APPSC PORTAL: December 2010

Friday, December 31, 2010

Monday, December 27, 2010

Route Map For IAS Pre. 2011

As the Civil Services exam, not mearly test your knowledge but it also tests your ability to deliver within a limited time frame. In this regard you need to have a proper planning, proper strategy and a clear road map, where you can monitor your own progress, and if necessary you can change your strategy. In this background I am suggesting few things which I hope will help you in your planning. Here, I am only presenting the General Studies Paper-I by keeping in mind that you are going to prepare the CSAT paper in according to your own convenience.

Before making actual planning you must be aware of what to read, and from where to read in first stage, In second stage you must be aware of how to read, And in third stage you need to have a personal road map where you can implement the above 2 stages. This road map should be individual specific, because needs and awareness are different for different people.

Now let me discuss the first stage that is what to read and from where to read. For traditional area I am suggesting these following books which according to me are more then sufficient to qualify P.T.

Books are:

History:

Ancient - Ram Sharan Sharma, (old) NCERT
Medieval- Satish Chandra, (old) NCERT
Modern India- Bipin Chandra, (old) NCERT
Art & Culture chapter of India Year Book

Science:

NCERT- VI to X (New)
What, Why & How by CSIR.
Defence Current Affairs & Defence chapter of India Year Book
S&T Current Affairs & S&T Chapter of India Year Book.

Geography:

XI, XII NCERT (New)
Read current affair with Atlas, locate each & everything which are in news.
Thoroughly use your Atlas

And following chapters of India year Book:

Land & The people.
Agriculture.
Energy.
Environment.
Water Resources.
States & Union Territories

Polity:

XI, XII NCERT (New).
Polity chapter of India Year Book.
General Information chapter of India Year Book.
Justice & Law chapter of India Year Book.
Indian Polity , by Laxmikant
Current Affairs of Polity

Economics:

Clear your basic concepts of Economics with any book.
Current Affair of Economics
Economic Survey -summery of each chapter which is given in the last page. And see the boxes given in every chapter.

And following chapters of India Year Book:

Agriculture.
Basic Economic Data.
Commerce.
Communication.
Education.
Finance.
Corporate Affairs.
Food & Civil Supplier.
Health & Family Welfare.
Housing.
Industry.
Labour.
Mass Communication.
Planning.
Rural development.
Transport.
Welfare.
Youth Affair & Sports.

Environment:

Environment chapter of India Year Book.
Geography books of NCERT (new).
Current Affair.
Internet

Current Affairs

This is the most important section of this paper. After analyzing the recent question paper it is necessary for every aspirant that he/she should give more attention to those traditional area which are in news. For Example:

(a) India’s Fast Breeder Reactor has achieved certain milestone or

(b) The launch of cryogenic technology had failed recently; in this respect you must be aware with the traditional portion of these areas, these includes:

What is Cryogenic technology?

When India started to develop this technology?

How many countries poses this technology? etc.

In the same manner:

What is India’s Nuclear programme?

When India started the programme?

How many stages are there in India’s Nuclear Programme?

In which Generation the Fast Breeder Reactor comes?

What are its major use /Advantages? etc.

In Short you should change your traditional way of preparation and mould it with the present trend. The present trend is that you need to prepare your traditional area through current affair. That is whatever is in news you must have the awareness of its traditional background & its concept, Now the next question comes in your mind is that, how one can achieve this?

In this background I would suggest you to follow these steps,

You need to have a sound knowledge of current affair and the traditional portion of your G.S. paper.
Read traditional area, historical background and constitutional provision (if necessary) to each topic which is in news.

For example In polity section what ever is in news try to connect that with the constitutional provision, and its political history. Suppose government has recently amended the constitution and provided 50% reservation for women in panchayat, so in this case you should read the constitutional provision of panchayat, its political history in India, that is from ancient India to till date. In this way you can prepare your traditional area with the current affairs. To achieve this you do not have to do any research because the above mention books are written in such a manner that you can find the historical background with its concept, in one place, you have to just update that with your current affair.

At the same time, with in the Current Affair section there are some special areas where you should have a good command because questions are asked directly from those areas.

They are:-

Various Bills and Acts and their important provisions.
Important Reports and their contents.
Various governments plans programmes.
Initiatives taken by the government in various fields.

I hope now you are familiar with what to read and from where to read. Then the next question comes how to read.

How to read?

In this regard I would suggest that what ever you read you must solve the multiple choice questions.
Make your own point wise notes (if necessary) revise your notes again and again.
If possible make your own multiple choice questions with the help of previous year question papers.

Clear your concepts from NCERT.
Think and analyze those concepts again and again.
Revise again and again, and no need to mug up the factual information, try to remember only important facts and figures so that you can utilize those, in your mains exam as well.
From, May solve the question papers in strictly exam like condition. That is with in the 2 hour time frame at morning and evening season.

The route map:

Now let me discuss about the road map, according to me the road map should be individual specific. A general road map will not provide any fruitful results because candidates awareness and needs are different from person to person, But there are some specific guide lines which one need to follow while making his/her road map. Those points I have already discussed in my what to read & how to read section. Here I would only suggest that according to your convenience make your own road map, at this you are now aware of what to read & How to read, the only thing you have to make is that when you are going to study. Here I want to clarify one thing that to qualify the P.T. you must have to revise the whole thing more than twice, So keep this in your mind before making your own route map.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Review of the year 2010

EXPORTS / FTP

India’s exports have registered a growth of 26.8% during November 2010, at US $ 18.9 billion. During the period April-November 2010, exports have reached a level of US $ 140.3 billion at a growth of 26.7% while the imports were US $ 222 billion with a growth of 24% and a trade deficit of US $ 81 billion. India’s imports in November 2010 were US $ 27.8 billion, up by 11.2%. During April-November 2010, the following sectors have done well viz., engineering, gems & jewellery, petroleum and its products, leather & leather products, carpet, plastics & linoleum, cotton yarn, chemicals etc.

An export target of US $ 200 billion has been set for the year 2010-11. With the present growth trend, we are on course to achieve the export target for 2010-11. There has been minor improvement in the GDP Growth rate of US, one of our major export destinations. IMF has also projected a growth rate of 3.3% in GDP in 2010 and 2.9% in 2011 for US in comparison to the negative growth in 2009.

In the Foreign Trade Policy 2009-14, it has been stated that India’s merchandise exports is expected to reach US $ 200 billion in 2010-11. In order to meet these objectives, the Government planned to follow a mix of policy measures including fiscal incentives, institutional changes, procedural rationalization,enhanced market access across the world and diversification of export markets. Improvement in infrastructure related to exports; bringing down transaction costs and providing full refund of all indirect taxes and levies became the three pillars, which would support to achieve the target.

Government has put emphasis on market diversification as our traditional exports have been hit badly due to their concentration in US and EU Regions. Since the announcement of FTP, 2009-14, focus had been to diversify our markets more into developing countries of Africa, Latin America and some parts ofOceania. A recent preliminary study conducted by Federation of Indian Exporters (FIEO) revealed that the schemes, particularly the Focus Market Scheme (FMS) and Market Linked Focus Product Scheme (MLFPS) have played a key role to diversify the India’s export base. Out of the 27 new countries added under FMS in August 2009, exports to 15 countries registered impressive growth despite the global slowdown.

SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES

The main objectives of the SEZ Act are: (a) generation of additional economic activity; (b) promotion of exports of goods and services; (c) promotion of investment from domestic and foreign sources; (d) creation of employment opportunities; and (e) development of infrastructure facilities. The overwhelming response to the SEZ scheme is evident from the flow of investment and creation of additional employment in the country. The SEZ scheme has generated tremendous response amongst the investors, both in India and abroad. In addition to earning of foreign exchange and development of infrastructure, SEZs have also created a significant local area impact in terms of direct as well as indirect employment, emergence of new activities, changes in consumption pattern and social life, human development facilities such as education, healthcare etc.

So far, formal approvals have been granted for setting up of 580 SEZs out of which 367 have been notified. Out of the total employment provided to 6,20,824 persons in SEZs as a whole 4,86,120 persons is incremental employment generated. The total physical exports from SEZs as on 30th September, 2010 i.e. in the first two quarters of the current financial year, has been to the tune of Rs. 1,39,841 croreapproximately registering a growth of 55.8% over the exports of corresponding period of the previous financial year. The total investment in SEZs till 30th September, 2010 is Rs.1,76,148 croreapproximately, including Rs. 1,61,743 crore in the newly notified zones. 100% FDI is allowed in SEZs through automatic route. A total of 122 SEZs are making exports. Out of this 69 are IT/ITES, 16 Multi product and 37 other sector specific SEZs. The total number of units in these SEZs is 3,139.

RTAs/FTAs/PTAs

India has always stood for an open, equitable, predictable, non-discriminatory and rule based international trading system. RTAs, in India’s point of view, should be ‘building blocks’ towards the overall objective of trade liberalisation and should complement the multilateral trading system. In the past, India had adopted a very cautious and guarded approach towards RTAs and was initially engaged in only a few bilateral/regional initiatives, mainly through Preferential Trading Agreement (PTA) like the Bangkok Agreement (signed in 1975) to exchange tariff concessions in the ESCAP region, the Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP – signed in 1988) to exchange tariff concessions among G-77 member countries, and the SAARC PTA (SAPTA – signed in 1993) to liberalise trade in South Asia. However, these engagements achieved limited results in terms of increasing trade volumes with the member countries. Recognizing that RTAs would continue to feature permanently in world trade, India got engaged with its trading partners/blocs with the intention of expanding its export market since early part of this decade and began concluding, in principle agreements to move, in some cases, towards Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreements (CECA) which covers FTA in goods, services, investment and identified areas of economic cooperation.

FTAs/PTAs under Negotiation:

S. No.	Name of the Agreement	Status
1	India - Japan CEPA	Negotiations completed. The proposed agreement covers the areas of Goods, Services, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights, SPS/TBT.
2	India - EU BTIA	Negotiations launched on 28th June 2007 in the areas of Goods, Services, Investment, Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary Measures, Technical Barriers to Trade, Trade Facilitation and Customs Cooperation, Competition, IPR & GIs. Etc Eleven rounds of negotiations held till date
3	India - ASEAN CECA – Services and Investment Agreement	Negotiations on Trade in Services and Investment are under way. 9 meetings of Negotiating Groups have been held so far. Negotiations targeted to conclude by March 2011.
4	India – Sri Lanka CEPA	FTA in goods implemented from March 2000. Negotiations on Investments and Services underway.
5	India - Thailand CECA	Early Harvest Scheme on 82 items implemented. Meeting of the Trade Negotiating Committee are now being resumed. Next meeting scheduled in Dec 2010.
6	India - Malaysia CECA	Negotiations concluded. CECA is expected to be signed by January 2011 and implemented with effect from 1^st July, 2011.
7	India - Mauritius CECPA	Negotiations are at a standstill since the tenth round held on October, 2006.
8	India EFTA BTIA	6th Round of negotiations were held during Nov 11-12, 2010. Next round expected to take place in Feb. 2011
9	India - New Zealand FTA / CECA	Three rounds of bilateral negotiations held so far.
10	India –Israel FTA	First Round of negotiations took place in May 26, 2010.
11	India - Singapore CECA	Second review launched in May, 2010. Target to be completed by Mid 2011.
12	India - SACU PTA	4^th round of negotiations held in Oct 2009 in New Delhi.
13	Indian Mercosur PTA	The PTA is being expanded by widening product coverage and deepening preferences. Second meeting of Joint Administrative Committee on India-Mercosur PTA took place in June 2010.
14	India – Chile PTA	The PTA is being expanded by widening product coverage and deepening preferences. Second meeting for expansion of the India-Chile PTA took place in August 2010.
15	BIMSTEC CECA	18 meetings of the Trade Negotiation Committee (TNC) have taken place. Texts of the agreements on trade in goods, customs cooperation and trade facilitation have been finalized. Negotiations on the agreements on service and investments are continuing.
16	India - GCC Framework Agreement	The 2nd round of Negotiations held in September, 2008.
17	India – Canada FTA	Inaugural round of negotiation took place in Nov 2010

FTAS in Pipeline:

S. No.	Engagement	Status
1	India - Australia	JSG Report submitted in May 2010.
2	India - Indonesia	JSG Report submitted in Sept 2009. Note sent to PMO for consideration of the TERC to initiate the negotiations
3	India – Turkey FTA	The third meeting of the JSG was held in Delhi in the 2nd half of October 2010. During this meeting discussions were held on Chapters on Goods, Services, and Investments.
4	India - Egypt FTA	Revised proposal for setting up of a JSG to examine the feasibility of an FTA under preparation.
5	India - Russia	4^th Joint Task Force (JTF) meeting held in Moscow, onMay 16-17, 2010 . Fifth meeting of the JTF to be held in Oct 2010
6	Trilateral FTA between India-MERCOSUR – SACU	Trade Ministers of India and the member countries of MERCOSUR and SACU met in Geneva on 30^th November 2009 to explore the possibility of a Trilateral Preferential Trade Agreement.
7	India - China	JTF report finalized in October 2007. Internal decision not to proceed with the FTA
8	Indian Ocean Rim-Association for Regional Cooperation	India opposed participation in the proposed PTA on the grounds that India has separate trade agreements with most IOR-ARC members.

Review Of The Year 2010

1. IMPROVEMENT OF ROAD CONNECTIVITY IN LEFT WING EXTREMISM (LWE) AFFECTED AREAS

Government has approved a scheme for development of about 1,125 km of National Highways and 4,352 km of state Roads in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas as a special project estimated to cost about Rs. 7,300 crore.

During the calendar year 2010, works in a length of 3012 km costing Rs 3537 crore have been awarded upto November, 2010.

2. SPECIAL PROGRAMME FOR 2-LANING OF ENTIRE BALANCE NH NETWORK NOT COVERED UNDER ANY APPROVED PROGRAMMES

Ministry has taken initiatives to develop 6,700 km of single lane / intermediate lane National Highways to minimum 2 lane standards on corridor concept. A length of 3800 km is proposed to be funded from a World Bank loan of US $ 2.96 millions and the balance length is proposed to be taken up through budgetary resources.

During the calendar year 2010, works in a length of 736 km costing Rs 2,273 cr have been awarded.

Consultancy studies for preparation of Feasibility study/ DPRs for the entire length of 3800 km to be funded out of World Bank assistance are in progress and targeted to be completed by July, 2011.

3. SPECIAL ACCELERATED ROAD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR NORTH-EAST REGION (SARDP-NE):

The scheme has been envisaged to be taken up under three parts as under:

Ø Phase ‘A’ of SARDP-NE approved by the Government envisages improvement of about 4,099 km length of roads (2041km of NH and 2058 km of state roads). The SARDP-NE Phase A is targeted for completion by March, 2015.

Length sanctioned during the calendar year up to November, 2010 –1205 km
Length awarded during the calendar year up to November, 2010 – 260 km
Length completed during the calendar year up to November, 2010 –170 km
Work in progress as on 30^th November, 2010 is 616 km.

Ø Phase ‘B’ of SARDP-NE, covering 3723 km (1285 km NHs and 2438 km of state roads) has been approved for DPR preparation only and so far, DPRs for about 450 km have been completed (up to 30^th November, 2010)

Ø Special Package for Arunachal Pradesh: The Arunachal Pradesh Package for Road & Highways involving development of about 2319 km length of road (1,472 km of NHs & 847 km of State / General Staff / Strategic Roads) has also been approved by the Government. Projects on 776 km are to be taken up on BOT (Annuity) mode and the balance 1,543 km is to be developed on EPC basis. The entire Arunachal package is targeted for completion by June, 2015.

Length sanctioned & awarded during the calendar year and work in progress as on 30^th November, 2010 – 416 km

4. DEVELOPMENT OF NHS ENTRUSTED WITH STATE PWDS WHICH ARE NOT COVERED UNDER ANY APPROVED PROGRAMME SUCH AS NHDP, SARDP-NE ETC.

Hitherto, these development works were being taken up in small stretches spread out on various NHs keeping in view the limited availability of funds. However, now in order to make a visible impact, Corridor Development Approach has been adopted from the current financial year, whereby apart from widening to 2 lanes, strengthening of the existing 2 lanes in these corridors as also removal of other deficiencies are also being covered.

Physical progress of non-NHDP sections of NHs during 2010-11:

SlNo	*Category*	*Target*	*Achievement**
1	Improvement to low grade (kms)	1.00	1.00
2	Widening to 2 lanes (kms)	515.07	577.39
3	Strengthening (kms)	366.80	492.84
4	Improvement of riding quality (kms)	882.80	1111.64
5	Widening to 4 lanes (kms)	69.30	57.02
6	Bypasses (Nos)	2	2
7	Bridges / ROBs (Nos)	63	53

Achievements up to October, 2010

5. ACHIEVEMENTS OF NHAI (NHDP) FOR THE YEAR 2010(1.1.2010-30.11.2010)

NHAI has completed 1931 km length of NH in the calendar year. It has already awarded 54 contracts of 5182 km amounting to Rs. 49524 Crores.

6. REVISIONS IN TOLL POLICY

Certain revisions in Toll Policy have been notified as National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Amendment Rules, 2010 on 03 December, 2010. This includes changes in criterion for toll for two lane roads, relaxation for users of Bypass and inclusion of MPs, MLAs/ MLCs in their respective states, gallantry award winners and Funeral vehicles and Ambulance etc in the exempted category for toll payment.

7. THE NATIONAL HIGHWAYS AUTHORITY OF INDIA (BUDGET, ACCOUNTS, AUDIT, INVESTMENT OF FUNDS, AND POWERS TO ENTER PREMISES) AMENDMENT RULES, 2010

Similarly for finalization and timely tabling of Annual Audited Accounts and Annual Report of NHAI, the National Highways Authority of India (Budget, Accounts, Audit, Investment of Funds, and Powers to Enter Premises) Rules, 1990, have been amended to advance the date of finalization of Annual Accounts to 31^st July of the year by NHAI. Accordingly, the National Highways Authority of India (Budget, Accounts, Audit, Investment of Funds, and Powers to Enter Premises) Amendment Rules, 2010 have been notified vide GS.R.591(E) on 08 July, 2010

8. RESTRUCTURING OF NHAI

The proposal for restructuring of NHAI for making it a multidisciplinary body finalized by the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) under the Chairmanship of the Secretary, Department of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India was approved by the Central Government. The restructuring of NHAI is being done on priority. All five full time Members have been appointed. The NHAI (Terms of office and other Conditions of Service of Members) Rules, 2003 have been suitably amended and notified in 24^th July 2009, 30^th September 2009 and 8^th June 2010 to implement the decision of the Cabinet in respect of the selection of the Chairman by Search-cum-Selection Committee, age limit and for ensuring minimum tenure of five years to the Chairman. As regards the strengthening of the NHAI, the additional posts of CGM, as approved, have been created and appointments are in progress. Apart from opening of ten regional offices by the NHAI, six posts of CGM approved for Project Implementation and Corridor Management have been re-designated as the ‘Executive Director’ as Zonal Heads for coordination with State Governments and other State level agencies for expeditious implementation of NHDP.

9. REVISION OF THE MODEL CONCESSION AGREEMENT (MCA)

The Model Concession Agreement (MCA) documents were revised to incorporate the recommendations of Shri B.K. Chaturvedi Committee as accepted by the Government and the provisions as per the National Highways Fee Rules 2008 notified on 05 December 2008. The MCA for four laning of National Highways on BOT (Toll) basis, MCA for six laning of NHs on Toll basis and MCA for Operation, Maintenance and Transfer (OMT) have been finalized and are under publication.

Finance Commission

Q.1. What is the Finance Commission?

Ans. The Finance Commission is constituted by the President under article 280 of the Constitution, mainly to give its recommendations on distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States and amongst the States themselves. Two distinctive features of the Commission’s work involve redressing the vertical imbalances between the taxation powers and expenditure responsibilities of the centre and the States respectively and equalization of all public services across the States.

Q.2 What are the functions of the Finance Commission?
Ans. It is the duty of the Commission to make recommendations to the President as to—

the distribution between the Union and the States of the net proceeds of taxes which are to be, or may be, divided between them and the allocation between the States of the respective shares of such proceeds;
the principles which should govern the grants-in-aid of the revenues of the States out of the Consolidated Fund of India;
the measures needed to augment the Consolidated Fund of a State to supplement the resources of the Panchayats in the State on the basis of the recommendations made by the Finance Commission of the State;
the measures needed to augment the Consolidated Fund of a State to supplement the resources of the Municipalities in the State on the basis of the recommendations made by the Finance Commission of the State;
any other matter referred to the Commission by the President in the interests of sound finance.

The Commission determines its procedure and have such powers in the performance of their functions as Parliament may by law confer on them.

Q.3. Who appoints the Finance Commission and what are the qualifications for Members?

Ans. The Finance Commission is appointed by the President under Article 280 of the Constitution. As per the provisions contained in the Finance Commission [Miscellaneous Provisions] Act, 1951 and The Finance Commission (Salaries & Allowances) Rules, 1951, the Chairman of the Commission is selected from among persons who have had experience in public affairs, and the four other members are selected from among persons who–
(a) are, or have been, or are qualified to be appointed as Judges of a High Court; or
(b) have special knowledge of the finances and accounts of Government; or
(c) have had wide experience in financial matters and in administration; or
(d) have special knowledge of economics

Q.4. How are the recommendations of Finance Commission implemented?

Ans. The recommendations of the Finance Commission are implemented as under:-

Those to be implemented by an order of the President:
The recommendations relating to distribution of Union Taxes and Duties and Grants-in-aid fall in this category.
Those to be implemented by executive orders:
The recommendations in respect of sharing of Profit Petroleum, Debt Relief, Mode of Central Assistance, etc. are implemented by executive orders.

Q.5. When was the first Commission appointed and how many Commissions have been appointed so far?

Ans. The First Finance Commission was constituted vide Presidential Order dated 22.11.1951 under the chairmanship of Shri K.C. Neogy on 6th April, 1952. Thirteen Finance Commissions have been appointed so far at intervals of every five years.

Q.6. Is the Finance Commission unique to India?
Ans. Most federal systems resolve the vertical and horizontal imbalances through mechanisms similar to the Finance Commission. For example Australia and Canada.
Q.7. What is the composition of the Thirteenth Finance Commission?

Ans. The Thirteenth Finance Commission has been set up under the Chairmanship of Dr. Vijay L. Kelkar [former Union Finance Secretary and Advisor to the Finance Minister]. Other Members of the Commission are Dr. Indira Rajaraman [Professor Emeritus, National Institute of Public Finance & Policy New Delhi), Prof. Atul Sarma, Former Vice Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University [erstwhile Arunachal University], Dr. Sanjiv Misra [Former Secretary (Expenditure) Government of India). Shri B.K. Chaturvedi (Member, Planning Commission) is the part-time Member of the Thirteenth Finance Commission. Shri Sumit Bose is the Secretary, Thirteenth Finance Commission.

Q.8. What is the tenure of the Thirteenth Finance Commission?

Ans. The Finance Commission is required to give its report by 31st October, 2009. Its recommendations will cover the five year period commencing from 1st April, 2010.

Law Commission Of India

1. Technology is offering many ways to invade private and professional lives. The media with the help of private entities is making effective use of such technological opportunity to carry out the sting operations (for short, SO) to expose corruption, immorality, exploitation, flouting of the rule of law by those holding public offices, influential persons and businessmen. However, it is noticed that in some high profile criminal cases, the media by conducting SO and broadcasting the same on TV channels regularly, have been prompted by a motive to play up the emotions and sensationalise the events for a commercial purpose. It has a tendency to generate public opinion in a particular direction much to the embarrassment of law enforcement agencies. Instances are not lacking where instant SMS polls have been held to decide between guilt and innocence. Such parallel proceedings by media in a criminal case pending before a court of law can create a forceful impression on the public minds about guilt and might affect a fair trial and uninhibited verdict which is a part of constitutional guarantee.

2. On one hand, SO serves the public interest by strengthening the democratic framework by disseminating information about facts of vital interest to society that are not easy to obtain by simple requests or efforts. The records from the world over show that without the use of SO, public would have never learnt about many economic and political wrong doings. On the other hand, some recent incidents prove the misuse of SO by media and private entities to increase the channel viewership, settle political scores, harm corporate interests, malign reputation etc. Such SO that are carried on with ulterior motives not only harm the person and the institution trapped in the sting, but has the potential to shake people’s faith in the institutions and create a general atmosphere of cynicism in the society.

3. The only law we have at the moment is the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and the Rules framed thereunder. This Act and Rules being a product of era when SO had not arrived on the television scene, do not have any direct provisions related to the SO. At the same time, some provisions of this Act may be applied to check malpractices associated with the SO because Sections 3 and 5 read with the Programme Code referred to in Section 6 lays down that no programme can be transmitted/re-transmitted on any cable service which contains anything obscene, defamatory, deliberate, false and suggestive innuendos and half truths.

4. However, some TV channels were found flouting these provisions. In the recent past, instances of Television channels exceeding the limits of decency by using SO as a tool for the on-going reality shows to expose waywardness or infidelity of a spouse, boyfriend, etc. have been noticed. Such SO showing private life of common man and woman are not conducted for exposing public wrongs and do not serve any public interest or public purpose. Further, manipulated and fabricated SO noticed in several instances have sullied the image of media and damaged the reputation of targeted persons irretrievably. These kinds of SO are exploiting technology available to intrude private space thereby violating the right to privacy and taking the civilization backward.

5. There is therefore need felt to evaluate whether TV channels are fulfilling their social responsibility in revealing private wrongdoing? Whose interests are served by such expose? How far they can be allowed to invade the right to privacy, when expose does not serve a legitimate public interest? Even if SO serves public interest in some way, how far the undercover operators can go? Can they themselves become party to crime to unearth the crime?

6. The Committee on Petitions of Rajya Sabha in its report dated 12.12.2008 made the following pertinent observations:

“The Committee feels that the electronic media should not air information gathered though SO unless and until there is ample evidence to conclusively prove the guilt of the alleged accused; if it is required in public interest, the version of the alleged accused should also be aired simultaneously and with equal prominence…Where a SO is found to be false and fabricated, the media company ought to be given stringent punitive punishment commensurate with the damage caused to the innocent individual… The Committee is of the view that freedom of the press is essential for healthy functioning of democracy; however, democracy comes with responsibility. Freedom of the press case responsibility on media as well. The Committee therefore expects the media to contribute to success of democracy by protecting the freedom of individual including his/her right to privacy. The Committee observes that even though the right to know takes precedence over the right to privacy, the right of privacy should not be encroached upon, under the garb of freedom of the Press unless prompted by genuine public interest. Therefore the Committee advocates following of a middle path approach between both the rights, to meet the ends of justice.”

6.1 The Committee of Ethics too in its proceedings dated 24^th Feb 2006 concerning the SO – ‘Operation Chakravyuh’ stressed the need to evolve a regulatory mechanism for undercover operations which have the potential of encroaching upon the right to privacy of an individual and further observed that the Committee feels that the electronic media should also put in place a self regulatory mechanism to ensure justice and fair play in their functioning.

7. The Government of India proposed to set up an independent regulatory authority viz., the Broadcasting Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) under a proposed law – the Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill 2007. The accompanying Content Code revised in March 2008 lays down in detail what content can be aired and what cannot be, but, it has met strong opposition from the media agencies and channel owners who favour self

regulation. According to the very recent newspaper reports, the Hon’ble Minister of I&B stated that a National Broadcasting Authority – a statutory body will be set up, but it will not regulate the content. However, the I&B Ministry has devised certain non-statutory and informal guidelines and machinery to check objectionable publications/exhibitions. For instance, the Electronic Media Monitoring Center has been set up to undertake monitoring of content of various FM and TV channels for any violation of Programme Code, Advertisement Code and the provisions of Cable TV Networks Regulation Act etc.

7.1 While so, the News Broadcasting Association (NBA) have been formed to put in place a self-regulatory mechanism and accordingly the News Broadcasting Standard Authority (NBSA) was set up in October 2008. The NBSA consists of an eminent retired Judge, eminent editors associated with broadcasting and eminent persons having special knowledge in the fields of law, education, medicine, literature, public administration etc. It has formulated a Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards governing the broadcasters and television journalists. ‘Broadcaster’ is defined to mean any association of persons/organization or corporate entity being member of NBA who owns, manages and controls a satellite or cable T.V. channels that comprises exclusively news and current affairs contents or capsules as part of its programming and the said term includes the editor. The said Authority, on the basis of a complaint or otherwise, can proceed to hold an inquiry into the alleged violation of code of conduct and after giving an opportunity of hearing to the broadcaster concerned, may for reasons recorded in writing, warn, censure or impose a fine upon the broadcaster and or recommend the concerned authority for suspension/revocation of license of such broadcaster. The avowed purpose of the principles of self regulation is stated to be “to empower the profession of Television Journalism by an abiding set of values, which will stand the test of time and ensure that balanced and comprehensive journalism flourishes to strengthen India’s democracy”. As regards sting operation, it is stated thus in paragraph 9 of the Code of Ethics:

“As a guiding principle, sting and undercover operations should be a last resort of news channels in an attempt to give the viewer comprehensive coverage of any news story. News channels will not allow sex and sleaze as a means to carry out sting operations, the use of narcotics and psychotropic substances or any act of violence, intimidation, or discrimination as a justifiable means in the recording of any sting operation….. News channels will as a ground rule, ensure that sting operations are carried out only as a tool for getting conclusive evidence of wrong doing or criminality, and that there is no deliberate alteration of visuals, or editing, or interposing done with the raw footage in a way that it also alters or misrepresents the truth or presents only a portion of the truth.”

7.2 Whether such a self-regulatory mechanism has proved to be adequate and effective and whether it would obviate the need for a statutory mechanism to regulate the contents of broadcasting including SO and taking appropriate action under law, is a matter of debate.

8. In the UK, the Broadcasting Standards Commission exists as the statutory body for regulating both standards and fairness in text, cable and digital services broadcast over television and radio, both terrestrial and satellite. Established by the Broadcasting Act, 1996 it has to: (i) produce codes of conduct relating to standards and fairness; (ii) consider and adjudicate on complaints; (iii) monitor, research and report on standards and fairness in broadcasting. It has power to require recordings of broadcast material and written statements. It may also hold hearings. Its decisions are published regularly and broadcasters must report any action they have taken as a result. It is accountable to the Parliament and each year publishes a full report of its work. It is financed by the Government and broadcasters and its accounts are subject to scrutiny by the National Audit Office.

9. The decided case law from Courts on the subject of SO has not laid down any clear cut principles or uniform approach on the legality and extent of permissibility. However certain broad principles are discernible such as the considerations of public interest, the need to recognize the fundamental rights of the targeted persons including the right of privacy and liberty. Also, the illegality inherent in the publication/exhibition of fabricated and misleading content obtained by SO which is universally condemned, is recognized by the courts in India.

APPSC LIBRARIANS EXAM GENERAL STUDIES SOLVED PAPER(EXAM HELD ON 05-12-2010)

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Saturday, December 25, 2010

G8

The Group of Eight (G8, and formerly the G6 or Group of Six and also the G7 or Group of Seven) is a forum, created by France in 1975, for governments of the six richest countries in the world: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

In 1976, Canada joined the group (thus creating the G7). In becoming the G8, the group added Russia in 1997.

In addition, the European Union is represented within the G8, but cannot host or chair.

Each calendar year, the responsibility of hosting the G8 rotates through the member states in the following order: France, United States, United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Canada.

Lately, both France and the United Kingdom have expressed a desire to expand the group to include five developing countries, referred to as the Outreach Five (O5) or the Plus Five: Brazil, China, India, Mexico, and South Africa. These countries have participated as guests in previous meetings, which are sometimes called G8+5.

Group of Eight

Canada: Prime Minister Stephen Harper

France: President Nicolas Sarkozy

Germany: Chancellor Angela Merkel

Italy: Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi President of the G8 for 2009

Japan: Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama

Russia: President Dmitry Medvedev

United Kingdom: Prime Minister Gordon Brown

United States: President Barack Obama

Also represented

European Union: Commission President José Manuel Barroso; European Council President Fredrik Reinfeldt

BRIC

In economics, BRIC (typically rendered as "the BRICs" or "the BRIC countries") is an acronym that refers to the fast-growing developing economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. The acronym was first coined and prominently used by Goldman Sachs in 2001.

The four countries, combined, currently account for more than a quarter of the world's land area and more than 40% of the world's population.

Brazil, Russia, India, and China

BRIC

Brazil: President (head of state and government): Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

Russia: President (head of state): Dmitry Medvedev; Prime Minister (head of government): Vladimir Putin

India: President (head of state): Pratibha Patil; Prime Minister (head of government): Manmohan Singh

China

President (head of state): Hu Jintao

Premier (head of government): Wen Jiabao

Global giants

Painting BRIC by numbers
Categories	Brazil	Russia	India	China
Area	5th	1st	7th	4th
Population	5th	9th	2nd	1st
Population growth rate	107th	221th	90th	156th
Labour force	5th	6th	2nd	1st
GDP (nominal)	10th	8th	12th	3rd
GDP (PPP)	9th	6th	4th	2nd
GDP (real) growth rate	81th	69th	28th	16th
Exports	21st	11th	23rd	2nd
Imports	27th	17th	16th	3rd
Current account balance	47th	5th	169th	1st
Received FDI	16th	12th	29th	5th
Foreign exchange reserves	7th	3rd	6th	1st
External debt	24th	20th	27th	19th
Public debt	47th	117th	29th	98th
Electricity consumption	10th	3rd	7th	2nd
Number of mobile phones	5th	4th	2nd	1st
Number of internet users	5th	11th	4th	1st
Motor vehicle production	6th	12th	9th	2nd
Military expenditures	14th	8th	9th	2nd
Active troops	14th	5th	3rd	1st
Cultivated land	5th	4th	2nd	3rd
Forest area	2nd	1st	10th	5th
Rail network	10th	2nd	4th	3rd
Road network	4th	8th	2nd	3rd

North Atlantic Treaty Organization

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO; pronounced /ˈneɪtoʊ/, NAY-toe);
French: Organisation du traité de l'Atlantique Nord (OTAN)), also called "the (North) Atlantic Alliance", is an intergovernmental military alliance based on the North Atlantic Treaty which was signed on April 4, 1949.

The NATO headquarters are in Brussels, Belgium, and the organization constitutes a system of collective defense whereby its member states agree to mutual defense in response to an attack by any external party.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization Organisation du Traité de l'Atlantique Nord
Flag of NATO
NATO countries shown in blue.
Formation	April 4, 1949
Type	Military alliance
Headquarters	Brussels, Belgium
Membership	28 states [show] Albania Belgium Bulgaria Canada Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Estonia France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Turkey United Kingdom United States
Official languages	English French
Secretary General	Anders Fogh Rasmussen
Chairman of the NATO Military Committee	Giampaolo Di Paola
Website	nato.int

French withdrawal

Map of the NATO air bases in France before Charles de Gaulle's 1966 withdrawal from NATO military integrated command.

The unity of NATO was breached early in its history, with a crisis occurring during Charles de Gaulle's presidency of France from 1958 onwards. De Gaulle protested at the United States' strong role in the organization and what he perceived as a Special Relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.

In a memorandum sent to President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Prime Minister Harold Macmillan on September 17, 1958, he argued for the creation of a tripartite directorate that would put France on an equal footing with the United States and the United Kingdom, and also for the expansion of NATO's coverage to include geographical areas of interest to France, most notably Algeria, where France was waging a counter-insurgency and sought NATO assistance.

Membership

Main article: Members of NATO

Current members Membership Action Plan Promised invitation

Intensified Dialogue Membership not a goal Undeclared intent

NATO has added new members seven times since first forming in 1949 (the last 2 in 2009).

NATO comprises 28 members: Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.