TARGET

2018

WEEKLY IMPORTANT ARTICLES

ForumIAS    

CURRENT AFFAIRS ( Dec 2017) | WEEK 4



India and ASEAN Issue of Transgender Identity Police reforms in India Amendment to the Bankruptcy Code Darkening of the Siang River

WEEKLY IMPORTANT ARTICLES

DECEMBER 4TH WEEK INDEX

Sr.

Title International Relations

Page No.

1

Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and Its Prevention

3

2

Quadrilateral grouping and its strategic importance

6

3

India and ASEAN

9 Social Issues

4

Issue of Transgender Identity

14

5

“Gaming disorder” as a Mental Health Problem

15

6

“Child-Friendly City”

16

Indian Constitution and Polity 7

Role of Judiciary in backlog problem

18

8

Police reforms in India

19

9

Corruption in Indian Judiciary

23

Economy 10

Amendment to the Bankruptcy Code

30

11

India Leads in global Milk Production

31

12

RBI Financial Stability Report, December 2017

32

Environment 13

Darkening of the Siang River

33

14

Pact to Build Marine Capacity

34

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International Relations Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and Its Prevention Context: The accelerating spread of nuclear weapons, nuclear know-how and nuclear material and rising regional instabilities has brought us to a new nuclear age. Prevention of proliferation and use of nuclear weapons is the need of the hour. What does nuclear proliferation mean?    





In simplest terms, proliferation means rapidly increasing the number or amount of something. The term nuclear proliferation means spread of nuclear weapons, weapons applicable nuclear technology and information to countries which do not already possess them. Proliferation is of two types: Horizontal Proliferation and Vertical Proliferation Horizontal proliferation means nation-states or non-state entities do not have nuclear weapons but are acquiring, nuclear weapons or developing the capability and materials for producing them. Vertical proliferation means nation-states that possess nuclear weapons are increasing their stockpiles of these weapons, improving the technical sophistication or reliability of their weapons, or developing new weapons. Another important aspect of nuclear proliferation is nuclear terrorism.

What is nuclear terrorism? The acquisition of nuclear weapons or the materials and know-how to produce them by non-state entities and the use of these to cause death, injury or massive devastation can be termed as “nuclear terrorism” Nuclear terrorism can take different forms: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Acquisition of nuclear weapons by non-state entities Production of nuclear weapons by non-state entities Attack on nuclear power plant or other nuclear installations which could result in massive release of radioactive materials Attacks involving radioactive materials: Use of “dirty bombs” in which radioactive material is dispersed by conventional explosives.

How can Nuclear Proliferation be prevented? Background: 

It was after the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings in 1945 that people across the globe realized the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons.

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Efforts to control nuclear weapons and seek their elimination began in the first session of the United Nations General Assembly in 1946. However, these efforts achieved little success and Soviet Union tested its first nuclear weapon in 1949 Nuclear proliferation emerged as a major issue during the Cold War period. During the Cold War, nuclear weapons and deterrence policy were vital elements for assuring peace between USA and the Soviet Union. Understanding the danger of accumulating nuclear weapons, both the countries took initiatives to control them.

Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), 1968: 

Put forward by USA, UK and USSR, the treaty was signed in 1968 and came into force in 1970.

The main objectives of the treaty are: 1. 2. 3.

To prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, To promote co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy To further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament

The NPT classified its state-parties into 2 groups: 1.    2. 

Nuclear Weapon States (NWS): It consists of United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom These five states had tested nuclear weapons before the treaty was negotiated in 1968. Three other nuclear armed states—India, Israel, and Pakistan have not joined the NPT Non Nuclear Weapon States (NNWS): The treaty prohibits the NNWS from developing nuclear weapons

The three pillars of NPT: The NPT rests on three interrelated and mutually reinforcing pillars. These are: 1. Non-proliferation: NPT prohibits NWS to transfer nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices to any NNWS. It also prohibits the NWS to assist or encourage the NNWS in developing nuclear weapons. 2. Peaceful Uses: NPT acknowledges the right of all Parties to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and to benefit from international cooperation in this area 3. Disarmament: One of the legal obligations of the treaty for the NWS is to eventually disarm. Assessment:  

NPT has successfully restricted the Non-Nuclear weapon States from acquiring weapons of their own and has also reduced both the American and Russian nuclear weaponries However, few countries have not yet signed the NPT and do not adhere by the norms and process of inspection. This proves to be a major drawback of the treaty.

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Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty:    

 

CTBT is a multilateral treaty that prohibits all nuclear explosive tests, above and below the Earth’s surface. It was adopted in 1996 however did not come into force till date India, Pakistan and North Korea are non-signatories to this treaty With 183 signatories, CTBT is one of the most widely accepted arms control treaty. This is because its non-discriminatory nature- everyone has a same obligation of never conducting a nuclear explosion. CTBT is the world largest multilateral verification system. It has more than 300 stations across the globe to monitor signs of nuclear explosions. CTBT has also made major contributions in the field of nuclear safety.

Nuclear Weapon Prohibition Treaty, 2017:   

The NWPT prohibits and makes it illegal to possess, use, produce, transfer, acquire, stockpile or deploy nuclear weapons. States are also prohibited from using or threatening to use nuclear weapons and other nuclear explosive devices As of October 2017, 53 countries have signed the treaty.

Nuclear Weapon Free Zones:  

It is a regional approach to strengthen global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament norms Many non- nuclear weapon states are party to NWFZs. Nuclear weapon-free zones are in force in South America and the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, the South Pacific, Africa, and Central Asia.

Treaties involved are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Treaty of Tlatelolco — Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean Treaty of Rarotonga — South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty Treaty of Bangkok — Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty of Pelindaba — African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia Antarctic Treaty Moon Agreement-It governs the activities of States on moon and other celestial bodies Outer space Treaty-Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies Seabed Treaty- Treaty on the Prohibition of the Emplacement of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction on the Sea-Bed and the Ocean Floor and in the Subsoil

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The Way Forward:  

    

Nuclear weapons today pose an unimaginable threat to mankind and a nuclear weapon free world is call of the hour. The recent North Korean nuclear crisis highlight the fact that the world is heading toward a dangerous nuclear era which poses threat not only to human life and property but has the potential to cause irreversible damage to the environment. There is a need to continuously reduce substantially the size of nuclear forces in all states that possess them. There is a need for increased efforts to resolve regional confrontations and conflicts that give rise to new nuclear powers. The security of nuclear weapons and materials should be increased There should be an inclusive step-by-step approach toward nuclear weapons free world Non –governmental organisations also have important role to play. Recently, ICAN received the Noble Peace Prize. Geneva-based ICAN is a coalition of nongovernmental organizations from different countries working together to eradicate nuclear weapons. ICAN had been at the forefront to bring about the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Quadrilateral grouping and its strategic importance Context: 

India has recently become a party to a group called “Quad or Quadrilateral”, composing Australia, India, Japan and U.S.A.

Introduction:  

The recent meeting between Quad countries held in Philippine on the Sidelines of the ASEAN Summit. The purpose of the meeting was to achieve prosperity, peace keeping and promotion of stability in South Asia.

What is Quadrilateral?   

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD) is the strategic dialogue between four countries viz. India, United States, Japan and Australia. It was originally initiated in 2007 but later disbanded with withdrawal of Australia. It has been recently revived and is being viewed as response to increased Chinese economic and military power.

Need for setting up of the Quad:  

The quadrilateral comes in the backdrop of growing Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea. It has also raised concerns regarding freedom of trade and navigation through the waters of the south and East China seas. Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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To counter hegemony of China in the region. Single Navy of any country can’t provide security in vast oceans. It will increase connectivity in the Indonesian Pacific region and provide economic opportunity. It will provide safety to international maritime trade routes like Mallaca strait.

Significance for India:       

India has taken a significant turn in its policy for the subcontinent by joining quad grouping. It provides New Delhi a powerful platform to advance its interests in East Asia. It will deepen India’s ties with US, Australia and Japan with benefits in diplomatic leverage and sharing of burden in defense. It will also provide India significant chance in shaping US policies in AfghanistanPakistan to the benefit of India. It will provide a powerful platform to advance Indian interest in region and strengthen Act East policy. Foster economic growth with better market adaptation, so it will lead to more employment opportunity in India. It helps India and other three Nations to counter China’s OBOR. As India is refused to join OBOR it helps India to connect with other markets like Central Asian and South East Asian markets.

What are its objectives?      

To tackle challenges of terrorism and proliferation. It is a development and collaborative initiative with the objective of promoting stability and maritime alliance in IOR, trade and commerce. Grouping will get support to manage Pakistan and threats emanating from it by controlling China. Ensure freedom of navigation in Indo-Pacific region and maintain its hegemony in India Ocean where China is forming string of pearls. The other objective behind forming this group is to give a collective voice to Asian democracies to counter China’s assertiveness. In recent times, China has been following aggressive policy in South China Sea, border areas (Dokhlam), OBOR project, support to North Korea, and has been successful in creating a rift among ASEAN nations too because of its superior economic and strategic power.

Negative impact of quad for India: The initiative has some negative implications like:  It further hampers the bilateral relations between India and China.  It went against Non-Alignment movement which is India’s initiative  Quad may affect India-Russia relations and gave further impetus to improve China-Russia relations, which will impact India.  While the quadrilateral grouping will bring developmental projects, it will considerably erode India’s primacy in the neighbourhood region. Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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While India has impeded Chinese desires to have a diplomatic mission in Bhutan, it would be a challenge if US pursues the same. Similarly, India also runs the risk of seeding ground to Japanese & US Navies in Sri Lanka.

Why Quad grouping is bad for India and its neighbours?    

It will not be able to realize trade potential for long term economic development especially for North East region. Domestic strategic requirements will be sidelined. The grouping will surely strengthen India’s global image but negligence of neighbours in its wake can be hazardous. It will develop clash of interest with developing neighbours.

Why India should not neglect its neighbours?    

To become a powerful nation in South Asia support of neighbouring counties is must for India. India share vast maritime and land borders with its neighbours, which in case of conflict will lead to serious threats. Apart from expanding globally internal tranquility is also very important which can be brought with peaceful engagement with neighbouring counties. Achieving internal security, counter terrorism, and trafficking are priority for rise in global platform and this can be possible only through the support of neighbouring countries.

Hurdles on the way of Quad:       

The quad is not a military alliance like the NATO. India doesn’t have security agreement with Quad members. India objected to Chinese naval presence in Sri Lanka. Now India will not be able to object to U.S. naval warships and Japanese presence there. China is at advantageous position when comes to economic aspects, given its trade ties with Quad and other south Asian neighbours The very challenge before the quad is to handle the member nation’s different ideologies on how to handle China’s aggressiveness. The upcoming aim of the quad is to ensure that the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean regions remain free and open for multilateral trade and commerce. Strategic analysts argue that India is dragging itself into the US-China rivalry.

Way ahead   

The challenge before the quad grouping lies in finding areas of mutual interest. All the member nations should work with cooperation. Financial institutions like World Bank and Asian Development Bank must focus on infrastructure funding in the region. It will help in counter China’s large scale infrastructure building in countries of Southeast Asia to Africa under the Belt and Road Initiatives to economic growth. Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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India and Japan are already in discussions for the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor which is the step in right direction. Owing to India’s presence and impact in South Asia the neighbourhood first policy should not take backseat.

India and ASEAN

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)    

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand. It was established with the signing of an ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by the ministers of the founding countries. Its founding countries are Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Eventually, Brunei Darussalam then joined on 7 January 1984, Viet Nam on 28 July 1995, Lao PDR and Myanmar on 23 July 1997, and Cambodia on 30 April 1999, making up to ten Member States of ASEAN.

Aims and objectives of ASEAN: 

As per the ASEAN Declaration, the aims and purposes of ASEAN are as follows:

Socio-economic and Cultural growth: 

To accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the Southeast Asian Nations.

Encourage regional peace and stability: 

To promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries of the region and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Promote mutual collaboration and assistance: 

To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance on matters of common interest in the economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific and administrative fields.

Facilitate training and research facilities: 

To provide assistance to each other in the form of training and research facilities in the educational, professional, technical and administrative spheres.

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Growth of agriculture and industries and related sectors: 

To collaborate more effectively for the greater utilisation of their agriculture and industries, the expansion of their trade, including the study of the problems of international commodity trade, the improvement of their transportation and communications facilities and the raising of the living standards of their peoples.

Promote Southeast Asian studies: 

To promote Southeast Asian studies among one and all.

Uphold relationship with international and regional organisations: 

To maintain close and beneficial cooperation with existing international and regional organisations with similar aims and purposes, and explore all avenues for even closer cooperation among themselves.

India and ASEAN    

India’s focus to strengthened and multi-faceted relationship with ASEAN started since 1990’s. It all started with the country’s search for economic space which resulted in the ‘Look East Policy’ which today has been matured to ‘Act East Policy’. Apart from ASEAN, India has taken other policy initiatives in the region that involve some members of ASEAN like BIMSTEC, MGC, etc. India is also an active participant in several regional forums like the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting + (ADMM+) and Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF).

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A chronological overview of how the India-ASEAN started:      

1992: It was on 28 January 1992 at the 4th ASEAN Summit in Singapore that a decision to establish a Sectoral Dialogue Partnership between ASEAN and India was made. 1996: Since then, two sides became full dialogue partners in 1996 2002: Summit partners in 2002 and 2012: Strategic Partners in 2012. 2017: The year 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of the ASEAN-India Dialogue Partnership. As for today, there are 30 dialogue mechanisms between India and ASEAN, including a Summit and 7 Ministerial meetings in a wide range of sectors such as Foreign Affairs, Commerce, Tourism, Agriculture, Environment, Renewable Energy and Telecommunications.

Progress of India-ASEAN made so far: (Updated till December 2017) Plan of Action:  

After the first Plan of Action (POA) in 2004, the 3rd POA (2016-20) was adopted by the ASEAN-India in August 2015. ASEAN and India have identified priority areas for the period of 2016-2018.

Economic ties: 



ASEAN is India’s 4th largest trading partner and India is ASEAN’s 7th largest trading partner accounting for 10.2% of India’s total trade. o India’s trade with ASEAN has increased to US$ 70 billion in 2016-17 from US$ 65 billion in 2015-16. o India’s export to ASEAN has increased to US$ 31.07 billion in 2016-17 from US$ 25 billion in 2015-16. o India’s import to ASEAN increased by 1.8% in 2016-17. ASEAN and India have been also working on enhancing private sector engagement.

Socio-Cultural Cooperation:  

India has been organizing a large number of programmes to boost People-to-People Interaction with ASEAN. Such as: Inviting ASEAN students to India each year for the Students Exchange Programme, Special Training Course for ASEAN diplomats, Exchange of Parliamentarians and so on.

Connectivity:    

In 2013, India became the third dialogue partner of ASEAN to initiate an ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee-India Meeting. Since then the two entities have been exploring possibilities and means to support the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC), and physically connect it with India. India has made considerable progress in implementing the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multimodal Project. Issues related to increasing the maritime and air connectivity and transforming the corridors of connectivity into economic corridors between ASEAN and India are under discussion. Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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A possible extension to India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway to Cambodia, Lao PDR and Viet Nam is also under consideration. A consensus on finalising the proposed protocol of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Motor Vehicle Agreement (IMT MVA) has been reached. This agreement will have a critical role in realizing seamless movement of passenger, personal and cargo vehicles along roads linking India, Myanmar and Thailand. Line of Credit of US$ 1 billion has been announced to promote projects that support physical and digital connectivity between India and ASEAN and a Project Development Fund.

ASEAN-SAARC and India: a quick analysis 



Even though the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC, 1985), geographically proximate to ASEAN, started its journey with similar aspirations but over time it has failed to deliver. Following are the differences between the two entities:

Range of Issues: 



ASEAN: In its first two decades, ASEAN focussed on a limited range of issues, but over time its mandate expanded and now includes climate change, disaster management, counterterrorism, drugs and human trafficking. SAARC: But, in the case of SAARC, political squabbles, deep mistrust and military conflict between India and Pakistan have frustrated regional cooperation.

Trade:    

ASEAN: Trade in ASEAN has grown rapidly and it has focussed on promoting rapid economic growth and modernisation. SAARC: On the other hand, trade amongst the SAARC members stands at 3.5% of their total volume of trade. Moreover, initiatives under the South Asian Free Trade Association have failed to make much headway. Subregional initiatives like the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicle Agreement also has stalled.

Connectivity:   

 

ASEAN: The Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations (FATA) has called on the ASEAN nations to waive entry requirements amongst the member states. Projects aimed at promoting the region as a tourist destination have also been undertaken. SAARC: On the other hand, the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme only allows certain categories of dignitaries to be exempt from visas, excluding ordinary citizens from accessing unimpeded travel in the region. It is difficult for Indians to enter Pakistan and vice versa. Even citizens of other SAARC countries who have visited either India or Pakistan before and now wish to travel to the other face hassles during visa issuance by either country. Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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Conclusion:  

Giving substance to ASEAN-India relations through connectivity will gradually change the geopolitical landscape of this region. The initiated projects will also help India to remove physical impediments to trade with ASEAN countries and further integrate the two regions for better economic and security relations.

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Social Issues Issue of Transgender Identity Context Self-identification should be the basis for access to benefits and entitlements for transgender persons Statistics:   

in 2014, based on the Census, five million acknowledged their transgender status, activists say their number could be much higher Over 66% of them live in the rural areas The Census data also highlighted the low literacy level in the community, just 46% in comparison to the general population’s 74%

Issues faced by the Community:  

 

Social discrimination and violence: Often they are denied passage in public spaces and harmed or injured. The hijra community, especially those who are a part of the ‘guru-chela’ structure in Hijra gharanas and practise the traditions of “mangti” and “badhai”, are often harassed, detained under begging prohibition laws, and forced into begging homes. Not easy access to educational institutions There are other issues that worry transgender persons such as their right to property, adoption, marriage, pension, and care for the old and the disabled

The Issue with Transgender Identity:  

Transgender identity is not yet recognised in criminal law, whether as the third gender or as a self-identified male or female There is also no clarity on the application of gender-specific laws to transgender persons. Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code is applicable to transgender persons (i.e., those who were male at birth). This amounts to double persecution.

What arguments do the Transgender Community put forward?  



Self-identification should be the sole criterion for gender recognition legally without the need of any other psychological, medical, or “expert” intervention Self-declared identity should also form the basis for access to social security benefits and entitlements. The community has laid stress on the point that for them, dignity, respect, and access to health care are non-negotiable basic rights. The community has rejected the setting up of district screening committees to recognise transgender persons as they say they are not objects or people with a contagious disease who need to be medically screened. According to them, a medical assessment violates their right Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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to self-identification and gender autonomy which are protected under the right to life and personal liberty guaranteed by the Constitution Conclusion: Some of these issues may be resolved when the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2016, taking note of their concerns, is passed. The Bill could be the first big step towards equality and their recognition in the mainstream.

“Gaming disorder” as a Mental Health Problem Context With more and more youngsters getting hooked on video games, both online and offline, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is set to classify gaming disorder as a mental health condition next year. Gaming Disorder and its effects:  





In the beta draft of its forthcoming 11th International Classification of Diseases, WHO has included gaming disorder in its list of mental health conditions Mental health experts and psychiatrists said this is the need of the hour as nearly 7% of population studied for gaming and internet addiction exhibited symptoms of depression and anxiety, and somatisation, including behavioural changes and sleep disturbances. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders -V, a diagnostic bible for mental health professionals published by the American Psychiatric Association, has already classified gaming disorder as a mental health condition Caregivers have expressed concern about the manifestations of excessive use of video game on users in the form of truancy from school to play, falling academic grades, decreased social activities; irritability if unable to play longer or advised to stop; increase in expression of aggression; and wrist pain and neck pain

Effects of Internet addiction:      

Internet addiction began to arouse the interest of mental health researchers and clinicians in the mid to late 1990s soon after Internet became widely available in many countries Internet addiction has since come to be labelled, defined in several ways, and promoted for inclusion in the DSM Internet addiction has an effect on social performance and lifestyle Addictive use of Internet has an adverse effect in the form of irregular dietary habits and physical problems It is also associated with insomnia, sleep apnea and nightmares Among adults, it leads one to disregard crucial daily responsibilities such as work, academic, family, or social obligation

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“Child-Friendly City” Context: Urban growth should address needs of children from poorer sections of society Urbanization in India:  

India is urbanising fast with over 7,000 cities and towns of different population and sizes. The country’s cities and towns constitute 11 per cent of the world’s urban population As per the UN’s projections, India’s share in the world’s urban population will rise to 13 per cent by 2030. Making smart cities inclusive is also consistent with Goal 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Issues: 

   

on tangible outcomes that pertain to physical aspects of development, they fall short of addressing the requirements of the country’s human capital, including the welfare and wellbeing of all children One such reality is the issue of migration from rural to urban centres. Such migrations almost always include children, many of whom get displaced and end up in street situations More than 3.6 crore children (in the age group of 0 to 6 years) live in urban areas, of whom at least 81 lakh live in slums. According to Save the Children’s recent report, ‘Life on the Street’, there are well over 20 lakh children on the streets of India Various studies predict that 40 per cent of the country’s population will be living in cities and towns by 2030. This, unfortunately, could increase the number of street children manifold

SOP for street children Save the Children and The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights recently developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for children in street situations. The SOP has been endorsed by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development and needs to implemented on a pan-India basis A child friendly city 



According to the UN’s Smart City Framework, a “child-friendly city” should be a multidimensional and comprehensive concept, where, children are active agents and their opinion influences the decision-making process Save The Children’s report, Forgotten Voices notes: “A child-friendly city is one that has a system of local governance, and is committed to fulfilling children’s rights, which include influencing decisions about the city, expressing their opinion, participating in social life, receiving basic services, walking and playing safely, living in an unpolluted environment and being an equal citizen.” Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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Why the focus should be on smaller cities and towns? The focus needs to be on smaller towns and cities in India. This is important because 68 per cent of India’s urban population does not live in metros but in towns that have a population of less than 100,000 Amending the smart city concept The smart city concept in India is at a nascent stage. It could still include components that will make it compliant to children’s needs. It could aim to ensure that children do not end up in street situations How can we make smart cities compliant to children’s needs? This would require comprehensive planning and partnership among various policy-makers and stakeholders. Country’s young population is its biggest strength. But realising the full potential of this section will require including children from the most vulnerable and marginalised classes in the nation-building process Conclusion Addressing the needs of 20 lakh children in street situations, as well as other children across all smart cities is not merely a question of their survival and dignity. It is also not merely a matter of moral responsibility: It is vital for ensuring a peaceful, prosperous and just India

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Indian Constitution and Polity Role of Judiciary in backlog problem Context: India’s courts are well known for huge pendency of cases. Introduction:    

For 1.7 billion people in India, there are 31 judges in the SC and 1,079 in high courts. There are never more than 600 judges appointed at any point. As of April 2017, there were 430 posts of judges and additional judges lying vacant in high courts, and 5,000 posts vacant at the district level and lower. For 2017-18, the Union budget allocated a meagre Rs 1,744 crore to the judiciary — about 0.4 per cent of the total budget.

Where does the problem lie?           

Strength of judges in courts is lower than required to fill up the seats. This shortage leads to delay in judgment Frequent transfers of judges take the interest out of them to hear the cases that their successor may give judgment to, after the transfer. Such arrears mustn’t exist. Vacancies of judiciary aren’t filled up due to unavailability of good judges Fast-track special courts for commercial disputes are established, thus disregarding the poor entirely. Appellate courts are falling short in dealing with the cases hence passing the burden to civil and criminal justice system. Higher number of holidays, lack of time management is the problem which lies to the base of judiciary. Poor dispute resolution mechanism. Poor manpower and crumbling infrastructure, coupled with a boom in litigation, made the judiciary underperform. . Filing of the frequent government litigation keeps the courts busy instead of serving justice to the people speedily. New laws were enacted by Parliament without a commensurate increase in judicial officers or courts. For example, dishonour of cheques was made a criminal offence in 1988. Frequent adjournments and indiscriminate use of writ jurisdiction.

Implications:   

Right to justice, which is a fundamental right, would stand denied to litigants due to the unduly long delay in the disposal of cases Due to the backlog, most of India’s prison populations are detainees awaiting trial. This exacerbates the discrimination already faced by India’s minority and low-caste groups. Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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There are hundreds of thousands of innocent poor people in Indian jails and the cases against them constitute the backlog for the courts. Corruption: People would rather bribe a police officer than go through the lengthy hassle of a trial. The impunity that criminals may enjoy because of how slowly the legal system operates.

Measures: To resolve the issues before judicial system the following measures can be taken:        

Revamping Institutional and Infrastructural weakness Increase fund allocation from existing 1 percent to 3-4 percent Fulfil the vacancies of judges and subordinates Clubbing of cases by the courts of the same nature Promotion of Gram-Nayayalay and proper regulation by allowing greater powers Conducting Lok Adalat Making special proceeding provision for justice seeker of sexually assaulted victims, SC, ST and minority giving proper place to expedient judicial mechanism’ Increasing budgetary allocation in Judiciary.

Measures suggested by the Law Commission to deal with the problem of pendency:     

The Law Commission of India in its 230th report has also offered a long list of measures to deal with the pendency of cases. These include: providing strict guidelines for the grant of adjournments curtailing vacation time in the higher judiciary reducing the time for oral arguments unless the case involves a complicated question of law Framing clear and decisive judgments to avoid further litigation.

Conclusion: Addressing the backlog is necessary to maintain India’s “constitutional democracy”, to adhere to “rule of law” and to “guarantee order and stability in society”. The country’s progress depends on strong judicial system which can provide quick justice because justice delayed is justice denied.

Police reforms in India Context: The Union government has filed an interlocutory application in the Supreme Court to amend a 2006 order of the court that is being used by the States to appoint “favourites” as Directors-General of Police. Introduction: 

The Home Ministry moved the court earlier this month to seek clarity on the order that ensures a two-year fixed term for the DGPs. Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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Most of the time these appointments are done for political gains as the officer will be obliged to return favours. Some states were misusing the order and appointing officers about to retire, giving them a fixed term of two years, irrespective of the superannuation date. The late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had used the order to appoint Ashok Kumar, an IPS officer of the 1982 batch, as the DGP in November 2014 for a fixed term of two years, though he attained superannuation in June 2015.

What’s the issue? A 2006 court order ensured a two-year fixed term for the DGPs. The court issued the order for a fixed two-year term for the DGPs after Prakash Singh, former DGP of Uttar Pradesh, filed a petition on police reforms. However, some States are misusing the order and appointing officers about to retire, giving them a fixed term of two years, irrespective of the superannuation date. Most of the time these appointments are done for political gains as the officer will be obliged to return favours. The implementation of the order is not monitored effectively. Background: 

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The Indian Police Foundation was inaugurated in 2015 to mount pressure on State governments to implement the directions of the Supreme Court on police reforms (Prakash Singh v. Union of India). The court in 2006 had issued seven binding directions to implement those reforms.

Current issues persisting Illegitimate political interference:    

Police is an exclusive subject under the State List (List II, Schedule 7 of the Indian Constitution). States can legislate any law on the issue of police. However, most of the states follow the archaic Indian Police Act 1861 with a few alterations. Police have become the ‘subjects’ of Parliamentarians and legislators – with a high degree of politicization and allegiance towards ruling party. The Police Act, 1861 vests the superintendence of the police directly in the hands of the state government.

Lowest police-to-population ratio:  

The global average ratio of police-population is 270 to 100,000, where it’s 120 in India. With far less police –ill-equipped and most of them posted to protect the political representatives, people of India are the least secured people on the globe.

Corruption: 

In 2016, the vigilance department had conducted 55% more inquires against its men. A Delhi Police survey found 34% of the cops to be corrupt in 2015, down from 66% in 2014. (reported TOI) Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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Lack of effective accountability mechanisms:   

Every act of police misbehaviour may not essentially be termed as criminal offence and be tried by the courts. Additionally, registering a criminal case against a police officer is a long and unwieldy process. Sections 132 and 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CRPC) prevent courts from taking cases of alleged offences in the expulsion of official duty

Concerns due to unproductive police system   

Police misconduct: The lack of effective accountability mechanisms and periodic review of performance has misplaced the public’s confidence in the police. Lack of proper justice: Due to corruption in the police system, the investigation process goes on for decades. This lets the culprits roam free and even perform more crimes. Lack of faith and trust on the government: The police are the first place of contact for grievance redressal. But when the system fails, the public loses faith in the law and order of the state.

Causes of non-implementation of police reforms Asking the powerful to rid them of power: 

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The main power of any political leader lies with his ability to govern the police. On 22 September 2006, the Supreme Court Bench of Justice YK Sabharwal, Justice CK Thakker and Justice PK Balasubramanyam gave the historic judgment, ordering states to implement seven programs in response to a petition filed by former IPS officer Prakash Singh. However, due to certain glitches pointed out by the states, the court let implementation of four provisions be delayed while the other three had to be implemented forthwith.

Political class too strong 

Unfortunately, the power is divided unevenly in the Indian system. Thus, making the political class way to powerful to shake. Further, the system has been sculpted in such a way that any change in the existing system takes lots of time and resources

Committees constituted for the Police Reform: 1. 2. 3. 4.

5.

Gore committee on police training in 1971-73 National police commission 1977, recommendations related to organisation, structure, corruption, accountability and modernisation of police forces. Ribeiro committee 1998 was setup on the orders of Supreme Court. In 2000, the Padmanabhaiah Committee on Police Reforms was constituted to study, inter alia, recruitment procedures for the police force, training, duties and responsibilities, police officers’ behaviour, police investigations and prosecution. Police Act Drafting Committee setup by GoI, headed by Soli Sorabji.

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Why is that urgency in implementing Police Reforms? As India makes rapid advances towards becoming an economic and political superpower, our police cannot continue to remain frozen in the frame of a past era.  The avalanche of social and technological changes fuelled by the internet and the new social media are fast changing the nature, intensity and the reach of crime leading to unprecedented lawlessness and frightening dimensions of global terrorism.  There is an urgent need to strengthen our Criminal Justice System and our grassroots level policing institutions; o to prepare our police to deal with the present and emerging challenges and o Strengthen its investigative capabilities and emergency response infrastructure.  Traditional and linear devices used in the past towards police reform may not be sufficient.  Considering the multiple causes and their complex interdependencies associated with today’s policing issues, there is a realization that these challenges require broader, more collaborative and innovative approaches and would involve a range of coordinated and interrelated responses.  It was in this context that the Indian Police Foundation and Institute was established, bringing together the multiple stakeholders to collectively work for reform and modernization of the police. However this could form only part of the solution. Way ahead:    

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The Police Act, 1861 needs to be substituted with legislation that replicates the democratic nature of India’s polity and the altering times. The Act is fragile in mostly all the parameters that must govern democratic police lawmaking. Investing more in the recruitment procedure The overall functioning of lower-level officers can be boosted by better training, better pay and allowances and by creating a system that rewards initiative and positive action instead of negative behavior. A separate body that administers the corruption charges on police officers: Implementing Lokpal: Much of the problem would not have been if the 2013 Lokpal legislation was put in place. The Lokpal would have the powers to oversee the CBI’s work and would ease the burden of the court. Holding police accountable Improving police infrastructure Independent Complaints Authority: The Second Administrative Reforms Commission and the Supreme Court have observed that there is a need to have an independent complaints authority to inquire into cases of police misconduct

Conclusion The transformative reforms in the Indian Police is possible through appropriate interventions in skill building and attitudinal training, through reforms that are both bold and practical, and through collective action of all stakeholders to drive a nationwide campaign for change, keeping in mind, the difficult conditions under which our police functions. Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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Corruption in Indian Judiciary Why in the news?    

Recently, an FIR was filed against a retired judge of the Orissa High Court over allegations of bribery to settle a medical college recognition case in the Supreme Court. The FIR was filed in the Prasad Education Trust Case headed by Chief Justice of India Deepak Misra. The petitioner demanded that CJI stay away from taking any judicial or administrative decision. This led to extraordinary accusations of misconduct against India’s most senior judge and corruption in judiciary.

What is Judicial Corruption?   

Corruption is a form of dishonest or unethical conduct by a person entrusted with a position of authority, often to acquire personal benefit. Corruption may include many activities including bribery and embezzlement. Judicial corruption is inimical to judicial independence and to the constitutionally desired social order.

Definition of Corruption according to the Prevention of Corruption Act: The Prevention of Corruption Act 1988:   

The Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted to combat corruption in government agencies and public sector businesses in India. This law defines who a public servant is and punishes public servants involved in corruption or bribery.” It also punishes anyone who helps him or her commit the crime corruption or bribery.

What crimes are punished by this law? 

When a public servant accepts money or gifts over and above their salary, in return for favoring a person in their official duty.  When a public servant accepts gifts from a person with whom they have a business or official relationship without paying them.  When a public servant is guilty of criminal misconduct such as regularly accepting bribes to favor people during their official duty.  If any person accepts money or gifts in return for influencing the public servant by using his personal connection or through illegal or corrupt methods, this person can also be punished.  Any person helping the public servant commit these crimes can also be punished It also punishes anyone who helps him or her commit the crime corruption or bribery. Reasons for Judicial Corruption in India: 

Judicial Corruption exists because public trials are almost never heard by the public. Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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Lack of accountability breeds corruption. Judicial accountability is as important as accountability of the executiveor legislature. Judicial accountability promotes at least three discrete values: the rule of law, public confidence in the judiciary, and institutional responsibility. The regular evaluation of judicial performance is a springboard for ensuring greater judicial accountability, but unfortunately India do not have any institutional mechanism yet to do this. Judges become corrupt when they enjoy absolute power and their strong personal agendas dominates over merit of the case. Corruption in lower courts: India’s judicial corruption is a cancer that begins at the lower levels and inches its way up. According to the Global Corruption Report 2007, the perception of corruption is higher in India and Pakistan in comparison to Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. In Pakistan, 55 per cent of the respondents said the judiciary was corrupt. A Transparency International report released in 2007 showed that 77 % per cent of respondents in a survey in India believe the judiciary is corrupt.

Corruption in higher courts:        

India’s higher court judges are selected from lower court judges and lawyers; there is always a possibility of corrupt judges making it to higher courts. Judges at the highest level use their “contempt of court” power to suppress allegations of corruption. Cumbersome impeachment proceedings. No judge has so far been impeached, in spite of serious charges of misconduct or corruption has been raised against some judges. The lengthy and cumbersome impeachment provision is, thus, not an effective tool to ensure judicial accountability. Since independence, only three judges have ever faced impeachment for misappropriating public funds. The Judges Inquiry Bill included wilful and persistent failure to perform duties within the definition of ‘misconduct’. Apart from impeachment, there is no mechanism to make judges accountable or evaluate their performance

Excessive delay:       

India has the world’s largest backlog of cases. For 1.7 billion people in India, there are 31 judges in the SC and 1,079 in high courts. There are never more than 600 judges in the High Court appointed at any point. As of April 2017, there were 430 posts of judges and additional judges lying vacant in high courts, and 5,000 posts vacant at the district level and lower. For 2017-18, the Union budget allocated a meagre Rs 1,744 crore to the judiciary — about 0.4 per cent of the total budget. Indian judiciary is facing institutional crisis on account of the most ferocious attack ever on the judiciary by the executive. Nepotism in judicial appointment is also one of the reason for corruption in judiciary. Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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The legal framework to curb corruption: Indian Penal Code (IPC): 

Various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) provide criminal punishment for public servants who disobey relevant laws or procedures, frame incorrect or improper documents, unlawfully engage in trade, or abuse their position or discretion.

The Prevention of Money Laundering Act: 

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The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 seeks to prevent money laundering including laundering of property through corruption and provides for confiscation of such a property. It mainly targets banks, financial institutions and intermediaries such stock market intermediaries.

Right to Information (RTI) Act:   

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The Right to Information (RTI), 2005 Act represents one of the country’s most critical achievements in the fight against corruption. Under the provisions of the Act, any citizen may request information from a public authority which is required to reply within 30 days. The Act also requires every public authority to computerize its records for wide dissemination and to proactively publish certain categories of information for easy citizen access. This act provides citizens with a mechanism to control public spending.

The Institutional Framework to curb corruption  

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There are various bodies in place for implementing anti-corruption policies and raising awareness on corruption issues. At the federal level, key institutions include the Supreme Court, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC),the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Office of the Controller & Auditor General (C&AG), and the Chief Information Commission (CIC). At the State level, there are local anti-corruption bureaus such as the Anti-corruption Bureau of Maharashtra.

Failure to curb corruption: Failure to enforce laws:  

India lacks by poor enforcement of laws, even where the laws are good. Data analysed by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) shows that between 2001 and 2015 the government’s National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) documented the registration of 91 million offences across the country, punishable under the Indian Penal Code and various special laws.

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Inefficiency of institutional frameworks:   

The institutional anti-corruption framework generally suffers from a lack of coordination, and overlapping and conflicting mandates between institutions addressing corruption. Key institutions often lack the staff and resources to fulfil their principles adequately and struggle to protect themselves from political interference. Influential politicians and senior officials are rarely convicted for corruption, eroding public confidence in the political will to effectively tackle corruption.

Thievery and Bribery:    

Thievery is common in real estate. It is common for a property developer to flout regulation through bribery. This indicate severe lack of public confidence in the ability of the anti-corruption agencies to probe a complaint of corruption, collect evidence and put the case up for trial. Bribery and Thievery are only two forms of corruption. The PCA recognizes various offences as corruption.

Limitations for the Whistle Blowers: In 2015, the government had introduced a bill in the parliament to amend the 2011 act. The key criticisms of this bill are as follows:  Whistleblowers should not be allowed to reveal any documents classified under the Official Secrets Act of 1923, even if the purpose is to disclose acts of corruption, misuse of power or criminal activities.  It also puts a restriction on disclosure of any information that could prejudicially affect the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India and good relations with foreign State.  The bill puts bars on the activity of whistle blowing in such a way that only some information obtained through RTI etc. has been kept in its ambit.  The bill says that the whistleblowers would be entitled to official protection only if these conditions are met; and they could face action if they are not.  The amendment Bill seeks to remove immunity provided to whistle-blowers from prosecution under the draconian Official Secrets Act (OSA) for disclosures made under the Whistleblower Protection law. Suggestions:         

Improvements to contempt of court and impeachment proceedings. Improvement in judicial infrastructure. Enforcing integrity codes of judges and lawyers Extending the Right to Information Act to cover the judiciary. Opening judicial vacancies to qualified legal scholars. Using alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Use of modern technology. A review of how court records are handled and the introduction of modern tracking methods can eliminate much of petty corruption existing in lower courts Websites and CDs can explain basic law to laymen Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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Court files can be computerized Video recordings of court proceedings should be maintained

Judicial reforms:   

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There is urgent need of judicial reforms and justice delivery system. Time bound disposal of cases and disputes. In order to reduce the pendency of cases, the Government is in the process of drafting National Litigation Policy. The Government has also suggested audio-video recording of court proceedings which is meant to bring transparency in the justice delivery system and accountability in conduct of judges who allow too many adjournments. Protection of whistleblowers: Effective protection of whistleblowers will support an open enterprise culture where employees not only have confidence in reporting but also aware of the reporting procedures.

Creating transparency:     

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It will provide less opportunity for malfeasance and abuse. The need is to bring CJI under RTI. Judiciary needs to ensure Open Court System and make judgment audible. Curbing political interference in judicial appointments. The steps like Lok Adalat, e-court, digitalization of courts, National Crime and Criminal Records, e-records of courts cases and coordination among courts using big data etc can be useful. Educating ethical and moral values: The country needs to develop a sense of moral character in citizens, starting with the family, and all other institutions in society. Remove nepotism in judicial appointment.

Judges accountability:           

Judges must be subject to judicial review. Judges must follow a code of conduct. Bar associations must act against corrupt members. A public body must keep an eye on the judicial system. An Indian judicial service must be created. The proposed National Judicial Commission should have powers to remove judges. Judges should declare their assets and those of their family. Reduce the gap Provide alternative methods of dispute redressal to lighten burden on courts. Increase number of judicial officers and number of fast track courts. Create a vigilance cell for redressal of public grievances.

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Recent developments: Collegium system:     

The Supreme Court has evolved the collegium system. The collegium system has ensured the independence of the judiciary. It provides keeping the final power of appointment in the hands of the CJI and a collegium consisting of senior judges. The collegiums system has come under lots of criticism on the grounds that it lacks objectivity and impartiality. As a solution, the executive sought to bring in the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC),which the Supreme Court has struck down.

National Judicial Appointment Commission (NJAC):  

In 2014, the Parliament passed the National Judicial Appointments Commission Act and the 99th Constitution Amendment Act. The Commission is composed of the CJI, two senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, the Law Minister and two eminent persons, to be selected by a selection committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the CJI, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha or where no leader of Opposition, the leader of the largest single opposition party.

Memorandum of Procedure (MoP): 

The Supreme Court directed the Executive to draft a Memorandum of Procedure ( MoP) on appointment of judges to the High Courts and the Supreme Court, in consultation with the President and the CJI.

Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill, 2010:   

The Bill tries to lay down enforceable standards of conduct of judges. It also requires judges to declare details of their and their family member’s assets and liabilities. It creates mechanisms to allow any person to complain against judges on grounds of misbehaviour or incapacity.

Judicial crisis in India: An overview Apart from judicial corruption Indian judiciary is also facing following crisis:  The Supreme Court of India is facing its worst crisis of credibility since the Emergency.  Strength of judges in courts is lower than required to fill up the seats. This shortage leads to delay in judgment.  Frequent transfers of judges take the interest out of them to hear the cases that their successor may give judgment to, after the transfer. Such arrears mustn’t exist.  Vacancies of judiciary aren’t filled up due to unavailability of good judges.  Fast-track special courts for commercial disputes are established, thus disregarding the poor entirely. Created with by ForumIAS.com – The Knowledge Network for Civil Services. Visit http//forumias.com New! http://forumiasacademy – Prelims & Mains Test Series

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Appellate courts are falling short in dealing with the cases hence passing the burden to civil and criminal justice system. Higher number of holidays, lack of time management is the problem which lies to the base of judiciary. Poor dispute resolution mechanism. Poor manpower and crumbling infrastructure, coupled with a boom in litigation, made the judiciary underperform. Filing of the frequent government litigation keeps the courts busy instead of serving justice to the people speedily. Frequent adjournments and indiscriminate use of writ jurisdiction.

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Economy: Amendment to the Bankruptcy Code Context: The Lok Sabha amended the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code law paving the way for tightening loopholes in the existing code and making the resolution process more effective. About the Bill: 

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The Lok Sabha amended the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code law to prevent wilful defaulters and existing promoters from taking part in insolvency proceedings of stressed assets of companies unless they make their bad loans operational by paying up interests. The bill will replace an ordinance that was brought in November to prevent unscrupulous promoters from misusing the provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). The bill has diluted some of the stringent provisions of the ordinance and seeks to strike a balance in the trade-off between punishing wilful defaulters and ensuring a more effective insolvency process. The bill allows defaulting promoters to be part of the debt resolution process, provided they repay the dues in a month to make their loan account operational and the resolution happens within the overall time frame specified in the code. This will help promoters who had submitted resolution plans before the ordinance barred them from taking part in the resolution process of companies. The bill also allows asset reconstruction companies, alternative investment funds (AIFs) such as private equity funds and banks to participate in the bidding process. Many of these entities acquire distressed assets and the classification of these assets as NPAs would have disqualified them from the bidding process. Similarly, banks opting to convert their debt into equity under the Reserve Bank of India’s scheme for sustainable structuring of stressed assets would have inadvertently become promoters of these insolvent companies and thereby been barred from the resolution process. The amendments aim to correct these anomalies. The bill has also sought to bring any individual who was in control of the NPA under the ambit of the insolvency code. It lays out that the individual insolvency law will be implemented in phases. It also allows guarantors of insolvent firms to bid for other firms under the insolvency process.

About the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code: 

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The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code was enacted in 2016 to find a time-bound resolution for ailing and sick firms, either through closure or revival, while protecting the interests of creditors. A successful completion of the resolution process was expected to aid in reducing rising bad loans in the banking system.

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India Leads in global Milk Production Context: During the past three years, India has outpaced the global milk production with an annual growth rate of 5.53% compared with the 2.09% achieved globally Level of production    

Milk production, which was around 17-22 million tonnes in the 1960s, has increased to 163.7 million tonnes in 2016-17. Particularly, it has increased by 19% during 2016-17 in comparison to the year 2013-14. Similarly, per capita availability of milk has increased from 307 grams in 2013-14 to 351 grams in the year 2016-17. Further, the income of dairy farmers increased by 23.77% in 2014-17 compared to 2011-14

Government schemes Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries (DAHDF) has initiated a number of schemes with the objective of doubling the dairy farmers’ income Dairy farmers’ income is being raised in two ways –  By raising milk production and productivity  By increasing the price of raw milk per kg Important Projects for dairy Development: 1. 2. 3.   

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National Dairy Plan Phase I (NDP I), National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) and Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme. NDP I is being implemented by NDDB (National Dairy Development Board) through state cooperative milk organizations /federations. NPDD is being implemented through the state government through the co-operative milk organizations /milk federations of the concerned state. Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme is being implemented by NABARD (National Agricultural and Rural Development Bank) through the state government through nationalized banks at the district level. Dairy Processing & Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF) is an ambitious scheme, which was launched in 2017-18 with an aim to double the income of the milk farmers and to further the efforts of the White Revolution. This scheme is being implemented by the NDBB through the state government through cooperative milk organizations/milk federations of the concerned state.

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infrastructure for processing additional volume of milk expected on account of higher milk production and meeting the increased demand for value-added products

RBI Financial Stability Report, December 2017 Context: The RBI released its Financial Stability Report December 2017 About The Report:  

The report reflects the overall assessment on the stability of India’s financial system and its resilience to risks emanating from global and domestic factors. The Report also discusses issues relating to development and regulation of the financial sector.

Highlights of the report: India’s financial system remained stable  Domestic growth rebounded in 2017-18:Q2  The overall investment climate remains challenging though the situation has shown improvement since 2017-18:Q1.  The overall risks to the banking sector remained elevated due to asset quality concerns. Credit growth of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) showed an improvement between March and September 2017, while public sector banks (PSBs) continued to lag behind their private sector peers.  The gross non-performing advances (GNPA) ratio and the stressed advances ratio of the banking sector increased between March 2017 and September 2017.  Overall, capital to risk-weighted assets ratio (CRAR) improved from 13.6 per cent to 13.9 per cent between March 2017 and September 2017.  gross bad loans rose to 10.2 per cent in the quarter to September from 9.6 per cent six months ago and that the banking stability indicator shows that risks remain at an elevated level weighed down by further asset quality deterioration

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WEEKLY IMPORTANT ARTICLES

DECEMBER 4TH WEEK

Environment Darkening of the Siang River Context: The Union government has conveyed its views and concerns to the Chinese authorities, including at the highest levels of the government, on the unusual darkening of the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh Cause of darkening 

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Excessive silt: Official reports of the colour of water in the Siang changing emerged from the Arunachal Pradesh office of the Central Water Commission (CWC) on November 10, attributing it to excess silt High levels of iron: Another report from the Arunachal Pradesh Water Supply Department showed that iron levels were beyond permissible limits and samples from the river beyond Pasighat and Jonai showed higher Aluminum and iron levels Landslide/earthquake: The reason for change in water of River Siang may possibly be because of any landslide/earthquake/any other activity in upstream region of Tuting site across the international border with China for which information is not available. Exact reason is not known as yet

About the River Siang The Siang enters India from Tibet, where it flows for about 1,500 km as the Tsangpo and becomes the Brahmaputra after it flows into Assam Sharing concerns with China Reports from Arunachal Pradesh and Assam blamed tunnel construction by China in Tibet. India nevertheless raised the issue with Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, during his visit to India on December 11, 2017

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WEEKLY IMPORTANT ARTICLES

DECEMBER 4TH WEEK

Pact to Build Marine Capacity Context: The upcoming International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography (ITCOocean) at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) is all set to sign up with UNESCO to cater to the worldwide need to build technical and management manpower capacity in marine, coastal sustainability and response to marine natural hazards Contribution to SDG 14 To be recognised as Category 2 Centre (C2C) of UNESCO, the Rs. 100-crore institute in Pragatinagar (Kukatpally) will be in a position to contribute to the United Nations body’s Sustainable Development Goal-14 (SDG 14) SDG 14 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources Backdrop India had offered to set up the ITCOocean for the benefit of countries around the Indian Ocean rim (26 from Asia and Africa) after an Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of 150-odd member countries decided to go for developing capacity building following the tsunami of 2004 What is operational oceanography? Operational oceanography involves systematic ocean studies and providing information services to the blue economy like fishing, disaster management, shipping and ports, coastal management, environmental management, offshore industries and also for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard Why ITCOocean? INCOIS needed expertise to interpret large data generated through research vessels on the ocean and our observation posts in studying marine resources, monsoons and about climate change. ITCOocean aims to bridge that gap Collaboration ITCOocean has also tied up with Norway’s Nansen Scientific Society and the Research Council to collaborate in teaching and research

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