News Summary : July 21

                                                            

1: 3D Printing : 3D print modules can be used to construction of houses in less time . One possible use can be disaster management when reconstruction activity has to be completed in less time.

2: CCI : Competition commission of India has mandate to look into anti-competitive practices by companies and various agencies.

3: Turkey : Is a NATO member and has been attacked by ISIS terrorist activity . The response will be awaited soon.

4: Indo-Israel : India and Israel have diplomatic relations since 1992 . Indo-Israel relations are set to get strengthened with high level dignitaries visiting Isreal . This was further signified when India abstained from UNHRC resolution for voting against Israel .

5: Education : Giving opinion should be more elaborate process rather than holding view to particular zone. Example can be taken about how technology can be used to improve teacher monitoring. The question should be asked if technology should be used to monitor teachers in schools. The process diminishes high moral ground , trust , autonomy , responsibility , dignity associated.

6: Net Neutrality : DoT report on net neutrality has come up which has brought the debate to the front. The report has mentioned that zero rating issue shall be taken up by TRAI. The report has proposed licensing system for VoIP services. Further it said that OTT can lead to revenue loss and should be brought under regulation .

7: Japan : Wants to change its security doctrine . The proposed change in the doctrine is to change it from self defense to collective self defense. This will enable Japanese forces to fight in foreign lands in support of allays ( USA-China angle ). In addition Shizo Abe had proposed strategic diamond involving The USA-Australia-Japan-India . These changes should be seen in light of territorial dispute involving China-Japan in East china sea ( Senkaku island ) and Asia Pivot project of The USA in recent times.

Expert comment : Not much on significant news to today. 3D printing was asked in 2013 exam . Net neutrality issue demands comprehensive write up as series of articles have come up in Hindu. One international front domestic proceedings in Japan will have Geo-political significane in Asia-Pacific region. Improving quality of education impated in government schools is difficult task government in facing at the moment. CCI keeps on coming in news now and then . CCI has important task to avert market failure by ensuring fair competitive market in India. Indo-Israel relations are set to get boost by present India Government.

Fun Observation : The Hindu is giving suggestion on foreign Policy to Japan as if Japanese Ambassador will read the editorial and convey the same to Shizo Abe .

                                          **********END************

News Summary : July 20

1: EU : Criticism : The arrangement has been union of unequal . Common currency of Euro Zone countries was created with decision made in 1999 . Currently Euro zone has 18 member countries. Greece has been facing fiscal crisis since 2010.

2: Energy Security : Indian coal is of inferior quality , it requires washing and is blended with imported coal whose prices have been rising recently. Alternative sources are being considered. 100GW solar power by 2022 has been ambitious focus area of the government.

3: Urbanization : AMRUT : Atal mission for Rejuvenation and Urban transformation is policy towards managing urbanization .

4: Inclusion : Continued manual scaenging is painful reality of modern India . Legislation in this regard have been failure . 1993 act was Manual scavenging and construction of dry latrines ( Prohibition ) Act . 2013 act was passed as well to end the tradition of manual scavengers and their rehabilitation.

5: Net Neutrality : India favors multilateral model approach on International platforms for Internet Governance. Net neutrality has emerged as prominent debate in recent time . Telecom operators have raised questions against Over the top services e.g. VoIP . Associated keywords related to internet governance are ICANN , IGF ( Internet Governance forum ) , Tunis Agenda , NetMundial etc.

6: Minority Issues : Exclusion issues can be seen in education , housing , employment , development schemes.

7: Judiciary : India has unitary system with supreme court at the top of the hierarchy. Article 141 says that law declared by SC is binding on oall lower court. Collegium system has come up as result of 2^nd and 3^rd judges case 1993 and 1998 respectively. Position of CJI has come under discussion in light of NJAC membership. According to which CJI becomes just one among 6 members . NJAC has been work in direction to make Judiciary share appointment powers with executive ( for HC and SC judges ) .

8: Net Neutrality : DoT report has come up recently on Net neutrality issue. Report suggests to bring VoIP services under licensing under telegraph act . Conditionality will be added and the services may become payable in the way. Telecom operators hold the view that VoIP is eating into their revenue . To counter this alternate argument put forward is that app use will lead to data use which telecom operators can charge as per their cost.

Good Quote : “ Technology is dominated by two types of people : those who understand what they do not manage , and those who manage what they do not understand “ ---Archibald Putt

Expert comment : Greece issue will find some sort of settlement in 10-15 days . Then write up should be prepared. Net neutrality has come up again in light of report of DoT. Closely associated topic is internet governance . Both are important from Mains prospective and write up should be created for this. SC's decision on NJAC is expected to come by September . So this should be kept in mind in future months. Minority face lack of inclusion on multiple fronts . Governments action/inaction should be seen in backdrop of this e.g. Beef ban , Madarsa education issue . Its high time to provide final assault in fight against Manual scavenging . Energy security and Managing urbanization are two prominent problems faced by India at the moment.

Fun Observation : It Seems First they wrote AMRUT then someone came up with full form to impress his/her boss . 

                                            **********END************

News Summary : July 19

                                                         

1: Public Health : NPPA has expanded list of drugs under price control. DPCO 2013 had 348 drugs under price control. National list of essential medicines has 650 in the list. Other view of the arrangement is that it can lead to harming the industry. Smaller and mid side companies are opting out of production of medicines whose prices are controlled. In worrisome prospect India may have to import some medicines which are currenly produced within the country. This can lead to monopolisation of the segment and can hamper availability of the drugs.

2: Land Acquisition : Process should be participatory with satisfactory rehabilitation and compensation. This should be seen in light of proposed changes in 2013 act which wants to do away with Mandarin consent clauses and SIA ( Social Impact Assessment ) . Activists site Narmanda as unsettled issue in this context.

3: Economy : Post reform period had not created benefits on Job creation front. 11.8 million jobs were lost in the process.

4: Culture : Jagannath temple is 12^th century temple which is famous for Annual Rath Yatra .

5: Science and Technology : India lacks legislation on space front to protect sovereign , commercial and public interests. There are 15000 objects in space and in future the numbers are set to increase. Space tourism will get popular in coming years. In past India did come up with Space communication policy of 2000 and remote sensing policy of 2011. There is international co-operation treaty in form of Outer space treaty of 1967. Legislation may involve registration , regulation , compensation , insurance , investor disputes , rescue of tourists, environmental damage , handling of intellectual property.

6: Tribal Issue : Problems and solutions are well known over the year. What has been lacking is political will and lack of implementation. Malnutrition issues and education should be taken on priority . Aanganwadis should work in this direction with renewed zeal. PESA and FRA have lacked on implementation front. PESA is important from social , economic and cultural protection . Programs like NREGA can help in creating social protection .

7: Women issues : Technology use should proceed with dismantling of gender barrier. Example can be taken of Mobile where women find difficulty. Women lack access to mobile phones and in addition end up depending on male members for using the same. Lower literacy level is proving to be additional barrier in using mobile phones.

Good Quote : “ Once you put in your best effort in a task , it will yield result on its own “

Expert comment : Role of NPPA has remained in news since long and will continue to find resistance from pharma lobby in coming times. Government should find ways to ensure that affordable medicines and medical care is able to reach people . With widespread Space technology use there should be comprehensive legislation to manage the scenario. It will involve co-operation at national and international front . Space topic is important for mains exam perspective , so any development on space front should be monitored closely. Women and Tribal form vulnerable sections of the Indian society . Associated problems and solutions should be part of comprehensive write up. Even though legislations have been passed , lacking implementation is proving to be big hurdle in quest towards inclusive growth in India.

                                               **********END************

News Summary : July 18

Economy :

1: Quantitative easing is tool to increase money supply in the economy . With Improved liquidity investment can pick up for rapid growth of economy.

2: Boost strategy should focus on easing regulation , efficient risk allocation , Renegotiation and resourcing improvement.

3: Banking : Rising NPAs have been big pull back factor for current economic scenario. Suggestions have been made to create asset management company which will help in restructuring the bad loans.

4 :  Keynesian way involve state leadership in boosting investment to revive the economy.

5: Infrastructure : Smart city should be a city with heart i.e. it should be just and inclusive.

Governance :

6: Ordinance : This tool should be used when parliament is not in session and there is emergent need for the same. Lack of consensus building can not be reason for Ordinance . This tool has been misused by successive governments in form of promulgation and re-promulgation of ordinances. Currently Land Ordinance has been in news .

7: NJAC : Role of CJI has come under question in NJAC which will consider him as one among 6 members. Article 124 considers him as chief justice of India and Oath of CJI makes him Chief justice of Supreme court. This question need to be answered in light of role in NJAC mandate.

International Relations :

8: Indo-Iran : Chabahar port has been long pending infrastructure project . This will help in establishing connectivity with Afghanistan , Central Asia , Russia . This should be seen in terms of Geo-political , Economic , Combating terrorism angle.

9: Indo-Pak : Wullar barrage ( tulbul ) navigation has been long standing issue between India and Pak just like Sir Creek , Siachin .

Expert Comment : Land acquisition will be hotly debated topic in Monsoon session of parliament. Government will require to build consensus for proposed changes in the 2013 act. NJAC being looked by constitutional bench and will cover various aspects of the commission , role of CJI is one of them. This makes it important topic for mains Paper 2 of GS . Government has provided broad outline for smart cities , minute details will be visible in time to come. This is ambitious infrastructure project and provide decisive push to positive growth of Indian Economy. International news have been more or less continuation of past news .

                                                **********END************

News Summary : July 14

                                                            

1: Emotional Intelligence : Human emotions should have empathy , joy of giving . Hard work should create base on which lasting personality should be created. Precaution should be kept to ensure that lasting opinions are not formed for others e.g. Stereotypes , Prejudices.

2: RuPay : National payment corporation on India ( NPCI ) Manages RuPay payment gateway. DBT for LPG has been started . NREGA and Old Age Pensions are next to come in list.

3: GAGAN : Its a navigation satellite created in collaboration between AAI and ISRO. Its full form is GPS Aided , GEO Augmented Navigation. Its usefulness can be seen in terms of improved efficiency of air navigation , will reduce fuel cost , can help in establishing direct routes . The system is available for SAARC countries , hence it can be used to enhance regional solidarity and co-operation. Other notable ISRO project on navigation is IRNSS . Reusable launch vehicle is amitious project of ISRO as well .

4: Indo-US : It has been ten years of Indo-US nuclear deal. US controls technology control organizations like Australia group , Wassenar arrangement , MTCR , NSG . The deal had opened scope for India to negotiate with these groups for technology and fuel supply. Issue of liability on suppliers had held back progress on Nuclear energy front in India.

5: Refugee issue : Due to continued wars world is facing refugee issue . Examples can be seen in Rohingyas , Uighurs , Syrian refugees etc. For international co-operation refugee convention 1950 was created . The convention provides right to asylum from prosecution in native country. Article 33(1) of it prohibits states from expelling refugees with exception of national security threat. India needs to provide leadership on the issue with positive historical experience e.g. Zoroastrians , Tibetans .

6: CEC appointment : Presently CEC appointment is done by central executive . The process lacks transparency and is prone to arbitrariness. This is deviation when seen in light of CVC appointment for which committee is formed for appointment. So the need is to change the procedure of appointment of CEC .

Expert Comment : Open page of Hindu contain articles which can be useful for ethics paper of GS. Changes in society are reflected in these articles. Indo-US relations has been moving in positive direction in recent times . ISRO's progress is closely related to India's effort on space technology . Space technology is important component of Mains Science topic. One of the basic component of good governance is to have transparent machinery . The demand to have institutionalized mechanism for CEC appointment should be seen in backdrop of this.

                                                     **********END************

News Summary : July 15

                                                          

1: Employment : Government initiative can be seen in terms of National policy on skill development which envisions 500 million trained youth by year 2022. National skill development mission ( NSDM ) has been working on this front. Employment opportunities will get boost with initiatives like Make in India , Digital India , Skill India .

2: Harper Lee's new book is Go set a watchman. Lee is known for other book To Kill a Mockingbird.

3: Iran-US : Artificial crisis persisting for long has been resolved over Iran's Nuclear program. Iran has agreed to limit its nuclear Program in return for lifting economic sanctions.

4: Science : New horizon , an unmanned spacecraft , did pass in close range of Pluto. This was launched in year 2006 . Pluto has five satellites , charon is one of them.

5: International Maritime governance : UNCLOS 1982 has provided one framework. Issue of trial of Italian Marines has been persisting since long. Other legislation are Suppression of unlawful Activities Act Against safety of maritime navigation and Fixed platforms on continental shelf Act 2002.

6: Environment : Air quality is measured in terms of contents of PM10 , PM2.5 , SO2 , CO , O3 , NO2 ; AQ1 with range in 401 to 500 falls in severe category. Recent debate has been on quality of air people in Indian cities are breathing.

7: Indo-US : Bilateral relation can be seen on fronts like Nuclear energy , Patent ( medicines ) , climate change ( GHG emission ) , defense , clean energy , space co-operation . Patent negotiations did involve interpretation of article 3d of Indian Patents act.

8: SECC : Government has held back on caste specific information from the SECC report. One observation has been that responsibility to do SECC was given to states which has in a way compromised on quality . This has also led to diffused responsibility . Census falls in union list and same can not be transferred to states which is responsibility of center. Census activity mandate has got legislative framework with census act 1948 .

9: Corruption : Justice R M Lodha committee report has come on IPL match fixing scandal. Earlier Mukul Mudgal committee had come up with report. Chennai and Jaipur Franchises have been suspended for two years due to participation of owners in the betting scandal.

10 : Water security : River linking project is set to start with Ken-Betwa link in madhya Pradesh. Other link projects are Damanganga-PINJAL , Koshi-Ghaghra , Manas-sankosh-Teesta-Ganga . Linking will involve a lot of implications of the environment front . Altering the flow of water comes at own cost which should be understood before proceeding with the link projects.

Expert comment : Water security is topic of importance. The importance has increased with growing water demand and depleting water resources. River linking has been visualized to use excess water of one region in deficient region. India's foreign policy leadership should come up with comprehensive response in light of Iran-US deal . This has economic had ego-political implications in the region.

International maritime government is important topic from mains perspective as question was asked in previous years mains paper.

                                                   **********END************  

News Summary : July 13

                                                             

1: Economy : Recently decision has been made to allow EPFO to invest 5 to 15% of incremental deposits into equity or equity linked instruments. NPS is allowed to invest in equities ( in small amount ) . Equity investments come with chance of higher returns but contain more ricks.

2: International : China's policy on belt and road initiative has regional and global implications. India is apprehensive about Gwadar-Kashgar economic corridor which passes through PoK. However , BCIM corridor has potential to help India’s bid to develop NE Indian region. BCIM will connect Kunming ( Yunnan ) with Kolkata through Myanmar and Bangladesh. BCIM will reduce Chinese dependence on Gulf of Malacca for cargo movement , which is under USA's influence.

3: India-Krygyzstan are to co-operate on combating terror through defense co-operation . Annual joint military exercise will be conducted to boost co-operation.

4: Poverty : In backdrop of SECC a valid question asked is how poverty reduction can be associated to development. Poverty has other dimension other than economic. Poverty should be determined on control over the factors that determine life chances of people. It should be kept in mind that development focus has been incorporated by developed countries in form of IMF , WB . USA led the economic world order after world war 2 e.g. Marshall plan , Truman Doctrine. Idea was to expand capitalism with control over science and technology .

5: Greece issue : Greece joined EU in 2001 with obligation to fulfill criteria of Maastricht treaty 1992. Greece can not devalue it's currency and raise interest rate to tide over monetary problems. It depends on troika i.e. ECB , EC , IMF to overcome financial difficulties. Greece lacks central bank which can provide liquidity to it's banks independent of ECB control. Problems can be seen in form of 27% contracted GDP since 2009 . 25% unemployment rate with youth unemployment touching 60% presents difficult situation s well. Greece leaving EU will be bad for EU and European unity.

6: Sri Lanka : Parliamentary elections are scheduled for August 2015 . Mahinda Rajpaksha will contest the election . This is being seen as President Sirisena going on back foot. Present ruling coalition has Rajpaksha supporters in form of faction inside SLFP . Present ruling co-alition name is united people's freedom alliance ( UPFA ) with main constituent in form of United national party ( UNP ). Sri-Lanka faces task to heal civil war wounds. Political and ethnic issue continue to find prominence for now.

Expert comment : Main articles revolved around China , Poverty , SL , Greece . Present government if focusing more on development to sort out poverty issue. Other dimensions should find place in policy framework , at least should be publicly discussed . Development criteria may face limitations and even become tool to continue poverty , exploitation and inequality. Outcome of Greece issue will see intense negotiations in coming days . So the news will sustain longer for now.

                                                  **********END************