one to let go.

He knew that philosophy and State need each other and therefore he considered the process of
dialogue and continuous questioning as the most dissenting and productive act one can do.

This enabled him to define a new vision of independent India by creating the possibilities of a critical
public culture.

His idea of non-violence

Non-violence, for Gandhiji, is not merely kindness and gentleness but a brave act of dissent,
standing up to the powers that be and speaking the truth.

Satyagraha rests on a philosophical belief that non-violence is a struggle against wickedness and
hypocrisy.

Non-violence is the highest form of moral intervention against falsehood and injustice in the public
space.

Leadership as a true form

 Gandhiji personified a moral leadership behavior based on dialogue which is recognized as true form of
interconnectedness and service to others.

In Gandhijis style of leadership, moral convictions and sense of duty to others go hand-in-hand.

He promoted moral values in public life that transcended self-interest and political arrogance.

Gandhijis ideal of democracy

Gandhis ideal of democracy is based on his core beliefs such as moral growth of the individual, the
primacy of the spiritual in non-violent action and the interdependence of all departments of life.
 He believed that democracy would not function without a sense of ethics and spirituality.

His idea of democracy is a means to fulfil ones civic duty as an individual participating in a
community.

For him, democracy is also a goal to be attained through moral and political resistance to all forms of
centralisation of power.

Conclusion

Gandhiji can be said to be oriented towards reinventing politics as a capacity for self-realisation and self-
transformation of society.

Gandhijis approach to politics in terms of resistance and protest beyond an idea of domination over
others provides a potential antidote to the contemporary crisis of democracy.

Gandhijis style of transformative leadership and conception of democracy is still relevant in the
current times of political populism and moral hypocrisy.

Importance

GS 4 (Ethics)

Related question

Is Gandhi still relevant in todays tumultuous world?

Jan. 28, 2017

Getting ties with UAE on track Editorial 28th Jan'17

Details : Getting ties

with UAE on track Background
India recently hosted the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, who is also the Deputy Supreme Commander of the
Emirati armed forces, as Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade.

This was the third meeting between the PM and the Crown Prince in last 18 months, each meeting
more full of warmth than the previous one.

That India invited the Crown Prince, even though he is not a head of government or state, indicates the
importance India invests in him and in ties with the UAE.

Indias interests in the UAE

 Trade ties of about $50 billion

Energy and oil supplies

The welfare of 2.6 million Indians workers

Remittances from Indian workers

Defence and security.

Defence and security partnership

The defence and security partnership is the new driver for bilateral ties and the signing of the
strategic partnership agreement was the highlight of the UAE leaders visit.

This partnership will include joint military exercises, joint manufacturing, purchase of equipment and
spare parts from India and cooperation on fighting terror.

The joint statement contained strong words on state-sponsored terror, which indicates that the
UAE shares Indias frustration on cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.

Way forward

Strong words should be supported by action and the strategic partnership with the UAE must be
based on clarity and concrete measures.

This should include a crackdown on the illegitimate businesses owned by Dawood Ibrahim and more
steps to curb terror financing (funds are often routed through expatriate remittances from the UAE) of the
Taliban and groups in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

New Delhi steps up efficiency at its end so that a possible investment of $75 billion over the next
decade from the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, one of the worlds largest at $500 billion, is realized.

Importance

GS 2 (International relations)

Related question

While bilateral ties have been robust for decades, the defence and security partnership is the new
driver for bilateral ties between India and the UAE. Discuss.

Jan. 27, 2017

Rolling back Ordinance Raj Editorial 27th Jan'17 The Hindu

Details : Rolling
back Ordinance Raj
Background
The recent majority judgment of the Supreme Court (SC) in the Krishna Kumar Singh v. State of Bihar
answered complex questions about the executives power to promulgate ordinances (Article 123 and 213).

The SC ruled that it is mandatory to lay the ordinance before the legislature and if the legislature
doesnt confirm the ordinance, it will be null and void and that any rights and liabilities arising from the
ordinance will continue after the ordinance only if public interest demands their continuation.

The SC also widened the boundaries of judicial review to the extent that it can now examine whether the
President or the Governor was motivated by an ulterior motive to promulgate an ordinance.
Violation of separation of powers

The ordinance promulgation powers of the executive were also intensely debated in the Constituent
Assembly but the debate was mostly about the language of the provisions.

But recent Central and State Governments have abused the power and some Constitution experts have
suggested that the root cause of its abuse is that it violates the doctrine of separation of powers.

The executives power to issue ordinances is against the Constitution Makers aim to impose a separation
of powers between the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary because it acts neither as a check nor
as a balance on the authority exercised by the Legislature and the Judiciary.

Only an exceptional measure

The Constitution makes it clear that the power to issue ordinances is an exceptional power which is to
be used in extraordinary circumstances if the President/Governor is satisfied that such
circumstances exist.

But in practice, the power to promulgate ordinances is routinely used as an alternative tool of
legislation, to bypass democratic debateand to overcome the shortfall in numbers in the Legislature.

The case in question

The Krishna Kumar Singh case questioneda series of ordinances passed by the government of Bihar
through which it took over 429 private Sanskrit schools and transferred the services of all the teachers
and other employees of the schools to the State government.

The first ordinance, which was issued in 1989, was followed by a succession of five ordinances, none of
which was placed before the State legislature.

Ultimately, the government failed to enact a law and the last of the ordinances was allowed to lapse on
April 30, 1992.

The employees of the schools, who stood discharged from service, as a result of the termination of the
ordinances, took the State government to court.

The SC had to answer two fundamental questions: whether the ordinances issued by the Bihar
government were constitutionally valid, and whether the petitioners had derived any legal right that
survived the termination of the ordinances.

Constitutional validity of the ordinances

The existing precedent is that repromulgated ordinances are subjected to judicial review, but the Court
went beyond it to hold that even ordinances issued at the first instance, are subject to judicial review.

Here, the Court relied on the S.R. Bommai case (1994), where it had ruled that a proclamation of
emergency is open to judicial review when the power had been exercised by the executive to secure an
oblique purpose.

The SC ruled that a similar standard of review could be applied to ordinances too.

The court, in these cases, will not enquire into the adequacy or sufficiency of the material before the
President or the Governor.

But it can investigate if the executive was motivated by an oblique motive which will amount to a
fraud on power committed by the executive.

The second question

In a potentially far-reaching pronouncement, the court overruled two of its earlier judgments, and
discarded the theory of enduring rights. (Rights created by a law exist even after its term of operation
unless otherwise specified by law.)

It ruled that an ordinance is distinct from a temporary legislation (statutes containing clauses limiting
the duration of their own validity), and it therefore doesnt automatically create rights and liabilities
that go beyond its term of operation.
 The legislature can provide that the rights or the liabilities which are created during the tenure of the
temporary law will exist beyond the expiry of its term.

An ordinance is not a creature of the legislature. Therefore, the court held, it will have the same
force and effect of a legislation only so long as it is operational.

The question of what rights and liabilities will survive from the ordinance will have to be
independently assessed by the test of public interest.

A test of public interest could prove somewhat problematic in the future as there may be instances
where an ordinance creates irreversible outcomes, despite public interest demanding its reversing.

However, these issues could be settled when subsequent benches are faced with such questions.

Conclusion
 The courts verdict places a vital check on the power to promulgate ordinances.

Legislative debate and deliberation constitutes a critical foundation of our democracy and the
Legislature must be seen by both the Government and the opposition as a forum for debate, for
making laws based on critical reasoning.

Abuse of power to issue ordinances disgraces the Constitution and its ideals.

Importance

GS 2 (Polity)

Jan. 25, 2017

Bridging the Gulf Editorial 25th Jan'17 The Hindu

Details : Bridging
the Gulf The
context
The crown prince of Abu Dhabi who is also the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE armed
forceswill be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade.

The ties will receive a major boost as this signals the importance India attaches to its relationship with
the Emirates.

The crown prince will hold comprehensive with the Prime Ministertalks on matters ranging from
transportation to terrorism which will conclude with a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Agreement.

New vigour in the ties

The visit of PM Modi to the UAE in 2015 reenergized the bilateral relationship which lacked political
attention at the highest level. (PMs visit was the 1st by an Indian PM to the Emirates in 34 years)

The joint statement with the Crown prince redefined the contours of the relationship as both sides
made a strong statement against terrorism which was clearly directed at Pakistan.

UAE had its own concerns regarding rising Islamic extremism and sectarian divide which India
understood and managed to persuade UAE, one of the closest countries to Pakistan, to deliver such a
message.

Approach towards the wider region

 New Delhi has tried to craft its UAE policy as a part of its policy towards the Gulf region. It assumed
significance as the economic dimension of Indias Gulf policy became more prominent.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is Indias 2ndlargest trading partner, the largest single origin of
imports into the country, and the 2ndlargest destination for exports from India. The GCC countries supply
45% of Indias petroleum and are a major destination for Indian investment.

India hopes that major GCC states such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman will invest in its
infrastructure sector and the Gulf states are interested in human resources from India.

Indias naval cooperation has also increased with the GCC countries as Indias trade and energy
security is linked to the security of the Straits of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb.

This has helped in expanding Indias reach and presence in the region.

Trade and investment

The UAE is Indias 3rd largest trading partner and currently, India and the UAE have a $350 billion
bilateral trade, which they plan to increase three times in the near future.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, is seeking to invest in
the Indian infrastructure sector.

But the $75 billion UAE-India Infrastructure Investment Fund, to support investment in Indias
infrastructure sector over a period of 10 years has not seen much progress and the two sides are
hoping to put it on a fast track.

Expatriate labour

Indians are the largest expatriate community in the GCC states, numbering around 7 million. There are
an estimated 2.6 million Indians in the UAE alone which constitutes around 30% of the total population of
the UAE.

India receives around 52% of its remittances from its Gulf expatriates but there are growing
concerns about the living and working conditions in the host countries.

To address the issue India is pursuing manpower and labour agreements with Gulf states to help
Indian workers in the region. It has also launched the eMigrate system for recruitment of Indian
workers across the 17 Emigration Check Required countries.

Conclusion

India is well positioned to emerge as a credible security and economic partner of the UAE and the larger
Gulf region at a time when the Wests footprint in the region is shrinking and China is adopting an
aggressive approach on territorial issues.

India-UAE ties are an exemplar for the changing Indian approach towards the wider region.

Importance

GS 2 (International relations)

Related question

Discuss the rationale for UAEs Look East policy and its implications for India.

Jan. 24, 2017

The price of fiscal folly Editorial 24th Jan'17 Editorial

Details : The
price of fiscal folly The
context
The annual Budget is to be presented soon and a host of suggestions are doing rounds.

One of these cautions against increasing Government borrowing on the grounds that it
misappropriates resources of the future generations and that it crowds out private investment.

The other suggestion calls for providing a Universal Basic Income (UBI) to all Indian citizens.

Why Government spending pays

1) Not a burden on future generations

Directly or indirectly, every expenditure, either public or private will draw from todays resources. In fact
public expenditure draws idle resources into production by increasing economic activity.

Enhanced public expenditure doesnt amount to pre-empting resources from future generations
becauseunlike natural capital, these resources are man-made, and expenditure can actually create
more of them.

The future generations will have more income-generating resources due to Government borrowing.

Although, future generations would have to pay more taxes to pay off interests and principal of
Government debt, but if the returns are greater than the interest burden, future generations will be
more prosperous.

2) Crowding in private investment

A possible rise in interest rates due to increased Government borrowing gives rise to fears of
crowding out private investment.

(Crowding out is a situation where personal consumption of goods and services and investments by
business are reduced because of increases in government spending and deficit financing sucking up
available financial resources and raising interest rates.)

But this can be dealt with through monetary policy. Quantitative easing in the US is an example how
interest rates could be kept low in a situation of increased Government spending by borrowing.

Instead of crowding out, increased government spending via borrowing crowds in private
investment and consumption.

The demand generated by government spending expands the market for private investors, raising the
level of economic activity today and even in the future.

But there should be unemployed resources in the economy. The economy is not at full employment are
there are idle resources in a large part of the economy.

The universal basic income idea

The second proposal for budgeting in India is for the provision by government of a universal basic
income (UBI) instead of subsidies.

The idea has been borrowed from the West and some economists have even demonstrated its
feasibility in India.

The economist Vijay Joshi has proposed that every citizen be given an income transfer of 3,500 per
capita per annumwhich is equivalent to the amount needed to raise those currently deemed poor to above
the official poverty line.

It is claimed that it would eliminate poverty and leave enough resources to raise public investment.

Criticism of UBI

1) Mismatch between rights and responsibilities

This approach to poverty eradication states that all the citizens be given the same amount of
income transfer.
It doesnt account for various differences among the citizens like differences in income level
between poor and non-poor and special needs of certain groups like the differently abled etc.
Therefore, there is a mismatch between rights and responsibilities.

2) Not an answer to rising subsidy bill

UBI is presented is an answer to increasing subsidy bill. Subsidies costs households in terms of a potential
benefit foregone (the same amount could have been used for public investment or providing public goods)

The subsidy bill has risen in recent decades mainly due to vote bank politics.(Certain subsidies in India
are regressive and others do not even entail a transfer, such as when foodgrain rots in the godowns of
the Food Corporation of India while getting accounted as food subsidy in the books.)

But the answer for increasing subsidy bill is not UBI but their elimination and channelizing the potential
savings into public investment. This will have greater impact growth and also benefit future generations
by creating more capital resources.
3) Decrease in public goods and service

In the present state of development and the current state of the public finances, the UBI would leave
India without public goods and services because it freesthe Government of all responsibility for providing
these goods and services.

These goods and services are necessary for a dignified and comfortable life for the citizens.

Conclusion

Public borrowing is not necessarily bad as it can energise the economy as in post WWII USA.

But the Government should not borrow to distribute for consumption (UBI) because there is already
outstanding Government debt and more borrowing for consumption will simply raise the interest rates.

Importance

GS 3 (Government Budgeting)

Jan. 23, 2017

Dealing with the deadwood Editorial 23rd Jan'17 The Hindu

Details : Dealing
with the deadwood
Background
The Central government has compulsorily retired two IPS officers and one IAS officer in public
interest for non-performance,

Service rules provide for compulsory retirement after a performance review either when an officer
reaches the age of 50 or complete 25 years of service.

The Governments action has shaken a complacent and growingly dishonest civil service out of its deep
slumber.

Reasons for non-performance

Members of All India Services and Central Services are paid handsomely by Indian standards and are
assured promotion if they dont have any case of grave impropriety against them.

This makes many of the officers complacent and they neither update their knowledge nor put much
effort in the job.
 Only around 10% of officers continuously update their knowledge and take efforts to keep the
administrative system in shape.

Bureaucracy is oversized and many positions are created just to accommodate officers. These
positions manning them have only a few hours of work. They lose initiative and become lazy.

Except for a few dedicated officers, officers in both higher and lower ranks are unapproachable for
common public.

Lack of integrity

The All India Services and the Central Services have a sizeable number of corrupt officers but the more
frightening fact is that many of these officers fall prey to corruption and greed early in their careers.

Commonly held belief is that politicians are responsible for this sorry state but this is actually because of
failure on the part of supervisory officers to mentor young recruits and be a role model for
them.

The Judicial obstacle

The judiciary acts as an obstacle in the way of drastic civil service reform by overturning or staying every
administrative action against a defaulting senior officer.

Also, the objectivity and independence of administrative tribunals have been questioned time and
again.

Way forward

A few men and women in the higher bureaucracy who are motivated by a spirit of service and
convictions have kept the system functioning.

Therefore, in order to increase the proportion of such outstanding officers and encourage them, it is
necessary to weed out non-performing officers on a regular basis.

Promotion should be linked with performance and bureaucracy must be rightsized by more efficient
allocation of responsibilities.

Officers such as the DM and SP should be role models for trainee officers by setting examples of hard
work and probity.

Judiciary must not interfere in disciplinary actions once it is satisfied that prescribed procedures
have been followed and there is no malice in the decision.

Critics have said that the compulsory retirement is only a symbolic act which will hardly improve
bureaucratic performance. But if actions such as these are regularly undertaken clinically and without
malice, it will definitely improve standards of administration.

Importance

GS 2 (Governance)

GS 4 (Ethics)

Related question

It is found that a large number of officers in the higher bureaucracy are poor performers. What could be
the reasons for this? Also suggest measures to improve the standard of administration in the country.

Jan. 21, 2017

Living in a hotter world Editorial 21st Jan'17 The Hindu

Details : Living in
a hotter world The context
2016 was the highest since record keeping began in 1880.

It was also the hottest among the three warmest years in a row. (2014, 2015, 2016)

Since the start of the 21st century, the annual global temperature record has been broken five times
(2005, 2010, 2014, 2015 and 2016)

Global average surface temperatures rose by about 1.1Cover the pre-industrial levels in 2016.

The causes
NASAs Goddard Institute for Space Studies has said that the rise in temperature is largely due to
emission of carbon dioxide and other green-house gases by humans.

The warming trend was aggravated by the El Nino of 2015-2016.

Declining ice

Sea ice cover in the Arctic along with the ice sheets in Greenland and the Antarctica is declining. (Sea ice
is frozen ocean water. It forms, grows, and melts in the ocean. In contrast, icebergs, glaciers, and ice
sheets float in the ocean but originate on land.)

The Arctic sea ice is declining at the rate of about 13%/decade.

Melting ice creates a vicious cycle or a positive feedback loop.

(Ice is light coloured and reflective. 80% of the sunlight that strikes it is reflected back into space which
limits the amount of warming it causes. As ice melts it exposes the dark coloured ocean and land
surface. The surface absorbs more sunlight with the ocean absorbing 90% of the sunlight. This leads to
more warming and more ice melts and so on.)

This phenomenon accelerates the rate of global warming which will impact coastal areas, water
resources, agriculture and human health through climate change.

Impact of Global Warming

There will be change in rainfall patterns, increase in incidences of floods and droughts, loss of
biodiversity and reduced crop yields.

This will particularly affect millions in China and India. (Due to declining crop productivity in the
tropics and large number of population dependent on agriculture.)

International cooperation

China has stressed its commitment to the Paris Agreement and cautioned the new US President
against backing out from it.

Way forward

International community must realize that a carbon-intensive growth is no longer affordable and
must shift to a low-carbon economy.

India should strengthen its commitment to fight climate change with clear and definite actions.

The contribution of renewable energy in the energy mix should be further increased along with
measurable decline in use of fossil fuels. The Government has promised a steady increase in solar
power capacity, going beyond the target of 100 gigawatts by 2022.

It should be accompanied by supportive policies in individual States enabling citizen participation.

States should be ranked on their policies that promote investment in the sector, including domestic
rooftop installations.

The weak service infrastructure (supporting infrastructure like transmission and distribution for
evacuating power from solar projects) for solar should be upgraded without delay.

As Indias water stress will increase due to extreme weather episodes, an enhanced policy response is
required to protect farmers, livestock and vulnerable communities.

Importance

GS 3 (Environment)

Related question

Explain the feedback loops associated with global warming.

Jan. 20, 2017

Rebooting disinvestment Editorial 20th Jan'17 The Hindu

Details : Rebooting
disinvestment The context
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given in principle approval for the listing of five
public sector general insurance companies on the stock markets, with a plan to divest 25% of the
Centres stake in each of them over time. (25% of shares in these companies will be sold)

These companies are The New India Assurance Company, United India Insurance Company, Oriental
Insurance Company, National Insurance Company, and General Insurance Corporation of India.

This was announced as a major policy decision in the Union Budget 2016-17.

Presently, the Centre owns 100% shares in them.

(Insurance contracts that do not come under the ambit of life insurance are called general insurance.
The different forms of general insurance are fire, marine, motor, accident and other miscellaneous
non-life insurance. They insure assets against losses and damages.)

Recent performance

Last year, the gross premium income (revenue earned through premiums) for 4 out of these 5
companies rose by 12% but their profit after tax fell by more than 50%.

Even though, their revenues increased, profits fell due to high underwriting losses which rose 55% last
year.

(Underwriting income is the difference between premiums collected on insurance policies by the
insurer, and expenses incurred and claims paid out. Huge claims and disproportionate expenses may
result in an underwriting loss, rather than income, for the insurer.)

Benefits of disinvestment

Public shareholding will lead to greater scrutiny of performance of these companies which will
improve their performance and lead to greater transparency and accountability.

The move will bring significant resources for the Centre which is struggling to meet its disinvestment
targets.

This will also allow these companies to raise more capital from the share markets and strengthen their
resource mobilization ability.

It will also create confidence among the nuclear suppliers about the financial strength of General
Insurance Corporation and the Rs. 1500 crore nuclear liability insurance pool created by it with other
insurers.
Conclusion

Although the Government has made big announcements at several occasions about its intent for
disinvestment, the actual progress on ground has been slow.

The opportunity for disinvestment is limited by the political economy (interplay between politics and
economy) and Governments tend to raise much of their revenues from disinvestment in the second half
of their term.

(To improve the fiscal indicators and generate resources for welfare expenditure before polls.)

As the present Government has already completed half of its term, it should expedite its
disinvestment plans.

Additional information
Methods of disinvestment of CPSEs

1.Initial Public Offering (IPO) offer of shares by an unlisted CPSE or the Government out of its
shareholding or a combination of both to the public for subscription for the first time.

2.Further Public Offering (FPO) offer of shares by a listed CPSE or the Government out of its
shareholding or a combination of both to the public for subscription.

3. Offer for sale (OFS) of shares by Promoters through Stock Exchange mechanism method allows
auction of shares on the platform provided by the Stock Exchange; extensively used by the Government
since 2012.

4.Strategic sale - sale of substantial portion of the Government shareholding of a central public sector
enterprise (CPSE) of upto 50%, or such higher percentage as the competent authority may determine, along
with transfer of management control.

5. Institutional Placement Program (IPP) only Institutions can participate in the offering.

6. CPSE Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) Disinvestment through ETF route allows simultaneous sale of GoI's
stake in various CPSEs across diverse sectors through single offering. It provides a mechanism for the GoI
to monetize its shareholding in those CPSEs which form part of the ETF basket.

Importance

GS 3 (Indian Economy)

Jan. 19, 2017

Focussing on the marginal farmer Editorial 19th Jan'17 The Hindu

Details : Focussing on
the marginal farmer The context
Agriculture has seen diminishing returns in recent years which have put farmers under great
distress.

This has resulted in large number of farmer suicides. According to the National Crime Records Bureau
(NCRB), 2,195 marginal farmers and 3618 small farmers reportedly committed suicide in 2015.(Marginal
farmers are those who cultivate less than 1 hectare of land and small farmers cultivate 1-2 hectares of land)

Rising input costs

Agriculture is becoming economically unviable with rising costs of inputs such as fertilizers,
insecticides and pesticides, and seeds and fixed costs associated with agricultural equipment.
 Farmers have to purchase seeds from the market for every crop and the practice of seed saving has
almost died. (seed saving is the practice of saving seeds or other reproductive material for use from year to
year)

Hiring of labourers and animals has also become expensive.

This has resulted in a massive increase in cultivation costs. The total cost of cultivation for wheat rose
three times from 2004-05 to 2012-13.

Indebtedness

Traditionally, high rates of interest charged by the local money lender are blamed for farmers
distress.

But NCRB data shows that 2,474 of the 3,000 farmers who were reported to have committed suicide in
2015 had loans from local banks, while those who had loans from moneylenders were just 9.8 per
cent of the total.

Retailoring agriculture

Making agriculture remunerative again and doubling farmers incomes requires a multi-pronged
approach.

Inputs

Pesticides - Integrated pest management should be encouraged. (It combines biological, chemical,
mechanical and physical means to combat pests with a long-term emphasis on eliminating or significantly
reducing the need for pesticides.)

Fertilizers - Fertilizer subsidies should be timely paid to the fertilizer manufacturers. This will reduce the
cost of fertilizers by reducing the amount of working capital and saving massive interest payments on
borrowings by them.

Seeds - Contract farming should be encouraged for timely delivery of high quality seeds. New
genotypes should also be identified for pest, disease and adverse weather resistance. Precision
farming techniques like Systematic Rice Intensification must be encouraged to increase seed
production

Farm equipment

Domestic manufacturing should be encouraged for those farm equipment which are presently
imported.

Subsidies should be rerouted to provide loans at lower collateral requirements and longer payback
periods tofarmers who wish to buy equipment and entrepreneurs seeking to setup Custom Hiring Centres
(CHC) for agricultural equipment.

Companies should be encouraged to use corporate social responsibility funds for capacity-building
initiatives, skill development and the establishment of CHCs.

Financing

Institutional financing should be made more accessible and simplified and disbursed funds should be
effectively monitored.

Mechanisms for early warning signals should be established for monitoring farmers who seek
unsustainable loans.

This should be followed by macro and local policy interventions, along with devising timely loan
restructuring initiatives, insurance claim settlements and better counselling.

Conclusion

A systemic change is need on the above lines to alleviate the agrarian distress.

Importance
 GS 3 (Indian Economy)

Related question

Analyse the various causes of present agrarian distress and suggest a strategy for alleviate it.

Jan. 18, 2017

The real meaning of independence for RBI Editorial 18th Jan'17 The Hindu

Details : The real

meaning of independence for RBI
Background

Post-demonetisation, RBI has been criticized for surrendering its autonomy and institutional integrity
before Governments diktats.

(It is the RBI who issues the currency notes and bears the liability for them. Therefore,
demonetization should have been RBIs decision, not Governments.)

But the RBI Act clearly defines the contours of RBIs independence and autonomy.

Independence and the RBI Act

Part (1) of the RBI Act (Section 7 on Management) clearly states that the Central Government can give
directions to the Bank in public interest after consultation with the Governor.

Parts (2) and (3) spell out the roles for the Central Board and Governor.

There is a clear seniority principle with Part (1) taking precedence over (2) which takes precedence over
(3).

The decision to demonetise high-denomination currency was taken by the government in public
interest after consultation with the RBI.

The RBI Board did its duty by ratifying/recommending the action and then the Governor and his
officers implemented the decision.

Ensuring low and stable inflation

The idea of central bank independence originated in the advanced economies when it was noticed that
in the run up to the elections, elected governments valued growth over price stability.

This raised and entrenched inflationary expectations (expectations among general public that
inflation will rise in future) which harmed medium-term growth of the economy. (people will start
saving more and spend less)

The aim of central bank independence was to ensure low and stable inflation by the autonomous
conduct of monetary policy.

It is the elected government which decides target rates for inflation or growth and once that is
decided the central bank must ensure that it meets those targets with complete operational
autonomy.

In India, before the advent of monetary policy framework and an inflation target,it was the RBI
Governor alone (even though there was a committee, Governor had veto powers) took decisions
related to monetary policy.

That was vesting too much independence in an unelected official.

Even before the creation of an explicit monetary policy framework, the RBI had maintained its
autonomy in setting interest rates even though it sometimes led to tensions with the Government.
Debt management

Until now, the RBI has managed the governments debt but it has been proposed to transfer this
function to an independent debt management agency.

This move is resisted by the central bank and critics see it as an assault of RBIs independence.

Instead of curbing RBIs independence, the move is aimed to remove the conflict of interest that
exists in the RBIs functions of setting interest rates, and management of the governments debt.

(The RBI may manipulate the interest rates so that there is less interest burden on governments
borrowing)

Separation of debt management function will only enhance the RBIs independence to efficiently
conduct monetary policy.

Regulation of banks
 As the regulator of the banking system, the RBI must be allowed to operate at an arms length from the
government.

Although the Government also plays a major role in the banking system as the owner of public sector
banks which performs about 70% of all lending activity, there is no evidence to suggest that the
Government has interfered in any way with the RBIs mandate.

Conclusion

The RBI consists of technocrats and bureaucrats who are unelected and not directly accountable to the
people.

In a democracy, the final responsibility of all policy decisions must lie with the elected
representatives of the people, either the government or Parliament or both.

The government is acting well within the norms of the law and the spirit of democracy when it sets an
inflation target or demonetises high-value currency.

Importance

GS 2 (Regulatory bodies)

Related question

In the aftermath of demonetization of high values currency notes, it has been said that the RBIs
autonomy has been compromised. Do you agree? Justify your answer.

Jan. 17, 2017

Vagaries of the job market Editorial 17th Jan'17 The Hindu

Details : Vagaries of
the job market The context
Widening gap between pace of labour force growth and job creation has been a global concern post the
2008 financial crisis.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has released the report World Employment and Social
Outlook Trends 2017 in which it has projected rising numbers of unemployed in India and across the
globe.

With the growth in global gross domestic product registering a six-year low in 2016, expectations of
generation of new jobs were always going to be low but it also highlights the vulnerability that affects
nearly half of the global work force.

Vulnerability

About 42% of the total working population is included in vulnerable forms of employment. It
includes self-employed and those employed in family enterprises.

They account for nearly 50% of workers in the emerging economies and 80% in developing
countries.

Besides Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia has been the most affected by such volatile conditions.

They lack access to contributory social protection schemes, unlike their counterparts in the wage-
earning and salaried classes.

Their vulnerability will rise because of the absence of strong welfare legislation or its effective
enforcement.
Cause for concern

Even though, the overall share of these vulnerable workers dropped from 46% of total employment in
2015 to 42% in 2016, the report projects only a mere 0.2 percentage point rate of reduction through
2017-18 which is lower than the average annual rate of decline of 0.5 percentage points in the previous
decade.

As a result of the relatively slow rates of decline in more recent years, the number of people
employed in vulnerable employments is projected to increase globally by 11 million a year.

This implies that there will be a slowdown in reducing the incidence of working poverty (The working
poor are working people whose incomes fall below a given poverty line). I

Social and political legitimacy of globalization will come into question with a slowdown in reduction of
working poverty.

(The rise in income levels for the poor workers lent the current phase of globalisation the social and
political legitimacy)

Conclusion

Policymakers around the world should ensure that working poverty doesnt increase.

Policies around the world should focus on creation of quality wage employment in the formal sector.

Governments should formulate strong social safety schemes with legislative backing and implement
them efficiently.

Importance

GS 3 (Indian Economy)

Related question

What do you understand by working poverty? What are its causes? Suggest measures to eliminate it.

Jan. 16, 2017

From plate to plough: Growth amidst gloom Editorial 16th Jan'17 Indian Express

Details : From plate to

plough: Growth amidst gloom The context
Central Statistical Orgnaisation has estimated that GDP growth rate for this fiscal will decline to
7.1% from 7.6% last year even if one doesnt factors in the effects of demonetization.

Growth in vital sectors such as manufacturing and services has slowed down.

But Agriculture and allied sector has registered a jump in growth rate from 1.2% last fiscal to 4.1% this
fiscal.

Significance of this growth

Growth in agriculture is important from the perspective of inclusive growth as almost half of the
workforce is engaged in this sector.

It is also important from food security perspective.

This will bring much needed relief for the rural economy which was badly affected by two
consecutive droughts.

The number game

The estimates for the kharif season are primarily based on first advance estimates (there are total 5
estimates of agricultural production four advance and one final) with relatively higher degree of
accuracy, but the estimates of rabi crops and of livestock (milk, eggs, wool) and forestry and fishery are
based on targets for FY17, which are normally on the higher side.

Even with this optimistic forecast, agri-GDP growth rate for the first three years of this government will
be just 1.7% year, and the growth for the Twelfth Five Year Plan (FYP) (2012-13 to 2016-17) is going to be
2.2% per annum.

This will be the lowest growth rate registered in any FYP since economic reforms began in 1991, and
much below the target of 4.

Glimmer of hope

Despite a lackluster performance by agriculture in last 5 years, there is some glimmer of hope.

The kharif foodgrain production in FY17 has registered growth of 8.9% over last year.

Kharif pulses recorded an enormous increase of 58 because of very high pulse prices before the
sowing season, a good monsoon and higher cropped area under kharif pulses.

Production of kharif oilseeds also jumped by 41%, mainly due to 65% increase in soyabean harvest.

Faulty policies

The high prices incentivized farmers to plant a much higher area under pulses and a good monsoon
helped yield a bumper crop.

This was a golden opportunity for the government to build a buffer stock of two million metric tonnes,
reduce import dependence and import bill of around $ 12-15 billion and support farmers by ensuring
that market prices do not drop below MSP.

But this opportunity was not tapped fully and due to bumper increase in production, prices of pulses and
oilseeds went below the minimum support prices (MSPs) in several markets.

Even as the prices fell below MSP, the Government did not lift the restrictions on domestic or foreign
trade of pulses and oilseeds and the market forces couldnt benefit the farmer.

Governments efforts to increase production of pulses and oilseeds (The Integrated Scheme for
Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize (ISOPOM) and National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm
(NMOOP)) have not yielded desired results.

And when production jumps in response to the market forces, the system is not geared to ensure
even the MSP to farmers.

This will discourage farmers and prolong import dependence for pulses and oilseeds. The area under
pulses may drop next year, and imports increase.

Way forward

Government should encourage production of oilseeds and pulses as they are grown in relatively less
irrigated and poorer regions, consume much less water and fix nitrogen in soil thus saving large fertiliser
subsidies. This will also help alleviate poverty faster and boost the demand for manufactured products,
thus helping industry.

Instead of an anti-farmer and pro-consumer bias in the policies, the Government should balance the
interests of consumers and farmers.

The policy of MSP should be strengthened and implemented more efficiently.

In times of bumper production, restrictions on free trade should be lifted so that market forces
ensure a decent return on investment for the farmers.

Importance
 GS 3 (Indian Economy)

Related question

Discuss the factors for continued dependence on exports of the country for supply of pulses and
oilseeds. Suggest a strategy for making India self-sufficient in terms of oilseeds and pulses.

Jan. 14, 2017

Pay heed to Urjit Patel Editorial 14th Jan'17 The Hindu

Details : Pay
heed to Urjit Patel
Background
The RBI Governor has emphasized on the need to protect domestic macroeconomic stability (low
inflation and fiscal deficit) at a time when the Centre in in the process of finalizing the budget and
amidst a growing clamour for increased public expenditure.

Clamour for fiscal stimulus

Domestic private investment has not picked up momentum and recent growth was fuelled by domestic
private consumption and public expenditure. Hence, some economists argue, there is a case for increased
public investment.

Even the domestic consumption demand has slowed down post demonetization and external
demand remains weak.

The Government too may be tempted to increase expenditure (in form of new schemes and
projects) to counter the adverse public reaction to demonetization.

Case for fiscal consolidation

The external environment is adverse and likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future.

The General Government (Centre + States) deficit is already among the highest in the G-20
economies.

More Government borrowings cannot be a short cut to achieving durable long-term higher growth
because high levels of government borrowing tend to crowd out private investment and hides the
urgent need for more enduring reforms.

Government guarantees and interest rate subventions

 While some government guarantees and limited interest subventions may be beneficial, steep interest
rate subventions and large credit guarantees impede optimal allocation of financial resources and
increases moral hazard (lack of incentive to guard against risk where one is protected from its
consequences).

Such guarantees increase the governments liabilities and raise the risk premium on its borrowing
(increases the cost of borrowing due to increased risk).

Governors suggestions

Government expenditure should be reoriented towards creating more public infrastructure such as
expanded railway networks and urban mass transit systems that would help boost productivity and lead
to reductions in the oil import bill and provide the collateral benefit of improved air quality.

Instead of government guarantees and interest rate subventions, the Government should resolve
constraints such as transaction costs related to clearances and the taxation bureaucracy.

Importance
 GS 3 (Indian Economy)

Related question

In the light of present domestic macroeconomic conditions and external environment, critically
analyse the case for increased public spending.

Jan. 13, 2017

The citys bleak future Editorial 13th Jan'17 The Hindu

Details : The
citys bleak future The
context
India is witnessing a phase of rapid urbanization and the Government has started paying attention to the
urban woes.

Several projects has been started to address the infrastructure deficit in major cities throughout
India.

The Government policies for urban renewal are aimed at expansion of big cities.

A city is never about an assemblage of infrastructure but about the lives and relationships between the
people who live in them. Government policies dont address this crucial aspect.

Uncontrolled growth in Big Cities

Despite increased funds for infrastructure expansion, Indian cities have been unable to meet the
increasing demand due to uncontrolled population growth.

Urban migration has been increasing at a rapid pace and it is estimated that about, 4,000 families
migrate to Mumbai every week.

Big cities have tried to accommodate the increasing vehicular traffic by expanding the already
congested road network. This has resulted in increased commuting distances with an average of 3-7 kms.

While private realtors have catered to the demand for upper class housing, public funded projects to
address the housing shortages, especially for the lower middle classes and poor, have remained
inadequate.

Big cities have failed to arrest unauthorized developments resulting in growth of slums, improper
planning and inability to regulate and manage urban growth.
Flaws in the Governments approach

Government has directed its efforts on managing expansion of the big cities but this conventional
approach may fail in Indian conditions as Indian cities are very diverse.

There are three types of cities in India. Firstly, there are metropolitan accretions such as Delhi,
Mumbai and Bengaluru. These are akin to small States and are growing by engulfing smaller towns
surrounding them.

The second variety is the Tier-2 cities like Pune, Jaipur etc. which have problemssimilar to that of
metropolitan centers.

Finally, there are the small towns like Meerut, Hubli etc. which mandi towns with a rural character.
They critical in maintaining commercial links between cities and villages.

The Government should focus on these small towns as they are restricted in growth and size.
What should the Government do?

The Government should adopt a twofold path.

A development strategy must be devised for small Tier-3 towns which must take into account new
forms of public housing, regulate bye-laws that restrict commuting.

Second, the process must simultaneously relieve larger towns of the burden new migrants.Instead of
focusing on long-range connectivity, the Government mustfavour local area plans that include
pedestrianisation, conversion to mixed-use streets, reduction of commercial activity and an eradication of
gated neighbourhoods.

This should encourage a sense of community and inclusion among the urban citizens that erodes
differences of ethnicity, profession, caste, social and economic position.

Conclusion

The new citys values will be defined by a new phase of very fluid migration where the migrants will shift
rapidly between cities.

Government policies and architectural interventions will have to be geared to enable these
transformations and harness their full potential.

For this to happen, Indian cities must stop mimicking western models of urbanization and
understand the traditional town structure.

Importance

GS 1 (Urbanisation)

GS3 (Infrastructure)

Jan. 11, 2017

Stemming the moral rot within Editorial 11th Jan'17 The Hindu

Details : Stemming the

moral rot within The context
The mass molestations in Bengaluru on the New Years Eve have shocked the nation but this is not a first
incident of its kind.

Similar incidents have happened in India (Mumbai molestations, 2007) and all over the world (Tahrir
Square molestations, Egypt, and Cologne, Germany) in the past.
 Such incidents are reflections of Indian masculinity and attitudes towards women and can happen
anywhere in the country.

The Paradox

On the one hand, women have a place of respect and reverence in Indian culture and they are
considered sacred and pure in the role of Goddesses, mother, sister and daughter.

On the other hand, they have to face harassment, abuse, disrespect and discrimination on a daily
basis.

Learned behavior

Society in general and Indian men in particular has not been able to align their proclaimed conservative
moral values with their repressed sexuality which has created a moral vacuum. This has hampered the
evolution of more civilized social norms.
 In majority of the cases, Indian men are not taught gender equality and gender respect as they grow up.

They learn aggressive masculinity, objectification of women and respect for women in families and
abusing women in wider society and public places from other male elders of their families.

Need for creative solutions

586 women citizens out of a population of 1.2 billion cant be allowed to be subjected to daily
threats and humiliation.

To overcome Indias patriarchy and conservatism, there is need for creative thinking and practical
solutions to make Indian men more gender-sensitive.

This new breed of men will have to fight the misogynist (relating to strong prejudices against women)
forces of globalization which has commodified women (eg pornography, trafficking of women for
prostitution) teach the future generations to respect women.

Role of the Government

The Government can curb sexism and sexual violence through greater advocacy of gender
sensitivity.

This can be done by including gender education in the education system.

In addition, there is urgent need for the legal system to deal sternly with sexual violence to create
deterrence.

Fast-tracking of legal cases and harsher punishments can help but to address the day-to-day sexual
abuse faced by women and girls, the law enforcement officers should be made sensitive in interpretation
of laws.

Police attitudes in dealing with victims of sexual violence need to be made more sensitive through
aggressive monitoring and a carrot-and-stick policy.

This will also increase reporting of crimes against women and decrease impunity enjoyed by men.

Changing primitive notions

In order to change broader social attitudes, the notion of outraging the modesty of a women must be
done away with.

Law must protect each and every woman regardless of her attire and attitude, not just modest
women. Western culture and attire couldnt be a reason to justify sexual assault.

Conclusion

For India to become a truly gender-just and egalitarian society, patriarchal values must be done
away with, punishment for sexual assaults must be swift and generations of men must learn to respect
rights of women.
Importance

GS 1 (Society)

GS 4 (Attitude)

Related question

There is a paradox in attitude of Indian men towards women. What could be the reasons for this
paradox? Also discuss a broad strategy to make men more gender sensitive.

Mind the gender gap Editorial 11th Jan'17 The Hindu

Details :
Mind the gender gap
Background
Womens issues have gained increasing importance in Indian politics and policy making in past few
years.

Gender related issues assume greater significance as India has adopted the SDGs (one of the goals is
gender equality) and ratified the Paris Agreement.

There is a direct link between empowering women and alleviating poverty, increasing productivity, and
combating climate change.

But lack of targeted resources has been one of the biggest reasons for slow progress on gender
issues.

As India is in the process of framing budget for the next financial, it is important that budget
priorities reflect commitment to women empowerment.

Gender challenges in India

World Economic Forums annual Global Gender Gap Report ranked India 87 in terms of gender
equality in economy, education, health, and political representation.

Womens declining labour participation, under-representation in Parliament, skewed child sex ratio, and
gender violence are some of the challenges.

Gender Responsive Budgeting

To address these issues, India adopted Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) in 2005. The reason being
that policy outcomes are not gender neutral and can reinforce existing patterns of gender inequalities.

GRB seeks to integrate critical gender concerns into fiscal policies and administration to address
disparities.

(GRB aims to create a direct linkage between social and economic policies through the application of a
gender analysis to the formulation and implementation of government budgets. Gender-responsive
budgeting aims to raise awareness of the gendered impacts of budgets and to make governments
accountable for ensuring government budgets promote the achievement of gender equality and womens
rights, especially among the poor.

Gender Budgeting is a related concept. It is not an accounting exercise but an ongoing process of keeping
a gender perspective in policy/ programme formulation, its implementation and review. GB entails
dissection of the Government budgets to establish its gender differential impacts and to ensure that gender
commitments are translated in to budgetary commitments.)

Since 2005, the annual budget includes a statement which has two parts. Part A includes Women
Specific Schemes which have 100% allocation for women. Part B has Pro Women Schemes where at least
30% allocation is for women.

Impact of GRB
 India has been successful in implementation of gender budgeting and it has managed to
successfully institutionalise the concept at both the national and State levels (in 16 States).

Various studies have shown the positive link between GRB and improved indicators for women.

Arecent IMF study found that States that employ GRB also show better female to male school
enrolment ratios.

It was observed that GRB also has a positive impact on infrastructure spending.

Recent trends in funding

Despite the successes, better implementation and planning is needed so that benefits to the policies are
more widely shared.
 But in recent years, allocations under GRB have either remained stagnant or declined.

There was also a reduction in the number of ministries and departments that fall under GRB.

The budget for 2016-17 also initiated the decentralization of funding in GRB from Centre to the
States.

Concerns with decentralization

While the States will be empowered to come up with women-specific policies as per their respective
challenges, the States could also choose to not prioritise gender in their budgeting.

Concerns with GRB and suggestions

The focus of GRB has been limited to schemes that are exclusively dedicated to women which have
restricted benefits.

All the welfare schemes must be viewed with a gender perspective.

Sectors such as energy, urban development, food security, water supply and sanitation have an
important bearing on womens empowerment and policies for these sectors impact men and women
differently.

Therefore, gender perspective should be mainstreamed in the policy formulation and execution.

This will help in inclusion of women in Indias growth story as equal partners in development instead of
being passive beneficiaries of it.

Conclusion

Gender budgeting alone is not sufficient to tackle deep-rooted gender disparities but it will make
policies more effective.

Policies should also be flexible to change based on feedback from the intended recipients which will
increase chances of their success.

The Central government should encourage State governments to take up GBR as a priority in their
budget layouts.

Importance

GS 1 (Society)

GS 2 (Governance)

Related question

Welfare policies can have different impacts on men and women and can exacerbate existing
patterns of gender inequalities and injustice. Elaborate. In this context, discuss how Gender
responsive Budgeting can lead to more gender-just outcomes.
Jan. 10, 2017

A rights bill gone wrong Editorial 10th Jan'17 The Hindu

Details :A
rights bill gone wrong
Background
The Transgender community has faced historic discrimination and exclusion.

But in the past few years the discourse on transgender rights has garnered sufficient attention in the
mainstream media and politics.

There have been important developments to address the problems faced by them and the
Government has come up with THE TRANSGENDER PERSONS (PROTECTION OF RIGHTS) BILL, 2016.

Evolution of legal framework for Transgender Rights

In 2014, the Supreme Court in landmark judgment in NALSA case affirmed the fundamental rights of
transgender persons and gave a series of directives to the government to institute welfare measures for
transgender persons, including reservations under the OBC category.

It also directed that the Expert Committee Report prepared by the Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment be implemented.

Also in 2014, the Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014 was introduced and in the Rajya Sabha as a
Private Members Bill and passed in 2015, in a rare instance. But it never made it to the Lok Sabha.

The government came up with its own Bill The Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2015 in 2015.
The 2015 Bill was largely based on the 2014 Bill, but it did away with provisions on Transgender Rights
Courts and the National and State Commissions.

But in 2016, the Government introduced THE TRANSGENDER PERSONS (PROTECTION OF RIGHTS) BILL,
2016, in the Lok Sabha.

But it was drastically different from the 2015 Bill and lacked many critical features of the previous two
Bills, it also completely disregarded the NALSA judgment and the Expert Committee Report.

The 2016 Bill has now been referred to a Standing Committee.

Flaws in the 2016 bill

1) Definition

The definition of the term transgender person in Clause 2(i) of the bill is borrowed from a provision of
the Australian Sex Discrimination Amendment (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex Status)
Act 2013, which defines the term intersex.

But there is difference between transgender and intersex identities as explained by the Expert
Committee Report.

The 2014 and 2015 Bills had more accurate definitions of the term transgender and the 2015 Bill even
granted a transgender person the right to identify as either man, woman, or transgender.

2) Reservations

The Supreme Court directed the Government to provide reservations to transgender persons and the
2014 and 2015 Bills had the provision for the same.

But the provision is absent from the 2016 Bill.

3) Rights-based approach

The NALSA judgment located the fundamental rights of transgender persons in the golden trinity of
Articles 14 (right to equality), 19 (right to freedom) and 21 (right to life).

The 2014 and 2015 Bills and even other recent legislations like the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Act, 2016 and the Mental Healthcare Bill, 2016 are based on a rights-based approach.

But the 2016 bill deviates from a rights-based approach and doesnt provide a mechanism for
enforcement of the rights of transgender people and leaves them at the mercy of the State.

4) Operation of existing laws

Certain criminal and personal laws that are currently in force only recognise the genders of man and
woman.

This binary gender foundation of the law remains a significant barrier to access to legal justice for
transgender persons.
 Jurisdictions like U.K., Ireland, Argentina and Malta which have granted legal rights to the transgender
people have clarified in their laws the impact gender change will have on existing legal institutions which
are based on such binary gender perspective.

The NALSA judgment too recognises the need for making civil rights accessible to transgender
persons.

But the 2016 bill is fails to address this issue and is silent on how it will impact the operation of
existing laws.

5) Section 377

Recognizing transgender rights involves recognition of the rights of sexual minorities which involves
decriminalization of sexual activity between consenting adults who might not be of opposite gender.

Section 377 is frequently used to harass transgender persons but the Bill doesnt address this issue.

Way forward

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016 should incorporate the Expert Committees
definition of transgender persons.

Provisions for reservations for the community and mechanisms for enforcement of other legal rights
should also be written in law.

The Bill should also make it clear that how existing criminal and personal laws will operate for
transgender persons.

Granting legal rights to transgender persons should go hand in hand with decriminalization of
Section 377 of IPC.

As India stands on the verge of legally empowering a hitherto marginalized community, laws should be
guided by in-depth research and should refrain from tokenism.

Importance

GS 1 (Society)

GS 2 (Governance)

Related question

Critically analyse the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016.

Jan. 9, 2017
Revisiting a passage from India Editorial 9th Jan'17 The Hindu

Details : Revisiting a
passage from India The context
Each year, India celebrates Pravasi Bhartiya Divas to commemorate Mahatma Gandhis return from
South Africa and strengthen its ties with the Indian Diaspora.

Diaspora has gain increasing significance in Indias foreign policy with rising global profile of the
country.

Pravasi Bhartiya Samman

India bestows Pravasi Bhartiya Sammans each year to distinguished members of the diaspora but it
seems that lobbying and politics have trumped merit in deciding the awardees.

Classifying the diaspora

Indian diaspora refers to people of Indian origin who have emigrated from the country 19th century
onwards.

The Wall Street Journal estimates that there are 15.6 million persons born in India living abroad. This
number has grown by 17.2 per cent since 2010.

Diaspora can be divided into two broad categories: pre-independence and post-independence.

The pre-independence diaspora is left the country mostly as indentured labour for the Caribbean,
Africa and the Pacific Islands.

The post-independence diaspora can be further subdivided into those who emigrated to the West
including Australia and New Zealand and those who immigrated to the West Asia following oil boom
after the Arab-Israel war of 1973.

The West Asian diaspora

Petro dollars allowed the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to finance a spending and
construction boom which attracted blue collar workers from all over the world, including 7 million
Indians.

These countries have learnt to manage their single commodity dependent economies but some of
them like UAE and Qatar are diversifying their options.

But these countries face two challenges. Firstly, shale oil revolution in the US, slower global growth and
environmental concerns could mean perennial low oil prices. Secondly, the face the challenge of rising
Shia-Sunni tensions and radical Islam (Islamist extremism).

This means that this region may remain instable in the foreseeable future.

Therefore the Indians there face challenges like economic slowdown, localization of jobs (eg. Nitaqat of
Saudi Arabia) and terror threats.

Indian workers, particularly those from Kerala, are also facing stiff competition from more skilled
workers from countries such as Philippines and cheaper labour from countries such as Nepal.

Fear of reprisal against blue collar Indian workers limits Indias strategic options.

Pre-independence diaspora

India has a largely positive record dealing with the pre-independence diaspora.

The expulsion of Indians from Uganda by Idi Amin in the 1970s tested Indian diplomacy and its
ability to protect the diaspora.

In Mauritius, Indian community forms the largest group and it has succeeded in consolidating political
power with strategic support from Indian governments. The country is an important ally in
safeguarding Indias maritime frontiers due to its strategic location in the Indian ocean.

But in Fiji, India failed to support political aspirations of Indo-Fijians.

 In the Caribbean, persons of Indian origin have headed governments in some countries.

Generally, India has taken care not to be seen in the internal affairs of these countries as this can be
counter-productive.

Religion (Hinduism) and cricket links the diaspora in the Caribbean with India but India has been
unable to build on that base by boosting connectivity and investment and business links.

Diaspora in the West

The diaspora in the Western countries are becoming important and influential supporters of Indian
interests due to their rising numbers and increasing incomes.

There are 4 million Indian origin persons in the US, 1.45 million in the UK and 1.2 million in the
Canada.

Right-wing organisations are actively spreading the ideology of Hindutva in all these countries.
 In recent times, there was a blurring between the loyalties that Indian origin persons owe to their
adopted nation and their innate love for India.

When combined with Hindutva, it may create a majority community backlash and divide the
diaspora on religious lines.

Way forward

Indian diaspora can become the bridges between India and the rest of the world and play an
important role in the economic development like the Chinese diaspora.

(The Chinese diaspora settled in Southeast Asia became the bridge to integrate their economy to
global supply chains once Deng Xiaoping opened Chinese doors in the 1980s. They also funded
investment in Chinese economic zones.)

The Indian diasporas remittances have been important but the need now is to harness not just their
financial but also their intellectual capital.

India should also upgrade the skills of Indian workers going to West Asia to improve their job security and
also because Indias prestige suffers when Indians are seen doing menial jobs. This will also give India room
to protest against the regressive labour laws and address the harassment faced by the workers.

In the context of pre-independence diaspora, India should show more willingness to protect their
interests during the times of political turbulence in their home countries.

The government needs a new way of dealing with each of the three groups wisely, pro-actively, and
in a secular non-jingoistic tone.

Importance

GS 2 (International affairs)

Related question

Diaspora has become an increasingly important part of Indias foreign policy initiatives. Discuss the
challenges do the Indian diaspora faces in different parts of the world. What should the Government do
to address these challenges and harness the financial as well as intellectual capital of the diaspora?

Jan. 7, 2017

Clamping down on ordinance Raj Editorial 7th Jan'17 The Hindu

Details : Clamping
down on ordinance Raj Background
The Supreme Court, the High Courts and Constitutional functionaries have routinely criticized the
propensity of governments to take the ordinance route for mere political expediency.

Recently, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court widened the boundaries of judicial review of the
powers of the President and the Governor under Articles 123 and 213.

It held that it can now examine whether the President or the Governor was motivated by an oblique
motive to bypass the Legislature and promulgate an ordinance.

Why governments resort to ordinance ?

Generally there are three reasons:

1) reluctance to face the legislature on particular issues,

2) fear of defeat in the Upper House where the government may in minority,

3)the need to overcome an impasse in the legislature caused by repeated and wilful disruption by the
Opposition.

The recent judgment

The Supreme Court had already declared in 1986, in D.C. Wadhwa, that repeated re-promulgation of
ordinances was unconstitutional.

Now, in Krishna Kumar Singh v. State of Bihar, it has concluded that the failure to place an ordinance
before the legislature constitutes abuse of power and a fraud on the Constitution.

In this case, a 1989 ordinance by which the State government took over 429 Sanskrit schools in Bihar
was promulgated several times until 1992, but not once tabled in the State Assembly.

The judgment widens the scope of judicial review of ordinances and the court can examine whether the
President or Governor had any material to arrive at the satisfaction that an ordinance was necessary and
to examine whether there was any oblique motive.

Conclusion

The judgment should be welcomed but it should be kept in mind that the ordinance route is not
always taken to privilege political expediency over parliamentary accountability.

Disruption of the legislature sometimes constitutes a compelling circumstance in itself.

Generally, it is the combination of Opposition obstructionism and government inflexibility that

disrupts the house and leads to ordinances.

The courts can only define the boundaries between the use and abuse of power, but it is up to
parties in the legislature to observe the limits of constitutional propriety.

Importance

GS 2 (Polity)

When banks are awash with cash Editorial 7th Jan'17 The Hindu

Details : When
banks are awash with cash
Background
The Government justified demonetization as a tool to fight corruption and

Corruption by banks

Demonetisation was justified by the Government as a means to end corruption but it ended up
promoting corruption by staff of commercial banks.
 New currency notes meant for release among general public were used to launder rich and
influentials black money with the involvement of bank staff.

The demonetisation meant to eliminate black money led directly to a black market for currency
notes.

Corruption in the RBI

Even the RBI which was viewed by the people as incorrupt and distanced from politics was
embroiled in the mess.

It management of demonetization was marred by incompetence and its officials got involved in
money laundering.

Bringing money back in the system

 The Government initially hoped that a large part of the demonetized notes will not return back to the
system.

This would have reduced RBIs liability and improved Governments fiscal position.

But much of it returned back to the system and the Government had to change its narrative.

It said that the entire exercise was aimed to bring money back in the system and this will have two
benefits.

Firstly, a larger volume of deposits will spur lending and increase investment and secondly, it will be
possible for the Government to track financial transactions as most of the cash came back to the system.

The lending fallacy

1) Demand for loans

Increased deposits in the banks will not necessarily lead to increased lending. The volume of lending will
be determined by the demand for loans.

Even a decrease in interest rates may not increase demand for fresh loans because due to market
uncertainty expected rates of return on new investments are not high enough to draw attention of
private investors.

In fact, there has been a slowdown in private investment for a couple of years even after two rate cuts
by the RBI in 2016.

The World Bank has even remarked that recent growth in India was being driven by public
investment and private consumption.

2) Banks ability to lend

Commercial banks have a high proportion of NPAs and they have also taken some poor lending
decisions.

They cannot start lending efficiently on a scale high enough to make a difference to the economy.

But the Government may force the nationalized banks to increase lending to boost demand and
raise the level of activity in the economy.

This may result in very poor lending decisions by public-sector banks.

Role of the Government

The Government must increase public investment as growth is slowing, investor sentiment is poor and
banks are troubled with high NPAs.

The budget for the year 2017-18 gives the Government to increase public investment but there is
possibility that it may go for fiscal consolidation and reduce public investment.

Even in the year 2015-2016 capital expenditure had been less than the budgetary estimates.
Way forward

The current priority should be to remonetise the economy quickly.

As high NPAs restrict banks capacity to lend, the Government should address this issue. It must also take
a considered view on bad bank, which could address the NPA issue.

The RBI and the banks should resist Governments pressure to increase lending activity and ensure high
quality lending decisions.

The Government must increase public investment as private investment is not forthcoming and level of
many essential public services is still low.

Importance
 GS 3 (Economics)

Jan. 6, 2017

Being factual in the post-truth era Editorial 6th Jan'17 The Hindu

Details :

Being factual in the post-truth era The

context
We are living in the post-truth era where borders blur between truth and lies, honesty and
dishonesty, fiction and nonfiction.

Today, objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and
personal belief.

In this post-truth world, fake news the deliberate creation of factually incorrect content to mislead
people for some gain is becoming an increasingly serious problem as people quickly react to it.

Internet and fake news

As internet and social media penetration increases with each passing day, it becomes imperative to
tackle fake news in this ever connected world.

24*7 access to the web has raised expectations for real-time news and constant entertainment, and
competition among websites and social media platforms.

This has resulted in the proliferation of click-bait sensational or provocative content whose main
purpose is to attract attention and draw visitors to a particular web page at the expense of quality or
accuracy.

As social media platforms such as Facebook have many users, fake news spreads rapidly.

Impact of fake news

Fake news has real and potentially far-reaching impacts. A recent study from the Pew Research Center
found that approximately two-thirds of Americans felt fake news had caused a great deal of confusion
over current affairs.

There are concerns that proliferation of fake news during presidential elections in the US has
impacted the election results.

This has also raised concerns in the Europe where several countries are about to go to the polls and
many countries there are searching for ways to curb fake news and regulate it.

Tackling fake news

The danger is that instruments to identify fake news could become curbs on opinion and speech.

Therefore, instead of external regulation there should be self-regulation by social media platforms and
news organisations.

This can be done through rigorous internal editorial and advertising standards.

Industry-wide measures, such as adherence to a charter of standards on fake news and imposition of fines
on organisations falling short of these, could be done.

But before these measures could be adopted, the broad contours of what constitutes fake news
need to be defined.

Conclusion
In the post-truth world news and social media orgnaisations have a special moral responsibility to
ensure that they do not misrepresent the facts to their audiences and pass them off for news.

Jan. 5, 2017

Running into the Chinese wall Editorial 5th Jan'17 The Hindu

Details : Running into

the Chinese wall Background
India has been repeatedly trying to get Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar banned by the
UNSC sanctions committee but its efforts were repeatedly blocked by China.

This has created friction in bilateral realtions with Beijing but rather in purely bilateral terms, this
should be seen in a wider geopolitical context.

An open and shut case

In the past too China has blocked Indias efforts at the UN to designate certain individuals as
terrorists.

But Masood Azhars case is different as there is ample evidence incriminating him in terrorist
activities.

Despite all the evidence, it took two years for UNSC to designate JeM as terrorist organization and its
chief is still not designated as terrorist, largely due to China.

Larger trend

Chinas move must be seen in a wider context of fragmenting global consensus on terrorism.

The impact of this fragmentation can be seen at several levels: at the UN, in the tussle between the
U.S. and Russia, and for India, in regional ties.

Changing narrative: Fragmentation of the consensus at the UN

Global consensus on terrorism was forged after the 9/11 attacks.

During this period, the UN passed a number of resolutions to combat terrorism and terror groups
such as al-Qaeda and Taliban.

While the implementation of these resolutions has been questionable, there was consensus among the
member states about combined efforts to fight terrorism.

But this consensus started changing from 2010 onward when even after a decade of war, the US and its
allies were unable to defeat the Taliban.

They sought to negotiate with the Taliban and differentiated between Good and Bad Taliban.

Impact of US-Russia ties

After the 9/11 attacks, Russia offered full support to the US in its war against terrorism as it thought this
will address Islamic threat to Russia as well.

But things have changed since then and Russia has started questioning US presence in Central Asia and
Afghanistan.

Russias new closeness with China and growing ties with Pakistan is also impacting global
consensus.

The three countries called for a flexible approach to remove some Taliban figures from the UN
sanctions list to promote dialogue with the Taliban.
 The US too has been pushing for the removal of other groups in Afghanistan from sanctions. It is
clear that the global leaders are picking their team amongst the terrorists.

Russias ties with Pakistan

Russias ties with Pakistan as also a cause of concern for India.

Among the P5, the US, UK and France co-sponsored Indias resolution against Azhar, China vetoed it, but
Russia did nothing at all.

At the BRICS summit and the Heart of Asia conference, the Russia-China combine thwarted Indias
efforts to include strong statements condemning cross border terrorism emanating from Pakistan in the
joint statement.

Russian envoy even advised India not to use multilateral forums for bilateral disputes.

Conclusion

The global consensus on terror, that once helped India apply pressure on Pakistan, is now
fragmented.

In order to secure its citizens and borders, India must bridge its ties with diverse set of nations, even if
they now appear to be indifferent to its perspective presently.

Importance

GS 2 (International relations)

GS 3 (Security)

Related question

The global consensus on terror which once helped India to put pressure on Pakistan is increasingly
fragmented today. Discuss its causes and implications for Indias security policy in the light of Indias
policy of isolating Pakistan on the issue of terrorism.

Jan. 4, 2017

Two takes on democracy Editorial 4th Jan'17 The Hindu

Details : Two
takes on democracy
Background
 The Supreme Court, in a majority judgment, has held that an appeal for votes during elections on the
basis of religion, caste, race, community or language, even that of the electorate, will amount to a corrupt
practice and call for disqualification of the candidate.

The court was interpreting whether the pronoun his used in Section 123 (3) of the Representation of
the People Act, 1951 covers the groups to which candidates or their rivals belong, or whether it covers
the electorate also.

(Section 123(3) of the RPA, 1951 - The appeal by a candidate or his agent or by any other person with the
consent of a candidate or hiselection agent to vote or refrain from voting for any person on the ground of
his religion, race, caste, community orlanguage or the use of, or appeal to religious symbols or the use of, or
appeal to, national symbols, such as the nationalflag or the national emblem, for the furtherance of the
prospects of the election of that candidate or for prejudiciallyaffecting the election of any candidate)

The seven judge bench was split 4:3 with the majority deciding that the Section 123 (3) of the RPA, 1951
covers electorate also.
 This has raised several questions related to secularism, relevance of social identities etc.

The majority view

The majority of the judges decided that the RPA aimed to bring purity to the elections which require that
appeals to caste, religion, language and community should not be used in the campaigning.

Election fought on this issues distorted democracy by dividing the society on these identities and
appealing to emotions of the electorate rather than their rationality.

The basic purpose of the Section 123(3) of the RPA was to curb communal, fissiparous and separatist
tendencies. Therefore, the public interest lies in expanding the scope of the section.

In addition, the Chief Justice held that secularism required complete exclusion of religion from public life.

Behind these arguments there is the ideal of Universal Citizen who leaves her markers of personal
identity out of the public sphere and participates rationally.

The State helps one to become the universal citizen and prevents the distortion of democracy by
passing laws that prohibit certain kinds of election speeches.

The minority view

The dissenting judges differed on this ideal of citizenship and the value of personal identity.

Historically, India has been an unequal society and individuals and communities have been
discriminated against on the basis of religion, caste, language and gender and the Constitution
recognizes this.

Social mobilisation is a powerful instrument of bringing marginalised groups into the mainstream and
access to governance is a means of addressing social disparities.

Therefore, the Section 123(3) of the RPA should be limited in scope. It would help in making the
issues related to marginalized sections as electoral issues.

The minority judges believe that universal citizen did not and could not exist because people are
always situated within their social contexts.

Law could not prevent citizens from using those very markers of identity which were used to
discriminate against them to organize and liberate themselves.

Conclusion

India is a country in which sections of society suffer deprivation and historical injustices based on
religious or caste identity.

There is a justifiable worry that a wider interpretation may lead to eliminating from the poll
discourse political issues related to religion, caste or language.

Judges dealing with election cases should draw the line between what is permissible and what is not by
seeing the legal issues in their social context.
Importance

GS 2 (Polity)

Related question

What is the purpose of Section 123 of the RPA, 1951? Discuss how its scope has been expanded by the
Judiciary.

Jan. 3, 2017
The rediscovery of urban India Details
: The rediscovery of urban India
The context

India is urbanizing at a fast pace but till recently urbanization and urban management had received
inadequate policy attention and resources.

This has resulted in unmanaged and haphazard urbanization and degraded the cities.

But the Government has now started to pay due attention to it.

JNNURM

First serious effort to address urban woes was the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission
(JNNURM) which was launched in 2005.

Although Rs.39,000 were allocated in its 10 years of operation, the results were not encouraging and only
43% of the approved projects were completed.

Paradigm shift in policy

Previous policy initiatives to address the urban problem lacked in objectivity, transparency and
participation of the State and city Governments.

The approach to urban planning was top-down.

Project and investment approvals were given in the last two quarters of a financial year causing
implementation delays.

The projects sent by the States to for Centers approval were not properly thought through.

But now clear and objective rules govern the selection of cities and allocation of central resources
under the new urban missions.

Urban planning is now made bottom up and citizen participation in urban planning and project
prioritisation are now made mandatory.

There is a comprehensive assessment of infrastructure deficit before drawing up city-level action

plans. Cities have been empowered to add to their technical capabilities.

AMRUT and Smart Cities mission

The first priority under AMRUT is to ensure water supply connections to the 2.25 crore urban
households that dont have one.

It is to be followed by improving sewerage networks, drainage and non-motorised urban transport.

Developing one park in each city every year is mandatory.

The Smart Cities Mission seeks to ensure core infrastructure, including health care and education, in an
identified area of a city and improving service delivery across the city through information and
communications technology-based solutions.

The focus has shifted from a project-based approach to area-based outcomes.

Project approvals

Project approval has been accelerated as the fund entitlements of each State and city-wise
infrastructure deficits are known in advance.

This enables city and State governments to realize mission targets by the stipulated time through
advance planning.

Funding
Cities can now access bond market and are competing with each other for credit ratings. Pune and
Ahmedabad are set to issue municipal bonds very soon.

Cities are also looking forward to PPP and value capture financing.

(VCF is based on the principle that the government makes large investments in developing public
infrastructure leading to rapid economic development in those areas, including higher land prices. It is a
type of public financing that recovers some or all of the value that public infrastructure generates for
private landowners.)

Release of funds is now linked to progress of mandated governance reforms under all new urban
missions.

Centre has approved investment of over Rs.2.75 lakh crore.

States have also been empowered to spend more on cities further by devolution of 42% of divisible
resources.

Results

Involvement of citizens, increased sense of ownership of new urban missions by city and State
governments and delegation of powers are yielding results.

Under the PradhanMantriAwasYojana (Urban), construction of about 15 lakh affordable houses is

being financed.

Under AMRUT, 86% of mission investments stand approved and a large number of projects have
already started.

Under the Smart Cities mission, a large number of projects have already been implemented.

Under Swachh Bharat (Urban), over 500 cities and towns havebecome open defecation-free.

Conclusion

Urbanization is a major driver of economic growth and after decades of neglect there is a welcome
change in Governments change towards urbanization.

Importance

GS 2 (Governance)

Related question

Briefly discuss the role of rapid urbanization in promoting economic growth. Critically analyse the
change in Governments approach to urbanization.
Jan. 2, 2017

Not just about a quota Editorial 2nd Jan'17 The Hindu

Details : Not
just about a quota The
context
Reservations in educational institutions and government jobs have always been a divisive issue in
India.

A new survey called SARI (Social Attitudes Research for India) came up with some interesting
insights about the attitude of people about the issue.

The survey
 In Delhi, about half of the respondents say they do not support it.

Responses vary by social category, and support is more common among people from reserved
categories.

The lowest opposition is among respondents from the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward
Classes (OBC), while the highest opposition is among general caste respondents.

A majority of the most educated and historically well-to-do communities in Delhi opposed
reservations.

Reasons for opposition

Respondents cited a variety of reasons for opposing present system of reservations like cornering of
reservation benefits by the rich, equality, source of conflict etc.

The top three reasons were allocation of jobs and seats in educational institutions should be based on
merit, reservations are against the principle of equality and reservations should be based on economic
criteria.

Examining the reasons

The merit argument

People who cite the merit argument often forget that these communities were historically deprived of
education, skills and other means of economic mobility. They cannot suddenly compete with other groups
with access to these resources.

Reserved communities lack in social, economic and cultural capital.

People from the general castes are not meritorious inherently but have high social, economic and
cultural capital.

The ability to answer certain questions correctly cant be the only criteria to evaluate merit.

Many times candidates from reserved communities show a different and desirable kind of merit as they
have attained success even after economic and social disadvantages.

The equality argument

Rather than undermining, reservations promote equality as they ensure representation of all social
groups in positions of power.

The economic argument

Reservations are a tool for fighting the social discrimination and exclusion faced by some social
groups.

Reservations are not intended to be an anti-poverty programme. Government has many

programmes to fight poverty which are open to all poor.
Conclusion

Reservations are used in many countries as a policy tool to fight social prejudices and encourage
representation and participation of socially disadvantaged groups.

Children must be educated about caste, ethnic, gender and regional diversities and the need for
public policy interventions to make society more equal and fair.

This will help in making reservations more acceptable.

Importance

GS 2 (Society)

GS 4 (Attitude)
Dec. 30, 2016

Talking to children about untouchability Editorial 30th Dec'16 The Hindu

Details : Talking to
children about untouchability The context
Urban India thinks about caste only in the context of reservations or when media reports Dalit
atrocities.

But research suggests that untouchability is still common even after decades of affirmative action and
policies to eliminate it.

A new survey called SARI (Social Attitudes Research for India) puts light on the extent of
untouchability prevalent in the country.

The survey

Among non-Dalit Hindus in Delhi (sample urban area), a third said that someone in their household
practises untouchability. In Uttar Pradesh (sample rural area), half of adults said that someone practises
it.

In Delhi, half the adults in non-SC Hindu households, where someone practises untouchability, said they
themselves practise it; in Uttar Pradesh 70 per cent did.

There are very few age variations in reported untouchability: in neither Delhi nor U.P. are young
people much less likely to practise untouchability than their parents or grandparents.

These numbers may not capture the full extent of untouchability as some people know that it is not
politically correct to admit practising untouchability to a stranger.

Women are more likely to report untouchability in the household becuase either men are
uninformed or they are giving a socially desirable answer.

As untouchability is often practised in the context of food, utensils, and domestic help and women are
more likely to work with food and utensils than men, and so they are probably more likely than men to
enforce untouchability.

If womens figures are used, which are likely more accurate, 40 % of non-Dalit Hindu households in
Delhi and over 60 % in rural UP report practising untouchability.

Creating awareness in children

Many urban families talk about caste explicitly with their children when the latter seek admission in the
colleges.

But childrens first impressions of caste differences may be formed at a much younger age due to
socialization by their mothers.
To fight untouchability, parents, teachers, and even the government should make children more
aware about untouchability and ending these practices.

A study of primary school students in the United States found that white students who read about
both the accomplishments of and the discrimination faced by black Americans later displayed less biased
attitudes towards blacks than white children who had merely read about accomplishments.

Way forward

To end untouchability everyone, from government official, to teacher, to young mother has to make an
effort.

Everyone needs to admit that untouchability is still a widespread problem, not only in rural India but also
in urban India.
Even people who dont practice untouchability themselves need to talk with children about it or their
neighbours who practise untouchability, may end up teaching it to their children.

Importance

GS 2 (society)

Related question

Analyse the factors which has contributed to the existence of untouchability even after decades of
affirmative action and policies to eliminate it. What can be done to change attitude of people practicing
it?

Dec. 29, 2016

Tel Aviv on tenterhooks Editorial 29th Dec'16 The Hindu

Details : Tel
Aviv on tenterhooks
Background
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has always been a major cause of instability in the Middle East and its
solution is made difficult by continued Israeli occupation of and building settlements on Palestinian
territories.

After the Third Arab-Israeli war in 1967, Israel seized the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip
parts of Palestine that had been outside its control and started to build settlements on the occupied
territory.

This occupation and settlement building was opposed by the international community as on this
occupied territories a Palestinian state was sought to be built as per the two state solution.

But supported by the US, Israel continued to occupy the territories and build settlements.

Recently, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) passed a resolution which condemned Israels
settlement activity in the occupied territory of the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The US, which has vetoed such resolution earlier, abstained this time.

International community has expressed hope that this resolution would push towards the two state
solution.

The resolution and the occupation

The US has vetoed an earlier resolution arguing that it would not further the peace negotiations
between Israel and Palestine.

It was believed that Israel will take an aggressive stance and punish the Palestinians.

This is precisely what Israel said it will do after the passage of the resolution.

It will build more settlements, fully annex the West Bank and East Jerusalem and thereby terminate any
prospect of a two-state solution.

ICC Investigations

More than the UNSC resolution, Israel is worried about the criminal investigations by the
International Criminal Court into its actions during the 2014 bombing of Gaza and into the illegal
settlements which may follow the resolution.

In January 2015, the ICCs Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda opened a preliminary investigation into Israels
actions and made it clear that a full criminal investigation will not be conducted without the
support of the UNSC.

The resolution provides the support of the UNSC for further investigations.

Palestine is a recognized state in the UN and a member of the ICC and with this resolution, the ICC
could move to a rigorous investigation of Israeli criminality.

This would threaten the settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and put pressure on Israeli
soldiers to refuse to serve in any future criminal activities.

The element of criminality

UNSC passed a series of resolutions aimed at Israeli occupation and settlements.

Although the US defended Israels annexationist policies but it never used its veto power to defend the
settlements.

In 1994, Oslo Accord was signed which put in place the possibility of a Palestinian state.

In 1998, after the passage of Rome statute, ICC was established.

It was due to ICC and not due to Oslo Accord that US increased to use its veto power to protect
Israel.

Israel was worried that the ICC would look into issues such as population transfer and war crimes.

The ICC was also under pressure to investigate crimes outside the African continent and could take
interest into Israeli actions.

The vetoes from Washington prevented any legal foundation for ICC action against Israel.

After the resolution and 2014 findings of the International Court of Justice, pressure will mount on the
ICC to take the investigations forward.

Greater Israel

Israel continues to eat into the potential Palestinian state.

Neither does Israel want a two-state solution nor a one-state solution.

Israel is committed to a permanent occupation of the Palestinians and continues to harbour dreams of a
Greater Israel (Eretz Israel).

The President elect of the US Donald Trump has vowed to undo the resolution and threatened to end
U.S. funding to the UN.

This reduces hope for action against Israel.

Way forward

The new UN Secretary-General has indicated to send a UN Support Mission to push for a two-state
solution.

But hopes for any progress on the peace process are low keeping in mind the stance taken by Israel and
upcoming administration of the US.

But Palestinian leadership must show courage and insist the ICC to undertake full criminal
investigations.

Importance

Interview

GS 2 (International relations)

Related question

Discuss the proposed two state solution in the context of Israel-Palestine conflict. Do you think that
recent resolution of the UNSC condemning Israel will further the peace process?
Dec. 28, 2016

Chronicle of a conflict foretold Editorial 28th Dec'16 The Hindu

Details : Chronicle of a
conflict foretold Background
Manipur is inhabited by various ethnic groups like the Meiteis in the Imphal valley and Nagas and
Kukis in the hills.

There are claims and counter-claims of an exclusive homeland by these groups which has always kept
the ethnic tensions high in the State.

Since November, UNC, a Naga group, has imposed an economic blockade in the State by blocking the
National Highways leading to the Imphal valley.

The group is protesting creation of new districts which, it claims, has divided the Naga population in the
State.

Root of the crisis

In Manipur, geography predetermines conflict as different ethnic groups are geographically bound
together and any effort to break this bond will lead to ethnic conflicts.

Various groups are trying to break this geographical bond by promoting the notion of an exclusive
homeland for different ethnic groups.

They believe that such homelands have existed since time immemorial.

Communities who claim these homelands think of others as aliens.

Other communities also have their own notions of homeland, and these overlap with the ones in
which they are supposed to be aliens.

Depending on the state of economic bases of the communities, these homeland notions vary. For
instance, settle agriculturists, shift cultivators and hunter gatherers will have different relationships with
land.

Nagas, Kukis, Meiteis and many other smaller ethnic groups in Manipur are thus in a web of
overlapped homelands.

Precedence cannot be given to the claims of homeland of any one community without running into
counter-claims of other communities.

Effect of land revenue administration

 The modern land revenue administration has considerably skewed the notions of these homelands. One
example is clear-cut division between the plains and the hills brought in by the British colonialists.

The plains were designated as revenue areas and the hills as non-revenue areas. The revenue lands were
administered through modern land revenue system but the non-revenue areas were left unadministered.

This pattern of administration was retained even after the independence. The Imphal valley is under the
modern revenue administration as defined by the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act, 1962, but
customary laws continue in the hills.

In the valley, the state is deemed to own all lands (principle of eminent domain). However, this
principle is disputed in the hills.

The UNC demand

 The UNC was demanding an assurance from the Manipur government that Naga homelandwill not be
divided into districts without their consent.

They did not want the Kuki-dominated Sadar Hills given district status, as they consider Kukis as
outsiders.

The Manipur government deferred the decision in the wake of the UNC protest but later decided to go
ahead, thereby stiffening the UNCs blockade stance.

Efforts for conflict resolution

A civil society group called the Goodwill Mission has reached out to the UNC, which has indicated that
it is open to talks with the Manipur government.

The State Government had also extended invitations to the UNC for talks.

The Central government has decided to send paramilitary troops to open the highways in case the
blockade remains.

Way forward

Courage and imagination is required on the part of the stakeholders to resolve the conflict.

The ongoing Naga peace talks should also include other stakeholders.

Everyone will have to agree to a shared homeland.

Importance

GS 3 (Security)

Related question

Ethnic diversity in the North East creates challenges for the stability and security of the region.
Critically analyse.

Dec. 27, 2016

Time to repeal the FCRA Editorial 27th Dec'16 The Hindu

Details : Time to
repeal the FCRA
Background
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, (FCRA) regulates the foreign donation and foreign
hospitality given to various NGOs, institutes, judges, journalists, public servants etc.

In November, the Home ministry rejected the licence renewal applications of 25 NGOs under the
FCRA and these NGOs can no longer receive funds from foreign donors.

The Government has defended its action by claiming that these organisations had violated FCRA
norms by engaging in activities detrimental to public interest.

But many of the affected organisations were rights-based advocacy groups and the Governments
actions are criticized as abuse of legal procedures and have drawn censure from different quarters.

This is not the first time that the Government has misused the FCRA to discipline the NGOs and
there are many other incidents too.

The origins of the FCRA

The original FCRA was enacted in 1976, during the Emergency. It prohibits electoral candidates,
political parties, judges, MPs etc. from accepting foreign contributions.

The Government justified the law by stating that it intended to curb foreign interference in domestic
politics as that was the time of Cold War and the opposing camps used to interfere in the internal affairs of
the newly independent nations.

But the real intent was to clamp down on political dissent.

The new FCRA

In 2010, the 1976 law was replaced by a more draconian version. Three changes make the new Act more
stringent than the old one.

Firstly, FCRA registration under the earlier law was permanent, but under the new one, it expired
after five years, and had to be renewed afresh. Thus it becomes a tool in the hands of the government
to deal with problem NGOs

Secondly, the new law put a restriction (50 %) on the proportion of foreign funds that could be used for
administrative expenses. Thus the government can control how a civil society organisation (CSO) spends
its money.

Thirdly, while the 1976 law was primarily aimed at political parties, the new law focused on
organisations of a political nature. The Rules under the Act enlist a large variety of such
organisations. Thus the real aim is to regulate CSOs.

Foreign funding of political parties

India opened the doors for foreign funding in various sectors after the economic reforms in 1991 and the
political parties also started to accept foreign funding, despite the FCRA, 1976, explicitly prohibiting them
from doing so.

In 2014, the Delhi High Court criticized two major national parties for violating the FCRA by
accepting contributions from the Indian subsidiaries of the London-based multinational.

It ordered the government and the Election Commission to take action against both the parties.

But the government did not take action and ignored a judicial directive.

Instead, the government introduced a retrospective amendment in the relevant section of the FCRA,
2010, which allowed all political parties to accept funding from foreign companies, if it is channelled
through an Indian subsidiary.

Report of the UN Special Rapporteur

The UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association
undertook a legal analysis of the FCRA, 2010.

In the note submitted to the Government, he stated that the FCRA provisions and rules are not in
conformity with international law, principles and standards.
The right to freedom of association is incorporated under the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights, to which India is a party.

Access to resources, particularly foreign funding, is part of the right to freedom of association.

While this is not an absolute right, the restrictions should be precise and defined in such a way that a
CSO can know beforehand whether its activities could be interpreted as violation of the law.

The report says that the FCRA restrictions in the name of public interest and economic interest fail
the test of legitimate restrictions as they are too vague and give the state excessive discretionary and
arbitrary powers.

Also, as the right to freedom of association is part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(article 20), a violation of this right also constitutes a human rights violation.

Way forward

NGO funding needs to be regulated as corrupt NGOs exist and unscrupulous NGOs can be used for
money laundering.

But it should be done through a national level self-regulatory body of the CSOs.

In this context, the 2010 report of the task force to create a national-level self-regulatory agency, the
National Accreditation Council of India (NACI), that would monitor and accredit CSOs, should be
examined afresh.

The FCRA should be repealed as it institutes an Inspector Raj for the NGO sector.

Importance

GS 2 (Governance)

Related question

Examine critically the recent changes in the rules governing foreign funding of NGOs under the
Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976. (UPSC, GS 2, 2015)

Dec. 26, 2016

Speak up for the Rohingyas Editorial 26th Dec'16 The Hindu

Details : Speak up
for the Rohingyas Background
Rohingyas have long been persecuted in Myanmar. The recent episode of persecution started after the
military crackdown on Islamist jihadists in the Rakhine State.

This has displaced many Rohingyas internally and triggered a new wave of migration to
neighbouring countries.

The crisis has evoked response from the ASEAN but emerging leaders of Asia such as China and India
are criticized for being silent on the issue.

Who are the Rohingyas?

They are essentially a people with no home or citizenship.

They are racially distinct from majority Burmese population and follow Islam.

While the Myanmar Government disputes the Rohingya peoples status as Burmese citizens,
Rohingya people have been living in Myanmar for generations.

In spite of them living in Myanmar for decades, the Rohingyas are seen as illegal settlers from
Bangladesh.
There are restrictions on them in areas such as land ownership, marriage, employment, education, and
movement.

In the 2014 census Myanmar officials said they would not accept those who registered themselves as
Rohingyas.

Why should India intervene?

India shares a border with Myanmar and stability in the neighbourhood is essential for Indias restive
North East.

There are security implications for India and the region as the persecuted Rohingya Muslims are
likely to provide fertile recruiting grounds for Islamic extremist groups.

India has vested economic interests in the country owing to trade and investment ties.
 There are around 9,000 Rohingyas registered in Delhi and thousands more unregistered living in
other parts of the country.

In 1971, India provided shelter to millions of East Pakistani refugees and repatriated peacefully at the
end of the war. This shows that India has a good track record of providing humanitarian assistance and
facilitating smooth repatriation of refugees from the neighbourhood.

As the most mature democracy in Asia with pluralistic and secular ethos, India must stand up to its
principles.

Selective help

It is alleged that India helps the persecuted minorities in the neighbourhood selectively and the
plight of Hindus from Pakistan and Bangladesh is taken seriously.

The Rohingyas, which are one of the most persecuted minorities according to the UN, have not yet
attracted the attention of the Indian Government.

Even the robust civil society, media and human rights groups in India are generally silent on the
issue.

Way forward

The crisis risks spiralling out of control and will have security and economic implications for India and the
region.

Therefore, keeping up to its pluralistic and secular ethos and traditions humanitarian assistance, India
must engage the democratically elected government of Myanmar to solve the Rohingya issue.

It should also mobilise international efforts for settlement of Rohingya refugees.

Importance

GS 2 (International relations)

GS 3 (Security)

Related question

Write a brief note on the Rohingya issue. Do you think that India should intervene on the behalf of the
Rohingyas? Give reasoned answer.

Dec. 24, 2016

Back to Class X Board Exams Editorial 24th Dec'16 The Hindu

Details : Back to
Class X Board exams Background
Recently, CBSE has made board exams for Class X compulsory for all the students from 2018
onwards.

Currently, it is optional for CBSE students to choose either the board exam or a school-based
examination.

The decision was taken to ensure uniformity in the Class X education pattern across various
education boards in India.

Merits of the current system

Currently, students are assessed through a system called the Continuous and Comprehensive
Evaluation (CCE).

(CCE assesses all aspects of a students development on a continuous basis throughout the year. The
assessment covers both scholastic subjects as well as co-scholastic areas such as performance in sports,
art, music, dance, drama, and other cultural activities and social qualities)

Instead of focusing on a single set of examinations, CCE aims at identifying learning difficulties
periodically and taking remedial measures.

This helps students to master various topics and discover their aptitude.

It also eliminates the chances of a single rote-learning test that could produce an unusual result.

The uniformity argument

The argument in favour of a compulsory Class X Board examination is that its absence discriminates
against candidates of State boards.

But uniformity works against creative educational methods, and board exams based on rote learning
crushes the initiative of teacher and student.

Conclusion

CBSE should be guided by the aim of producing creative individuals which is the mark of excellence of a
school education system.

The CCE system should not be completely discarded as it has some merits.

The CBSE should avoid homogenisation, and retain sufficient scope for true learning.

This can be done by giving the CCE system equal weightage.

Over-dependence on a single examination deprives the learner of motivation and opportunities for
reflection on his or her work.

The National Curriculum Framework 2005 has also emphasised greater flexibility for teachers to
decide on how to train students in concepts and help them learn at their own pace.

India needs a school-level assessment method to identify actual learning that would remove barriers to
students freely migrating across State boards.

Importance

GS 2 (Governance)

Related question

Critically evaluate CBSEs decision to reintroduce board examinations for Class X.

Dec. 23, 2016

Doing the right thing Details

: Doing the right thing
Background
As the civil war in Syria continues, Government forces have mounted an offensive on the city of
Aleppo in which many innocent lives have been lost.
 Indian foreign policy is being criticized for its inaction on the Syrian crisis.

Although India has adopted a humane approach to various international issues, it doesnt interfere in
internal affairs of other countries and events in countries with which do not directly affect its interests.

National interest

Even though India adopted the policy of non-alignment to stay away from the conflicts and focus on
economic development, it raised its voice in support of peace and justice.

Its record on this front may not be morally consistent but can be fully justified on the ground of
national interest.

India must adopt a pragmatic foreign policy and national interest should be prioritized over any
other consideration.

Situation in Syria

Syrian situation is extremely complex. It is much more than a civil war as various regional and extra-
regional powers are involved.

All these powers have their own agendas and motives. There is no unity in the rebel groups either.

The priority for most of the powers now is not dethroning the Assad regime but defeating the ISIS.

In such a situation, it makes sense for India not to get involved.

Showing concern

But India should not remain indifferent to the humanitarian situation in Syria.

The region is of importance to India and prolonged instability is not in its interest.

India has a legitimate reason not to do or say anything that might upset any of its friends.

But India ought to speak up on the humanitarian situation.

Case of Somalia

India was a member of the UNSC when a civil war was raging in Somalia in early 1990s.

Guided by moral or ethical concerns, India joined in authorising the Council to take action and
supported all the resolutions even though it amounted to intervening in the internal affairs of a UN
member state.

Similarly in Syria, India should condemn the terrible loss of lives.

Crocodile tears

The major players in the Syrian crisis are only thinking of their interests and none of them appears to be
really concerned the people of Syria.
 Even resolutions that are being proposed on humanitarian matters have political agendas.

Opposing sides are only shedding crocodile tears at the human suffering.

Way forward

India should table a resolution in the UN Security Council, condemning the happenings in Syria and at
the same time should abstain from any language that suggests supporting or criticising any of the parties
involved in the conflict.

India must also issue a statement, welcoming the unanimity shown by the Security Council in adopting
the Franco-Russian draft resolution mandating the deployment of observers to monitor the evacuation
from Aleppo.

India should also condemn the atrocities being perpetrated in Aleppo and elsewhere in Syria.
Importance

GS 2 (International relations)

Related question

Critically analyse Indias response to the happenings in Syria. Do you think that India should
maintain a consistent policy towards humanitarian situation in any part of the world?

Dec. 22, 2016

A year of living dangerously Editorial 22nd Dec'16 The Hindu

Details : A year
of living dangerously
Background
India conducted surgical strikes on terror targets across the LoC in response to the Uri attacks.

Pakistan refused that such strikes took place and hence, its army didnt respond to them.

This was considered a major political victory for the Indian Government.

But Pakistani army is retaliating by using its proxies such as Jaish-e-Mohamed and Lashkar-e-Taiba to
launch attacks on Indian army targets in J&K

It is also indulging in cross-border firing across the LoC and international border in the state,
violating the 2003 cease-fire agreement.

Strategic implications of the strikes Level

of tolerance
From a military point of view, surgical strikes were limited and carefully calibrated operations.

The operation was not a surprise for the Pakistani army due to political and military signaling of an
impending action by India.

It is also said that Pakistani army monitored a lot of operation related Indian radio communication.

This means Pakistani army displayed certain amount of tolerance for the Indian action.

A former Pakistani General has said that the level of tolerance displayed by the Pakistani army
depends on the degree of its involvement in any terrorist attack against India.

No involvement would mean definite retaliation.

Implications

This provides space for future Indian military action across the LoC below the Pakistani tolerance
levels.

But a proactive military strike which assumes Pakistans involvement has several challenges.

Firstly, it will be very difficult to establish the degree of involvement of Pakistani army in a short
period of time.

Secondly, local Pakistani commanders along the LoC can act differently than expected when
attacked.

Thirdly, India will hail any operation as a grand success to show high Pakistani tolerance level for
Indian retaliation. Pakistan will either deny or downplay it to reduce the level of Pakistani tolerance
perceived by India. It will be very difficult to find a balance between these two extreme positions and
attempt to exploit that balance could escalate the conflict.

Even though, there was no vertical escalation (increase in violence which is limited to a
geographical area) post surgical strikes, it is not that Pakistani army has not responded to them.

The low-cost response

Pakistan didnt have the capability and the resources to respond to the surgical strikes with a
matching military action.

But Pakistan is responding to the strikes in a way its resources permit: by cross-border firing and
organising coordinated attacks on Indian Army bases/convoys through its proxies.

Increasing cross-border firing-related casualties could lead to political, diplomatic and vertical
military escalation.

While border firing hurts both parties, low-intensity strikes hurt only India. Such attacks are likely to
increase in near future.

Due to continued tensions, Pakistani civilian government and army will continue to make efforts to
worsen the situation in Kashmir.

Due to use of such low cost strategies by Pakistan, Indian Government finds itself in a commitment trap.
It has neither been able to live up to its commitment nor has its threats been able to dissuade the
Pakistan Army.

National security implications

This situation has deteriorated overall national security environment.

The lives of soldiers could have been saved if India avoided an unnecessarily aggressive policy in J&K
and towards Pakistan.

Border villages

People living along the border are facing recurrent hardship.

Way forward

India should be careful while exploiting the Pakistani tolerance for future Indian actions.

India should try to de-escalate the situation at the LoC and international border.

It should adopt a less aggressive policy in J&K so that Pakistan has less scope to interfere.

Importance

GS 3 (Security)

Related question
 Analyse the response of Pakistani army to Indias surgical strikes. What options do India have to
tackle the situation.

Dec. 21, 2016

Time for a policy shift Editorial 21st Dec'16 The Hindu

Details : Time
for a policy shift The
context
 In Economics literature, small units are believed to be better in terms of performance indicators and
labour absorption. They can also propel inclusive growth. Hence many economists advocate their
promotion.

In India, small units are mainly in the unorganized sector.

The unorganized sector contributes about 50% to the Indian GDP and 82.2% of employment.

A study was conducted to compare small units (unorganized sector) vis--vis large units (organized
sector) and it found highlighted the impact of various factors on small units and the challenges faced by
them.

Small v/s large

Small units are usually thought to be efficient in terms of resource use and management, and
technically more efficient.

However, small units do not have access to resources such ascredit and marketing facilities, and are not
able to reap the economies of scale.

Thus, large units may reveal better performance indicators and may have an edge in market
competition.

The study Economic

viability
The economic viability of unorganised manufacturing units can be measured by technical efficiency (the
ability of an industrial unit to transform inputs into output judged against the best practice units in the
same industry) relative to the organised sector units.

In the research on technical efficiency and total productivity of all factors of production (a concept
similar to technical efficiency) of unorganised manufacturing industrial units in India showed little
evidence of positive links between the organised and the unorganised sector units.

The unorganised sector, units had similar performance indicators, while organised sector units are
much better performers.

Impact of rising demand

The unorganised sector units are not able to benefit by rising incomes and demand or
agglomeration-specific factor.

On the other hand, organised sector units are positively impacted by rising demand, which can be
explained by quality differences in the products manufactured by the organised and unorganised
sectors.

With a rise in income, demand for products shifts away from the unorganised to the organised
sector.

Ancillarisation
 Ancillarisation is growth of ancillary units engaged in manufacturer of parts & components, sub-
assemblies, tooling or intermediates.

It is believed to benefit unorganised sector units by creating greater opportunities through inter-
sectoral linkages.

But the increasing role of labour intermediaries and payment of wages on piece rate basis impede this
process.

Impact of infrastructure

The level of infrastructure also does not show a positive impact on the performance of the unorganised
sector, while the efficiency of the organised sector improves with a rise in the availability of infrastructure.

Market access
Unorganised manufacturing units cater only to local markets and are not able to expand their
market size in a significant way.

The kinds of facilities (such as credit and marketing assistance) they actually require are often
absent.

The urban advantage

The efficiency of small industrial units in urban areas is higher than those in rural areas.

The government policy initiatives for promoting urbanisation, particularly the Smart Cities
programme, are expected to help make unorganised manufacturing more economically viable.

Several small towns (census towns) which have been recognised as urban by Census 2011 but still do
not have urban local bodies are not able to draw investment meant specifically for urban areas.

Once they are treated as a part of urban areas, unorganised sector units in such localities will
benefit significantly.

Since sub-contracting enhances technical efficiency of unorganised manufacturing units and the
incidence of sub-contracting is relatively greater in urban areas, a process of rapid urbanisation will help.

Way forward

Enhancing the technological capabilities of small units and integrating them into national and
regional value chains will ensure their economic viability.

Policy should be aimed at improving quality of products of the unorganised sector so that demand for
the products of the unorganised sector can expand.

Steps should be taken for improving their accessibility to infrastructure provisions.

Within unorganised manufacturing, household-based units are known to be much less efficient than
non-household manufacturing units.

Therefore, the unorganised manufacturing sector should be helped to restructure increasingly from
household units to establishments.

Importance

GS 3 (Indian Economy)

Related question

Unorganized sector is an important contributor to the Indian GDP. Analyse the performance of this
sector vis--vis the organized sector. What policy steps should be taken for the development of the
sector.
Dec. 20, 2016

States need to buck up Editorial 20th Dec'16 The Hindu

Details : States
need to buck up The
context
Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) are gaining increasing importance in developmental policies of
emerging and developing countries as there as still millions of people worldwide who lack access to these
basic necessities.
 In India alone, 128 million lack safe water services and about 840 million people dont have
sanitation services.

There is vast disparity in access to WASH services by different population segments.

In this context, a study was conducted to analysis various WASH policies of Central and State
governments.

It assessed the policies for their robustness as measured by whether they clearly specify the beneficiary
segments; the barriers faced by the different segments; the strategies that would be used to improve
outcomes; and the type of outcomes, namely, adequacy, accessibility, affordability, and quality and safety.

National and State policies

Both Center and the States frame policy on WASH sectors as they fall into the concurrent list.

It was expected that the policies of the State Governments would be more robust as they better
know their specific conditions.

But the National policies were found out to be more robust as States have inadequate policy
formulation capabilities.

International comparison

Indian policies were found to be less robust in general than 10 other developing countries from Asia and
Africa.

This was partly due to less robust state policies in India and partly due to inadequate details in the
policy documents of Indian policies.

Beneficiary segments

Identification of the beneficiary segments is a key component of policy.

In order to ensure universal coverage different needs and barriers for different segments need to be
identified.

Therefore, policymakers have gradually moved away from a one size fits all approach to a more
beneficiary-centric approach.

Traditionally, the beneficiaries are segmented on the basis of geographical and social context (GSS)
(rural-urban, low income etc.).

But now there is increasing trend to segment the beneficiaries on the basis of the human life cycle (LCS)
(children, adolescents, adults, senior citizens, etc.)

The policy robustness was analysed for both the GSS and LCS segments.

Policies showed a higher degree of robustness for GSS segments as compared to that of LCS
segments.
Identification of barriers

Identification of barriers to WASH in the policies has been generally the weakest component.

Policies can be made more robust if they focus on identifying the barriers faced by the different
segments in accessing WASH services.

This will also improve formulation of strategies and outcomes.

Way forward

Robust policies will help in achieving better WASH outcomes.

Policy formulation, particularly at the State level, should be strengthened.

Emergent paradigms such as LCS should be introduced in addition to the traditional GSS
approaches.

Barriers faced by different segments in accessing WASH services should be given more focus to
improve strategies and outcomes.

Importance

GS 2 (Governance)

Related question

Even after increasing policy focus on water, sanitation and hygiene, there remain large disparities in
access to these essential services across different segments of the population in India. In this context,
critically analyse various Government programmes in this sector and discuss various causes for inadequate
access.

Dec. 19, 2016

The unmaking of Parliament Editorial 19th Dec'16 The Hindu

Details : The
unmaking of Parliament The
context
The Indian Parliament has ceased to be an effective body as huge amount of time and money are
spent on its meetings which rarely deliver substantive outcomes.

The widening social base (caste, class and religion) of MPs has not improved its performance and
ordinance route is taken frequently for important legislations.

As the Government and the opposition indulge in a political tug-of-war instead of a meaningful
debate on policies, relevance of the Parliament for the citizens has reduced.

The paradox

Loss of confidence of citizens in representative institutions like Parliament has not been
accompanied by a loss of trust in democracy.

This can be seen in various surveys and high voter turn outs in elections.

Indians value democracy because it has enabled them to attain equality and dignity.

Rationale for Representative Democracy

 Although early votaries of democracy like Jean-Jacques Rousseau advocated direct democracy, India
chose representative democracy because of confidence in maturity of Indian voters.

Confidence in their good sense was displayed way back in 1928 in Draft Constitution prepared by the
Motilal Nehru Committee which recommended universal adult suffrage despite of prevailing illetiracy.

Same confidence was displayed by the Constituent Assembly when it adopted universal adult
franchise for the elections.

Direct democracy cannot be practised in large and complex societies.

In market-oriented societies citizens work to satisfy their needs and they cannot afford to participate in
whole-time politics.

Besides modern citizens guard their personal spaces, their vocation, their interests, their social life, and
their privacy.
 For these reasons representative democracy is a more suitable form of Government.

Duty of representatives

The status of the representative is derived from the voters. Voters authorise representatives to
speak and act on their behalf.

Representatives are duty bound to represent opinions, needs and interests of their constituents as a
whole, not of few individuals.

They are obliged to assist in the production of appropriate policies for their constituents.

The representative is accountable to her constituency for all acts of omission and commission.

Citizens choose their representatives and decide the issues to be voiced by her.

Need for political representatives

Although India possesses a diverse and vibrant civil society, it can act as a representative of all the
citizens.

Political representatives are needed because:

1) They represent all the members of a territorially delimited constituency, as opposed to

representation of only their members by civil society organisations.

2) Political representatives are accountable to their constituents through elections.

3) Political representative acquires legitimacy as she has been elected by the people.

Parliament and representatives

Parliament makes laws and ensures accountability of the government.

It provides a forum and establishes procedures for deliberations on policy formulation in the light of
popular expectations.

Here, the representatives are expected to represent their constituents, even as they keep in mind that
they are in Parliament to promote the public good

This deliberative aspect of Parliament is its most important function as it represents different points of
view in a diverse and complex democracy.

A sharp decline

Our Parliament has failed to deliberate on the public good.

Many MPs remain absent from its sessions and those who are present are not bothered by its
proceedings.

There has been a sharp decline in the effectiveness of Parliament.

 It has failed to monitor the executive, delegated its power to non-representative regulatory institutions,
informed arguments informed arguments are replaced by deals between the Government and the
opposition, legislation is rushed through without discussion, and power has increasingly concentrated in
the hands of the executive.

Due to this its representative and deliberative functions has suffered tremendously.

Way forward

MPs must recoganise that the task of representing the opinions, interests and needs of citizens is their
paramount responsibility.

They must effectively participate in the proceedings of the Parliament on the behalf of their
constituents, who they are accountable to.

This will arrest the decline in the effectiveness of and trust in the Parliament and strengthen its
representative and deliberative functions.

Importance

GS 2 (Indian polity)

Related question

India is seeing declining confidence in representative institutions but confidence in democracy

remains intact. Critically analyse its reasons and discuss its implications on functioning of Indian
democracy.

Dec. 17, 2016

Decoding the Feds signals Details

: Decoding the Feds signals
Background
The US Federal Reserve has increased interest rates by 0.25 % in a widely anticipated move.

This clearly indicates that the US economy is back on track.

Implications for World economy

Robust growth in GDP and improvement in job creation and household spending in the US will
increase in demand for goods and services in the US.

This will boost economic activity world over as the US is one of the biggest market in the world.

Future rate hikes

The Federal Reserve expects gradual rate hikes in the future.

This will not cause capital flows back to the US at an alarming rate from the international markets,
while ensuring growth of the US economy at the same time.

Implications for India

Appreciation of dollar vis--vis rupee will increase Indias import bill and widen trade deficit as most of
the international trade is conducted in dollar terms and large part of Indian exports (energy imports)
cannot be substituted.

Exporters hope for increase in demand from the US but this should be seen in the context of
protectionist rhetoric by president elect Donald Trump.
 Portfolio foreign investment had already started to flow back to the US from India.

Conclusion

Until more clarity emerges on the policies of the new President, all optimism arising from the
strengthening U.S. economy should be tempered with caution.

Dec. 16, 2016

Vulnerable in cyberspace Editorial 16th Dec'16

Details : Vulnerable in
cyberspace The context
Recently, Legion, a hacker group, has claimed responsibility for hacking email and twitter accounts of
many influential Indian citizens.

It has claimed that it has access to more than 40,000 Indian servers and encryption keys and
certificates used by some Indian banks, and confidential medical data.

This suggests that Indias critical information infrastructure may be under an extensive cyber-attack and
many of these operations have possibly attained their objective.

(Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) is defined as a computer resource, the incapacitation or

destruction of which, shall have devastating impact on national security, economy, public health or
safety.)

Legion

Legion specializes in trading of zero-day exploits. Therefore, these attacks should be taken very
seriously because of the groups capabilities. (A zero day vulnerability refers to a hole in software that is
unknown to the vendor. This security hole is then exploited by hackers before the vendor becomes aware
and hurries to fix itthis exploit is called a zero day attack.)

It claims it has no interest in selling confidential data because its members make enough money by
selling weaponised exploits.

(An exploit is a piece of software, a chunk of data, or a sequence of commands that takes advantage of a
bug or vulnerability in order to cause unintended or unanticipated behavior to occur on computer software,
hardware, or something electronic. Such behavior frequently includes things like gaining control of a
computer system, allowing privilege escalation, or a denial-of-service (DoS or related DDoS) attack.)

(weaponised exploit means that the exploit works for everyone, every time.There must be a
negative impact upon the target for something to be considered weaponized.)

Trust in digital transactions

Legion claims that its next target are mail servers hosted by the Indian Government.

Considering the groups abilities, it appears that hacking of confidential information is complete and it is
waiting to make it public.

If that happens, it will seriously undermine the trust in digital transactions as more Indian users
switch to online payment gateways after of demonetisation.

Indias vulnerability to cyber attacks

The Legion hacks expose the dismal state of cyber-security in India.

Indias vulnerability to cyber-attacks is due to institutional, economic and social factors.

The Centre has not identified and implemented measures to protect CII.
The National Informatics Centre (NIC) has been compromised several times in the past and still
doesnt take cyber security seriously.

Though a National Cyber Security Coordinator has been appointed in 2014, liaison officers in the
States are still not appointed.

There is extreme shortage of staff in Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In).

The private sector has failed to report and respond to cyber-attacks.

There are neither voluntary, sector-specific standards for reporting data breaches nor industry back
channels for sharing confidential security information.
Most Indian applications available on Android and iOS stores allow for automatic updates or patches,
which increases the chances that an exploit or malware can be introduced without the users knowledge.

Indias elite, be it in public or private sector, doesnt accord the importance to cyber-security that it
deserves.

Human element in cyberattacks

Cybersecurity in India is believedas the domain of technical experts and businesses and users think they
have done enough by buying high-end devices or air-gapped networks.

(An air gap, air wall or air gapping is a network security measure employed on one or more computers to
ensure that a secure computer network is physically isolated from unsecured networks, such as the public
Internet or an unsecured local area network.)

However, most sophisticated cyberattacks have all involved a human element.

It is difficult to protect digital networks if people are not aware and careful.

Cyber-security and cash-less economy

Post-demonetisation, the Centre has been promoting cashless economy, without building capacity and
awareness on the security of devices or transactions.

The regulatory bodies also have relaxed norms for businesses to protect digital payments.

Frequent data breaches will steadily erode the confidence of Internet users and deter them from
using digital gateways.

Way forward

The governments apathy towards cyber-security has only encouraged more cyberattacks.

Therefore, as the Government plans to usher in a digital revolution through Digital India and promote
digital payments, it should first build its capacities to prevent cyber-attacks and to quickly respond to
them. This will protect the trust of the citizens in digital transactions.

It should encourage the private sector to report cyber-attacks and develop its cyber security
capability.

Citizens and businesses should be made aware of basic cyber security norms as human element is still
the weakest link in cyber security.

Importance

GS 3 (Cyber security)

Related question

Cyber warfare is considered by some defense analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or
terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber warfare? Outline the cyber threats which India is vulnerable
to and bring out the state of the countrys preparedness to deal with the same. (UPSC, GS 3, 2013)

Dec. 15, 2016

Rights for the rightful owners Editorial 15th Dec'16 The Hindu

Details : Rights for

the rightful owners The context
British colonialists had made traditional owners of forest and its resources as encroachers. The same
mindset was carried forward by the independentIndia.

But after a long struggle, rights of the forest dwellers and tribals over the forest were recognized 10 years
ago in the form of Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act
(FRA), 2006.

Attempts at dilution

Before its passage, the Bill was strongly opposed by the lobbies of mining, power and infrastructure
companies, timber and paper industry, tourist industry and also some environmental groups.

They succeeded in diluting some important recommendations of the Parliamentary Select

Committee on community forest rights, access to minor forest produce etc.

They also succeeded in inserting the clause that Non-tribal Traditional Forest Dwellers would have to
show that they occupied the land for 75 years.

This virtually excluded these largely poorer sections from the benefits under FRA.

The Government assured to amend the clause to extend the benefits to these sections but the bill was
passed without the amendments.

Later on, some of the amendments were included in the Rules under FRA. Chief among them was
giving prime importance to the role of the Gram Sabhas.

New attempts at dilution

The new Government has been allegedly trying to systematically weaken the FRA.

On the legal front, it has brought a series of legislation without consultations with tribal communities that
undermine the rights and protections given to tribals in the FRA.

They include the amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, the
Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act and a number of amendments to the Rules to the FRA which
undermine the FRA.

This has severely curtailed the pivotal role of Gram Sabhas.

On the policy front, in the name of ease of doing business, the Government is clearing almost all
private sector-sponsored projects in tribal-inhabited forest areas.

The number of independent experts has been reduced in the National board for Wildlife and the
Government has approved proposals for diverting thousands of hectares of forest land which will
cause massive displacement of tribal communities.

The implementation of FRA has also been deliberately tardy. Land ownership documents (patta) for
individuals and community lands have not been given and the rate of rejection of claims (on forest lands)
is very high.
Mixed signals from the judiciary

Judiciary has upheld tribal rights as can be seen in Samata Judgment (it nullified all mining leases granted
by the AP government in the Scheduled areas and asked it to stop all mining operations.) and Niyamgiri
judgment.

But it is also hearing a bunch of petitions against the FRA.

It has also directed the State Governments to disclose data on rejection of claims and action taken after
that (with respect to the claimed land). This may lead to mass evictions of tribals whose claims have been
rejected.

Conclusion

Though there are some flaws in the FRA, it is powerful enough to protect tribal interests.

Effective implementation of FRA will go a long way in tribal development and inclusive growth.
 Attempts to weaken and dilute this landmark legislation must be resisted.

Importance

GS 2 (Governance)

Related question

A decade since its passage, the overall implementation of FRA still suffers from inadequate
community awareness, conflicting legislations, and governance deficit. Discuss.

Dec. 14, 2016

More than a BIT of protectionism Editorial 14th Dec'16 The Hindu

Details : More than

a BIT of protectionism The context
A dichotomy can be seen in Indias treatment of foreign capital.

On the one hand India is proactively seeking foreign investment, while on the other hand, it is
reducing protection available to foreign investors under the Bilateral Investment treaties (BIT).

India has started the process to terminate 50 BITs and renegotiate them.

BITs balance protection of investors interests with host states exercise of regulatory power, makes the
host state accountable (through international arbitration) and promotes international rule of law.

BITs in India

From 1994 to 2011, BITs signed by India were heavily tilted in favour of investors.

Since 2011, a number of arbitration proceedings were initiated against India and it lost some of
them. This gave rise to protectionism.

In 2015, India has adopted a model BIT to renegotiate the existing treaties which tilts the balance
heavily in favour of the host states regulatory power by severely limiting the protection available to
foreign investment.

This will impact protection of investment in India and Indian investment abroad.

Impact of termination of BITs

It will not impact existing foreign investment as most BITs have survival clauses which extends the
protection to existing investment even after termination of treaty for 10 to 15 years.

It will also not impact ongoing arbitration proceedings under various BITs.

But this will impact new investment because treaty protection will not be available and foreign
investors will have to depend upon domestic laws and domestic courts.

This may reduce capital flows because domestic laws can be changed quickly to the detriment of
foreign investors and dispute resolution by domestic courts is extremely slow.

Termination and renegotiation

After termination, India plans to renegotiate the BITs on the basis of model BIT.

India wants to replace the individual BITs European nations with the India-EU Bilateral Trade and
Investment Agreement (BTIA).
 But international treaty negotiations take time.

Unhappiness of major capital exporting countries over unilateral termination of BITs and model BIT will
further delay negotiations.

The legal vacuum (time between termination of BITs and new BIT when investors will have to rely on
domestic laws and courts)thus created would dampen investor sentimentas there is too much government
interference in businesses in India.

Impact on Indian investment abroad

Indias overseas FDI has increased from less than $1 billion in 2000-01 to more than $21 billion in
2015-16.

BITs are reciprocal in nature and a protectionist BIT will also reduce the protection available to Indian
companies abroad.

Indian investors have used existing BITs to safeguard their interests and a BIT that protects the
interest of Indian capital is necessary as Indian overseas FDI is increasing.

Way forward

Indian BITs should balance investor protection with the host states regulatory power.

For this, India needs to amend the protectionist 2015 model BIT so as to strike a balance between
interests of investors and that of the host state.

It should also not terminate existing BITs until and unless new BITs are finalized.

A balanced BIT will boost investor sentiment and improve ease of doing business in India.

Importance

GS 3 (Indian economy)

GS 2 (International relations)

Related question

India has released a model BIT to renegotiate existing treaties. Discuss the need for renegotiating the
existing BITs. Critically analyse the model BIT and explain how will it impact FDI coming to India.

Dec. 13, 2016

The Indo-Pacific potential

Details :

The Indo-Pacific potential The

context
India and Indonesia are maritime neighbours and share historical and civilizational links.

Indonesian President JokoWidodo(Jokowi) is on an official two-day visit to India.

Though Prime Minister NarendraModi and President Jokowihave met in the past, this is the first time
that they will meet in a bilateral set up.

This shows a lack of priority attached to the India-Indonesia relationship so far.Ties with Indonesia are
an under-appreciated part of Indias Act East policy.

The potential of India-Indonesia relationship has not been fully realized.

 Both countries should use this visit to make India-Indonesia relations one that defines future of Asia.

Strategic aspect of the relationship

Indonesia is a latent Asian power which is situated between Indian and Pacific oceans. Its location gives it
potential to control virtually all the straits linking the southern Indian Ocean to the South China Sea.

President Jokowi aims to transform Indonesia into a maritime axis which would require a strong
naval force, supported by strong economic growth.

India has been concerned over strategic competition in the Pacific exemplified by Chinese assertion, USs
Asian Pivot, uncertainties regarding President-elect Donald Trumps foreign policy and divergences
amongst ASEAN countries on how to manage their relations with China and US. Its consequences may spill
over to the Indian Ocean.

Indonesia can play a stabilizing role in such context due to its central location in the Indo-Pacific and
power potential.

The Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in 2005 could be used to start a high-level strategic
dialogue for identifying common strategic interests, develop a partnership with Indonesia as a
maritime power, and increase Indias defence cooperation in the region.

This will reduce the security dependence of the region on big extra regional powers whose
commitment to regional security is not strong enough.

Islam and democracy

Present debate in Indonesia over the role of religion, ethnicity and language in national life is similar to
that of India.

Indonesias pluralist, tolerant version of Islam has come under serious pressure from a more
Arabised version of Islam which is less tolerant of religious minorities.

India has a stake in preserving the Indonesian version of Islam (it will act as a counter balance to
religious fundamentalism).

Indonesia and India can also provide complementary models (muslims are minority in India but
majority in Indonesia) for the coexistence of religious minorities with majoritarian communities.

As two of the worlds largest democracies with the largest Muslim populations, the two countries can
address the alleged dichotomy of Islam and liberal democracy.

India can strengthen Indonesias democratic credentials by advocating its admission in a revived
India-Brazil-South Africa forum.

Economic relationship

Indonesias priority is economic growth and for it, it is seeking foreign investments. Indian
investment in Indonesia will be a welcome move in this context.
 Investing in a foreign country is a stronger tool for influence than trade. Indian investment in
strategically important countries should be seen as an arm of its foreign policy.

While there is already substantial Indian investment in areas like coal, textiles, steel, and the auto and
banking sectors, India can increase presence in manufacturing.

India should leverage the industrial estates have already come up in many places in Indonesia.

Particularly, the Medan industrial zone is important for India for connectivity. Export to the industrial
zone could be used to partly offset the large imbalance in India-Indonesia trade.

Cultural relationship

Cultural relations can be promoted by increasing Indian Council for Cultural Relations scholarships in
Indian universities, increased slots for training under the Indian Technical and Economic Corporation
(ITEC)programme, closer academic exchanges, and vocational training by Indian companies in Indonesia.
 (ITEC is a bilateral assistance programme run by the Government of India. It is a demand-driven,
response-oriented programme that focuses on addressing the needs of developing countries through
innovative technological cooperation between India and the partnering nation.)

The two countries can also cooperate to boost tourism.

Conclusion

The visit must be used to realize the true potential of the bilateral relationship, especially along the
strategic and economic dimensions.

Importance

GS 2 (International relations)

Related question

Though India and Indonesia have many shared interests, the potential of the relationship has not
been realized. Discuss.

Dec. 12, 2016

Time to blow the whistle Editorial 12th Dec'16 The Hindu

Details : Time to
blow the whistle
Background
Parliament is considering changes in Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), 1988, which could dilute the
already weak legal framework against corruption.

The Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013, was first introduced in the Rajya Sabha in
2013 to apparently tighten the existing anti-corruption legislation but it had some worrisome
provisions.

In 2014, additional amendments were moved by the new Government which can further dilute the
legal framework.

These amendments have been approved by a Select Committee of the Rajya Sabha and the Cabinet.

Narrow definition of corruption

The proposed amendment narrows down the definition of corruption.

 Section 13(1)(d) of the existing PCA covers various indirect forms of corruption.

The amendments seek to replace this section with a narrow definition of criminal misconduct by a
public servant.

The new definition covers only benefits that are economic and direct or that can be proven to be
intentional fraud.

The Law Commission has disagreed with this narrow definition and proposed an even wider definition
to cover any undue advantage that results from improper performance of public function or activity of
a public servant.

Importance of Section 13(1)(d)

The existing Section 13(1)(d) is the only provision in the PCA which deals with corruption in high
places where, typically, involve no economic benefits.

This section was instrumental in prosecution in all major scams.

 A section of bureaucrats has been demanding a deletion of this provision on the ground that it
prevents fearless decision-making that may involve exercise of discretion and bona fide errors.

But the existing law offers adequate protection to honest officers. It does not punish any bona fide
difference or even mistake unless it is a clear abuse of power leading to financial or other gains.

Raising threshold of proof

The Bill makes it more difficult to hold someone guilty of disproportionate assets as it raises the
threshold of proof.

Under the existing law, the possession of monetary resources or property disproportionate to the
public servants known sources of income is enough to prove corruption.

But now it must be proved that this disproportionate asset was acquired with the intention of the
public servant to enrich himself illegally.

The Bill also seeks to delete the requirement related to calculation of known sources of income.

This will provide an escape route to corrupt officials as they can cite fresh sources of income during trial.

Punishing the bribe-giver

The proposed amendment makes it more risky for a bribe-giver to give evidence against a bribe-
taker.

Under the existing law, bribe-giver is not prosecuted for abetment of corruption if he testifies against
bribe-taker.

The Bill omits this provision and proposes that bribe-taking and bribe-giving will be equally
punishable.

This would deter bribe-givers from appearing as witnesses in cases against public officials.

There is some merit in punishing the bribe-givers, but instead of punishing all bribe-givers, the
Government could punish the bribe-givers in collusive bribing and protect the victims of coercive
bribing. (2nd ARC recommendation)

The proposal reduces the chances of evidence against the bribe-taker.

Protecting retired officials

The existing PCA requires the governments or higher officials sanction before any serving public
servants can be prosecuted under the Act. The basic idea is to protect honest public officials from
harassment.

The proposed amendment extends this protection to retired public servants.

This adds another unnecessary condition and reduces the chances of prosecution of the corrupt.

Getting the nod first

The Government proposes to insert a new Section 17A that would bar investigating agencies from
beginning an inquiry or investigating the offences under PCA without prior approval.

The amendment proposed by the government said this sanction was to be obtained from a
Lokayukta or Lokpal. The Select Committee of the Rajya Sabha wants the sanction of authority
competent to remove the person from office which effectively, means the political bosses.

Section 19 of the PCA already protects officials from mala fide litigation by refusing to five sanction for
prosecution.

Inquiry and investigation is necessary to collect credible evidence and even if the sanction is
granted, it will give time to the corrupt to hide the evidences.

Reactivating the Single Directive

 Insertion of Section 17A thus amounts to bringing back the infamous Single Directive. (This refers to
an older governmental order that no senior officer (of the rank of Joint Secretary or above) could be
investigated without permission from the government.)

In the Vineet Narain judgment, the Supreme Court had held this order as illegal, in 1997.

The government brought it back as a provision of law, in 2003.

In 2014, a Constitutional bench of the Supreme Court held that this provision was unconstitutional, as it
violated the right to equality.

The civil servant lobby has managed to bring this immunity clause back for the third time.

Conclusion

It is clear that the proposed amendments will serve to protect the corrupt instead of honest.

As the Bill is postponed for the Budget session, civil society must use this time to build considerable
public opinion against the proposed amendments.

Importance

GS 2 (Polity)

GS 4 (Ethics)

Related question

Critically examine the proposed amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

Dec. 10, 2016

A doctrine of unpredictability Editorial 10th Dec'16 The Hindu

Details :A
doctrine of unpredictability The
context
India has adopted several changes in its foreign policy since the coming to power of the new
Government.

Chief among these is a shift closer to US which will help India to build an international maritime
partnership in Asia to counter Chinese ambitions, to play a leading role in the South Asia, and to take a
strong position on cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
 Major contours of these changes are giving top most priority to national interests and
Neighbourhood, maintaining cordial relations with competing global powers, with a focus on the
diaspora and on delivery.

A touch of unpredicability

These broad contours are not new and the changes had begun since the turn of the century.

But unpredictability in practice of foreign policy makes these changes distinct.

Crossing the redlines

This doctrine of unpredictability can be seen in Indias dealing with Pakistan.

Indias raising of Baluchistan issue, public acknowledgement of surgical strikes across LOC, boycott of
SAARC summit in Pakistan and possibility of abrogating or renegotiating the Indus Waters Treaty, each
crossed a new redline.
 This unpredictable approach has its own advantage and given some success to India.

Precedent to this policy can be seen in US President Richard Nixons Madman Theory ( According to this
theory, US tried to make the leaders of hostile Communist Bloc nations think that Nixon was irrational and
volatile. Those leaders would then avoid provoking the United States, fearing an unpredictable American
response.)

US President elect Donald Trump has also indicated to practice an unpredictable foreign policy.

But PM must reassess his doctrine of unpredictability for future foreign policy choices.

Danger of diminishing returns

Unpredictability will deliver diminishing returns in future as the shock value of foreign policy actions
decreases.

China and Pakistan may counter thee doctrine with a more aggressive stance. This will create more
tensions at the borders and focus of the government will shift from economic and domestic policies.

A doctrine of unpredictability runs counter to the deterrence theory as well, which rests on the sure
principle of what the response might be.

In response to Indias policy of diplomatically isolating Pakistan, Islamabad will step up its efforts to
engage China, Russia and Iran on connectivity and offer them strategic maritime advantages.

A policy of unpredictability works best in a predictable global scenario which is not the case as oil prices
are rising, the dollar is unstable, Brexit has happened and US has elected Trump as President.

If the US pulls out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership FTA and withdraws U.S. resources from Asia and
West Asia, it would change the power balance in this region in favour of China.

Closer ties with Russia would also alter the power balance, given the Russia-China axis.

Conclusion

As India seeks to define its position in a rapidly changing world, some amount of predictability.

Importance

GS 2 (International Relations)

Related question

India has incorporated an element of unpredictability in practice of foreign policy. Critically examine
whether an unpredictable foreign policy best serves objectives of Indian foreign policy.
Dec. 9, 2016

Biodiversity integration into developmental plans Editorial Analysis 9th December

Details :

Heading: Biodiversity integration into developmental plans is crucial for sustainable development

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity is a unique and a critical asset which is under pressure due to anthropogenic reasons and
once lost it is lost forever.
Biodiversity means the variability among living organisms from all sources including terrestrial, marine
and other aquatic ecosystems.
The diversity includes:
 1. Genetic diversity: Variability within species.
2. Species diversity: between species
3. Ecosystem Diversity: Within ecosystems.

Importance Of Biodiversity:

More than 70 per cent of the worlds poor live in rural areas and are directly dependent on the
ecosystem/biodiversity goods for their survival.
It provides services such as water purification and supply, waste assimilation and the cleaning of air
and water, regulation of pests and diseases and soil nutrient cycling and fertility.
Biodiversity helps mitigate unpredictable global changes and natural disasters.
A rich biodiversity is the basis for good health, food security, economic growth, livelihood security and
climatic conditions.
Many ecosystem or biodiversity goods and services act as a safety net to indigenous peoples, poor
and vulnerable groups, women and children.

The Indian scenario

India is one of the 17 mega-diverse countries and is rich in biodiversity &its associated traditional
knowledge systems.
Due to its large size, range of topography, altitude and climate, India exhibits a rich variety of
ecosystems such as forests, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, mangroves and coral reefs.
These provide basic needs such as food, fibre, medicine, fodder, fuel wood and timber. Indias
tribal population is also dependent on forests and natural resources to a significant extent.

The Threats:

India possesses around 18 per cent of the worlds population, but only 2.4 per cent of land and
4.2 per cent of water resources.
Rapid development that pertains to industry and infrastructure is required to achieve a high GDP
growth rate.
Emissions from industry and the transport sectors are at a high level.
There is also indiscriminate discharge of solid wastes, industrial effluents and domestic sewage with
considerable impact.
India's developmental activities are greatly affecting biodiversity and natural resources such as water,
forests, fisheries and marine resources.

How to tackle the threats?

The resources are being over-exploited which in turn is affecting their renewability.
Proactive efforts are needed in ecosystem management that involves both the government and
 community.
Biodiversity conservation has traditionally been the responsibility of the environment sector. Some
measures such as the enforcement of legal decisions, polluters pay principles and the
incorporation of protected areas have been helpful.
As the developmental sector generally ignores its responsibility towards biodiversity conservation, a
more responsible approach towards biodiversity management is needed.

What is meant by mainstreaming?

Mainstreaming or inclusion means integrating/including actions related to conservation. This

can be done by promoting the sustainable use of biodiversity in strategies relating to
production sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, tourism, and mining.
It also refers to including biodiversity considerations in poverty reduction and national sustainable
development plans.
Benefits of Mainstreaming:

Mainstreaming will help to reduce the negative impacts on biodiversity.

For example, in agriculture, minimising the use of and optimising the application of chemical
fertilizers and pesticides can reduce negative impacts on soil, groundwater, surrounding habitats and
wildlife.
Small-scale farming or aquaculture activities undertaken in a sustainable manner might prove beneficial
to wild species.
Positive biodiversity impacts might also be optimised through promoting peoples access to benefits
derived from the use of biological resources.
Community-based joint forest management, promotion of traditional multi-species and multi- variety
agricultural practices, securing access to medicinal resources for local use, strengthening traditional
and cultural practices and governing the use of wild resources are examples.
Further, the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the use of biological resources and
the knowledge associated by users (industries) to the providers (communities) will act as incentives to
local communities in the conservation and sustainable use of bio-resources.

(This is one of the objectives of the Convention of Biological diversity, or CBD, and the Biological Diversity
Act of India)

Conclusion:

Achieving many national and international biodiversity goals such as the National Biodiversity Strategies
and Action Plans and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, as well as meet CBD objectives, biodiversity
integration into developmental sectors is a prerequisite.
After understanding its (industry) relationship with biodiversity, each sector should come up with
appropriate mechanisms for conservation and sustainable biodiversity use.
Further, research institutions should be roped in to provide appropriate management strategies, with
budget options.
Public and private entrepreneurs, entities and the communities should come forward to conserve
biodiversity.

Dec. 8, 2016

Editorial: Three years after the Koushal judgment (08-Dec)

Details : Background:

Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) prohibits any carnal intercourse (sex) against the order of
 nature with any man, woman or animal.
This means that the consensual intercourse between same-sex adults (homosexuals) is also a crime.
In 2009, the Delhi high court judgement ruled that Section 377 was unconstitutional.
The court said that the section violated the fundamental right of life and liberty (Art 21) and the right
to equality (Art 14) as guaranteed in the Constitution.
In December 2013, in the Koushal v. Naz Foundation case, Supreme Court judgement overturned the
Delhi high court judgement on Section 377.
This means the court brought back the Section 377 is back in force.
The judgement caused a huge uproar as Supreme Court was seen as failing in its responsibility to
protect the fundamental rights of its homosexual citizens.
There was a feeling that, though well intentioned, the courts are also capable of violating constitutional
rights and that the Supreme Court did just that in this case.

Three years since the judgement:

December 11, 2016 marks three years from the day on which the Supreme Court delivered
 amongst its most widely criticised judgments since the turn of the century: Koushal v. Naz Foundation.
Many curative petitions were filed asking the court to revisit the 2013 Judgement overturning the Delhi
High Court verdict in the Naz Foundation v National Capital Territory of Delhi.

Curative Petitions:

A curative petition is a relatively new process by which the Supreme Court may choose to exercise
it's inherent powers to review it's own decision. It is only exercised extremely rarely. The Supreme
Court, stating that the petitions raise "significant questions of constitutional law", referred the
petitions to a five-judge bench to determine the said questions.
The Article 143(3) of the Constitution provides that an substantive issue of constitutional law should
resolved by five judges of the Supreme Court.
A five-judge bench is called a Constitutional Bench.

Are other courts and other judgements interpreting the LGBT rights differently?

There is a feeling that not all judges agree with the decision of the Supreme Court.
It has been observed that courts across the country had begun narrowing the impact of the decision
through their judgements.
For example, in the National Legal Services Authority case (2014), the Supreme Court held that hijras
and transgenders should be treated as a third gender for accessing public services. (But
Transgender community's sexual orientation is criminalized by Section 377. So this judgement could
be seen as disagreeing with criminality of 377.)
A third gender option is also now available in railway reservation forms, ration card applications,
passport applications, and Life Insurance Corporation proposal forms.

Indians seeking refugee status:

After the Koushal judgment, Indian lesbian and gay couples filed applications in different parts of the
Commonwealth (U.K, Australia etc) claiming refugee or protected status.
These couples argued that requiring them to return to India violate their human rights (due to
section 377) and raises fear of harassment.
The Koushal judgment was cited as an example of the contemptuous attitude towards the LGBT (
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community in India.
But courts over there said that Koushal judgement did not accurately capture the state of the law in
India and there were signs of increasing tolerance towards the LGBT community in India.
Also, they pointed to the possibility of the judgement being reversed.

Judgement overruled in practice and what future holds:

Thus, it appears that Koushal judgement is being indirectly overruled in practice.

This is a valuable outcome and a demonstration of the rights-protecting role that courts can
perform.
 There is hope that the challenge will be successful and the December 2013 Supreme Court judgment
being set aside.

Dec. 7, 2016

Working with the right numbers Editorial 7th Dec'16 The Hindu

Details :

What's happening?

Inter-Agency and Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goal Indicators (IAEG-SDGs) recently met
in Geneva to finalise the categorisation of indicators across the 17 global Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs).
 The UN Statistical Commissions 48th session in March 2017 will take it forward.
In India, the NITI Aayog is leading the process to prepare a vision and strategy for the countrys
development trajectory ahead.
India has already accepted the SDGs as the guiding framework for this exercise.

Background on Indicator framework for SDGs:

In September 2015, UN Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The
overarching principle of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is that no one should be left
behind.
They tasked the United Nations Statistical Commission to develop the global indicator framework, that
is, the indicators that will be used to measure the progress on SDGs.
This commission created an Inter-agency and Expert Group on SDG Indicators (IAEG-SDGs)
consisting of representatives from 28 countries including India to do this.
In March 2016, a Global indicator framework was put forward to the Member States.
For proper measurement, countries must collect and provide data which is of high quality, accessible,
timely and reliable.
The data should also be disaggregated by income, sex, age, race, ethnicity, migration status, disability
and geographic location and other characteristics relevant in national contexts.

A sample of how the Main goal and sub-goals of SDGs and their indicators look like:

Main developmental concerns for India:

Health and nutrition are two areas where Indias achievements have not been quite up to the mark
during the previous era of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
This is not good especially as the economy grew at a good rate during that period.
A health SDG index released in September by The Lancet ranked India at 143 among 188 countries.
In the Global Hunger Index published by the International Food Policy Research Institute in October,
India is ranked 97th among a total of 118 countries, signifying a high level of hunger and
undernutrition.
Additional concerns:

India is also undergoing two simultaneous transitions - the epidemiological transition and the
nutritional transition.
The epidemiologic transition means that the pattern of mortality (death) and disease is changing.
Earlier, it was one of high mortality among infants and children and now it is one of degenerative and
man-made diseases (such as those attributed to smoking) affecting mainly the elderly.
The epidemiological transition involves a double burden of communicable (tuberculosis, malaria, AIDS,
leprosy, dengue, diarrhoeal diseases, etc.) and non-communicable diseases (heart and lung diseases,
stroke, cancer, diabetes, etc.).
In parallel, a nutritional transition is happening earlier, India was characterised by a high
prevalence of undernutrition, but this era has also brought a double burden of undernutrition as
well as overnutrition (causing overweight and obesity).
Streamlining data:

It is imperative to have good quality of data to measure any goals. India's

data, especially on health and nutrition are not up to the mark. The SDG
era offers an opportunity to improve Indias data systems.
The scale of the malnutrition and disease burden differs across States and districts, and policy and
planning needs to match ground-level requirements.
More reliable and frequent data need to be collected and analysed for better decision making by the
government.

What could be done to improve data?

An Indian think-tank made four recommendations to improve tracking of health and nutrition targets:

1. There is a need to transform civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems in India. Overall, birth
and death registrations in India in 2013 stood at 85 per cent and 71 per cent respectively but the
Inter-State differences are sharp (Bihar and U.P have an especially poor record). Ensuring universal
registration of births and deaths by the year 2020 is important.
2. A high policy priority should be to streamline a set of health and nutrition indicators to
continuously track the national targets. If various states and center are measuring different
things with different methodologies, then data becomes difficult to correctly interpret.
3. The national Health Management Information System (HMIS), which serves as the backbone for
monitoring results of the National Health Mission, needs reform. The HMIS currently captures only
small percentage of the annual estimated infant and maternal deaths in the country. The HMIS needs
to be expanded to include the information from the vast private healthcare delivery system in order
to get a complete picture.
4. Setting up of a national forum on health and nutrition statistics (similar to Federal Interagency Forum
on Child and Family Statistics of the U.S). Its mission should be to foster coordination and
collaboration in the collection and reporting of health and nutrition data from various agencies and
ministries.

Dec. 2, 2016

Contours of a challenge Editorial 2nd Dec'16 The Hindu

Details : Contours of
a challenge Background
The Supreme Court is hearing arguments on petitions that call into question the legal competency and
the constitutional validity of the Union governments policy of demonetisation.

The petitions argue that the government cannot demonetise currency through executive order
without any legislation and the policy encroaches upon several fundamental rights.

The petitions are a test of how the Supreme Court exercises its power of judicial review.

Courts and economic policy

It is widely believed that issues of policy especially economic policy should be beyond the
scope of judicial review.

Despite being perceived as indulging in judicial overreach many times, the Supreme Court has
historically shown restraint in interfering in matters of economic policy.

But it may be dangerous to see judicial deference (the condition of a court yielding or submitting its
judgement to that of another legitimate party, such as the executive in the case of national defence.)
as an inviolable principle.

Separation of powers exists to strengthen freedom and prevent the concentration of power in the
government which can harm the freedom of the citizens.

Hard case

The case is complicated and different value judgements (an assessment of something as good or bad
in terms of one's standards or priorities) can lead to different decisions.

But this should not discourage the court from hearing the petition because the petitioners are not
questioning the policys financial viability but the governments competency to frame the policy and the
means of its enforcement,that they argue, has led to unconstitutional consequences.

The petitioners case

The petitioners primary argument stands on a weak ground.

Section 26(2) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, gives power to the Government to discontinue any
series of bank notes of any denomination by executive action.

The petitioners assert that under Section 26(2), the government can only withdraw the notes of any
particular series. Therefore the government should have, at the least, passed an ordinance (as the Morarji
Desai-led regime had done in 1978) to implement this policy of demonetisation.

The government can reasonably argue that the executive power under Section 26(2) also include a
power to withdraw all the series of bank notes belonging to any particular denomination.

Under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, RBI has the power to regulate the means and
the manner through which money can be withdrawn, exchanged and deposited.

The shocks of demonetisation

But the government must also show that the policys enforcement is constitutional.

The policy has imposed severe humanitarian costs and there have been as many as 55 deaths due to it.

There is liquidity crunch in the informal economy with many people losing their jobs, access the
most essential services has been hampered.

There is infringement of right to be treated equally and freedom to move freely and earn basic
livelihood for ordinary citizens.

Governments response

The government has modified the rules numerous times, with some irrational classifications.

RBIs announcement that exchange of the old Rs.500 and Rs.1,000 notes would be ceased
immediately despite the Prime Ministers promise to extend the limits imposed earlier affected
citizens trust.
 The response of the Government appears to be based on the idea of utilitarianism: the short-term
losses will be compensated by the long-term gains of the policy.

But justice requires not only an adherence to procedural integrity. It also requires that any policy
considers the potential injustices it might cause.

The utilitarian view of policy making where short-term pains are balanced against supposed long- term
pleasures ignores the injustices of the present.

Conclusion

The executive should be allowed great freedom in policy making but such freedom cannot come at the
cost of human lives.

The classifications that the demonetisation policy makes, and the manner of its enforcement fail to
consider the immorality of treating some lives as more valuable than others.
Policy trade-offs must not be allowed to encroach upon a persons foundational freedoms and
perpetuate existing inequalities.

If the Supreme Court reviews the policy of demonetisation, it would not be judicial overreach but
performance of its constitutional role.

Importance

GS 2 (Polity)

Nov. 30, 2016

Dashed expectations Editorial 30th Dec'16 The Hindu

Details : Dashed
expectations The
context
The recent move to demonetize high denomination currency notes will have positive as well as
negative effects on the economy.

On the negative side, it has disrupted the cycle of economy in the short term with severe effects on
small businesses, trade, transport and agriculture.

The question is whether the move will deliver benefits that outweigh the short-term costs.

One immediate benefit of demonetization that is frequently stated is a decline in lending rates.

Why lending rates should decline and how will it benefit the economy?

Bank deposits have seen a huge increase.

Most of it will be withdrawn for use.

But even if 10 % of the deposits remain with the banks, banks will cut lending rates.

Lower rates would boost spending and help offset the decline in aggregate demand caused by the
demonetization.

But lending rates will not decline in the near term because: 1)
Incremental CRR
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced an incremental Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of 100%.

Banks will have to park with the RBI, at zero return, all the deposits they got in the period
September 16 to November 11.

(CRR is the portion of the deposits which banks are required to park to the RBI. Currently it is at 4%.
Under Incremental CRR the Scheduled Commercial Banks are required to maintain an additional average
daily balance as incremental CRR. The incremental CRR is a temporary measure in liquidity management
framework of RBI to drain excess liquidity in the system)

This is to ensure that increase in deposits post demonetisation doesnt lead to excess liquidity
(cash held by a bank above the usual requirement for that bank).

Therefore, less cash will be available with the banks to lend with less hopes of a cut in lending rate
immediately.

It also limits the extent to which lending rates can be cut.

The reason given for the move is that the RBI does not have enough stock of securities to absorb the
excess liquidity and additional Market Stabilisation Scheme bonds cant be issued without careful
consideration.

(Market Stabilisation Scheme securities are issued with the objective of providing the RBI with a stock
of securities with which it can intervene in the market for managing liquidity. These securities are issued
not to meet the government's expenditure.)

2) Capital position and lending

Regulations limit loans to a certain multiple of the capital that banks hold. The lower the capital that
banks hold, the lesser their ability to make loans.

Public sector banks (PSB) account for nearly 70 per cent of banking assets, are unable or unwilling to
sharply increase loan growth because of lack of capital.

Some PSBs are operating close to the minimum capital requirement of 9 %.

Even PSBs whose capital position is relatively comfortable are unwilling to sharply increase loan
growth due to high levels of non-performing assets (NPA).

3) Government Securities

Most of the incremental deposits in recent months have gone into government securities (G-Sec).

This has caused yields (interest rates) on G- Secs to decline.

As lending rates tend to move along yields on G-Secs, it is expected that a decline in G-Sec yields will
lower the lending rates.

This will happen only to a point because domestic investors may want lower interest rates but foreign
investors want high interest rates. Therefore, any decline in interest rates has to be carefully managed.

If the difference between the rate on Indian securities and that on dollar securities becomes too narrow,
there could be large destabilising capital outflows as foreign investors flock to more attractive US treasury
bonds.

4) Selling Indian Debt

Foreign Portfolio Investments (FPI) in debt in the current year have seen net outflow which is already a
cause for concern.

FIIs have been selling Indian debt at a fast pace after demonetisation and have turned net sellers.

A narrowing of interest rate differentials between India and the U.S. would lead to even heavier
selling.

Donald Trump has announced ambitious spending plans and tax cuts which will result in a higher
U.S. fiscal deficit and higher interest rates.

In the expectation of a rate hike by the U.S. Federal Reserve at its next meeting RBI is cautious on any
cut in the policy rate at its monetary policy announcement.

Interest rates in the long run

Demonetisation can result in lower interest rates over the long run.

Greater financial inclusion and digitisation of payments will cause deposits to increase and help
lower lending rates once the problems in the banking sector are fixed.

Tackling Black Money

There could be changes in behaviour, not just of individuals but of businesses, which leads to better tax
compliance and a higher tax to GDP ratio.

Cash and black money are not same but a lower use of cash can help reduce black money in the
economy.
 Serious efforts to tackle black money require measures aimed at real estate, gold, holdings abroad,
donations to political parties and significant improvements in the tax, law enforcement and judicial
systems.

Way forward

It is too early to judge whether demonetisation is a transformative measure that delivered

substantial long-term benefits and whether those benefits were worth the short-term pain.

There is need to fix the problems of capital and NPAs at PSBs.

Importance

GS 3 (Economy)

Related question

Discuss the short term and long term impacts of demonetisation.

Nov. 29, 2016

Lifelines that can sound death knells Editorial 29th Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : Lifelines that

can sound death knells The context
Linear infrastructure projects like railways, roads, canals and electric transmission lines are
important for economic growth of the country and have seen huge expansion and investment in
recent years.

But these seemingly harmless projects intrude into wildlife habitats, fragmenting them and affecting
wildlife conservation negatively.

Recent proposals

There are proposals for a railway line and for the widening of NH-44, in the Dandeli Wildlife
Sanctuary in Karnataka.

There is a proposal for a 65km road connecting Chikkamagaluru and Dakshina Kannada that will
require 30,000 trees to be felled.

There is a proposal to reopen the 60km-long stretch of road for regular traffic within the Kawal Tiger
Reserve in Telangana.
Increasing proposals

Majority of forest and wildlife-related proposals coming up for approval are for linear projects.

Of the 266 projects approved under the Forest Conservation Act in the last three years, more than half
were for linear projects.

Of another 174 granted in-principle approval in the last three years, more than 50 per cent were for
linear projects.

The Forest Advisory Committee of the MoEF considered diversion of over 3,300 hectares of forests for
28 linear projects in just four meetings between September and December 2014.

All this is in addition to the steps taken by the Government to make granting forest and
environmental approvals simpler and faster.

Ecological impact
 Linear projects affect much larger area than actually set aside for them by edge effect.

(Edge effects refer to the changes that occur at the boundary of two habitats.Human activity creates
edges through development and agriculture. Often, the changes are detrimental to both the size of the
habitat and to species.When edges divide any natural ecosystem and the area outside the boundary is a
disturbed or unnatural system, the natural ecosystem can be seriously affected for some distance in from
the edge.)

Animal behaviour and plant diversity is affected.

Wildlife habitat is fragmented and eventually lost.

Animals killed everyday in road and train accidents, or by electrocution.

The cumulative effect of several such projects is very serious.

A recent report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) notes that the infrastructure boom being seen
currently in Asia is fragmenting the habitats of flagship species (A flagship species is a species selected to
act as an ambassador, icon or symbol for a defined habitat, issue, campaign or environmental cause) such as
the tiger and preventing them from moving across the large ranges that they require.

The report suggests that dealing with linear infrastructure will be a bigger challenge than looking after
protected areas or dealing with the poaching threat.

Way forward

Indias long-term ecological sustainability should not be sacrificed for short-term economic gain.

There is need to recognise and accept the huge impact of linear infrastructure on wildlife and wildlife
habitat.

Civil engineers, spatial planners, conservationists and ecologists should work together with
policymakers, bureaucrats and politicians to find out feasible solutions.

As far as possible, linear infrastructure should avoid forests and other wilderness areas.

When this is impossible, minimisation and mitigation should be considered.

When all else fails, attempts should be made to compensate for the loss by offsetting (A biodiversity
offset is a way to demonstrate that an infrastructure project can be implemented in a manner that results
in no net loss or a net gain of biodiversity).

Importance

GS 3 (Environment)

Related question

What do you understand by edge effects? Explain how linear infrastructure affects natural habitats. Also
suggest ways to reduce environmental effects of linear projects.
Nov. 28, 2016

The centralising instinct Editorial 28th Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : The
centralising instinct The
context
Demonetization will have implications for federalism in India and there is need to look at its impact on
direction of Centre-State relations.
Unmediated by the States

State governments were not consulted before the announcement.

In many cases demonetisation has directly affected the routine administration of policies under their
purview.

Many States also have expressed frustration at their inability to address hardships faced by people.

States have complained that the way in which the policy was enacted violates the spirit of
cooperative federalism.

Regional sensibilities

The design of the new Rs.500 and Rs.2,000 banknotes include Devanagari numerals which
threatens to reignite old debate over the national language.

The use of Devanagari numerals is already the subject of a PIL in the Madras High Court.

Promoting Central Government policies

The back-side of the new banknotes carries the logo of the Union government policy, Swachh Bharat.

All of this is in line with broader attempts to refocus political debates around national issues.

A matter of identification

With decentralization of Indian polity and economy, voters consider States as their primary political
identity.

As voters found it difficult to identify whether Central or State Government is responsible for a
particular scheme, States started to claim credit for Central Government schemes.

After the Lok Sabha elections, the new Government is rebranding schemes to better enable the
Central government to claim credit for them and to limit the ability of the States to do so.

But States have questioned naming of schemes after the Prime Minister, for which State
governments are required to provide matched funding.

Absence of a resounding critique

There has not been a decisive critique of Central Governments centralizing tendencies.

Many regional parties are satisfied with individual Centre-region bargaining rather than building new
cross-State alliances that would act as a counterweight to the Central government.

Even in the absence of a coordinated inter-State opposition alliance, the centralisating tendency
could reduce the political incentives of opposition-ruled States to cooperate with the Central
government in achieving national goals or implementing Centrally designed policies.

States have a central role in policy implementation and after the Fourteenth Finance Commission
recommendations have greater flexibility to decide their priorities.

Way forward

Demonetization presents an opportunity to debate the direction of federalism in India.

States should form a united front in opposing centralizing tendencies of the Central government.

Cooperation of State Governments is necessary to achieve national policy goals. Therefore, focus
should be on increasing the incentives for the States to cooperate with the Centre while preserving their
autonomy.

Importance

GS 2 (Polity)

Related question
 The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasized in recent years. Highlight the
drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the
shortcomings.(UPSC, GS 2, 2015)

Nov. 26, 2016

When ministers think aloud Editorial 26th Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : When
ministers think aloud The
context
Pakistani threat to use weapons after the surgical strikes by India has brought a new focus on Indias
nuclear policy.

The BJP manifesto for 2014 elections generated speculations regarding revision of Indias no first use
nuclear policy but the PM categorically denied any such plans.

But recently, Defence Minister hinted about a shift in nuclear policy but maintained that these are his
personal views.

Debate surrounding nuclear weapons

Appropriate role of nuclear weapons in a countrys defence calculus is a highly debated topic.

Some think that they should be considered as conventional weapons to prevent their use.

Some believe that they are meant exclusively for deterrence.

Different nuclear armed countries have evolved their doctrines based on their historical experiences,
threat perceptions and security obligations.

Indian conceptualisation of weapons

Key elements of Indias nuclear doctrine are:

a) building and maintaining a credible minimum deterrent;

b) posture of No First Use, nuclear weapons will only be used in retaliation against a nuclear attack on
Indian territory or on Indian forces anywhere;

c) nuclear retaliation to a first strike will be massive and designed to inflict unacceptable damage;

d) non-use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states; however, in the event of a major attack
against India, or Indian forces anywhere, by biological or chemical weapons, India will retain the option of
retaliating with nuclear weapons

The two key elements a credible minimum deterrent and no first use.

India did not see nuclear weapons as weapons of war and their role was to ensure nuclear
deterrence.

India does not engage in an arms race and India believes in a no first use policy and is ready to
discuss this with other countries, bilaterally or in a collective forum.

Indias nuclear doctrine has been consistent since the Pokharan tests of 1998 and was one of
reasons behind the Nuclear Suppliers Groups decision to grant an exceptional waiver to India.

Debating the No First Use

Indian nuclear arsenal is aimed to counter threats from China and Pakistan.
 China has maintained a no first use policy.

But Pakistan has adopted a first-use policy.

It envisages a tactical, operational and strategic role for its nuclear weapons and its nuclear arsenal is
exclusively aimed against India to counter Indias conventional superiority at all levels.

So basically Indias nuclear doctrine should aim at addressing the threat from Pakistan.

India may have to use nuclear weapons only when deterrence has failed and effective deterrence
depends upon the nuclear triad (aircraft, land-based mobile missiles and sea-based assets) which is to
guarantee Indias assured retaliation.

But several improvements are still to be made in Indias nuclear triad.

No first use policy is criticized on the grounds that India would have to suffer a first strike before it
retaliated.

This highlights the need for India to ensure that deterrence does not fail, and that there is a clear
communication to the enemy of the certainty massively destructive second strike.

This can happen when Indias nuclear arsenal, its delivery systems and its command and control
survive the first nuclear strike.

But this doesnt means that till India acquires such capabilities it should shift to a first-use policy
because it is improbable, even in future, that in a first strike, India can destroy all of Pakistans (or
Chinas) nuclear assets so that it would escape any nuclear retaliation.

Implications of a policy change

India would have to shift from deterrence towards nuclear war fighting.

It would create an incentive for either side for pre-emption (to prevent attack by disabling the
enemy).

It would lead to greater instability.

Due short distances (between India and Pakistan, China), it is also impractical for India to adopt a
launch on warning posture (a retaliatory strike is launched upon warning of enemy nuclear attack
while its missiles are still in the air and before detonation occurs.)

It will also blur the dividing line between conventional and nuclear wars which is not advisable
because even low yield tactical nuclear weapons are several times more powerful than the most
powerful conventional weapons and have harmful radiations.

Way forward

Deterrence is a product of technical capability and political will.

In dealing with Pakistan, India needs to deter its military who have the control of nuclear weapons.
 India must find ways of demonstrating the required political will even as it builds its technical
capabilities.

Indias nuclear doctrine should be periodically reviewed and updated,taking into account
technological developments and changes in the security environment which requires clarity in its
planning.

Nov. 25, 2016

The Marrakech mandate Editorial 25th Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : The
Marrakech mandate
Background

Recently, the 22nd Conference of Parties to UNFCCC (COP-22) was held at Marrakech to discuss the
implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

Shadow of US elections

The US presidential elections cast its shadow on the meeting as the President elect Trump has
stated that he would block the Paris agreement.

But he cant do anything immediately as the agreement came into force before his election.

In the worst case, the U.S. could ignore its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), pull out of the
Paris Agreement in four years, or withdraw from the climate convention altogether.

But these options seem improbable and they would also be very irresponsible because:

i)The U.S. is the worlds largest cumulative emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and the second
largest annual emitter.

The implementation of the NDC by most countries depends on finance and technology support from the
ii)
developed world in which the U.S. has a central role to play..

Marrakech meeting

First meeting of the CMA (the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the
Paris Agreement), the group responsible for supervising the execution of the deal, was held.

But many important details will be finalized only by 2018.

These include accounting of the NDCs, adaptation communication, building a transparency

framework, the global stock take every five years, and other procedures that facilitate the
implementation of and compliance with the Agreement.

Financial support

Financial support for developing country action on the NDCs and issue of transparency was an
important agenda of the meeting.

The Green Climate Fund was promised at Copenhagen with the aim of making available $100 billion a
year by 2020 to support developing countries for adaptation and mitigation measures. Since then, pledges
for funds inadequate.

OECD countries have claimed that they are already financing mainly in the form of private
investments in developing countries.

It was decided to address these issues in the upcoming meetings.

Positive outcomes

Climate Vulnerable Forum, comprising 48 least developed countries, including Bangladesh, Ethiopia and
South Sudan, pledged to get 100 % of their energy from renewables by 2050.

165 states and cities, called the Under2s and account for more than 1/3 of the global economy, pledged to
reduce their emissions by 80-95 % below 1990 levels and limit their per capita emissions to under 2 tonnes
of carbon dioxide by 2050.

The Science Based Targets initiative got a boost and over 200 companies worldwide committed to
emissions reductions targets.

(The Science Based Targets initiative is a partnership between CDP, UN Global Compact, WRI and
WWF, which helps companies determine how much they must cut emissions to prevent the worst
impacts of climate change.)

The framework for a five-year rolling work plan was approved for the Warsaw International
Mechanism for Loss and Damage.

(At COP19 (November 2013) in Warsaw, Poland, the COP established the Warsaw International
Mechanism for Loss and Damage associated with Climate Change Impacts (Loss and Damage Mechanism),
to address loss and damage associated with impacts of climate change, including extreme events and
slow onset events, in developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of
climate change)

Way forward

Present levels of commitment will be insufficient to limit the warming below 2 Celsius and global
temperatures predicted to cross the 1.5 Celsius in the 2030s.

Countries should not wait to take action and fulfil obligations.

The second Kyoto commitment period until 2020 is an opportune time for rich countries to make an
effort to build confidence through their actions to reduce emissions and support developing nations.

Importance

GS 3 (Environment)

Related question

What is Green Climate Fund? Discuss the various issues related to it.

Nov. 24, 2016

Close out the war on corruption Editorial 24th Nov'16 The HIndu

Details : Close out

the war on corruption The context
Corruption is one of the most pressing problems ailing the nation.

In an attempt to curb corruption, terror financing and unearth black money, the Government has
demonetized large denomination currency notes.

This has shocked the dishonest elements in the country and convinced them that avenues for
dishonesty have reduced considerably.

This should be followed by strict action against the tax evaders both inside and outside the
government.

Go after the big fish

For curbing black money generation through corruption, the Government must first target the higher civil
services.

There are increasing instances of corruption in the higher civil services which could be attributed to
increasing greed and declining fear of law due to slow judicial process.

The solution doesnt lie in making punishment stricter but in making punishments certain over a
reasonable period of time.

The Government must show the wisdom and will to quickly weed out corrupt elements from the
system without relying solely on the judicial process.

It can use the provisions of Conduct Rules to force compulsory retirement of inefficient and corrupt civil
servants.

This will send the message that inefficiency and dishonesty will not be tolerated in the higher civil
services.
The process

The list of officers who need to be forced to voluntary retire can be prepared by senior civil servants who
are known for integrity.

This list can be examined by another group of officers before being put for consideration of the PM and
two of his senior cabinet colleagues.

Such an exercise is done presently in a modified form for empaneling officers to the rank of
Secretary in the Central Government.

This process should begin with key organisations such as Income Tax, Customs and Central Excise,
Enforcement Directorate (ED) and CBI which, under the charge of corrupt officers, have become
instruments of harassment for honest officers.

Situation in the States

While the situation at the Center has improved, prevailing corruption at the State level remains a
cause of concern.

The situation cant be expected to improve without reforming the State Anti-Corruption Bureaus and
placing them under officers of impeccable integrity.

Prevailing corruption at the State level also deters potential investors as very large bribes are
demanded by senior officials.

The political will needed to transform such a scenario will come only if the political culture changes at
the State level.

Conclusion

There is need to maintain the momentum and stay the course in the fight against corruption.

The actions of the government are being closely watched and many commentators have criticized it.

But the Government should not respond to the criticisms by knee jerk reactions and should maintain its
focus on the fight against corruption.

Importance

GS 2 (Polity and governance)

GS 4 (Ethics in government)

Related question

Character of the leader is reflected in the conduct of the institution. Do you agree? Explain your
stand with illustrations.
Nov. 23, 2016

Generics vs big pharma, reloaded Editorial 23rd Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : Generics vs big

pharma, reloaded Background
A committee of secretaries was formed to find ways to promote the Indian pharmaceutical industry and
to ensure ease of doing business while maintaining quality.

The committee has proposed that for better and more effective regulation, the period for which a
new drug is considered new should be extended to 10 years instead of the current four.
 Regulatory requirements are different and more stringent for new drugs.

The committee felt that the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) is better equipped to do data
monitoring.

After the period specified is over, state governments give product licences and regulation too is in their
domain but it suffers from poor quality control.

It is said that the proposal gives better opportunity to look out for adverse drug reactions and the
matter remains in the domain of the DCGI.

But Generic Pharma industry has opposed the proposal on the grounds that this effectively results in data
exclusivity benefitting large pharma companies.

Data exclusivity

It is a TRIPS+ measure which the developed countries are pressuring India to adopt.

It is a kind of intellectual property protection wherein clinical trial and other data submitted by an original
developer of a drug cannot be used or relied upon by a drug regulatory authority to approve a generic
version of that drug for a certain period of time.

It is said that without such protection, the originator company lacks the necessary commercial
incentive to conduct expensive trials and market the drug.

Blocking generic entry for some years will help drug companies invest in clinical trials.

Present process

Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, a new drug continues to remain new even after it has been
approved once by the Central regulator (Drugs Controller General of India, or DGCI) upon submission of
local clinical trial data establishing safety and efficacy in India.

However, it loses newness after four years and a drug manufacturer can go directly to a State
regulatory authority and procure drug approval.

Whether the proposal amounts to data exclusivity will depend upon the kind of data that the generic
makers have to submit to the regulator.

If they need to submit the same kind of clinical trial data that originators have submitted then this
amounts to data exclusivity.

Approval of generic drugs

World over, generic drugs are approved upon the test of bio-equivalence: that the claimed molecule is
the same as the one already approved.

Therefore, there is no need for the generic applicant to repeat all clinical trials afresh.

However, bio-equivalence must be demonstrated through rigorous studies/data.

Lax regulation

But, the Drugs and Cosmetics Act is not clear on the kind of studies/data for a generic variant.

A number of state regulators do not insist on bio-equivalence studies before approving a drug for
manufacture in that State and therefore quality control norms are poor.

This is why drug manufacturers wait for four years and then approach State authorities rather than
going for more rigorous Central clearance.

But the DGCI has also been criticized by a parliamentary committee report. It was found that in many
cases, the DCGI doesnt insist on separate local clinical trial data for new drug under a broad public
interest exception.

Way forward

Quality of regulation must be improved both at the central and the state level.
 Instead of extending the specified period, focus should be upon improving quality of regulation
especially in the 5 states which account for 85 90 % of Indias drug production.

With strict regulatory insistence on bio-equivalence studies, generics could be approved without the
waiting period which would increase access and affordability of drugs.

Importance

GS 2 (Regulatory bodies)

GS 3 (issues related to intellectual property rights)

Related question

What do you understand by exclusivity? What impacts can it have on pharma industry in India?

Nov. 22, 2016

The buck stops with the States Editorial 22nd Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : The buck

stops with the States Background
The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement
(LARR), 2013 was deemed by the new Government and industry bodies as restrictive to overall growth and
development of the country.

Therefore the Government decided to dilute some of its provisions (mainly the clauses related to Social
Impact Assessment (SIA) and Consent), first by passing a bill in the Lok Sabha and then through the
ordinance route, which was widely opposed.

Thereafter, the Central Government decided to leave the LARR Act untouched and encouraged the
states to frame their own laws overriding the Central law under Article 254 of the Constitution.

Tamil Nadu and Gujarat have framed their own laws, Rajasthan has passed the bill and Telangana is
working on its version.

Under Article 254(1), a State law cannot override a Central law on a subject in the Concurrent list
(Land is a state subject but land acquisition is in the concurrent list).

However, Article 254(2) provides that if a State law receives presidential assent, then it can apply in
contravention to the Central law in that particular State.

It is alleged that this is misuse of constitutional provisions.

Arguments in favour of Article 254 route

1. Need for State-specificity

The exception under Article 254(2) was made to provide for a genuine hurdle in implementing the
Central law due to challenges specific to a region.

Due to varied levels of economic development, there is need for separate land acquisition laws in
different States as one size doesnt fit all.

It is not correct to assume that the States law would be inferior to the Central law.

The States have much more experience and expertise in land acquisition and have also given, at
times, better compensation than mandated by the Central law.

2. SIA
It is argued that the States laws have diluted the SIA requirement and the Consent Clause in the LARR
Act.

But the LARR Act itself diluted the SIA requirement under Section 7(4):9 of the Act which allows the
Government to proceed with the land acquisition even if the SIA rejects it.

3. Consent

Even the 2013 Central law does not make consent necessary for land acquired for government
projects.

State laws generally require consent of lower percentage of people as compared to the Central law.

Right to eminent domain (that is, forcible acquisition of land/property for public good) is a right that
most of the Governments have across the world and it is needed in India also because some people may
not want to sell their land while others are willing,

The relative percentage of non-willing versus willing could be specified by law but it is a political issue
because even if the law is followed, the land-losers may still not want to sell the land.

The non-willing can also go to the courts and ask for redress under cases of forcible acquisitions.

Therefore consent of lower percentage of population under the States law should not be a cause of
concern.

4. Presidential assent

Presidential assent is not a mere formality and the apex court has ruled that the President would
need to engage in active application of mind before giving assent.

But this doesnt necessarily mean that the President needs to reject the State laws because in this
particular case the State legislatures and the Central government both want similar changes in the law.

Conclusion

Before the LARR Act was passed, the States had their own laws and the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, was
hardly ever used and even now, the States are free to pass their own laws.

Therefore, the focus should be on governance in the States because better-governed States will have
fewer problems with respect to acquisitions.

Importance

GS 2 (Indian polity)

GS 3 (Indian economy {land reforms})

Related question
 It is Article 254 of the Constitution of India that firmly entrenches the Doctrine of Repugnancy in
India. Elaborate.

Nov. 21, 2016

Hitting the refresh button Editorial 21st Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : Hitting the

refresh button
Background

Indian economy faced with the problem of large fiscal deficit in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Economic reforms were introduced in 1991 and fiscal consolidation emerged as one of the key areas of
reforms.

After a good start in the early nineties, the fiscal consolidation faltered after 1997-98. The fiscal
deficit started rising after 1997-98.

The Government introduced FRBM Act, 2003, to check the deteriorating fiscal situation.

In the Union Budget 2016-17 it was proposed to constitute a Committee to review the
implementation of the FRBM Act.

There is a view that instead of fixed numbers as fiscal deficit targets, it may be better to have a fiscal
deficit range as the target, which would give necessary policy space to the Government to deal with
dynamic situations.

There is also a suggestion that fiscal expansion or contraction should be aligned with credit
contraction or expansion respectively, in the economy.

While remaining committed to fiscal prudence and consolidation, there is need to review the
working of the FRBM Act, especially in the context of the uncertainty and volatility in the global
economy.

For this, the Government has constituted a five Member Committee under N.K. Singh to
comprehensively review and give recommendations on the FRBM roadmap for the future.

The committee is expected to submit its report by the end of November.

Indias attraction as an investment destination

The strength of its policy and institutional framework has been a key reason for attractiveness of
India.

Gradual changes in conduct of fiscal policy like plugging subsidy leakage through DBT, higher revenue
devolution to States etc. have contributed to Indias growth and investment potential and improved
the quality and credibility of fiscal policy.

It is important to codify fiscal rules to insulate Government policy from populist measures.

In this context, Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act should be revived taking into
account the in the global and domestic economy.

In a developing economy the government has an important role in funding growth but
institutionalized rules for governments spending and deficit enhance its credibility.

Therefore, while reviewing the FRBM Act, following issues should be thought upon.
Point versus range

A point based target imparts fiscal discipline and focus to fiscal policy and sends out a clear signal to the
bond market.

This will complement the objectives of monetary policy (mainly inflation targeting) and may result in a
sovereign ratings upgrade and lower cost of borrowing.

Hence it is superior to a range based target under the FRBM Act.

Appropriate fiscal deficit target

Fiscal deficit target should be decided after considering the supply of funds in the economy and
needs of the private sector.

The total supply of funds through household financial savings and sustainable capital flows are estimated
at 10-12 % of GDP and demand for excess funds from the private sector is estimated at 4-6
% of GDP.
 Therefore there is combined fiscal space of 6 % of GDP for the Center and the States.

This implies a 3 % fiscal deficit target for the Centre and States each.

Rules as guiding principle

Binding rules along with a medium-term debt range would enhance the policy credibility and
facilitate effective monitoring.

An effective rule-based policy would help the governments adopt a counter -cyclical approach (fiscal
expansion and fiscal contraction keeping in mind business cycles).

For Government debt, a ceiling at 60 % of GDP can get adopted over the next three years (67.2 % of GDP
currently) with indicators of sustainable debt serving as guiding principles (the European Union model).

Expenditure rules should focus on enhancing the quality of spending and improve accountability.

Preference should be given to capital spending (in both agriculture and manufacturing).

Independent watchdog

An independent constitutional reviewer of the revised FRBM Act, a Fiscal Council, should be set up to
oversee the adoption of rule-based fiscal policy and give recommendations for future.

This will boost fiscal accountability and transparency and will further add to the Governments
credibility and rating potential.

Conclusion

The adoption of revised FRBM framework will enhance the efficacy of Indias fiscal policy and
significantly reduce the twin-deficit vulnerability.

At a time where most developed economies are struggling to support their economy, revised FRBM will
significantly boost Indias growth and investment potential.

Importance

GS 3 (Indian Economy)

Related question

Critically examine the implementation of the FRBM Act, 2003 and its achievement. Also discuss the need
for its revision.
Nov. 19, 2016

Justice beyond borders Editorial 19th Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : Justice
beyond borders
Background
Recently, four countries including Russia and South Africa opted out of the International Criminal
Court (ICC).

This will have serious implications for the future of the organization.

ICC

The ICC is an intergovernmental organization and international tribunal that sits in The Hague in the
Netherlands.
 It is the outcome of the Rome Statute.

The ICC has the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for the international crimes of genocide, crimes
against humanity, and war crimes.

The ICC is intended to complement existing national judicial systems and it may therefore only exercise
its jurisdiction when certain conditions are met, such as when national courts are unwilling or unable to
prosecute criminals or when the UNSC or individual states refer investigations to the Court.

Why did Russia quit?

It is mainly due to the political developments that have strained its relations with the North Atlantic
Treaty Organisation (NATO).

It is a reaction to the courts report which stated that the 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine
amounted to an occupation.

Moscow has denied any role by its military, maintaining that Crimeas accession was authorised in a
popular referendum.

NATOs continued eastward expansion into the countries of the former Eastern bloc as well as some
member states of the erstwhile Soviet Union had caused deep anxieties and resentment within Russia.

The constraints of initiating punitive action against the U.S. and its allies for the war crimes
committed during the Iraq war have further eroded Russias faith in the ICC.

Implications of South Africas exit

It symbolises abandonment of a regional leadership role by South Africa.

Africa is still affected by tribal conflicts and South Africas regressive step came at a time when
politicians in its neighbouring countries are facing legal proceedings at the ICC.

It will give more weight to the impression that the ICC was biased against Africa.

Conclusion

When Washington refused to bound by the jurisdiction of the Hague court, there were concerns that the
ICCs legitimacy and authority will suffer.

These fears have been amplified by the inaction by the ICC over the war crimes being perpetrated in the
Syrian conflict.

Enforcement of justice beyond the national boundaries has become difficult due to resurgent
nationalism.

Saying no to Jallikattu, again Editorial 19th Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : Saying no
to Jallikattu, again Background
In 2014, the apex court had banned the sport of Jallikattu.

The state government had filed a review petition against the judgment claiming that popular
sentiment favoured the conduct of the sport and it is a part of religious freedom under Article 25.

The Supreme Court has declined to review its 2014 judgment.

What is jallikattu?

It is a popular bull-taming sport held in rural Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal celebrations on Mattu -
Pongal day.

It is seen as a macho sport in which young men try to demonstrate their bravery.
 It is associated with cultural pride for the Tamil community.

It is believed that not conducting jallikattu would invite divine wrath.

This belief gave it religious significance.

Courts reasoning

The original judgment stated that the need to prevent cruelty to animals overrides the consideration that
conducting the sport was necessary to preserve culture and tradition.

The also court had found that a 2009 State law that sought to regulate jallikattu was repugnant to the
1960 central legislation to prevent cruelty towards animals.

The court refused to entertain a review merely on a claim that popular sentiment favoured the
conduct of jallikattu.

The court refused to grant jaliikattu protection under Article 25 of the Constitution as it was held
mainly for human entertainment at the expense of the animal.

Centres attempts

The Centre had issued a notification aimed at permitting jallikattu.

This was stayed immediately by the court and a verdict on its validity is expected to come
separately.

Way forward

Despite attempts at regulation the element of cruelty could not be eliminated altogether from the
sport.

Therefore political leaders and public should move away from this feudal tradition.

Nov. 18, 2016

Time to move towards a new litigation policy Editorial 18th Nov'16 The Hindu

Details :
Background:

The Supreme Court, since the 1970s, has berated (scolded) governments for being insensitive in
pursuing litigation.
 In October, PM Modi said centre will soon bring a new litigation policy to address this.

Impact of government litigation:

Government litigation reportedly constitutes nearly half of all litigation in the Indian judiciary. This
has contributed heavily to the judicial backlog, thus affecting justice delivery (causing delays running
into years and decades) in India.
It also requires considerable expenditure by the government to pursue so many cases.

National Litigation Policy 2010:

Earlier also, governments made attempts to tackle government litigation.

National Litigation Policy (NLP) 2010 was launched to transform the government into a responsible
and efficient litigant.
But it failed to provide a yardstick for determining "responsibility" and "efficiency".
NLP 2010 has failed as an initiative due to lack of clarity. It is full of generic (widely applicable) phrases
which have no scope for implementation.
 The NLP 2010 also creates Empowered Committees at the national and regional levels to oversee
the implementation of the policy. But there is no clarity about their role and powers. The NLP 2010
also lacks any form of impact assessment to evaluate actual impact of the policy on reducing
government litigation.
Thus, the policy itself defeated the actual purpose of having a litigation policy.
Litigation policies are typically clear and elaborate set of guidelines obligating the government to be
a model litigant.

Work on new NLP - lessons not learnt from previous failures:

In 2015, the current government again initiated a discussion to review the NLP. This is yet to culminate
in a revised NLP.
However, even for this new policy, no proper detailed study of the amount or nature of
governmental litigation in India appears to have been conducted.
Unless a thorough study is conducted first, the policy will again be based on the preconceived and
baseless notions (that is, without data for proper understanding) of the problem with litigation.
Thus, it will face same shortcomings as earlier policy.

The way forward:

The ongoing revision of the NLP needs to ensure certain critical features are not missed out:

1. It must have clear objectives that can be assessed (for example, 20% of pending litigation must be
cleared in the first year).
2. The role of different functionaries must be specified individually.
3. The minimum standards for pursuing litigation must be listed out.
4. Fair accountability mechanisms must be established (who should be held accountable at every
step).
5. The consequences for violation of the policy must be provided.
6. There should be a periodic impact assessment programme (to assess if objectives are being met, what
are the failures and their causes etc.).

Conclusion:

A litigation policy can have a profound effect on how the government thinks about itself as a litigant.
It can help curb the problem of excessive litigation.
But it can be successful only if it is a constructed with a thorough understanding of the problem and
offers solutions based on evidence.

--

Note: Details on government litigation, its issues and proposals of new NLP under work can be found
here:
https://lms.vajiramandravi.com/current-affairs/government-litigation-issues-and-new-
nlp/582eb7a1b680d35eb33aa3f5/

Reaching the new normal Editorial 18th Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : Reaching the

new normal The context
Recently, President Pranab Mukherjee paid a successful visit to Nepal which was first presidential visit
in 18 years.

The visit assumes greater significance because of Presidents vast knowledge and familiarity with
Nepali politics.

The visit managed to restore a degree of balance in India-Nepal relations.

A troubled period since adoption of new Constitution

The Madhesis were not satisfied with the new constitution with several issues like demarcation of
provinces and parliamentary constitutions etc. becoming bone of contention.

But the Pahadi wanted to complete the exercise of constitution making.

Indias reaction was too late as it came after the promulgation of new Constitution.

Unrest and agitations gripped the Terai and the then government made little effort to talk with the
Madehesis.

It blamed India for imposing an economic blockade to pressure the government to agree to
Madhesi demands.

After much acrimony both India and Nepal toned down their stance but an anti-Indian sentiment had
been fanned.

The Government collapsed and the Maoists and Mr. Prachanda took over as Prime Minister for a
period of nine months after which NC will head the government.

High level exchanges

Mr. Prachanda tried to repair relations with India with a successful bilateral visit in September
followed by a second visit to Goa for the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach summit.

In the near future Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari is expected to visit India.

All this should mark a return to normal in the relationship between the two countries.

But anti India sentiments were high even during President Mukherjees visit.

A presidential message

The President clearly conveyed to the Nepali political leadership that Nepal needs to complete the
political transition and all sections need to be taken together for the success of the new constitution and
multiparty democracy.

He emphasized that the two countries have a vital stake in each others well-being and security.

He also addressed the Gurkha ex-servicemen and drew attention to various measures undertaken by
India for their welfare.

He also highlighted the advantages of the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship under which Nepali
citizens can find easy employment in India.

He also announced that Nepali students will now be eligible to sit for the IIT entrance examinations.

Prachandas challenges

The dialogue with the Madhesi groups has not made any progress which makes it difficult for him to
have the local body elections during his stint.

The issue pertaining to the number of parliamentary seats from the Terai had been resolved by a
constitutional amendment restoring population as the key criteria in delimiting electoral
constituencies.

But issues pertaining to provincial demarcation, restrictions on appointment to high-level constitutional

positions for naturalised citizens, status of Hindi and other languages and composition of the upper
house are still pending.

Difficulties in resolution

Resolving these issues require political consensus among various stakeholders which is not seen.

Of these, provincial demarcation is the most complex but if there is progress on the others, it would
create a positive climate for its resolution.
 The will also be difficultto get the two-thirds majority necessary for a constitutional amendment.

Way forward

Recent high level visits have helped stabilise India-Nepal relations and provided Mr. Prachanda
political room for negotiations.

He should now use this to make progress on the pending constitutional issues.

India should wholeheartedly support his efforts.

Importance

GS 2 (India and its neighborhood- relations)

Related question

Since the adoption of the new constitution by Nepal, Indo-Nepal relations have hit a rough patch.
Discuss the various issues that have strained the relationship. Critically analyse Indias approach in
resolving these issues.

Nov. 17, 2016

Violence thats not gender-neutral Editorial 17th Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : Violence thats

not gender-neutral Background
In a recent judgment the Supreme Court struck down words adult male from Section 2(q) of the
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 (PWDVA),

This paves the way for the law to be widened law to include women and minors.

PWDVA

The PWDVA is a gender-specific law enacted to protect women against domestic violence
perpetrated by men.

Under it, the complainants can only be women.

Section 2(q) restricted the scope of law and complaints can only be filed against adult males, or their
relatives, who could be women. But it cannot be filed solely against the relatives of the husband.

Courts reasoning

The court held that domestic violence is gender neutral and a woman can also be abused by other
women.

Section 3 of PWDVA seeks to outlaw domestic violence of any kind against a woman.

There is not much difference between male and female, adult and non-adult for purpose of PWDVA.

Therefore, scope of Section 2 (q) must be widened to include women and minors as well.

The judgment relies on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and
Redressal) Act, 2013, which is gender neutral.

Reality of domestic violence

But domestic violence is not gender-neutral

In a large majority of cases acts of domestic violence are perpetrated by men on women.
 The big rise in cases registered under the PWDVA are all instances of women suffering domestic
violence at the hands of men.

This violence is a consequence as well as cause of womens unequalstatus and discrimination

against them.

IPC and PWDVA

Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, introduced in 1983, recognized the gendered nature of
domestic violence and criminalized cruelty against a married woman by husband and his relatives.

Inclusion of words adult male makes Section 2(q) of PWDVA consistent with Section 498A of IPC.

It also fails to observe the criminal offences related to women under the IPC are all gender-specific and
against men.

Thrust on formal equality

The focus of the Supreme Court in this judgment is on the principle of formal equality because it
treats all persons (accused under PWDVA) equally.

But the Constitution has interpreted equality as substantive equality.

It has 4 dimensions: i) redressing disadvantage; ii) countering stigma, prejudice, humiliation and
violence; iii) transforming social and institutional structures; iv) facilitating political participation and
social inclusion.

Therefore, formal equality of treating all persons equally is not sufficient and there is need to look at the
disadvantage and violence faced by women at the hands of men.

The same principle of equality also mandates in Article 15(3) of the Constitution that special provisions
can be made for women and children and the PWDVA was enacted as a special provision for their
protection.

Therefore it does not need to be gender-neutral.

Concerns

There is risk that the PWDVA would be used against women and minors instead of real perpetrators of
violence.

It could lead to a further dilution of the PWDVA and also dilute other women-centric laws.

Way forward

A UN report points out the need for gender-specificity in domestic violence laws.

The PWDVA must remain gender-specific as an acknowledgement that women are

disproportionately impacted by violence.

Importance
 GS 1 (Social empowerment, womens issue)

GS 2 (mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for theprotection and betterment of the
vulnerable sections)

Related question

In the light of recent judgment of the apex court on Domestic Violence Act, critically examine
whether laws for protection of women should be gender-neutral or gender-specific.

Note- gender-specificity and gender-neutrality in this context refers to those who can be booked under
the PWDVA.
Nov. 16, 2016

Searching for an equilibrium Editorial 16th Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : Searching for

an equilibrium The context
There is a heightened debate about the constitutional separation of powers between the Legislature, the
Executive and the Judiciary.

The Supreme Courts power of judicial review lies at the center of this debate.

It has been used to assert and expand fundamental rights but question arises when judiciary
intervenes in the policy choices made by the executive or legislature.

Foundational principles of judicial review

The power of judicial review is traceable to Articles 13 (Laws inconsistent with or in derogation of the
fundamental rights), 32 and 226 (power to issue writs by the Higher Judiciary), 136 (special leave petition to
SC), 142 (enforcement of decrees of SC in accordance with the law passed by the Parliament or until there
is a law passed by the parliament), 147 (interpretation of law and the Constitution).

This power has been expanded through some of transformative judgments of the SC and it evolved on
the principle of protection against arbitrary exercise of power, non-discrimination and expansion of socio-
economic rights under the Constitution.

In Maneka Gandhi case (1978), the SC propounded the test of procedural fairness and
reasonableness (due process of law) in determining constitutionality of executive action.

In M. Nagaraj case (2006), the SC established that Articles 14 (equality), 19 (6 freedoms) and 21 (right
to life) are the most important constitutional values.

While expanding fundamental rights under Article 21 in V. Markendeya case (1989), the SC recognised
the Directive Principles of State Policy as the conscience of the Constitution which give shape and
meaning to fundamental rights.

In Kesavananda Bharati case(1973),the SCpropounded the basic structure doctrine and declared that
judicial review was an integral component of it.

Expanding review jurisdiction

The power of judicial review has also been invoked through public interest litigations to question
major policy decisions of the government like in 2G spectrum and coal mine allocations cases.

Challenge to proceedings of legislative assemblies and decisions of the Speaker have also been
entertained by the court like in Nabam Rebia case, 2016(Arunanchal Pradesh crisis).

Recently, the SC voided a constitutional amendment passed by Parliament to establish the NJAC to
appoint the judges.
Rationale for a wide judicial review

It promotes the rule of law

It advances the cause of justice,

It is consistent with democracy and rules out only those choices that are obviously unreasonable and
inconsistent with democracy

It protects against majoritarianism.

Limiting the ambit of judicial review

 Judicial supremacy and excessive judicial review is against fundamental principles of parliamentary
democracy where people people exercise their sovereignty through elected representatives and not
through the unelected judges.

Representative democracy is also part of basic structure and judicial review cannot negate other
fundamental features of the basic structure.

In recent judgments like Santosh Singh (2016), the SC itself has cautioned against excessive judicial
review.

In the NJAC case, Justice J. Chelameswar in his minority judgment rejected a distrust of the
legislators.

In its opinion in a Presidential Reference, the SC had earlier opined that as the Parliament and the
legislatures are composed of the representatives of the people, they are supposed to know and be
aware of the needs of the people and what is good and bad for them.

The middle ground

The judgment of the courts cannot be the embodiment of perfect reason.

The courts, at best, can only be the guardians of democracy and they cannot make it their mission to
correct the elected representatives or claim to know what people think is right.

The debate about the limits of judicial review in a parliamentary democracy has profound
philosophical issues concerning the nature of representative democracy and the inalienable
fundamental human freedoms that need to be protected against majoritarianism.

The original justification for the courts anti-majoritarian role cannot be used to equate constitutional
supremacy and judicial independence with judicial supremacy.

The judiciary is not infallible and although there is decline in the credibility of the political executive, it
cannot act as the co-governor of the nation.

Equilibrium has to be found out between the extremes of insensitive detachment suggesting
indifference and unwarranted intrusion to fix the limits of judicial review.

Way forward

The power of judicial review must be exercised in the spirit of self-search and self-reproach as
reflected in recent judgments of the Supreme Court.

For the moment, we must accept that the courts authority as there is popular trust in its moral and
intellectual integrity.

But the decline of Parliament must be arrested, and the perceived insensitivity on the part of the
bureaucracy and a general distrust in the moral and ideological integrity of the political class must be
addressed to limit the power of judicial review in a parliamentary democracy.

Importance
 GS 2 (Separation of powers)

Related question

Starting from inventing the basic structure doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in
ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role played
by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy.(UPSC, GS 2, 2014)

Nov. 15, 2016

When cash is not king Editorial 15th Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : When
cash is not king
Background
Recently, Prime Minister announced demonetization of large denomination (500, 1000) currency
notes.

According to the RBI, if the Rs.16 lakh crore-plus currency notes in circulation, Rs.500 and Rs.1,000 notes
account for more than 85 per cent by value.

India has one of the highest cash to GDP ratios at 12 per cent (excluding the parallel economy).

This was done to fight the menace of black money, corruption and terror financing.

Big-bang reform

This is one of the big-bang reforms to fight corruption and black money.

The secrecy of its conception and execution was surprised everyone.

Rationale

The Rs.500 and Rs.1,000 notes are large by Indian standards on purchasing power basis.

Large currency notes are used more for hiding illegal money than for purchases.

They are used because their high value makes their bulk transportation easier.

Bulk cash transfers play an important role in complex drug trafficking and money laundering
schemes.

International examples

The U.S. stopped issuing $500 notes in 1969, the European Central Bank halted 500-euro notes early this
year, and Singapore stopped issuing its $10,000 note and Canada its $1,000 note in 2000.

Short term pain

There will be some contraction in money supply and slight deflationary impact.

The deflationary impact will be felt more in sectors where cash is main instrument of transactions like
real estate.

Long term benefits

Indias black economy is estimated to be $400-500 billion. It will lead to greater proportion of
economy shifting from black to white.

It may raise the cost of holding cash by adding the risk of any future demonetization.

It will definitely reduce the stock of black money but the impact on future flows in unpredictable. They
may reduce due to increased risk associated with holding cash. (A stock variable is measured at one
specific time, and represents a quantity existing at that point in timewhich may have accumulated in the
past. A flow variable is measured over an interval of time. Therefore a flow would be measured per unit of
time)

Almost $3.5 billion is spent in currency operation costs annually. The move will reduce this
expenditure and give a boost to cash less economy.

It may change the financing of Indian politics and bring greater transparency and reduce instances of
cash for vote.

The fear of a Government crackdown has become quite real for those hoarding black money.

It will curb terror financing.

Way forward
 The move will incentivize honesty and encourage law-abiding citizens.

This should not be an isolated measure but first part of a continuum of reforms to fight black money like
curbing Benami purchases, electoral reforms etc.

The Government should also take steps to encourage cashless transactions like increasing mobile
penetration with pre-bundled cah apps.

But the biggest challenge will be to change behavior of the people.

Importance

GS 3 (Economy)

GS 3 (Security)

Related question

Critically analyse the short term and long term impacts of demonetization of large denomination
notes. Do you think this move will be successful in curbing the menace of black money?

Nov. 14, 2016

Watering the green shoots Details

: Watering the green shoots
The context

This is an appropriate time to assess growth prospects of India economy over the medium term as 1st
half of the fiscal year and the South-West monsoon are finished.

This analysis is made difficult due to conflicting sets of data but nonetheless, an attempt can be
made.

Supply side factor

Rainfall is an important factor which influences agricultural production in the short run.

This year, rainfall from the main monsoon was 97 % of the Long Period Average (LPA) which is
significantly higher than 86 % of the LPA in the last year.

This will boost agricultural production and based on a study of the impact of rainfall on agricultural
production, higher rainfall this year should lead to an increase of 2.7 % in the value added in agricultural
and allied sector.

Demand side factors

 Four elements - private consumption expenditure, government expenditure particularly on
investment, private investment particularly corporate investment, and external demand drive the
demand.

1) Private consumption expenditure

It will be boosted by implementation of 7th Pay Commission. As these recommendations were

implemented from August, the effect will be seen in the 2nd half of the fiscal.

Rural demand is also expected to rise in the 2nd half due to good monsoon.

2) Government investment expenditure

 Total Central Government expenditure in the 1st half was slightly higher than last year but capital
expenditure (expenditure on acquiring and maintaining assets) grew by 4.6 %.

This is good as higher capital expenditure leads to greater investment.

Bulk of public investment is made by PSUs but at present, there is no information about the
additional investment made by them.

But Roads and Railways are making sufficient investments.

3) Corporate investment

It is important as in the last several years it has been roughly one-third of the total investment.

As bulk of investment expenditure in any year is the result of projects started in previous 2-3 years and
as there is slowdown in start of new projects in recent years, corporate investment is not likely to improve
from last year.

4) External demand

It largely depends upon the world economy which is showing a sluggish recovery.

World growth rate is expected to slowdown in 2016 with slight improvement in 2017. Along this,
world trade is also slowing.

Indian exports (exports show external demand) showed a decline in last fiscal (mainly due to decline in
value of oil exports) but displayed some improvement in this fiscal.

But external demand is not likely to improve much.

Positive signs in the economy

The agricultural performance has improved and private consumption will increase due to strong
rural demand and implementation of 7th Pay Commission.

Capital expenditure by the Central Government has also increased.

The economy has acquired a degree of stability as inflation and fiscal deficit is under control and Current
Account deficit has declined (mainly due to greater decline in value of imports than exports).

Several reforms have been undertaken such as liberalization of FDI in insurance, Bankruptcy Act, Real
Estate Act and GST. But as these are enabling legislations, their impact will be seen after some time.

Causes of concern

Corporate investment has stagnated and demand for exports will continue to be low.

Growth rate could be affected if disruptions caused by demonetization persist for a long time.
 The banking sector in under stress due to high NPAs and its ability to lend has been compromised.

Even though the investment sentiment has improved, investments have not picked up.

Way forward

To maintain a high growth rate in the medium term, a kick start in investment is neccesary.

Efforts should be made to encourage corporate investment and maintain momentum in the exports.

Issues concerning the banking sector must be addressed so that lending activity picks up.

Efforts must also be made to limit negative effects of demonetization.

Non-economic factors, like political factors, will play a key role determining sustainability of the
investor sentiment.

Therefore, policy-makers should focus on growth keep away from divisive and disruptive issues.

Importance

GS 3 (Economy)

Related question

Critically asses the prospects of Indian Economy over the medium term. Also suggest measures to
encourage growth.

Nov. 12, 2016

Punjabs legislative adventurism Details

: Punjabs legislative adventurism
Background
After the reorganization of Punjab into Punjab and Haryana, differences arose over their share of the
surplus Ravi and Beas waters. Haryana approached the Centre, which issued a notification in 1976, spelling
out the rights and liabilities of the states.

Sutlej Yamuna Link canal was to carry Haryanas share of water. Haryana completed the work on its side
in 1980 and paid the first installment to Punjab for building the canal.

However, Punjab did not start the work. Both the state filed separate petitions in the Supreme Court in
1979.

Punjab began the work on the canal after a tripartite agreement the chief ministers of Punjab, Haryana
and Rajasthan in 1981 which allowed Punjab the use of Rajasthans share till it could spare the water for
Haryana.

The two states withdrew the petitions from the Supreme Court.

The ShiromaniAkali Dal (SAD) launched an agitation against the canal under the leadership of
SantHarchand Singh Longowal which turned violent.

In 1985, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Longowal signed the Punjab accord in New Delhi which called
for completion of the canal by August 1986 and an SC judge-led tribunal to decide Punjab and Haryanas
share of the remaining water.

The work on the canal started and 90% of it was completed. But the construction was stopped after an
attack by Sikh militants.

In September 1996, Haryana filed a plea in the Supreme Court, seeking directions for Punjab to
complete the canal.

The court, in 2002 and 2004, ordered the remaining portion of the canal to be completed.

But the Punjab assembly, to overcome the orders of the apex court, enacted the Punjab termination of
agreements act 2004, annulling all inter-state agreements on sharing Ravi and Beas waters.

The Centre sought the opinion of the apex court on the validity of the Punjab law through a
presidential reference.

In March 2016, Punjab Assembly passed another law, de-notifying the land acquired for the canal and
for it to be returned it to its owners. Haryana challenged the law in the Supreme Court, which ordered
status quo.
 In the hearing on presidential reference, the court struck down the 2004 Punjab law as illegal.

Analysis

The 2004 law enacted by the Punjab Assembly was not expected to survive judicial scrutiny.

The verdict reiterated the principle that a State cannot, through legislation, do an act in conflict with
the judgment of the highest court which has attained finality.

But the State Legislature can pass legislation if it takes the form of a validating Act to cure specific
illegalities or removes the basis for a particular verdict.

The verdict also reminds that it would be destructive of the rule of law and federalism if a State were to
be allowed to usurp judicial powers by nullifying a verdict that is based on both fact and law.

Implications

As Punjab heads for the Assembly election, this issue will be heavily politicized.

This attitude leads to a disturbing tendency among States to be judges in their own cause,
especially when it comes to water disputes.

Way forward

Punjab should complete the SYL canal so that Haryana can utilize the share of water allocated to it.

When it comes to water disputes, political parties in power should resort to conciliation and
negotiation rather than legislation or Assembly resolutions.

Hence, if Punjab feels aggrieved, there may be scope of negotiation and concillation even now.

Importance

GS 2 (Polity)

Related question

A State cannot, through legislation, do an act in conflict with the judgment of the highest court
which has attained finality. Discuss in relation to inter-state water disputes

Additional information
Presidential reference
Besides original jurisdiction under Articles 32, 131 and 136 of the Constitution and appellate
jurisdiction under Articles 132,133, 134 & 134A of the Constitution, the Supreme Court of India also has
advisory jurisdiction under Article 143 of the Constitution of India which with its two sub-clauses has cast
twin obligations or duty upon the Supreme Court to advise the President on the question of law or fact.

DISCRETIONARY AND MANDATORY POWERS UNDER ARTICLE 143

While Article 143 (1) of the Constitution gives discretion to the Apex
 Court to report its opinion to the President upon such reference, under Article 143(2) of the Constitution
it is mandatory that Supreme Court shall report its opinion to the President of a dispute of the kind referred
to under Article 131.

Thus if the SC doesnt have original jurisdiction on some dispute and if such dispute arises with regard
to any such pre-Constitution treaty etc. and the President seeks the opinion of the Supreme Court, the
Supreme Court is obligated to give such opinion.

Nov. 11, 2016

The forgotten war Editorial 11th Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : The
forgotten war
Background
Recently, in a covert operation in Malkangiri district in Odisha, security forces inflicted big losses on the
Maoists.

Many have considered it as the beginning of the end of Maoist insurgency but this displays a lack of
understanding of the nature of Maoist movement.

It is an ideological movement which cannot be defeated by security action alone.

Maoist movement: then and now

In its initial stages, the movement had strong ideological foundations which enabled it withstand
different methods adopted by the Government to tackle it.

Till the turn of the century, it retained some of its ideological foundations intellectual dynamism

But today, it is a highly militaristic movement with more focus on terrorizing people than supporting
peoples cause.

The ideological component has weakened and it became more brutal and bloody.

Its present leaders dont have the same caliber as its founding leaders.

But it has maintained an impression of being true supporters of poor and tribals.

The support base

The movement has lost some of the support it previously enjoyed among the urban intelligentsia but still
retains some support in universities and colleges.

It is less visible in the urban areas but retains considerable support among the remote, poor and
tribal areas in the central India.

Signs of revival

After a decline in violence during 2013-14, Maoist violence has seen increase during 2015 and 2016.

Apart from West Bengal, where economic and developmental measures appear to have weakened the
Maoist stranglehold, there are few signs that the movement is in retreat.

The Dandakaranya region, which includes Southern Chhattisgarh, parts of Telengana and AndhraPradesh
and Odisha, and Jharkhand and parts of Maharashtra, forms the core of the movement and it seems that it
is revival and spreading out of its core.

It is spreading to new areas like the tri-junction of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, where it was successfully curbed in the past, there is growing
concern that the movement has resurfaced.
 In Dantewada, Bastar, Bijapur and Sukma districts of Chhattisgarh, Maoists regularly ambush
security personnel.

Way forward

There are hardly any signs that the Maoist movement is declining and the Government cant remain
complacent.

The movement still has considerable support in many poor rural pockets and tribal regions.

Although, great efforts have been made to improve the condition of the poorest of the poor the gap still
remains wide, enabling the Maoists to exploit the situation.

The Government must understand that the movement cannot be handled by security forces alone.
 The process of improving the conditions of the poor and the tribals need to be speeded up to
effectively check the movement.

Importance

GS 3 (Linkages between development and spread of extremism)

Related question

The persisting drives of the government for development of large industries in backward areas have
resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements with Malkangiri
and naxalbari foci, discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the left wing extremism (LWE) doctrine
affected citizens back into the mainstream of social and economic growth. (UPSC, GS 3, 2015)

Nov. 10, 2016

Straws in the wind Editorial 10th Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : Straws in
the wind Background
Last few days saw record levels of air pollution in Delhi which has potentially serious health impacts on
children and elderly.

The high air pollution over the past week has been the cumulative effect of meteorological conditions
(temperature inversion), vehicular pollution, smoke from crackers, garbage burning and stubble burning
in the fields in neighbouring Punjab and Haryana.

Stubble burning

Paddy stubble burning is a major reason for affecting air quality in Delhi during the onset of winter.

This is done to prepare the field for sowing of wheat in November.

As this is done every year despite an order by NGT and efforts by the State governments to prevent it,
the problem of poor air quality in Delhi during October-November is a recurrent one.

Presently, paddy straw has no economic value for farmers in these States.

The rice-wheat rotation

Historically, rice was not a major crop grown in Punjab and Haryana but with development of
irrigation, assured price (minimum support price) and secured market (government procurement)
farmers took to extensive paddy cultivation.
 Rice and wheat is cultivated in rotation which has put land and water resources under severe strain,
resulting in depletion of soil nutrients, decline in water table, build-up of pests and diseases.

Initiatives for crop diversification failed mainly because lack of marketing facilities for fruits and
vegetables.

Crop residue management

Farmers in Punjab and Haryana grow high-yield varieties of rice and wheat and have a high level of
mechanisation of agricultural operations including harvesting

The machines for harvesting (combine harvester) cuts the crop well above the ground and leave
substantial amount of stubble on the field which is difficult to collect manually.

As the wheat residue (bhusa) is a highly valuable fodder, farmers run a chaff combine (reaper) after
combine harvesting to make it into dry fodder.

Therefore, wheat residue is not burnt because of the availability of technology and its higher
economic value as dry fodder.

Rice straw is not used as fodder due to its high silica content and because of its little economic value
farmers burn it.

Way forward

There is a need for sustainable technological solutions that can help farmers to effectively utilize crop
residue and eliminate the need for burning it.

With a grain-to-straw ratio of 0.68, huge amount of paddy straw is available in Punjab and Haryana
which can be effectively used for biomass based power generation.

Suitable machinery must be developed for incorporation of crop residue in the soil.

Initiatives should be made to convert the removed residues into enriched organic manure through
composting.

Use of paddy straw cardboard making and in packing industries and paper mills must be
encouraged.

New opportunities for industrial use such as extraction of yeast protein can be explored through
scientific research.

There is also a need to develop rice varieties that are both rich in grain yield and high in straw
quality.

Efforts should also be made for encouraging crop diversification by making available marketing
opportunities for fruits and vegetables and encouraging pulse (arhar) cultivation.

Importance

GS 3 (Environment conservation)

Related question

The problem of poor air quality in NCR during the onset of winter has become a recurrent problem.
Discuss the various causes and suggest solutions for improving the air quality.

Nov. 9, 2016
The politics of perceptions Editorial 9th Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : The
politics of perceptions The
context
It is intuitive to think that poverty and declining economic conditions lead to public discontent.

But in India Human Development Survey (IHDS), it was found that in addition to objective economic
conditions, subjective feeling of deprivation also plays a role in evaluation of ones economic condition and
generating discontent.

India and Pakistan a contrast

India and Pakistan saw a similar decline in poverty in the last decade but more Indians felt that their
economic condition is improving than Pakistanis.

This could not be explained by awareness of relative poverty due to greater income inequality in
Pakistan because inequality in Pakistan and India was similar, with Indian inequality being marginally higher.

Role of perceptions

This contrast can be explained by perceptions.

The sense of economic deprivation is closely linked to the social and political environment.

A well governed society creates a sense of security which is as important as economic

advancement.

Findings of IHDS

Bad governance and unfair treatment influence feeling of economic marginalisation.

Governance and social policies play an important role in enhancing or diminishing feelings of
economic insecurity.

Physical insecurity feeds a feeling of economic insecurity.

Good public service delivery creates a feeling of economic prosperity.

A sense of fairness in economic outcomes also influences perceptions of prosperity.

More trust in political institutions leads to a favourable perception of ones economic progress.

These findings dont mean that perceptions, rather than actual economic change, determine feeling of
deprivation.

But actual impact of economic changes depends upon the aforementioned factors.

Conclusion

These results suggest that prosperity, good governance as well as focus on fairness, rather than
electoral promises and doles, are likely to electoral rewards.

Therefore, politicians must focus on inclusive growth with good governance.

The survey also reveals that majority of the population holds an unfavourable opinion of political
institutions. Efforts should be made to increase this confidence.

Importance

Essay

GS 4 (Attitude)

Related question

Individual feeling of economic progress depends upon objective economic outcomes as well as
subjective factors. Explain with illustrations.
Nov. 8, 2016

Linking food and nutrition security Editorial 8th Oct'16 The Hindu

Details : Linking food

and nutrition security Background
The National Food Security Act (NFSA) was passed in 2013 and it was expected to be fully
implemented across India by July 2016.
 But as of now, only 5 states Punjab, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan have fully
implemented its provisions and some other states like Delhi, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka have
partially implemented its provisions.

When fully implemented, the Act will ensure food security and enhance nutritional status of 720
million people.

Preliminary surveys

Preliminary surveys undertaken in some of these States have revealed positive outcomes like
administrative reforms, significant increase in the number of households having ration cards, and
improvement in the distribution and consumption of food through fair price shops.

Food and nutritional security in NFSA

Though the two concepts are interlinked, nutritional security has a wider connotation as it includes
adequate intake of various macro and micro nutrients, healthcare and environmental factors.

NFSA tries to address nutritional security also but factors such as poor quality of food which lack
micro nutrients and no diet diversity, unhygienic storage conditions of storage may undermine the
efforts.

But there are also positive features such as provision of free daily meals for children and maternity
benefits which can combat under-nutrition (calorie deficiency) and malnutrition (protein deficiency).

The Odisha study

A study was conducted in Koraput and Bolangir in the KBK (most backward) region and Nayagarh in the
non-KBK region in Odisha. While KBK districts follow a universal PDS, non-KBK districts have a targeted
one.

There is high prevalence of under-nutrition and malnutrition in the selected districts with 50 % of the
population malnourished and 43 % undernourished for all the districts together. These rates are relatively
higher (nearly 68 %) among the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households

One third of the monthly per capita consumption of rice (staple food) for all beneficiaries and about 74
% for AAY households is sourced from the PDS.

The contribution of PDS to energy intake among AAY households is double (60 %) than other
beneficiaries.

Reforms initiated in Odisha

These outcomes have been made possible due to reforms initiated by the government like:

1. abolition of private procurement and storage system

2.a greater role for public agencies in controlling diversion of foodgrain from the godown to the
millers
3. proper recording of procurement, storage and distribution of grains across the departments

4. distribution of food through self-help groups and gram panchayats and its regular monitoring at the
block and ward levels

Replicating Odisha

The reforms initiated by the Odisha government should be replicated in States that are yet to fully
implement the NFSA.

They should focus on dietary diversification to ensure appropriate nutritional intake and should
include coarse cereals and pulses in the PDS.

This will improve the nutritional status of the AAY households who have a greater access to PDS but the
problem of undernourishment is more serious among them.

The implementation of the NFSA across the country should be accelerated with States in a mission
mode.
 The States must work on digitisation of ration cards, computerisation of offtake and delivery of
foodgrains, and effective monitoring of fair price shops.

This will bring in greater transparency in the system and would go a long way towards raising the
nutritional status of Indians.

Importance

GS 2 (Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the
performance of these schemes;Issues relating to poverty and hunger.)

GS 3 (Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping)

Related question

Evaluate the effectiveness of the NFSA in addressing food and nutritional security. How nutritional
security is different from food security?

Nov. 7, 2016

Gazing at a longer horizon Editorial 7th Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : Gazing at a
longer horizon The context
Indias foreign and security policy seems to be driven by tactical (short term) considerations rather than
any strategic (long term) thinking.

The energetic foreign policy has failed to deliver in terms of tangible outcomes and is marked by
inconsistency and lack of follow-up measures.

All this points towards lack of a long term vision of nations interests.

Pre-occupied with South Asia

Despite its global ambitions, India behaves like it is confined to South Asian geopolitical space.

Increasing diplomatic and political confrontation with Pakistan will further restrict India to South
Asia.

Growing tensions with China will also prompt it to try to restrain India within South Asian geopolitical
space.

Highlighting the human rights violations in Baluchistan will increase this confinement and waste the
diplomatic energy limited by very few diplomats.

Even as India is finding itself increasingly restrained in South Asia, its influence in the region is
declining due to rising economic and military power of China.

Terror-fixated foreign policy

Indias single minded diplomatic focus on Pakistan-backed terrorism displays a tactical approach to
foreign policy.

It compromises Indias long term national interests as New Delhis concerns are far greater than just
terrorism and terror is not the most important strategic and existential threat.

It had also put strain on already complicated ties with China.

More important issues like governance and institutional reforms, FDI, economic diplomacy and
forging global partnerships have taken a backseat.
 It has also led to internationalization of the Kashmir issue which India had always tried to avoid.

Lastly, this focus on terrorism wont be able to deliver any visible outcomes.

Messy alliance behavior

New Delhis foreign policy engagements in general and alliance choices in particular seems
impulsive than well-thought-out.

New Delhis relationship with Washington, especially after signing the LEMOA is a clear departure
from its traditional policy of not getting into military alliances and maintaining strategic autonomy.
While LEMOA is not a military alliance it is very similar to it.

Such a close military relationship with a declining power can undermine Indias ability to protect its
interests in the regions shifting balances of power.

Indias efforts at counterbalancing China, especially through Vietnam, may not serve their purpose as
Vietnam might not want to get into an open squabble with China.

Absence of long-term vision

Long-term strategic thinking requires solid intellectual foundations and freedom from short term
political expediencies, institutional coordination and follow-up action.

But there are no signs that this is happening.

This has led to a lack of focus and prioritization of goals and objectives.

Benefits of a grand strategic vision

In the absence of grand strategic guidance security and foreign policy related issues are dealt with ad
hoc measures and missing the larger context.

If there is a grand strategic vision in place, institutions will learn to refer to them and adjust their
policies accordingly. This will lead to a lot more coherence in security and foreign policy.

Way forward

Long-term strategic thinking must drive nations security and foreign policy. For this. India must not
restrain its policies to South Asia and Pakistan-backed terrorism.

New Delhi should stay away from forming alliances and chart strategic partnerships with various
powers through sustained and mature negotiations.

The Government should regularly set up highly specialised groups to generate policy reports and
perspective planning for policymakers.

There should be structures within the government (over and above the regular bureaucratic
apparatuses) tasked with grand strategic thinking in a purposeful manner, whose inputs are then
taken on board.
 India should also frame a comprehensive national security doctrine.

A national security doctrine which is framed after broad based political consultation, careful scenario
building and net assessment by experts can prevent the unnecessary politicisation of national security
issues.

Importance

GS 2 (International relations)

GS 3 (Security)

Related question

Do you think that Indias foreign and security policy seems to be driven by tactical considerations rather
than any strategic thinking? Justify your answer. Also discuss the need for a national security doctrine
embedded in a grand strategic vision.
Nov. 5, 2016

Ominous curb on media freedom Editorial 5th Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : Ominous curb

on media freedom The issue
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has ordered that television news channel NDTV India be
taken off air for 24 hours.

It is a serious violation of media freedom and amounts to imposing restrictions on journalistic

content.

The decision

The decision is related to the telecast of the terrorist attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in
January.

After an inquiry by an inter-ministerial committee, it was found that the channel aired sensitive
information that compromised the safety of military personnel and civilians.

Channels defence

The channel argued that

1. It disclosed nothing that was not published or aired by other media outlets,

2. Its reportage was largely based on official briefings,

3. It was done in a responsible manner.

Shortcomings in the decision making

After the 26/11 attacks, it has been realized that there is need for restrained and responsible
coverage of anti-terrorism operations.

The News Broadcasting Standards Authority, set up by the News Broadcasters Association, has come up
with a set of rules.

The Ministry could have either approached the authority or formed an independent panel to look into the
issue.

But it has invoked a rule that imposes a blanket ban on all live coverage of any anti-terrorist
operation until it ends and cited statutory provisions that empower the government to regulate or
prohibit the transmission of TV programmes. There is no mention of any provision for appeal.
 Taking a channel off air will lead to self-censorship by other news channels.

Way forward

Irresponsible reporting should be penalized but the penalty should not be decided by the
government.

Such a decision should be made by independent forum.

Piecing together an encounter Editorial 5th Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : Piecing
together an encounter
Background

Recently, 8 members of banned outfit Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) escaped Bhopal jail and
were later gunned down in an encounter with the Police.

Questions are being asked about the genuineness of the encounter after some video and audio clips
related to it surfaced.

This has raised a debate which has legal, administrative, intellectual and political dimensions and has a
bearing on the nations internal security policy.

Lesson to learn

There is need to strengthen the lowest rung of national security architecture i.e. the police stations and
prisons. This means putting proper procedures in place and following them rigorously. For a proactive
approach to national security, such trivial matters must also be paid close attention.

Polices defense

The chief of Anti-terrorism squad has argued that the police was legally empowered to kill the
fugitives even though they were unarmed.

Section 46 (2) and (3) of the Criminal Procedure Code says that if and when a person forcibly resists the
endeavour to arrest him, police may use all means necessary to effect the arrest, including causing the
death of a person if he is accused of an offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life.

However, the judgment of the police officer on the spot should be called up for review either in an
inquiry or a judicial proceeding.

Handling the pressure

When there is loss of lives justice demands that there be an inquiry to ascertain the facts.

But, those conducting inquiries are not familiar with the pressures under which police officers in the field
function.

There are certain occasions when passions run high, especially when a police officer has been
killed.

The problem of the officer in charge is to ensure compliance with law in a heavily charged atmosphere,
which cannot be understood by those who have not been in the field under conditions of immense
pressure.

In an internal security situation, one has to abide by the law of the land, which limits the extent or the
scope of the reaction.

Way forward

The government should empower the police with suitable legislations to take strong action against
terrorism.
 People conducting inquiries into the police encounters with terrorists must be sensitized about the
conditions under which police operates in the field. This will ensure that morale of police officers is not
affected.

Nov. 4, 2016

Brexit as an opportunity Editorial 4th Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : Brexit as
an opportunity Background
 British Prime Ministers Theresa Mays is scheduled to visit during the India-U.K. Tech Summit.

This will be her first to a non-European Union (EU) country and comes in the backdrop of Britains
eventual exit for the EU.

The visit should be used to address the concerns of Indian and International industry over Brexit.

India Inc. and Brexit

There are many Indian companies in UK and many more are planning to invest there.

Some of these like Tata Steel are big employers and some others are growing rapidly.

The impact of Brexit on these Indian businesses in the U.K. is not very clear.

Indian companies operate in a variety of sectors from pharmaceuticals to the creative industries,
manufacturing and financial services. So the impact of Brexit on them will be very similar to that on
U.K. businesses.

There is uncertainty about whether there will be a hard Brexit (a situation where Britain leaves the EU
and the single market entirely and then have a relationship based - at least initially - on World Trade
Organization rules) or a soft Brexit (where the UK retains some form of membership of the European
Union single market in return for a degree of free movement).

Indian companies are already in the process of gaining the necessary licences and other factors
needed to operate in Europe, should the need for separate ones arise.

Concerns of different sectors

The automobile sector is not only dependent on a cross-European supply chain but also exports much
of its product to the continental Europe. The British Government has pledged for a tariff-free
relationship for the sector and provide as much support for the industry as it was able to without
breaching tough EU aid rules.

The steel sector is heavily dependent on the EU as around half of its steel exports annually go to the
continent. It is also dependent on coordinated action with the EU for imposing anti-dumping tariffs on
Chinese products.

The pharmaceutical sector will be deeply affected by the future location of London-headquartered
European Medical Agency under a hard Brexit. It could impact their access to European registration for
their drugs.

The IT sector will be significantly impacted and on a number of levels. The sector will be affected by
declining pound which would impact the profitability of existing contracts. The IT sector moves skilled
workers across the EU from London headquarters and presently there is uncertainty over the free
movement of people across the EU.

The outsourcing industry will be negatively impacted as declining pound will reduce the need for
outsourcing.
 The firms which are attracted by the U.K. with specific conditions for its design and technology, will
not be affected much. But those who use Britain as a launching pad for European operations will be
affected.

Way forward

The British PM must use the visit as a chance to provide reassurances for industry not just from India but
across the world which is concerned about the direction of Brexit negotiations.

There should be more clarity on the direction of negotiations and the Government must not follow a
sector-by-sector approach to reassurances which can increase complexity of the business environment.

Importance

GS 2 (International relations)

Related question
 How will the direction of Brexit negotiations impact Indian businesses in Britain? Discuss.

Nov. 3, 2016

On parallel tracks Editorial 3rd Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : On
parallel tracks
Background
India is witnessing increasing contractualization of workforce is fueling labor unrest. Contract
workers earn less than permanent workers and have no job security.

In a significant judgment, the Supreme Court ruled that contract workers should get the same pay as
permanent workers and that denial of equal pay for equal work amounted to exploitative enslavement
and is a violation of human dignity.

Though the verdict was for workers employed by the government, it is relevant forlabour in both the
public and private sector.

No change

One would expect that the verdict will have an immediate and positive impact on contract workers.

But this is unlikely to happen because contract workers are not organized (unionized)and therefore
dont have access to collective bargaining.

Membership of trade unions

Trade unions typically have only permanent workers as members as contract workers are not treated as
employees of the employer in question as their salaries are paid by the labour contractor.

But this does not disqualify a contract worker from being a member of a factorys union because as per
the Trade Unions Act, 1926, any worker who works in a factory can join a union of that factory.

Recently, the Gurgaon District Court ruled that any workman employed by a factory was eligible to
participate in union activities.

But no union gives membership and voting rights to contract workers.

Reasons

Workers believe that forming a union that also includes contract workers will provoke hostile
reactions from the management.
 Managements also refuse to discuss with trade unions any issues concerning contract workers.

Contract workers stay away from union activities because due to their inherent job insecurity, they fear
summary termination.

Permanent workers dont want to extend union membership to contract workers because they fear
being outnumbered by them.

Legal operating framework

Contract labour was initially employed only for non-production work but soon, they began to be
increasingly employed in production as well.

In response to workers protest, the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 (CL Act) was
enacted.

Ironically, the CL Act, which was supposed to abolish contract labour, offered a legal operating
framework to labour contractors.

The CL Act introduced a distinction between an employer and a principal employer which
expanded contractualisation.

Before the CL Act, temporary and permanent workers could bargain with the employer and
negotiate as members of the same union.

The CL ACT prohibits the employment of contract labour for core production.

But labour contractors evade this requirement through sham contracts in which a worker is shown as
having been hired for a cleaning job but is actually engaged in production work.

Way forward

Indias contract workers remain both heavily exploited and largely un-unionised, with the lack of
unionisation and exploitation reinforcing each other.

Indias labour movement should find a way to unionise contract workers and reconcile the interests of
permanent workers with that to contract workers.

Legislations and judicial pronouncements may not change things much on the ground.

The answers to problems of contract labourers is labour movement and unionization.

Importance

GS 2 (Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the
performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection
and betterment of these vulnerable sections)

GS 3 (Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth,

development and employment)

Related question

Indias contract workers remain both heavily exploited and largely un-unionised, with the lack of
unionisation and exploitation reinforcing each other. Critically examine the reasons for lack of
unionization among contract labour. Also suggest measures to improve condition of contract labour.

Nov. 2, 2016

Winking at the States Editorial 2nd Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : Winking at
the States Background
The Central government wanted to amend the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land
Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, as it was deemed restrictive for its policies such as
Make in India, but was unable to do so in the face of public opposition.

So, the government is encouraging States to draft and pass their own laws for land acquisition and get
them approved by the Centre.

Following this,states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Telangana have amended their laws or
working in that direction.

Three concerns

As per the doctrine of occupied field under Article 254(1) of the Constitution, if there exists a
Central law on a concurrent subject, then a State law cannot override it.
 However, Article 254(2) provides that if a State law receives presidential assent after due
consideration, then it can apply in contravention to the Central law in that particular State.

This provision is used to permit States to pass land acquisition laws in conflict with the 2013 Act and it
gives rise to three grave jurisprudential concerns.

1) Doctrine of colourable legislation

Article 254(2) intends to bring in changes to Central laws if there are genuine difficulties in
implementing them in a particular State due to its special conditions.

It doesnt intend to weaken inconvenient central laws.

The 2013 law is constitutionally sound and enjoys widespread public support.

If the Central Government tries to weaken the 2013 law by using Article 254(2), it falls under the
doctrine of colourable legislation as what the government cannot do directly, it cannot do indirectly.

Therefore, it can be struck down by the judiciary.

2) Presidential assent

The Supreme Court in a landmark Constitution Bench decision in Kaiser-I-Hind Pvt. Ltd. v. National Textile
Corporation (2002) held, in relation to Article 254(2), there should be active application of mind by the
President.

Constitutional scholar Durga Das Basu also supports this interpretation.

Therefore it is clear that the President must act deliberately and consciously and not merely on the
advice of the Council of Ministers.

The President must examine if compelling reasons exists to sanction significant deviations from the 2013
law.

The Supreme Court in the Kaiser-i-Hind case, has made it clear that Presidential assent under Article
254(2) is also open to judicial review on the ground that whether there was thorough reflection and
conscious application of mind by the President or not.

3) Undermining Parliament

If States are allowed to dilute inconvenient Central laws on subjects of Concurrent list as they deem fit, it
defeats the very purpose of having a Concurrent list and undermines the Parliament.

Here distinction must be made between Parliament and the Central government. The Central
Government wishes to dilute the 2013 law which is an Act of Parliament.

Therefore it is breaching the provisions of Article 254(1) which give supremacy to laws made by
Parliament unless States have a genuine necessity to deviate.

Way forward
 The Centres use of Article 254(2) can be successfully challenged in the Courts.

This will lead to uncertainty in policy and unnecessary delays.

Therefore, if there are deficiencies in the 2013 law, they should be addressed by bringing about
consensus among all the stakeholders and not by exploiting constitutional loopholes.

Importance

GS 2 (polity)

Related questions

The Central governments approach to Land acquisition and labour laws is not without legal
infirmities. Comment.
Nov. 1, 2016

The pivot through Kabul Editorial 1st Nov'16 The Hindu

Details : The
pivot through Kabul
Background
Afghanistan, under President Hamid Karzai, had asked India to supply a range of military equipment but
India dragged its feet due to fear of provoking Pakistan.

But President Ashraf Ghanisoutreach to Pakistan and peace overtures to Talibanmade any military
cooperation between New Delhi and Kabul difficult and doubtful.

But after Presidents Ghanis failed experiments with Pakistan and Taliban, Afghanistan is looking back
at India and the question of arms has come back on the agenda.

India had already donated some transport and attack helicopters and there may be plans to supply
artillery, trucks and even light armoured vehicles.

Will this change anything?

Even though the Afghan National Security Forces have made important progress against Islamic
State, they have suffered serious reverses against Taliban despite foreign support.

At the strategic level, arms cannot compensate for failure of leadership in the police, army and at the
political level. They may, at best, make a marginal difference.

But their real purpose is to serve as political signals of support, aiding Mr. Ghanis tilt back towards New
Delhi and ensuring that India left out of the four-nation Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) on
peace talks comprising Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, and the U.S. retains influence over the direction of
the conflict.

Broader trend

Indias supply of arms to Afghanistan points to a broader trend of projection of national power
through arms export.

India is well positioned to become a net provider of security in the immediate region and beyond but New
Delhi has emphasised soft security missions, like disaster relief and evacuation, rather than full military
missions.

Arms sales and donations provide a middle ground.

India is a small player in this game but its clout is growing.

Indian arms exports doubled by value from 2012-13 to 2014-15 to over $200 million.
Most of these have been spares and minor equipment but India has also exported patrol boats,
maritime patrol aircraft, radar, armoured vehicles, anti-tank weapons, and helicopters.

India directly operates some of these assets, notably part of the coastal surveillance radar chain
unfolding across the Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.

There are also talks of export of BRAHMOS missiles, Light Combat Helicopter and LCA Tejas. . This
would be extremely consequential and all of these platforms would affect the military balance in a
significant way.

Indias growing arms footprint in Afghanistan points to an important future aspect of its regional
power projection.

Rewards and risks

Arms generate revenue but more importantly they can also transform the balance of power, cement
alliances, and provide influence during crises and wars.

But there are also risks associated with it. Arms can be looted or even turned on their provider, especially
where regimes change suddenly. Arms can also fuel conflicts, reducing the incentive on one side or another
to negotiate with adversaries.

Way forward

Arms export can be an important tool to project Indias military power as India adopts a more
assertive military policy.

But supply of arms should be done under a well-defined policy with clear focus on the outcomes to be
achieved through it.

Importance

GS 3 (International relations)

Related question

Indias incremental arms supply to Afghanistan points to a broader trend of using arms export to
project national power. Elaborate. Discuss pros and cons of this policy.

Oct. 28, 2016

Ways out of the GST maze Editorial 28th Oct'16 The Hindu

Details : Ways out

of the GST maze Background
The passage of GST bill and the ratification of the Constitutional amendment bill by the states, the
Government have set before itself the deadline of 01 April 2017 to implement GST.

In this process the GST council met in series of meetings to decide on various aspects related to the
implementation including the GST rates.

The third meeting of the council to decide on the GST rates ended without any decision on GST rates as
the states objected to Centres proposal to impose a cess over and above the GST on ultra-luxury and
demerit goods such as big cars, aerated beverages and tobacco products.

Present status of indirect taxes

Currently, more than 25 different tax rates on various goods and services are levied by 29 States and
the Centre combined.
 This yields nearly Rs.9 lakh crore as total indirect tax revenues.

The GST Council is trying to reduce these 25 different rates into three or four tax rates to yield at least
the same amount or more.

It is the difficulty in arriving at these 3 or 4 tax rates which should maximize the tax revenues for the
Government that has led to the proposal to impose the cess.

Centres concerns

As the States lose their fiscal autonomy under the GST and will now have limited powers to raise their
own revenues, they will be entirely dependent on transfers from the Centre.

Therefore the Centre will compensate the states for any shortfall in the rvenues of the States for a
period of % years.
 This has made the Centre to shore up its revenues by proposing an extra cess on luxury goods.

If this is implemented, this would mean six different cess rates on nearly 40 different goods, which will
result in 10-12 different tax rates.

Arguments in support of multiple rates and counter arguments

The Centre argues that multiple rates are necessary in an unequal society like India.

But India was as unequal when the GST was proposed as one nation, one tax.

The cess proposal is also defended on the grounds that there is no tax theory that two tax rates are
better than four.

This argument goes against the principle of GST which seeks to combine 25 different tax rates into 3 or 4
tax rates.

Revenue maximizing rate

The question is what will be the tax rates that will maximise revenues and minimise inflation.

The GST council should stick to the recommendation of 18 % by the committee headed by Chief
Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian.

There can be one slab below and one slab higher than this standard rate, other than a 0 per cent rate
for some essentials.

The expected buoyancy of tax revenues under the GST regime may make up for the shortfall in the
revenues.

If GST collections fall short?

If there is a shortfall in the revenue, the Centre will have to resort to additional borrowing which
should be excluded from the purview of FRBM Act.

This will put additional short-term pressure on monetary policy and crowd out corporate credit but it is
impossible to balance the revenues for States, clean GST and fiscal discipline at the same time.

Protecting the poor

The economic diversity of Indias States makes categorizing of goods extremely difficult. What may be
luxury goods in one State may be essential goods in another.

The GST is an indirect tax and will affect the poor and rich equally.

Therefore, the poor should be protected from an unduly heavy tax burden through a low uniform
rate for most goods except elite and sin goods.

Who will collect these taxes?

A uniform tax administration to enable better compliance is also a part of GST.

 The taxpayers should have minimum interface with the government, preferably just one.

Since GST is a destination tax, States should collect it and Centre can keep audit and enforcement
functions.

Conclusion

Keeping in mind the above suggestions will be helpful in carrying along extremely diverse States for a
smoothtransition to a unified one nation, one tax regime.

Importance

GS 2 (issues and challenges pertaining to thefederal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to
local levels and challenges therein)

GS 3 (mobilization of resources)
Related question

What challenges are expected in implementation of GST regime from the next financial year?
Suggest measures to overcome these challenges.

Oct. 26, 2016

Playing on geopolitical chessboards Editorial 26th Oct'16 The Hindu

Details : Playing on
geopolitical chessboards Background
India has been pursuing a robust, even aggressive, foreign policy for quite some time which has
served India well.

But its approach towards some of the multilateral organizations is changing which was evident in
PMs decision to skip NAM summit and invitation to BIMSTEC instead of SAARC during the BRICS
summit.

Given the several changes in direction and departures from past policies and practices, there is need
to debate whether this amounts to a redefining of Indias foreign policy.

Reorienting foreign policy

International diplomacy is a complex exercise in which gain of one party doesnt amount to loss of
other party.

Therefore, for reorienting the countrys foreign policy, power dynamics of international system,
national interests and decision-making factors must be given due consideration.

It is also important to maintain coherence and balance.

However, that this has not been done even as the policy is changing is indicated by Indias current
approach towards different multilateral organisations.

Importance of Multilateral organisations

Since Independence, India has played a leading role in multilateral fora.

To maximize its advantages, India clearly needs to be a member of as many multilateral groupings as
possible.

Therefore, the utility of participation in such fora must be studied carefully before deciding that
some of them are less important.
NAM

As the world is moving towards transactional politics from ideological politics and with non-
alignment giving way to strategic alignment, NAM may seem outdated.

But it is still relevant for many Third World countries and India could utilize NAM to counter
increasing Chinese influence.

SAARC

Even though SAARC has largely been ineffective, it has begun to display new energy.

Indias policy of asymmetrical and non-reciprocal approach towards other SAARC members (Gujaral
Doctrine) has been welcomed.

Ignoring SAARC due to conflict with Pakistan will be unwise.

 Fora such as BIMSTEC and BCIM cant replace SAARC because of Chinese influence in almost every
country of the grouping.

BRICS

The divergence of strategic interests of Russia, China and India, and economic conditions of Russia, Brazil
and South Africa has affected its potential.

But the idea of BRICS is still relevant. India must show skillful diplomacy to restore BRICS to its previous
glory and to avoid being cornered by growing strategic and economic cooperation between Russia and
China.

Changing ties

Indias foreign policy has to evolve with changing geo-political conditions.For instance, a decade and a
half ago, India-Russia relationship was strong and Indo-US ties were tense. Now the situation seems to be
reversed.

Even though Russia is the most favoureddefence supplier it cannot be seen as a strategic ally as of now
as Russia is diversifying its relations and had moved closer to China to counter U.S. moves in Asia.

The China-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination and the recent Russia- Pakistan
military exercises demonstrate the growing strategic uncertainty in our neighbourhood and in Asia as a
whole.

China

Chinas not so peaceful rise, its growing economic and military power, its growing strategic congruence
with Russia, and a further strengthening of its ties with Pakistan pose a serious challenge for India.

The One Belt, One Road initiative and the new Maritime Silk Route can restrain India and Indian
initiatives in Asia.

Way forward

As India aspires to become a leading power it should use various multilateral groupings to ush
forward its national interests and counter growing Chinese influence.

In this context, it should view regional and world developments holistically and not narrowly by
focusing on the single issue of terrorism.

The changes in foreign policy must be made after careful consideration and such changes should be
coherent and regular.

India should highlight its economic growth and human capital to gain influence and contribute
meaningfully towards global prosperity.

Importance

GS 2 (Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting
Indiasinterests)

Related question

As India aspires to become a leading power, its attention of its foreign policy must be focused on Chinas
not so peaceful rise and not on a narrow issue of terrorism. Discuss. How can India protect its national
interests and at the same time counter growing Chinese influence?

Oct. 25, 2016

Postcards of change Editorial 25th Oct'16 The Hindu

Details :
Postcards of change Background
From 1962 to 2010, Myanmar was ruled by the Military directly or indirectly.

During this time China developed strong relations with Myanmar as Myanmars only significant
diplomatic partner.

But from 2011 to 2015 a series of gradual political reforms was undertaken by the military backed
government which culminated in 2015 elections and formation of Government by National League for
Democracy (NLD), Aung San SuuKyis party.

Ms. SuuKyi couldnt be appointed as the President as the 2008 constitution bars anyone with foreign
spouse or children from Presidentship but she plays an important role in the government and is de facto
head of the government.

During this time Myanmar has also looked to diversify its foreign relations.

In this context, visits by President HtinKyaw and State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San
SuuKyi assume importance.

Myanmar is important for Indias Act East policy as it is situated at the intersection of South Asia,
Southeast Asia and China.

Therefore, it is necessary to take a holistic look at the developments in Myanmar.

Long road to reconciliation

1) Military rule

Even though emergence Ms. SuuKyis as the de facto leader of the governmentrepresent a historic
transformation but the democratic transition is not complete.

Power is shared between the civilian government and the military on the understanding that the
party would operate within the 2008 Constitution and the military would allow it to govern.

This has brought some stability in the relationship between the civilian government and the
military.

However, full democracy and shift to federalism cannot be introduced without constitutional reform.

The NLD decided to postpone the issue of constitutional reforms for a later date.

2) Decentralization of power

The power isconcentrated in Ms. SuuKyi and second rung of leadership have not been created.

Tight control of the party leadership over NLD MPs has diluted Parliaments control over the
executive.

3) Peoples aspiration

People had hoped that democracy would bring quick economic progress but economic progress has
been slow.

However they are willing to give more time to the government.

4) Reconciliation with ethnic minorities

Trust between the majority Myanmarese community and ethnic minorities as well as between the
military and ethnic armed groups remains low.

Buddhist-Muslim relations have also worsened.

Resolving these tensions to bring peace and security will be a formidable challenge for Ms. SuuKyi
especially because of Chinese involvement in the internal problems.
The Chinese embrace

Myanmars most important foreign relationship is with China but itis becoming increasingly
unpopular.

Myanmar understand that it needs a strong relationship with China but it also wants to diversify its
foreign relations to make them more broad based and reduce its dependence on China.

Therefore, the SuuKyi government has adopted a balanced and non-aligned foreign policy with a
sympathetic attitude towards China.

The decision on the Myitsone Dam will be important in this context. It might be possible that the
project would be cancelled but Chinese companies may win new projects of strategic value in south-
western Myanmar. This should raise concerns in India.

Way forward for India-Myanmar relations

Relations with democratic Myanmar are gathering momentum and now time has come to support
them by tough decisions by both sides.

Myanmar Army should proactively cooperate with India to curb anti-India insurgent activity from
Myanmarese soil.

The two governments should establish a strategic partnership. It will be in line with the balanced
foreign policy of Myanmar as it already enjoys a comprehensive strategic partnership with China.

There should be regular summit level interactions between the two governments.

India should expedite the completion of flagship projects KaladanMulti-modal Transport project and the
India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway. Delay in completion is causing considerable
discontent.

At the same time India should develop an effective communication strategy as there is inadequate
public awareness about the recently timely completed Indian projects on IT and agriculture.

People-to-people exchanges should be encouraged. For this, an India-Myanmar Foundation could be

set up which can arrange for extensive exchanges among media, students and civil society groups.

Importance

GS 2 (India and its neighborhood- relations)

Related question

Even though Myanmar has been trying to follow a balanced and non-aligned foreign policy, it cant
ignore its dependence on China. How this poses a challenge in strengthening India-Myanmar relations?
What India should do to overcome this challenge?
Oct. 24, 2016

Stuck in the terrorism groove Editorial 24th Oct'16 The Hindu

Details : Stuck in
the terrorism groove Background
In the aftermath of Uri attacks, India has launched a diplomatic offensive against Pakistan for its
support to cross border terrorism.

Since then, New Delhi has been using each and every diplomatic forum and bilateral meetings to push
for diplomatic isolation of Islamabad.

Focus on singular issue of terrorism

 India is a country which has always combined its interests with larger global good but focus on a
single issue like terrorism does not seem appropriate.

India could open itself to the criticism that it could not think beyond Pakistan sponsored terrorism.

Post 9/11, the world has acknowledged Indias concerns on terrorism and Pakistans role in
supporting terror groups.

But raising this issue at every diplomatic forum to diplomatically isolate Pakistan and attempts to elicit
support of every country in it may be counter-productive as every country has its own geo- political
interests and compulsions.

BRICS Summit

At the Goa Summit, India tried its best to persuade the guests to formally censure Pakistan but China
acted in favour of Pakistan and the final outcome was diluted as it doesnt names Pakistan or terror
groups supported by it.

The outcome could have been projected as a diplomatic victory if the expectations were not raised so
high by India.

The Goa declaration condemns terrorism in all its forms but doesnt define it. While it doesnt
mentions terror groups operating in South Asia, it shows concern over growth and spread of Islamic
State.

A new course of action

Indias focus on single issue of terrorism shows lack of direction after gaining an edge over Pakistan by
carrying out surgical strikes.

The old pattern of terrorist attack by Pakistan, angry verbal reaction by India and then resumption of
dialogue is fruitless.

India should move in a new course of action which can include sensitizing international community about
Pakistans role, using measured force against terrorism on ground, resolving crisis in Kashmir to eliminate
local support for terrorism, amending Indus Water Treaty and trade sanctions against Pakistan.

Efforts to isolate Pakistan contradict Indias policy against internationalization of Kashmir issue as it
brings the Kashmir issue into international limelight.

Lessons from recent experience

The world doesnt view terrorism in Kashmir as a part of global terrorism.

The policy of most nations is influenced by the UN recognition of Kashmir as a disputed territory.

The India sponsored Comprehensive Convention on International terrorism is unlikely to be adopted by

the UN due to absence of an unanimous definition of terrorism.

Way forward
 India should frame the debate on terrorism in a broader framework. It should take a tough stand
against Islamic State and its spread and project cross border terrorism as another manifestation of
global terrorism.

India should present its case to the world community in a dignified and forceful manner by
anticipating the possible outcomes and calibrating its requests accordingly.

India should present its concerns by integrating them with common global concerns and as a part of
solution to the global problems. Like Indias claim for permanent seat at the UN Security Council can be
projected as part of the need to correct imbalances in it.

Indias advocacy of nuclear disarmament, its stand on Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty and environmental
negotiations are excellent examples where India has integrated its interests with wider global interests.

This will enable India to gain wider support of world community without forcing them to take sides.
Importance

GS 2 (International relations)

Related question

In an attempt to diplomatically isolate Pakistan, India has been focusing on the single issue of cross
border terrorism. Discuss pros and cons of this approach.

Oct. 21, 2016

A vote on referendums Editorial 21st Oct'16 The Hindu

Details :A
vote on referendums
Background
Recently referendums were held in Britain and Columbia which has reinvigorated the debate on
relevance of referendums in a democracy.

The Indian democracy is maturing with the strengthening of representative institutions, the
separation of powers, and increased participation in elections but citizens participation remains
limited to the elections.

Referendums can help to deepen Indian democracy and make it more accountable and participatory with
meaningful discussions.

Two recent referendums

The referendum in Britain was held to decide whether Britain should stay in the European Union and the
referendum in Columbia was held to ratify the peace deal with Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia
(FARC)

The outcome in both cases was surprising as the majority of those who voted in Britain were in
favour of leaving EU and the majority in Columbia rejected the peace deal though the margin and
turnout was very less.

The referendum in Britain was not a well-considered vote for leaving EU but a protest vote against the
state of economy and perceived loss of jobs due to immigration.

In Colombia, the voters from non-interior parts voted against the peace deal whereas voters from
interior voted in favour of it. Voters from interior parts supported the deal because they wanted the
violence to end as they were the ones suffered due to it. But voters from non-interior parts voted
against it because FARCs strategy of using the money from hostage taking and using it for drug
production had brought it intense disrepute.

Relevance of referendums

The relevance of the referendums is questioned on two grounds: that they are too risky and
representatives in an indirect democracy are more capable of making informed choices.

Referendums cannot said to be more risky because they add legitimacy to difficult legislative
decisions and it is more risky to take unpopular decisions if they lack legitimacy.

And in an indirect democracy, legislators are voted on their electoral promises and popularity and not
on their lawmaking competency and ability to make an informed choice. In India for example,
legislations are influenced more by party bosses than individual legislators.

The need for a referendum and its outcome should be seen separately as each outcome has its
reasons in its specific political economy as seen in case of Britain and Columbia.

The need is to identify when and how referendums are used in a representative democracy.
Relevance in the Indian context

In India, the means of citizen participation in lawmaking are limited. The Standing Committees in
Parliament do invite members from civil society to express their views on Billsbut largely legislations can
only be influenced by public opinion through media coverage as seen in Governments attempts to amend
the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act,
2013.

Referendums on selected legislations (based on a large quantum of public signatures seeking it)
would make public participation more meaningful by sensitising the public towards important laws and
getting popular approval on sensitive issues.

For example, a referendum could have been held on the Aadhaar Act which has a major effect on the
lives of citizens and functioning of the welfare state.

Associated risks

Referendums can lead to majoritarianism and can encroach upon the minority rights.

Therefore, there should be constitutional safeguards on the kinds of Bills and Acts that can be
brought up for referendum.

Way forward

Almost all democracies have held referendums and India is one of the few who have never held a
referendum.

Referendums could strengthen and deepen democratic values in Indian citizens and give a strong
mechanism to the electorate to express their will even between elections.

Therefore, the idea should not be rejected summarily on the grounds of being impractical and should be
explored further.

Referendums could be used as a special mechanism with adequate constitutional safeguards to push
democracy deeper in India.

Importance

GS 2 (Polity)

Related question

Do you think that India has reached a stage where it can introduce limited direct democracy by
holding referendums on important issues? Discuss in the light of benefits and risks associated with
referendums?

Additional Information

What are referendums?

Referendum is an instrument of direct democracy where citizens get to directly vote on specific and
important issues rather than for representatives who will make a choice on their behalf on those issues. It
is a general vote by the electorate on a single political question which has been referred to them for a
direct decision.

Oct. 20, 2016

Britains Indian litmus test 20th Oct'16 Editorial The Hindu

Details :

Britains Indian litmus test

Background
British Prime Ministers Theresa Mays is scheduled to visit during the India-U.K. Tech Summit in
November.

This will be her first to a non-European Union (EU) country and comes in the backdrop of Britains
eventual exit for the EU.

It is a significant visit which can infuse new energy in bilateral political and economic relations.

Significance for UK

The visit has greater significance beyond the bilateral relationship as it would be a test of the new
Governments ability fuse two fundamentally inconsistent policies of forming stronger relationships with
non-EU countries while introducing a tougher immigration regime at the same time.

It will also signify a new approach of UK to economic diplomacy which focuses on capturing a large
number of solid opportunities by building greater links between small and medium-sized enterprises in
India rather than a few big deals.

Even though EU rules forbid a separate trade agreement with any EU member, UK wants to discuss a
potential India-U.K. Free Trade Agreement which could be finalized quickly after Britain exits EU.

Significance for India

India could gain significantly as UK would now be not restricted by various rules of EU and concerns of
other EU members. This means UK could open up various areas for Indian goods and services.

But the immigration issues have been obstacles in the India-EU FTA, and it is not likely thatBritain is
willing to take a different approach.

Instead, British Government hasindicated to take a tougher stance on migration even from non-EU
countries and changed the rules related to intra-company transfers which may hurt Indias IT sector. This
will send a wrong message to Indian firms which are already concerned about the impact of Brexit on
their investments.

Britains stand on Pakistan and Kashmir will also figure in the discussions as it has not come out with a
strong statement condemning cross border terrorism.

Conclusion

There must be some concrete gestures on the part of the UK to show its openness for business and
recognition of the value Indian citizens add to its economy.

Though India recognizes the need for immigration control, in needs to impress upon the UK to have a
more balanced approach.

India should also use this opportunity to sensitize Britain of its concerns on cross border terrorism.

Importance

GS 2 (Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on Indias interests, Indian
diaspora)

Related question

In context of India-Britain relations, discuss how Brexit will affect interests of Indian economy,
businesses and citizens.

Oct. 19, 2016

Changing the course of the planet 19th Oct'16 The Hindu Editorial

Details :

Changing the course of the planet

Background

Recently agreed upon Kigali Agreement seeks to amend the Montreal Protocol and phase down
hydrofluorocarbons.

Due to their high global warming potential, HFCs needed to be treated on a higher priority and it was
suggested to phase out HFCs through the already-successful Montreal Protocol.

But the Protocol was meant to deal with only ozone-depleting substances which HFCs were not. So,
it was proposed to amend the Montreal Protocol to enable it to phase out HFCs as well.

This agreement could avoid global warming by up to 0.5 C by 2100.

What are HFCs?

HFCs are gases used for refrigeration and air-conditioning purposes.

But they have hundreds to thousands of times global warming potential than carbon dioxide.

They were meant to replace chloroflurocarbons and hydrocholroflurocarbons in order to protect the
ozone layer.

Good compromise

The Kigali Amendment is not as ambitious or as flexible as desired.

The baseline for developed countries was set at 2011-13 and freeze year at 2019. For most developing
countries (including China), the baseline was set at 2020-22 with 2024 as the freeze year. But India and a
few other developing countries got a later baseline (2024-26) and freeze year (2028).

By not satisfying all the demands of all the countries, the Kigali Amendment signals a good
compromise.

Baselines refer to the average consumption in a period from which future reductions are calculated and
freeze year is the year when the emissions peak and reductions start.

Differentiation with China

India and China are the only developing countries that manufacture HFCs but Chinas output is
much bigger.

Even in 2050, Indias HFC emissions without the agreement would have been much lesser than
Chinas.

Indias A/C market and HFC consumption picks up only after 2025 whereas China will witness rapid
emissions during 2015-2030.

Therefore, the deal accounts for differences in current consumption, future growth and overall
income levels.
Concerns for India

1) Additional Costs

Currently available alternative refrigerants are much more expensive and reduction in emissions
before 2028 would have imposed additional costs.

The cost burden also includes the one-time costs related to migration to new refrigerants.

While a coalition of 19 philanthropies have committed $ 53-million to help developing countries to

shift to HFC alternatives, the actual costs of transition would be much higher.

The costs of transition will also be covered by Developed nations under the Montreal Protocols
Multilateral Fund but it is unclear now how much of the total costs will be covered.

2) Technology
 India needs access to technology as many alternative gases are not manufactured in India currently.

Also there is need to test these alternatives under Indias high ambient temperature conditions.

Gains from Kigali

India demonstrated its commitment to fight global climate change but at the same time secured a
differentiated outcome for itself.

There is provision for a review of technological options so that India has adequate access to required
technology in 2028.

The deal is more effective than the Paris Agreement on Climate Change as it is legally binding.

Way forward

The Government should collaborate with the domestic industry for phasing out the HFCs

In this effort, developed nations should help the developing countries by making the alternative
technologies accessible and providing sufficient financial support for the transition.

If viable alternatives emerge, India should voluntarily begin an earlier phase-down despite being
obliged to do that from 2028.

Importance

GS 3 (Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment)

(Science and Technology)

Related question

Discuss the significance of the recent amendment to the Montreal Protocol. Also examine the
challenges that India face in implementing its commitments under the protocol.

Oct. 18, 2016

Reimagining BRICS Editorial 18th Oct'16 The Hindu

Details : Reimagining
BRICS Background
India hosted the 8th BRICS summit in Goa and used the opportunity to organize a regional outreach by
inviting the BIMSTEC nations for the 4th BIMSTEC summit.

There was minor progress on BRICS agenda of greater economic cooperation and coordination such as
the leaders agreed to fast track the setting up of a BRICS Rating Agency.
 But India tried to use the summit to look beyond the immediate mandate of BRICS and to serve its
larger strategic interests.

Focus on terrorism

India used the summit to voice its concerns over terrorism, especially Pakistan sponsored terrorism.

The Prime Minister forcefully argued against a selective approach to terrorism and highlighted the
need for BRICS to put a united front against it.

This message was primarily aimed at China, which has frustrated Indias efforts for designating Jaish-e-
Mohammad (JeM) chief MasoodAzhar a global terrorist, despite JeM being a UN-declared terror group.

After being not quite successful in convincing China to change its stance on Pakistan sponsored terrorism
against it, India seems to use multilateral forum to pressurize and persuade China to change
its approach.

But China refused to budge and it was decided to discuss the issue further in meeting between the
Chinese State Councillor and Indian NSA.

Regional Economic Cooperation

The BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach was significant as it underscores Indias changing priorities.

Since its foundation in 1997, this association of South and South-East Asian nations has been largely
neglected by its members.

But it seems that India has decided to make BIMSTEC the chief platform for regional economic
cooperation in the backdrop of a dysfunctional SAARC and a marginalized Pakistan in South Asia.

Bilateral ties with Russia

India also used the Goa summit to re-energise its long-standing partnership with Russia, which was
under some strain.

Russia-Pakistan military exercises raised concerns in New Delhi as they came at a time when it was
seeking to diplomatically isolate Pakistan after the Uri terror attacks. And Russia has been concerned
about Indias tilt towards the U.S.

In Goa, India and Russia reaffirmed the strategic nature of their friendship and three major defence
deals worth billions of dollars were signed which included five S-400 Triumf air defence systems.

Conclusion

India recognizes limits of BRICS due to slowing economies and growing intra-BRICS political
divergences.

It has tried to use the multilateral forum to serve its larger strategic ends and maintain strategic
autonomy in its foreign relations.

The success of this endeavor will determine Indias future interest in the forum.

Importance

GS 2 (Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting
Indiasinterests)

Oct. 17, 2016

An onerous task ahead 17th Oct'16 The Hindu Editorial

Details : An
onerous task ahead
Background
The Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015 under United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change.

It fills the gap created by expiry of Second Commitment period of Kyoto Protocol in 2020 and aims to hold
the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 C above pre-industrial levels.

India ratified the agreement on Gandhi jayanti this year and after ratification by European Union, the
agreement will come into force on November 4 2016 as the condition of ratification by more than 55
Parties to the Convention accounting for at least 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
has been fulfilled.

The speed at which ratification process was completed signifies the importance that countries attach
to climate change.

Paris and Kyoto

While the 1997 Kyoto Protocol under UNFCCC made the developed (Annex-1) countries responsible for
reducing GHG emissions, the Paris Agreement puts this responsibility on all countries weather rich or poor.

The Kyoto Protocol had specific targets for the Annex-1 countries but under Paris Agreement, goals for
each country are decided according to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) submitted by them.

Support for building capacity

But most of these commitments are partially or entirely conditional on financial support from
developed countries for their implementation.

For this, developed countries are expected to fund climate related projects in developing countries to
the tune of $100 billion annually from 2020.

But progress on this front is negligible.

Rising Carbon dioxide concentration and inadequacy of NDCs

Carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere has exceeded 400 ppm in September, at a time when
they should be lowest in the year as after the summer vegetation in the Northern hemisphere absorbs
CO2 and in autumn, as leaves fall, the CO2 levels begin to increase.

Scientists generally regarded a CO2 concentration of 350-400 ppm as the maximum level needed for a
safe climate.

The higher concentrations of CO2 and other GHGs are trapping more heat and the earth is getting
close to average warming by 1.5C over pre-industrial levels.

A group scientists has explained that with the high levels of GHGs already in the atmosphere and the
response of the climate system to it (feedback and forcing mechanisms), average global temperatures can
rise by 1.5C in the 2030s and cross 2C as early as 2050.

Therefore, the NDCs pledged under the Paris Agreement may not be sufficient to achieve the below 2 C
target.

Transformational change

To address the enormous challenge of limiting the rise in temperature to below 2 Cfrom pre- industrial
levels, a significant change in consumption behavior, economic systems and technology is required.

For this, the world needs to achieve net zero emissions in the coming decades by improving
efficiencies of energy production and use from fossil fuels, which currently supply about 82 % of the
worlds energy, increasing the contribution from renewables and carbon sequestration.

These changes have to be affected along with pulling people out of poverty in developing countries and
in the context of rising world population and adaptation and mitigation measures required to deal with a
warmer climate.

Growth in global emissions has decreased from 4 % per year to 1 % in the last three years but it is a
scientific and social challenge to achieve net zero emissions.

A small ray of hope is seen in eco-villages and transition towns around the world where renewables
alone are used, people track all their emissions, and try to adopt simpler and less consumerist lifestyles.

The recent agreement to limit the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are used mainly as
refrigerants and are powerful GHGs, could help avoid about 0.4C warming until 2100. But HFCs are only
a small proportion of GHGs.

Way forward
 Developed countries should show greater enthusiasm and commitment towards supporting capacity
building in developing countries to achieve the NDC goals as their achievement is vital to achieve the below
2 C target.

Imaginative and creative solutions are required to usher in large scale consumption, social,
economic and technological changes to achieve the below 2 C target.

For this, social movements, civil society organisations, legal systems and political leaders should work
closely with a single-minded purpose and sense of global solidarity.

Importance

GS 3 (Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment)

Related questions
How far the Paris Agreement overcomes the deficiencies of the Kyoto Protocol? Examine the
challenges in implementation of the agreement.

Oct. 16, 2016

BIMSTEC a sunny prospect in BRICS summit at Goa The Hindu 16th Oct'16

Details : BIMSTEC a sunny

prospect in BRICS summit at Goa Background
India is hosting the 8th BRICS summit in Goa and used the opportunity to organize a regional
outreach by inviting the BIMSTEC nations for the 4th BIMSTEC summit.

BRICS summit invites global attention because the grouping makes up half the worlds population,
nearly a quarter of global GDP ($17 trillion combined) and the stature of the leaders involved.

But the forum, which is primarily an economic forum of emerging economies, is losing momentum due
to economic problems and diplomatic divergences.

Economic problems

Russian and Brazilian economies are dependent on commodities export and prolonged fall in oil
prices has negatively affected them. In addition, Russia is also facing economic difficulties due to
Western sanctions over Ukraine.

Growth in Chinese manufacturing is at its weakest and even though India remains the worlds
fastest growing economy, contraction in IIP figures is not a good sign.

The South African economy is in crisis with revised growth estimates falling below 1 %, and 26 %
unemployment.

Diplomatic divergence

Geopolitical priorities of the BRICS members do not always converge.

India has taken a decisive shift towards the USA and Sino-India relations have reached new lows due to
Chinas ever increasing closeness to Pakistan after the announcement of CPEC and Indias support to the
USA on South China Sea issue.

Russia is diversifying its diplomatic relations which has affected its special relationship with India.
Moscows growing defence ties with Islamabad and increasing dependence on Beijing is weakening
political coherence of BRICS.

Brazil and South Africa, possibly due to prompting by China, have expressed their reservations about
Indias NSG membership.
 This diplomatic tug of war will shape the Goa declaration. While India wants a strong statement on
terrorism, China will try to dilute it for Pakistan. China would want BRICS support on South China Sea
which India will resist. Russia would like backing for its action in Syria which may be resisted by India and
Brazil.

BIMSTEC

Given the difficulties surrounding BRICS, positive news from Goa may come from BIMSTEC instead.

Although a grouping with much potential, it has failed to live up to its potential due to lack of funding and
attention.

Its success will depend upon keeping away from the regional politics which had made SAARC
dysfunctional.

India should not use BIMSTEC as another forum for isolating Pakistan and should lead the forum on
issues of mutual economic cooperation.

Growing connectivity

For this physical connectivity is necessary and the grouping has shown coherence and focus in this
direction which is seen in both inter-regional and bilateral projects.

India is extending the Trilateral Highway project to Cambodia in accordance with Act East policy, setting
up port infrastructure in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Myanmar and stepping up hydel and road projects in
Nepal.

Various projects on seamless connectivity by sub-regional groupings like SASEC (South Asia Sub-
regional Economic Cooperation), BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) and BCIM (Bangladesh, China,
India, Myanmar) are also moving at a quick place.

Way forward

India should use the opportunity to recommend various connectivity projects in the BIMSTEC region for
funding from the BRICSs Bank

India should serve as a link between BRICS and BIMSTEC which will help the region, while
overcoming the current tensions within its BRICS partnerships.

Importance

GS 2 (Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting
Indiasinterests)

Related questions

Compare the significance of IBSA and BRICS in the context of Indias multilateral diplomacy.(UPSC, GS 2,
2012)
Oct. 14, 2016

When Jai Bhim meets Lal Salaam Editorial14th Oct'16 The Hindu

Details :

When Jai Bhim meets Lal Salaam

Background
Traditionally, Dalit politics have revolved around identity while the Left has confined itself to
articulate the interests of the working class and their material (economic) conditions having little
common ground.

But there are signs of a budding alliance between Dalit and Left politics in the aftermath of Dalit
agitations in Gujarat which, if translated into a political program, will significantly benefit both Dalit
and Left politics. Lessons
from Gujarat
Recent experience from Gujarat has shown what an alliance between Dalit and Left politics can
achieve. Dalit mobilization post Una incident led to two significant gains.

Firstly, the State Government initiated the process for land distribution to landless Dalits.

Secondly, the sanitary workers of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, aided by labour groups,
successfully agitated for permanent employment and social security benefits.

Here, the Dalit anger was shaped into pragmatic demands and even though the beneficiaries
were Dalits, the demands were based on material grounds rather than identity.

Distance between Dalit and Left politics

Dalit politics have rarely articulated material demands of Dalits in a forceful manner and the Left has
confined itself to class politics and had not raised caste issues seriously for the fear of dividing the working
class along the caste lines.

But the working class is already divided along caste and failure of the Left to counter this division led
to its marginalization in Indian politics.

Dalits blame upper caste domination of Left leadership for its failure to take up issues of caste
exploitation while the Left argues that promotion of Dalit elites by the ruling classes have led to narrow
identity centric politics and denied Dalits unity with other exploited sections and political parties
representing them.

Limitations of identity politics

Dalits have slowly started to realize the three limitations of identity politics as they dont have
enough numbers on their own to influence politics in any significant manner.

Firstly, in electoral politics, identity based mobilization leads to vote bank politics which can only
extract minor concessions without challenging the caste system.

Secondly, Dalit-OBC unity is essential for success of identity politics but it is practically
impossible due to inherent class contradictions among them as exemplified by mobilization of
dominant agricultural castes in different parts of the country against the Dalits.

Thirdly, identity politics have failed to deliver anything beyond reservations whose relevance is
decreasing due to increasing public sector disinvestment and privatization. Therefore, reservations can
no longer be the solution for majority of the Dalits.

Need for allies

Dalits need to look beyond identity politics and make an alliance with those who share their
social, political and material difficulties.

Recent targeting of both Dalits and Muslims by cow vigilante groups led to calls for Dalit-Muslim unity
but this alliance suffers from class and caste contradictions (Muslims are significant land owners in many
areas and also have caste divisions) which could weaken it.

Dalit politics cannot break the class collaboration between Dalit elites and their caste oppressors and
caste collaboration between the poor and wealthy classes of their caste oppressors unless it gives voice to
material aspirations of the deprived sections which cut across the caste lines.

Similarly, the Left should raise the concerns of socially oppressed and marginalized sections. It
should acknowledge that annihilation of caste is necessary for improvement in material condition of the
masses.

Natural affinity of interests

Left and Dalit politics have converged in the past when Ambedkar allied with the Communist
Party of India to demand distribution of government land for landless Dalits or in the form of Dalit
Panther movement in Maharashtra.
 Today socially oppressed and economically marginalised sections of society are struggling
against a union of casteist forces which control the capital and the state apparatus.

The ruling elite realize that their class interests cut across caste lines. But the working classes,
especially the Dalits and OBCs, are divided along rival identities which ensure that their class identity
remains weak.

As the majority of Dalits are working class, there is a natural affinity of political interests between Left
and Dalit politics.

The Dalits need the Left to raise their issues under a political program and the Left needs Dalits to
remain politically relevant.

Way forward

Dalits politics should move beyond identity and it should raise material issues concerning deprived
sections from the OBCs and the upper castes to overcome their lack of numbers. This should include the
landless, the contract workers, indebted farmers, and migrant workers. Similarly, the Left should raise
caste issues to remain politically relevant

An alliance between the Dalits and the Left, which is based on a practical political program can
deliver significant results as seen in Gujarat.

Importance

GS 1 (Indian Society)
Related questions
Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity
work towards annihilation of caste. (UPSC, GS 1, 2015)

Contemporary Dalit movement needs to move beyond assertion of identity for annihilation of
caste. Discuss.

Additional information

Identity politics It is a tendency for people of a particular religion, caste, social background, etc., to form
exclusive political alliances based upon the shared experiences of injustice. Identity political formations
typically aim to secure the political freedom of a specific marginalized constituency.
Members of that constituency assert their distinctiveness and challenge dominant oppressive forces.

Oct. 13, 2016

Towards a Kerosene Free India Editorial 13th Oct'16 The Hindu

Details : Towards a
Kerosene Free India Background
In order to contain fiscal deficit by rationalizing expenditure, the Government is using the Jan
Dhan-Aadhar-Mobile (JAM trinity) to directly transfer subsidy benefits into the bank account of the
beneficiaries.

In this direction, after the success of DBT for LPG (DBT-LPG), the Government has decided to
introduce DBT for kerosene subsidy (DBTK) and started pilot projects in Jharkhand.

According to Economic Survey 2015-16, about half of kerosene subsidy goes to richer sections of the
society. DBTK intends to eliminate this diversion of subsidized kerosene.

But implementation of DBTK on a greater scale is highly complex and it may fail to fulfill the
desired objectives.
Hurdles in implementation of DBTK

1) Lack of a streamlined and unified digital consumer database

Consumer database related to DBT-LPG was available in digital format and managed by just three
public sector oil marketing companies, which are directly under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural
Gas which enabled easier coordination for a nationwide rollout of the scheme.

But kerosene subsidy is channelized through PDS and database of beneficiaries is managed by the
states. In many of the states, the beneficiary database is not digitized.

Therefore, ensuring coordination between the states and non-availability of a unified digital
consumer database is the biggest challenge for successful nationwide rollout of DBTK.

2) Political economy of subsidized kerosene

While the Centre foots the bill of kerosene subsidy, the beneficiaries and quantum of subsidized
kerosene is decided by the states which can be used to gain political advantage.

Thus, States must be politically willing to implement DBTK. The good news is that many States,
including those governed by the Opposition have shown willingness to conduct pilot projects.

3) Diversion

One of the aims of DBTK is to eliminate diversion of subsidized kerosene.

Subsidized kerosene is mainly diverted as a substitute or as an adulterant to diesel and due to high
central and state taxes on diesel there is a significant price gap even between unsubsidized kerosene
and diesel.

Therefore, there is considerable incentive for diversion of kerosene and DBTK may not succeed in
eliminating diversion of kerosene.

4) Accessibility of subsidy

Even though the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has provided bank accounts to a
substantial number of households, access to the subsidy amount is still difficult for several poorer
households due to lack of bank branches near to them.

Way forward

Kerosene is mainly used for lighting in rural areas and for both lighting and cooking in the urban
areas.

Therefore, household should be provided alternatives to kerosene like solar-assisted solutions for
lighting and LPG for cooking.

For the households, it will provide better services while avoiding the harmful health impacts of
kerosene. For the exchequer, it may result in annual savings of Rs.8,000 to Rs.12,000 crore according to a
study.
 People are also willing for such a change as seen in a survey where 78% respondents were
willing to adopt solar lighting if kerosene subsidy is reduced

The market price of unsubsidized kerosene should also be restructured to reduce incentive to
divert it as a diesel adulterant.

Importance

GS 2 (Welfare schemes)

GS 3 (Indian economy)
Related questions
Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize
corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment. (UPSC, GS 2, 2013)
 In what way could replacement of price subsidy with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) change the
scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss. (UPSC, GS 3, 2015)

While Direct Benefits Transfer for LPG was highly successful, it may not achieve the same for
kerosene. Discuss. What are the main determinants of successful rollout of Direct Benefits Transfer in
place of price subsidies?

Additional information

Pilot project - A pilot project is a small-scale, short-term experiment that helps to evaluate how a
large-scale project might work in practice.

Oct. 12, 2016

How's the economy really doing? Editorial 12th Oct'16 The Hindu

Details : Hows the

economy really doing?
Background
Economists try to understand the health of an economy by analyzing various economic indicators of
an economy.

But different economic indicators related to Indian economy like GDP and GVA data, IIP numbers etc.
are not showing the same picture which makes it difficult to evaluate its performance.

Even the indicators related to the same sector paint a different picture.

Three examples

1) Data related to manufacturing

While the IIP Manufacturing measures the absolute amount produced by the manufacturing sector,
GVA Manufacturing measures the total contribution of labour and capital in the manufacturing process.

In the first quarter of 2016-17, GVA Manufacturing stood at a very robust 9.1 %, but the
manufacturing component of the IIP actually contracted by about 0.8 %.

It doesnt give a coherent picture of the sector.

2) Inflation figures

The system of Wholesale Price Index and Consumer Price Index is complex as because they measure
the price movement of different basket of items with different weightage for each category.
 The two indices moved in the same direction before 2015 but since then they began to diverge. The
difference was as much as 9% points in September 2015 with WPI in negative territory.

This makes it very difficult for a layman to predict how the prices will move in near future.

3) Tax collections

Tax collection can be a useful indicator to measure income growth because it should change with
changes in corporate and personal incomes.

But in India only 5.5% of the earning population pays income tax and corporates pay taxes at very
low rates because of various tax exemptions and diversion of profits to tax havens.

So data from tax collections too fail to provide a comprehensive picture of the economy.

Other issues

At present industrial data is released on a monthly basis which varies greatly from the average
and makes any meaningful analysis difficult.

There are problems related to actual measurement. For e.g. IIP uses 2004-05 as the base year
where as other indices are based on the year 2011-12 which makes it difficult to compare them.

The data for various indices is collected by the staff of the Ministry of Statistics. Given the inherent
efficiency in government operations, there is no reason to believe that the data collected is without
errors.

Way forward

At present different indices tell a different story about Indian economy which makes investment
decisions tricky for both domestic and foreign investors.

Therefore, the Government should sort out related issues and harmonize various indices.

These indices should be based on a common, more recent base year to appropriately reflect the
changes in the economy.

Data should be released quarterly to enable a more comprehensive analysis.

There should be regular verification of data collected by independent third party agencies to
make data more reliable

Importance

GS 3 (Indian Economy and related issues)

Related questions
India is said to have one of the lowest tax-to-GDP ratios in the world. Analyze the reasons for this. Also
discuss the various steps taken by the government to increase this ratio.

Analyze the implications of a narrow tax base and variety of corporate tax exemptions on
resource mobilization.

Oct. 10, 2016

Address the new normal in Kashmir Editorial 10th Oct'16 The Hindu

Details : Address the

new normal in Kashmir Background
 Since the killing of HizbulMujahideen militant BurhanWani in July, a new phase of violence has
gripped Kashmir for almost 100 days.

Even after more than 70 days of curfew and very high figures of individuals killed or injured, there are
no signs of normalcy.

The security establishment, political leaders and strategic analysts have concluded that present crisis in
Kashmir is entirely due to Pakistani instigation and Indias mismanagement of the situation.

But one must understand that current situation is different from the past unrests.

In the past, death of a militant like BurhanWani would have led to minor violent incidents with the
involvement of Pakistan.

Understanding the long and continuing spell of current violence needs a deeper introspection.
Foreign and indigenous militants

Since the start of militancy in late 1980s, foreign militants groups supported by Pakistan like Lashkar-
e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) have been involved in violence. Some of their cadres had
fought against the Soviets in Afghanistan.

There were also indigenous militant outfits like HizbulMujahideen. Though they received support
from Pakistan, they identified more closely with the aspirations of local Kashmiri youth.

By 1999-2000, the local militants were overshadowed by the foreign terrorists.

India followed a differential approach while dealing with the militants. On one hand, it took strong
security action against the foreign groups and reached out to Pakistan to control them. On the other
hand, it reached out to the local militants.

The attempts to persuade Pakistan to control the foreign militants were not much effective but
succeeded in preventing the situation from going out of control.

The outreach to the Kashmiri youth, who wanted greater development, was more effective.

Rise of the unattached militant

In the present phase of violence, there is no evidence of participation of foreign elements like LeT and
JeMthough there is significant participation of Hizbul cadres.

But the majority of those participating in the violence are unattached militants which is a new
phenomenon.

These are local people who participate in the violence but do not belong to any militant outfit. Some of
them are as young as 10 years and many of them are educated but unemployed.

Signs of Change

The current phase of violence could become a turning point in the Kashmir militancy. The signs of
change were visible since end-2013 in various protests and rising popularity of BurhanWani.

The character of the movement has also changed. The current violence is neither fuelled by rumors nor
led by any separatist or militant leader.

Spontaneous violence which is directed at each and every symbol of authority distinguishes the present
crisis from the violent protests of 2008, 2010 and 2013 where violence was orchestrated by the
separatists or Pakistan.

Need for fresh understanding

The present spate of violence cannot be attributed to accumulated grievances of Kashmiris against the
security forces or inability of Delhi to understand Kashmiri world view and aspirations alone.

Neither can it be attributed to new generation of social media savvy educated youth alone.
 It must be recognized that in contrast to earlier movements, present movement is almost entirely
homegrown and spontaneous and it cant be tackled by the suggestions of past negotiations or old
approaches revolving aroundArticle 370, AFSPA, or additional development assistance.

Talking with the separatists will also not deliver desired results as they dont have the leadership of the
movement and are out of touch with Kashmiri youth.

Way forward

The differences between the current phase of violence and earlier phases must be understood.

Help should also be taken from social scientists and psychologists to come up with fresh ideas.

In the meantime the use of disproportionate force, especially against the 10-12 year olds must be
discouraged so that situation doesnt deteriorate further.

Importance
 GS 3 (Linkages between development and spread of extremism; Role of external state and non-state
actors in creating challenges to internal security; Challenges to internal security through communication
networks, role of media and social networkingsites in internal security challenges)

Related question

How far the current phase of violence witnessed in Kashmir is different from that in 2010? Also
discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the alienated Kashmiri youth back into the
mainstream.

Oct. 7, 2016

The salience of the Singur verdict 7th Oct'16 Editorial The Hindu

Details : The
salience of the Singur verdict
Background
In 2006, the then government in West Bengal acquired land for Tata Motors Nano plant in Singur
under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 which saw large scale protests.

In 2008, the land acquisition was upheld by the Calcutta High Court following which it was
challenged in the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court invalidated the land acquisitionon the grounds that it did follow the procedure
mandated by the Land Acquisition Act, 1894.

Even though the two Supreme Court Judges differed on important questions of law and the 1894 Act has
been repealed by the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and
Resettlement Act of 2013 (LARR Act) (both are laws enacted by the Central Government), the judgment is
significant.

It questions the extent of states power to acquire private property and the nature of public
purpose which permits such acquisition.

Circumventing the law

Under the 1894 Act, a special procedure prescribed in Part VII of the Act had to be followed for land
acquisition for private companies.

This included additional safeguards so that the governments dont abuse the power of eminent domain
(the power of government to take private property even without the consent of the owner for public
purpose, with payment of compensation)
 The then government totally ignored the requirements of Part VII and acquired the lands through a
state owned entity.

The government argued that the acquisition promotes states new industrial policy and as the plant
would create new jobs, it fulfills a public purpose.

Property rights in India

In its original form, the Constitution guaranteed right to property under the fundamental rights in
Article 19(1)(f).

It also vested the government with powers to take private property for public purpose if it is backed by
suitable legislation under Article 31.

Immediately after coming into force of the Constitution, in the backdrop of land reforms and efforts for
redistribution of the land, these provisions enabled the Judiciary to intervene in virtually every act of land
acquisition.
The government responded by enacting various legislations which diluted property rights for more
equitable distribution of land.

Finally, by the 44th Constitution Amendment Act in 1978, right to property ceased to be a
fundamental right.

This was done in order to give more room to the government to achieve land reforms but in reality this
benefitted rich more than the poor because governments continued to use the 1894 Act to acquire land
for private industry in the grab of public purpose.

Scope of public purpose

Having been accused of excessive intervention, the Supreme Court allowed the government to
expand its power of eminent domain to acquire land for public purpose.

It has generally held that even a token contribution by the government towards the cost of
acquisition is sufficient to escape the requirements of Part VII.

So when the Supreme Court was hearing the appeal of Singur farmers, it had many precedents
which allowed a very broad conception of public purpose

While one of the judges of the two judge bench found that the acquisition was for public purpose in a
limited extent, other judge (Justice Gowda) found it a colourable exercise of power. (Doctrine of Colourable
Legislation states, Whatever legislature cant do directly, it cant do indirectly)

He wrote that if such an acquisition is allowed, it could be used to justify land acquisition from the
most vulnerable sections of the society in the name of public purpose.

Relevance of the judgment

Although the concerns have been addressed to a limited extent by the LARR Act, 2013, it is still
relevant as the power to make law on land acquisition is in the concurrent list.

There have been attempts by the Central Government to roll back some of the benefits of LARR Act and
some states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Rajasthan have either amended the central Act or enacted their
own legislations which permit land acquisition even in the absence of a direct public purpose or dilutes the
requirement of consent.

Many of these laws violate the constitutional guarantee of equal treatment (Article 14) and unless the
Judiciary invalidates them, they will be used to acquire land by extending the meaning of public purpose.

When viewed in this light, Justice Gowdas judgment could guide further judgments of the Supreme
Court.

Way forward

The LARR Act is not a solution to all the problems associated with land acquisition but it is
progressive in comparative terms as it defines the manner in which the state should exercise its
immense power to take private land.
 Therefore, the Central and the State Governments should cease their attempts to dilute various
provisions of the Act.

The Government can regulate the right to property for greater welfare of the citizens but selective
application of property rights in favour of the rich should be stopped.

The property rights should be regulated in such a manner which benefits the vulnerable sections and
puts least burden on them.

Importance

GS 2 (Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out
of their design and implementation)

GS 3 (Land reforms in India)

Related question
 The right to fair compensation and transparency land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement act,
2013 has come into effect from 1 January 2014. What implication would it have on industrialisation and
agriculture in India?(UPSC, GS 3, 2014)

Oct. 5, 2016

To be truly transparent 5th Oct'16 Editorial The Hindu

Details : To be
truly transparent
Background
A power struggle has been going on between the Judiciary and the Executive over the process of
judicial appointments.

The present standoff arose when the Supreme Court struck down the National Judicial Appointments
Commission Act.

Independence of Judiciary

Independence of the judiciary from the executive and the legislature is necessary as it ensures they
remain within the boundaries outlined by the Constitution and various laws.

As the final interpreter of the Constitution, SC held in the landmark Kesavananda Bharati case that even
a constitutional amendment could not violate the basic structure of the Constitution.

It has also ruled that judicial independence is part of the basic structure of the constitution.

On this basis, in the Second Judges Case, the judiciary took the power of appointing judges from the
executive to itself and the collegium system was born.

It reasoned that primacy of the executive in appointing judges compromises judicial independence.

Partial solution

When the government used to appoint the judges, it often used to appoint politically partisan or
compliant judges.

Since there was no transparency, appointments were often arbitrary and nepotistic.

The collegium system has improved judicial independence as judges appointed subsequently are less
likely to be influenced by the executive or politically partisan.

But this was a partial solution as judicial independence is also compromised by the temptation of
post-retirement jobs or the permission for foreign trips for judges.
 As the collegium also did not lay down any criteria for appointments, transparency was still lacking and
appointments continued to be arbitrary and nepotistic.

National Judicial Appointments Commission

The government tried to regain some control over appointments by introducing the NJAC Act.

This Act provided for a selection committee of six people in which two persons were to be selected by a
committee of the Prime Minister (PM), the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and the Chief Justice of India.

It also provided that any two members of the NJAC could veto the recommendation of the other four.

But it has been seen that the PM and the LoP usually cooperate in appointing compliant people to
regulatory institutions to weaken regulation of political class.

Hence it was feared that NJAC will dilute judicial independence and therefore, the SC struck down its
constitutional validity.

Struggle between Government and Judiciary

But the SC did not take this opportunity to put in place a transparent system of appointments.

It asked the government to frame a memorandum of procedure (MoP) for selecting judges, which
would have to be approved by the CJI.

The government is trying to introduce clauses that could enable it to veto any recommendation on
national security considerations.

Therefore the MoP is stuck and the government is using this to delay appointments recommended by
the collegium.

Way forward

The Government and the Judiciary should come together to implement a series of reforms on the
following lines:

1) Full time body

A full time body for judicial appointments with its own secretariat should be constituted which
should be free from government as well as judiciary.

Its members could be retired judges or even eminent citizens and should be selected by a broad-
based selection committee with representation from the government and the judiciary.

This will ensure fair and rational selection because evaluating numerous candidates on
multidimensional criteria requires time and SC judges and the Law Minister are very busy.

2) Transparency

To ensure minimum transparency, criteria for selection of judges like integrity, competence, judicial
temperament, common sense and sensitivity towards the problems of the common man and the
comparative evaluation of candidates should be made public.

The names of shortlisted candidates should be announced before appointment, so that those who
have relevant information about them can send it to the appointing authority.

The system could be modelled on the British Judicial Appointments Commission.

The judiciary should also open itself to greater scrutiny by accepting to disclose information on its
administrative or judicial functioning under the RTI Act.

Accountability of the judiciary is essential for the survival of rule of law and democracy. Therefore it
must be ensured that judicial appointments are made in a transparent manner free of arbitrariness and
nepotism.

Importance
GS 2 (Indian Constitution- features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure; Separation of
powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions; Appointment to various
Constitutional posts; Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.

Related question

Appointments to the higher judiciary have been a constant tussle between the judiciary and the
Government. Discuss the evolution of system of judicial appointments in India. Also give suggestions for
putting in place a transparent system which safeguards judicial independence and incorporates the best
practices from around the world.

Oct. 4, 2016
The lines that have been crossed 4th Oct'16 Editorial The Hindu

Details : The lines

that have been crossed Background
Recently, after terrorists attacked Indian army base in Uri, India responded by carrying out publicly
acknowledged surgical strikes on terrorist launching pads across the LOC.

This has further increased the tensions between the nuclear armed neighbours and larger
implications of the strike are widely debated.

Three myths

1) Nuclear bluff

The surgical strike doesnt means that Pakistans threat of using tactical nuclear weapons is a bluff
because the threat of nuclear weapons is not meant for operations across the LOC.

It is more real for operations across the international border, especially in the desert sector where
Indian forces have an advantage over the Pakistani forces.

Anything short of it, especially on the LOC will be below Pakistani nuclear threshold and India will
havethe scope to use limited force.

But there is danger that such operations may escalate into a broader conflict falling short of a
nuclear exchange.

2) New era of conventional retaliation

The strike should not be seen as evidence that India has started applying the cold start doctrine and it
could lead to deeper and more punitive strikes because India has still not developed the capability for
that.

3) Strategic restraint

The strike doesnt suggest that India has abandoned strategic restraint as a general policy to
achieve its long term objectives vis--vis Pakistan.

Strategic restraint doesnt mean to do nothing. It means avoiding operations that can lead to major
conventional war which carries with it the risk of nuclear attack.

The strike fulfills the parameters of strategic restraint as it was defensive, pre-emptive and and
Pakistani military personnel were not targeted.

Implications of the strike

Although strategic restraint is still a part of long term policy towards Pakistan, strike suggests an end
of the era of visibly doing nothing militarily.

On one hand, it can deter future Pakistani attacks if it fears a disproportionate Indian response. On the
other hand, it can force Indian leaders to escalate even when it is not in the national interest to do so.
 It demonstrates the capability of the Indian national security establishment.

It may act as deterrent for Pakistan because in future, it must now factor in potential Indian
responses which could be unpredictable with varying levels of intensity.

Conclusion

Although the strike was highly successful at the tactical level and has some long-term strategic
consequences, it doesnt alter the fundamental strategic relations between India and Pakistan.

Also, it doesnt mean that India can militarily try to impose its will on Pakistan. This is neither
possible nor in Indias long tern interests.
Importance

GS 2 (India and its neighborhood- relations)

GS 3 (Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security; Security
challenges and their management in border areas)

Related questions

Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of
soft power like sports and cultural exchanges could help generate goodwill between the two countries?
Discuss with suitable examples.(UPSC, GS 2, 2015)

Although Pakistan has continued to use non-state actors against India, New Delhi has adopted a policy
of strategic restraint. Discuss. Do you think strategic restraint has lost relevance after surgical strikes
across the LOC.

Additional information

Cold Start Doctrine- It is a limited war doctrine whose aim is to establish the capacity to launch a
retaliatory conventional strike against Pakistan that would inflict significant harm on the Pakistan Army
before the international community could intervene, and at the same time, pursue narrow enough aims
to deny Islamabad a justification to escalate the clash to the nuclear level.

Oct. 3, 2016

Breaking out of election mode Details

: Breaking out of election mode
Background
The country is vigorously debating the idea of one nation, one election i.e. simultaneous elections for
the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies.

This article is in response to the article The Case Against Simultaneous Polls.

Arguments in favour

Development and Governance

India is on the edge of achieving rapid economic development. Therefore development efforts must not
be hampered.

Due to frequent elections developmental process and good governance suffer.

The policies are also biased in favour of short term electoral gains compromising long term
developmental objectives.

The Chief Election Commissioner has also favoured simultaneous elections as they would save
money, time and energy, and ensure effective governance.

Federalism

Simultaneous elections will not affect the federal nature of the polity.

Instead, it will help in better coordination between the Centre and the States as the both tiers of
government will have common focus on long term development and not on short term electoral gains.

There were simultaneous election between 1952 and 1967 and they did not make the country a
unitary state.

Indian democracy is mature and holding simultaneous elections would make democracy stronger.
 It would provide a level playing field to all the players across all States irrespective of their relations with
the party in power at the centre.

Politically mature voters

Although some data suggests that voters tend to choose same party at the Centre and the States when
elections are held simultaneously, it would not become a general trend due to Indias political diversity.

It would not be correct to assume that during simultaneous elections national issues would dominate the
discourse at the expense of State and regional issues because the Indian electorate is mature enough to
decide what is in its best interest.

Reducing expenditure

The cost of holding separate Lok Sabha and Assembly elections is estimated to be around Rs.4,500
crore.

Although the Election Commission has put the likely cost of holding simultaneous elections at over
Rs.9,000crore, it will be a onetime expenditure incurred on purchasing additional EVMs and VVPAT
machines.

While one-time cost in holding simultaneous polls would be high, but the exercise may bring down
expenditure involved in 'election bandobast' such as deployment of central forces and polling personnel.

Parliamentary standing committee

A Parliamentary Standing Committee also supported the idea of holding of simultaneous elections.

Apart from reducing the expenditure, it argued that frequent imposition of the Model Code of
Conduct hampers developmental activities and leads to policy paralysis and government deficit.

Challenges

Holding concurrent elections will be an enormous logistical task in terms of deployment of

personnel, EVMs and other material.

It also requires widespread political consensus and several constitutional amendments for ensuring a
fixed tenure of legislative bodies.

Way forward

Apart from the government, several political parties and Election Commission have also endorsed the
idea.

Holding simultaneous elections is indeed a challenging task but it is an idea worth exploring.

Importance

GS 2 (Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant

provisions and basic structure; Salient features of the Representation of Peoples Act; issues and
challenges pertaining to the federal structure)

Related question

Indian constitution is said to be a federal constitution with unitary features. Do you think that proposed
simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies will reverse the process towards greater
federalism and strengthen the unitary tendencies?

Additional information

Views of Parliamentary standing committee

Simultaneous elections would reduce the massive expenditure incurred for conduct of separate
elections every year

Elections lead to imposition of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in the poll bound State/area. The
imposition of MCC puts on hold the entire development program and activities of the Union and State
Governments affecting the normal governance. Frequent elections lead to imposition of MCC over prolonged
periods of time leading to policy paralysis and governance deficit.

Frequent elections lead to disruption of normal public life and impact the functioning of essential
services. Holding of political rallies disrupts road traffic and also leads to noise pollution. If simultaneous
elections are held, this period of disruption would be limited to a certain pre-determined period of time.

Simultaneous elections would free the crucial manpower which is often deployed for prolonged
periods on election duties.

Suggestion of Election Commission

The period for general election to constitute the new House has to be determined in such a way that the
Lok Sabha could commence its term on the predetermined date.

In order to avoid premature dissolution, it may be suggested that any no-confidence motion moved
against the government in office should also include a further confidence motion in favour of a
government to be headed by a named individual as the future Prime Minister and voting should take place
for the two motions together.

In spite of the above arrangement, if there is a situation where dissolution of Lok Sabha cannot be
avoided, then the following options can be considered,

If the remainder of the term of the Lok Sabha is not long, there could be a provision for the President to
carry out the administration of the country, on the aid and advice of his Council of Ministers to be
appointed by him till, the time the next House is constituted at the prescribed time.

If the remainder of the term is long, then fresh election may be held and the term of the House in such
case should be for the rest of what would have been the original term.

In the case of Legislative Assembly also, in the event of no-confidence motion, it should be mandatory
to simultaneously move a confidence motion for formation of an alternative government.

If, following a general election, none of the parties is able to form a govt. and another general election
becomes necessary, the term of the House in such case after the fresh election should be only for the
remainder of what would have been the original term. Similarly, if the govt. has to resign for some reason
and an alternative is not possible, then provision can be considered for a fresh election if the remainder of
the term is comparatively longer period.

An alternative proposal would be to consider provisions to have all elections, falling due in a year
together in a particular period of the year.

The Standing Committees Recommendations

Tenure of State Assemblies needs to be curtailed or extended in the future for holding simultaneous
elections. Extension of term of Legislature is not permissible except under proclamation of emergency. But
election to Lok Sabha/State Legislative Assemblies can be held six months before.

Elections in Two Phases: The Committee recommends an alternative and practicable method of holding
simultaneous elections which involves holding of elections in two phases. Elections to some Legislative
Assemblies may be held at midterm of Lok Sabha and remaining with the end of tenure of Lok Sabha.

Oct. 1, 2016

Uri as inflection point

Details :
Uri as inflection point Background
Prime Minister Modis Pakistan policy had often been criticized for lacking coherence.

As a political leader, Mr.Modi should use the Uri attack as a turning point to calibrate a new policy
towards Pakistan.

Before Mr. Modi. Prime Ministers Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh faced similar turning points but in
comparison to them, Mr. Modi enjoys significant advantages as he is less dependent on coalition partners
and has full support of his party.

Operation Parakram

The relations were already strained after the Kargil war (1999) when the Parliament was attacked
(2001).

In response, India launched Operation Parakram and mobilized troops along the border and LOC.

Pakistan responded with its own mobilization.

In a post 9/11 world, Pakistan came under great international pressure.

It declared that it would not allow its territory to be used to launch terror attacks and banned Jaish- e-
Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Vajpayees turning point

But soon Pakistans bluff was called and turning point for Vajpayee came in the form of Kaluchak
attack on an Army base.

It was realized that confrontation along the border may have negative consequences and it would not
deliver results.

Even though the economic cost of mobilization was higher for Pakistan, India was also distracted
from its growth agenda.

So back channel talks were initiated and US pressurized Pakistan to fulfill its promises. US needed
Pakistani forces on the Afghan border so it was essential for it to quell tensions on the Indian border.

This resulted in a de-facto ceasefire along LOC, dismantling of terror camps in PoK and end of
Operation Parakram.

Lessons learnt

It was realized capabilities of that time were inadequate for a limited war with Pakistan.

In addition to improving capabilities, escalation management also required that certain confidence
building measures and communication links with Pakistan.

Brief normalization of relations

The back channel talks continued and measures for trade liberalization were introduced and a bus
service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad was proposed.

Since then, cross-border infiltrations reduced considerably and cease-fire held till 2008.

Turning point for Dr. Singh

Dr. Singh continued Vajpayees policies but his turning point came in the form of 26/11 Mumbai
attacks.

Even though the involvement of Pakistani agencies was clear, it was realized that there was no
credible military options because:

i) Air strikes were not possible due to inadequate intelligence.

ii) Ground operations might have led to unmanageable escalation.

iii) Covert operations would have taken more time.

The only realistic option that was available was to attempt for diplomatic isolation of Pakistan.

Measures were also taken to strengthen domestic capabilities like setting up of NATGRID, NCTC and NIA.

Although, the strategic restraint was imposed due to lack of better options, it projected India as a
responsible nuclear power.

Modis policy

Initially, Mr. Modis Pakistan policy was to show openness for talks while drawing the red-lines at the
same time.

But positions hardened after the Pathankot attack.

After the killing of Burhan Wani, the situation in the Kashmir valley deteriorated.

India blamed Pakistan for inciting violence and Pakistan accused India of human rights violation in the
valley.

India opened a new front by drawing attention to Pakistans repression in Baluchistan, Gilgit and
Baltistan.

Finding a balance

After the Uri attacks, amid calls for retaliatory action, PM Modi promised action aginat those
responsible for the attacks.

Pakistan responded by threatening a nuclear backlash.

Indias military options were limited because in a nuclear environment, escalation management
required international support against Pakistan while not internationalizing the Kashmir issue.

Mr. Modi drew a distinction between the rulers and people of Pakistan and challenged them to fight a
battle against poverty and illiteracy.

At the same time, he kept open the prospects for covert action by reminding Pakistan of its
vulnerability.

The surgical strike across LOC indicates that Indias capability to undertake such actions have
increased since 2008 but it is unlikely to be repeated as the launching pads will be shifted deeper
inside the LOC.

The government has also reached out to all sections of political spectrum to ensure consensus on
future course of actions.

At the same time, efforts are on to pressurize and diplomatically isolate Pakistan.
Way forward

The Uri attacks give Mr. Modi an opportunity to formulate a new Pakistan policy.

The new policy should be based on realism which should give India realistic options to act upon.

At the same time it is essential to address vulnerabilities in border management which led to
repeated attacks.

Importance

GS 2 (India and its neighborhood- relations)

GS 3 (Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security; Security
challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime withterrorism)
Related question

Pakistans insistence to use terrorism as a state policy has caused great damage to bilateral ties. How
far does the new policy towards Pakistan will be able to convince it to stop supporting terrorist activities
against India?

Sept. 30, 2016

Seeds of discontent? Details

: Seeds of discontent?
Background

Indian scientists have developed a genetically modified variety of mustard and sought permission for
commercial release and for further research.

In this context, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) had released a
review report about safety of GM mustard for public comments.

This report was prepared by an expert sub-committee of the Genetic Engineering Appraisal
Committee (GEAC).

The public consultation is likely to be the penultimate step before the government takes a final
decision.

GM Mustard

Mustard is difficult to hybridise because it is a self-pollinating crop.

But Indian scientists genetically modified an Indian mustard and an East European mustard to
hybridise them.

They claim that the new variety, DMH-11, yields 30% more than the standard variety which will help to
reduce import bill on edible oil.

Biosafety and socio-economic impact

GM mustard is resistant to herbicide glufosinate, and thus a herbicide-tolerant (HT) crop.

The technical expert committee on GM crops appointed by the Supreme Court has found HT crops
completely unsuitable in the Indian context because:

i) Weeding provides employment to large number of agricultural labourers.

ii) There is risk of emergence of herbicide-resistant super weeds.

Also, the yield advantage of GM mustard may be overestimated because the yields were compared with
outdated mustard varieties.

Transparency and public participation

The government has not followed various norms for transparency like making public full biosafety
dossier (it promised to do so in the Supreme Court in a PIL about GM crops) and complying with the
directives of Central Information Commission about GM crops and GEAC meetings.

Greater transparency could have addressed various concerns related to GM mustard and made the
public participation meaningful.

Meaningful citizen participation is essential in this matter as India doesnt have a labeling regime and
citizens have no way to opt out of GM foods.

Way forward
 Transparency and greater public participation are essential to allay fears related to GM crops.

The government should release the full biosafety dossier on the Ministrys website, comply with the CIC
directives about meetings of GEAC and time-period for public consultation must be extended.

If the government wants to commercialize GM mustard despite opposition, it may do so but norms of
transparency and law must be followed.

Additional information (Regulation of genetically modified organisms in India)

In India, the regulation of all activities related to GMOs and products derived from GMOs is governed by
Rules for the Manufacture/Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms, Genetically
Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989 (commonly referred to as Rules, 1989) under the provisions of the
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 through the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF).

Although, there is no mention of GMO or GM crops in the EPA 1986,they are regulated under the
provisions related to hazardoussubstances.

The Rules, 1989 are primarily implemented by MoEF and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT),
Ministry of Science and Technology through six competent authorities:

i) the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RDAC);

ii) the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM);

iii) the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC);

iv) Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBSC);

v) State Biosafety Coordination Committees (SBCC);

vi) District Level Committees (DLC).

The six competent authorities function into a three-tier system.

The first tier includes the Policy Advisory Committee such as theRDAC; the second tier consists of
Regulating and Approval Committees such as the IBSC, the RCGM and the GEAC, and finally, the third
tier includes the Post Monitoring Committee comprising of the SBCC and the DLC.

In 2010, Genetic Engineering Approval Committee was renamed as Genetic Engineering Appraisal
Committee.

It is responsible for granting permits to conduct experimental and large-scale open field trials and also
grant approval for commercial release of GM crops.

Importance

GS 2 (regulatory bodies)

GS 3 (biotechnology; environment)
Related questions

Genetically modified crops, while holding a great potential for ensuring food security of future
generations, also raise significant health and environmental concerns. Discuss.

How genetic engineering is different from conventional plant breeding techniques?

Sept. 29, 2016

To revive an old friendship

Details :
To revive an old friendship
Background
India and Russia has traditionally enjoyed very warm relationsbut in recent years, ties between
Moscow and Islamabad are also growing.

Recently, Russia and Islamabad are conducting their first-ever joint military exercises.

Change in Russian Policy

Under President Putin, Russia has pursued an assertive foreign policy which strained its relationship with
the West.

The unilateral sanctions imposed by the US and the EU have hurt Russian economy.

This led to growing cooperation between Russia and China. The two has signed a strategic
partnership and have significant convergence of interests.

On the other hand, India has developed a strategic partnership with the US.

Russian share in the Indian defence market is gradually shrinking and the bilateral trade is stagnant.

However, India and Russia have been supportive of each other on various issues and Russia
continues to provide sensitive technologies.

But the Russian economy is dependent on arms and energy exports and it sees Pakistan as a
potential market.

Concerns about China

Todays world is a multipolar world and countries are building multiple alliances. China in spite of the US
attempts at containment is leveraging its economic strength to build a financial hegemony with the US.

Russia is aware of this and is concerned about Chinese economic domination. It is also concerned
about Chinese influence and Pakistans role in Central Asia.

What should India do?

India has to rebuild on its strengths and common concerns with Russia.

Both countries are concerned about terrorism. They should revitalize the agreement on sharing
intelligence for a joint strategy on terrorism.

India and Russia have common concerns in Afghanistan, especially after rehabilitation of mujahideen
leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. They should formulate a common response to the Afghan situation.

After signing the logistics agreement (LEMOA) with the US , India should a similar agreement with
Russia also.

India should deepen its scientific and technological relations with Russia by following up the various
agreements that have been signed. Cooperation should also be energized in the oil and gas sector.
 India is hesitant to join the Russia-India-China forum proposed by Russia due to presence of China. India
should join the forum because if China can cooperate with the US despite of differences, it should follow
the same approach with respect to India.

For isolating Pakistan, India should leverage its ties with Moscow. Russia is a better option than the US
because the US needs India as well as Pakistan.

Leveraging multilateralism

India should increase its cooperation with global South to strengthen multilateralism.

India was instrumental in the construction of a multi polar world which was beneficial to both India and
Russia.
 As Indias foreign policy is extension of its domestic policy, India should solve its domestic issues by
reaching out to different communities. This will provide an advantage to India in conduct of foreign policy.

Way forward

It might appear that there is some strategic shift in Russian foreign policy but it also knows that India
is its most reliable ally as their interests doesnt clash with each others.

Both India and Russia should make active efforts towards strategic and economic cooperation to
retain this special relationship.

Importance

GS 2 (India and its neighborhood- relations; Effect of policies and politics of developed and
developing countries on Indias interests)

Related question

India and Russia have traditionally enjoyed a special relationship but lately, cooperation between
Moscow and Islamabad is increasing. Discuss its implications on future of Indo-Russian relations.

Sept. 28, 2016

A case for accepting the WTO ruling 28th Sept'16 Editorial The Hindu

Details :

A case for accepting the WTO ruling

Background
The US had filed a complaint against National Solar Mission of India at WTO on the grounds that
domestic content requirements (DCR) under the mission discriminated against US exports and
favoured Indian manufacturers of solar panels and cells.

A WTO panel held that India violated global trade rules such as national treatment provisions under the
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 and the WTOs Agreement on Trade-Related
Investment Measures (TRIMS).

India has appealed against the ruling but the WTOs Appellate Body (AB), the highest adjudicating
body, has upheld the earlier ruling.

JNNSM

It was launched in 2010 to promote solar energy and is a part of National Action Plan on Climate
Change.

It targets generation of 20 GW of electricity from solar energy by 2022 which was revised to 100 GW in
2015.

Under the program, the government enters long term electricity purchase contracts with solar power
developers (SPD), assuring them guaranteed prices for 25 years.

But only those SPDs who source certain types of solar cells and modules domestically are eligible
(DCR).

Why was Indias appeal rejected?

Under WTO rules, it is illegal for a country to make it mandatory for an enterprise to purchase or use
products of domestic origin to obtain an advantage. The DCR measure of JNNSM was found to violate this
rule.

India argued that its DCR measure should be excused because it falls under three exceptions.
Firstly, it falls under Article IIL8 of GATT that exempts government procurement. But the AB rejected this
because the government was procuring electricity while the discrimination was against solar panels.

Secondly, Article XX(j) of GATT allows for special measures for products that are short in supply. As
domestic production of solar modules is limited, they are short in supply. But the AB rejected this
argument and held that short supply should be determined by considering supply from all sources, not
just domestic.

Thirdly, Article XX(d) of GATT allows countries to adopt measures to secure compliance with laws or
regulations that are not inconsistent with GATT. But India failed to show any domestic or international law,
compliance with which required DCR.

Environmental impact

The ruling doesnt hamper Indias efforts to harness solar energy as the ruling is against DCR, not
against JNNSM.

The ruling also doesnt reflect WTOs bias towards free trade over environment because Article XX of
GATT recognizes the right of a country to regulate for environmental objectives. However, the measures
should be least trade restrictive out of the available options.

India-US trade relations

Both countries plan to increase bilateral trade to $ 500 billion from present $ 100 billion by breaking
down barriers to trade.

But instead of breaking the barriers, new ones are erected.

Presently, there are four ongoing trade disputes related to trade barriers between the two countries in
the WTO.

Way forward

India should comply with this ruling because if it doesnt, under the WTO laws, the US can erect new
trade barriers against India.

This will also be beneficial for solar power generation.

DCR measure should not be replaced by subsidies as it will again invite cases against India at the WTO.

It will be a step towards breaking down trade barriers.

Importance

GS 2 (Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting Indias
interests; Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate)

GS 3 (Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.;Investment models)

Related questions

WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in profound
manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse Indias
stand on the latest round of talks on Food security.(UPSC, GS 2, 2014)

Sept. 27, 2016

The case against simultaneous polls 27th Sept'16 Editorial The Hindu

Details :
The case against simultaneous polls Background
The idea of holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies has been raised
many times in the past.

In fact, the first general elections to the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies were held
together in 1951-52. This practice continued in the three subsequent general elections held in 1957,
1962 and 1967. But with the premature dissolution of some State Assemblies in 1968 and 1969, this
cycle was disrupted.

Recently, this idea was proposed by the Prime Minister and was endorsed by the President.

The government is also inviting suggestions from the general public on the issue.

Arguments in favour
1)Monetary savings
A large sum of money is spent in conducting elections by the candidates, political parties and the Election
Commission.

Simultaneous elections will save considerable amount of money spent by the Election Commission as there
will be lesser number of elections to conduct.

2)Better governance

Due to multiple elections, the Model Code of Conduct is in force much of the time.

This slows down developmental work as crucial decisions and new policies are put on hold.

With simultaneous polls, the Model Code of Conduct will be in force at regular time intervals which will
help in smooth roll out of various developmental projects.

Arguments against 1)Undermines

federalism
India is a federal country with multi-party democracy. Rule of different parties at the Centre and the States
reinforces the federal aspect of the polity.

Simultaneous elections will weaken federalism and strengthen the unitary tendencies because empirical
evidence shows that voters tend to vote for the same party in the Centre and the State when elections
for the two are held together.

Of the 31 instances of holding simultaneous elections since 1989, in 24 elections the major political parties
polled a similar proportion of votes both for the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies.

When elections for the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies are held separately, the voters tend to vote
keeping in mind different criteria for the Central and the State governments.

2) Monetary savings

Free, fair and regular elections are necessary for effective functioning of democracy.

Imposition of simultaneous elections to save costs is highly undesirable as it gives preference to monetary
concerns over democratic elections.

3) Other reasons

Holding simultaneous elections will require constitutional amendments which may not stand judicial
review.

State governments may not agree to untimely dissolution of the Assemblies.

It is not clear what will happen if a government falls without completing its full term.
Way forward

India is a multi-diverse society and it needs diversity in political options to uphold the interests of all
sections of the society. Simultaneous polls endanger this essential political diversity.

Simultaneous elections may not be feasible as they undermine the federal structure of polity guaranteed
by the Constitution.

It is true that when the Model Code of Conduct in force for much of the time, developmental projects
suffer. But this problem can be solved by utilizing the existing provisions and making some changes in the
Model Code of Conduct like

i) Government should consult the Election Commission about policy decisions and the Commission
must not stop the decision making unless and until it has an implication on electoral outcome.

ii) The
Model Code of Conduct can allow the government to initiate new projects till a reasonable
period rather than prohibiting such decisions from the date of announcement of the elections.

iii) The Model Code of Conduct should be applied only to the State where elections are to be held and not
to the rest of the country and the Centre.

Importance

GS 2 (Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant

provisionsand basic structure; Salient features of the Representation of Peoples Act)

Related question

Frequent elections put a huge burden on the exchequer and holds governance to standstill. This in context
critically examine the desirability and feasibility of holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and the
State Legislative Assemblies.

Sept. 26, 2016

On the right to photocopy 26th Sept'16 Editorial The Hindu

Details : On the
right to photocopy
Background
In the Delhi University photocopying case, the Delhi High Court has dismissed the copyright infringement
petition by three publishers against a photocopy shop.

It has allowed the unlimited photocopying of the copyrighted material for the purpose of making course
packs.
Right to reproduction

Section 14 of the Copyright Act, 1957, grants right to reproduction to copyright owners.

Any violation of Section 14 is infringement of copyrights unless it is protected by Section 52 of the same
Act.

The judgment extends this protection to making photocopies for the purpose of making course packs.

Fair dealing

The Copyright Act seeks to promote creativity and spread of knowledge by providing sufficient
protection to copyright owners and facilitating access to copyright material through doctrine of fair
dealing.

Fair dealing is a legal doctrine, which allows a person to make limited use of copyrighted work
without the permission of the owner. It is a limitation and exception to the exclusive right granted to the
author of a creative work.

This doctrine seeks to prohibit such uses of copyrights which can stifle the very creativity which the
Copyright laws seek to promote. Hence it is essential for research and academic purposes.

Section 52 of The Copyrights Act, 1957 and Article 13 of Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property
Rights (TRIPS) Agreement incorporates provisions related to fair dealing.

The Indian laws related to "fair dealing" is considered rigid as it provides an exhaustive list and any use
falling out of the statutory list is considered as an act of infringement.

Unlike this, the US doctrine of "fair use" has scope for any new exception which constitutes fair and
bonafide use of a copyright work.

As the Indian Copyright Act does not defines the term "fair dealing", its scope is determined by the judiciary
on a case to case basis.

The High Court judgment gives a wide interpretation to the expression in the course of instruction in
the Section 52(1)(i) to cover photocopying for making course packs under fair dealing.

Limitations

By allowing unlimited reproduction of copyrighted work in the course of instruction, the judgment ignores
the considerable investments made by copyright holders in creating a work.

A closer look on Section 52(1)(i) doesnt suggests that the legislature intended to give such a wide
interpretation to the words in the course of instruction.

If a whole book is prescribed in the syllabus, the judgment doesnt clarifies if Section 52(1)(i) permits the
photocopying of the complete book.

The compliance of the judgment with Article 13 of TRIPS is questionable because the possibility of
commercial interest cannot be ruled out as under the terms of license of the photocopy shop, the university
is entitled to free photocopy of 3000 pages every month.

It is also not justified to cover a private photocopy shop under in the course of instruction.

Conclusion

The reading requirements of the students should be fulfilled without prejudicing the legitimate commercial
interests of the copyright owners.

The prescribed books should be made available in sufficient numbers in the university libraries.

Instead of photocopying complete books, reproduction of reasonable excerpts must be permitted.

Importance

GS 3 (issues relating to intellectual property rights)

Related questions

In a globalised world, intellectual property rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly
distinguish between the terms copyrights, patents and trade secrets.(UPSC 2014)

In the context of copyrights, explain the doctrine of fair dealing? What does it seeks to achieve? Also
discuss the implications of recent judgment of the Delhi High Court regarding photocopying of
copyrighted material.

Sept. 24, 2016

Pushback against civil liberties 24th Sept'16 Editorial The Hindu

Details : Pushback
against civil liberties Background
Recently, demands for reviewing theScheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act
(PoAA) has been raised in Maharashtra after the rape and murder of an upper caste girl in which the
accused are Dalits.

Similar demands have been raised in the past in Tamil Nadu also.

Impunity

One of the causes of atrocities against Dalits is a sense of impunity enjoyed by the higher castes.

The PoAA criminalizes this impunity.

The demand for dilution or repeal of PoAA arises from a desire to protect this impunity.

Relationship of caste with Constitution, Society and State must be analyzed to understand these
demands.

Caste and Constitution

The Constitution portrays the nation as it should be, not as it is. Therefore, it addresses systemic
inequalities like castes indirectly.

Although the Constitution mentions caste as one of sources of discrimination in Article 15 (1),
Sections 2(a) and 2(b) of the same article which prohibits discriminatory practices and Article 17
which abolishes untouchability, doesnt mentions caste.

Caste and Society

The PoAA protects the fundamental right to dignity of specific groups who have suffered gross
violations to their dignity.

Such specific groups exist due to unequal social relations promoted by the caste system.

Dalit castes are vulnerable to exploitation by castes which are higher in the hierarchy, especially the
dominant castes which enjoys a socially sanctioned sense of impunity. (The term dominant caste is used to
refer to a caste which has numerical strength, yields economic or political power and occupies a fairly high
position in the hierarchy. It also controls sizeable amount of agricultural land.)

When the dominant castes feel that opportunities for economic and social mobility are limited, they
start to derive their social worth from their unequal relations with other castes lower in the hierarchy.

In such situations, any real or imagined improvement in the conditions of the Dalits is seen as a
threat by the dominant castes.

The Caste-State relationship

The State is a product of law and society and act as a link between them.
 The Constitution, which is the supreme law, doesnt represent social inequalities and encourages the
society to move in towards an idealistic state.

The Constitution depends upon the state for realization of its ideals but the state is regulated by
politics which establishes a strong link between the state and the society.

The state balances its obligations to the Constitution and the society and acts in a variety of ways with
respect to caste. This makes it difficult to establish a clear relation between state and caste.

Understanding the demand

The demand for dilution or repeal of PoAA has been raised by regional political parties in
Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu representing the interests of dominant castes.
Dalits in these states have seen some upward mobility which led to reduction of social distance
between them and the dominant castes.

This enraged the dominant castes and led them to argue that PoAA is being misused.

Reality

There are no credible evidences about increasing frequency of actual misuse of PoAA.

On the contrary, ordinary Dalits find it especially difficult to register cases under PoAA.

The misuse argument may be used by the dominant castes to suggest that Dalits dont require
special protection as they are no longer oppressed and may be becoming oppressors themselves.

Conclusion

Dalits are still being oppressed throughout the country and they require special protection.

The need is to confront with the reality of various social inequalities directly within our
Constitutional-social-political context.

Inclusive growth which provides avenues for upward mobility for all sections of the society will
greatly help in resolving various social conflicts.

Importance

GS 1 (Salient features of Indian Society, Social Empowerment)

GS 2 (mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for theprotection and betterment of
vulnerable sections)

Related question

In the want of inclusive growth, affirmative action and special treatment of vulnerable sections have
given rise to a variety of caste based movements. Discuss.

Sept. 23, 2016

Something for everyone 23rd Sept'16 Editorial The Hindu

Details : Something for

everyone Background
The Parliament has passed the 122nd Constitution Amendment Bill which was later ratified by the
States which paved the way for levy of a uniform indirect tax (GST) across the country.

The GST council has agreed to rollout the GST from 1st April 2017 but many issues like the rate of GST,
threshold of exemption etc. are yet to be decided.

Diversity as a challenge

Vast diversities in demographics, human development and economic parameters across the Indian
states make transition to a uniform GST a challenging task.

But this challenge can be overcome if certain misconceptions about GST are dispelled and some basic
guiding principles are adhered to.

Dispelling misconceptions

Revenue neutral rate (RNR)-The quest for RNR(the tax rate that allows the government to receive the
same amount of money despite of changes in tax laws)should be abandoned as it is almost
impossible to arrive at.

Revenue loss- Large states should not fear of loss of revenue due to lower GST rates as they will
significantly benefit due to larger share in service tax.

Impact on the poor- It is impossible to find out precise consumption patterns of the rich and the poor.
Therefore, a high GST rate will affect the poor even though many consumption items are not taxed.

The guiding principles

Instead of RNR, each state should be guaranteed a minimum amount of combined GST revenues for a
pre-determined period. This will protect the states from potential revenue loss and risks of tax buoyancy (
i.e. the revenues may not rise in proportion to increase in state GDP)

GST rates can be categorized under four slabs- low rate, standard rate, merit rate and de-merit rate. The
standard GST rate should be low and include all cesses. This will minimize the inflationary impact,
incentivize tax compliance and increase tax collections.

The above two suggestions may negatively impact Centres revenues but it should be seen as
investment for smooth functioning of GST.

GST should be uniform for all states but threshold for GST exemption should be increased. Since a
uniform GST will remove the States ability to attract new businesses with tax incentives it can affect job
creation. Increase in threshold of exemption will encourage the small businesses in the developed states to
grow faster, thereby creating new jobs. At the same time, large businesses will be attracted to under
developed states due to cheaper land and labour.

There should be minimal categories of exemption. As a minimum GST revenue will be guaranteed for each
State for a certain period and overall GST rate will be low, exemptions should be limited to petroleum and
petro products and sin goods like alcohol and tobacco.

States must be incentivized for GST collection by giving them greater responsibility to collect both
Central and State GST taxes within their borders.

Conclusion

The above principles can help in developing a consensus about various contentious issues in the GST
Council.

Successful implementation of a simple GST regime will economically unify the nation into a single
market and increase tax compliance and tax collection.

Importance

GS 2 (Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the
federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein)

GS 3 (Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth,

development and employment)
Related questions

Transition of India, with an extremely diverse and dissimilar set of States, to a one nation, one tax GST
regime is a huge challenge. Discuss.

Sept. 22, 2016

Railway Budget, a vanishing trick 22nd Sept'16 Editorial The Hindu

Details : Railway
Budget, a vanishing trick Background
 In a series of budgetary reforms, the government has merged Rail and General Budgets from the next
financial year onwards.

Railway finances were separated from the general finances on the recommendations of Acworth
Committee and first separate railway budget was presented in 1924.

Reasons for merger

The merger will relieve Railways from paying annual dividend to the Finance Ministry on the gross
budgetary support.

The Railways share in the General Budget has progressively reduced over the years decreasing the
relevance of a separate Railway Budget.

It will check the practice of using the Railways as a platform for populist measures.

No other Ministry has a separate budget and the practice exists in no other country.

The Bibek Debroy Committee has recommended merger of Rail Budget with General Budget.

Understanding the complexities

1) Loan waiver

The annual dividend is paid not only on the budgetary support extended during a year but also on the
total capital at chargewhich includes the gross budgetary support (GBS) of previous years.

Capital-at-charge represents the Central Government's investment in the Railways by way of loan
Capital and value of the assets created there from.

Thus it amounts to a loan waiver and indicates financial distress of the Railways.

2) Populism

Although the Rail Budget had been used to indulge in populism, it also led to a detailed performance
review of the Railways.

A separate post-Budget discussion in Parliament on the Railways may not substitute it as it is more likely
to focus upon allotment to various projects and not on financial performance.

If a government wants it can also indulge in populism even without a separate Rail Budget.

3) Different from other ministries

Railways is an operational ministry which earns as well as spends unlike other ministries which only
spend.

It employs large number of people and its gross earnings (revenue from operations before deducting
associated expenses and taxes) are very high.

It follows its own accounting practice which is similar to commercial accounting.

 It meets the pension liabilities of its employs out of its own earnings.

4) Comprehensive reforms

The reforms recommended by the Bibek Debroy Committee such as complete overhaul of the project
financing architecture; comprehensive accounting reforms; separation of infrastructure and operations;
setting up of a rail regulatory authority are part of a holistic package and should be implemented as
such.

Hasty measure

Although merger of the Rail and the General Budget is a positive reform, it is hastily implemented to
conceal the financial health of the Railways.

Railways is in difficult financial position due to decreased revenues, sudden increase in expenditure due
to implementation recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commissionand increasing interest
burden.

A separate Budget would have clearly stated that its expenditure is more than earnings.

Way forward

Financial health of the Railways should be restored by improving efficiency, increasing revenues and
cutting costs, not by manipulating the budgetary process.

Post-merger, an annual Indian Railways Report should be tabled in Parliament for comprehensive
performance review of the Railways.

Keeping in mind the uniqueness of the Railways ministry, its functional and financial autonomy must be
safeguarded.

The recommendations of the Debroy committee should be implemented holistically and not in a
piecemeal approach.

Importance

GS 2 (Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and
Departments of the Government)

GS 3 (Government Budgeting)

Related questions

The setting up of a Rail Tariff Authority to regulate fares will subject the cash strapped Indian Railways to
demand subsidy for obligation to operate non-profitable routes and services. Taking into account the
experience in the power sector, discuss if the proposed reform is expected to benefit the consumers, the
Indian Railways or the private container operators. (UPSC GS-2 2014)

The financial health of Indian Railways has been a cause of concern for long. How far the merger of Rail
Budget with the General Budget will help in shoring up the financial health of the Railways? Also discuss
its likely implications on social obligations of the railways.

Sept. 21, 2016

An independent RBI is a chimera 21st Sept'16 Editorial The Hindu

Details : An
independent RBI is a chimera
Background
Recent developments like the draft Indian Financial Code which outlines the role of government in
Monetary Policy Committee and the pressure exerted on the RBI for easing the interest rates have
brought in focus the issue of independence of the central bank.

Dimensions of independence

Economists believe that the independence of a central bank depends upon the circumstances and it has
four main dimensions:

Statutory independence from the state with respect to nomination, tenure and termination of the
Governor

Independence of monetary policy instruments to manage interest rates and liquidity

Independence of monetary policy objectives like inflation targeting, credit control, priority sector
lending etc.

Financing of government deficit.

Evolution of Central Bank's autonomy

Initially, the central banks were created to discharge some specific functions of the government like
issuing currency.

Then they were tasked with regulation and supervision of banks.

Later, they began to take monetary policy decisions like fixing interest rates and inflation targeting.

The concept of independence of central bank developed in advanced economies with anti-
inflationary policy of US Fed Reserve in late 1970s and early 80s.

Differences between advanced economies and emerging market economies

The financial markets are well developed and integrated seamlessly.

The financial institutions have a long history and are mature.

The transmission mechanism of monetary policy is inefficient.

Therefore, the central bank can focus on a single policy of monetary policy with a single instrument.

The financial markets underdeveloped with fractured.

The financial institutions are young and mainly owned by the government.

The transmission mechanism of monetary policy is inefficient.

Hence, the central banks have to pursue diverse goals in their specific contexts like development of
financial markets, financial sector reforms, financial inclusion etc.

Question of independence

The concept of independence of central bank is more relevant to advanced economies where they
have a single objective and independence is necessary for a focused approach.

But in emerging market economies, greater coordination with the government is required as the
central bank has to cater to diverse set of objectives.

Even in advanced economies until few decades back, monetary policy was directed by the
government

Due to greater financial integration in todays world, independence of the central bank is not
absolute even in advanced economies.

Lessons for India

In India, government owns many financial institutions and public sector enterprises which interact
extensively amongst themselves.

The objectives of monetary policy are diverse like financial inclusion, financial stability etc.
 Due to low interest rates in advanced economies distribution and allocation of funds across different
sectors of economy may get distorted.

In a democratic set up a balance has to be struck between diverse interests for efficient use of public
resources.

Therefore, the need is for a joint and consultative effort between the government and the RBI.

If the RBI has to ensure a responsible policy formulation, then is must be accountable to the elected
government.

The present level of development of economy and markets in India requires greater coordination
between the government and the RBI and independence of the central bank will have negative
implications.

Importance
 GS 2 (Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies)

GS 3 (Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth,

development and employment)

Related questions

Keeping in mind the present needs of Indian economy, do you think that the Government must have
greater say in the functioning of the RBI? Give arguments in favour of your answer.

Sept. 20, 2016

Equality before uniformity 20th Sept'16 Editorial The Hindu

Details : Equality
before uniformity Background
In India, different communities are governed by their religious laws and customs for matters related to
marriages, divorce, adoption, inheritance etc. These are called the personal laws.

A Uniform Civil Code that frames a common personal law for all the religious communities is
passionately debated topic.

Even though Article 44 of the Constitution declares that the state shall endeavour to secure for the
citizens a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), not much has been achieved in this direction.

Recently, the UCC and related issue of rights of Muslim women are in news due to a Law Ministry
note on UCC and a PIL in the Supreme Court (Sharya Bano case) against unilateral divorce (triple talaq).

Reaction of Womens groups to UCC in 1990s

During 1990s, womens groups feared that the UCC would be modeled after the Hindu personal laws and
thus opposed it.

They argued that historically, Muslim personal laws treated women more fairly than the Hindu laws.

For e.g. Muslim laws views marriage as a contract with provisions of divorce while the Hindu laws see
marriage as a sacrament.

They cited a Census study which showed that polygamy was more prevalent among the Hindus than the
Muslims and the reformed Hindu Law doesnt recognizes the rights of such wives.

The current debate on the UCC and rights of Muslim women should be seen as an opportunity by the
womens rights movement to learn from the past experiences.
Three lessons
First lesson
Doubtful comparisons between Muslim and Hindu women must be stopped.

There are many issues with the aforementioned Census report and it doesnt prove that polygamy was
more prevalent among Hindus than Muslims.

While the status of Hindu women have improved over the years, increased social, economic and
political marginalisation might have made Muslim women even worse off than what was reported in the
Sachar committee report.

Second lesson

Lessons must be learned from the struggles of Muslim womens organizations and their efforts must
be more strongly supported.

Although these organizations have different viewpoints regarding the approach to reform Muslim
laws, they united in their demand for more economic and political rights for Muslim women.

Economic and political insecurity of Muslims is a major hurdle for UCC.

Third lesson

Womens rights groups should not merely react to the agenda set by the government but think
creatively to promote genuine gender equality.

Way forward

The debate surrounding UCC must move beyond ensuring uniformity of personal laws to encompass the
greater issue of gender equality.

Therefore, alternative perspectives should be encouraged to achieve the common goal of gender
justice, whether under UCC or otherwise.

Muslim womens organizations must be supported in their struggle for securing greater economic and
political rights for Muslim women.

Economic and political equality of Muslim women will pave the way for UCC.

Importance-

GS 1 (Role of women and womens organization, Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism &
secularism)

GS 2 (Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant

provisions and basic structure)

Related questions

Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizens a uniform civil code as
provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy. (UPSC GS 2, 2015)

Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make womens organization free from gender
bias.Comment. (UPSC, GS 1, 2013)

Can UCC ensure gender justice for women across the communities? Discuss.
Sept. 19, 2016

A blow for the right to knowledge 19th Sept'16 Editorial The Hindu

Details : A blow
for the right to knowledge Background
In the Delhi University photocopying case, the Delhi High Court has dismissed the copyright
infringement petition by three publishers against a photocopy shop.

The case had immense significance for questions of access to knowledge.

The publishers argued that the creation of course packs and the photocopying of academic material for it
was an infringement of the copyright

The defendants argued that the reproduction of materials for educational purposes is an exception
to copyright under Section 52(1)(i) of the Copyright Act.

The judgment

The Court ruled that copyright is a statutory right and not a natural right, and hence limited by
exceptions provided in the law.

Under Section 52 of the Copyright Act the reproduction of any work in the course of instruction will not
constitute an infringement.

The court gave a broad interpretation of instruction to include the entire range of pedagogy from the
creation of syllabus to teaching and provision of reading materials.

The Court argued that in the changing technological context, when doing an action per se is not
illegal then doing the same action with the help of technology is also not illegal.

The Court rejected that copyrights are designed to protect the property rights of owners and
observed that copyrights are meant to increase and not to impede the spread of knowledge and
creative activities.

The Court has concluded that the reproduction of a copyrighted work for teaching does not
unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interest of the author.

Implications

The judgment has finely balanced private and public interests in such a way that recognizes that the aim
of technology is to improve human lives.

Global copyright laws and standards are set by the developed countries which mostly represents
narrow commercial interests.

Under their influence, many countries have defined quantitative restrictions on photocopying.

In this context, the judgment is radical as the Court refused to impose quantitative restrictions.

It is significant especially for countries like India where libraries and universities have to serve the
needs of thousands of students simultaneously and every student cant be expected to buy every book.

This judgment can be emulated by countries which find the international copyrights law restrictive and
want to ensure the greatest flexibility under them to address their specific needs.

Way forward

The judgment boldly establishes the principles of equitable access to knowledge.

It has great consequences globally and should be emulated by other countries.

It will be practically and ethically right for the publishers to not to appeal against the judgment.
Importance- GS 3 (issues relating to intellectual property rights)

Related questions

In a globalised world, intellectual property rights assume significance and are a source of litigation.
Broadly distinguish between the terms copyrights, patents and trade secrets.(UPSC 2014)

Sept. 17, 2016

Summit over substance 17th Sept'16 Editorial The Hindu

Details : Summit
over substance
Background
India is hosting the 8th BRICS summit in Goa and used the opportunity to organize a regional
outreach by inviting the BIMSTEC nations for the 4th BIMSTEC summit.

India invited BIMSTEC leaders in place of SAARC leaders probably to avoid inviting Pakistan.

There will be greater focus on BRICS summit partly because of the stature of the leaders involved and
partly because there hasnt been much activity under the BIMSTEC initiative.

What can be expected from the BRICS summit? China-

Russia dynamic
The growing closeness between Russia and China will be at display at the summit.

On South China Sea, China, with Russian support, will want to include in the summit declaration a stand
similar to that agreed upon in the India-Russia-China trilateral Foreign Ministers meeting which appeared
to support Chinas stand.

It called for solution of South China Sea dispute under provisions of UNCLOS and negotiations and
agreements among the concerned nations.

India may resist such a proposal because i) the international tribunal has given the award against China,
ii) India has been criticized for double speak after the Foreign Ministers meeting, iii) after the Chinese
opposition to Indias NSG membership and its blocking at the UN of naming Masood Azhar as a terrorist,
India may refuse to oblige.

Triangular game

Brazil and South Africa, due to domestic political and economic issues, are unlikely to come up with any
new ideas.

So the agenda of the summit will be mainly driven by India, Russia and China.

India would want a strong and categorical statement on counter-terrorism even though China and
Russia will not support naming Pakistan or even reference to it.

The outcome may be a statement which is strong but more general in scope.

Critical assessment of BRICS

The New Development Bank is operational and India has reportedly received loans totalling about
$300 million. But this institution is overshadowed by the much better funded Asian Infrastructure Investment
Bank (AIIB) initiated and led by the Chinese.

The Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) is still only on paper.

Exponential expansion in committees, working groups and forums under BRICS has not led to
substantive outcomes because there are inadequate human or financial resources to follow through.
New proposals

The proposal for the setting up of a BRICS Credit Rating Agency to challenge the monopoly of the
West has merit and itshould be adopted.

The idea of a BRICS free trade agreement stokes fears in both India and Russia of being swamped by
Chinese imports. But even a hint of it will be a major development as it can shift focus back to WTO as both
TPP and TTIP are stalled.

BIMSTEC

The BIMSTEC is an important regional grouping as China is not there to overshadow India and it fits
within Indias Act East policy. The summit could be an occasion to revive it.
 The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC), which is a platform for Indias exclusive engagement with the
countries of Indo-China and Myanmar, could also be a major component of the Act East strategy.

But Indias engagement with these two groupings has not been consistent.

The activities under these two platforms fall short of a well-thought-out and long-term strategy of
integrating India more closely with the region.

Regional connectivity is important for the groupings but it also opens the door for Chinas One Belt, One
Road initiative as Indias own resources are limited and its record of completion of projects is abysmal.

There is perception that India is unable to play a significant role in emerging economic and security
architecture of the region.

Conclusion

Indian success at the BRICS summit will depend upon how well it manages the growing closeness
between China and Russia.

For effective functioning of BRICS, it is necessary that resources are not spread too thin.

To revive BIMSTEC and MGC, India must adopt a consistent approach which fits in its Act East policy and
focus on timely completion of projects.

The forthcoming summits will reflect Indias status as a key player in the region and as a globally
significant player.

But there should be systematic and well thought follow through to consolidate the gains.

Focus must shift from grand events to a process-driven diplomacy which uses such events to
enhance Indias influence.

Importance- GS 2 (Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting
Indias interests)

Related question-

India has recently signed to become the founding member of New Development Bank and also of the
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. How will the role of the two Banks be different? Discuss the strategic
significance of these two Banks for India. (UPSC 2014)

Do you think that BRICS, which was formed for increased cooperation among the leading emerging
economies of the world, has been struck in global geo-politics.
Sept. 16, 2016

When the river weeps 16th Sept'16 Editorial The Hindu

Details : When the

river weeps Background and
timelines
Sharing of Cauvery waters has been a contentious issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu which
started even before independence.

On the appeal of Tamil Nadu government and after intervention of the Supreme Court, a tribunal was set
up under Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956 in 1990.

The tribunal passed the final order in 2007 which was contested by both the states.
In 2012, after intervention of PM (as chairman of Cauvery River authority) and the Supreme Court,
Karnataka agreed to release 9,000 cusecs of water which was stopped later.

The recent verdict of the Supreme Court is an outcome of an interlocutory petition filed by Tamil
Nadu seeking the release of water as per guidelines of Cauvery Tribunal.

Ecological causes of the conflict Climate

change
The two states are heavily dependent upon the river for their agricultural and economic needs.

Over the past few decades, increasing unpredictability of the summer monsoons due to climate
change has impacted the water flows of the river.

When the river receives enough rainfall, there is no conflict between the two States but the crisis
surfaces in bad years.

The situation isgoing to worsen in future due to climate change.

Changing land use

Deforestation and plantations of trees such as eucalyptus and acacia across the basin has
contributed to reduction in rainfall, soil erosion, and reduced water tables.

Rapid urbanization and concretionary structures have also impacted the water tables and river flow.

Extensive sand mining in the basin has also impacted the topography of the river and its water
flows.

Reducing volume

Numerous dams across the river have reducedthe rivers capacity for water storage due to siltation.

Industries along the Cauvery and its tributaries pollute the river water making its waters unusable for
agriculture and industrial sludge and effluents builds up on the river bed, further reducing its capacity for
storage.

Changes in agricultural patterns

Millet cultivation has been replaced by cultivation of water-intensive high yield paddy and sugarcane
which has exacerbated the water crisis.

Way forward

The need is to recharge the river, increase inflow of water, clean up hotspots of pollution, and
increase the efficiency of water use.

For this afforestation along the river must be taken up along with a shift towards water-efficient
cropping
 Efforts must be taken to limit industrial pollution of rivers, ban excessive sand mining, and limit the
growing consumption of water for cities and towns along the river.

This requires adoption of a long term, cooperative and coordinated approach across the basin which is
only possible when the states set aside their political differences and see the problem in its entirety.

Sept. 15, 2016

No Hyderabad Blues 15th Sept Editorial The Hindu

Details : No
Hyderabad blues
Background

Andhra Pradesh has been demanding special category state status (SCS).

At the time of bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh the successor state was orally promised special
category status by the then PM in the Parliament.

But the Central government announced a special package for the State which has raised
controversy.

Why AP is demanding SCS?

After the bifurcation, Andhra lost a large volume of its revenue due to Hyderabad remaining the
capital of Telangana.

SCS would have enabled it to have a level playing field to compete for investment.

Basis for SCS

The Constitution only provides for special provisions for some of the States under Article 370 and
Articles 371 A to H.

Grants for administration of Scheduled Areas are provided in Article 275 (1).

The classification of States into general and special categories was done by the Planning
Commission based on five considerations, namely: (i) hilly and difficult terrain; (ii) low population
density and /or sizeable share of tribal population; (iii) strategic location along borders with
neighbouring countries; (iv) economic and infrastructure backwardness; and (v) non-viable State
finances.

Benefits under SCS

The Central assistance for plan purposes to SCS states was given under the Gadgil-Mukherjee
formula where 30% of the assistance was earmarked to these States, 90% of which was given as
grants and 10% as loans.

Assistance to Centrally Sponsored Schemes was given with 90% Central share and 10% State share.

SCS also provided for income tax and excise duty exemptions on investments.

Present status

After the Twelfth Finance Commission, funds earmarked for special category States were substantially
reduced as the Centre discontinued lending and they were required to borrow from the market.

After the constitution of the NITI Aayog and the recommendations of the Fourteenth Finance
Commission (FFC), Central plan assistance to SCS States have been subsumed in an increased tax
devolution of the divisible pool to all States and do not appear in plan expenditure.
 Therefore, the benefit of higher Central assistance does not exist anymore but SCS states still enjoy tax
incentives.

Why the Centre refused?

The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act contains provisions about fiscal measures and financial
support to the successor state but it doesnt mentions granting SCS status.

There was no proposal to modify the criteria for SCS status.

The increased devolution as recommended by the FFC was already flowing to the State.

Full income tax and excise duty exemption could have resulted in flight of capital from neighbouring
states.

Acceding to the demand could have triggered similar demands from states like Bihar and Odisha.
The special package

Provisions for revenue gap grants, tax incentives, special package for backward areas and funds for
building the new capital.

The Central government will meet the entire expenditure of the Polavaram project.

Establishment of several educational institutes.

Establishment of a major port in Dugarajapatnam on public-private partnership basis

Proposals to set up units of SAIL and IOC.

Measures for improving road and rail connectivity.

Thus, the State gains immensely from the special package in addition to the transfers recommended by
the Finance Commission.

Importance-

GS 2 (Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the
federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein)

GS 3 (Government Budgeting)

Related question- Following the constitution of NITI Aayog and recommendations of FFC, the fiscal
relations between the Center and the States have undergone a sea change. Discuss with special reference
to special category states.

Sept. 14, 2016

Involve the States more in higher education 14th Sept'16 Editorial The Hindu

Details : Involve the

States more in higher education Background
Standard of higher education has been a cause of concern as Indian institutions have been
consistently ranked in the lower strata of global rankings.

Improvement in quality of higher education and research is necessary for expanding the
manufacturing sector and creation of quality jobs.
Responses and their deficiencies

The Central government is opening more central institutions like IITs, IIMs and AIIMS and States also
seem to be content with asking Centre to locate such institutions in their state.

This may be ineffective as these institutions produce less than 1% of the total number of the
graduates.

It also limits the Centres role in improving the quality of education and research.

State universities produce over 95 per cent of the nations graduates, are not adequately represented
in policy and decision making which widens the gap in quality between the Central and State
institutions.

Redefining the role of states

 The States must take greater responsibility to improve the quality of higher education institutions.

They should formulate plans to improve higher education, like engineering and management,
keeping in mind their economic needs and infrastructure.

Without ignoring the demands of global economy, a significant part of the education and research
syllabus in a college should be centered on the local resources and economy.

This will make such programs more relevant and help in economic development of the state.

Funding the new model

The Centre and the States should increase their funding for higher education and research.

The private sector and the diaspora should also step in and barriers must be removed for State-level
institutions to access private funding and support.

A public-private partnership model which could be tweaked according to local needs can also work.

Way forward

States should play a greater role in setting the higher education and research agenda and for
improving the quality of the sector, focus must shift on State-level institutions.

Private participation must be encouraged in the sector but it should not be limited toeducation-as-
business-only model.

States should improve their image in the area of quality teaching and research to attract private
players.

Importance-

GS 2 (Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,

Education, Human Resources.)

GS 2 (Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out
oftheir design and implementation.)

Related question- Quality of higher education and research in India has been a cause of concern. In this
context, critically examine the various steps taken by the government. Also outline a strategy to improve
the quality of higher education and research.

Sept. 13, 2016

Why healthcare access eludes India 13th Sept'16 Editorial The Hindu

Details : Why
healthcare access eludes India
Background
Government is planning to ensure universal health coverage and there are suggestions of making
health a fundamental right.

But access to healthcare remains inadequate with around 80 % of all doctors and 75 % of
dispensaries serve 28 % of the population.

Why should the government focus on health-care?

Health-care is an essential part of overall well-being of the citizens.

It enhances the productivity of the citizens and thus contributes to economic growth.
 The Constitution, under Article 47 of DPSP, directs government of improve public health.

There is consensus among politicians and academicians on its importance.

Problems

Inadequate infrastructure

The total number of hospitals and health-care professionals is insufficient to meet the total demand for
health-care services.

The policy focus has been on addressing the demand side issues, like improving hygiene, which has been
unable to match demand with supply.

Inadequate expenditure

With 17 % of the worlds population, India spends less than 1 % of the worlds total health
expenditure.

At 4.1 % of GDP, Indias health-care expenditure is among the lowest in the world.

Even these insufficient funds are disbursed with considerable delays and a part remains unutilized.

Governance deficit and regulatory capture

Too many laws and regulations governing the sector impede its development.

Access to healthcare is inhibited because many institutions and health-care providers are not
formally recognized due to complex laws and regulations.

Widespread corruption makes the sector inefficient.

Lack of awareness and monitoring of diseases

There is lack of awareness about diseases and inadequate monitoring which makes it difficult to
follow a proactive approach in dealing with existing and emerging challenges.

Need for an integrated plan

There is need for an integrated action-plan on health care to make it universally accessible and
affordable.

The supply-side issues must be addressed by increasing the number of hospitals and doctors.

Expenditure on healthcare should be increased to match the global standards and capacity of the
sector must be enhanced to efficiently utilize the increased funds.

Laws and regulations governing the sector must be rationalized for efficient functioning of the
sector.

A holistic approach which relies on awareness generation, active participation and strict monitoring, like
the polio eradication program, is required.

This will address the countrys health needs and as seen in China and Japan, will have a positive
impact on poverty and growth levels.

They are the world 13th Sept'16 Editorial The Hindu

Details : They
are the world
Background
The violent conflicts raging in places like Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa has forcibly displaced
numerous people including children.
The Unicef has highlighted this issue in its report, Uprooted: The Growing Crisis for Refugee and
Migrant Children.

Grim findings

Over 50 % of the 50 million children who are migrants or forcibly displaced have fled violence.

About one third children who live outside their country of birth is a refugee.

Severity of the situation

According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the displacement ratio for adults is much
smaller and the number of child refugees almost doubledin the decade ending 2015.

This highlights the vulnerability and disproportionate impact of conflict on children.

Violations of child rights

Child trafficking, conscription of child soldiers and exploitation in the sex trade severely undermines child
rights and reverses gains made in this direction.

Recommendations

Governments should address the root causes of conflict, violence and extreme poverty.

Use scarce resources to fulfill basic necessities of life.

Detention of children seeking refugee status and reporting requirements should be done away with.

Conclusion

Various forms of exploitation of children pose both immediate and long-term consequences for
humanity.

Governments should address these issues by taking a sympathetic view.

The comprehensive recommendations of the Unicef report should be quickly implemented along
with fast and extensive policy changes.

Sept. 12, 2016

Labour's Love's Lost 12th Sept'16 Editorial The Hindu

Details : Labours
loves lost Background
 Indias labour laws are considered to hamper growth and investment.

The government wants to reform these laws, which is opposed by labour unions.

Recently, labour unions had organized a massive general strike to press for their demands.

Demands

The unions have issued a 12 point charter of demands which is centered around the issues of
minimum wages, proposed labour reforms, casualisation of labour, privatization, FDI policy etc.

Labour unrest

Labour militancy has reduced over the years.Man-days lost due to industrial disputes are
significantly lower than 1970s and 80s.

But the labour is agitated today because it feels that proposed reforms will affect its interests
negatively.

Flexible labour laws

Industrialists and several economists advocate flexible labour laws and hold rigid labour laws
responsible for inadequate job creation in the formal sector.

Due to rigid dismissal laws, they argue, firms dont enter labour intensive, low skilled sectors.

This hampered growth of labour-intensive manufacturing in India.

But many other developing countries have already taken lead in these sectors and developed
economies are adopting automation technologies.

Therefore, flexible labour laws may not boost labour-intensive manufacturing in India now.

Academic literature

There is no agreement in academic literature that flexible labour laws increase employment.

On the contrary, it is suggested that greater protection increases labour productivity.

Evidence suggests that inadequate job creation in India is more due to tax incentives for capital and less
due to labour laws.

Casualization of labour

Contract labour curtails workers rights and the Supreme Court has taken strong exception to it.

Companies employ contract labour because it is cheaper, complying with regulations is left to
contract labour firms and they can escape regulations by staying small.

It is believed that contract labour exists due to rigid laws but it will continue even after liberalization of
laws simply because it is cheaper.

Privatisation and FDI

Although there is no major privatization of PSUs, shrinking public sector can negatively impact
formal employment.

Domestic firms are not growing adequately. Therefore, FDI can displace jobs by investing in labour
replacing capital.

Job creation

There is inadequate job creation, especially formal jobs, as investment in private sector is
constrained by several factors.

Therefore, liberalizing dismissal laws will be counter-productive.

The IMF also supports this view and argues that such reforms should be accompanied by fiscal
expansion to raise labour demand.

But fiscal expansion is difficult as India is in the process of fiscal consolidation.

Way forward

This is not the right time liberalizing dismissal laws as there is inadequate job creation in the formal
sector.

Instead, government should strengthen worker protection and extend it to contract labour also.This
would increase worker productivity and lead to more inclusive growth.

Steps should also be taken to ease constrains for domestic private investment to boost job creation in
private sector.

Importance
 Economy (issues related to employment) GS 3.

Governance (Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues
arising out of their design and implementation) GS 2.

Related question-

Q) Critically evaluate the rationale of labour reforms in India. Also discuss the grounds on which they are
opposed.

Sept. 10, 2016

Dark clouds over the PDS 10th Sept'16 The Hindu Editorial

Details : Dark
clouds over the PDS
Background
The PDS, which used to be corrupt and inefficient, has improved during the last decade due to
reforms undertaken by the states.

Significance of PDS reforms have increased as proper implementation of National Food Security Act,
(NFSA) 2013, relies ona healthy PDS.

Currently, the Central Government is promoting Aadhaar-based biometric authentication in the PDS.

The Chhattisgarh model

Chhattisgarh undertook reforms like 1) broad coverage 2) clear entitlements 3)de-privatisation of PDS
shops 4)separation of transport and distribution agencies 5) computerization 6) fixed distribution
schedules 7)tight monitoring 8)active grievance redressal etc.

These reforms were highly successful and made Chhattisgarh a role model.

The model was replicable and was applied in other states like Odisha.

Working of PDS

Studies highlighted that PDS was working reasonably well for BPLhouseholds.

However, there were high leakages in the APL quota.

NFSA
NFSA abolished the APL category and eligible households are classified as priority households and
Antyodaya households.

It will cover at least 75 per cent of rural households at the national level.

Recent studies in some states show that PDS is working fine with most NFSA cardholders receiving their
entitlements and lesser exclusion errors.

Aadhaar-based biometric authentication

The Central government decision to introduceAadhaar-based biometric authentication in the PDS can
be counter-productive.

This system requires simultaneous working of multiple technologies and needs an internet
connection.

It also requires someone from the household to have an Aadhaar number whichis correctly seeded in the
PDS database.
 Network failures and poor connectivity makes this technology is unsuitable for rural India.

People who dont have an Aadhar number or whose numbers are not correctly seeded will be
excluded.

The system is unreliable and people may be deprived of their entitlements under the NFSA due to
technology failure.

Dual system

Evidences from Rajasthan and Ranchi, where the new system is being used, suggests that only a part
of foodgrain allocation is being done through the new system.

The rest may be either diverted or delivered using the old register system which is not officially
permitted.

Even if the old register system is being used unofficially, it will lead to leakages and corruption because
only PDS dealers know whether and when the register system is permissible, and they have no incentive
to share this information.

Violation of Court orders

Mandating Aadhaar-based biometric authentication in the PDS is a violation of Supreme Court

orders.

Although the Court allowed the use of Aadhaar in the PDS, but didnt make it mandatory.

The Aadhaar Act couldnt justify this move because the relevant sections of the Act are not notified.

Understanding PDS leakages

Point of Sale machines and Aadhar based authentication may reduce the identity fraud.

But the bigger issue in functioning of PDS is quantity fraud giving people less foodgrains than they are
entitled to.

The new system is ineffective against such fraud.

The way forward

The new system can reverse the gains made in reformation of PDS.

The Government must pay attention to evidence against the use of Aadhar in PDS.

For plugging the last mile leakages solutions must be explored which are based on simpler
technologies which are not dependent on internet.

Importance- Governance (GS 2), Economy (GS 3)

Related questions- Highlighting the progress in implementation of NFSA, discuss the readiness of current
PDS for its implentention. Do you think Aadhaar-based biometric authentication in the PDS will address
the issue of leakages?

Sept. 9, 2016

Coming closer together for trade 9th Sept'16 The Hindu Editorial

Details : Coming
closer together for trade Background
Efforts for economic integration have been going on for a long time.
 The recent SAARC Finance Ministers conference discussedissues related to regional economic
integration.

It also reaffirmed the commitment to establish a South Asian Economic Union (SAEU).

SAEU

In 1998, a report by SAARC Group of Eminent Persons (SGEP) proposed setting up of SAEU by 2020.

A South Asian Customs Union (SACU) was also to be established by 2015.

Rationale for integration

According to the World Bank, South Asia is the fastest growing but the least economically integrated
region of the world.

Deeper economic integration will help sustain high growth ratesand aid poverty reduction.

Assessing efforts towards economic integration

Trade liberalization

The South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) has made only a nominal contribution.

Despite two phases of trade liberalization, a large portion of intra-regional trade still remains outside the
liberalization regime.

Factors such as non-tariff barriers, poor infrastructure, lack of connectivity and bureaucratic red tape at
borders also adversely affect intra-SAARC trade.

The result is increased costs of trading in South Asia.

According to World Bank, intra-SAARC trade is less than 5 % of total trade. The figure for East Asia is 35 %
and Europe 60 %.

Despite signing the SAARC Agreement on Trade in Services in 2010, intra-SAARC trade in services is also
very low.

Investment liberalisation

Foreign investments in South Asia are below its potential, attracting only 2.9 % of world FDI inflows in
2015whereas East and Southeast Asia attracted 25 % of world FDI flows.

In comparison to East and Southeast Asia intra-regional FDI inflows are also very low.

A SAARC investment treaty has pending since 2007.

If the treaty is based upon Indias model Bilateral Investment Treaty, which offers limited protection to
foreign investment, its impact on boosting intra-SAARC FDI inflows will be muted.

The way forward

 SAARC leaders need to demonstrate the political will and commitment towards deeper economic
integration.

Various tariff and non-tariff factors affecting the intra-regional trade must be addressed on a priority
basis for ensuring that SAARC becomes a duty-free area.

Intra-regional FDI flows should be promoted. An investment treaty, on the lines of ASEAN investment
agreement, should be finalized at the earliest.

Deeper economic integration will also help theprivate sector and create jobs in the region.

India, as the strongest economy in the region, should take lead in this regard.

Sept. 8, 2016
The foreign hand isnt enough 8th Sept'16 The Hindu Editorial

Details : The
foreign hand isnt enough
Background
The Government has brought major FDI policy reforms and radically liberalized the FDI regime.

The objective is providing stimulus to employment and job creation in India.

Excessive emphasis on FDI

Recently, the government further relaxed the FDI policy and it appears that policymakers are giving an
excessive emphasis on FDI.

Criticisms of FDI

Short term option

There is no theoretical reason to favour foreign capital over domestic capital under normal
circumstances.

But if there are problems in mobilizing domestic investment, foreign investment can be relied upon as a
short term measure.

Volatility and international competition

Private investment is volatile in nature as investors constantly search for avenues for higher
returns.

Also, countries world over compete to attract foreign investment by offering a variety of
concessions.

For e.g. higher tax concessions and lower wages offered by Vietnam was one of the reason for Nokia to
shut down its factory in Chennai.

India offers such concessions under ease of doing business and the Make in India campaign.

This international competition increases income inequality.

Technology diffusion

Foreign investment can bring with it new technology.

But technology diffusion is uncertain because it is against the interest of the foreign firm.

Also, due to underdevelopment of physical and human capital, technology diffusion is difficult in
India.

FDI and Employment

Investment in a labour-intensive sector will generate more employment than investment in a

capital-intensive sector.

The nature of employment also depends on the sector. For example, the investment in construction
sector creates unskilled employment whereas investment in IT generates skilled employment.

The overall FDI inflow has increased from 2014-15 to 2015-16 but the changes in its composition have
raised concerns.

In 2015-16, the services sector, which employs skilled labour, received the largest FDI.

Whereas, there was steep reduction in FDI in the construction sector, which is unskilled labour
intensive. This negatively will impact employment in this sector.

Interstate inequality
 Indian States compete among each other for FDI.

Mumbai and Delhi receive nearly 50%of the overall FDI whereas Odisha receives less than 1%.

Hence, FDI increases existing regional inequalities.

Reliance on domestic investment

Therefore,FDI is not a long term solution and efforts must be undertaken to revive domestic private
investment.

Long term solution

As the aim of FDI is profit, it cannot be depended upon for achieving full employment.

Currently aggregate demand is low due to weak foreign and domestic rural demand.

Therefore, lowering of interest rates will not work.

For a long term solution, public investment should be increased both qualitatively and quantatively.

Investments should be increased substantially in education, health and environment.

This will improve Indias socio-economic condition and crowd in domestic private investment.

Sept. 7, 2016

The need for a totaliser revolution 7th Sept'16 The Hindu Editorial

Details : The need

for a totaliser revolution Background
The Election Commission has recommended the use of totalizer machines to enhance voter
secrecy.

The Law Commission has also supported their use.

The Supreme Court has recently directed the Central Government to take a final decision on this
issue.

Totalizer machines

It mixes the votes from various booths before counting and gives an overall result.

It will prevent the disclosure of voting pattern at a particular booth and enhance voter secrecy.
Stand of political parties

Different political parties have different views on the Supreme Court directive.

While some parties have welcomed the directive, some have advocated a gradual rollout.

Some parties, even those whose workers have been victims of political intimidation, have opposed the
move.

They argue that booth-wise performance is important to devise booth-management strategies.

Booth-management strategies

Identity politics and party workers are important components of booth-level strategy.

Caste plays an important role booth-level management and workers from the dominant castes of
voters of a particular booth manage that booth.

Need for totalizer machines

Booth wise counting of votes gives an idea about the voting patterns of a caste or community, which
helps parties todevise strategy for the next elections.

There is no harm in this exercise.

But there are cases of pre-poll threats and post-poll revengeupon voters.

Booth-level results have been used by losing candidates to harass voters of specific villages or
castes/communities.

Due to social diversity and the frequency of elections at various levels, there is need to use totalizer
machines.

The totaliser may not completely end the possibility of victimisation of voters, but will it help in
maintaining the secrecy of votes.

Effect on election strategy

Parties and candidates have information aboutthe social composition of specific booths.

Poll surveys also give an idea about political preferences of a particular community.

Voters also have a fair sense of who cares for the interests of their caste and community.

All this information is sufficient for framing booth-level strategies.

Therefore, totalizer machines should not affect election strategies of political parties.

Way forward

Even though some political parties have concerns, introduction of the totaliser would be a positive
step.

It will help in reducing voter victimization and maintaining voter secrecy.

As in the case of EVMs, the initial hesitations will be addressed once the stakeholders realize their
utility in due course of time.

Therefore the government must take a positive decision on use of totalizer machines.
Sept. 6, 2016

Merely a logistics pact? 6th Sept'16 The Hindu Editorial

Background
India and USA have signed a Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA).

Both countries maintain that LEMOA is not a military pact, which many analysts find hard to believe.

What is LEMOA?

LEMOA is India-specific version of the Logistics Support Agreement (LSA), whichis one of the three
foundational agreements

The pact does not involve the setting up of permanent bases but only facilitates use of each others
bases on a case-by-case basis.
 This will help to speed up humanitarian relief operations and emergency evacuation.

It can also help streamline operational logistics between the two navies.

The Chinese angle

Strategic experts believe that LEMOA is part of US pivot to Asia.

They believe it is aimed at meeting any threat by an assertive China.

Strategic Cooperation

Strategic cooperation between India and US began under 1st term of President Bush.

The relationship was based on mutual desire for increased cooperation and containment of China was
not the primary objective.

Defence Cooperation Agreements led to loosening of controls over dual use technologies.

Recently, US announced India as a major defence partner.

Strategic autonomy

From 2007 onwards, US has been pursuing India to sign the three foundational agreements.

India has resisted this move on the ground that it undermined its strategic autonomy.

After signing the LEMOA, there will be increased pressure on India to sign other two foundational
agreements.

If India chooses to do so, it will signify its willingness to play a significant role in USs strategic game plan.

USs Policy

US has a realist outlook towards world affairs.

It constantly changes its policy to suit its gl