Feb 2011edited

NEW SYLLABUS: Rights issues
Right to Information
Information is the currency that every citizen requires to enable them to participate in the process of governance. Free and open access to the information to the citizens is an indispensible element of participatory democracy.
Sweden was the first country in the world to introduce the right to information in 1766.Other Scandinavian countries followed Sweden but very lately. Thus Finland enacted the Freedom of Information legislation in 1951. Denmark and Norway made similar legislations in the year 1970.
The Right to Information Act came into force all over India on October 12th 2005 (120th day of its enactment on 15th June, 2005). The RTI Act extends to the whole of India (except the State of Jammu and Kashmir), all bodies, which come under Government notification including NGOs, which are owned, controlled or are substantially financed by the Government.
by Sneha Information is power. It will make the people informed and informed individual become enlightened individual. Information is the currency that every citizen requires to enable them to participate in the process of governance. Free and open access to the information to the citizens is an indispensible element of participatory democracy. The secretive regime breeds corruption, waste, abuse of power and acts of maladministration leading to an inefficient government. According to Woodrow Wilson, the government ought to be all outside and not inside. Thus a democratic process can only be insured by a free flow of Information resulting into a full participation of citizenry. Information Rights are considered to be the subset of the human rights. Information and knowledge are the instruments of transformation towards a more accountable and participatory administration and thus right to information is a very critical factor that is needed to move from representative to participatory democracy. The paradigm shift from secrecy to transparency in government is mainly because of Globalisation and e-revolution making people universally more aware of their rights. Sweden was the first country in the world to introduce the right to information in 1766. Other Scandinavian countries followed Sweden but very lately. Thus Finland enacted the Freedom of Information legislation in 1951. Denmark and Norway made similar legislations in the year 1970. USA granted information Act in 1966. In Indian Constitution there is no direct provision for conferring right to information to the citizens. However the Supreme Court has been stating since 1975 that the right to information is an intrinsic part of the two fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India, the Right to freedom of speech and expression {Article 19 (1) (a)} and Right to Life and personal Liberty (Article 21). In India various laws and rules restrict the disclosure of the official information to the people and thus favour secrecy in administration. The major ones include Official Secrets Act, 1923; Indian Evidence Act, 1872; Commission of Enquiry Act 1952; All-India Services (conduct) Rules, 1954 and Central civil services (conduct), 1955. Fifth Pay Commission recommended for the abolition of the official Secrets act and introduction of the right to information Act. As a result Freedom of Information Bill, 2000 was enacted in 2002 to provide information to citizens. But the Act retained a number of restrictive provisions to deny in87
formation to the public and was enacted partially. The new Right to Information Bill introduced in May 2005 has a wider scope. At the same time, they are subject to reasonable restrictions that come under the Article 19(2) to (6). The RTI Act in India has sought to expand democratic space and empower the citizens to exercise more on the corrupt and inaccessible practices. THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT, 2005 An Overview: The Right to Information Act came into force all over India on October 12th 2005 (120th day of its enactment on 15th June, 2005). The RTI Act extends to the whole of India (except the State of Jammu and Kashmir), all bodies, which come under Government notification including NGOs, which are owned, controlled or are substantially financed by the Government. The Purpose of the Act: The Right to Information Act provide for setting out the practical regime of right to information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities, in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority, the constitution of a Central Information Commission and State Information Commissions The basic object of this Act is to empower the citizens, promote transparency and accountability in the working of the Government and make our democracy work for the people in real sense. It goes without saying that an informed citizen is better equipped to keep necessary vigil on the instruments of governance and make the government more accountable to the governed. The Act is a big step towards making the citizens informed about the activities of the Government allowing to the share power with the humblest and poorest of the society. Interpreting Information: Information means any material in any form, including records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, data material held in any electronic form and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a public authority under any other law for the time being in force. Defining Right to Information: Right to information means the right to information accessible under this Act which is held by or under the control of any public authority and which includes the right to (a) Inspect works, documents, records. (b) take notes, extracts or certified copies of documents or records. (c) Take certified samples of material. (d) obtain information in the form of diskettes, Civil Services
FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

Current NEWS Covered up to JANUARY 01, 2011
TIMES www.civilservicestimes.com
SHORT NEWS
Reports
Global Manufacturing Competitiveness Index (GMCI), 2010 The GMCI published by the collaboration between Deloitte and the US Council on Competitiveness has asserted that India, along with China and South Korea will become world leaders in manufacturing competitiveness by 2015. The index is based on views of more than 400 manufacturing executives worldwide and has rated the overall manufacturing competitiveness of 26 countries currently and in five years. There is a growing evidence of India slowly emerging as the new destination for global manufacturing. More surprising (than China's rise to the top) is that India is now positioned at number two and expected to gain an even stronger foothold over the next five years. The other highlights of the report are (i) The world's top 10 countries in manufacturing competitiveness in 2015 will be China, followed by India, Korea, Brazil, the US, Mexico, Japan, Germany and Poland. (ii) While China, India and South Korea, the three most manufacturing competitive economies would retain their position, Brazil is projected to replace US from the fourth slot. (iii) The US, where concerns of losing competitiveness are already causing some concern, is expected to slip to the fifth slot- the highest decline among the 26 countries- by 2015. (iv) Dominant manufacturing super powers of the late 20th centurythe US, Japan, and Germany-are expected to become less competitive in five years. World Migration Report 2010 The Future of Migration: building Capacities for Change: - World Migration Report 2010 (WMR 2010) is the fifth in IOM's series of biennial reports on international migration. Like the World Migration Reports that have preceded it, it is intended to contribute to the mission of the International Organization of Migration (IOM) to promote 'humane and orderly policies in the movement of persons across borders'. Specifically, its aim is to promote a focus on building capacities to enable states and other stakeholders to respond to and plan for migration effectively and in a sustainable way.
WMR 2010 sets out to achieve its aims via three steps: "First, the Report develops an 'inventory', or checklist of activities required for coping with likely changes and challenges in international migration, to help states prepare for changes; "Second, drawing on IOM and other agencies' work, the report presents a review of existing activities, to identify best practice for capacity-building and identify gaps and weaknesses. "Third, the report concludes with a series of policy recommendations to states, civil societies, and international organizations, for building capacities for change. Medical brain drain India has been regarded as the top country of origin of migrant doctors in Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries with over 56,000 Indian doctors in these countries, which include the UK, the US, Canada, and Australia. In terms of nurses, the Philippines is the main country of origin for nurses, with over 110,000 Filipino nurses working in OECD countries, followed by the United Kingdom (just under 46,000), Germany (under 32,000). The problem of medical brain drain is highly faced by all the OECD countries, especially in African countries. As per the figures quoted by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the number of physicians per 100,000 populations for India is 70, which stands at par with low-income countries, and for the public sector, the figure is a miserable 20. Happy Planet Index The Happy Planet Index (HPI) is an index of human well-being and environmental impact that was introduced by the New Economics Foundation (NEF) in July 2006. NEF was founded in 1986 by the leaders of The Other Economic Summit (TOES) which forced issues such as international debt onto the agenda of the G7 and G8 summits.HPI is designed to challenge well-established indices of countries development, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the Human Development Index (HDI), which are seen as not taking sustainability into account. The USA, China and India had a higher HPI 98
thirty years ago than they do today. The UK comes 74th out of 143 countries. Costa Rica boasts the highest life satisfaction of anywhere in the world. ADB Report 2010 In a survey of 27 cities, Delhi has emerged as the most attractive city in the country for both foreign and domestic investors, followed by Greater Mumbai and Chennai. The ADB has ranked cities under five major categories: city prosperity index, urban governance, business environment, infrastructure index and quality of life. And the overall rating is based on these five comparatives. According to the ADB study, the top 15 cities to invest in India are, as per rank: Delhi, Greater Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Chandigarh, Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, Vadodara, Jaipur and Thiruvananthapuram.
Appointment
Nikki Haley Indian-American Nikki Haley has been elected the new governor of South Carolina. Haley is the first woman and first from the minority group to be elected governor of the conservative southern state. The daughter of immigrants from Punjab, Haley is also the second-ever IndianAmerican elected Governor of an American State, after Bobby Jindal of Louisiana. She belongs to the Republican Party and she defeated her Democratic opponent Vince Sheheen. Kamala Harris Kamala Harris was elected as the Attorney General of California following the 2010 California State Elections. She is a well-known author in the USA and had served as District Attorney of San Francisco since 2004. Harris is the first woman, African-American and Asian American to become the attorney general of California and first Indian American attorney General in the United States. U.K. Sinha The Government search panel headed by cabinet secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar has proposed the name of U.K. Sinha for the post of SEBI Chairman. U.K. Sinha is currently the Chairman and MD of UTI Mutual Fund. The SEBI chairman's post will falls vacant Civil Services
SHORT NEWS
on February 17, 2011, when incumbent C.B. Bhave's term ends. Sinha, a civil servant-turned-banker plucked out of the Indian Administrative Service for plum finance management jobs, was in a race in which other front-runners were disinvestment secretary Siddhartha Pradhan and corporate affairs secretary R Bandyopadhya. S K Tripathi The government has appointed S.K. Tripathi as the new head of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) after the incumbent K C Verma decided to retire early. The Head of RAW has a fixed tenure of 2 years. Tripathi, who originally belongs to the Uttar Pradesh cadre of the 1973 batch of the Indian Police Service, but was absorbed within RAW, is the first RAW chief from the RAS (RAW Allied Services) cadre to head the organisation. Frank Ruggeiro Frank Ruggeiro a carrier civil servant who served under late Richard Holbrooke, has been made the acting US Special Representative to the AFPak region and he will be assisted by two deputies, one of them an IndianAmerican. Deepak Kapoor Deepak Kapoor has been appointed as the Chairman of the Consultancy firm Pricewaterhouse Coopers India (PwC). He has taken over the role from Gautam Banerjee. Deepak has served as Managing Director of PwC India network entities since 2007. He joined Price Waterhouse as an Articled Trainee in 1978 and became a partner in 1991. Satyanand Misra Information Commissioner Satyanand Misra has taken over as the new chief information commissioner (CIC) and he has replaced AN Tiwari. The decision was taken by a panel comprising Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, law minister Veerappa Moily and leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj. A 1973 batch IAS officer, Misra had worked for ten years in the Madhya Pradesh government in various posts. In 2007, he became a secretary in the department of personnel and training in the Ministry Of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. He was the senior-most IC
in the commission. He took over as IC on September 5, 2008 and his tenure will continue till September 2013. Nitish Kumar For the second consecutive terms, Nitesh Kumar, leader of Janata DalUnited (JD-U) has been sworn in as 32nd Chief Minister of Bihar. He led the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to an incredible victory winning 206 of 243 seats. Sushil Kumar Modi of BJP was sworn in as a cabinet minister. He will be the deputy chief minister. A negative swing of 9 per cent votes cost the RJD-LJP alliance dear, while a positive swing of 2.7 per cent catapulted the NDA to power with a landslide victory bagging 206 seats in a House of 243 in Bihar. JD-Us vote share went up from 19.85 per cent in 2005 to 22.58 and for ally BJP from 15.38 per cent to 16.49. For NDA, which had a positive swing of 2.7 per cent - it meant a lot as it enabled the alliance to wrest Bihar with 206 seats, 63 more than the 143 it won last time. Kiran Reddy After the resignation of K Rosaiah as the Andhra Pradesh chief minister, the one-time Ranji Trophy player and fourterm MLA, Nallari Kiran Kumar Reddy, has become the 16th CM of Andhra Pradesh. He was a four-term MLA from Chittoor, who has never been a minister. A P Singh Amar Pratap Singh, an IPS of 1994 batch from Jharkhand cadre, was appointed as the new director of the Central Bureau of Investigation for two years succeeding Ashwani Kumar. He is a recipient of Indian Police Medal and Presidents Police Medal. Singh will be probing sensitive cases like the 2G scam case, Suresh Kalmadis role in Commonwealth Games scandal and also the Adarsh housing society scam of Mumbai. R K Singh The government has appointed R.K. Singh as the new Chairman and Managing Director of the state owned BPCL. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) is one of the largest state-owned oil and Gas Company in India. Its corporate office is located in Mumbai. As the name suggests, its interests are in downstream petroleum sector. It is involved in the refining and retailing of petroleum products. 99
Bharat Petroleum is considered to be a pioneer in Indian petroleum industry with various path-breaking initiatives such as Pure for Sure campaign, Petro card, Fleet card etc. BPCL was nationalized in the year 1976. Anup Sankar Bhattacharya Indian Bank has directed T. M. Bhasin to continue as chairman and managing director of Indian Bank as per Government of India notification till March 2015 and Anup Sankar Bhattacharya has to relinquish the charge of the executive director in Indian Bank and he has assumed charge as chairman and managing director of Bank of Maharashtra, Pune. Rajeev Rishi has assumed charge as executive director, Indian Bank. Prior to this assignment, he was general manager of Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC). He joined OBC as a probationary officer in 1979 and had served in various parts of the country, Indian Bank said in a statement.
Awards
Times Person of the Year, 2010 Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been named Time Magazine's "Person of the Year" for 2010. Zuckerberg has put himself on
the map not only as one of the world's youngest billionaires but also as a prominent newcomer to the world of philanthropy. Earlier in the year he had pledged $ 100 million over five years to the Newark, N J School system. He is the youngest Person of the Year since the first one chosen, Charles Lindbergh; he was 25 when he was named in 1927. Zuckerberg beat out Britains Queen Elizabeth II by just two weeks: She was 26 when she was named in 1952. Times Person of the Year is the Civil Services
SHORT NEWS
person that has most influenced the culture and the news during the past year for good or for ill. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke received the honour in 2009. The 2008 winner was then-President-elect Barack Obama. The 2007 winner was Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Other previous winners have included Bono, President George W. Bush and Amazon.com CEO and founder Jeff Bezos. Sastra Ramanujan Award Professor Wei Zhang, a Benjamin Pierce Instructor at the Department of Mathematics, Harvard University has received the Sastra Ramanujan Award, instituted by the Shanmugha Arts Science Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA) University to encourage path breaking research in Ramanujan Mathematics for 2010. Professor Wei Zhang for his far reaching contributions to a broad range of areas, including auto-morphic forms, L functions, trace formulas, representation theory and algebraic geometry. The award also recognises the profound influence he has wielded in the past few years on number theory and related areas by introducing several deep ideas and techniques. Scope Awards The SCOPE (Standing Conference of Public Enterprises) excellence award in the individual category was given to NTPC chairman and MD Arup Roy while Coal India Limited Chairman P. S. Bhattacharya was presented the Special Award of the Jury. While presenting the awards the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh exhorted public sector undertakings (PSU's) to ensure highest standards of corporate accountability, besides asking them to improve productivity by making use of new technology and pay attention to improving corporate governance in order to compete with private sector. Dr Gifty Immanuel Dr. Gifty Immanuel, a Tuticorin-based Indian physician, is studying a JewishChristian Relations programme via elearning, and who is pursuing a masters programme offered by the Woolf Institute in conjunction with the University of Cambridge, has won the 2010 Junior Chamber International (TOYP) Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World Award for
Medical Innovation. CNN-IBN Lifetime Achievement Award Veteran agricultural scientist M. S. Swaminathan has been conferred the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding leadership in the field of agriculture that has contributed to ensuring food security for millions of Indians.Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was chosen the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year, for changing the vocabulary of politics, putting development on centre stage and triggering hope amongst millions. Special Achievement awards went to the Shillong Chamber Choir and the Indian Womens Relay Team of Manjeet Kaur, Sini Jose, Ashwini Akkunji, Mandeep Kaur. J. Gopikrishnan, journalist, who was instrumental in exposing the 2G spectrum scam, was honoured with the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year 2010 Special Achievement Award.
Death
Francis Gomes He had allegedly confined his wife and three daughters to their Vasai residence for over seven years, was buried at a cemetary in Nallasopara at the age of 61. Gomes had been arrested on September 28, 2009, for wrongfully confining his wife and three daughters to their Vasai house for more than seven years. B.S. Ranga The veteran Kannada film directorproducer B.S. Ranga died at the age of 93. Ranga independently directed 45 films in Kannada, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu and produced three films. He began his career as a cinematographer and had a brief stint at Gemini Studios before starting his own studio and production company, Vikram Productions. In other languages he directed and produced Pardesi, Pyaas, Prakash, Bhaktha Thulasidas, Bala Nagamma, Devadasu, Stree Sahasam, Maa Gopi, Kanavane Kankanda Daivam, Tenali Ramakrishna, Kutumba Gowravam, Raja Malayasimha, Niche Thamboolam, Pelli Thamboolam, Asha Jeevalu, Thendral Veesam, Pyar Kiya Tho Darna Kya, Pattikatu Ponnaiah and Ganga Ki Kasam. 100
In Kannada he has produced and directed films such as Bhaktha Markandeya in 1956, Mahishasura Mardini, Amarashilpi Jakkanachari, Prathigne, Chandrahasa, Mahasathi Anusooye, Parvathi Kalyana, Bhale Bhasava, Mr Rajakumar, Sidila Mari, Bhagyavantha, Hasyarathna Ramakrishna, Huliyadha Kaala, Shivabhaktha Markandeya and others. Manish Acharya An actor-director-producer Manish Acharya, of Loins of Punjab Presents fame, died at the age of 40. The other films by Manish are Sita Sings The Blues and Luck By Chance. He worked as a camera assistant in Ken Ghoshs Ishk Vishk and worked as a cinematographer for a short film Highway 403, Mile 39. He studied filmmaking at the New York University. Richard Holbrooke Richard Holbrooke, President Barack Obamas Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, died at the age of 69. He had played significant role in Afghanistan and played an
important role in upgrading the Pakistan-U.S. Strategic Dialogue to the Ministerial level and expanding the scope of Pakistan-U.S. relations. He has played as chief architect of the Dayton Peace Accords in 1996. His government career spanned nearly five decades and ranged from junior diplomat in South Vietnam to U.S. ambassador to Germany and at the United Nations. T.E. Srinivasan Civil Services
SHORT NEWS
Former Tamil Nadu cricketer T E Srinivasan died at the age of 60. He has played for India in one Test and two one-dayers in 1980-81. He was a key player for Tamil Nadu in the 70s, totalled 48 runs in his debut Test, against New Zealand in March 1981. During his first class career, he had played 75 matches, including 45 in Ranji Trophy, and scored 3,487 runs at an average of 34.18 with five centuries. An occasional leg-spinner, he represented Woodhouse in the Yorkshire League for some years, and also played Grade cricket in New South Wales. Justice Eradi Vettath Balakrishnan Eradi , former Judge of Supreme Court, who had also played an insyrumental role in several spiritual, cultural and social organizations, died at the age of 88. He had also served as the Chief Justice of Kerala High Court and as president of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. When the Kerala High Court came into force in 1956 he shifted his practice to Ernakulum and in 1967 was appointed as additional judge. Eradi, who was appointed as High Court chief justice in 1980, shifted to the Supreme Court in 1981 and retired in 1987. After his retirement, he acted as the president of the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum till 1997. He was a single Member Enquiry Commission for conducting a Fact Finding Enquiry into certain untoward incidents which took place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on November 21, 1990 during the swearing -in ceremony of the members of the Union Ministry headed by K Chandrasekhar. Dashrath Patel Design guru and the founder secretary of the National Institute of Design (NID), died at the age of 83. A multifaceted personality, Patel was a painter, ceramist, photographer and graphic designer. A contemporary of Tyeb Mehta,MF Husain and V S Gaitonde who were together in the 50s in Bhulabhai Desai Institute, Mumbai,he was introduced to photography by the legendary Henri Cartier Bresson. Born in Sojitra, Gujarat, in 1927, was the first to be conferred a Padma Shri for design in 1980.
Surendra Mohan The renowned socialist thinker and activist Surendra Mohan passed away at the age of 84. He was a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1978 to 1984. He was also the former chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission. He had provided crucial support to NC leaders when political parties were banned in Nepal. Mohan had also helped train secondgeneration NC leaders on the theory of democratic socialism and developed close ties with prominent CPN-UML leaders. A trusted aide of Jai Prakash Narain, Mohan was also a founder of the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties, a member of the Socialist International and the India-Pakistan Peoples Forum. Kannoth Karunakaran Senior Congress leader and former Kerala chief minister Kannoth Karunakaran died at the age of 92. He pioneered many of Keralas success stories, including the countrys first greenfield airport in Kochi on the PPP mode and the first government-owned IT park in the country. He organised a union at a large textile mill, and later founded what is today the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC). He was elected to the Thrissur Municipal Corporation in 1945 at the age of 26. Seven consecutive wins from Mala constituency in Thrissur from 1967 to 1991 brought him the title, the Pearl of Mala. His only electoral debacle in life was in 1996 when he lost the LS elections from Thrissur constituency. Bobby Farrell Singer Bobby Farrell of the 1970s European chart-topping group Boney M has died at the age of 61 after performing in St. Petersburg. He had lived in Amsterdam, was more a dancer and showman than singer when he headlined Boney M in the 1970s. The group, based in Germany, broke into the charts with Daddy Cool in 1978. That year their version of By the Rivers of Babylon sold nearly two million records in Britain alone, keeping it No. 1 for five weeks. He was chosen in 1974 to front the Caribbean group Boney M, put together by German singer and songwriter Frank Farian. 101
Sentenced/Accused
Moshe Katsav The former Israeli President Moshe Katsav was convicted of two counts of rape by a court.The court convicted Katsav of raping an employee while he was minister of tourism, a post he held from 1996 until 1999. Katsav was president of Israel from 2000 to 2007. According to the indictment, Katsav forced one woman to the floor of his office at the Tourism Ministry in 1998 and raped her. Katsav immigrated with his family to Israel in 1951. At age 24 he became the countrys youngest mayor and went on to hold a number of cabinet posts as a member of the rightist Likud party. Hashim Thaci The report by Council of Europe investigator Dick Marty has suggested Kosovos US-backed Prime Minister
Hashim Thaci headed a mafia-style organised crime ring in the late 1990s that engaged in assassinations, beatings, organ trafficking. Nevertheless, the Kosovos government has branded tise report as baseless. The 55-page report is an attempt to cast new light on the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), which received US backing to secure Kosovos independence from Serbia in 1999. Mikhail Khodorkovsky He had already served an eight-year prison term, was further found guilty in his second trial, which would keep him behind bars for several more years. He was found guilty of stealing oil from his own company and laundering Civil Services
SHORT NEWS
the proceeds. The court established that Khodorkovsky and Lebedev laundered over 487 billion rubles ($16 billion) and $7.5 billion in 1998-2004. Prosecution has demanded a six-year prison term, which would be added to an eight-year sentence Russias former richest man has been serving since 2003. Binayak Sen The Raipur Sessions Court in Chhattisgarh has given life-term to Dr. Binayak Sen for sedition. Sen, an activist with the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties, was arrested in May 2007 from Bilaspur. The court sentenced Sen for helping Maoist rebels in their fight against the state of Chhattisgarh. Along with Sen, Naxal ideologue Narayan Sanyal and Kolkata-based businessman Piyush Guha were also found guilty of sedition and given life sentences. The 58-year old activist, a paediatrician by training, had been accused by the prosecution of carrying messages and letters from Naxal ideologue Sanyal to underground Maoists. Sujata Sachdeva Sujata Sue Sachdeva, a former Indian American Executive of KOSS Corporation has been given the sentence of 11 years for embezzling a whopping $34 million from the company to pay her personal bill during her shopping spree. KOSS Corporation is a Milwaukee based head phone maker company.
The Government of Maharashtra has denotified the 49 mining areas in the lush region. Sindhudurg has the highest green cover in Maharashtra and was declared the countrys first ecotourism district in 1997. Of the 49 permissions,32 were granted in the Sawantwadi-Dodamarg area,which has the highest forest cover in Sindhudurg district.The area boasts of rich wildlife and makes up a major portion of the green corridor between Koyna sanctuary in Satara district and the Anshi-Dandeli tiger reserve in Karnataka.
Newsmakers
Yunus Grameen Bank The Bangladesh government has ordered a thorough probe into allegation that Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus transferred nearly
Place
Gharana Wetland Gharana Wetland located close to Indo-Pak border in Jammu district has been notified as a protected waterbody and declared as Important Bird Area (IBA). The Gharana Wetland is home to thousands of migratory birds during the winter. The reserve is also known as bird-watchers' paradise, it supports a population of 20,000 to 25,000 birds of different species during every winter with most of the species being migratory, endangered or covered under different schedules of the Act. The birds which visit the reserve include Siberian Hans, Keel, Grey Heron and Little Grebe from New Zealand, America and Australia. Sindhudurg mining
$100 million originally meant for microcredit operations of his Grameen Bank to a non-profit sister venture of the bank to avoid tax. One can recollect that Yunus had won the Nobel Prize in 2006 for his efforts in making Grameen Bank a microfinance organisation and community development bank that provides small loans to the impoverished. Bhimkanta Buragohain The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) activist Bhimkanta Buragohain alias Mama has been released from the jail. He was in jail since his capture during a crackdown on the ULFA in Bhutan by the Royal Bhutan Army during Operation All Clear in December 2003. He was the fifth leader to be released on bail and four other senior ULFA leaders who have been 102
released on bail are vice-chairman Pradip Gogoi, cultural secretary Pranati Deka, central publicity secretary Mithinga Daimary and selfstyled deputy commander-in-chief Raju Baruah. Further, United Liberation Front of Asom chief Arabinda Rajkhowa was also released from the Guwahati Central Jail. Fastest Train Chinese passenger train hit a record speed of 486kph during a test run of a yet-to-be opened link between Beijing and Shanghai. It was the fastest speed recorded by an unmodified conventional commercial train. The line is due to open in 2012 and will halve the current travel time between the capital Beijing and Shanghai to five hours.The project costs $32.5 billion and is part of a massive government effort to link many of Chinas cities by high-speed rail and reduce overcrowding on heavily used lines. China already has the worlds longest high-speed rail network, and it plans to cover 13,000 kilometers by 2012 and 16,000 kilometers by 2020. Other types of trains in other countries have traveled faster.A specially modified French TGV train reached 574.8kph during a 2007 test, while a Japanese magnetically levitated train sped to 581kph in 2003. Jonathan Lee A 13-year-old American boy Jonathan Lee unfurled a sign saying peace treaty and nuclear free DMZ childrens peace forest as he stood outside Tiananmen, or the Gate of Heavenly Peace, in central Beijing. Dighi Port The Rs 3,000 crore Dighi Port in Maharashtra has enhanced the faster movement of cargo in the western region. The port has a capacity of 30 million tonnes in the first phase. The total capacity will rise to 90 million tonnes when the third phase is completed. Balaji Infra Projects holds 80 per cent stake in the project and IL&FS the remaining 20 per cent. The port which is located in Raigad district is 170 kms by road from Mumbai and around 45 nautical miles across the Mumbai shoreline. Dighi Port also plans to develop a multi-product Special Economic Zone (SEZ), including a Free Trade Warehousing Zone in its vicinity. Civil Services
SHORT NEWS
Niyamgiri Short films on environmental issues Niyamgiri You Are Still Alive, directed by Suma Josson, and Kaippad, directed by Babu Kambrath, were declared joint winners of The Vasudha Award, the countrys only government award for an environmental film. The award instituted by the Short Film Centre (SFC) at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) carried a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakh. Burj Khalifa Indians top the list of buyers in Burj Khalifa, the worlds tallest tower, having acquired space worth $7.9 million in the first seven months of the towers opening. The 100 floor Burj Khalifa tower include London-based NRI businessman Raj Kundra, who presented an apartment to his wife Shilpa Shetty. Other major buyers of towers space include Australians $1.25 million, Omanese $1.14 million, Chinese $0.62 million and Iranians $0.73 million. Nicole Faria 20-year-old Nicole Faria has won the 2010 Miss Earth crown. The 10th edition of the Miss Earth beauty
Miss Ecuador Jennifer Pazmino won the Miss Earth Air title. Miss Thailand Watsaporn Wattanakoon grabbed the Miss Earth Water crown. Nicole also won the 2010 Miss Earth Talent Competition. Azim Premji-India's biggest philanthropist In the largest act of philanthropy by an Indian, Wipro Chairman Azim Premji has announced to donate Rs. 8846 crore to improve school education in India. Azim Premji is India's third richest man with a net worth of $18 billion. He has decided to transfer 213 million equity shares of WIPRO Ltd. held by him to the Azim Premji Trust. It will fund educational activities of the Azim Premji Foundation (APF) which works mainly with the school of rural India. Azim Premji had previously transferred Rs. 700 crore to the APF.
Project/Scheme
Nam Theun 2 Hydropower Project French President Nicholas Sarkozy, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and senior World Bank and Asian Development Bank officials inaugurated the Nam Theun 2 Hydropower Project in central Laos in December, 2010. The power project has the capacity to produce 920 megawatts of electricity that would meet the major supply needs of Thailand. Funded by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and a host of other public and private funders, Nam Theun 2 has been a focus of criticism by environmental and human rights groups since it was first proposed in the early 1990s. The environmental and human rights group, International Rivers condemn that the project has displaced 6200 indigenous people on the Nakai Plateau and will affect more than 100000 people living downstream along the Xe Bang Fai River. Two Thai companies-Italian-Thai Development Pcl and the Electricity Generating Pcl have coinvested in the construction of the project with the Lao government and France's EDF International. International Rivers, which opposes large internationally funded dam projects, maintains that the food security of farmers displaced by the dam project is threatened because of the poor qual103
pageant was held in Vinpearl Land, Nha Trang, Vietnam on December 4, 2010. Miss Puerto Rico Yeidy Bosquez was announced Miss Earth Fire and
ity of the land at resettlement sites. More Funds for Ganga Project The states through which the Ganga flows will give additional funds to operate and maintain projects to clean the river and restore its environmental health. At the meeting of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) which is headed by the PM, the Chief Minister of Uttrakhand demanded a compensation of 2000 MW of free power for the scrapped projects. The NGRBA ratified the decision to abandon three major hydel projects along the Bhagirathi which runs through the State. The Loharinag Pala, Bhaironghati and Pala Maneri projects were abandoned following protests by local communities, environmental activists and religious leaders. The NGRBA also gave in principle approval to declare the 135 km stretch between Gaumukh and Uttarkashi an eco-sensitive zone. This means that no hydel project is now allowed there. The NGRBA said the Central government would bear 70 per cent of the cost of operating and maintain projects asset up to prevent pollution, clean river and improve its environmental status. But the affected states lobbied for a burden sharing formula of 90 per cent by the Centre and 10 per cent by the States. By April, 2011 the government also expects to finalise a $1 billion line of credit from the World Bank for NGRBA projects. Last year the NGRBA approved Rs. 1400 crore worth of projects. National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA) project The Indian government is finalizing the national maritime domain awareness project. It is an integrated intelligence grid to detect and tackle threats emanating from the sea in real time. The project has been cleared by the national committee for strengthening maritime and coastal security, which is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary. The project now waits the approval of Union Cabinet. NMDA project will increase the multi agency coordination and augment the on-going efforts to strengthen maritime and coastal security. The project revolves around the high tech National Command Control Communication and Intelligence Network (NC3IN). The central hub of the Civil Services
SHORT NEWS
NC3IN is coming up at Gurgaon. The aim is to generate a common operation of on-going activities at sea through an institutionalised mechanism for collecting, fusing and analysing information from technical and other sources like coastal surveillance network radars, space based automatic identification systems and fishermen biometric identity database. Project Greater Gir The project Greater Gir was launched by the Gujarat Government for conservation of the Asiatic Lion. The Project was launched by under the centrally sponsored Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) scheme. Recently the Planning Commission has approved Rs 262.36 crore to expand the home of the Asiatic Lion
in Gir, which is its only habitat in the world. Under the project 90% of the fund was to be provided to the state, the Central Government has requested the Planning Commission to make allocation for the same. Staggering $4.78 billion FII in the month of November Showing strong faith in the Indian economy, overseas funds infused a staggering $ 4.78 billion in the capital market in November, taking the year total to $ 39 billion. FII's have been pumping funds into emerging markets like India because of their strong growth potential. Besides, the rising concerns over the Korean conflict and Ireland's debt issue derived foreign funds into the Indian equity market. Dayangyihao or Ocean One It is a Chinese research ship that sailed from Guangzhou in the month of December starting a 376 day global trip that will take it across the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Ocean. The ship will also conduct research on hot liquid sulphides and deep sea biological diversities. Hot liquid commonly known
as black chimneys by researchers can provide clues about the origin of marine life. This is china's 22nd deep sea scientific research mission and the ship's third global voyage. National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture The Centre has allocated Rs 350 crore for implementation of a new scheme called the National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture to address the impact of climate change on agriculture and allied sectors. It is expected that about one lakh farmers from 100 districts will benefit from the on farm demonstration of climate resilient technologies that will be undertaken under the scheme during the remaining 11th plan period till 2012. The ICAR plans to carry research with a long term perspective on crop improvement to heat and drought stress, management of natural resources for adaptation and mitigation and innovative livestock management practices to minimize heat stress on animals. Despite US protest India goes on with Kaladan Project Despite the pressure from the US to tighten screws on the ruling military junta in Myanmar, India has gone ahead and started work on the crucial Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, which seeks to augment trade ties between the two nations. The Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project The project named after the Kaladan River is aimed to enhance connectivity between India's east coast and north-eastern states. The project comprises construction of a port in Myanmar's town Sittwe. The project is expected to cost over Rs 500 crore, the project will link Sittwe with Mizoram. It is funded fully by the Ministry of External Affairs and is likely to be completed in the year 2013. Once completed, India will use the Sittwe port to transport goods from its port in Kolkata to the north-eastern states. World Oral Literature Project The University of Cambridge has launched a unique project to provide universal access to languages of India and elsewhere that are endangered and part of the world's disappearing spoken traditions. The open database, 104
called World Oral Literature Project has been developed by the University's researchers. In India the project include ethnographic documentation of the literature and culture of the indigenous Mudugar and Kurumbar communities in Palakkad district of Kerala using digital video, audio and photography. Another India base project is a 20 hour long recording of a ballad about the life and adventure of Tejaji, the Snake Deity, sung by the Mali community in Thikarda village of Bundi district in Rajasthan, along with the documentation of Tejaji customs and traditions in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan. The Project will also keep records of 3524 world languages, ranging from those deemed vulnerable to those that like Latin, remain well understood but are effectively moribund or extinct.
Science and Technology

SiGe Technology A project funded by the NASA and led by the Georgia Institute of Technology has developed a novel approach to space electronics that could change how space vehicles and instruments are designed. The new capabilities are based on silicon-germanium (SiGe) technology, which can produce electronics that are highly resistant to both wide temperature variations and space radiations. SiGe alloys combine silicon with germanium at nano scale dimensions. This alloy gives a robust material that offers important gains in toughness, speed and flexibility. This robustness is crucial to function in space without bulky radiation shields or large temperature control devices. SiGe can provide major reductions in weight, size, complexity, power and cost. World's First Artificial Kidney created by Indian An US based Indian origin doctor Shuvo Roy has created the world's first implantable artificial kidney. It is the size of a coffee cup and will be able to mimic the kidney's most vital functions like filtering toxins out of the blood stream, regulate blood pressure and produce all important vitamin D. This artificial kidney has been tested successfully on animals and its human Civil Services
SHORT NEWS
trials are expected to be held over the next five years. If successful, it could replace the need for dialysis and transplants for lakhs of people suffering from chronic kidney diseases. Dr. Roy is leading a team of specialist at the University of California and his team is now waiting for approval to conduct large scale animal and human trials. Electricity Storage Facility for Mexico Rubenius, an alternative energy company of the UAE, is going to build a $4 billion storage facility for electricity in northern Mexico. This is one of the biggest investments of its type in the world. The project will use sodium sulphide energy storage batteries, and it will be built in Mexicali, northern Mexico. Global Disease Detection Centre The United States and India have signed a MOU for establishing and operationalizing a Global Disease Detection Centre in, New Delhi. The agreement to this effect will facilitate the development of human resources, both in epidemiology and research, enabling sharing of best practices for detection of and repose to emerging infections. The agreement will be implemented through an agreed plan between the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), India and Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, USA. The MoU also aims to build laboratory capacity in India for the diagnosis of emerging infectious diseases using well characterised reference material and advanced technology transfer. The agreement is signed for five years. The Global Disease Detection Programme was established in the year 2004 to detect emerging health threats. The main aim of the programme is to establish and expand its regional centres that build broad base public health capacity in sync with International Health Regulations (IHR). There are currently six regional centres across the world. These are at Guatemala, Kazakhstan, China, Thailand, Egypt and Kenya. India will host the seventh centre. Thermos Bomb Thermos Bomb was the informal name for the AR-4, an anti-personnel bomb dropped by the Italian Air Force durCurrent NEWS Covered up to JANUARY 01, 2011
ing the World War II. Large numbers were used against Malta and in the Middle East. It was named for its superficial appearance to a Thermos Bottle, a popular brand of vacuum flask. The bomb was a cylinder 31 cm long and weighing 3.68 kg. It could be fitted with a very sensitive motionsensitive fuse that would detonate if any attempt was made to move it and could be lethal in the open up to about 35 meters away. Because of this, it was normally destroyed where it fell, generally by attaching a long piece of string to it and giving it a jerk. Tracking Elusive Cosmic Particles A team of astronomers at the University of Iowa and the Naval Research Laboratory have used the Moon as part of an innovative telescope system to detect mysterious, ultra-high-energy neutrinos from distant regions of space. Their work gave new insight on the possible origin of the elusive subatomic particles and points the way to opening a new view of the Universe in the future. Neutrinos are fast-moving subatomic particles with no electrical charge that readily pass unimpeded through ordinary matter. Though plentiful in the Universe, they are notoriously difficult to detect. Experiments to detect neutrinos from the Sun and supernova explosions have used large volumes of material such as water or chlorine to capture the rare interactions of the particles with ordinary matter. The team used specialpurpose electronic equipment brought to the National Science Foundation's Very Large Array (VLA) radio telescope, and took advantage of new, more-sensitive radio receivers installed as part of the Expanded VLA (EVLA) project. The ultra-high-energy neutrinos the astronomers sought are postulated to be produced by the energetic, black-hole-powered cores of distant galaxies; massive stellar explosions; annihilation of dark matter; cosmic-ray particles interacting with photons of the Cosmic Microwave Background; tears in the fabric of spacetime; and collisions of the ultra-highenergy neutrinos with lower-energy neutrinos left over from the Big Bang. Ice Age ecosystem uncovered in Colorado Scientists claim to have uncovered an 105
entire Ice Age ecosystem, after unearthing wealth of bones from an excavation site in western Colorado in the United States. A team from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science discovered two additional Ice Age mammal species at the fossil dig site at Ziegler Reservoir near Snowmass Village, Colorado, last week. The first find was a humerus, or upper arm bone, of a giant ground sloth. The second discovery was a small deer-like animal. Partial remains of five mastodons, three Ice Age bison and a juvenile Columbian mammoth, as well as plant matter and insects, have also been found. Mammoths and mastodons are both elephant-like creatures with long tusks. Both faded into extinction on this continent more than 12,800 years ago. Mars volcanic deposit tells of life-supporting environment American scientists claim to have found evidence that suggests Mars had a warm and wet climate which could have supported life some 3.5 billion years ago. A team led by planetary geologists at Brown University found mounds of a mineral deposited on a volcanic cone less than 3.5 billion
years ago that speak of a warm and wet past and may preserve evidence of one of the most recent habitable microenvironments on the red planet. Observations by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter enabled the researchers to identify the mineral as hydrated silica which can be dissolved, transported and concentrated by hot water or steam -- a dead ringer that water was present at some time. The mineral and the mounds' location on the flanks of a volcanic cone provide the best evidence yet found on Mars for an intact deposit from a hydrothermal environment -- a steam fumarole or a hot spring. No studies have determined whether Mars has ever supported life, but this finding Civil Services
SHORT NEWS
adds to accumulating evidence that at some times and in some places, Mars hosted favourable climate for microbial life. Green Laser Photo coagulator for Diabetic Retinopathy Raja Ramanna Centre for Advance Technology (RRCAT) has developed a green laser photo-coagulator for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. This laser photo coagulator has successfully passed clinical trials at Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai and is being used there. Diabetes is today a big medical problem in India. Its diagnosis and treatment is a major challenge especially, since the accompanying illeffects of the disease can lead to several problems. As the disease progresses, it can lead to a host of eyerelated complications, including a rupture of blood vessels that can even lead to blindness. To avoid such complications, ophthalmologists carry out a procedure called retinopathy, using a photo coagulator. In the instrument, the photocoagulator deploys a greenlaser beam. The laser power can be varied from 50 mW to about 2 W. The unit has advanced safety and fail safe features, including automatic recognition of different ophthalmic probes. The doctors can monitor and set all parameters of the device by using a colour touch screen controller and can operate the unit with a foot switch. Compared to conventional method laser surgery is accurate, painless, fast and hygienically safe. Xpert NAAT- New test to diagnosis TB The World Health Organisation has endorsed a new diagnostic test for TB which will replace the 100 year old diagnostic test to detect TB. The new test is named Xpert NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test). It can accurately detect the most dangerous strains of TB that are multi-drug resistant (MDR TB) or the one complicated with HIV co-infection, in only 1.4 hours. This test is fully automatic with minimal hands-on technical time. The current tests to detect TB take up to three months. Many nations like India still rely on sputum smear microscopy, a diagnostic method that was developed over a century ago. The new test which is endorsed by the WHO can make it easier for nations like India to
control the rising number of TB cases. GFAJ-1 strain According to NASA Astrobiology Institute and U.S. Geological Survey, the bacteria do not merely eat arsenic they incorporate the toxic element directly into their DNA. The GFAJ-1 strain of the Halomonadaceae grew when arsenic was in the water and when phosphorus was in the water, but not when both were taken away. And it grew even with double whammy of arsenic. The bacteria, from Mono Lake in California, was grown in lab dishes where phosphate was slowly replaced with arsenic, which is poison for most creatures, until the bacteria began to thrive on arsenic alone. Mono Lake, located at the edge of the Sierra Mountains, is a 760,000-year-old salt lake with no fish. Mono Lake, from which the arsenic-eating bacteria were culled, is salty, alkaline and contains heavy arsenic deposits. Smart Guns These are some of the new guns deployed by the US army in Afghanistan. This Xm-25 uses a laser guidance system and specially developed micro chipped ammunition which can be programmed to detonate over a target even when the target is hidden behind the walls or in ditches. Its range is approx. 700 meters and the price of each rifle is $ 25000-$30000. Shale Gas Shale gas is natural gas produced from shale. Shale gas has become an increasingly important source of natural gas in the United States over the past decade, and interest has spread to potential gas shales in Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Shales ordinarily have insufficient permeability to allow significant fluid flow to a well bore, most shales are not commercial sources of natural gas. Shale gas is one of a number of "unconventional" sources of natural gas; other unconventional sources of natural gas include coal bed methane, tight sandstones, and methane hydrates. Shale gas areas are often known as resource plays. Shale gas is natural gas produced from shale formations. Gas shales are organic-rich shale formations. In terms of its chemical makeup, shale gas is typically a dry gas primarily composed of methane. Three factors have contributed to its rapid de106
velopment of US gas shales: advances in horizontal drilling, advances in hydraulic fracturing, and, perhaps most importantly, rapid increases in natural gas prices in the last several years as a result of significant supply and demand pressures. Space X Dragon The Space X Dragon is a spacecraft developed by Space X, a space transportation company in Hawthorne, California. In December 2010, it became the first spacecraft ever placed in orbit and recovered by a private company. The first operational Dragon missions would be flown for NASA to deliver cargo to the International Space Station. Dragon was designed so that it could eventually carry up to seven people, or a mixture of personnel and cargo, to and from low
Earth orbit. These flights were contracted under the Commercial Resupply Services program. Dragon's heat shield is designed to withstand re-entry velocities from potential lunar and Martian space flights. Development was partially funded through a Space Act Agreement under NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program. On December 8, 2010, a Falcon 9 rocket carrying an unmanned Space X Dragon lifted off from Cape Canaveral in Florida on COTS Demo Flight 1. The launch was a success, and the Dragon cleanly separated from the Falcon approximately 10 minutes after launch. Orbital maneuvering testing was conducted at an altitude of 300 kilomeCivil Services
SHORT NEWS
ters (before a deorbit burn was conducted), putting the Dragon on a reentry course that ended in a successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 800 kilometres west of Mexico's Pacific coast. Space X President Gwynne Shotwell stated that this was the first of three primary flight tests. NASA maintains that the Dragon will not be permitted near the International Space Station until its safety has been proven. Space Exploration Technologies Corp (Space X) is an American space transport company. It was formed by Pay Pal co-founder Elon Musk. It has developed reusable launch vehicles the Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 rockets. It has now become the first private company to successfully launch, orbit and recover a spacecraft i.e. the Dragon. First Oxygen sampled outside Earth on Saturns moon A spacecraft has tasted oxygen in the atmosphere of another world for the first time, while flying low over Saturn's icy moon, Rhea. NASA's Cassini probe scooped oxygen from the thin atmosphere of the planet's moon while passing overhead at an altitude of 97 km. Until now, wisps of oxygen have only been detected on planets and their moons indirectly, using the Hubble space telescope and other major facilities. Instruments aboard Cassini revealed an extremely thin oxygen and carbon dioxide atmosphere that is sustained by high-energy particles slamming into the moon's surface and kicking up atoms, molecules and ions. Astronomers have counted 62 moons orbiting Saturn. At 1500 km wide, Rhea is the second largest and is thought to be made almost entirely of ice. Rhea's atmosphere makes it unique in the Saturn system. Only Rhea and Titan, the largest Saturn's moon, have enough mass to hold on to an atmosphere with their gravity. Titan, however, has a very thick nitrogen and methane atmosphere, with very little carbon dioxide and oxygen. Next generation network (NGN) A Next generation network (NGN) is a packet-based network which can provide services including Telecommunication Services and able to make use of multiple broadband, Quality of
Service enabled transport technologies and in which service-related functions are independent from underlying transport-related technologies. It offers unrestricted access by users to different service providers. It supports generalized mobility which will allow consistent and ubiquitous provision of services to users. The general idea behind the NGN is that one network transports all information and services (voice, data, and all sorts of media such as video) by encapsulating these into packets, like it is on the Internet. NGNs are commonly built around the Internet Protocol, and therefore the term "all-IP" is also sometimes used to describe the transformation toward NGN. GSLV F06 fails The much awaited launch of ISRO, the GSLV F06 exploded just after its launch. The ISRO has formed an expert committee to give the exact reason for the failure of its mission. The GSLV was carrying a domestic communication satellite, GSAT-5P. Powered by Russian Cryogenic engine at
the upper stage, the GSLV F06 failed in its mission in the first stage when a snag developed less than a minute after lift off from the Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pradesh. This is a second consecutive setback for India's space programme this year, as on April 15 GSLV D3 veered off its flight path and plunged into the Bay of Bengal along with GSAT 4. But after the GSLV F06 failure the ISRO claimed that the disaster will not affect the transponder augmentation for the 107
continuance of telecommunication, telecasting and weather forecasting services provided by the INSAT system. A Preliminary Failure Analysis Team under the chairmanship of former Chairman, ISRO Dr. G. Madhavan Nair constituted and the team found that the primary cause of the failure is the untimely and inadvertent snapping of a group of 10 connectors located at the bottom portion of the Russian Cryogenic Stage. Some of these connectors carry command signals from the onboard computer residing in the Equipment Bay (located near the top of the vehicle) to the control electronics of the four L40 Strap-ons of the First Stage. These connectors are intended to be separated only on issue of a separation command at 292 seconds after lift-off. The premature snapping of these connectors has led to stoppage of continuous flow of control commands to the First Stage control electronics, consequently leading to loss of control and break-up of the vehicle. The exact cause of snapping of the set of connectors, whether due to external forces like vibration, dynamic pressure is to be analysed further and pin-pointed. Stuxnet Internet Worm Stuxnet is a Windows specific computer worm. It was first discovered in July 2010 by Virus Blok Ada, a security firm based in Belarus. While it is not the first time that hackers have targeted industrial systems, it is the first discovered worm that spies on and reprograms industrial systems, and the first to include a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) rootkit. It was specifically written to attack Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems used to control and monitor industrial processes. Stuxnet includes the capability to reprogram the PLCs and hide its changes. The worm's probable target is said to have been high value infrastructures in Iran using Siemens control systems. According to news reports the infestation by this worm might have damaged Iran's nuclear facilities in Natanzand eventually delayed the startup of Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Plant. Iran had confirmed that its nuclear program had indeed been damaged by Stuxnet. Russian digital Civil Services
SHORT NEWS
security company Kaspersky Labs released a statement that described Stuxnet as "a working and fearsome prototype of a cyber-weapon that will lead to the creation of a new arms race in the world. Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB's) An algal bloom is a rapid increase or accumulation in the population of algae in an aquatic system. Algal blooms may occur in freshwater as well as marine environments. Typically, only one or a small number of phytoplankton species are involved, and some blooms may be recognized by discoloration of the water resulting from the high density of pigmented cells. Harmful algal blooms (HABs), are algal bloom events involving toxic or otherwise harmful phytoplankton such as dinoflagellates of the genus Alexandrium and Karenia. Such blooms often take on a red or brown hue and are known colloquially as red tides. A harmful algal bloom (HAB) causes negative impacts to other organisms via production of natural toxins, mechanical damage to other organisms, or by other means. HABs are often associated with large-scale marine mortality events and have been associated with various types of shellfish poisonings. Recently researchers have found that the toxic blooms had increased by around 15 per cent over the last 12 years in Indian Seas. There were 80 harmful blooms between 1998 and 2010 in the Indian seas against the 38 that took place between 1958 and 1997. The number of such blooms was just 12 between 1917 and 1957. These findings form part of the research data that was generated by a team of marine life experts. Semtex Semtex is a general-purpose plastic explosive containing RDX and PETN. It is used in commercial blasting, demolition, and in certain military applications. Semtex became notoriously popular with terrorist because it was, until recently, extremely difficult to detect, as in the case of Pan Am Flight. Semtex was invented in the late 1950s by Stanislav Brebera, a chemist at VCHZ Synthesia, Czechoslovakia. The explosive is named after Semtn, a suburb of Pardubice in the Czech Republic where the mixture was first
manufactured starting in 1964. Semtex was used by the Indian Mujahideen in the recent terrorist attack in Varanasi in the month of December, 2010. IUCN to asses India's freshwater biodiversity The International Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUN) is doing a comprehensive study of the freshwater biodiversity of India. It is after a long gap of 13 years that such a freshwater biodiversity study been undertaken. The study will cover fish, molluscs, insects and plants using the IUCN Red List. The study has 9 classifications namely extinct, extinct in the wild, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, near threatened, least concern, data deficient and not evaluated. The data will provide a vi-
tal resource for freshwater conservation and development planning within the nation. It is estimated that only 13 of the 807 species of freshwater fish found in India and four insects, two species freshwater molluscs and one species of freshwater plant have been assessed using the Red list criteria. As per the studies conducted so far the Western Ghats region is facing increased threats due to economic development in the form of deforestation, construction of dams, sand mining, and pollution and over harvesting. It is also estimated that the Ghats have lost more than 30 species over the last 60 years as a result of these activities. The assessment also aims at determining the conservation status of key freshwater species within the hotspot and the associated river basins in southern India. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is an international organization dedicated to natural resource conservation. The stated goal of the organization is to help the world find pragmatic solutions to the most pressing environ108
ment and development challenges. The group publishes a " Red List'" compiling information from a network of conservation organizations to rate which species are most endangered. The IUCN supports scientific research, manages field projects all over the world and brings governments, nongovernment organizations, United Nations agencies, companies and local communities together to develop and implement policy, laws and best practice. IUCN is the world's oldest and largest global environmental network - a democratic membership union with more than 1,000 government and NGO member organizations. The Union's headquarters are located in Gland, near Geneva, Switzerland. Supergun Scientists are developing a supergun which could obliterate a target 160 km away through sheer power using a bullet fired at eight times the speed of sound. The gun was tested recently at the Naval Surface Warfare Centre in Dahlgren; Virginia and has been described as the most powerful in the world. A shot of the gun fired by the electromagnetic rail gun generated 33 mega Joules of force out of the barrela world record for muzzle energy and more than three times the previous record. A single mega joule is equal to one tonne car travelling at 160 kmph. The bullet would take just minutes to fire over 160 km and would hit with pinpoint accuracy with a velocity that's impossible in conventional guns. Intense solar activity predicted in 2012 Scientists have predicted that the Northern Lights will be at their brightest in 50 years in 2012 and this could even cause disruptions of mobile phones, GPS and even national grids. The 2012 aurora will be caused by the solar maximum- a period when the sun's magnetic field on the solar equator rotates at a slightly faster pace than at the solar poles. Fast moving charged particles from the sun, known as solar winds, interact with Earth's atmosphere and are closely linked to the 11 year solar sunspot cycle. The last solar maximum was in the year 2000 and NASA scientist have predicted that the next one in 2012 will be the greatCivil Services
SHORT NEWS
est since 1958, where the aurora stunned the people of Mexico by making an appearance on as many as three occasions. Scientists have also predicted that the Northern Lights should at least be visible as far as south as Rome in the year 2012. Pentaerythritol Trinitrate (PETN) It is a an extremely powerful plastic explosive. This white powder is easily available and is very difficult to detect. Many nations have tight restrictions on the purchase of PETN. PETN is used legally by the military and in industries such as in detonation fuses. It is mixed with other chemicals to make Semtex. It is very difficult to detect PETN because it is non-metallic so it does not show up in X-ray machines. It is so energetic, that only a small amount is used and these can easily be hidden on the body or in electrical equipment. EndosulfanA Persistent Organic Pollutant: Persistent Organic Pollutants are organic compounds that are resistant to environmental degradation through chemical biological and photolytic processes. They have been observed to persist in the environment, to be capable of long-range transport, bio accumulate in human and animal tissues, bio magnify in food chains and to have potential significant impacts on human health and the environment. Endosulfan which was in news recently due to its disastrous effects in different parts of Kerala is also a POP as defined under the Stockholm Convention. It is persistent in the environment, bio accumulative, demonstrates long range environmental transport, and causes adverse effects to human health and the environment. It is listed as a POP in the Convention on Long Range Trans boundary Air Pollution (LRTAP) and is recognized as a Persistent Toxic by the United Nations Environment Programme. The Kerala State Pollution Control Board has banned its use across the State in view of apprehension of the people that aerial spraying of Endosulfan in the cashew plantations of Kasaragod District had led to health problems identified there and on finding the presence of Endosulfan in the water and sediment samples collected
by the PCB of Kerala from the Shiriya river. IAEA plans a Nuclear Fuel Bank A decision has been taken at the IAEA governing body meeting in Vienna for the creation of a fuel bank. Of low enriched uranium for use by countries with a small or start-up civil nuclear energy programme. The IAEA fuel bank intends to take care of market based disruptions in LEU supply that countries with a full safeguarded civil nuclear program may experience. India has also supported this multi-million dollar plan for the creation of a
fuel bank. India is also a member of the governing body of the IAEA. India's acceptance of the resolution means that India along with the five official nuclear weapons states will be ineligible to draw on the bank. So will be Pakistan and Israel and North Korea. India's acceptance for the resolution also means that India is willing to be a supplier to the bank. India is having proved nuclear technology to support her claim to be a supplier to the Fuel Bank of IAEA. India is thus prepared to supplement international efforts for sustainable growth of nuclear energy and addressing proliferation concerns. India's firmly stands on the belief that there is a considerable potential in the use of thorium based fuels for light water reactors that would allow the proliferation-resistant use of fissile material and high energy output.
Committee/Panel
Public Accounts Committee The Committee on Public Accounts is constituted by Parliament each year for examination of accounts showing the appropriation of sums granted by Parliament for expenditure of Government of India, the annual Finance Accounts of Government of India, and 109
such other Accounts laid before Parliament as the Committee may deem fit such as accounts of autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies (except those of Public Undertakings and Government Companies which come under the purview of the Committee on Public Undertakings). The Committee consists of not more than 22 members comprising 15 members elected by Lok Sabha every year from amongst its members according to the principle of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote and not more than 7 members of Rajya Sabha elected by that House in like manner are associated with the Committee. The Chairman is appointed by the Speaker from amongst its members of Lok Sabha. The Speaker, for the first time, appointed a member of the Opposition as the Chairman of the Committee for 196768. This practice has been continued since then. A Minister is not eligible to be elected as a member of the Committee. If a member after his election to the Committee is appointed a Minister, he ceases to be a member of the Committee from the date of such appointment. At present Murli Mahohar Joshi is the Chairman of PAC. A.K. Sharma Committee A four member committee headed by the former NCERT Director A.K. Sharma has formulated the code of ethics for the teachers. The committee will soon submit its final report to the Union HRD Ministry. If accepted by the government, the teachers may soon be subjected to a code of professional ethics, which will include clauses for disciplinary actions over corporal punishment, private tuitions and other anti-community activities. The proposed code will apply to school teachers across the country, from primary to secondary and senior secondary levels and across government as well as private schools. The committee has also suggested of establishing a professional body for teachers that will look for professionalism and would impose penalties in case of reported violations of ethical practices. The committee has recommended the code in the view of section 24 of the Right to Education Act which gives the guidelines for duties and responsibilities of teachers. The committee Civil Services
SHORT NEWS
has also suggested that the All India Federation of Primary and Secondary School Teachers and the National Council for Teachers Education should evolve a process for registration of persons eligible for teaching in schools. These registered teachers will be given the copy of the code and administered an oath of allegiance. The committee holds that the new code goes beyond the 1997 code. A code was drafted by the NCERT in 1997 in collaboration with teacher's federations, in line with the 1986 National Policy on Education, but since then there were no penalties attached to it, the older code was never really implemented in a serious manner. Joint Parliament Committee The JPC is mandated to inquire into a specific subject. The JPC is constituted either through a motion adopted by one House and concurred by the other or through communication between the presiding officers of the two Houses. The members are either elected by the House or nominated by the presiding officers. As in the case of other Parliamentary committees, the members of the JPC are drawn from different groups. The Strength of the JPC may vary. But in principle, the number of members taken from Lok Sabha is just double the number of members taken from the Rajya Sabha. History of JPC in Independent India: - (i) The first JPC was constituted in the year 1987 to inquire into the Bofors contract. The motion was moved by then Defence Minister K.C. Pant in the Lok Sabha. (ii) The Second JPC was formed to inquire into Harshat Mehta Scandal. The recommendations of this JPC were also not accepted in full and were not implemented by the government. (iii) The third JPC was set up to inquire into the Stock Market Scam. Chairman of this committee was Lt Gen. Prakash Mani Tripathi. It submitted its report in the year 2002. (iv) The fourth JPC was formed to look into the issue of pesticide residues in the soft drinks, fruit juices and other beverages. The committee headed by Sharad Pawar submitted its report in the year 2004. Madhav Gadgil Panel on Western Ghats The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) headed by ecologist
Madhav Gadgil has raised environmental concerns in the Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri regions of Maharashtra and has emphatically supported the rights of its people, while strongly
criticizing the government's role. The report raises number of questions on the developmental projects in the ecosensitive areas. It has observed that environmental laws have not been followed in many cases, along with serious threat to civil liberties. The development had not been equitable or sustainable, the report said. According to the report the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) conducted by the government are flawed almost in all the cases. The EIA is an important tool for deciding the acceptability of the environmental cost of various human interventions. The final report will be submitted to the M/o Environment and Forest in the month of March, 2011. Bimal Jalan Committee The government had appointed a committee of experts under the chairmanship of Bimal Jalan to review the ownership and working of market infrastructure institutions. The committee has submitted its report to the SEBI recently. The committee has recommended raising the bar for existing institutions and prospective entrants. The new entrants will have to comply with much higher standards of capital adequacy and governance than what they observe now. The three 110
market infrastructure institutions in India are: - Stock Exchanges, Clearing Corporations and depositories. The committee has given major attention on the role of stock exchanges. Another core recommendation of the committee is that only banks, insurance companies and domestic public financial institutions with a net worth of Rs. 1000 crore be anchor investors in a stock exchange. The committee has also recommended widespread dispersal of shareholding in a stock exchange. Stock exchanges and other market infrastructure institutions should be made to follow the disclosure and governance requirements of the listing agreement application to listed companies. The final recommendation of the committee is that when a related business of market infrastructure institutions delivers a service to another market infrastructure institution, it should be ensured that there is equal, unrestricted, transparent and fair access to all without any bias towards its affiliated entity. N.C. Saxena Panel on Forest Rights Act The Committee to review the implementation of the Forest Rights Act under the chairmanship of N.C. Saxena was formed jointly by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Ministry of Environment and Forest. Recently the committee had reported that the forest law that was used to block Vedanta's bauxite mining project in Niyamgiri hills of Orissa has not been uniformly applied to other such projects such as the Polavaram power-cum-irrigation project in Andhra Pradesh. It should be remembered here that the Forest Rights Act was enacted in the year 2008 with the aim of granting forest dwellers the right over forest land and its produce. The Saxena panel in its report has severely criticized the poor implementation of FRA, 2008. The bauxite mining plan of Vedanta was blocked by the Ministry of Environment due to non-implementation of the FRA in the project area, noted the committee. But the Saxena committee has also cited the examples of the Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh and the hydroelectric projects in Arunachal Pradesh where the same clauses of the FRA, 2008 were ignored by the M/o EnviCivil Services
SHORT NEWS
ronment. The cases of Vedanta, Posco, Polavaram or hydroelectric projects in the north east have been the subject of a major national debate that has raised many environmental concerns. B.K. Chaturvedi Panel In order to reform the power sector the Planning Commission has constituted an expert group headed by B. K. Chaturvedi to suggest a proper model of PPP in power distribution sector. After working out the various modalities on how the PPP can be promoted in the distribution sector, the group would submit its report to the Central Government. The Planning Commission will bring the Chief and power secretaries from those states that had experimented with private operations to facilitate a proper PPP model. Justice Shivaraj V Patil Panel The Union Government has formed a one member committee to examine the process and procedures followed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in the grant of licence and allocation of spectrum during the period from 2001-2009 under Retired Supreme Court Judge Shivaraj V Patil. The committee will look in to the procedures followed in giving spectrum licences were consistent or not and if there was any deviation from the law while allotting the spectrum. Panel on Infrastructure The Government of India has set up a high level panel on Infrastructure. The committee is headed by former RBI Deputy Governor, Rakesh Mohan. The committee is expected to submit its report in 18 months. The committee will suggest steps for improving capital markets for garnering long term savings and facilitating foreign investment flow. The panel will also look into investments required to be made by the Centre and State governments, PSU's and the private sector in the major physical infrastructure sector projects. India is aiming to double its investment in infrastructure to about $ 1 trillion during the XII Plan (20122017). Another major task of the panel will be to identify the major regulatory or legal constraints which impede the private sector participation in the infrastructure investments.
Nuclear Energy
Pressurized Heavy
Water Reactor at Kakrapar Work has begun on the first pair of indigenously designed 700 MWe PHWR at Kakrapar, Gujarat. The 700 MWe units are the country's biggest indigenous reactors. The NPCIL has deigned the 700 MWe PHRW's by scaling up the two 540 MWe ones at Tarapur in Maharashtra. The PHWR's use natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as both moderator and coolant. Kakrapar already has two 220 MWe PHWR units. Another 700 MWe PHWR is coming up at Rawatbhata in Rajasthan. The 700 MWe units at Kakrapar and Rawatbhata are expected to generate power in 2015 and 2016 respectively. Four more NPCIL designed 700 MWe reactors will be built-two each at Kumharia in Haryana and Bargi in MP. Kaiga-4 goes critical The fourth unit of KAIGA Generating Station (KGS)-the country's 20th nuclear power reactor achieved criticality. With this unit becoming operational, India now ranks sixth in terms of production of nuclear energy, behind the Unites States, France, Japan, Russia, and South Korea. Criticality in nuclear terms signifies the start of the self-sustaining nuclear fission chain reaction in the reactor core, which leads to the production of energy. KAIGA-4 will produce 250 MWe of nuclear power, which would be distributed among the southern states. The unit will be synchronized with the southern grid after certain mandatory tests are carried out. KAIGA 4 is an indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR). Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission- Srikumar Banerjee Chairman and MD of NPCIL- S.K. Jain India to purchase EPRs India is all set to purchase six of the European Pressurised Reactor/Evolutionary Power Reactor (EPR). A MoU for the sale of two EPR's was signed with France in the year 2009. There are only four such reactors currently under construction in the world, two in China known as Taishan 1 and 2, one in Finland known as OL3 and Flamanville 3 in France. But recently the makers of Flamanville 3 the EDF of France has informed about the huge cost and time overrun in the project. Thus the EPR is still a reactor in the 111
making whose design is likely to undergo major changes before it can be built as a series. A third generation pressurised water reactor, the EPR was initially known as the European Pressurised Reactor or the Evolutionary Power Reactor. This has now been changed by the Areva (of France) to the trade mark name of EPR. Designed to be more competitive because of its massive power output of 1650 MWe, the reactor uses fuel that is mix of uranium and plutonium oxide known as MOX. The EPR has been marked as the safest and strongest reactor in the world capable of withstanding hits from a full size passenger airplane. But the critics' safety that the redundancy of the safety measures has made the reactor extremely complex and costly to build, resulting in huge delays and cost over runs.
Economy
Hero Group buys Honda's stake in Hero Honda The Hero Group and Honda Motor ended their 26 year old two-wheeler joint venture-Hero Honda, with the India partner agreeing to buy out its Japanese counterpart for an undisclosed sum. The two parties recently signed a new licensing agreement
which will replace their existing joint venture pact. As part of the deal the Indian partner will buy the entire stake of Honda in a phased manner amongst two or more qualified promoters at discount. Hero Honda will continue to pay royalty at the current levels to Honda, while it will now be able to export two wheelers and also develop its own R&D capabilities. The Hero Group and Honda hold 26% each in Hero Honda that started operations in 1984 to become the world's largest two wheeler maker now. Civil Services
SHORT NEWS
Foreign Funds Foreign funds have pumped a whopping $ 4.78 billion in the capital market in the month of November taking total to $38.5 billion in the 11 months of 2010. Reacting to this the Finance Minister had said that the high capital inflows in the country are not a cause of concern, but the government is on alert and is monitoring the development constantly. The FII's are highly volatile and FDI are more stable and long term so a country should have more of the FDIs than the FIIs. Another major problem of high FII inflows is that the currency appreciates that hits exporters and becomes a cause for concern. RBI's Mid-Quarter Review The RBI in its mid-quarter review of the monetary policy has decided to reduce the SLR- the portion of deposits that banks park in government securities- by one percentage point to 24 per cent with effect from December 18. Now the banks will be able to sell around Rs. 48000 crore from their securities portfolio worth almost Rs 12 lakh crore. Then the RBI will conduct the open market operation (OMO) auctions for the purchase of government securities for an aggregate amount of Rs. 48000 crore in the next one month. The RBI kept the repo and reverse repo rates unchanged at 6.25% and 5.25% respectively. The cash reverse ratio also remains unchanged at 6% of the banks' total deposits. As per the RBI review the inflationary pressures persist both from domestic demand and higher global commodity prices. The pace of decline in food price inflation has been slower than expected. RBI injects Rs. 12000 crore in the system The RBI injected a sum of Rs. 12000 crore in the month of December in the system, which is facing cash shortage due to the busy credit season and impending advance tax payments. The liquidity was injected under the open market operations, under which the RBI pumps in money by purchasing government securities held by banks. The RBI decided to purchase the government securities through the auction as part of its open market operations (OMO) for an aggregate amount of Rs. 12000 crore through multi-security
auction using the multiple price methods. The liquidity crunch in the system can be gauged from the fact that the RBI has also injected over Rs. 1 lakh crore through the repo (shortterm lending against government securities). Liquidity to improve in economy The Chairman of the PM Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC), C. Rangarajan had clarified that the liquidity is in short supply in the economy because of some public is-
sues and busy credit season and the situation would improve once the government increases the expenditure. He said that RBI will also take necessary steps to ensure that adequate liquidity is present in the system. For this purpose RBI will continue to conduct special Liquidity Adjustment Facility. He also revealed that in the second supplementary demand for grants, the government has got Parliament's nod to spend additional expenditure of close to Rs. 20000 crore over the budget estimates. Government Gives nod for Capital Infusion in Banks The Cabinet has given approval for additional capital infusion of Rs. 6000 crore in 10 public sector banks with an objective to raise its holding to a minimum 58 percentage in all state run banks. The government had already announced infusion of Rs. 15000 crore in the last budget to ensure that the capital adequacy ratio of all the public sector banks increases to 7 per cent. The increase will give banks additional room to raise funds from capital market without depending on the government. Tata Chemical to acquire British Salt TATA Chemicals Limited's whollyowned UK subsidiary, Bruner Mond, has inked a binding agreement to acquire a 100 per cent stake in British Salt for 93 million pounds (Rs 650 crore). Bruner Mond is a global manufacturer 112
and supplier of soda ash, sodium bicarbonate and other alkaline products. The deal has been funded entirely through debt through TATA Chemicals Europe holdings Ltd. India as borrower 1. India has become the largest borrower from the International Development Association (IDA), the soft loan affiliate of the World Bank, which helps the worlds poorest countries, with a total borrowing of $2,578 million. According to the banks FY10 Top Ten IDA borrowing countries, India tops the table with $2,578 million, followed by Vietnam ($1,429 million), Tanzania ($943 million), Ethiopia and Nigeria with $890 million each, Bangladesh ($828 million), Kenya ($614 million), Uganda ($480 million), Democratic Republic of Congo ($460 million) and Ghana ($433 million). 2. India is also the third largest borrower of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the World Bank), with a total portfolio of $21.9 billion (Rs 98,590 crore). 3. Among the states in the country, Tamil Nadu is now the largest borrower from the World Bank, with an exposure of $2.1 billion spread over six projects.
National in brief
Promoting Women's Political Leadership and Governance in India and South Asia The government of India has launched an ambitious programme to empower elected women panchayat representatives in collaboration with Norway and the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). The project was named as "Promoting Women's Political Leadership and Governance in India and South Asia". It was launched on the occasion of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's birth anniversary and will be undertaken on a pilot basis in Bihar, Orissa, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. The programme, for which the Royal Government of Norway has committed about 10 million USD, will also be implemented by UNIFEM in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan apart from six states in India. The project aims at providing an effective political leadership Civil Services
SHORT NEWS
role for women in governance without facing discrimination or violence and addressing their concerns of economic, social and physical security at different levels. ICAR to brand agro products Agro and horticultural materials developed by the associate institutes of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will be now branded and will come with a logo soon. As per the plans, all horticultural crops will be initially branded under a logo, which has been acquired by Indian Institute of Horticulture (IIHR), Bangalore. The Bangalore based institute which is an affiliate of ICAR was issued a trademark by the Patents office recently. Eventually, a common logo for the ICAR would be evolved and the private sector that is now partnering with many institutes have to adhere to the guidelines on branding and use of logo. Government plans to amend the Essential Commodities Act The government is planning amending the Essential Commodities Act. A working group has been set up under the Gujarat Chief Minister that is mandated with powers to review the Act. The committee will also make suggestion for the agricultural market reforms for bridging the gap between the farm-gate and retail prices. The other members of the working group include the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. The report would be submitted in January 2011. These recommendations are based on the suggestion made during the conference of chief ministers in February 2010. Essential Commodities (EC) Act 1955 was enacted to ensure easy availability of essential commodities to consumers and to protect them from exploitation by unscrupulous traders. It was later expanded to include the provisions on Essential Commodities (Special Provisions) Act, 1981 that came into force for a period of five years and was continued up to 1998. In order to reduce the margin between the wholesale and retail prices, the working group is most likely to recommend for an active intervention of state governments by retailing essential commodities at prices below preCurrent NEWS Covered up to JANUARY 01, 2011
vailing market prices, which is needed to bridge the gap. Temperature rise to hit water, forest, health India is expected to witness a 1.7-2 degrees Celsius rise in the annual mean surface air temperature by 2030 due to the change in climate conditions, according to a report commissioned by Ministry of Environment and Forests. The report, 4X4 Assessment of the Impact of Climate Change on key sectors and regions of India, has been prepared by 220 scientists from 120 research institutions under the Indian Network for Climate Change Assessment (INCCA). It is the first assessment report on the impact of climate change on agriculture, health, water and forests in four regions of the country (i) Himalayas (ii) Western Ghats (iii) Coastal zone (iv) North East. A Bill to protect Fishermen on government's agenda The government is contemplating to get a bill to protect the rights of the fishermen. The Fisher folks Rights Bill will aim at guaranteeing traditional marine rights to fishermen. The bill is being conceived on the lines of the Forest Rights Act that guaranteed traditional user rights and land rights for tribals, adivasis and forest dwellers. The proposed bill will provide security of dwelling and habitation apart from marine resources for the 70 lakh fisher folk along he coastal parts of the nation. Spice Park for Kota The Union Government has approved a proposal for establishment of a Spice Park at Ramganj Mandi in Kota district of Rajasthan. This will help to promote production and marketing of species. The Spices Board would develop the land for the spice park, construct buildings and purchase and install the machinery and other equipment. The spice park will be constructed at a cost of Rs 15 crore. The Spices Board is located at Kochi. ONGC to hike stake in 113
Pawan Hans The ONGC has decided to raise its stake in Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited from 21% to 49%. At present, the government owns 79% stake in the PHHL while ONGC has 21% participating interest. At the same time the
NTPC has proposed to make an investment of RS 55 crore in the PHHL. The Chairman and MD of PHHL is R.K. Tyagi. Recently PHHL launched the first seaplane of India between the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. PHHL has been carrying out offshore operations for ONGC for the last 24 years. Jal Hans Jal Hans is India's first seaplane that connects Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This is the first time that seaplane operations are being introduced in India. The Scheme aims to give impetus to the tourism infrastructure in the Islands. An MoU has been signed between the Andaman and Nicobar administration and the state owned Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited to functionalize the seaplane service. The operations will be on a 50:50 loss/ profit basis between the two. The country's first seaplane will connect Port Blair with Havelock as of now. The government also plans to introduce similar services in Goa, Lakshadweep and Orissa soon. The centre has allowed 100 per cent GDI investment in this segment. PSUs may go for global acquisitions Amazed by the success of China's state enterprises that are on an aggressive buying spree, the Government of India is also coming in mood to allow its PSUs to secure overseas mineral properties. In a bid to facilitate the cash rich PSUs to go global, the DeCivil Services
SHORT NEWS
partment of Heavy Industries (DHI) has finalized a policy to facilitate such acquisitions by maharatna/navratna giants and is all set to get the approval of the Union Cabinet for the same. In tune with this, the DHI has finalized a "Policy for Acquisitions of Raw Material Assets by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). This proposed policy would be applicable by CPSEs in agriculture, mining, manufacturing and power sector. Existing Provisions: - The Powers of Maharatna//Navratna CPSEs are limited to ceiling of 15 per cent of net worth of Rs. 5000 crore. The Navratna CPSEs powers are limited to spend Rs 1000 crore in a single project. Overall ceiling of all such investments are limited to 30 per cent of their net worth. Proposed Provisions: -Powers of Maharatna/Navratna CPSEs to be enhanced to 25 per cent. Powers of navratna CPSEs to be enhanced to Rs 3000 crore subject to a ceiling of 25 per cent. Overall ceiling of all such investments limit to be enlarged to 40 per cent of their net worth. West Bengal gives 17 per cent quota The West Bengal government has decided to reserve 17 per cent seats in all government and government aided colleges for students belonging to the OBCs with effect from the coming financial year. However the implementation of the reservation in medical and engineering colleges (where the number of seats is determined by a Central Regulatory Authority like the AICTE and the Medical Council of India) will depend on the permission given by the authorities concerned. GoM approves the Mines and Minerals Bill 2010 The Group of Ministers set up to work out the details of the Mines and Mineral (Development & Regulation) Bill 2010 has given its stamp of approval after a delicate balancing act to meet the aspirations of the central and state government. The GoM for this purpose was headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. The GoM has brushed aside concerns of the mineral rich states of any possible irregularities in granting Large Area Prospecting Licenses (LALP) and endorsed the mines ministry's proposal to grant them through the first in time prinCurrent NEWS Covered up to JANUARY 01, 2011
ciple. On the contentious issue of permitting competitive bidding in mineralized areas, the GoM recalled its earlier decision in which all existing applications for bidding for Prospecting Licenses (PL) or Mining Lease (ML) based on the available data. The GoM has agreed to reduce the period of revision of royalty rates from five to three years. This the group did to allay apprehensions from the mineral rich states of possible revenue loss though ad valorem rates provide for inbuilt buoyancy of revenue. On the request of Law Ministry a provision has been inserted in the Bill enabling the Centre to directly exercise powers of the proposed National Mineral Regulatory Authority. The GoM has also directed that an enabling provision be included in the draft legislation to empower NMRA to review and recommend the profit sharing per cent mineral wise, similar to the royalty to the Centre for notification. Thus after an intense battle of nerves spanning for months, the legislation to streamline and regulate growth of mining sector is all set to see the light of the day. Wor king Gr oup on Agriculture A working group on agriculture constituted by the PM has suggested that the government should provide farm loans to farmers at four per cent interest rate and should raise the MSP for farm products to 50 % higher than the actual cost of cultivation and expand diesel subsidy scheme across the country. The working group is headed by the Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda. The group has made 150 suggestions which would be discussed in the next meeting of the Core Group of Ministers and CM's to be chaired by the PM. The group also called for setting up a scientific advisory council of agriculture with the PM as chair to focus attention on agriculture and for better coordination among various ministers. The group has also favoured the private participation in agriculture sector. Agriculture land ceiling for corporates should be fixed at 25 times 114
the cap for individual farmers and there should be proper policy framework for land lease and contracts farming. The group called for a technology mission on farm mechanisation and establishment of agri-business centres by Self Help Groups. Finally the group had also suggested programs for nutrient based fertilizers and use of bio-fertilizer and said that efforts should be made to encourage use of wind and solar power. A Law to protect privacy on cards After the Niira Radia tape leak controversy the government is all gearing up to bring a law to protect an individual's privacy. The new bill among other things will frame rules for monitoring phone and the internet and ensuring prevention of leakages in the future. The Union Law Ministry is now working on a framework of what could be done under the con-
stitution to protect an individual's privacy. The Law Ministry intends to propose a vastly amended Communications Convergence Bill 2001, which was introduced in Parliament in 2001 and is still pending. The Ministry is also proposing that Communications Commission of India (CCI), a super regulator envisaged in the original bill be given wide ranging powers to take up complaints by a citizen against invasion of his or her privacy in the name of law enforcement. The Law Ministry also favors bringing in stand alone legislation on data protection law to ensure privacy of all information supplied over computer networks and telephones, including mobile phones, so as to bring them up to international standards. The proposed Communication Commission of India could be mandated to the task of enCivil Services
SHORT NEWS
suring that intercepted conversations and communications don't make their way into the public domain unless done so by the law enforcement agencies or courts after following a proper procedure established under the Communications Convergence Bill. At present the wrongly wiretapped person has no real protection, before or after the tapping. All that he can do is to file a case for compensation against the government for violation of Fundamental Rights. NREGS improving Kashmir's rural economy- A Study As per a study conducted by the Centre for Research on Rural and Industrial Development (CCRID) for the Planning Commission the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme has led to a marked improvement in the rural economy in certain areas of Kashmir and a has had a diminishing interest in militancy among the rural youths of Kashmir. The report also suggested that the women of Kashmir who are yet out of the ambit of the NREGS should be brought under its realm and the NREGS should be extended to traditional crafts which women do sitting in their houses. The Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development (CRRID), an autonomous research institute, was registered as a scientific and educational charitable society under the Indian Societies Registration Act, 1860, in the Union Territory (UT) of Chandigarh in July, 1978. The CRRID Society was collectively conceived by a group of like-minded friends drawn from different disciplines and backgrounds to promote research, publication, development, training and similar creative activities in the North-west region. The CRRID is supported by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi. The Centre promotes research, publication and other creative activities. The Director of CRRID is P.P. Balan. Centre gives Rs 400 crore relief to Maharashtra Farmers The Central Government has announced financial assistance of Rs 400 crore to the farmers of Maharashtra who are affected by unseasonal rains. The decision was taken by the PM after meeting an all-party delegation led
by Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan. The state government had already announced a Rs. 1050 crore relief package for the farmers. Green Valley collides with Tiger Spring A cargo vessel on its way to the Kolkata port rammed another ship bound for Colombo on the Hoogly River. Registered in Bahamas, Green Valley collided with Tiger Spring-registered in Gibraltar. Both were containing non-hazardous cargo. The collision took place at the Hoogly Point which is the confluence of the Hoogly and Rupnarayn rivers. Though none of the crew members were injured, both vessels suffered extensive damage and a large quantity of oil spilled into the river as a result of the collision. ONGC comes to save Swamp Deer The state run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation has joined hands with the Wildlife Trust of India to come to the rescue of the endangered sub-species of the eastern swamp deer. The conservation program was launched at the Kaziranga National Park in Assam. All of the 681 remaining eastern swamp deer in the world can only be found at the park. The animal was earlier found in Pakistan and Bangladesh but it has now become extinct in these two countries. The number of this herbivore is far lesser than that of the Royal Bengal tiger or the greater one horned rhinoceros. The Kaziranga NP has the world's highest concentration of tigers (32 per 100sq.km). It also houses 55 per cent of the one horned rhinos in the world and 80 per cent of the Asiatic water buffalos. According to the ONGCWTI project the Assam Forest Department will be assisted in the long term conservation of the eastern swamp deer with an assistance of Rs 85 Lakh. Initially the project will run for three years and if it becomes successful it will be extended to other protected areas. Integrated Action Plan for Naxal hit regions With the aim of giving a fillip to development schemes in tribal and backward regions affected by Naxal violence, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved 115
the commencement of an Integrated Action Plan (IAP) in 60 selected tribal and backward districts. The IAP would be given as an additional central assistance scheme on 100 per cent grant basis. It is aimed at quick resolution of problems concerning healthcare, drinking water, education and roads. Schemes to be taken under the IAP will be decided by a committee, headed by the district collector. The superintendent of police and district forest officer would be its members. The IAP would be reviewed for implementation in the 12th Plan at a later stage. Supreme Court orders probe in 2G scam The Supreme Court of India ordered the CBI to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the allocation of 2G spectrum by former telecom minister A. Raja from 2001
onwards-when the NDA government was in power. The SC also directed the CBI to register the FIR in the context of alleged irregularities committed in the grant of licences from 2001 to 200607. SC also ordered that the inquiry should be conducted by CBI free from fear or favour. The court's directive assumes significance as Raja's main defence in the courtroom was that he had simply followed the policy decisions of his predecessors-Pramod Civil Services
SHORT NEWS
Mahajan, Arun Shourie and others. This decision of the SC to step in the 2G scam issue will impose a certain order and credibility to the scattershot proceedings in a politically vitiated climate. It will begin to cleanse the suspicion and paranoia about vested interests that has dogged the spectrum allocation scandal. On the other side the Intelligence officials at the Indian Missions in London, Moscow, Brussels, Singapore and Dubai have been asked to assist investigations in the 2G licence scam. The Enforcement Directorate (ED)-which has registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, has sought assistance of foreign sources to check the antecedents and holdings of foreign firms which bought stake in Indian companies that were allotted spectrum. Increasing recourse to OFC's - A cause of worry The Central Government is worried over the rise in illicit fund outflows occurring primarily on account of trade mispricing. According to a report published by the FICCI there has been an unmistakable trend showing that the Indian private sector has shifted away from bank deposits to OFC's (Other Financial Corporations). According to the report the share of the Indian OFC's deposits increased from 36.4 per cent of total deposits in 1995 to 54.2 per cent in 2009. According to the latest report of the Global Financial Integrity the share of illicit flows from India increased from 0.5 per cent of GDP to 2.4 per cent over a four year period beginning 2000, at a time when flows from China showed a declining trend. The check the illicit fund transfer the government has created 10 overseas income tax units and two of these, in Mauritius and Singapore have already become operational. These offices will check exchange of information and assistance in rapidly taking forward resolution of tax disputes and also assistance in transferring pricing cases. Ayodhya reaches Supreme Court The Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Wakf Board has moved to the SC challenging the Allahabad High Court's judgement in the Ayodhya title suit case, which it said was based on the belief/
faith of a section of the Hindu community for which there was no admissible evidence. In its appeal the Board said that the September 30 judgment held that the place of birth of Lord Rama was below the middle dome of the Babri mosque, though there was no evidence for it. The Board also argued that the judgment wrongly hold that the Muslims and the Hindus were in joint possession of the inner portion of the mosque for decades or more before 1949. The Board also said that the High Court also failed to appreciate the fact that the belief/faith of all persons is equally protected under the Article 25 and 26 of our constitution. It prayed that the judgment be quashed and its operation stayed till the appeal was disposed of. Kashmir Interlocutors submit report to the Home Ministry The interlocutors appointed by the Union government to ease the tension in Kashmir and gave proper solution for the success of the 8 point package has submitted its first report to the
Home Minister P. Chidambram. The interlocutors made their maiden visit to the state in the month of OctoberNovember. Dileep Padgaonkar, who leads the three member team, said that the team was hopeful for the solution but did not have any magic formula. The team of the interlocutors will again visit the state within a fortnight. The team was set up on October 13 by the Home Ministry. Manav Seva Sansthan It is a Gorakhpur based NGO which was recently given a $100000 prize by the United Kingdom based international charity organization, The Stars Foundation for its work among the disadvantaged communities. The Star Foundation has specially recognized 116
the MSS campaign against child trafficking along the India-Nepal border. In the past eight years MSS has rescued 7000 children and women from the clutches of human traffickers. Now only six national parties in India The Election Commission of India has taken a strong action against those parties that have not fulfilled the minimum eligibility criteria for getting recognition as national or state parties. The result of this strong action by the EC the number of national parties in the nation has come down to six only from seven. The total number of State parties is 52 and registered unrecognised parties are 1112. The six recognised national parties are the Congress, BJP, CPI, CPI (M), Bahujan Samaj Party, and the Nationalist Congress Party. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), which was earlier considered a national party, has now been recognised only a State level party in Bihar, Jharkhand and Manipur. Its recognition in Nagaland has been withdrawn in view of its poor performance in the 2008 Assembly elections in Nagaland. For getting national party status, a political party should have recognition in at least four states. Protection of Women against sexual Harassment at Workplace Bill, 2010 The Union Government has introduced a bill aimed at preventing sexual harassment of women at workplace in various forms, including implied or overt promise of preferential treatment, or threat or interference in her work through intimidation. The bill mandates setting up of an internal committee by a company or any other institute to probe a written complaint by an aggrieved person or settle the matter through conciliation. The bill aims for a comprehensive legislation to provide safe, secure and enabling environment, free from all forms of harassment to every woman, irrespective of her age or employment status. The bill fixes the responsibility on the employer as well as the DM or ADM or the Collector for statutory redressal mechanism. The bill applies to all the departments, organisations, undertakings, institutions, office or unit which is established owned, controlled or wholly or substantially fiCivil Services
SHORT NEWS
nanced by funds provided directly or indirectly by the appropriate government, the local authority, a government company, or a corporation or a cooperative society. The bill will also apply to the private sector organisations, societies, trusts, educational institutions, non-governmental organisations. It will also cover the unorganised sector where the number of workers is less than 10. The proposed legislation makes it incumbent on the employer to order probe into any complaint and provides for a fine of Rs. 50000 in case of an internal enquiry is not set up by the employer or attempt is made to contravene the provisions of the new law. AFSPA extended in Manipur The Union Cabinet has extended the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act 1958 in Manipur for another year, after the State was declared disturbed. The AFSPA was declared first time in Manipur in December 1980 as foreign trained insurgents had become uncontrollable. Since then it has been periodically extended in Manipur. Under the Act the army has been deployed to assist the civil administration in the State. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) was passed on September 11, 1958 by the Parliament of India. It conferred special powers upon armed forces in what the language of the act calls "disturbed areas" in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. It was later extended to Jammu and Kashmir as The Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act, 1990 in July 1990. According to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), in an area that is proclaimed as "disturbed", an officer of the armed forces has powers to: (a) Fire upon or otherwise use force, even to the causing of death, against any person who is acting in contravention of any law against assembly of five or more persons or possession of deadly weapons. (b) To arrest without a warrant and with the use of "necessary" force anyone who has committed certain offenses or is suspected of having done so. (c) To enter and search any premise in order to make such arrests. It gives Army officers' legal immunity
for their actions. There can be no prosecution, suit or any other legal proceeding against anyone acting under that law. Nor is the government's judgment on why an area is found to be "disturbed" subject to judicial review. Expert Group to examine the recommendations of NAC on Food Security Bill An expert group chaired by the Chief of PM Economic Advisory Council, C. Rangarajan will examine the recommendations of the National Advisory Council (NAC) on the proposed National Food Security Bill. Even as the NAC is formulating the Bill the group will give its own recommendations. The NAC has recommended that legal entitlements to subsidised food
grains be extended to at least 75 per cent of the populations in rural areas and 50 per cent in urban areas. In the first phase, food entitlements should be extended to 85 per cent of the rural population and 40 per cent of the urban population. Full coverage of food entitlements should be extended to March 2014. The NAC has suggested that Priority households (BPL) should have monthly entitlement of 35 kg of subsidised food grains at Re. 1 per kg for millets, Rs 2 per kg for wheat and Rs 3 per kg for rice. The General (APL) households should have a monthly entitlement of 20 kg at a price not exceeding 50 per cent of the current minimum support price for millets, wheat and rice. The production and procurement of food grains, the subsidy component and the identification of the beneficiaries are contentious issues that the Rangarajan group will 117
look at. The Planning Commission will give the poverty estimates. The draft Bill as suggested by the NAC also contains a provision for setting up a National Food Commission to ensure implementation of the proposed bill and enforcement of penalties for violations. The Rangarajan panel should also consider the demand of the Civil Society groups under the Right to Food Campaign seeking an all-inclusive, universal public distribution system, fool proof delivery system and decentralised production of grains, procurement and distribution that address rampant malnutrition in the country. Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojna (MKSP) The Union Government is contemplating to launch a scheme named Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojna (MKSP) aimed at improving the status of women as agriculturist and open up opportunities for their empowerment. The scheme will be launched by the M/o of Rural Development. It will launched as a sub component of the renamed, but yet to be launched National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) which was earlier known as Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojna (SGSY). The scheme will cater to the needs of the women farmers. Its objective will be to achieve socio-economic and technical empowerment of rural women farmers. Government has allocated a sum of Rs. 100 crore for the scheme in its initial stage. The scheme envisions helping women access extension services and production assets of the rural economy. Planning Commission seeks inputs from Civil Society The Planning Commission is gearing up for preparing the approach paper for the 12th Plan (2012-2017). For this, the Commission is involving the nongovernmental organisations and civil society groups, seeking their inputs, suggestions and experiences. This is the first time when the Planning Commission is seeking the suggestions from the civil society groups for getting an over view of the prevailing challenges and the focus areas. This exercise of the Planning Commission will make the Plan document more holistic in nature and will thus yield better outcomes. Civil Services
CURRENT INDIA AND THE WORLD
Wens visit to India

Transforming competition into cooperation
There was enough space in the world for both the nations to further their business interests; China and India are partners for cooperation and not rivals. My visit is aimed at promoting friendship, expanding cooperation, building on our past achievements and opening up new dimensions for mutual benefit and common development of the two countries. Wen n the 60th anniversary of the commencement of bilateral diplomatic relations, the Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao on his second visit after 2005 has indicated that both the countries should enter into a free-trade agreement (FTA) which would enable the bilateral ties to a new high. The Chinese PM has categorically said that the current levels of trade were far below the true potential and only through a proper FTA these existing potentialities could be materialized at optimum level. In this regard the Chinese PM said the two nations are the largest recipients of FDI, yet investment flows between the two countries have been a low $700 million. Still, total investment by China in India is small, amounting to only $221 million in 2009, representing 0.1 percent of Chinas total outward foreign direct investment stock in that year. The two nations have pursued divergent paths in their development. For India, a democracy, economic reforms began only in 1991. China, a one-party state,
visas, increased assertiveness by Beijing over Arunachal Pradesh and the boundary dispute, and accelerated investment by China in Pakistancontrolled Kashmir. India claims that China is in occupation of nearly 38,000 sq km of Indian territory in the Ladakh region of J&K. China is also in control of nearly 5,000 sq km of Shaksgam valley in PoK ceded by Islamabad to Beijing in March 1963. 5. China has spent $20 billion on developing infrastructure in Tibet, causing concern in India as it provides Beijing the capability to move troops quickly to the areas bordering India. The 3.3km Galongla Tunnel, built at an altitude of 12,300 feet, would connect Metok with Chinas national highway system.
implemented market reforms in 1979. China has made it clear that the bilateral relations would be based on the concept of give and take. The visiting Chinese PM has said that his country is ready to open up its market for Indian infotech and pharmaceutical firms provided India eases rules for investments and movements of Chinese workers and gives better access to Chinese power and other project exports and to its manufactures. Indian problems with China: 1. China is seeking to target it by increasing missile forces in Tibet, and to encircle it with a string of strategic ports which it is building, running from Coco islands in Myanmar to Gwadar in Pakistan. 2. India is worried about the growing trade deficit with China. Indias deficit with China could reach $24-25 billion in 2010. The deficit rose to $16 billion in 2007-08, from $1 billion in 2001-02. 3. India fears China wants to restrict its global reach by possibly opposing its bid for a permanent U.N. Security Council seat. 4. Further, the bilateral relations have come under strain over issues like stapled FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
6. In the software sector, all the major Indian companies are present in China. But most of them service only European and American companies. TCS is the only company which has won a major contract from the Bank of China. 7. In addition, Chinas reluctance to support India on civilian nuclear technology commerce issues, while it is now willing to further construct nuclear power plants at Chashma in Pakistan, are raising concerns. Chinese apprehensions: 1. On the other hand China sees the Civil Services
118
presence of the Dalai Lama and Tibetan and Uighur refugees as well as Indias growing nuclear and defence ties with the US and Japan as a threat to it. 2. The growing India and US relations in terms of economic and civil nuclear cooperation. Joint communiqu 1. The joint communique, unlike previous such bilateral announcements, was silent on the muchanticipated Chinese reversal of stapled visas to Kashmir residents in India. Besides that there is also no mention either of Tibet or Taiwan as parts of China for the first time. In this regard both countries, however, reiterated that sensitivity for each others concerns and aspirations should be respected. This is an indication that, during hard diplomatic bargaining, South Block had been insisting effectively on the reciprocity principle possibly for the first time. 2. Several areas were identified including enhancing bilateral trade to $100 billion over the next five years, even as China is to address the widening trade imbalance to the detriment of India (of about $20 billion this year), allowing Chinese investments in Indian infrastructure projects, while Indian IT firms and pharmaceuticals are poised to enter Chinas market with vigour. Limitations of communiqu: 1. There was no forward momentum on border dispute resolution despite nearly 30 years of discussions. 2. There was no reference of Chinas support to the Indian candidature for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council; China is the only P5 country not to have shown support for Indias candidature. 3. The joint communique avoided any mention of civil nuclear cooperation between the two, in contrast to the 2006 joint communique which mentioned such cooperation. 4. The joint communique has mentioned of cooperation in the Gulf of Aden. China has dispatched seven naval contingents so far to this region, with the latest surprisingly equipped with amphibious capabilities. Many Chinese have also argued for setting up naval bases in the region, in addition to Chinas string of pearls
at Gwadhar in Pakistan, Hambantota in Sri Lanka, Chittagong in Bangladesh and Great Coco, Hyangyi, Mergui, Khepkau in Mynamar. Climate change: In keeping with their close camaraderie on the issue of climate change, India and China have signed an MoU on green technology that will enable them to jointly explore low-carbon technology solutions to drive their fast-growing economies. The MoU is not about sharing or transfer of technology, but would only set up a platform where the two countries can discuss and explore the technologies that can be beneficial to
Chinese side about its own commitments under UN Security Council resolutions like 1267, where it is holding up the banning of the Jaish-e-Mohammed and expressed that enough is not done by China to curb the terrorist activities in the region. During the visit to Pakistan Wen said that Pakistan has made huge sacrifices and great contributions in combating terrorism on the frontline, and its efforts are recognized by the world and and the thing that I want to say most, is that China and Pakistan are forever brothers.
both of them. The statement said the two sides would continue their joint efforts towards arriving at fair and balanced climate agreements with the aim of further enabling the full, effective and sustained implementation of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol according to the mandate of Bali Roadmap. On Pakistan: Chinese PM said that India should contribute to the stability of Pakistan and that an unstable Pakistan was detrimental to both India and China. India reminded the 119
On Afghanistan: for the first time referred to their shared interest in the stability, prosperity and security of the wider region - a reference to the troubled reconciliation process in Afghanistan and in the backdrop of the US announcement on withdrawal of troops. According to communiqu India and China, being each others neighbour, have a shared interest in the stability, prosperity and security of the wider region...India and China expressed their commitment to assisting Afghanistan to become a peaceful, stable, prosperous nation. Civil Services
They emphasized the importance of a coherent and united international commitment to Afghan-led initiatives. Important MoUs: 1.An memorandum of understanding for a $4.63billion project financing with Reliance Power, a part of the Anil Ambani Group and $400-million facility agreement with ICICI Bank were part of 49 MoUs signed. 2. Among the agreements have been signed include a $1.2-billion facility between Bank of China and IDBI Bank and between China Development Bank and Reliance Power for $1.1 billion on Sasan power. 3. Six pacts: Besides the MoU on green technology, the two countries also signed an MoU each on exchange
of hydrological data of common rivers, media exchanges and cultural exchanges. Two pacts were signed in the banking sector. These were an MoU each between Reserve Bank of India and Chinese Bank Regulatory Commission and EXIM Bank of India and Chinese Development Bank. Both sides have signed significant $16 billion worth of business deals and followed this up with the resolve to double the trade turnover, from $ 60 billion-plus annually to a full hundred billion and more by the year 2015. China is now Indias largest trade partner and two-way trade reached $60 billion this year, up from $13.6 billion in 2004. Two-way trade between India and China grew 18-fold
in the past 10 years - from $2.3 billion in 2001-02 to $42.4 billion in 2009-10. To put it in perspective, trade between India and the US tripled during the same period from $12.4 billion to about $38 billion. However, trade balance is heavily tilted in favour of China, with India unable to diversify its basket of exports to China. Future prospectus: Chinese banks had shown interest in financing infrastructure projects in India. With the Indian government envisaging a $1-trillion investment in the infrastructure sector in the 12th Five Year Plan, this offers a big business opportunity for Chinese banks. The Indian infrastructure sector, especially power is facing a serious fund shortage. Indian may be getting great benefits as the availability of cheaper Chinese finance would solve the financial shortage in this sector and help its infrastructure to grow. In fact, Chinese companies have contributed significantly towards improving availability of power equipment in the Indian market. Power equipment supplied by Chinese vendors are 15-20 per cent cheaper compared to equipment supplied by domestic manufacturers BHEL and L&T. Chinese suppliers like Dong Fang and Shanghai Electric Corporation have contracts worth

120
Civil Services
over 1.5 lakh crore in hands to supply equipment to power projects in India. In nutshell, both the countries must realize the imperatives of 21st century economic order and both the sides should completely abandon their political rivalries and start cooperating
each other to compete with the US and European countries. It is important to refer that India and China have fought only one war in 1962 and the several countries mainly Great Britain, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal have fought numerous wars of which some of them 121
even lasted for hundred years and and despite the fact they can form European Union to face the challenges of the new world, then why not India and China can do it In fact, Wen has to answer that when this will happen. Civil Services
Stand of P5 on relevant issues

India has seen the five major powers visiting India in the last five months which indicates the centrality of India on the global platform
DAVID CAMERON UK, JULY 27-29 On UNSC Seat Recognises the need to reform UNSC to suit the needs of today. Revamping of UNSC would require the role of emerging powers like India. UK has extended support for Indias UNSC aims. Terror and Pak Terrorism is an area of cooperation between the two. Pakistans role in terrorism (both in India and the West) is undeniable and unacceptable. Iranian issue Iran found no mention in the speech of David Cameron. Trade Targets have been expanded from $11.5 billion to around $24 billion by 2014. Assessment Britain has taken a very clear stance against Pakistani involvement in terrorist activities in India and at the same time given proper importance to economic activities. Britain wants to further diversify relations.
BARACK H. OBAMA US, NOV 7-10 On UNSC Seat roforms the UNSC are inevitable. India can and should be a part of this by becoming a permanent member. Obamas stand has been well received by Indian strategists. Terror and Pak Terrorism finds safe haven in certain remote areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. His statements found explicit mention of Lashkar and Pakistan. Iranian issue Reiterated the stand of Irans obligations to take constructive steps in conjunction with the IAEA. Trade Targets $37 billion in 2009-10, which are agreed to rise to $75 billion by 2015. Assessment US has tried to emphasis more on economic ties and started to treat India as a strategic partner in the rebuilding of US economy after the economic depression and also sees India as a big power in the region in terms of future relations.
NICOLAS SARKOZY FRANCE, Dec 4-7 On UNSC Seat India is the rightful contender for the UNSC permanent membership without any further delay. Terror and Pak Sarkozy has asked the neighbours of Afghanistan to play a constructive role in helping the war ravaged nation. Terrorism has its roots beyond Afghanistan. Mention of Pakistan eluded in the speech, but hints were definite. Iranian issue Iran should conform to IAEAs suggestions and UN obligations in order to work towars world peace. Trade Targets Wants from present $8 billion to $16 billion by 2012 by removing the obstacles in bilateral trade. Assessment A very clear-cut in approach and wants to capitalise Indian demands for nuclear technology and has agreed to supply EPRs and prepared to assist nuclear projects in India. 122
WEN JIABAO CHINA, Dec 15-17 On UNSC Seat India has earned its place in the UN and its aspirations for permanent seat are understandable. Terror and Pak Terrorism is unacceptable in all forms anywhere. It cannot be encouraged if the global peace and harmony is to prevail. Pakistan, however found no mention which left many disappointed. Iranian issue Iran found no mention in the Jiabaos speech. Trade Targets $43 billion in 2009, but expected to grow to over $100 billion by 2015 which is a healthy sign of growth in economic relations. Assessment The most sensitive neighbour wants to create a new image of economic partner by transforming itself from the ranks rivals in overseas trade and investment. Trying to encircle India through cheque-book diplomacy. Civil Services
DMITRY MEDVEDEV RUSSIA, DEC 21-22 On UNSC Seat India is a deserving and strong candidate for permanent membership of UNSC. Russias has always been supportive of Indias role in UN. Terror and Pak Highlighted the need for Pakistan to bring the perpetrators of 26/11 attack to justice in a swift manner. Pakistans urgency and will to remove the terror base on its territory can improve the neighbourly relations between the two. Iranian issue Iran must resort to dialogue, which is the only way to solve the nuclear issue. Trade Targets $4.7 billion at present, which should expand to $20 billion by 2015. Assessment Lagging behind in economic relations and lacks professionalism in arms supply but it has managed its traditional relations with its true spirit.

Public authority has been given a very extensive meaning for the purpose of this Act. Public authority means any authority or body or institution of selfgovernment established or constituted
Every public authority shall take an effort to provide as much information suo motu to the public at regular intervals through various means of communications, including internet, so that the public have minimum resort to the use of this Act to obtain information.
A person who desires to obtain any information under this Act has to make a request in writing in 250 words through electronic means in English or Hindi or in the official language of the area in which the application is being made accompanied with prescribed fee to the Central Public Information Officer or State Public Information Officer of the concerned public authority.
floppies, tapes, video cassettes or in any other electronic mode or through printouts but does not include file notings. Defining Public Authority: Public authority has been given a very extensive meaning for the purpose of this Act. Public authority means any authority or body or institution of selfgovernment established or constituted (a) by or under the Constitution, (b) by any other law made by Parliament, (c) by any other law made by State Legislature, (d) by notification issued or order made by the appropriate Government. Moreover it includes, body owned, controlled or substantially financed and non-Government organization substantially financed, directly or indirectly by funds provided by the appropriate Government. Thus it includes all bodies which come within the ambit of Government and at all levels. It covers both Houses of parliament, state legislature, all municipal and panchayati raj bodies, all public undertakings, NGOs, and institutions which are funded and controlled by the government. Responsibilities of Public Authorities: Every public authority shall (a) maintain all its records duly catalogued and indexed in a manner and the form which facilitates the right to information under this Act. (b) ensure that all records that are appropriate to be computerised are within a reasonable time and subject to availability of resources, computerised and connected through a network all over the country on different systems so that access to such records is facilitated. (c) publish within one hundred and twenty days from the enactment of this Act, the particulars of its organization, functions and duties, including the powers and duties of its officers and employees. (d) publish all relevant facts while formulating important policies or announcing the decisions which affect public. (e) provide reasons for its administrative or quasi-judicial decisions to affected persons. Every public authority shall take an effort to provide as much information suo motu to the public at regular intervals through various means of communications, including internet, so that the public have minimum resort to the use of this Act to obtain information. All information shall be disseminated widely and in such form and manner which is easily accessible to the public. However all materials shall be disseminated taking into consideration the cost effectiveness, local language and the most effective method of communication in that local area and the information should 88
be easily accessible, to the extent possible in electronic format with the Central Public Information Officer or State Public Information Officer available free or at such cost of the medium or the print cost price as may be prescribed. Process for providing Information: The government has proposed new rules that require a right to information application to be restricted to 250 words and only to one subject. The 250 words do not include addresses of Central Public Information Officer and the applicant. The proposed rule also requires the applicant to pay postal charges above Rs10. An applicant making request for information shall not be required to give any reason for requesting the information or any other personal details except those that may be necessary for making a contact. Where an application is made to a public authority requesting for an information which is held by another public authority or the subject matter of which is more closely connected with the functions of another public authority, the public authority to which such application is made shall transfer the application or such part of it as may be appropriate to that other public authority and inform the applicant immediately about such transfer. The transfer of an application shall be made as soon as practicable but in no case later than five days from the date of receipt of the application. The Central Public Information Officer or State Public Information Officer on receipt of a request shall as expeditiously as possible and in any case within 30 days of the receipt of the request and where the information sought for concerns the life or liberty of a person the same shall be provided within 48 hours of the receipt of the request. Exceptions from Disclosure: There are, however, some notable exceptions, on the part of the government as well as the public, to this Act. The following exempt from disclosure: (a) information, disclosure of which would prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the State, relation with foreign State or lead to incitement of an offence. (b) information which has been expressly forbidden to be published by any court of law or tribunal or the disclosure of which may constitute contempt of court. (c) information, the disclosure of which would cause a breach of privilege of Parliament or the State Legislature. (d) information including commercial confidence, trade secrets or intellectual property, Civil Services

The Act provides for creation of the Central Information Commission and State Information Commission to exercise the powers conferred on and to perform the functions assigned to them. The Central Information Commission shall consist of the Chief Information Commissioner and such number of Central Information Commissioners not exceeding ten in number.
The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners shall be persons of eminence in public life with wide knowledge and experience in law, science and technology, social service, management, journalism, mass media or administration and governance.
Information Commissioner holds office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office or till he attains the age of sixty-five years whichever is earlier and shall not be eligible for reappointment
the disclosure of which would harm the competitive position of a third party, unless the competent authority is satisfied that larger public interest warrants the disclosure of such information (e) information available to a person in his fiduciary relationship, unless the competent authority is satisfied that the larger public interest warrants the disclosure of such information. (f) information received in confidence from foreign Government (g) information, the disclosure of which would endanger the life or physical safety of any person or identify the source of information or assistance given in confidence for law enforcement or security purposes. (h) information which would impede the process of investigation or apprehension or prosecution of offenders. (i) cabinet papers including records of deliberations of the Council of Ministers, Secretaries and other officers. (j) information which relates to personal information the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or interest, or which would cause unwarranted invasion of the privacy of the individual unless the Central Public Information Officer or the State Public Information Officer or the appellate authority is satisfied that the larger public interest justifies the disclosure of such information. Non-applicability to certain Organisations Intelligence Bureau. Research and Analysis Wing of the Cabinet Secretariat. Directorate of Revenue Intelligence. Central Economic Intelligence Bureau. Directorate of Enforcement. Narcotics Control Bureau. Aviation Research Centre. Special Frontier Force. Border Security Force. Central Reserve Police Force. Indo-Tibetan Border Police. Central Industrial Security Force. National Security Guards. Assam Rifles. Special Service Bureau. Special Branch (CID), Andaman and Nicobar. The Crime Branch-C.I.D-CB, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Special Branch, Lakshadweep Police. The exclusion however is not absolute and these organizations have an obligation to provide information pertaining to allegations of corruption and human right violations. Further, information relating to allegations of 89
human right violations could be given but only with the approval of the Central or State Information Commission. Central Information Commission: The Act provides for creation of the Central Information Commission and State Information Commission to exercise the powers conferred on and to perform the functions assigned to them. The Central Information Commission shall consist of the Chief Information Commissioner and such number of Central Information Commissioners not exceeding ten in number. The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners shall be appointed by the President on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister, who shall be the Chairperson of the committee, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister to be nominated by the Prime Minister. The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners shall be persons of eminence in public life with wide knowledge and experience in law, science and technology, social service, management, journalism, mass media or administration and governance. The Chief Information Commissioner or an Information Commissioner shall not be a Member of Parliament or Member of the Legislature of any State or Union territory or hold any other office of profit or connected with any political party or carrying on any business or pursuing any profession. The headquarters of the Central Information Commission shall be at Delhi and the Central Information Commission may with the previous approval of the Central Government establish offices at other places in India. The Chief Information Commissioner shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office or he attains the age of 65 years whichever is earlier and shall not be eligible for reappointment. Information Commissioner holds office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office or till he attains the age of sixty-five years whichever is earlier and shall not be eligible for reappointment. Whereas Information Commissioner is eligible for appointment as the Chief Information Commissioner where the Information Commissioner is appointed as the Chief Information Commissioner his term of office shall not be more than five years in aggregate as the Information Commissioner and the Chief Information Commissioner. The Chief Information Commissioner or an Information Commissioner shall before he enters upon his office make and subscribe before the President or some other person apCivil Services

State Government shall constitute a body to be known as the ......... (name of the State) Information Commission to exercise the powers conferred on and to perform the functions assigned to them.
The State Chief Information Commissioner and the State Information Commissioners shall be persons of eminence in public life with wide knowledge and experience in law, science and technology, social service, management, journalism, mass media or administration and governance.
The salaries and allowances payable to and other terms and conditions of service of the State Chief Information Commissioner shall be the same as that of an Election Commissioner and the State Information Commissioner shall be the same as that of the Chief Secretary to the State Government.
pointed by him in that behalf, an oath or affirmation according to the form set out for the purpose in the First Schedule. The Chief Information Commissioner or an Information Commissioner may at any time by writing under his hand addressed to the President can resign from his office. The salaries and allowances payable to and other terms and conditions of service of the Chief Information Commissioner shall be the same as that of the Chief Election Commissioner and an Information Commissioner shall be the same as that of an Election Commissioner. The Chief Information Commissioner or any Information Commissioner shall be removed from his office only by order of the President on the ground of proved misbehavior or incapacity after the Supreme Court on a reference made to it by the President. The President may suspend Chief Information Commissioner or Information Commissioner from office and if deem necessary prohibit also from attending the office during inquiry. The President may by order remove from office the Chief Information Commissioner or any Information Commissioner if the Chief Information Commissioner or a Information Commissioner (a) is adjudged an insolvent, (b) has been convicted of an offence which, in the opinion of the President, involves moral turpitude, (c) engages during his term of office in any paid employment outside the duties of his office, (d) is, in the opinion of the President, unfit to continue in office by reason of infirmity of mind or body, (e) has acquired such financial or other interest as is likely to affect prejudicially his functions as the Chief Information Commissioner or a Information Commissioner. Wajahat Habibullah was Indias first Chief Information Commissioner. The present Commission comprises of Satyananda Mishra as Chief information Commissioner, Annapurna Dixit, Shailesh Gandhi, M.L. Sharma, Deepak Sandhu and Sushma Singh as information Commissioners. State Information Commission: State Government shall constitute a body to be known as the ......... (name of the State) Information Commission to exercise the powers conferred on and to perform the functions assigned to them. The State Information Commission shall consist of the State Chief Information Commissioner, and such number of State Information Commissioners not exceeding ten in number. The State Chief Information Commissioner 90
and the State Information Commissioners shall be appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Chief Minister, who shall be the Chairperson of the committee, the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and a Cabinet Minister to be nominated by the Chief Minister. The State Chief Information Commissioner and the State Information Commissioners shall be persons of eminence in public life with wide knowledge and experience in law, science and technology, social service, management, journalism, mass media or administration and governance. The State Chief Information Commissioner or a State Information Commissioner shall not be a Member of Parliament or Member of the Legislature of any State or Union territory, as the case may be, or hold any other office of profit or connected with any political party or carrying on any business or pursuing any profession. The State Chief Information Commissioner shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office or he has attained the age of 65 years whichever is earlier and shall not be eligible for reappointment. State Information Commissioner shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office or till he attains the age of sixty-five years whichever is earlier and shall not be eligible for reappointment as such State Information Commissioner such that his term of office shall not be more than five years in aggregate as the State Information Commissioner and the State Chief Information Commissioner. The State Chief Information Commissioner or a State Information Commissioner may at any time by writing under his hand addressed to the Governor resign from his office. The salaries and allowances payable to and other terms and conditions of service of the State Chief Information Commissioner shall be the same as that of an Election Commissioner and the State Information Commissioner shall be the same as that of the Chief Secretary to the State Government. Powers and Functions of the Information Commissions: The duties of the Central Information Commission or State Information Commission involves to receive and inquire into a complaint from any person (a) who has been unable to submit a request to a Central Public Information Officer or State Public Information Officer (b) who has been refused access to any information requested under this Act (c) who has not been given a response to a request for information or access to information within the time limit specified Civil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: Rights issues Central Information Commission or State Information Commission may initiate an inquiry when they are satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to inquire into the matter. The Central Information Commission or State Information Commission while inquiring into any matter under this section have the same powers as are vested in a civil court.
Any person who does not receive a decision within the time specified or is aggrieved by a decision of the Central Public Information Officer or State Public Information Officer may within 30 days from the expiry of such period or from the receipt of such a decision prefer an appeal to such officer who is senior in rank to the Central Public Information Officer or State Public Information Officer in each public authority and such officer may admit the appeal after the expiry of the period of thirty days.
(d) who has been required to pay an amount of fee which he or she considers unreasonable (e) who believes that he or she has been given incomplete, misleading or false information (f) any other matter relating to requesting or obtaining access to records. Central Information Commission or State Information Commission may initiate an inquiry when they are satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to inquire into the matter. The Central Information Commission or State Information Commission while inquiring into any matter under this section have the same powers as are vested in a civil court while trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, in respect of the following matters, namely(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of persons and compel them to give oral or written evidence on oath and to produce the documents or things, (b) requiring the discovery and inspection of documents, (c) receiving evidence on affidavit, (d) requisitioning any public record or copies thereof from any court or office (e) issuing summons for examination of witnesses or documents and (f) any other matter which may be prescribed. Provision for Appeal The Act provides two stages of Appeal. Any person who does not receive a decision within the time specified or is aggrieved by a decision of the Central Public Information Officer or State Public Information Officer may within 30 days from the expiry of such period or from the receipt of such a decision prefer an appeal to such officer who is senior in rank to the Central Public Information Officer or State Public Information Officer in each public authority and such officer may admit the appeal after the expiry of the period of thirty days if he or she is satisfied that the appellant was prevented by sufficient cause from filing the appeal in time. An appeal is preferred against an order made by a Central Public Information Officer or a State Public Information Officer to disclose third party information, the appeal by the concerned third party shall be made within thirty days from the date of the order. A second appeal against the decision shall lie within 90 days from the date on which the decision should have been made or was actually received, with the Central Information Commission or the State Information Commission. If the decision of the Central Public Information Officer or State Public Information Officer against which an appeal is preferred relates to 91
information of a third party, the Central Information Commission or State Information Commission shall give a reasonable opportunity of being heard to that third party. Penalty imposed If Central Information Commission or the State Information Commission at the time of deciding any complaint or appeal is of the opinion that the Central Public Information Officer or the State Public Information Officer has without any reasonable cause, refused to receive an application for information or has not furnished information within the time specified, malafidely denied the request for information, knowingly given incorrect, incomplete or misleading information, destroyed information which was the subject of the request or obstructed in any manner in furnishing the information. It shall impose a penalty of Rs 250 each day till application is received or information is furnished however, the total amount of such penalty shall not exceed Rs 25000. Further it shall recommend for disciplinary action against the Central Public Information Officer or the State Public Information Officer under the service rules applicable to him or her. Summarizing issues and constraints Low public awareness While the Act has been clear in defining the responsibility of the appropriate Government with respect to creating awareness on the Acts still there has been lack of initiative from the Governments side. The efforts made by appropriate Governments and Public Authorities have been restricted to publishing of rules and FAQs on websites. These efforts have not been helpful in generating mass awareness of the RTI Act. As compared to RTI Act the common citizens (and disadvantaged communities) are significantly more aware of other Government schemes focused on socio-economic development. The Public Authorities have to enhance the level of ownership to ensure the RTI delivery happens as per the spirit of the Act. They have to be ultimately responsible for identifying the gaps in their offices in the delivery of the information thereafter identify the resources needed and appropriately budget for it and maintenance of the information required to be furnished to the State Information Commission. Constraints faced in filing applications It is also observed that the appropriate Governments and the Public Authorities have Civil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: Rights issues the information has to be provided within the stipulated time but the PIOs are unable to provide the information within the stipulated time due to inadequate record management procedures with the Public Authorities. It is a known fact that the record keeping process within the Government is a big challenge.
The training of PIOs is a big challenge primarily due to (a) huge number of PIOs to be trained and (b) frequent transfers of PIOs to other posts. The training institutions also possess a huge constraint with respect to the availability of training resources.
The issue of implementation of the RTI Act at an operational level rest with the Public Authority. The appropriate Government and Information Commission can play only a facilitative and adjudicative role. Unless the Public Authorities assess the issues of implementation and identify resources required, there would not be any focus on implementation.
taken inadequate steps to make the RTI process citizen-friendly. The process of RTI application submission has not been designed keeping in view the needs and convenience of the citizens. Constraints faced in inspection of record It is also seen that there is inadequate awareness of this provision of the RTI Act. This inadequacy can be linked to inadequate awareness of the citizens and inadequate training of the PIOs to utilise this provision effectively. Failure to provide information within 30 days As per the Act, the information has to be provided within the stipulated time but the PIOs are unable to provide the information within the stipulated time due to inadequate record management procedures with the Public Authorities. It is a known fact that the record keeping process within the Government is a big challenge. This situation is further aggravated due to non-availability of trained PIOs and the enabling infrastructure (computers, scanners, internet connectivity, photocopiers etc.). Public Authorities need to meet the requirements of the RTI Act to review their current record keeping procedures and other constraints and plan out the resources. Inadequate trained PIOs and First Appellate Authorities The training of PIOs is a big challenge primarily due to (a) huge number of PIOs to be trained and (b) frequent transfers of PIOs to other posts. The training institutions also possess a huge constraint with respect to the availability of training resources. Also it was observed that in the current manner of providing training there is a low involvement of the Public Authority and an inadequate sense of urgency in getting their PIOs trained. There is a significant dependence on the ATI institutes for training of the PIOs. At the same time it is also noted that there are a large number of nonprofit organizations which are carrying out the trainings in official or un-official capacities these are untapped resources which could be utilized by the PA, appropriate Government and Training Institutes. Non-availability of basic Infrastructure The issue of implementation of the RTI Act at an operational level rest with the Public Authority. The appropriate Government and Information Commission can play only a facilitative and adjudicative role. Unless the Public Authorities assess the issues of implementation and identify resources required, there would not be any focus on implementation. The ARC report had mentioned that Government of India may allocate one per cent (1%) of the funds of the Flagship Programmes for a period of five years for improving the infra92
structure requirements. However this has not been implemented. Lack of Monitoring and Review mechanism One of the most important roles of the Information Commission is to monitor and review the Public Authority and initiate actions to make them comply with the spirit of the Act. However this has been one of the weakest links in the implementation of the Act. It is acknowledged and appreciated that the Information Commissions have been primarily been spending most of their time in hearings and disposing off appeals. However monitoring the Public Authority for compliance of the Act is also an important aspect of the role of the Information Commission which could result in reducing the number of appeals. The role of the Centre and State Government is to facilitate the Public Authorities in implementation of the Act. This can happen through providing support to Public Authorities for training, development of software applications, e-Training modules, generating awareness amongst citizens etc. Major Concerns Some major concerns regarding the implementation of RTI Act are as follows, Disclosure of file notings One of the important concerns raised in respect of RTI Act is regarding the disclosure of the file notings. According to the government and bureaucracy the exposure of file notings may adversely act against the free opinion by the public officials in decision making process. But the entire purpose of this act is to open governments decision-making process to public scrutiny and thus the compulsion of disclosure of file notings will reduce the administrative culture of putting something as a part of record in a mechanical manner. Misuse of Information This fact also came out that information under RTI Act would be misused to blackmail officials or organizations. Thus it has become an alarming issue and necessary steps should be taken to guarantee against misfeasance, non-feasance and late feasance of public power. Cost of Implementation Another major concern has been the cost of implementing RTI Act. The savings to the government through reduction in the level of corruption and maladministration by implementation of the Act would be more than the cost on its implementation. Thus it adds to the concern. Choice of Information Commissioners Majority of Information Commissioners appointed at both the Centre and state levels have been retired high ranking members of bureauCivil Services

The information regarding the assets of judges of higher judiciary are still not subjected for disclosure though it is argued that the denial of information to a citizen under the provisions of the Right to Information Act is injustice.
Civil society has also made contribution towards training of PIOs and AAs and made them aware of their roles and responsibilities under the RTI Act.
The Jankari Call Centre under Government of Bihar. Bihar Government has initiated a six seater call centre. This call centre facilitates a caller in drafting the RTI application and the fee is collected through the phone bill. Requisite changes have been made in the rules for acceptance of the application through this channel. Similarly RTI Helpline in Bangalore is providing RTI information to citizens.
cracy. The appointment of retired bureaucrats in majority may not be justified rather goes against the provisions of the Act. Disclosure of Assets of the Judges of Higher Judiciary The information regarding the assets of judges of higher judiciary are still not subjected for disclosure though it is argued that the denial of information to a citizen under the provisions of the Right to Information Act is injustice. Role played by key stakeholders RTI Act has the potential to bring in a socioeconomic revolution provided that various agencies take up their responsibilities as per the spirit of the Act. The Civil Society Organizations and Media can act as pressure points but most of the execution is to be carried out by the appropriate Governments and Information Commissions. The key roles played by various entities are, Civil Society Organizations Civil Society Organizations and social activists are enhancing the reach and awareness of RTI among the masses. It is mostly with the support of the social activists and Civil Society Organizations that a person in a village is able to use the RTI Act for ensuring his basic rights. However given the geographical size and population the reach of Civil Society Organizations and social activists is limited. Civil society has also made contribution towards training of PIOs and AAs and made them aware of their roles and responsibilities under the RTI Act. Media Media has played an important role in generating awareness at a mass scale. While there has been no major media campaign for promoting the usage of RTI Act nonetheless the awareness on the Act has been generated through news articles based on RTI investigation. In the context of RTI implementation journalists at times have played a dual role i.e. as the users of RTI Act and as watchdogs, monitoring and scrutinizing the implementation of the Act. Various media entities have contributed to the mass awareness and bringing in transparency through their websites. Central Government Basic institutional structure or processes has been set up as per the RTI act requirement like appointment of Information Commissioners and PIOs. Department of Personnel & Training has been made the Nodal Department for the RTI implementation at the Central level. A centrally-sponsored scheme for capacity building and awareness generation for effec93
tive implementation of the RTI Act has been commissioned in the 11th five year plan. UNDP with DoPT as an implementation partner launched the Capacity Building for Access to Information project. This project aimed at Capacity building of Government officials at Central, State and district level, especially those of the identified Department with maximum public interface Generating awareness among the citizens Establishment of institutional mechanism or processes for enhanced citizen Government interface and for addressing citizens views and feedback Business Process Re-engineering Expansion of information in public domain Research communications and Advocacy Network of practitioners State Government Various State Governments had already enacted laws for access to information in some form or the other, like Tamil Nadu (1997), Goa (1997), Rajasthan (2000), Karnataka (2000), Delhi (2001), Maharashtra (2002), Madhya Pradesh (2003), Assam (2002) and Jammu and Kashmir (2004). Post the enactment of the Central Act, some State Governments have taken innovative initiatives in line with the spirit of the Act. The key initiatives are: The Jankari Call Centre under Government of Bihar. Bihar Government has initiated a six seater call centre. This call centre facilitates a caller in drafting the RTI application and the fee is collected through the phone bill. Requisite changes have been made in the rules for acceptance of the application through this channel. Similarly RTI Helpline in Bangalore is providing RTI information to citizens. Information Commission regional offices in Maharashtra: As per the RTI Act, the SIC can increase their geographical reach through establishing offices at other places. Maharashtra has created 5 offices of the Information Commission in Pune, Mumbai, Aurangabad, Amravati and Nagpur to enable citizens to approach the most convenient regional office. Train the Trainer concept is adapted in Assam where the Government trains the CSOs/NGOs to impart training to citizens on RTI in order to maximize the reach of RTI and ensure that there is local ownership and sustainability. Review of Public Authorities by Andhra Pradesh State Information Commission Public hearings at the district headquarters by Kerala State Information Commission The CIC website has a feature for online subCivil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: Rights issues The Second Administrative Reforms Commission was constituted to prepare a detailed blueprint for revamping the public administration system. The Commission was given wide terms of reference covering all aspects of public administration. The Commission in its first report decided to analyze and give recommendations on the freedom of information as the Right to Information Act.
PACS was aimed to help poor people in 108 poorest districts of the country. The programme targeted to reach out to over nine million households and approximately over 45 million populations, spread across six States. More than 83% of the populations reached were from Scheduled Castes (38%), Scheduled Tribes (21%), Other Backward Classes (23%) and 17% from general class.
Under this program one of the reports generated was Action Research Villages A Right to Information Campaign. The aim of this study was to conduct a RTI campaign in remote villages of India.
mission of complaints and second appeals while the contribution made by the above entities is acknowledged there is still a long way to go to establish transparency and accountability through RTI. The expectations/actions required from the appropriate Governments are significant, some clearly articulated in the Act and some are implied. This report tries to bring out both the aspects in its recommendations. Previous studies In the last 3 years there have been a large number of studies carried out by various organizations assessing various aspects of RTI regime. A significant number of them have focused on tracking the status of RTI at various levels and emerging recommendations. These studies were referenced while identifying the preliminary list of implementation issues. Some of the key studies used as reference material are as follows, Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2006) The Second Administrative Reforms Commission was constituted to prepare a detailed blueprint for revamping the public administration system. The Commission was given wide terms of reference covering all aspects of public administration. The Commission in its first report decided to analyze and give recommendations on the freedom of information as the Right to Information Act. Tracking Right to Information in eight states (2007) This report was developed by Society of Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA). This study aimed at analysing the experiences of information seekers in accessing information under the RTI Act using Civil Society Organisations. Further this study also captured the details of working of State Information Commission and State Nodal Department for RTI implementation. Action Research Villages: A Right to Information Campaign This report was published under the Poorest Area Civil Society Programme (PACS). The PACS was aimed to help poor people in 108 poorest districts of the country. The programme targeted to reach out to over nine million households and approximately over 45 million populations, spread across six States. More than 83% of the populations reached were from Scheduled Castes (38%), Scheduled Tribes (21%), Other Backward Classes (23%) and 17% from general class. Under this program one of the reports generated was Action Research Villages A Right to Information Campaign. The aim of this study was to conduct a RTI campaign in re94
mote villages of India. Under this about 300 RTI applications were filed by citizens in each of the 5 villages taken up under this campaign (1500 in total). The major objectives of this study were, To study and monitor the impact of extensive use of RTI over a course of one year and replicating the experiment elsewhere if successful, To train and encourage as many people as possible to start using RTI, To facilitate the formation of user groups, support groups and networks of citizens using RTI, To inculcate within the community the practice of monitoring various actions, programmes and schemes run by the Government. The following are RTI success stories from rural and urban areas in our country, Success story 1: Attendance of the village school teacher In a Pre-Middle School in Panchampur village, situated 70 kilometers away from the District Headquarters of Banda, a teacher was appointed for the school. However, the teacher was absent for most of the times. The workers and volunteers from the Delhi based organisations like Kabir and Parivartan, along with the local workers from the Chingari Sangathan under the Action Research Villages Campaign, propagated the use of the Right to Information. Finally, the villagers witnessed a ray of hope when they learned that they could question the Government and ask for information related to the attendance records, leave records and medical records of the absconding village school teacher. Fifteen villagers drafted an application regarding the same and filed a number of applications with the Primary Education Officer at the Banda District Head Quarters. They asked for the records of the teacher but also questioned the Primary Education Department about the Departments role and responsibilities in such situations. Immediate action was taken on the issue by the Department. The Primary Education Officer summoned the teacher the very next day and asked for an explanation. Living up to his accountability and responsibility, the officer appointed a new school teacher for the village school. The school was opened On the next day itself and regular teaching began in the school. An enquiry was ordered against the teacher and he was asked to report to the school instantly. The villagers were overwhelmed with the fact that their use of Right to Information could reap such instant results. Success story 2: Campaign report to the DisCivil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: Rights issues The objective of these case studies has been to generate awareness amongst citizens on how the RTI Act can be used effectively. The success stories range from highlighting scams worth crores to ensuring attendance of the sweepers in cities to identifying lost postal orders etc. The areas of corruption/ inefficiencies were known earlier in the Government, but citizens could not take recourse.
Various State Governments had already enacted laws for access to information in some form or the other, like Tamil Nadu (1997), Goa (1997), Rajasthan (2000), Karnataka (2000), Delhi (2001), Maharashtra (2002), Madhya Pradesh (2003), Assam (2002) and Jammu and Kashmir (2004).
Train the Trainer concept is adapted in Assam where the Government trains the CSOs/NGOs to impart training to citizens on RTI in order to maximize the reach of RTI and ensure that there is local ownership and sustainability.
trict Magistrate, Banda Another interesting facet of the campaign was the process of filing RTI applications in Banda (UP). A group of ten volunteers and villagers went to various offices for submitting their RTI applications. None of the applications could be filed easily. Most of the offices were illequipped for the task. One of the major problems faced during the filing process was that the clerks, and sometimes even the officers, appeared non-conversant and at times completely ignorant about the RTI Act itself. The applications were filed after a lot of trepidation, struggle and running around the offices. These experiences were submitted in the form of a report to the District Magistrate of Banda District, which had the desired effect and considerably improved the situation in most of the offices. Success story 3: Exposing corruption in medicine procurement at Public Sector Unit Applicants belonging to Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh and Koria district of Chhattisgarh filed RTI applications with the PIO of South Eastern Coal Fields Ltd. (SECL) situated at its head office in Bilaspur during the months of February April 2006. They sought the following information 1. Names of all medicines procured by SECL for distribution through its primary health centres and its OPD clinics in the Hasdev coal mines area during the financial year 2005-06. (They cater exclusively to the employees of SECL and their families) 2. Quantity of medicines procured during the same period. 3. Supply price of each item. 4. Copies of all purchase orders issued by SECL for these medicines. 5. Name and contact details of suppliers who bagged the purchase order. All three applicants received the requested information within the 30 day deadline stipulated in the RTI Act. Armed with these documents, applicants worked for several weeks crosschecking the data along with a team of about 25 committed volunteers. It was found out that fictitious companies were shown as suppliers of luxury items in the name of procurement of medical supplies. Next, the volunteers cross checked the rates at which the medicines had been supplied only to find that the retail outlets sold the same items a lot cheaper. These details were published in local magazine popular in the coal mining belt of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Thereafter, the Vigilance unit instituted a formal investigation and action against the concerned officials was initiated. Success story 4: Transparency in Public 95
Distribution System for BPL Families The Mere Gaon Ke Sawaal Campaign volunteers noticed that the residents of Nai Basti (Bahraich, UP) were also facing the same problems as the other economically backward villages of the region. The Kotedar had been apathetic towards their requests. The use of Right to Information by the villagers, the women being in majority, was successful in curbing the corruption that had seeped in the Public Distribution System to some extent. When the campaign volunteers saw the BPL ration cards of the villagers, they found that no entries had been made during February 2006 to December 2006. It was evident that the villagers had not received any ration in the said time period. Immediately, 51 village residents agreed to file group RTI applications on the issue and demanded information regarding the acquisition and the distribution of the ration and also asked for copies of the ration records. The applications were filed by the applicants personally after a lot of difficulty at the District Supply Office. Exactly within a fortnight, the Kotedar reached the village and narrated a long sob story, which moved few of the innocent villagers so much that they even agreed to take back their RTI applications. They very next day the Kotedar brought a mini bus to the village along with pooris made with one quintal flour and asked the villagers to come to the SDMs office and take back their RTI applications. But, the women of the forest village rights forum refused to do so. This initiative by the women of the village encouraged the other villagers and they also refused to take back their RTI applications. The Kotedar trying another of his tactics, one day announced in the village that all those who requested for information can collect it from him. When few villagers reached to take the information, they were forced to make thumb imprints on a blank paper. The Dehat Sanstha volunteers immediately reported this scam to the SDM. Finally, the Kotedar was suspended. The objective of these case studies has been to generate awareness amongst citizens on how the RTI Act can be used effectively. The success stories range from highlighting scams worth crores to ensuring attendance of the sweepers in cities to identifying lost postal orders etc. The areas of corruption/ inefficiencies were known earlier in the Government, but citizens could not take recourse. Identified list of issues in RTI implementation The following issues came up after the implementation of RTI Act with the effort of social Civil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: Rights issues Lack of awareness among the citizens related to which Public Authority (PA) has the required information and also the details of the PIO of the concerned PA.
Most of the Information Commissioners are ex IAS, while the Act clearly states that information commissioners may be selected from diverse backgrounds like technology, law, Journalism etc. The procedure for appointment should be studied.
The RTI application submitted at times is sent to multiple Departments leading to delays in receiving the response.
activists, civil society organizations, NGOs as well as media. 1. Lack of awareness among the citizens related to which Public Authority (PA) has the required information and also the details of the PIO of the concerned PA Parivartan (Arvind Kejriwal) 2. Locating the concerned PIO in a Public Authority (No Notice Boards, incomplete and old list of PIOs on State Websites and Directories) Some PAs like Election Commission still do not have a bank account to accept DDs and Postal Orders Information on whose name the DD is to be made for the application fee is not readily available Negative Attitude of the PIO while receiving the RTI Application Parivartan (Arvind Kejriwal) PRIA (Vikas Jha) SNS (Anjali Bhardwaj) Outlook (Saikat Datta) CHRI (Venkatesh Nayak) India Today (Shyam Lal Yadav) Kabir (Manish Sisodia) Times of India (Himanshi Dhawan) CNN IBN 3. Drafting of the RTI Application (Questions are not drafted in accordance to Information needs). In addition, at times citizens are not aware of how to use the information to solve their problems CHRI (Venkatesh Nayak) Parivartan (Arvind Kejriwal) Times of India (Himanshi Dhawan) CNN IBN 4. No single nodal point for submitting RTI applications in Departments which have more than one PIO No assistance provided to Citizens in filing RTI applications by the Public Authorities PRIA (Vikas Jha) SNS (Anjali Bhardwaj) Outlook (Saikat Datta) 5. Most of the Information Commissioners are ex IAS, while the Act clearly states that information commissioners may be selected from diverse backgrounds like technology, law, Journalism etc. The procedure for appointment should be studied. Parivartan (Arvind Kejriwal) Secondary Research NDTV (Ravish Kumar) CNN IB 6. There is a need for capacity enhancement in Public Authorities for handling RTI queries. For e.g. there should be proper staff, infrastructure, monitoring and training mechanism etc for handling RTI queries. Even though the workload of employees increases as a result 96
RTI, no additional staff is provided for the same India Today (Shyam Lal Yadav) CHRI (Venkatesh Nayak) 7. Appellate Authorities are more sympathetic towards the PIOs and fewer penalties are being imposed Excessive delays in first hearing of the cases in some applications Few Penalties have been imposed on the PIOs Dismal disposal rate at the CIC/SICs, performance of the information commissioners Non compliance of PIOs with CIC orders, information is not provided by the PIOs within the time frame set by the CIC On usage of Section 18 (wherein the PIO can be summoned to the information commission and asked to furnish the information, instead orders are passed for furnishing of information which leads to further delays and chances of non compliance.) PRIA (Vikas Jha) SNS (Anjali Bhardwaj) Parivartan (Arvind Kejriwal) Kabir (Manish Sisodia) CNN IBN Times of India (Himanshi Dhawan) SNS (Anjali Bhardwaj) 8. Records of number of appeals heard, disposed and pending are being maintained in select states Outlook (Saikat Datta) PRIA (Vikas Jha) 9. PAs are not disclosing information as mandated by Section 4 of Proactive Disclosure. It is also not dynamic in nature and not periodically updated. CHRI (Venkatesh Nayak) NCPRI (Shekar Singh) 10. The most prevalent mode of proactive disclosure of information is through websites which may not be accessible to a lot of citizens. Moreover, information for proactive disclosure should be prepared in a user-friendly manner that is easily understood and can be effectively used by the citizens CHRI (Venkatesh Nayak) 11. The section 26 of RTI Act that mandates publishing of user guides for use of RTI is not complied with. CHRI (Venkatesh Nayak) 12. The RTI application submitted at times is sent to multiple Departments leading to delays in receiving the response. India Today (Shyam lal Yadav) Kabir (Manish Sisodia) 13. Most of the PIOs have not been trained in implementing RTI. Even in cases where training has been imparted, there has been no refresher training or revision of training modCivil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: Rights issues There are no guidelines issued by the Government for PIOs/AAs for implementation of laws. For e.g. there are a lot of cases where PIOs are not clear as so should the information be provided or not.
There is no political will for successful implementation of RTI Act. It somehow needs to be ensured that any attempt to roll back the Act (for e.g. as a result of changed of political leadership) is not successful.
There is delay in furnishing the information. The timeline of 30 days is rarely met. Moreover, in most of the cases the information given out is incomplete.
ules. NCPRI (Shekar Singh) India Today (Shyam Lal Yadav) 14. Even though training has been conducted for public officers dealing with RTI, it is not treated seriously by either training providers or trainees thereby not leading to the desired results Kabir (Manish Sisodia) 15. There are no guidelines issued by the Government for PIOs/AAs for implementation of laws. For e.g. there are a lot of cases where PIOs are not clear as so should the information be provided or not CHRI (Venkatesh Nayak) 16. Weaker sections of society are hesitant in filling RTI Applications because sometimes it involves submission of application fee in cash and the person has to be physically present in front of the PIO PRIA (Vikas Jha) 17. Weak record management system which leads to problems in accessing and Collating information. There needs to be proper budget and infrastructure for record management (For e.g. staff solely responsible for staff keeping) CHRI (Venkatesh Nayak) NCPRI (Shekar Singh) NDTV (Ravish Kumar) India Today (Shyam Lal Yadav) SNS (Anjali Bhardwaj) 18. The records regarding RTI are not available (for e.g. number of RTI applications received and action taken against them). Although RTI Act mandates information commissions to obtain RTI related information from the Public Authorities and compile it into an Annual report, it is not complied with properly. Kabir (Manish Sisodia) 19. Misuse of exemption clauses by making information confidential under Official Secrets Act etc. Outlook (Saikat Datta) SNS (Anjali Bhardwaj) 20. There is lack of awareness regarding RTI Act (implementation, legalities and the spirit) across all stakeholders. CHRI (Venkatesh Nayak) NCPRI (Shekar Singh) NDTV (Ravish Kumar) India Today (Shyam Lal Yadav) SNS (Anjali Bhardwaj) 21. Most of the information needs of the citizens are at Panchayat and Municipality level. At present the awareness regarding RTI is low at these levels. CHRI (Venkatesh Nayak) 22. There are no proper and dependable channels in the Government offices for percolation 97
of information to the lowest level. CHRI (Venkatesh Nayak) 23. There is no political will for successful implementation of RTI Act. It somehow needs to be ensured that any attempt to roll back the Act (for e.g. as a result of changed of political leadership) is not successful NCPRI (Shekar Singh) 24. Seniority Level of PIO and APIOs is big issue during the disposal of RTI cases NCPRI (Shekar Singh) 25. No clear allocation of Budget at Public Authorities for RTI related activities. CHRI (Venkatesh Nayak) 26. When an information request is transferred under 2f to a private body, RTI does not provide any legal measures to seek compliance from the concerned private party PIO, DERC (S K Sharma) 27. There is a lot of misuse of the system by citizen groups and there are a lot of applications seeking third party information PIO,MEA,CPV Division (R.N. Kajla), CNN IBN 28. The system at times is misused by the advocates, students etc. PIO,MEA,CPV Division (R N Kajla) 29. The procedure of filing an appeal at the CIC is very cumbersome as it involves: Submitting the appeal application on Stamp Papers. Typing of the appeal application. Multiple copies of the appeal need to submitted and a receiving receipt of the filed appeal needs to be collected from the concerned PIO and AA. Times of India (Himanshi Dhawan) SNS (Anjali Bhardwaj) 30. Service levels of 30 days is too long for Media to do get information and publish stories Times of India (Himanshi Dhawan) 31. There is delay in furnishing the information. The timeline of 30 days is rarely met. Moreover, in most of the cases the information given out is incomplete CNN IBN With the advent of the RTI Act citizens have found a tool to bring in transparency and accountability at all levels of Governance. In particular, the RTI Act has a much higher impact on the quality of life of the poor and marginalized section of the society. However, the power of the Act is still to be fully realized. The citizens, Government, media and Civil Society Organizations need to do a lot to attain the intended objective of the Act and to address various issues and constraints in accessing the information under the Act. Thus Right to Information is means not an end in itself. Civil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: PRIs
Article 40: The state shall take steps to organize village Panchayats and endow with such powers as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self Government
Democratic Decentralization
Under Directive Principles of State Policy -article 40 states The state shall take steps to organize village Panchayats and endow with such powers as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self Government. BASIC CONCEPTS OF PANCHAYATI RAJ The basic concept of Panchayati Raj is that the villagers should think, decide and act for their own socio-economic interests. Thus Panchayati Raj Act is related to village selfgovernance, where the people in the form of an organization will think, decide and act for their collective interest. Self-government allows us to decide about ourselves without hampering others interest. The state govt. plays their major roles in: supporting the village Panchayats; coordinating the village Panchayats; ensuring the implementation of the schemes. For the success of self-government self reliance is must. The self-reliance means: every village must produce according to its capacity and try to increase its capacity, which can be achieved in following ways: By identifying economic and human resources of the Panchayat area, By estimating the capacity of these resource, By making decision for utilizing these resources, By formulating plans, By implementing plans, By evaluating plans. Thus self-governance is a concept which is the base for success of democracy. And for selfgovernance, Panchayati Raj System is a must. EVOLUTION OF PANCHAYATI RAJ In compliance with the provisions of the Directive Principles of State Policy pertaining to establishment of village panchayats as units of self government, an ambitious rural sector initiative, the Community Development Programme, was launched in 1952. Its main thrust was on securing socio-economic transformation of village life through peoples own democratic and cooperative organizations with the government providing technical services, supply and credit. Under this programme 100 to 150 villages formed a Community Development Block and participation of the whole community was the key element. 1. Community Development Programme (1952) Agriculture, irrigation provision of improved seeds and fertilizers propagation of scientific techniques of cultivation, better mar72
In compliance with the provisions of the Directive Principles of State Policy pertaining to establishment of village panchayats as units of self government, an ambitious rural sector initiative, the Community Development Programme, was launched in 1952.
In 1953, the National Extension Service was introduced which was an amplified version of the Community Development Programme and aimed at transferring scientific and technical knowledge to agricultural, animal husbandry and rural craft sectors.
keting facilities; Health and sanitation Expansion of primary education. Transportation and communication, linking every village in the project area with the main road Development of cottage Industries Organization: Central committee headed by Prime Minister including members of the Planning Commission, Minister of food and supplies and agriculture and Minister of Community Development; State level Chief Secretary; District Level District Magistrate. 2. National Extension Scheme (2nd Oct. 1953) In 1953, the National Extension Service was introduced which was an amplified version of the Community Development Programme and aimed at transferring scientific and technical knowledge to agricultural, animal husbandry and rural craft sectors. The underlying theme was extension of innovative pilot projects. Its focus was the block only since the block was considered to be geographically and administratively appropriate to implement the schemes. The setup consisted of a Block Development Officer, Village Level Worker, nominated representative of the village Panchayats of that area and some other popular organizations like cooperative societies. In 1956, when the Second Five Year Plan was launched, it recommended that the Village Panchayats should be organically linked with popular organizations at higher levels and in stages the democratic body should take over the entire general administration and development of the district or the sub division excluding functions such as law and order, administration of justice and selected functions pertaining to revenue administration. To operationalize this initiative, Government appointed a committee under the chairmanship of Shri Balwantrai Mehta in 1957. 3. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee constituted by NDC -1958 Three tier system of local self Government from the village at the bottom (Gram Panchayat) and the district at the top (Zila Parishad) with its intermediary link (Panchayat Samiti) of institutions all originally related to one another; There should be a genuine transfer of power and responsibility of these institutions of local self Government; Adequate resources should be transferred to these bodies to enable them to discharge these responsibilities; All programs of social and economic development formulated through the network of planning should be canalized through these institutions; Civil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: PRIs By the 1960s, Gram Panchayats covered 90% of the rural population in the country. Although a number of Panchayat structures were set up in different States at all the three tiers, they had limited powers and resources and the essential idea that all developmental activity should flow only through the Block Panchayat Samitis lost ground.
Ashoka Mehta Committee was setup by the government in 1977 to suggest measures to strengthen the institutions of Panchayati Raj. Rajasthan was the first state to establish Panchyati Raj.
The Committee on Administrative Arrangement for Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation Programmes under the chairmanship of G.V.K. Rao was appointed by the Planning Commission in 1985. It called the bureaucratization of the setup at the Panchayat level as grass without roots.
The new system should be tried and encouraged to facilitate the work of making further devolution and dispersal of power responsibilities in future; The recommendations regarding the three tiers of local governance are as follows: Village Panchayats: -Directed elected by rural people -Gram Sabha; Panchayat Samiti: -heads of village panchayat within its jurisdiction, the chairman of this body is usually a non official elected by the members of the samiti; Zila Parishad: -Consists of the representatives of the panchayat samiti - ex- official members of Zila Parishad; Implementation of the recommendations: The recommendations of the Committee were generally welcomed and Panchayati Raj legislations were enacted in a number of States to give effect to these recommendations. By the 1960s, Gram Panchayats covered 90% of the rural population in the country. Although a number of Panchayat structures were set up in different States at all the three tiers, they had limited powers and resources and the essential idea that all developmental activity should flow only through the Block Panchayat Samitis lost ground. Moreover, important schemes like the State Forest Development Agency (SFDA), Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP) and Integrated Tribal Development Programmes (ITDP) were not brought within the purview of the elected Zila Parishad even in States like Maharashtra and Gujarat where effective financial decentralization had taken place. Unfortunately, after the intensive stage of the Community Development programme, there was a visible trend towards centralization. Panchayati Raj elections were postponed indefinitely and flow of funds for Block Development was reduced. The net result was that, by the 1970s, these bodies remained in existence without adequate functions and authority. Rajasthan was the first state to establish Panchayati Raj. The scheme was introduced on 2nd October, 1959 in Nagaur district. Rajasthan was followed by Andhra Pradesh. By end 1980s, except Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, all other States and UTs had enacted legislation for the creation of PRIs. 4. Administrative Reforms Commission (1969) In 1969, the first Administrative Reforms Commission in its report on State Administration recommended that the main executive organ of the Panchayati Raj system should be located 73
at the district level in the form of Zila Parishad and not at the Block level as Panchayat Samiti. The Commission also believed that due to paucity of resources, it was difficult to sustain a well equipped administrative and development machinery at the level of a Block. 5. Ashoka Mehta Committee was setup by the government in 1977 to suggest measures to strengthen the institutions of Panchayati Raj. Its main recommendations were as follows: Two tier system with Mandal Panchayat at the base and Zila Parishad at the top; Tenure - 4 years; Compulsory powers of taxation - Profession entertainment, special tax on land and buildings; Panchayat superseded -election within 6th months; Open participation of political parties in panchayati Raj Affairs; monitoring forums to promote and safeguard weaker sections; Zila Parishad should be made the executive body and it should be responsible for planning at the district level. There should be reservation for the SC/ST on the basis of their population. There should be a great role for the voluntary organisations. But the recommendations of the Asoka Mehta Committee were never implemented because of the collapse of the Janata Party Government. Nevertheless, three states like Karnataka, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh adopted some of the recommendations of this Committee. 6. G V K Rao Committee The Committee on Administrative Arrangement for Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation Programmes under the chairmanship of G.V.K. Rao was appointed by the Planning Commission in 1985. It called the bureaucratization of the setup at the Panchayat level as grass without roots. The Committee made the following recommendations to strengthen and revitalize the Panchayati Raj system: (i) The Zila Parishad should be of utmost importance in democratic decentralization. It stated that the district is the proper unit of planning and development. (ii) The Panchayats at the district and lower levels should be assigned important roles in the process of planning, implementation and monitoring of rural development programmes. (iii) Planning functions at the state level should be transferred to the district level planning units for effective decentralized planning. (iv) A post of district development commissioner should be created. (v) Elections to the PRIs should be held reguCivil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: PRIs
In 1986 Rajiv Gandhi appointed a committee on Revitalization of Panchayati Raj institutions for Democracy and Development. L M Singhvi Committee recommended that PRI should be constitutionally recognized
Finally in 1992, after synthesizing important features of the earlier exercises on this subject, Government drafted and introduced the 73rd and 74th Amendments Bill in Parliament which was passed in 1993. These introduced new Parts IX and IXA in the Indian Constitution containing Articles 243 to 243ZG.
A Finance Commission has to be constituted once in every five years to review the financial position of the Panchayats and to make suitable recommendations to the State on the dissolution of the funds between the State and local bodies.
larly. This committee recommended that the role of the district collector should not be over and above the panchayats. 7. L M Singhvi Committee: In 1986 Rajiv Gandhi appointed a committee on Revitalization of Panchayati Raj institutions for Democracy and Development. L M Singhvi Committee recommended that PRI should be constitutionally recognized and on that basis Rajiv Gandhi Government introduced 64th Amendment in 1989. 8. 64th and 65th Constitutional Amendment Bills introduced in July 1989 by the Government of Shri Rajiv Gandhi, who concluded the 64th Constitution Amendment Bill as To the people of India, let us ensure maximum democracy and maximum devolution. Let there be an end to the power-brokers. Let us give power to the people. 9. In 1990, a combined Constitution Amendment Bill, covering both PRIs & ULBs was tabled in Parliament. It was a skeleton legislation which left the details to be crafted by the State Governments in their State enactments. With the dissolution of the Government, this Bill too lapsed. 10. 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, 1993 Finally in 1992, after synthesizing important features of the earlier exercises on this subject, Government drafted and introduced the 73rd and 74th Amendments Bill in Parliament which was passed in 1993. These introduced new Parts IX and IXA in the Indian Constitution containing Articles 243 to 243ZG. 73rd Constitution Amendment Act, 1993: its provisions The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on 22 December, 1992 and by the Rajya Sabha on 23 December, 1992. Thereafter the 17 States Assemblies approved the Bill. On 20th April, 1993, the Bill received the assent of the President. The Bill inserted Article 243 to 243 O and also inserted a new Eleventh Schedule to the Constitution. It contains 29 functional items of the Panchayats. Part IX - article 243 1. Reviving gram sabha constitution of panchayats at village and other levels; 2. Direct elections to all; 3. Reservation of seats SC/ST- 1/3rd for women; 4. Duration 5 years for panchayats and holding elections within period of months in the event of suppression of any panchayat; 5. Powers to panchayats - preparation of plans for economic development and social justices; 6. Setting up of Finance commission in the states for periodical review of their financial 74
position; also audit of accounts of panchayat 7. Setting up of the Election Commissions the states for 8. Bar to interference by covert in electoral matters; 9. Amendment is article 280 needed to augment Consolidated Fund of States to supplement the recommendation of state Finance Commission. 10. 11th Schedule - Providing the Panchayats with list containing of 29 items. Mandatory Provisions: A three tier system structure of Panchayat. There shall be Gram Sabha in each village exercising such powers and performing such functions at the village level as the legislature of a State may provide by law. Panchayats shall be constituted in every state at the village, intermediate and district levels, thus bringing about uniformity in the Panchayati Raj structure. However, the State having a population not exceeding 20 lakhs have been given the option of not having any Panchayat at the intermediate level. The Panchayats will be in continuous existence and the maximum gap should not exceed six months and elections to constitute the body should be completed before the expiry of six months from the date of dissolution. The tenure of the Panchayats will be maximum 5 years. Direct elections to all seats in Panchayats at the village and intermediate level. Reservation of seats for SCs/STs has been provided in proportion to their population at each level for membership and office of chairpersons. Reservation of not less than one-third of the seats for women and these seats may be allotted by rotation to different constituencies in a Panchayat. Devolution of powers and responsibilities by the State legislature upon the Panchayats with respect to the preparation of plans for economic development and social justice, as also for the implementation of development schemes. A Finance Commission has to be constituted once in every five years to review the financial position of the Panchayats and to make suitable recommendations to the State on the dissolution of the funds between the State and local bodies. The conduct of local elections by an independent State level Election Commission. Thus, the 73rd Amendment has categorically defined the position of the Panchayats in context of the State, and other institutions. The Amendment added a new part relating to Panchayats in the constitution under Article 243. Non-obligatory provisions: Civil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: PRIs
The Constitution (73 Amendment) Act, 1992 that came into effect in April 1993 brought about major reform in local governance in the country. Hence, the formation of a separate Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) in May 2004 at the Centre
The primary function of the MoPR is to oversee the implementation of Part IX of the Constitution inserted by the Constitution (Seventythird Amendment) Act, 1992, the provisions of (PESA and Article 243ZD in Part IX-A of the Constitution relating to District Planning Committees.
Under Article 243 G (as regards Panchayats) and Article 243 W (as regards Municipalities), the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments empowered State Legislatures to endow by law such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as institutions of self government
The Gram Sabha is only defined but its establishment is not made compulsory. The representation to Members of the State Legislature and Parliament on Panchayats. The method of the election of the Chairperson at the village level panchayat is not made obligatory The reservation of seats for membership as well as posts of Chairpersons of Panchayats to the members of backward classes is also not made obligatory. The implementation of schemes for economic development and social justice on matters including the items mentioned in the Eleventh Schedule of the constitution has also not been fixed. Exceptions: The Act is not applicable to the following states like: (1) Jammu and Kashmir; (2) Nagaland; (3) Mizoram; (4) Meghalaya. And certain areas like: (a) the scheduled areas and tribal areas in the states. In 2000, eight states have scheduled areas: (1) Andhra Pradesh; (2) Bihar; (3) Gujarat; (4) Himachal Pradesh; (5) Madhya Pradesh; (6) Maharashtra; (7) Orissa; and (8) Rajasthan. (b) the hill areas of Manipur. In 2002, there were a total of nine tribal areas (autonomous districts) in four states of (1) Assam, (2) Meghalaya, (3) Tripura and (4) Mizoram; and (c) Gorkha Hill Council. MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ The Constitution (73 Amendment) Act, 1992 that came into effect in April 1993 brought about major reform in local governance in the country. The formation of a separate Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) in May 2004 at the Centre was indicative of the determination of the Government of India to give a major push to such reform. The Ministry was set up to oversee the implementation of Part IX of the Constitution, inserted by the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992, the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), and Article 243ZD of Part IX-A relating to District Planning Committees. The primary function of the MoPR is to oversee the implementation of Part IX of the Constitution inserted by the Constitution (Seventy-third Amendment) Act, 1992, the provisions of (PESA and Article 243ZD in Part IX-A of the Constitution relating to District Planning Committees. The role of the Ministry has evolved during the 5 years of its existence in line with the focus on decentralization and strengthening of local bodies for effective service delivery to the common man. Panchayati Raj has emerged today as the crosscutting theme relevant to all those Ministries that deal with 75
matters listed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj celebrated 2nd October, 2009 - 2nd October 2010 as the Year of the Gram Sabha - for Empowered People and Accountable Panchayats Initiatives of Ministry in 2010 Under the allocation for Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) the allocation for Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF) to increase by 26 per cent from Rs. 5,800 crore in 2009-10 to Rs.7,300 crore in 2010-11. Under the Panchayat Empowerment and Accountability Incentive Scheme (PEAIS), State Governments are incentivized to devolve functions, funds and functionaries (3Fs) upon Panchayats to fulfill the Constitutional stipulation under Article 243G read with its Eleventh Schedule. Awards are given based on ranking of the States in devolution of 3Fs through a study conducted every year by an independent organization. A budgetary provision of Rs. 10.00 Crore per annum for the year 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11 was made for incentivization under PEAIS. India and Norway signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for mutual cooperation on Local Governance at Oslo, the Capital of Norway. The objective of the MoU is to encourage transference of competence between India and Norway for strengthening Local Self Governance including capacity building of institutions, focusing on areas relating to achievement of Millennium Development Goals, e-governance, solution sharing and mobilization of resources. A Model Accounting System for Panchayats (MAS) and PRIASoft, software for computerized maintenance of accounts under MAS, has been developed by the Ministry to bring in transparency and accountability in the functioning of PRIs. A Plan Plus software to facilitate integrated (cross-sectoral) District/Sub-District planning and seamless convergence of plethora of schemes and resources was developed by the Ministry. This application will integrate with the new mechanism for fund transfer and provide a unified Planning, Accounting and MIS system. ISSUES RELATING TO PANCHAYATI RAJ 1. Devolution of powers and responsibilities Under Article 243 G (as regards Panchayats) and Article 243 W (as regards Municipalities), the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments empowered State Legislatures to endow by law: Such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as institutions of self government; Such law may contain provisions for devoCivil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: PRIs As matters listed in the Eleventh and Twelfth Schedules are also State subjects, for genuine devolution in the present Constitutional framework, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has supported the States in carrying out activity mapping
In the process of devolution of powers, many state governments have not transferred the required staff to the PRIs. In Andhra Pradesh, most of the district level officers function under the control of District Collector.
Articles 243H and 243X make it obligatory for the State Government to authorize the local bodies, by law, to impose taxes, duties etc. and assign to the local bodies such taxes/duties levied and collected by the State Government. These Articles also make provision for grants-inaid to the local bodies from the Consolidated Fund of the State.
lution of powers and responsibilities, subject to conditions specified therein, with respect to: (a) the preparation of plans for economic development and social justice; and (b) implementation of schemes for economic development and social justice as may be entrusted to them (Article 243 G)/performance of functions and implementation of schemes as may be entrusted to them (Article 243 W) including those in relation to the matters listed in the Eleventh Schedule (Panchayats) and the Twelfth Schedule (Municipalities) respectively. Present status of devolution reveals the following: Devolution has been sought to be done in most of the States by omnibus legislations regarding Panchayats/Municipalities and Municipal Corporations, in which the matters listed in the Eleventh and Twelfth Schedules are just repeated. The number of subjects said to have been transferred varies from a few in number in some States to the entire list as given in the Schedules in some others. However, in all cases the progress in delineation of functions of the different tiers of local governments in a given subject matter has been very slow. In some cases even those activities that can be undertaken by local governments within the existing arrangements are got done by encouraging and financing the formation of a number of parallel community organizations of stakeholders and entrusting the activities exclusively to them, instead of working out a synergic relationship between them and the local governments. Amendment proposed to Article 243G and Article 243W As matters listed in the Eleventh and Twelfth Schedules are also State subjects, for genuine devolution in the present Constitutional framework, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has supported the States in carrying out activity mapping, i.e. delineating clearly the functions to be performed at different levels (State Govt., 3 tiers of Panchayats, ULBs etc.), following the principle of subsidiarity (i.e. devolving functions to the lowest possible level where it can be performed), to be followed by appropriate devolutions of funds and functionaries. But, this has not led to the desired outcome. Either the activity mapping has not been done, or has not been followed with government orders, or the principle of subsidiarity has not been followed, or funds and functionaries have not been devolved. Therefore devolution of power and authority to Local Bodies should be mandatory with a suitable formulation. In the process of devolution of powers, many state governments have not transferred the required staff to the PRIs. In Andhra Pradesh, 76
most of the district level officers function under the control of District Collector. In Tamil Nadu the District Panchayat does not control the district level bureaucracy. The Zila Parishads working in the states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are not empowered to exercise administrative control over development functionaries. There are many instances of unfavorable attitude of state official machinery towards the PRIs and many government officers are not willing to work under the administrative control of these elected PRIs. 2. Devolution of funds (Art 243H and 243X) Articles 243H and 243X make it obligatory for the State Government to authorize the local bodies, by law, to impose taxes, duties etc. and assign to the local bodies such taxes/duties levied and collected by the State Government. These Articles also make provision for grants-in-aid to the local bodies from the Consolidated Fund of the State. The devolution of financial resources to these bodies has been ensured through constitution of the State Finance Commissions that are required to make recommendations on the sharing and assignment of various taxes, duties etc. Under these provisions, the Governor of a State is required to constitute the State Finance Commission within one year from the commencement of the 73rd Amendment (Articles 243I and 243Y), and thereafter, at the expiration of every fifth year, to review the financial position of the Panchayats and Municipalities. The composition of the Commission, the qualifications required for appointment as its members and the manner in which they are selected is decided by the State Legislature by way of a Law. It is also stipulated in the Constitution that the Governor of a State shall cause every recommendation made by the Commission under these Articles together-with an explanatory memorandum as to the action taken thereon to be laid before the Legislature of the State. Despite the important role that local bodies play in the democratic process and in meeting the basic requirements of the people, the financial resources generated by these bodies fall far short of their requirements. The local bodies are heavily dependent on State Governments for financial inflows, even for routine functions because the proceeds of various buoyant taxes like State Excise, VAT and Motor Vehicles Tax are not available to them as they form part of the Consolidated Fund of the State. The major sources of income for local governments like property tax etc. are woefully inadequate to meet their obligations both due to their inherent nature and inefficiency in collecting them. This asymmetry between the taxation power and the responsibility to Civil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: PRIs
The State Finance Commissions (SFCs) have been constituted periodically in states but their recommendations have not been taken seriously on most occasions. The Thirteenth Finance Commission in its report has highlighted three main issues regarding SFCs.
Article 243 K states that the superintendence, direction and control of the conduct of all elections to the Panchayats shall be vested in a State Election Commission, consisting of a State Election Commissioner to be appointed by the Governor.
The crucial issue of capacity building in urban and rural local bodies remains a largely neglected area in decentralized self governance. Beyond short term training of personnel and elected elements of these bodies, little has so far been contemplated, and even in this sphere there has been limited initiative and fitful progress.
provide civic amenities necessitates transfer of funds from the State to the local governments either through untied grants or through a share in other State Taxes or as part of various development schemes. The State Finance Commissions (SFCs) have been constituted periodically in states but their recommendations have not been taken seriously on most occasions. The Thirteenth Finance Commission in its report has highlighted three main issues regarding SFCs: Synchronicity with Central Finance Commissions; Quality of SFC reports; implementation of SFC reports; Amendment in Article 280 (3) (bb) and (c). 3. Elections Article 243 K states that the superintendence, direction and control of the conduct of all elections to the Panchayats shall be vested in a State Election Commission, consisting of a State Election Commissioner to be appointed by the Governor. After the initial hiccups, elections to local bodies are now being conducted fairly regularly in almost all States and independent Election Commissions have been constituted everywhere as constitutional authorities. At present, Jharkhand is the only State not to have held Panchayat elections. In respect of municipalities, the conduct of elections has been a little more irregular, partly because of periodic change of boundaries of local governments with urbanization. The State Election Commission performs functions similar to that of the Election Commission of India. The number of elected representatives of the people has enormously increased over the years and the conduct of elections to the local bodies is indeed a gigantic task. This institution is not yet two decades old, but holds the key to a highly representative system of democratic governance in the country. It is, therefore, essential that the machinery for organizing local elections is adequately supported. 4. Capacity building The crucial issue of capacity building in urban and rural local bodies remains a largely neglected area in decentralized self governance. Beyond short term training of personnel and elected elements of these bodies, little has so far been contemplated, and even in this sphere there has been limited initiative and fitful progress. As a result, there is capacity deficit within the Panchayat and Municipal Institutions. With the enactment of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (with an annual outlay of Rs 60000 crores when universalized) and other flagship schemes like the Jawaharlal National 77
Urban Renewal Mission-JNNURM- (Rs 50,000 crores for five years for 63 cities) being primarily implemented through such institutions, it is clear that sustained, well planned enabling exercises need to be undertaken to ensure that the implementing agencies have the capacity and the capability to deal with the challenges in undertaking and implementing these major national programmes apart from being able to fulfill their statutory functions. A comprehensive National Capacity Building Framework (NCBF) has been circulated for the guidance in matters of capacity enhancement. Other than this, Panchayat Mahila Shakti Abhiyan (PMSA) provides women with specific kinds of support which goes beyond the usual training given to PRI representatives. It addresses the lack of technical knowledge, communication and administrative skills to women to fulfill their leadership role. Further, most of the Panchayats do not have their own office space as well as adequate staff to look after the functions assigned to them. Hence, the government has taken many steps in this direction, which include construction of Panchayat Ghars, etc. State Institutes of Rural Development and other institutions involved in training Panchayat functionaries have been imparting training to the target beneficiaries, these are generally limited to areas like Panchayat and Municipal laws, rudiments of book keeping, account codes and office procedures. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment also provides for minimum reservation of 33% of women in the elective posts. This has brought many women in the mainstream decision making which is a very positive step. They have also brought to their office, enthusiasm and courage and their contribution has enriched the quality of life in their communities. However, because of entrenched gender bias, there are still many instances of women Panchayat members encountering obstruction and exclusion and lacking self-confidence as also adequate knowledge of their duties and responsibilities. The SC/ST women representatives suffer even in making their voices heard even though they have reached the decision making forum. These classes of people are generally semi-literate, poor, ignorant and do not have any exposure to the art of governance. Several scholars have also pointed out that the grass-root level development personnel who have to deal with clients have varied socioeconomic background, interests, needs and motivations, and in most cases the personnel are not well-equipped with technical knowledge and skills. Unless the development functionaries develop a culture of togetherness Civil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: PRIs
The government on 27 August, 2009 approved the proposal for moving a Constitutional Amendment Bill for enhancing reservation for women in Panchayats at all the three tiers of PRIs from one third to 50% in the total number of seats.
e-Panchayat proposes to provide a whole range of IT related services such as Decentralized Database & Planning. PRI Budgeting & Panchayats Accounting, Implementation & monitoring of Central and State sector schemes, Citizencentric Services, Unique codes to Panchayats and Individuals, Essential GIS based applications, on-line self-learning medium for elected representatives
A Bill to provide for the establishment of Nyaya Panchayats, at the level of every Village Panchayat or a group of Village Panchayats, depending on population and area, as a forum for resolution of disputes with peoples participation
the system will not be able to meet the desired ends. Thus there will be a need to impart training to them so as to keep pace with changed administrative environment and new demands for the people. 5. Representation of women: The President of India in her address to the Parliament mentioned the intent to provide fifty percent reservation for women in Panchayats as women suffer multiple deprivations of class, caste and gender and enhancing reservation in Panchayats will lead to more women entering the public sphere. The government on 27 August, 2009 approved the proposal for moving a Constitutional Amendment Bill for enhancing reservation for women in Panchayats at all the three tiers of PRIs from one third to 50% in the total number of seats. The proposed amendment will increase reservation for women in (i) the total number of seats to be filled by direct election, (ii) offices of chairpersons and (iii) in seats and offices of chairpersons reserved for SCs and STs, to 50% in all tiers of Panchayats. MoPR moved a Bill for amendment to Article 243D of the Constitution in Lok Sabha on 26th Nov, 2009. The bill is being examined by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. However, the actual impact will be felt only when an institutional setup is functional for capacity building and enhancing the skills of the women representatives. 6. Transparency and accountability: e-governance initiative Mission mode on e-PRI is one of the highlight of the National e-governance Project (NeGP). e-Panchayat proposes to provide a whole range of IT related services such as Decentralized Database & Planning. PRI Budgeting & Panchayats Accounting, Implementation & monitoring of Central and State sector schemes, Citizen-centric Services, Unique codes to Panchayats and Individuals, Essential GIS based applications, on-line self-learning medium for elected representatives and official functionaries. It is proposed to be implemented in PPP mode in synergy with CSCs wherever these exist. Since procurement & maintenance of assets, sanction & recruitment of manpower and efficiency of services (which would increase with time) in the public domain are complex & time taking, a service procurement model is being proposed. Panchayats being the basic unit for planning and implementation of a large number of schemes, this Mission Mode Project would, go a long way in improving public service delivery. The scheme envisages providing computing 78
facilities along with connectivity to more than 240,000 Panchayats at all the three levels in the country. The following software applications will be developed for e-Panchayats centrally: (i) National Panchayat Directory-Unique Code to Panchayats (ii) Panchayat accounting (iii) Panchayat services (iv) Social Audit (v) National Panchayat Portal (vi) Planning and budgeting by Panchayats (vii) Panchayat profiler (viii) Grievance redressal (ix) Panchayat assets directory (x) Panchayat skill management (xi) GIS mapping SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS WORKING WITH PRIs: Many voluntary organizations are working with PRIs on the following sectors: Education: Primary schooling, literacy programs, vocational studies Finances: Local budgets, financial resource mobilization, audit techniques Gender: Womens needs and rights, female childrens needs, sensitizing panchayats and communities Health: Basic health services, reproductive health, preventive care, nutrition, water supply Livelihoods: Credit and savings, microfinance, income generation and informal sector employment Local governance: Administrative structures, implementing 73rd amendment, state panchayat relations Natural resources: Common property resources, conservation, sustainable resource management, agriculture Community participation: Civic empowerment, collective decision making, electoral participation Rural development: Poverty alleviation, improving rural living standards, creating resources for growth Some of the notable organizations are: Adithi (Bihar), Janamitra (Andhra Pradesh), Vani (Delhi), Disha (Gujarat), Eklavya (MP), etc. NYAYA PANCHAYATS BILL, 2009 A Bill to provide for the establishment of Nyaya Panchayats, at the level of every Village Panchayat or a group of Village Panchayats, depending on population and area, as a forum for resolution of disputes with peoples participation directed to providing a system of fair and speedy resolution of disputes arising in rural areas; access to justice, both civil and criminal, to the citizens at the grass-roots level, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Civil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: PRIs
Centrally Sponsored Schemes account for the largest number of special purpose grants extended by the Union Government to States under Article 282. In 2006-07 there were more than 200 CSSs
Every Nyaya Panchayat shall consist of five Panchas who shall be elected by the voters enrolled in the voters list of that Village Panchayat or group of Village Panchayats, in the manner to be prescribed by the State Government. Every Nyaya Panchayat shall continue for five years from the date appointed. The Bill mentions the creation of a Nyaya Sahayak, Chowkidar to assist the Nyaya Panchayats in the discharge of their duties. PRIs AND CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEMES Centrally Sponsored Schemes account for the largest number of special purpose grants extended by the Union Government to States under Article 282. In 2006-07 there were more than 200 CSSs, involving an annual allocation of over Rs.72, 000 crores. The responsibility for implementation of most of these programmes under the broad guidelines of the Union Government lies with the State Governments, the allocations to the States being mostly in the form of grants. In some cases, the Union ministry concerned may decide to implement the programme itself through programmatic committees. From the Mid Day Meal Programme to Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, the list of Centrally Sponsored Schemes covers a wide range of subjects in the antipoverty and social Sectors. Most of the Centrally Sponsored Schemes deal with matters earmarked for Panchayats under Article 243G and the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution. Some examples are the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Sampoorna Gramin Rojgar Yojana, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, National Rural Health Mission, Integrated Child Development Services, Mid-Day Meal Programme, Drinking Water Mission, Total Sanitation Campaign, Indira Awas Yojana, Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana, Pradhanmantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana, Adult Literacy and the Remote Village Electrification Programme. While some of the schemes do give a crucial role to the PRIs in their implementation, some bypass them and create separate structures. Even the schemes which allow the participation of Panchayats, often do not give them enough flexibility in decision making. MGNREGS and PRI: MGNREGA is probably the first developmental legislation which assigns a definite and important role to PRIs. Also it is significant to note that National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) does not entail creation of parallel bodies for implementation; even the DRDA has not been given any functional role. The Act has created the legal framework to 79
MGNREGA is probably the first developmental legislation which assigns a definite and important role to PRIs. Also it is significant to note that National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) does not entail creation of parallel bodies for implementation; even the DRDA has not been given any functional role.
MGNREGA declares the three tier PRIs as the principal authorities for planning and implementation and outlines the functions of intermediate and district level Panchayats in planning and supervision of implementation.
enable the political executive to structure effective decentralization. The Guidelines reaffirm this declaring the PRIs as the key Stakeholders. MGNREGA assigns PRIs the most critical role in its implementation. Some of the salient provisions illustrating this point are summed up below: Section 12(1) mandates the inclusion of representatives of the PRIs in the State Employment Guarantee Council which is the paramount institution at the State level in implementing the Act, with wide ranging powers and functions. Section 13 declares the three tier PRIs as the principal authorities for planning and implementation and outlines the functions of intermediate and district level Panchayats in planning and supervision of implementation. The District Programme Coordinator, who, in most part of the country, is the District Collector, is given an obligation by this Section to assist the District Panchayat. Section 15 speaks of the Programme Officer at the intermediate Panchayat level (and not at the CD Block level). It further states that all or any of the functions of the Programme Officer can be discharged by the Gram Panchayat or any other local authority. Section 16 explains the role of the Gram Panchayat and mandates that at least 50% of the work in terms of cost has to be implemented through the Gram Panchayat. Further it has given the responsibility of allocating employment opportunities among the applicants to the Gram Panchayat. Section 17 endows the Gram Sabha with the authority to conduct social audit and monitor execution of works. Schedule II explains the duties of the Gram Panchayat in registering the household, issue of job cards, assigning of work, maintenance of records etc. Centrally Sponsored Schemes being implemented at local level (A) Department of Agriculture and Cooperation - National Horticulture Mission; Macro Management of Agriculture (MMA) Scheme; Micro Irrigation (B) Ministry of Human Resource and Development - Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan; Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA); Strengthening of Boarding and Hostel Facilities for Girls Students of Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools. (C) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) (D) Department of Land Resources - Integrated Watershed Management Programme (DPAP, DDP, IWDP) Civil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: PRIs
The Thirteenth Finance Commission (13th FC) in its award for the period 20102015 has made comprehensive observations and recommendations regarding empowerment of local bodies and devolution of funds to these bodies.
The grants recommended by the 13th FC have two components- a basic component and a performance based component. The basic grant is recommended to be equivalent to 1.5% of the net proceeds of the Union taxes of the previous year.
The performance grant, effective from 2010-11, is recommended to be 0.5% of the net proceeds in 2011-12 and 1% thereafter. 12.13 While the basic grant is available to all States, the performance grant is contingent upon States meeting certain conditions.
(E) Department of Rural Development - National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme (NREGA); Indira Awas Yojana; Swarnajayanti Grameen Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY); Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) (F) Ministry of Women and Child Development - Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS); Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme; Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Adolescent Girls; Dhanalakshmi Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme. (G) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment - Pre-Matric Scholarships and PostMatric Scholarships for OBCs in India; Coaching and Allied Assistance for Weaker Sections; Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls; Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana; Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls; Integrated Programme for Older Persons; Deen Dayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme; National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education. (H) Ministry of Environment and Forests National Environment Policy; Integrated Development of Wild Life Habitats; Gram Van Yojana Scheme THIRTEENTH FINANCE COMMISSION ON PRIs: The Thirteenth Finance Commission (13th FC) in its award for the period 2010-2015 has made comprehensive observations and recommendations regarding empowerment of local bodies and devolution of funds to these bodies. While recommending grants for local bodies, 13th FC has made a departure from its predecessors which recommended a specific quantum of grant. 13 th FC, instead, has recommended grants as a percentage of the net proceeds of the Union Taxes of the previous year. Although the amount recommended is a percent of the divisible pool, it has been recommended that it should be converted into grantin-aid under Article 275 of the Constitution while transferring to the local bodies. To ensure that the value of the grant is commensurable at the start of the year, it has been linked to the divisible pool of the previous year. The grants recommended by the 13th FC have two components- a basic component and a performance based component. The basic grant is recommended to be equivalent to 1.5% of the net proceeds of the Union taxes of the previous year. The performance grant, effective from 2010-11, is recommended to be 0.5% of the net proceeds in 2011-12 and 1% thereafter. 12.13 While the basic grant is available to all States, the performance grant is contingent upon States meeting the following conditions: 1. All Local Bodies would be required to main80
tain and present accounts as recommended by the 13th FC and the State Governments should place a supplement consolidating Local Body budgets with the State Budget. This supplement should show the details of plan and nonplan wise classification of transfers separately for all categories of ULBs and all tiers of PRIs. This supplement could also incorporate details of funds transferred directly to the local bodies outside the State Governments budget. 2. The State Government must put in place an audit system for all local bodies and the C&AG should be given Technical Guidance & Supervision (TG&S) over the audit of all the local bodies in a State. The audit report should be placed before the State Legislature. 3. States should put into place Ombudsmen for local bodies that will look into complaints of corruption and mal administration against the functionaries of local bodies, both elected members and officials. This system should be made applicable to all elected functionaries and officials in all Municipal Corporations, Municipalities and Zilla Parishads at least. 4. State should put into place a system for electronic fund transfer to local bodies within 5 days of their receipt from the Central Government. Wherever this is not possible due to lack of banking infrastructure, alternative channels of transmission should be put in place to ensure transfer of funds within 10 days. 5. State must prescribe eligibility criteria for the members of State Finance Commission (SFC) consistent with Article 243 (I) (2) of the Constitution. 6. All local bodies should be fully empowered to levy property tax. 7. State Governments should put in place a state level Property tax board to assist all Municipalities and Municipal Corporations in the State to put in place an independent and transparent procedure for assessing property tax. 8. Standards for delivery of all essential services provided by local bodies must be put in place. To start with, the benchmark for service tenders at least in respect of 4 sectors namely water supply, sewerage, storm water drainage and solid waste management may be notified in respect of all Municipalities and Municipal Corporations. 9.All municipal corporations with population more than 10 lakh should put in place fire hazard response and mitigation plans. PANCHAYATS (EXTENSION TO THE SCHEDULED AREAS) ACT, 1996 PESA extends Part IX of the Constitution to Fifth Schedule Areas, subject to certain exceptions and modifications. Powers vested in Gram Sabha/Panchayats Civil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: PRIs
The PESA Act enjoins the State governments to endow Gram Sabhas and Panchayats at the appropriate level with the power to enforce prohibition, ownership of minor forest produce, power to prevent alienation of land and restore unlawfully alienated land, power to manage village markets, power to exercise control over money lending, etc.
Vital issues like the ownership of minor forest produce, planning and management of minor water bodies, prevention of alienation of tribal lands etc., which have been duly recognized in PESA as the traditional rights of tribals living in the Scheduled Areas are still in urgent need of resolution.
Democratic decentralization in urban areas was brought by the inclusion of Part IX A in 1993 which gave a constitutional foundation to the local self-government units in the urban areas. Provisions pertaining to Reservation of seats, Finance Commission, Election Commission etc. are similar to those contained in Part IX.
Mandatory executive, functions and responsibilities: PESA provides that the Gram Sabha will approve plans, programmes and projects before they are taken up for implementation by the Panchayat at the village level, identify beneficiaries for poverty alleviation and other programmes. Every Panchayat at the village level is required to obtain a certification of utilization of funds from the Gram Sabha for the above programmes. Planning and management of minor water bodies will be done by the Panchayats at the appropriate level. Mandatory consultations: Before making acquisition of land in the Schedule Areas for development projects and before resettling rehabilitated persons affected by such projects, Gram Sabha or the Panchayat at the appropriate level shall be consulted. Mandatory recommendations: The recommendation of the Gram Sabha or the Panchayat at the appropriate level is mandatory required prior to grant of prospecting license or mining lease for minor minerals. Similarly, prior recommendation is required for grant of concession for the exploitation of minor minerals by auction. The PESA Act enjoins the State governments to endow Gram Sabhas and Panchayats at the appropriate level with the power to enforce prohibition, ownership of minor forest produce, power to prevent alienation of land and restore unlawfully alienated land, power to manage village markets, power to exercise control over money lending, power to exercise control over institutions and functionaries in all social sectors and power to control local plans and resources for such plans including tribal sub-plans. The following nine States have Fifth Schedule Areas: (i) Andhra Pradesh (ii) Chhattisgarh (iii) Gujarat (iv) Himachal Pradesh (v) Jharkhand (vi) Madhya Pradesh (vii) Maharashtra (viii) Orissa and (ix) Rajasthan. While all nine States have enacted requisite compliance legislations by amending the respective Panchayati Raj Acts, certain gaps continue to exist. Further, some states are also yet to amend the subject laws, like those relating to money lending, forest, excise etc. Consequently, the compliance remains incomplete. Vital issues like the ownership of minor forest produce, planning and management of minor water bodies, prevention of alienation of tribal lands etc., which have been duly recognized in PESA as the traditional rights of tribals living in the Scheduled Areas are still in urgent need of resolution. EVALUATION OF PRIs: 1. Problem of Uniformity; 2. Problem of finance; 81
3. Problem of organization; 4. Administrative Problem - tendency towards politicization of local administration , the need for coordination, both vertical and bureaucratic elements lack of proper elements and incentives and promotion opportunities for administration personnel and need for change in the psychology of the government servants; 5. Rampant factionalism; 6. Excessive formalism 7. Procrastination Shortcomings: (1) There is absence of a clear functional jurisdiction for the panchayats. (2) There is absence of any mention of the employees of the Panchayats and their administrative autonomy. (3) The presence of a powerful District Collector at the district level personifying the governmental authority is inimical to the scheme of democratic decentralization. (4) Under the present rural system, it is very difficult to implement the clauses of the Panchayati Raj in an effective way. Panchayats are susceptible to be infected by powerful antisocial elements. (5) It does not have any inbuilt structural strength to force the State administrations to follow the instructions. (6) The villages cannot have organized officials and the Panchayats will have to depend on the doles of the Government. (7) Local decisions are generally influenced by the economically dominant persons and economic background is directly proportional to prominent positions of power and decision-making. Therefore, a very clear provision regarding the representation should be made. URBAN LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT AND MUNICIPALITIES Democratic decentralization in urban areas was brought by the inclusion of Part IX A in 1993 which gave a constitutional foundation to the local self-government units in the urban areas. Provisions pertaining to Reservation of seats, Finance Commission, Election Commission etc. are similar to those contained in Part IX. This Part gives rise to two types of bodies: (i) Institutions of self-government (Article 243Q) (ii) Institutions for planning (Article 243ZX and 243ZE) According to Article 243 Q it is an obligation for the state to constitute such bodies. The members of municipalities are generally elected by direct election. The provision for representation in municipality may be provided by the state legislature which may include: (i) persons having special knowledge or exCivil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: PRIs
Municipalities having a population of 3 lacs or more within its territorial area would be having one or more wards and it would be obligatory to constitute ward committees for these.
According to Article 243V lays down that all persons who are qualified to be chosen to the State legislature shall be qualified for being a member of a Municipality. The minimum age required for becoming a member of a Municipality is 21 years. Note that the minimum age required for members of state legislature is 25 years.
The 6th report of the Veerappa Moily-led 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), which dealt with local governance was presented in October 2007. The report has laid down some core principles of local governance, which it feels need to be applied in the reform of local governance.
perience in municipal administration, (ii) members of Lok Sabha, State Assembly, Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council, and (iii) the Chairpersons of committees constituted under clause (5) of Article 243S. The Legislature would decide the manner in which the Chairman shall be elected. Municipalities having a population of 3 lacs or more within its territorial area would be having one or more wards and it would be obligatory to constitute ward committees for these. The provision of reservation for Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes and women would be similar to the provisions provided under Part IX. The manner of reservation of the offices of the Chairpersons of Municipalities would be prescribed by the State Legislature. Though the duration of Municipality is of five years from the date of its first meeting, yet it may be dissolved earlier according to law. According to Article 243Q a reasonable opportunity of being heard needs to be given to the Municipality. It has also been provided that no amendment of the law in force shall cause dissolution of a Municipality before the expiry of the five years term. According to Article 243V lays down that all persons who are qualified to be chosen to the State legislature shall be qualified for being a member of a Municipality. The minimum age required for becoming a member of a Municipality is 21 years. Note that the minimum age required for members of state legislature is 25 years. According to Article 243W the State Legislature has been conferred the power to confer all such power and authority on the Municipalities as may be required by them to function as institutions of self government. Under this head it has been mentioned that Municipalities should be given the power (i) to prepare plans for the economic development and social justice, (ii) to implement schemes as may be entrusted to them, (iii) to exercise their responsibility in regard to matters listed in the 12th schedule. The 12th schedule includes eighteen items including Urban Planning, Regulation of Land Use, Roads and Bridges, Water Supply, Public Health, Fire Services, Urban Forestry, Slums etc. Municipalities may also be authorized by the respective State Governments to levy, collect and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls etc. Grants-in-aid may be given to the Municipalities from the consolidated fund of the State. The financial position of the Municipalities 82
shall be reviewed by the Finance Commission appointed under Article 243 I (Panchayat Finance Commission.) The State Election Commission appointed under Article 243K itself would superintend, direct and control the preparation of electoral rolls and conduct of elections. The validity of a law relating to the delimitation of constituencies or the allotment of seats made under Article 243ZA can not be examine by the courts. REPORT OF THE SECOND ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS COMMISSION ON LOCAL GOVERNANCE The 6th report of the Veerappa Moily-led 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), which dealt with local governance was presented in October 2007. The report has laid down some core principles of local governance, which it feels need to be applied in the reform of local governance. The core principles with their brief explanation are as follows:1. Subsidiarity - Subsidiarity can be defined as "a principle that a central authority should have a subsidiary function, performing only those tasks which cannot be performed at a more local level." The central idea behind the principle of subsidiarity is that citizens as sovereigns stake-holders in a democracy are the final decision makers. The citizen sovereign -consumer must exercise as much authority as practicable, and delegate upward the rest of the functions which require economies of scale, technological and managerial capacity or collective amenities. The principle states that functions shall be carried out closest to citizens at the smallest unit of governance possible and delegated upwards only when the local unit cannot perform the task. The citizen and community are the center of governance and traditional hierarchies are replaced by ever-enlarging concentric circles of government with delegation being outwards. 2. Democratic Decentralization - Subsidiarity can be applied only through effective decentralization from States to local governments. Such decentralization should be guided by the following four norms: a) there should be a clear link in citizens minds between their votes and the consequences in terms of public good it promotes; b) decentralization tends to promote fiscal responsibility, provided there is a clear link between resource generation and outcomes in the form of better services; c) there is considerable asymmetry of power in Indian society, which is accentuated by hierarchical traditions and colonial legacy. Decentralization needs to tackle the two cardinal factors - asymmetry in power and imbalance in its exercise Civil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: PRIs
For real and meaningful devolution, the local governments should be effectively empowered to frame regulations, take decisions and enforce their will within their legitimate sphere of action. Empowerment should be clearly and unambiguously defined by the Constitution and State legislatures.
As governance approaches citizens, fragmentation, which is inherent in complex governance structures must give way to convergence based on the recognition that citizens' needs and concerns are indivisible.
Citizens being the consumer of public services, the measurement of their satisfaction is important and can be done through report cards, citizens' feedback at delivery and service counters, call centers etc. Also social audit through credible community based organizations, civil society groups and prominent citizens would ensure citizen centricity.
which are plaguing the system; d) for real and meaningful democracy, the locus of power should shift as close to the citizen as possible to facilitate direct participation, constant vigil and timely intervention. 3. Delineation of functions - In a federal democracy like India, functions are delineated between the Union and the States. But, with respect to local government, there are the following two complications: a) since all local government subject are also State subjects, there is need for delineation of role of the State and local governments, with respect to subjects functions, in order to avoid confusion and the consequent State intervention; b) within local government, there is need for clear functional delineation amongst the various tiers. The ARC recognized the fact that there can be no single approach to devolution of powers to local governments and that the details of devolution need to be evolved keeping in view the local circumstances. 4. Devolution in real terms - For real and meaningful devolution, the local governments should be effectively empowered to frame regulations, take decisions and enforce their will within their legitimate sphere of action. Empowerment should be clearly and unambiguously defined by the Constitution and State legislatures. Even that becomes ineffective unless the public servants entrusted with the discharge of responsibilities under local government's sphere are fully and permanently under local government control, subject to protection of their service conditions. Fiscal devolution should meet the following two standards: a) local government must be able to effectively fulfill its obligations; there must be room for flexibility through untied resources, to establish priorities, devise new schemes and allocate funds; b) there must be opportunity and incentive to mobilize local resources through local taxes, cess and user fees, subject to financial propriety and accountability. It is also necessary to give effective voice to local governments so that they can negotiate with the State on a continuing basis. For instance, legislative councils in the States need to be suitably strengthened to lend a voice to local bodies. Equally important is capacity building of local governments to enable them to effectively discharge their functions. 5. Convergence - As governance approaches citizens, fragmentation, which is inherent in complex governance structures must give way to convergence based on the recognition that citizens' needs and concerns are indivisible. The following four broad areas of convergence need 83
to be addressed: a) the rural urban divide in the intermediate and district levels of local governments need to be bridged. There is a necessity for greater institutional convergence between rural and urban local governments, given the rapid urbanization and need for peri-urban areas. b) parastatal bodies which presently function totally independent of local governments should be brought within the jurisdiction of the same. c) the citizen must be enabled to interact with all service providers through a single window as far as practicable. For example, collection of tariffs, fees and taxes by various service providers can be done at a common kiosk. Similarly complaints and suggestions can be received at a common call center. d) empowerment of identifiable stake holders and local government should be a continuum. Stake-holder empowerment should not be antithetical to local government empowerment. The larger functions of policy, coordination and support will dwell in the local government and day to-day management and service delivery will be the responsibility of the stake-holders. 6. Citizen Centricity - The propensity to abuse authority is intrinsic to all authorities; and local governments are no exception. Hence, local governments need to have a series of mechanisms which would give voice to the citizens. Citizens being the consumer of public services, the measurement of their satisfaction is important and can be done through report cards, citizens' feedback at delivery and service counters, call centers etc. Also social audit through credible community based organizations, civil society groups and prominent citizens would ensure citizen centricity. At the local community level, the citizen as stakeholder can directly participate in decision making. A Gram Sabha consisting of all adult resident of a village is a far more legitimate guardian of public interest than any other body. Summary of important recommendations 1. Art 243G should be so amended that the legislature of a State, by law, vests a Panchayat at the appropriate level with such powers and authority as are necessary to enable them to function as institutes of self government in respect to all functions which can be performed at the local level including the functions in respect of the matters listed in the Eleventh Schedule. Art. 243W should be similarly amended to empower urban local bodies. 2. Parliament may by law provide for constitution of a Legislative Council in each State, consisting of members elected by the local governments. 3. As far as the structure of local bodies is conCivil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: PRIs Each Panchayat area shall be divided into territorial constituencies in such manner that the ratio between the population of each constituency and the number of seats allotted to it shall, so far as practicable, be the same throughout the Panchayat area.
A District Council should be constituted in all districts with representation from rural and urban areas. It should exercise powers and functions in accordance with Arts 243G and 243W. District Planning Committees (DPCs) should be done away with or should become the advisory arm of the District Council. Art. 243 (D) should be amended to facilitate this.
For maintaining accountability and transparency audit committees may be constituted by the State government at the district level to exercise oversight regarding integrity of financial information. There should be separate audit committees for Metropolitan Corporations.
cerned, Art. 243B (1) should be so amended as to provide for the constitution of Panchayats at appropriate levels in every State. Reservation of seats, as provided for in Art 243D must be retained. MPs and MLAs should not become members of local bodies. Art. 243C (2) and (3) should be repealed and supplanted by Art. 243C(2), which would allow the state Legislatures to make provisions with respect to composition of Panchayats and manner of elections, provided that in any tier there shall be direct elections of at least one of the two offices of Chairperson or members. In case of direct elections of members in any tier, the ratio between the population of the territorial area of a Panchayat at any level and the number of seats in such Panchayat to be filled by election shall, so far as practicable, be the same throughout the State. Each Panchayat area shall be divided into territorial constituencies in such manner that the ratio between the population of each constituency and the number of seats allotted to it shall, so far as practicable, be the same throughout the Panchayat area. 4. The task of delimitation and reservation of constituencies should be entrusted to the State Election Commission (SECs). Reservation of seats should follow one of the two following principles: a) In case of single-member constituencies, the rotation can be after atleast 2 terms of 5 years each; b) instead of single-member constituencies, elections can be held to multimember constituencies by the List System, ensuring the reservation of seats. This will do away with the need for rotation, thus guaranteeing allocation of seats for reserved categories. The elections for the elected members of District and Metropolitan Planning Committees should be conducted by the SEC. 5. The State Election Commissioner should be appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of a collegium, comprising the CM, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly. An institutional mechanism should be created to bring the Election Commission of India and the SECs on a common platform for coordination, learning from each other's experiences and sharing of resources. 6. The Indian government should draft and place before parliament, a Framework law for local governments, on the lines of the South African Act, for States to adopt. The Framework Law could be enacted under Art 252 of the Constitution and should lay down the broad principles of devolution of powers, responsibilities and functions based on the core principles of local governance. 7. Regarding State Finance Commission (SFC), the ARC recommended amendment of Art. 243I 84
to include the phrase "at such earlier time" after the phrase "every fifth year". States should prescribe qualifications of SFC members. Also incentives can be built into devolution from Union to States so as to improve devolution from States to local governments. SFCs should carry out a thorough analysis of local body finances and make recommendations for their improvement. They should also evolve staffing norms. A mechanism for reviewing SFC's recommendations is necessary and a Action Taken Report on the same must compulsorily be placed in the State Legislature within six months of the report's submission and must be followed with an annual statement on the devolution made and grants given to individual local bodies. 8. A District Council should be constituted in all districts with representation from rural and urban areas. It should exercise powers and functions in accordance with Arts 243G and 243W. District Planning Committees (DPCs) should be done away with or should become the advisory arm of the District Council. Art. 243 (D) should be amended to facilitate this. For urban districts, Development Authorities carrying out town planning functions should become the technical planning arms of the District Council. State Planning Boards should integrate district plans with the State plan. 9. For maintaining accountability and transparency audit committees may be constituted by the State government at the district level to exercise oversight regarding integrity of financial information. There should be separate audit committees for Metropolitan Corporations. When District Councils take shape, a special committee of the Council may look into audit reports of local bodies in the district. A special committee of the Legislative Council may look into audit reports of the District Councils. A separate Standing Committee of the State Legislature for local bodies may function in the manner of a Public Accounts Committee. A local body Ombudsman should be constituted for a group of districts to look into complaints of corruption and maladministration against local body functionaries, elected and official. The Ombudsman should be a single-member body appointed by a Committee consisting of the CM, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Leader of the Opposition. The Ombudsman should report to the Lokayukta, who shall forward it to the Governor with its recommendations. Metropolitan corporations should have separate Ombudsman. 10. The accounting system for urban local bodies (ULBs) should be as provided in the National Municipal Accounts Manual (NMAM). Financial statements and balance sheets of Civil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: PRIs
Panchayats should be empowered to recruit personnel and to regulate their service conditions, subject to laws and standards laid down by the State government. Approval of budgets of Panchayat by a higher tier or the State should be abolished.
For their infrastructure needs, Panchayats should be encouraged to borrow from banks and financial institutions. State government should fix borrowing limits. Funds for public development schemes in rural areas should be exclusively routed through Panchayats.
A new National Commission on Urbanisation should be constituted by the government to suggest measures to deal with rapid urbanization, including the large cities and bring about more balanced and efficient urbanization in the country.
ULBs should be audited by an Auditor in a manner prescribed for auditing of Government Companies under the Companies Act, 1956 with the difference that in case of audit of ULBs, the CAG should prescribe guidelines for the empanelment of Chartered Accountants and selection can be made by State Governments within these guidelines. Audit reports should be placed before the State Legislature and should be discussed by a separate committee of the State Legislature on the same lines as Public Accounts Committee (PAC). State governments should provide for a Fiscal Responsibility law for local bodies. 11. Wherever there are large Gram Panchayats, States should constitute Ward Sabhas, which will exercise in such Panchayats, powers and functions of the Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat as may be entrusted to them. 12. Panchayats should be empowered to recruit personnel and to regulate their service conditions, subject to laws and standards laid down by the State government. Approval of budgets of Panchayat by a higher tier or the State should be abolished. State governments should not have the power to suspend any resolution passed by the PRIs or take action against the elected representatives on grounds of corruption, abuse of authority etc. In such cases, the local Ombudsman would be empowered to investigate and recommend action through his report to the Governor through the Lokayukta. In cases of disagreement with recommendations made by the local Ombudsman/Lokayukta, the reasons for disagreement have to be made public to the State Election Commission who will then investigate the matter and send a report to the Governor. 13. The District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) should be discontinued as in case of West Bengal, Kerala and Karnataka, and merged with District Panchayats (Zilla Parishad). Ditto for District Water and Sanitation Committee (DWSC). The District Health Society (DHS) and FFDA should be restructured to have an organic relationship with PRIs. 14. Regulatory functions like rural policing; enforcement of building byelaws; issue of birth, death, caste and residence certificates; voter cards management of small endowment and chastise etc, should be devolved to Panchayats. 15. It is necessary to broaden and deepen the revenue base of local governments. The following four major aspects of resource mobilization need to be looked into: (a) potential for taxation, (b) fixation of realistic tax rates, (c) widening of tax base and (d) improved collection. State governments should by law expand the tax domain of Panchayats and make it obligatory for them to levy taxes 85
within this domain. PRIs should get royalty from minerals collected by State governments. Incentives may be given by States to better performing PRIs. Village Panchayats should have predominance with respect to taxation in the tax domain of PRIs. 16. For their infrastructure needs, Panchayats should be encouraged to borrow from banks and financial institutions. State government should fix borrowing limits. Funds for public development schemes in rural areas should be exclusively routed through Panchayats. Local Area Development Authorities, Regional Development Boards etc. entrusted with development scheme implementation should be wound up. MPLAD and MLALAD schemes should be abolished. 17. Different modes of communication like print media, visual media, electronic media, folk art etc. should be used for dissemination of information and awareness creation of Panchayats. The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting should devise a mechanism in consultation with the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Agriculture and other concerned Ministries for effectively implementing this activity. All India Radio should independently carry out rural broadcasting. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Space Technology enabled Resources Centres should be set up at village and intermediate panchayat levels for local resource mapping and generation of local information base. 18. Each State should constitute a group which would suggest measures to strengthen the administrative machinery of Fifth Schedule areas. 19. State governments should set up a special planning unit to prepare Tribal - Sub Plan. (TSP) A certain portion of the TSP should be made non-lapsable. A special cell may be set up in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to monitor expenditure from this fund. 20. A new National Commission on Urbanisation should be constituted by the government to suggest measures to deal with rapid urbanization, including the large cities and bring about more balanced and efficient urbanization in the country. 21. There should be three tiers of administration in urban local governments, except in case of Town Panchayats, where the middle level would not be required. The tiers, from top to bottom, are: (a) Municipal Council/Corporation, (b) Ward Committee and (c) Area Committee or Sabha. The Area Sabha would comprise all citizens in one or two or more polling station areas. It will elect a Committee of Representatives, once in Civil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: PRIs
ULBs should be given responsibility for water supply and distribution in their territorial jurisdictions either based on their own source or through collaboration with parastatals and other service providers.
Each municipal body should prepare a time bound program for providing sewerage facilities in slums. Community participation in this regard may be encouraged. In towns or cities, having population of over one lakh the possibility of public private partnership projects for collection and disposal of garbage may be explored.
Public-Private Partnership projects need to be encouraged for inner city redevelopment through a transparent and well structured regulatory regime of incentives and penalties. The government should prepare an action plan to redevelop 25-30 cities having over a million population to achieve international level of amenities and services as modern future megacities.
every 5 years. The Committee would elect a Chairperson, who would also represent the Area Sabha in the relevant Ward Committee. There will be a Ward Committee in every ward/ corporations Division, and it will perform certain functions like street lighting, water supply etc. Zonal offices having delegated administrative powers may be set up in Metropolitan Corporations and Municipal Corporations. The Mayor/Chairperson should be the chief executive of the municipal body and should be directly elected through city-wide elections. In municipal corporations and metropolitan cities, the Mayor should appoint his 'Cabinet', which shall not exceed 10 per cent of the strength of the elected Corporation or 15, whichever is higher. The Cabinet will exercise executive authority on matters entrusted to them by the Mayor, subject to his overall control and direction. The Municipal Commissioner and other staff will be selected and appointed by the Metropolitan Corporation within 2 years, subject to procedures and conditions laid down by the State. For other bodies, the period may be 3 years. 22. Octori should be abolished, but States should evolve mechanisms to compensate the local governments for the loss of revenue due to such abolition. 23. ULBs should be given responsibility for water supply and distribution in their territorial jurisdictions either based on their own source or through collaboration with parastatals and other service providers. 24. Each municipal body should prepare a time bound program for providing sewerage facilities in slums. Community participation in this regard may be encouraged. In towns or cities, having population of over one lakh the possibility of public private partnership projects for collection and disposal of garbage may be explored. 25. Municipal bodies should take responsibility for power distribution in their areas. 26. There should be a shift in emphasis in the crucial service delivery sectors of education and health from centralized control to decentralized action, from accountability of the State department to accountability of the local communities and from employment guarantee to service guarantee. 27. Urban Transport Authorities, to be called Unified Metropolitan Transport Authorities (UMTA) in Metropolitan Corporations should be set up in one million plus population cities within one year, for coordinated planning and implementation of urban transport solutions with priority to public transport. 86
UMTAs/ UTAs should have statutory powers to regulate all modes of public transport. Public transport services should be revitalized on a priority basis under JNNURM projects. Public transport systems should be multimodal; with high capacity public transport stems like metro rail should form the backbone in mega cities, supplemented by other systems like bus system. 28. Public-Private Partnership projects need to be encouraged for inner city redevelopment through a transparent and well structured regulatory regime of incentives and penalties. The government should prepare an action plan to redevelop 25-30 cities having over a million population to achieve international level of amenities and services as modern future megacities. 29. A Metropolitan Police Authority should be set up in cities with one million plus population to oversee community policing, improve police-citizen interface etc. For all Metropolitan Corporations, which may be defined as cities with 5 million plus population, MPAs may be constituted with CM as Chairperson, to strengthen the planning process. In 5 million plus population cities, a Metropolitan Environment Authority needs to be established with powers delegated by State government from the State Pollution Control Board and related authorities. 30. The City Development Plan (CDP) and zoning regulations once approved must stay in force for 10 years and no authority should normally have powers to change them. Infrastructure plans must be an integral part of CDP. The present building regulation enforcement system should be revised and professionalized. Disaster Management should find an important place in spatial planning. BIS standards for disaster resistant buildings should be available to the public, free of cost. Once townships and satellite towns are developed by development authorities, they should be handed over to the local bodies.. 31. Concerned local bodies should have full jurisdiction with respect to enforcement of local civic laws in the SEZs. However, SEZs may have autonomy in providing infrastructure and amenities within the SEZ area. 32. As far as the relationship of ULBs with the State government is concerned, municipal government should have full autonomy over the functions and activities devolved to them. If the State government feels that there are circumstances that make it necessary to suspend any resolution passed by a ULB or to dissolve or supersede them, it should refrain from doing so unless the local Ombudsman recommends such action. Civil Services

ADVERTISEMENT

Civil Services
NEW SYLLABUS: Public Policy
Though policy implementation requires the law to be clearly established and the goals clearly spelled out, the present day policy implementation has gone beyond just administering the resources for achievement of goals.
Public Policy
by Aditya Bhardwaj Policy implementation If policy formulation is the framework of the policy process, policy implementation is the engine of the policy process. Though policy implementation requires the law to be clearly established and the goals clearly spelled out, the present day policy implementation has gone beyond just administering the resources for achievement of goals. The legislation process is slow and to cope with the requirement of large number of legislations in the modern day environment, most of the laws are only passed in spirit and it is left to the executive to figure out the details of implementation within the boundaries set by the legislature. Hence, policy implementers do more than just implementation, they also are a part of formulation, implementation, coordination and evaluation. During the 1960s and 70s, a series of studies and reports highlighted that the failure to achieve the goals set by various government policies had the faults in the implementation process. Hence, administrative setup and the process of implementation are important to put the policy into action successfully. Prerequisites of policy implementation: Clear-cut guidelines of the policy for implementers A well coordinated and integrated structure for policy implementation, including both physical and human resources Support from the public, interest groups, community organizations, judiciary, etc. Most importantly, the will and commitment to implement the policy among administrators. Defining policy implementation: It is the public policies in the form of statements of goals and objectives that are put into action and which aim to realize the ends stated in policy. Pressman and Wildavsky have defined implementation as a process of interaction between setting of goals and actions geared to achieving them. Barrett and Fudge write policy implementation refers to the sequence of events triggered off by a policy decision, involving the translation of policy into operational tasks to be carried out by a variety of factors and agencies, and substantial coordinating activity to ensure that resources are available and that things happen as intended. Hence, policy implementation has been associated with the actions taken by the government in the forms of schemes, programmes, activities, etc. so as to work in a coordinated manner to achieve the aims stated by the policy. 58
There are various actors involved in the process of implementation. Each has a role to play in determining how smooth the process of implementation turns out. While each contributes in executing, it is also influencing the policy itself in a number of ways.
The executive is generally entrusted with the responsibility of successfully implementing the public policies. In the past, classical theorists like Weber, Wilson, etc. argued that the sphere of implementation (that is administration) is separate from the sphere of politics (that is policy making).
Policy implementation as a process Implementation as an administrative activity converts inputs (personnel and finance) into outputs (decisions taken by the administrators). The outcome of the administrative activity is the effect these decisions have on the target groups. POLICY IMPLEMENTORS There are various actors involved in the process of implementation. Each has a role to play in determining how smooth the process of implementation turns out. While each contributes in executing, it is also influencing the policy itself in a number of ways. Hence, the whole process is a dynamic one. 1. Executive: The executive is generally entrusted with the responsibility of successfully implementing the public policies. In the past, classical theorists like Weber, Wilson, etc. argued that the sphere of implementation (that is administration) is separate from the sphere of politics (that is policy making). Hence, the legislators or the policy makers were expected not to intervene in the implementation process and vice versa. But now it has been largely accepted that both play an important role in policy making as well as implementation. Hence, to discuss the executive, the role of both the political executive (which is part of the legislature and also a part of it) and the permanent executive (bureaucracy) needs mention. (a) Political executive: Since the Council of Ministers (political executive) is responsible to the legislature for the outcomes of its policies, naturally it involves itself with the policy implementation. The functions of the Ministers regarding policy implementation are: Since they are a part of the legislature, it is for them to clarify the spirit of the public policy to the bureaucracy To provide leadership to the bureaucracy in its task of implementation Civil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: Public Policy The civil servants are the agents of government to bring the benefits of the policies of government to the target groups. Their primary responsibility is to execute the policies and orders of the government, and to give advice to the political executive regarding rules of procedure, regulations and other matters relating to the implementation of policies.
The concept of civil service neutrality has is origin in UK. While the civil servants of independent India were expected to be neutral to the changes in the political atmosphere and do their duties with efficiency, integrity, loyalty and dedication.
The legislature due to lack of time, expertise and reliable data may not bring out the laws in a detailed manner. Hence, it is for the administrators mostly to interpret the laws according to the situation at the ground level.
To advise and suggest the bureaucracy in its actions To ensure the necessary infrastructure is available, and to use its popular image to ask for the cooperation of private and/or non-governmental organizations wherever necessary To appeal to the masses for cooperation In particular, the Council of Ministers play an important role by appointing the higher posts of the bureaucracy. They also assess the annual confidential reports of the higher bureaucracy. Hence the civil servants work in close association with their political masters. (b) Permanent executive: The civil servants are the agents of government to bring the benefits of the policies of government to the target groups. Their primary responsibility is to execute the policies and orders of the government, and to give advice to the political executive regarding rules of procedure, regulations and other matters relating to the implementation of policies. In addition, with regards interest groups, the permanent executive has to deal with them and ensure that their interests are duly understood and accommodated while not compromising on the goals of the policy, in the process of implementation. It can also take the support of political executive in this exercise. An important debate that arises in relation to the permanent executive in policy implementation is with regards its relation with the political executive: The areas of potential conflict in the relationship between the political executive and the permanent civil service can be identified as follows: The concept of neutrality; advisory role of civil servants in policy making; statutory role of the civil servants; discharge of delegated functions; appointments of the civil servants; transfers and postings of civil servants. The concept of civil service neutrality has is origin in UK. While the civil servants of independent India were expected to be neutral to the changes in the political atmosphere and do their duties with efficiency, integrity, loyalty and dedication. However, with changing times it has been realized that the role of bureaucracy in development administration has also undergone a change and the bureaucracy has taken a leadership role. Its relation with the political class cannot be devoid of subjectivity due to greater interactions. Hence, civil service neutrality has been criticized. Another related concept is that of anonymity. The civil servants must work from behind the curtain, without praise or blame. They are not accountable to the Parliament but to their political bosses. However, the principle of anonymity works only in the case of legal and 59
proper acts of the civil servants, not in the case of illegal acts wherein they can be held guilty under law. ARC 2 in its 10th report on refurbishing of personnel administration has dealt with the relation between the political executive and bureaucracy in the 15th chapter. ARC 2 Recommendations 1. There is a need to safeguard the political neutrality and impartiality of the civil services. The onus for this lies equally on the political executive and the civil services. This aspect should be included in the Code of Ethics for Ministers as well as the Code of Conduct for Public Servants. 2. The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 should be duly amended wherein it has been recommended that abuse of authority unduly favoring or harming someone and obstruction of justice should be classified as an offence under the Act. 3. The introduction of Civil Services Bill which deals with the impartial recruitment procedure of the civil servants among other issues. The civil servants should be aware of the political obligations of the politicians while the politicians should take the advice of the civil servants seriously and appreciate it since they have the expertise. Hence the relationship should be cordial and of trust. Administrative discretion: The legislature due to lack of time, expertise and reliable data may not bring out the laws in a detailed manner. Hence, it is for the administrators mostly to interpret the laws according to the situation at the ground level. In fact, discretion in a positive sense accommodates the dynamism in the implementation of public policies. Hence, this makes the process evolutionary and practical. However, the area of concern is whether the civil servants do not confuse the area of discretion with power, and exercise it in the form of nepotism, corruption, inaction, etc. Viable strategies to minimize ill-effects of the discretion: The legislature can act as a check by periodically reviewing the progress of policy implementation The executive can itself contain the misuse of administrative discretion There should be better estimates of the budget and throughout the process of implementation, the auditing exercise can be done. The bureaucracy can be pressured through public hearings, media and other forums to highlight the areas where the acts of administrators may not have been justifiable. The bureaucracy can be taken to adminisCivil Services

Administrative improvement is an important concept especially for the developing countries. This is often termed as organization and management (O&M).
The legislature is predominantly involved in the task of policy formulation and the involvement in policy implementation is more with the sense of scrutiny and improvement of the policies, thereby helping their popular image in the society.
Question hour, first hour of each day of Parliamentary session, is the time devoted to the questioning of the executives functioning. Since the questions are asked by the members of Parliament, they represent the questions of the people of India.
trative tribunals for maladministration or to the court for malfeasance. The permanent executive also takes the task of coordinating with the non-governmental organizations, mobilizing their resources and reaching out to the citizens in a better manner. Hence the main task of the permanent executive is to sincerely understand the goals and objectives of policies, to assist their political bosses while not crumbling under their undue influence, and take charge of the resources needed for policy implementation. Not only this, their role in policy making and policy evaluation is significant. The discussion of working of the bureaucracy as the main agent for policy execution is incomplete without the measures for administrative improvement. Administrative improvement: Administrative improvement is an important concept especially for the developing countries. This is often termed as organization and management (O&M). O&M includes techniques of improvement like PERT, CPM, Work Study, Operations Research, etc. The usual functions of O&M are examination of structures of organization under review and studying of administrative and clerical methods, office mechanization and equipment, office layout and working conditions. Functions of O&M office include: R&D: relating to procedural simplification, speeding up transaction of work, improving filing techniques, use of technology and structural aspects hierarchy and span of control. Training: personnel in O&M must be trained in the O&M techniques so that they carry out their work professionally. Investigation: studying problems of particular agencies. Coordinating Information: dissemination of information in the forms of manuals and periodicals is also an important aspect that defines the work of the staff. It helps to reduce confusion of roles. In India, the Department of Personnel and Training looks after the O&M work. There are also established O&M cells in individual ministries. 2. Legislature
The legislature is predominantly involved in the task of policy formulation and the involvement in policy implementation is more with the sense of scrutiny and improvement of the policies, thereby helping their popular image in the society. The delegated legislation (due to issues such as shortage of time with legislators, lack of information, conflicting goals, contradictions with other policies, indifferent expectation of masses, etc.) has increased the role of the bureaucracy and it is accountable to the legislature only indirectly. In a Parliamentary system like India, the legislature has the following controls over the executive: (a) The legislation itself can be discussed and debated in detail which also leaves little scope for the executive to exercise its discretion. Furthermore, suggestions can be made as to how the policy can be implemented. Passing of bills in the Parliament goes through a thorough discussion and debate to ensure this. (b) Questions: Question hour, first hour of each day of Parliamentary session, is the time devoted to the questioning of the executives functioning. Since the questions are asked by the members of Parliament, they represent the questions of the people of India. Starred question: one which is distinguished by an asterisk. It requires an oral answer and hence supplementary questions can follow. Unstarred question: it is not distinguished by an asterisk, hence requires a written answer. No supplementary questions. Short notice question: it is asked by giving a notice of less than ten days. It is answered orally. (c) Discussions: Zero hour: device to raise matters without prior notice (follows question hour) Half-an-hour discussion: meant for raising discussion on a matter of sufficient public importance which has, however been sufficiently debated, but requires clarification on account of situation. Short duration discussion: meant for urgent matters of public importance and request should clearly indicate the issue and the cause for initiating discussion. Other discussions may be initiated at the passing of resolutions on matters of general public interest (d) Notices and motions: Calling attention: It is a notice introduced in the Parliament by a member to call the attention of a minister to a matter of urgent public importance and to seek an authoritative statement from the minister on that matter. Adjournment motion: Its major objective Civil Services

60
Parliamentary Committees are of two kinds: Ad hoc Committees and the Standing Committees. Ad hoc Committees are appointed for a specific purpose and they cease to exist when they finish the task assigned to them and submit a report.
Of special importance is yet another class of Committees which act as Parliaments Watch Dogs over the executive. These are the Committees on Subordinate Legislation, the Committee on Government Assurances, the Committee on Estimates, the Committee on Public Accounts and the Committee on Public Undertakings and Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs).
the committees can ask for files and documents required to understand the progress of the policy implementation process. These committees, hence, influence the actions of the administrative agencies falling within their purview.
is to interrupt the normal business of the House and to seek attention of the House and the political executive to a sensitive issue. Rajya Sabha is not allowed to make use of this device. Apart from these, censure motions and noconfidence motions are also meant to keep the executive on its toes. (e) Parliamentary Committees: The work done by the Parliament in modern times is not only varied in nature, but considerable in volume. The time at its disposal is limited. It cannot, therefore, give close consideration to all the legislative and other matters that come up before it. A good deal of its business is, therefore, transacted by what are called the Parliamentary Committees. Ad hoc and Standing Committees Parliamentary Committees are of two kinds: Ad hoc Committees and the Standing Committees. Ad hoc Committees are appointed for a specific purpose and they cease to exist when they finish the task assigned to them and submit a report. The principal Ad hoc Committees are the Select and Joint Committees on Bills. Others like the Railway Convention Committee, the Committees on the Draft Five Year Plans and the Hindi Equivalents Committee were appointed for specific purposes. Apart from the Ad hoc Committees, each House of Parliament has Standing Committees like the Business Advisory Committee, the Committee on Petitions, the Committee of Privileges and the Rules Committee, etc. Other Committees Of special importance is yet another class of Committees which act as Parliaments Watch Dogs over the executive. These are the Committees on Subordinate Legislation, the Committee on Government Assurances, the Committee on Estimates, the Committee on Public Accounts and the Committee on Public Undertakings and Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs). The Committee on Estimates, the Committee on Public Accounts, the Committee on Public Undertakings and DRSCs play an important role in exercising a check over governmental expenditure and Policy formulation. Committees like Committee on Subordination Legislation, Estimates Committee, etc. have procedures in which the government officials are expected to answer the concerns of the members of Parliament. Also, the committees can ask for files and documents required to understand the progress of the policy implementation process. These committees, hence, influence the actions of the administrative agencies falling within their purview. Here is an overview of the relevant committees: 61
Committee on Subordinate Legislation (Lok Sabha) The Committee consists of 15 members nominated by the Speaker. A Minister is not nominated to this Committee. The Committee scrutinizes and reports to the House whether the powers to make regulations, rules, sub-rules, by-laws etc. conferred by the Constitution or delegated by Parliament are being properly exercised by the executive within the scope of such delegation. Committee on Government Assurances (Lok Sabha) This Committee consists of 15 members nominated by the Speaker. A Minister is not nominated to this Committee. While replying to questions in the House or during discussions on Bills, Resolutions, Motions etc., Ministers at times give assurances or undertakings either to consider a matter or to take action or to furnish the House further information later. The functions of this Committee are to scrutinize the assurances, promises, undertakings etc. given by Ministers from time to time and to report to Lok Sabha on the extent to which such assurances etc. have been implemented and to see whether such implementation has taken place within the minimum time necessary for the purpose. Committee on Estimates This Committee consists of 30 members who are elected by the Lok Sabha every year from amongst its members. A Minister is not eligible for election to this Committee. The term of the Committee is one year. The main function of the Committee on Estimates is to report what economies, improvements in organization, efficiency, or administrative reform, consistent with the policy underlying the estimates may be effected and to suggest alternative policies in order to bring about efficiency and economy in administration. From time to time the Committee selects such of the estimates pertaining to a Ministry or a group of Ministries or the statutory and other Government bodies as may seem fit to the Committee. The Committee also examines matters of special interest which may arise or come to light in the course of its work. Committee on Public Undertakings The Committee on Public Undertakings consists of 15 members elected by the Lok Sabha and 7 members of Rajya Sabha are associated with it. The functions of the Committee on Public Undertakings are(a) to examine the reports and accounts of Public Undertakings; (b) to examine the reports, if any, of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the Public Undertakings; (c) to examine in the context of the autonomy and efficiency of the Public Undertakings whether the affairs of the Public Civil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: Public Policy The main duty of the Public Accounts Committee is to ascertain whether the money granted by Parliament has been spent by Government within the scope of the Demand.
Since implementation cannot begin without the sanction of financial resources, the control over finances can prove to be a very useful instrument in determining how the implementation is carried out.
The Budgets are generally more than just annual financial statements of the government. In fact, it outlines the policies and their corresponding outlays for executing these policies. Hence, the Opposition makes good of this opportunity to raise issues over policy economy, efficiency, efficacy, grievances, etc. and the Minister concerned has to answer to the satisfaction of the House.
Undertakings are being managed in accordance with sound business principles and prudent commercial practices; and (d) such other functions vested in the Committee on Public Accounts and the Committee on Estimates in relation to the Public Undertakings as are not covered by clauses (a), (b) and (c) above and as may be allotted to the Committee by the Speaker from time to time. The Committee does not, however, examine matters of major Government policy and matters of day-to-day administration of the Undertakings. Committee on Public Accounts This Committee consists of 15 members elected by the Lok Sabha and 7 members of the Rajya Sabha are associated with it. The main duty of the Committee is to ascertain whether the money granted by Parliament has been spent by Government within the scope of the Demand. The Appropriation Accounts of the Government of India and the Audit Reports presented by the Comptroller and Auditor General mainly form the basis for the examination of the Committee. Cases involving losses, nugatory expenditure and financial irregularities come in for severe criticism by the Committee. The Committee is not concerned with questions of policy. It is concerned only with the execution of the policy laid down by Parliament and its results. Departmentally Related Standing Committees A full-fledged system of 17 Departmentally Related Standing Committees (now 24) came into being in April, 1993. These Committees cover under their jurisdiction all the Ministries/ Departments of the Government of India. These Committees are as under: 1. Committee on Agriculture 2. Committee on Information Technology 3. Committee on Defence 4. Committee on Energy 5. Committee on External Affairs 6. Committee on Finance 7. Committee on Food, Civil Supplies and Public Distribution 8. Committee on Labour 9. Committee on Petroleum & Natural Gas 10. Committee on Railways 11. Committee on Urban Development 12. Committee on Water Resources 13. Committee on Chemicals & Fertilizers 14. Committee on Rural Development 15. Committee on Coal & Steel 16. Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment 17. Committee on Commerce 18. Committee on Home Affairs 19. Committee on Human Resource Development 62
20. Committee on Industry 21. Committee on Science & Technology, Environment & Forests 22. Committee on Transport, Tourism & Culture 23. Committee on Health & Family Welfare 24. Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law & Justice (f) Budget: Since implementation cannot begin without the sanction of financial resources, the control over finances can prove to be a very useful instrument in determining how the implementation is carried out. Article 113(2) states that the House of People shall have power to assent, or to refuse to assent to any demand, or to assent to any demand subject to a reduction of the amount specified in the demand for grants. The Appropriation Bill (Art. 114(1)) is required to be passed so that the administration can withdraw the finances from the exchequer (Art. 114(3)). The Budgets are generally more than just annual financial statements of the government. In fact, it outlines the policies and their corresponding outlays for executing these policies. Hence, the Opposition makes good of this opportunity to raise issues over policy economy, efficiency, efficacy, grievances, etc. and the Minister concerned has to answer to the satisfaction of the House. (g) Another way the loopholes in implementation are exposed is through the periodical reports of various commissions like National Human Rights Commission, Planning Commission, National Commission for Women, Law Commission, etc. which are placed before the Parliament. The report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India ensures the funds sanctioned by the Parliament are utilized legally. 2. Judiciary The discretion involved in the implementation process for the executive may lead to the administrative agencies encroaching upon the rights of individuals. In order to check the misuse of the power given to the executive, the safeguards are provided through the judiciary. It acts as a custodian of the Constitution and ensures that no decision made during the execution of policies goes against the basic spirit of the Constitution and natural justice. Article 32(2) of the Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs (Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Quo Warranto, Certiorari). Any individual feeling that his/her fundamental rights have been infringed while implementing a policy, could move to the Court for protection and safeguarding of Civil Services

Just like a regular court, administrative tribunals hear both parties to the dispute, examine the evidence, and pronounce decisions. However, administrative tribunals or courts are not considered to be part of the judiciary.
The Administrative Tribunals exercise jurisdiction only in relation to the service matters of the litigants covered by the Act. The procedural simplicity of the Act can be appreciated from the fact that the aggrieved person can also appear before it personally.
Administrative adjudication begins when there is any inquiry, investigation and settlement of a dispute involving a private party by an administrative department or agency.
rights. The High Courts have been empowered to exercise superintendence over the tribunals and courts falling under their operational areas to check any wrong decision (Art. 227). Article 136(3) grants persons the right to make a special leave to appeal to the Supreme Court against any decision made by the court. The causes of judicial intervention in implementation process can be: lack of jurisdiction; errors of law; errors of fact finding; abuse of authority; errors of procedure. 1. Administrative Tribunals: Just like a regular court, administrative tribunals hear both parties to the dispute, examine the evidence, and pronounce decisions. However, administrative tribunals or courts are not considered to be part of the judiciary. Administrative courts do not follow the principles of law and evidence but they follow the principles of natural justice. Further, administrative courts in India are manned by officers from the executive organ of the government, and not from the judiciary. Central Administrative Tribunal: The enactment of Administrative Tribunals Act in 1985 opened a new chapter in the sphere of administering justice to the aggrieved government servants. Administrative Tribunals Act owes its origin to Article 323-A of the Constitution which empowers Central Government to set-up by an Act of Parliament, Administrative Tribunals for adjudication of disputes and complaints with respect to recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to the public service and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union and the States. As a result of the judgment dated 18 March 1997 of the Supreme Court, the appeals against the orders of an Administrative Tribunal shall lie before the Division Bench of the concerned High Court. The Administrative Tribunals exercise jurisdiction only in relation to the service matters of the litigants covered by the Act. The procedural simplicity of the Act can be appreciated from the fact that the aggrieved person can also appear before it personally. The Government can present its case through its departmental officers or legal practitioners. Thus, the objective of the Tribunal is to provide for speedy and inexpensive justice to the litigants. The Act provides for establishment of Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) and the State Administrative Tribunals. The CAT was set-up on 1 November 1985. Today, it has 17 regular benches, 15 of which operate at the principal seats of High Courts and the remaining two at Jaipur and Lucknow. These Benches also hold circuit sittings at other seats of High 63
Courts. In brief, the tribunal consists of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Members. The Members are drawn, both from judicial as well as administrative streams so as to give the Tribunal the benefit of expertise both in legal and administrative spheres. Administrative adjudication begins when there is any inquiry, investigation and settlement of a dispute involving a private party by an administrative department or agency. Advantages: They exercise considerable flexibility in their procedures and hence have improved standards and simplified procedures. The process is much cheaper than the normal Court procedures There is speedy justice. Hence, the burden on regular courts is also reduced There are experts to decide on the cases and hence their knowledge and expertise adds weight to the judgments. Experimentation is possible in this field and not in the realm of judicial trials. The practical experience gained in the working of any particular authority can be more easily utilized by amendments of laws, rules and regulations. Disadvantages: Administrative adjudication is a negation of Rule of Law. Rule of Law ensures equality before law for everybody and the supremacy of ordinary law and due procedure of law over governmental arbitrariness. But administrative tribunals, with their separate laws and procedures often made by them, put a serious limitation upon the celebrated principles of Rule of Law. The losing party normally ends up in the courts against the decisions of the tribunals. Hence, the advantage of decreasing the load on the judiciary is disputed one. Its procedures of natural justice are often criticized. Administrative tribunals have in most cases no set procedures and sometimes they violate even the principles of natural justice. Administrative tribunals often hold summary trials and they do not follow any precedents. As such it is not possible to predict the course of future decisions. The experts which hear the appeals are mostly administrators themselves and are criticized for having a favorable bias towards other administrators who may have caused grievance to citizens. There is a common feeling among laypersons that administrative tribunals do not act impartially and as a result, citizens fail to secure justice. Suggestions: The members should be manned not only by persons having administrative background Civil Services

In the recent years, with the proactive nature of NGOs, various social issues are being highlighted which require the combination of government with the NGOs. For instance, MGNREGS is being implemented successfully at the district level with active involvement of NGOs.
There are both national and international agencies that help the government in the task of implementation. International agencies also bring with them expertise and additional sources of funding.
Citizens are the source of power in a democracy and hence policy making, implementation, evaluation should all concern the citizens and involve them. However, this doctrine of supremacy of the citizens is exercised indirectly mostly.
but also those having legal expertise and training. A code of judicial procedure for administrative tribunals should be devised and enforced. The need for judicial review should be emphasized. Examples of some tribunals: Income Tax Appellate Tribunals Election Commission Labor Courts Wage Boards Rent Tribunals Railway Tribunals Industrial Tribunals Compensation Tribunals Foreign Exchange Regulation Appellate Board (FERAB) Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission (MRTPC) Customs and Excise Revenue Appellate Tribunal (CERAT) 2. Voluntary organizations/non-governmental agencies(NGOs): These organizations have a distinct role to play in policy implementation: (i) To provide resources to the government and thereby supplementing the Government programmes (ii) To increase participation of the people at grass root level. They have better acceptance in society than the government structure and hence can play a crucial role in the success of ground level implementation. (iii) To educate the people of the policies of government, increase social capital (iv) To increase responsiveness of schemes by getting regular feedback (v) To motivate communities to mobilize local resources (vi) To stimulate local population to adopt a self-reliant attitude of mind (vii) Since they are free from the unnecessary rules and codes of procedure (as are in the government agencies), they can help build a better delivery system of services. In the recent years, with the proactive nature of NGOs, various social issues are being highlighted which require the combination of government with the NGOs. For instance, MGNREGS is being implemented successfully at the district level with active involvement of NGOs. Other examples include: Akshaya Patra, an NGO active in several states help the state governments in reaching out to greater number of children in the Mid Day Meal Programme. These act as the implementing arms of the government. NGOs like Green Future Foundation work towards environmental protection, energy and 64
ecological conservation and pollution control. They impart environmental education and training by organizing forest based camps for adults and youths. In the Integrated Wasteland Development Programme, the implementation process takes assistance of any reputed NGO which may have sufficient experience in the field of Watershed development. There are both national and international agencies that help the government in the task of implementation. International agencies also bring with them expertise and additional sources of funding. Pressure groups in particular, try to exercise their bargaining power by lobbying on power centres and also try to ensure the implementation benefits their group members. For this, they often make use of dharnas, bandhs, mass media campaigns, etc. The proper partnership with NGOs by the administration often determines the success of the policy. In fact, a vibrant democracy can be rightfully judged by the role played by NGOs/ VOs in shaping the policy process. 3. Citizens Citizens are the source of power in a democracy and hence policy making, implementation, evaluation should all concern the citizens and involve them. However, this doctrine of supremacy of the citizens is exercised indirectly mostly. This may be done through the following: (a) Elections (b) Pressure groups/interest groups/ community based organizations (c) Advisory committees (of which they are a part) (d) Press, public platforms, political parties, educational institutions, etc. Through the above, the citizens act as a watchdog over the activities of the state. Causes for delay in policy implementation 1. Delays in sanctions due to involvement of a large number of agencies. 2. Delays due to conflict. 3. Delays due to deliberate action on someones part (blocking delays). 4. Delays due to delays-this happens because when a particular part of programme is delayed or cancelled, the momentum of the whole operation gets lost and results in further delays. 5. Policy statement being ill defined and lacking in vision. 6. Lack of supporting staff, physical resources, financial resources and time 7. Conflicting interests of the concerned parties causes the implementers to be pressured 8. Implementers themselves lack motivation, Civil Services

The relationship of corruption with policy implementation can be investigated. It is an important dimension in implementation. Corruption gets manifest as pressure group politics at the formation and implementation stage. In developing countries, legitimate means of interest articulation are absent and it is also more convenient and cost effective to exert influence at the enforcement stage.
Policy evaluation is the assessment of the overall effectiveness of a national programme in meeting its objectives, or assessment of the relative effectiveness of two or more programmes in meeting common objectives.
will and initiative. 9. There is lack of accountability in the system. Suggestions for successful implementation 1. The goals and objectives must be clearly spelled out by the legislation so that the law is implemented, not only on paper, but in spirit 2. The implementers need to have a clear understanding of the target group 3. Adequate financial, infrastructural and human resources should be made available to the implementers 4. There should be substantial managerial and technical skills available with the staff and they should be committed towards successful policy implementation (which in turn requires clear division of responsibilities and highlighting importance of goal achievement to the executing staff) 5. The implementers should try to mobilize public support with the help of non-governmental agencies 6. There is a need for an effective and evaluative feedback mechanism so that the objectives are not undermined over time and the changes in environment are accordingly addressed by changes in policy implementation strategy. 7. There is need of better IT infrastructure and the administration should promote e-governance to enhance transparency and accountability. Policy implementation and corruption Corruption is a malice which has quite deep origins in the personality of an individual and in the environment. It is not easy to include such a broad topic in detail. However the relationship of corruption with policy implementation can be investigated. It is an important dimension in implementation. Corruption gets manifest as pressure group politics at the formation and implementation stage. In developing countries, legitimate means of interest articulation are absent and it is also more convenient and cost effective to exert influence at the enforcement stage. Moreover, polities have to face the problem of social change wherein displaced social groups often harbor discontent. POLICY EVALUATION Defining policy evaluation Wholey: Policy evaluation is the assessment of the overall effectiveness of a national programme in meeting its objectives, or assessment of the relative effectiveness of two or more programmes in meeting common objectives. Policy evaluation is a means of getting relevant information regarding a policy issue, its effectiveness and overall purposefulness to the 65
Policy evaluation is mostly construed as a post facto mechanism, although monitoring the implementation as it takes place also gives important feedback and makes the process responsive.
policy makers, from past and prevailing strategies. Policy evaluation mechanism needs strengthening, especially in developing nations, since evaluation is necessary in reducing the risk in policy making, enhancing administrative accountability and increasing administrative control over policy. Policy evaluation is mostly construed as a post facto mechanism, although monitoring the implementation as it takes place also gives important feedback and makes the process responsive. Types of policy evaluation: 1. Process evaluation: It concerns the implementation of the policy in accordance with the policy guidelines 2. Impact evaluation: It can have many dimensions. It generally seeks the achievement of the goals of particular policy. This can be done according to the following criterion: (a) Effectiveness: Effectiveness of a policy means that the actions taken within the policy framework have led to the achievement of the objectives. For instance, if the objective of the National Rural Health Mission is to increase access to quality health services, then an effective implementation would mean that the increase in infrastructure has provided better qualitative health services. However, it is a difficult exercise to measure whether or not objectives have been achieved. Implementation itself is a dynamic process and the goals might change as the implementation progresses. Hence, time becomes a crucial factor in determining the effectiveness. (b) Efficiency: efficiency is of critical importance in evaluating public policies. Efficiency criterion tells how much time and cost is involved on providing services. Policies that achieve the greatest effectiveness at minimum cost are said to be efficient. Making judgments about the efficiency requires a proper perspective about the public policy in terms of identifiable units, such as programmes, projects, etc. However, this is a tough task since public policies are not easily divisible into identifiable units that can be assessed for a cost-benefit analysis. (c) Adequacy: Public policies are fabricated with a motive to satisfy the needs of the people. Hence, the policies are often judged in terms of the adequacy of the policies for a particular need or value. While the policy effectiveness criterion deals with the relationship between policy goals and what is achieved, the adequacy of a policy refers to the relationship between the policy and the problem to which it is addressed. However, it can be argued that satisfaction of demands is only subjective and Civil Services

There are multiple agencies involved in the task of policy evaluation starting from the implementing agencies themselves, the legislature, community organizations, intellectual groups, etc.
The implementers themselves monitor the progress of policies. They use periodical reports, meetings, public hearings, grievances and complaints to assess whether the implementation is being carried out as planned. This has its own advantages
while one group may show contentment with the policy and its outcomes, another group may criticize the policy as being insufficient. (d) Responsiveness: By responsiveness is meant that a policy satisfies the needs or values of particular groups. Policies designed to promote educational opportunity or health status of the people are sometimes recommended on the basis of the criterion of responsiveness. An educational programme might result in an equitable distribution of facilities but be unresponsive to the needs of particular groups. (e) Appropriateness: It refers to the rationality behind the programmes. Are they really worth carrying forward is the question that can be asked. Or is the policy a waste of resources. Hence this dimension is concerned with judgments about a policys fitness and suitability. 3. Resource evaluation: Resource evaluation needs to be done in order to ascertain the capability of evaluating present and future policies. Often the above types of evaluation are done in a mixed manner. A single type of evaluation can only give partial picture regarding the policy issue. EVALUATION IN OPERATION Policy evaluation is a complex process. There are multiple agencies involved in the task of policy evaluation starting from the implementing agencies themselves, the legislature, community organizations, intellectual groups, etc. A brief idea of the work of the agencies and their contribution in keeping the policy making center aware of the impacts of the policies, is given here. 1. Implementing agencies: The implementers themselves monitor the progress of policies. They use periodical reports, meetings, public hearings, grievances and complaints to assess whether the implementation is being carried out as planned. This has its own advantages: They are aware of the realities of executing at the ground level. They have the resources at their disposal, and hence they can adjust themselves quickly if there is proper feedback. The implementers enjoy a direct relation with the policy makers which makes it easier to manage any obstacle in implementation. However, this requires an internal reporting system which can continuously generate information. The evaluation by implementers suffers from: Lack of sufficient skill and expertise in reporting and analyzing. 66
Art. 148 151 outline the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. It is a 150 year old office. It holds importance since it has been established by the Constitution to ensure the accountability of the executive to the Parliament.
Lack of will to bring out the fallacies in implementation for fear of embarrassment. 2. Evaluation by trained professionals Evaluation can be done with specialized staff. These can be both internal (within the organization), or external (other audit agencies, advisory boards, universities, professional institutions, etc.) Advantages: They have specialized in the work and can do rigorous analysis with modern methods. They do not have vested interests in the continuation of programmes. Hence they can provide unbiased review of the implementation programmes. Since they are generally independent from the implementation, they do not feel the pressure often imposed from the political class. Disadvantages: Professionals may not give due importance to the problems faced by administrators in the field. This is often a bone of contention between the implementers and the evaluators. Professionals may not get access to all the details of the implementation to generate reliable information. This happens because there is a tendency among the implementers to withhold some information. 3. The office of CAG Art. 148151 outline the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. It is a 150 year old office. It holds importance since it has been established by the Constitution to ensure the accountability of the executive to the Parliament. CAG is responsible only to the Parliament. Its reports are laid before the legislature annually which is then taken up for discussion. Its main role is to assist the legislature in exercising financial control over the administration and in ensuring: Legal/regulatory audit whether the money shown in account as having been disbursed were legally available for and applicable to service for which they were applied. Also whether the expenditure conforms to the authority which governs it. Propriety audits the wisdom, faithfulness and economy of government expenditure. Scope of audit: While fulfilling his Constitutional obligations, the Comptroller & Auditor General examines various aspects of Government expenditure, which include among others:Audit against provision of funds to ascertain whether the moneys shown as expenditure in the Accounts were authorized for the purpose for which they were spent. Audit against rules and regulation to see that the expenditure incurred was in conforCivil Services

While conducting the audit of receipts of the Central and State Governments, the Comptroller & Auditor General satisfies himself that the rules and procedures ensure that assessment, collection and allocation of revenue are done in accordance with the law and there is no leakage of revenue which legally should come to Government.
Now, the CAG only audits the accounts of the Central government while for the state governments CAG also maintains the accounts.
The office of CAG now undertakes Performance Audits to provide government an objective and clinical analysis of the efficiency and outcomes of budgetary plan expenditures. The focus is no longer merely on audit of government expenditure, but the outcome of such expenditures.
mity with the laws, rules and regulations framed to regulate the procedure for expending public money. Audit of sanctions to expenditure to see that every item of expenditure was done with the approval of the competent authority in the Government for expending the public money. Propriety Audit which extends beyond scrutinizing the mere formality of expenditure to its wisdom and economy and to bring to light cases of improper expenditure or waste of public money. Efficiency cum Performance audit to see that Government programmes have achieved the desired objectives at lowest cost and given the intended benefits. While conducting the audit of receipts of the Central and State Governments, the Comptroller & Auditor General satisfies himself that the rules and procedures ensure that assessment, collection and allocation of revenue are done in accordance with the law and there is no leakage of revenue which legally should come to Government. He audits the receipts and expenditures of the following: 1. All bodies and authorities substantially financed from Central or State revenues 2. Government companies 3. Other companies and bodies, when required by laws He audits the accounts to all expenditures from Consolidated Fund of India, Consolidated Fund of each State and of a UT (with a Legislative Assembly), Contingency Fund of India and of states, Public Account of India and states. He audits all trading manufacturing, profit and loss accounts, balance sheets and other subsidiary accounts kept by any Central or State government. He also acts as a friend, philosopher and guide to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament which has a special role for evaluation of public accounts. Present trend of CAG work: The Parliament enacted the CAGs (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971 which was amended in 1976 to separate accounts from audit in the Central government. Now, the CAG only audits the accounts of the Central government while for the state governments CAG also maintains the accounts. After Independence, there has been a tremendous spurt in economic development and social welfare activities with the attendant increase in expenditure-revenue and capital and in receipts and borrowings to match the expenditure. The change in the character of government and the complex nature of its ac67
tivities called for a change in the nature and scope of audit. Audit has evolved from mere accounting and regularity check to evaluation of the systems and the end results of the operations of government, testing their economy, efficiency and effectiveness. CAG has now shed the age old fixation of postmortem to merely extract the petty faults in government functioning. Today, it brings to bear a holistic approach focusing on the macro picture. The office is getting increasingly involved in appraisal of schemes in order to ensure monetary efficiency. Its reports are highlighted in many corruption charges on public officials and politicians. His assessment is considered to be impartial and based on records (since he has access to all records), thereby making a contribution to improved performance of the administrative system. The office of CAG now undertakes Performance Audits to provide government an objective and clinical analysis of the efficiency and outcomes of budgetary plan expenditures. The focus is no longer merely on audit of government expenditure, but the outcome of such expenditures. It is also engaged in auditing large international agencies like the Food & Agriculture Organization, World Health Organization, World Food Programme and the United Nations among others. The Government, through every Five Year Plan has improved on the delivery process of its flagship programmes. With the introduction of newer models of implementation such as Public Private Partnership, using Panchayati Raj Institutions for delivering social sector schemes and setting up specialized non-governmental institutions for better public participation, there is a need for CAG to look into these programmes as well (which channelize nearly 50% of Central plan funds). It also conducts environment audits. 4. Parliamentary Committees The various Committees of Parliament (already discussed in policy implementation) make significant impact on the union executive by making the latter agree to conduct performance reviews, institute enquiries in the case of frauds and financial irregularities, investigate leakages of revenue, streamline the functioning of autonomous bodies and generally to improve procedures and tighten financial control. 5. Planning Commission Planning Commission through its midterm appraisals of Five Year Plans gives a good analysis of the success of various programmes and schemes in achieving the objectives. It also Civil Services

The present planning evaluation setup in the Planning Commission consists of a central Programme Evaluation Organization, established in October, 1952 as an independent organization, under the general guidance and direction of the Planning Commission with a specific task of evaluating the community development programmes and other Intensive Area Development Schemes.
Other Commissions set up from time to time such as Administrative Reforms Commission, Law Commissions, National Commission on labor, Police, Agriculture, Education, Central Pay Commissions, National Human Rights Commission, etc. also have evaluatory significance.
The Eleventh Plan (2007-08 to 2011-12) sought to build on the gains achieved in the Tenth Plan and shift the economy to a path of faster and more inclusive growth.
formulates annual plans which review the targets set and the progress. The present planning evaluation setup in the Planning Commission consists of a central Programme Evaluation Organization, established in October, 1952 as an independent organization, under the general guidance and direction of the Planning Commission with a specific task of evaluating the community development programmes and other Intensive Area Development Schemes. The evaluation set up was further strengthened by the development of methods and techniques of evaluation in the First Five Year Plan and setting up of evaluation machineries in the States during Third Plan (1961-66) and Fourth Plan (196974). Gradually with the extension of the Plan Programmes/Schemes in a variety of sectors, viz., agriculture cooperation, rural industries, fisheries, health, family welfare, rural development, rural electrification, public distribution, tribal development, social forestry, etc., the evaluation work undertaken by the PEO was extended to other important Centrally Sponsored Schemes. It evaluates broadly Physical & financial performance. Effectiveness of Implementation & Delivery System. Impact on target groups. Planning Commission has constituted Development Evaluation Advisory Committee (DEAC) under the Chairmanship of Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission with members drawn from academics & administration To prioritize studies to be taken up; To guide on methodologies; To ensure quality and timeliness of evaluation reports; To take steps to ensure follow-up actions. Other than this, the Planning Commission and Implementation Ministries entrust evaluation work to research institutions for Studies requiring special methods & skill. Quick feedback Independent views. Such Study Reports are normally made available to sponsoring Agencies. Similarly there exists in the states a State Evaluation Organization. Midterm appraisal of Eleventh FYP : 2007-12 The Eleventh Plan (2007-08 to 2011-12) sought to build on the gains achieved in the Tenth Plan and shift the economy to a path of faster and more inclusive growth. Inclusiveness a critical element in the strategy was to be achieved by ensuring that growth is broad based and is combined with programmes aimed at overcoming deficiencies in critical areas which affect large numbers of the vulnerable sections of our population, particularly the Scheduled 68
Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), the Other Backward Classes (OBC), women and the minorities. The Plan sought to deal with these deficiencies through programmes aimed at providing access to health, education and other essential services and programmes of livelihood support. The Mid Term Appraisal (MTA) reviews the experience in the first three years of the Plan and seeks to identify areas where corrective steps may be needed. The Cabinet has approved the mid-term appraisal (MTA) of the Eleventh Five-Year Plan (200712), which scaled down the average growth target of the economy to 8.1 per cent from 9 per cent. The reduction of target has taken place due of global slowdown. Following the global meltdown, the growth rate slipped to 6.7 per cent in 2008-09 from over 9 per cent in the preceding three years. Thereafter, the growth recovered to 7.4 per cent last fiscal. In this regard, the Planning Commission has suggested that in order to achieve a high growth rate, the commission suggested the Government focus on fiscal consolidation and maintain an investor-supportive economic environment. As per the report the private investment in infrastructure has picked up in recent years, as indicated by the mid-term appraisal (MTA) of the Eleventh plan (2007-12), encouraging the government to go for a more ambitious infrastructure creation drive through a greater emphasis on private public partnership (PPP) mode of execution. While there may be a shortfall of about 8.7 per cent in public investment as compared to the initial targets of the Eleventh Plan, this is likely to be made good by an increase of about 20 per cent in private investment. It is important to mention that the planning commission had projected that the economy would expand by 8.5 per cent in the current fiscal and rise to 9 per cent in 2011-12. However, at the same time projecting an annualized average growth rate of 9 per cent to 10 per cent during the 12th Plan the Plan Panel set out radical reforms to enable double digit growth rate on a sustainable basis. 6. Other Commissions Other Commissions set up from time to time such as Administrative Reforms Commission, Law Commissions, National Commission on labor, Police, Agriculture, Education, Central Pay Commissions, National Human Rights Commission, etc. also have evaluatory significance. Their recommendations are often cited in policy making processes. They hold wide consultations with the concerned, use expert advice and take due time and effort in analyzing the multidimensional impacts of various related policies. However, in our country most of these recomCivil Services

Social audit may be regarded as being at the extreme end of the spectrum of audit functions. Audit functions have evolved starting from the most ancient kind which may be called vigilance audit which was concerned mainly with the detection of frauds.
A social audit is a process by which the people, the final beneficiaries of any scheme, programme, policy or law, are empowered to audit such schemes, programmes, policies and laws.
The aim is effective implementation and control of irregularities. Administrative machinery should extend full support in carrying out a social audit by the community.
mendations lay unlooked and unimplemented and unless the issue is very heated and the government inclined to its suggestions, it is unlikely that the suggestions find their way into actual practice. The Supreme Court also constitutes enquiry commissions/committees as and when required. For instance, the Supreme Court set up the Ribeiro Committee in 1998, in response to the Public Interest Litigation filed in 1996 by former DGPs asking the Court to direct governments to implement the NPC recommendations, which handed its reports in 1999. SOCIAL AUDIT Social audit may be regarded as being at the extreme end of the spectrum of audit functions. Audit functions have evolved starting from the most ancient kind which may be called vigilance audit which was concerned mainly with the detection of frauds. The types of audit can be broadly: regularity audit, propriety audit, value for money audit, performance audit and lastly social audit. In social audit, it goes beyond these areas and examines the impact of specific governmental activities on certain sections of the society which are in contact with the government agencies. Social audit has a much larger significance since the close interaction between the implementers and the citizens lead to the basic issues affecting the policy, which may otherwise go unnoticed. A social audit is a process by which the people, the final beneficiaries of any scheme, programme, policy or law, are empowered to audit such schemes, programmes, policies and laws. A social audit is an ongoing process by which the potential beneficiaries and other stakeholders of an activity or project are involved from the planning to the monitoring and evaluation of that activity or project. It thereby tries to ensure that the activity or project is designed and implemented in a manner that is most suited for the prevailing (local) conditions, appropriately reflects the priorities and preferences of those affected by it, and most effectively serves public interest. Simply, social audit can be described as checking and verification of a programme/ scheme implementation and its results by the community with the active involvement of the primary stakeholders. Social audit covers the quantity and quality of works in relation to the expenses incurred/disbursement made, number of works/materials used and also selection of works and location of works. The aim is effective implementation and control of irregularities. Administrative machinery should extend full support in carrying out a social audit by the community. 69
In social audit, the social obligations of a particular policy are looked into apart from the typical symptom-cause relationship in the policy implementation. Each policy may be attacking a singular problem. However, no policy can be functional in isolation with other initiatives of the government. For instance a medical scheme may have parallel linkages such as environmental pollution, quality of water supply, availability of nutritious food, etc. Social audit in the case of implementation of MGNREGS has taken place in the districts of many states such as Haryana, UP, Maharashtra, Rajasthan among others. The social audit was conducted in the presence of the Panchayat members, NGO representatives, district officials, media, etc. Problems faced: 1. The problems faced by the social auditor are partly of his own making and partly beyond his control. It should never be forgotten by him that social welfare programmes are intended to bring about social changes. Mere measurement of inputs or outputs cannot meet the demands of effective social audit. A social auditor should have a very positive approach. He has to look at the positive social changes brought about and in some cases their costs. When scrutinizing short-falls and non-achievements, he has to take into account the efforts of events beyond the boundary of the programme all of which the designers of the programme may not have been in a position to envisage and allow for the implementers to deal with. This in a nut-shell is the reason why it is difficult to prepare a social audit report which will be fair to the society, the implementers of the programme and to its designers. 2. Not all social welfare programmes are well designed or based on valid assumptions. For instance, a programme for the improvement of rural health must be part of a well designed project containing several individual programmes dealing with the related issues of rural housing, rural water supply, education, nutrition, rural pollution, rural trade and industries for generation of income etc. 3. Perhaps the most serious difficulty faced by the social auditor is the absence of a well conceived information system as part and parcel of a social welfare programme. 4. Most social welfare programmes do not provide for the measurement or assessment of the social changes, that is to say, they do not provide for internal evaluation machinery, in terms of men and methodology, for evaluation of the impact produced by the programmes. Civil Services

NEW SYLLABUS: Public Policy Since policy evaluation is a complex exercise, there is a necessity of strong and well coordinated systems of collecting and analyzing information, else evaluation may not provide worthwhile information, which can be used by both policy makers and policy implementers.
Policy goals when unclear create confusion, not only for the implementers but also for the evaluators in assessing the impact. There may be contradictions between the legislators and the administrators, reaching different conclusions about the accomplishment of the programme.
The concept of governance is not new. It is as old as human civilization. According to the World Bank, governance means the manner in which power is exercised in the management of a countrys economic and social resources for development.
5. The concept of social accounting hardly exists- even in technologically advanced countries. In the absence of such an accounting system, social audit can become, unless the auditor plans his work with the greatest care a straight forward economy or efficiency audit. PROBLEMS IN POLICY EVALUATION Since policy evaluation is a complex exercise, there is a necessity of strong and well coordinated systems of collecting and analyzing information, else evaluation may not provide worthwhile information, which can be used by both policy makers and policy implementers. It suffers from the following difficulties: 1. Policy goals when unclear create confusion, not only for the implementers but also for the evaluators in assessing the impact. There may be contradictions between the legislators and the administrators, reaching different conclusions about the accomplishment of the programme. 2. Goals themselves may create problems if they are not practical. Some goals may require efforts from more than one organization and may not be tackled by a single legislation or policy. For instance, National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was launched in 2005 to provide universal access to health care which is affordable, equitable, and of good quality. The mission may have brought in new infrastructure and personnel into the system, but it has not been able to drive out the old ethos of low morale and discipline prevailing in the medical staff, which ultimately decides the efficiency of the new infrastructure. 3. Process and outcome indicators for public policies are not easy to determine. There are many critical variables which are either difficult to measure or impossible to analyze. This is more so in the public domain where the affected population is large and vested interests many. 4. There is an urgent need to increase the number of universities and research institutions who can facilitate the impact assessment task. 5. Sometimes the public may not bring out their frank opinions out into open. All these factors affect the policy evaluation. SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE 1. Government should encourage non-government agencies, universities and research institutions for taking up the task of policy evaluation. 2. Adequate resources should be made available to the evaluating agency. 3. Standardized format, criterion and methodology to be used for evaluation should be made even before the policy rolls out so that work is done accordingly. 4. Emphasis should be laid on training per70
sonnel so that they can perform their task efficiently and effectively. 5. Inter-governmental and intra-agency exchanges of skilled personnel should be adhered to. 6. The implementing agencies should be instructed to submit objective impact and evaluation report substantiated with relevant facts and figures. 7. Efforts should be made to have a well coordinated information dissemination system. GOOD GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC POLICY The concept of governance is not new. It is as old as human civilization. According to the World Bank, governance means the manner in which power is exercised in the management of a countrys economic and social resources for development. The concept of good in governance has a multidimensional meaning. It may refer to a combination of: Participation: Participation by both men and women is the key cornerstone of good governance. Participation could be either direct or through representatives. It is important to note that participation needs to be informed and organized. This means freedom of association and expression on one hand and an organized civil society on the other. Rule of law: Good governance requires fair legal frameworks that are enforces impartially. It also requires full protection of human rights, particularly those of minorities. Impartial enforcement of laws requires an independent judiciary and an equally impartial, scientific and incorruptible police force. Transparency: Transparency means that decisions taken and their enforcement are done in a manner that follows rules and regulations. It also means that information is freely available and directly accessible to those who will be affected by such decisions and their enforcement. It also means that enough information is provided and that it is provided in easily understandable forms and media. Two important developments in this direction are e-governance initiatives and citizen charter (both have facilitated transparency and accountability).The primary purpose of governance is the welfare of citizens. While one aspect of governance relates to safeguarding the legal rights of all citizens, an equally important aspect is concerned with ensuring equitable access to public services and the benefits of economic growth to all. It is expected that e-Governance would enable the government to discharge its functions more effectively. However, this would require the government to change itself its processes, its outlook, laws, Civil Services

The emergence of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has provided means for faster and better communication, efficient storage, retrieval and processing of data and exchange and utilization of information to its users, be they individuals, groups, businesses, organizations or governments.
e-Governance or electronic governance is basically the application of Information and Communications Technology to the processes of Government functioning in order to bring about Simple, Moral, Accountable, Responsive and Transparent (SMART) governance.
No governance can be just and fair unless it upholds the values of the society in principle and practice. This not only means establishment of a sensitive civil service code but to bring about a change in the psychological mindset of the civil servants.
rules and regulations and also its way of interacting with the citizens. It would also require capacity building within the government and creation of general awareness about eGovernance among the citizens. The emergence of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has provided means for faster and better communication, efficient storage, retrieval and processing of data and exchange and utilization of information to its users, be they individuals, groups, businesses, organizations or governments. What had begun as a faster, more accurate and simpler means of word-processing quickly lent itself to being used as a tool for processing and tabulating data as an aid in decision making. With growing computerization and increasing internet connectivity, this process has presently reached a stage where more and more users are motivated to modifying their ways of doing things in order to leverage the advantages provided by ICT. In other words, this has led to business process re-engineering. So far as governments are concerned, the coming together of computerization and internet connectivity/web-enablement in association with process re-engineering, promises faster and better processing of information leading to speedier and qualitatively better decision making, greater reach and accountability, better utilization of resources and overall good governance. In the case of citizens, it holds the promise of enhanced access to information and government agencies, efficient service delivery and transparency in dealings and interactions with government. e-Governance or electronic governance is basically the application of Information and Communications Technology to the processes of Government functioning in order to bring about Simple, Moral, Accountable, Responsive and Transparent (SMART) governance. This would generally involve the use of ICTs by government agencies for any or all of the following reasons: (a) Exchange of information with citizens, businesses or other government departments (b) Speedier and more efficient delivery of public services (c) Improving internal efficiency (d) Reducing costs / increasing revenue (e) Re-structuring of administrative processes and (f) Improving quality of services. Responsiveness: Good governance requires that institutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders within a reasonable time frame else it may be too little too late, which will then defeat the purpose of good governance. Consensus orientation: There are several actors and as many viewpoints involved. Good governance requires mediation of the differ71
ent interests in society to reach a broad consensus in society on what is in the best interest of the whole community and how this can be achieved. It also requires broad and long term perspective on what is needed for sustainable human development and how to achieve the goals of such development. This can only result from an understanding of the historical, cultural and social contexts of a society. Equity and inclusiveness: Good governance requires that all members feel that they have a stake in it and do not feel excluded from the mainstream of society. This means that all groups and particularly the most vulnerable have opportunities to improve or maintain their well being. Effectiveness and efficiency: Good governance means that processes and institutions produce results that meet the needs of society while making the best use of resources at their disposal. This also covers the sustainable use of resources and protection of the environment. Accountability: This is a key requirement of good governance. Not only the government institutions, but also the private sector and civil society organizations must be accountable to the public and to their institutional stakeholders. An important step towards this direction can be taken by institutionalizing the office of Lokpal and Lokayuktas along the lines of the recommendations of the second Administrative Reforms Commission. Administrative ethics: No governance can be just and fair unless it upholds the values of the society in principle and practice. This not only means establishment of a sensitive civil service code but to bring about a change in the psychological mindset of the civil servants. Due importance has been given by the second ARC on ethics and good governance. With the understanding of good governance, it is important to highlight that public policy process derives its character from the society. Their levels of inclusiveness, equity, transparency, accountability, etc. are not only a part of the system but also a reflection of the society. Unless administration is construed as branching from ethical governance, terms like efficiency and economy will not be able to show the results as desired. Presently, the administrative setup does not view the administration beyond a set of rules and regulations. There is undue emphasis on rules and regulations as formulated in the policy statements. Administrative discretion also has been used only to ask and give favors. Hence, there is a need to change the ethos, along with the focus on policy making. Civil Services

CSAT: Understanding the equations
CSAT PAPER-2
APTITUDE TEST
SECTION-A: Data Interpretation+ Logical Reasoning
B) Medical C) Cant be predicted D) Could be predicted, but none of the above 3. Which age group constitutes the major portion of total aspirants in the year 2010? (Use data from Q1 and Q2) A) Age <25 B) Age>35 C) 25<Age<35 D) Cant be predicted 4. For the year 2010 (Use data from Q3), which of the below mentioned group will have the largest no. of aspirants? A) Engineering, Age<25 B) Medical, Age<25 C) Arts, Age>35 D) Science, 25<Age<35 5. Out of 2009 and 2010, which year has maximum % of Aspirants with age between 25 and 35? A) 2009 B) 2010 C) 2010, only if aspirants @ 2010 > 256300 D) 2009, only if aspirants @ 2010 < 256300 Directions for Q6 to Q9: One competitive examination paper was leaked in the year 2001. CBI after thorough investigation came out with the main leader Mr. AM along with other nine people- P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W and X in this matter. The figure below shows the flow of information from Mr AM to other people:
Paper consisted of 150 questions. CBI neglected the chances of two or more of them introducing the wrong answer to same question. After getting the final correct answer key, CBI displayed the following sheet. Name P Field wise breakup of IAS aspirants Q R S T U V W X Wrong answer No. 46 96 27, 56 17 46, 90 14, 46 25 46, 92 27 Blank answers No. 46, 90, 25 17, 46, 90 92,90 17, 46, 90
1. If the total no. of aspirants in a 2009 is 2, 56,300; considering the stream and age breakup remains same in that year. Which stream has highest no. of young aspirants (<25 years)? A) Arts B) Science C) Commerce D) None of the above 2. If the total no. of aspirants in year 2010 is 2, 95,000; then which stream has the highest growth % from 2009 to 2010? (Use data from Q1) A) Engineering FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
6. Who among the following must have two sources? A) P B) Q C) R D) S 7. How many people (excluding Mr AM, needed to make answer key before R could make his answer key? A) 3 B) 4 C) 5 D) None of these 8. Both T and W are sources to? A) U B) X C) Q D) None of these 9. Which of the group has the same sources? A) P, S and V B) T and W C) None D) Both A and B 27 Civil Services
Directions for Q10 to Q12: There is group of 200 students, out which everyone takes one or more subjects out of A, B and C. The function F() indicated no. of students studying particular subject/ subjects. F(C) > F (A) > F(B) > F(exactly two subjects) > F(All three subjects) 1 10. Find the minimum value of F (B)? A) 1 B) 3 C) 5 D) 0 11. If F(C) = 100, then find the maximum value of F (All three subjects)? A) 25 B) 24 C) 23 D) 22 12. Maximum value of F (Only A)? A) 187 B) 190 C) 193 D) 196 Directions for Q13 to Q14: (Oil Price and Economic Growth, 1971-2006)
Directions for Q15 to Q18:
15. Month of least profit is? A) September B) January C) July D) None of these 16. Approx average salary of employee in this firm is such that profit earned is only distributed in form of salary. Find the month with minimum average salary? A) September B) July C) January D) March 17. In which month the total increase in the cost least as compared to two months ago? A) March B) September C) July D) May 18. In which month is the percentage increase in sales over the sales two months before, the second highest? A) March B) September C) July D) None of these Directions for Q19 to Q23: Party Assembly election Seat Contested Seats won 414 284 298 128 37 37 53 23 8 7 1876 174 110 67 33 8 4 7 3 2 2 14 424
Year
Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate 3.36% 5.29% 5.76% -0.50% -0.19% 5.33% 4.62% 5.57% 3.16% -0.23% 2.52% -1.94% 4.52% 7.19% 4.13% 3.47% 3.38% 4.13%
Oil Price (2000 constant dollars per barrel $12.45 $11.87 $13.03 $26.12 $27.31 $27.09 $27.98 $27.23 $35.76 $51.94 $59.61 $50.81 $44.46 $42.32 $38.37 $20.42 $24.45 $19.38
Year
Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate 3.54% 1.88% -0.17% 3.33% 2.67% 4.02% 2.50% 3.70% 4.50% 4.17% 4.45% 3.66% 0.75% 1.60% 2.51% 3.64% 3.07% 2.87%
Oil Price (2000 constant dollars per barrel) $22.88 $27.23 $22.57 $21.33 $18.57 $17.27 $18.71 $22.07 $19.96 $12.98 $17.89 $28.26 $22.41 $23.13 $26.81 $33.78 $44.46 $51.68
1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
BJP SP BSP INC BKKP AICT JD CPM CPI SMP Independent / Others Total
13. Out of the total four times downfall of GDP growth rate, in the past 30 years 1973-74, 1979-80, 1990-1991 and 1999-2000;which one has the largest downfall? A) 1973-1974 B) 1979-1980 C) 1990-1991 D) 1999-2000 14. Out of the total no. of oil prices fall down, what fraction of them followed with economic breakdown? A) 6 B) 7 C) 9 D) 13 FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
In order to form Government; a single part OR an alliance of at least two parties must have no. of seats more than 212 (i.e. half of total seats won 424) 19. What is the average no. of candidate contesting in Assembly election per seat contested? A) 7.44 B) 6.25 C) 7.25 D) None of these 20. Considering SP, BSP, INC and JD forming the alliance in order to show the majority; what is the overall percentage winning % of that alliance? A) 51.1 B) 63.2 C) 59.1 D) None of these 21. What is the least success percentage for any party barring independents & others? A) 12.04 B) 10.81 C) 19.24 D) 17.4 28 Civil Services
22. What percentage of total candidates were selected? A) 10.2 B) 13.2 C) 11.1 D) 15.6 23. Which is the highest wining % party (on the basis of seat won vs. seat contested)? A) 33 per cent B) 22 per cent C) 42 per cent D) None of these 24. Here is a picture of two alike cubes. The hidden faces indicated by the dots have the same alphabet on them. Which alphabet-q, r, w, or k is on the faces indicated by the dots?
A) q B) w C) r D) None of these 25. Three piles of chipspile I consists one chip, pile II consists of chips, and pile III consists of three chips- are to be used in game played by Anita and Brinda. The game requires: a) That each player in turn take only one chip or all chips from just one pile. b) That the player who has to take the last chip loses. c) That Anita now have her turn. From which pile should Anita draw in order to win? A) I B) II C) III D) Data insufficient Directions for Q26 to Q29: Ten students A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I and J are chosen to represent in three sports tennis, badminton and table tennis. The badminton team has one student less than the tennis team. A,B and C are not tennis player, individually or as a group. D, E and F are not in badminton team individually or as a group. G,H and I are not in the Table tennis team, individually or as a group. J is not a badminton player. 26. Which of the following could be table tennis player? A) J/B/G B) J/C/F C) J/D/E/F D) J/B/C/D 27. Of those listed, what is the maximum number of table tennis players? A) 6 B) 7 C) 9 D) None of these 28. If tennis team has one member, who of the following must be a table tennis player? A) A B) B C) J D) None of the above 29. If A and G are the only badminton players, how many students must be in the table tennis team? A) A B) B C) D D) Data insufficient Directions for Q30 to Q32: In a famous short-time game named CROSS, each player puts a mark (O OR x) one by one inside a 3x3 grid (9 slots). Two players face the following situation in between the game. FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
A player will put his mark in a line such that: (a) it already contains two of his own marks (for winning) (b) it already contains two of the opponents marks (for saving the game) It is known that player always gives priority to Winning over saving. 30. What could be the mark of the person who started the game? A) X B) O C) X or O D) Data insufficient 31. The player who wins the match uses which mark? A) X B) O C) X or O D) Data insufficient 32. Probability of A (with symbol O), winning the game if both players freely mark anywhere? A) 0.76 B) 1 C) 0.5 D) 0.33 Directions for Q33 to Q34: In a banquet hall, there are total 100 bulbs with 100 respective switches for the same (Both Numbered 1 to 100 respectively). Manager of that hall ask his 100 workers to perform a task. Initially all bulbs are switched OFF. He asks 1st worker to go inside the hall and switch ON all the OFF lights. Then he asks the second worker to perform the opposite task of switching OFF, but only for the every second bulb. Third one is asked to change the state for every third bulb (switch OFF the ON lights and vice versa) and so on till the 100th worker. 33. What is possible no. of ON lights at the end of this activity? A) 16 B) 8 C) 11 D) Data insufficient 34. What could be the maximum no. of ON lights at the end? A) 100 B) 99 C) 9 D) 10 Directions for Q35 to Q36: A FMCG Biscuit company EATWELL faced a peculiar problem. Out of 10 lots of production with 1000 packets each, one lot failed due to some problem. As a result of which Quality department needs to find out the failed lot. Each biscuit packet weighs 100 gms. normally for the passed lots, but failed lot has all the packets having weight less by one gram i.e. 99 gms each. 35. If they are given a weigh balance with weight display, then atleast how many weighing steps are required to surely find the faulty lot? A) 10 B) 9 C) 2 D) None of the above 36. In case instead of display weighing balance, normal balance is given; then find the minimum no. of steps required to surely find the faulty lot? 29 Civil Services
A) 10 B) 5 C) 4 D) 3 Directions for Q37 to Q38: Each digit, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 is represented by a different letter A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I but not necessarily in this order. Further, each of A + B + C, C + D + E, E + F + G and G + H + I is equal to 13. 37. Find the value of E? A) 5 B) 7 C) 4 D) cant be determined 38. What is the sum of C, E and G? A) 7 B) 9 C) 11 D) Cannot be determined Directions for Q39 to Q40: Mystery grid consists of 9 distinct number (1 to 9), arranged in such a way that:
(LxMxN)=(MxOxQ)=(PxQxR) 39. Find the value of number O? A) 3 B) 2 C) 6 D) Data insufficient 40. Find the value of LxMxN? A) 64 B) 72 C) 8 D) Data insufficient Directions for Q41 to Q42: In a lot of 8 balls, one ball is defective in terms of weight. You are given a classical weighing balance used to compare weights using a balance. 41. If it is known that the defective ball is heavier than the normal ones, then find the minimum no. of weighing steps required to find defective ball from the lot? A) 2 B) 3 C) 4 D) None of these 42. Without having any idea of weight abnormality, find the minimum weighing steps required to find the odd ball? E) 3 F) 4 G) 5 H) None of these Directions for Q43 to Q46: Four persons in a society were compared in terms of their first, middle and last names. The surnames are Arora, Bhaskar, Chopra, Das and Eashwar. Each of them has different first and middle names. Mr Das and Mr Eashwar both not named Ram Either both Mr. Bhaskar and Mr. Chopra named Shyam, or both are not Either Mr. Bhaskar and Mr. Arora are both named Tram, or Mr. Chopra and Mr. Das are both named Tram Four of them have a first or middle name of Ram, three of them have first or middle name of Shyam, two of them have a first or middle name of Tarun and one of them has a first or middle name of Alam 43. Which of the following pair have the same name? I) Mr. Arora and Mr. Eashwar J) Mr. Bhaskar and Mr. Chopra FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
K) Mr. Chopra and Mr. Arora L) No such pair exist 44. Which of these is a possible combination? A) Tram Ram Arora B) Alam Ram Chopra C) Ram shyam Chopra D) None of these 45. Who is named Alam? A) Mr. Arora B) Mr. Bhaskar C) Mr. Chopra D) Data insufficient 46. Mr. Eashwar is known as? A) Ram Shyam B) Tram Ram C) Shyam alam D) Tram Shyam Directions for Q47 to Q50: Two of Sachin, Laxman and Rahul made century at Mohali Test cricket match. The shorter of Sachin and Laxman is the older of the two century hitters. The younger of Laxman and Rahul is the shorter of the two century hitters. The The taller of Sachin and Rahul is the younger of two century hitters. 47. Who is older between two century hitters? A) Sachin B) Laxman C) Rahul D) Cannot be determined 48. Who is younger between two century hitters? A) Sachin B) Laxman C) Rahul D)Cannot be determined 49. Who is taller between two century hitters? A) Sachin B) Laxman C) Rahul D) Cannot be determined 50. Who is shorter between two century makers? A) Sachin B) Rahul C) Laxman D) Cannot be determined
SECTION-B: Quantitative Aptitude

51. From a square sheet ABCD a incircle C (Center O and radius=R) is cut-off from that area. Infinite circles are drawn in 4 sectors obtained by removing circle from square sheet; such that they always touch two edges of square along with the main circle C. Find the remaining area of the square sheet? A) (4-69*pi+8*pi)R2 B) (4-69*pi+4*pi)R2 C) (4-69*pi+8*sqrt(2)*pi)R2 D) None of the above 52. On a table 10 coins are placed but all covered. It is preknown that there are 4 coins showing tails and remaining as heads. One starts uncovering any one, and then flip it and place again on the table. This is repeated 7 times with all random selection of coin each time. After uncovering 9 coins, there are 5 Heads and 4 tails. What could said about the last coin? A) Tail B) Head C) Data insufficient D) Tail if last flipped coin was Tails 53. In the expansion of (a+b+c)99, what is the probability of getting a term like a xb ycz with x+y=50; given that 0 x,y,z 99? E) 50/1000000 F) 51/1000000 G) 101/1000000 H) 100/1000000 54. X= 63 - 13 and Y = 57 - 7; then which of the following is correct? 30 Civil Services
A) X = Y B) X < Y C) X > Y D) X > 2Y 55. In triangle ABC, AB=40 cm, BC=30 cm and BA=50 cm. Three arcs with same radius r=7 cm are cut from it with three vertices as center. Find the remaining area of the triangle? A) 500 cm2 B) 423 cm2 C) 523 cm2 D) Data insufficient 56. A tunnel has two ends A and B; a fly is at point A of the tunnel and on train is entering the tunnel from point B (other end). At moment when train starts from B towards A, fly starts moving towards the engine (front), and then comes back to the end A. It repeats until train engine reaches point A of tunnel. Find the total distance covered by the fly. (Speed of fly=30 km/hr and that of train = 60 km/hr, Tunnel length=10 km) A) 2 km B) 5 km C) 1 km D) Data insufficient 57. If log 10(2x3) + log10(x 3) = log10(x2 3x + 1), then x =? A) 4 and 2 B) 4 C) 2 D) No values possible 58. The number N= 553 + 173 723 is not divisible by which of the following prime no.? A) 11 B) 5 C) 17 D) 7 59. A deposited amount of Rs 10,000 in Fixed-interest fund with net interest rate (per annum) = 10% for 3 years (Interest compounded annually). B invested same amount in same fund for 3 years, but took dividend option in order to get interest in hand at the end of year, instead of re-investing that interest amount. Find the ratio of interest earned by A and B? A) 1.1 B) 0.9 C) 2.2 D) Data insufficient 60. A can do a piece of work in 20 days and B can do it in 30 days. They work together for 10 days and then A goes away. In how many days will B finish the remaining work? A) 1 B) 9 C) 5 D) None of the above 61. If a, b, c and d are four positive real numbers such that abcd=1, what is the minimum value of (1+a) (1+b) (1+c) (1+d)? A) 4 B) 1 C) 16 D) 18 62. If x.y.z=1 (x,y,z 0); find the value of the expression:
D) None of the above 65. Find area enclosed by: A) 12 B) 2 C) 1 D) 0.5 66. Function F(n) is given by F(n+1) + F(n-1) = F(n); find the smallest positive integral value of p such that F(n+p) = F(n)? A) 2 B) 5 C) 6 D) Data insufficient 67. A five digit number is formed out of digits 1, 3, 5, 7, 9. What is the sum of all such nos. (Without repeating)? A) 6666000 B) 6666600 C) 666660 D) None of the above 68. In the triangle ABC (D lies on AB), BC=12 cm, DB=9 cm, CD=6 cm and angle(BCD)=angle(BAC). What is the ratio of perimeter of triangle ADC to that of triangle BDC?
A) x+y+z B) 1/( x+y+z) C) 1 D) 1/x + 1/y + 1/z 63. A watch which gains uniformly is 2 mins slow at noon on Monday and it is 4 mins 48 sec fast at 2 p.m. on the following Monday. When did it show the correct time? A) Wed, 4 PM B) Wed, 2 PM C) Tue, 2 PM D) Tue, 3 PM 64. Find the value of x=4 + 66 + 444 + 6666 + 44444 + .. upto 2n terms? A) 4/9{[10(102n-1)/99]-n} + 6/9{[100(102n-1)/99]-n} B) 4/9{[10(102n-1)/99]-n} + 6/9{[10(102n-1)/99]-n} C) 4/9{[10(10n-1)/99]-n} + 6/9{[100(10n-1)/99]-n} FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
A) 7/9 B) 6/9 C) 8/9 D) 5/9 Instruction for Q 69 and Q 70. Each question is followed by two statements, I and II. Answer each question according to following information. A) Answered by one of the statement alone but not by the other B) Answered by using either statement alone C) Answered by both the statements together, but cannot be answered with any statement alone D) Cannot be answered even by both statements together 69. Is a44 < b11, given that a=2 and b is integer? I. b is even II. b is greater than 16 70. What are the unique values of b and c in the equation 4x2+bx+c if one of roots of the equation is (-1/2)? I. Second root is II. The ratio of c and b is 1 71. Jay tiled a 15 feet by 21 feet rectangular ballroom with one-foot- square tiles. When he finished, he drew both diagonals connecting opposite corners of the room. What is the total number of tiles that the diagonals passed through? A) 63 B) 64 C) 66 D) 68 72. A man is walking across a railroad bridge that goes from point A to point B. He starts at point A, and when he is 3/8 of the way across the bridge, he hears a train approaching. The trains speed is 60 mph (miles per hour). The man can run fast enough so that if he turns and runs back toward point A, he will meet the train at A, and if he runs forward toward point B, the train will overtake him at B. How fast can the man run? A) 12 B) 15 C) 18 D) None of these 31 Civil Services
73. If a+b+c=3 and a(^2)+b(^2)+c(^2)=5 and a(^3)+b(^3) +c(^3)=7; what is a(^4)+b(^4)+c(^4)? A) 9 B) 8 C) 15 D) Data insufficient 74. A pharmacist has 8 liters of a 15 percent solution of acid. How much distilled water must she add to reduce the concentration of acid to 10 percent? A) 12 B) 4 C) 8 D) None of these 75. By installing a $120 thermostat that reduces the temperature setting at night, a family hopes to cut its annual bill for heating oil by 8 percent, and thereby recover the cost of the thermostat in fuel savings after 2 years. What was the familys annual fuel bill before installing the thermostat? A) $700 B) $750 C) $780 D) $800 76. A woman is walking down a downward-moving escalator and steps down 10 steps to reach the bottom. Just as she reaches the bottom of the escalator, a sale commences on the floor above. She runs back up the downward moving escalator at a speed five times that which she walked down. She covers 25 steps in reaching the top. How many steps are visible on the escalator when it is switched off? A) 15 B) 25 C) 18 D) 20 77. There are 21 slips labeled from 1 to 21.what is the probability that 6 slips drawn in random are in AP? B) 35/21C6 A) 34/21C6 C) 34/21C5 D) 35/21C5 78. When doing product of two different: 2 digit numbers,ab reversed the digits of one of the numbers and found the product increased by 1224.if the other number is less than 20 ,what is new product? A) 1477 B) 1400 C) 1575 D) None of these 79. A Candle Burns in 6 Hrs.Another Candle of the same height and width burns in 8 Hrs. After How Many Hours the height of the first candle will be half of the second Candle? A) 4.4 B) 4.8 C) 4 D) 3.6 80. What is the number of scores possible in a 150 question IAS paper, where 1/3 mark is deducted for every wrong answer and 1 mark is awarded for every correct answer? A) 597 B) 601 C) 598 D) 600 81. A person travels the first 1/3 of distance to be covered at a speed of x km/hr, the 2nd 1/3rd at 2x km/hr and the final 1/3rd at 3x km/hr. What is the average speed for the entire journey? A) 2x/3 B) x/3 C) 18x/11 D) 11x/18 82. Triangle XYZ is an isosceles triangle in which the sides in which the sides xy and xz are 15 each and the base yz is 18. ABCD is a square, the side AB being on yz and cd in xz and xy resp. find the area of ABCD? A) 51.84 B) 52.6 FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
C) 50.8 D) 64 83. A rhombus has sides 10cm each and the circle that is inscribed in it has radius 1.5cm. What is the area of the rhombus in cm2 A) 36 B) 40 C) 25 D) 30 84. O is the centre of a circle. XP is a tangent at X.Angel YXP = 50o. Find the measure of the arc XOY? A) 120 deg. B) 100 deg. C) 90 deg. D) 75 deg. 85. Company A pays 5.5% on shares of Rs.100, and another pays at the rate of 3.5% On shares of Rs.10 each. If the price of the former be Rs.150.00 and of the later Rs.15.00, compare the rates of interest which the shares return to a purchaser? A) 86.37 per cent B) 88.34 per cent C) 91.23 per cent D) 76.89 per cent 86. There are 2 similar triangles. The lengths of the sides of one of them are 4 cm, 6cm and 8 cm. If perimeter of the 2nd triangle is 162 cm. Find the length of the corresponding sides of the other triangle? A) 30/40/50 B) 38/44/70 C) 36/54/72 D) 33/44/55 87. 3 plots having an area of 132,204 & 228 sq.m respectively are to be subdivided into equalized flower beds. If the breadth of a bed is 36 meters find the maximum length that a bed can have. A) 4 B) 2 C) 8 D) None of these 88. Four bells begin to ring together and ring respectively at interval of 4 ,5,6 and 10 seconds. How many times will they ring together in one hour, including the one at the start ? A) 60 B) 61 C) 59 D) 58 89. An alloy contains Zinc and nickel in the ratio 2 : 3 and another alloy contains Zinc and nickel in the ratio 3 : 4. If equal amounts of both the alloy are melted together , then the ratio of zinc and nickel in the resulting alloy is? A) 41:29 B) 29:41 C) 30:70 D) 29:71 90. One year ago jai and Ajays ages was 3 : 4 one year hence the ratio of their ages will be 4 : 5 the present age of jai is? A) 5 B) 7 C) 6 D) 11 91. Three friends divided some bullets equally. After all of them shot 4 bullets the total number of bullets remaining is equal to the bullets each had after division. Find the original number divided. A) 9 B) 15 C) 18 D) 16 92. There is a 50m long army platoon marching ahead. The last person in the platoon wants to give a letter to the first person leading the platoon. So while the platoon is marching he runs ahead, reaches the first person and hands over the letter to him and without stopping he runs and comes back to his original position. In the mean time the whole platoon has moved ahead by 50m. The question is how much distance did the last person cover in that time. 32 Civil Services
Assuming that he ran the whole distance with uniform speed. A) 120.7 B) 133.1 C) 108.5 D) None of these 93. If you take a marker & start from a corner on a cube, what is the maximum number of edges you can trace across if you never trace across the same edge twice, never remove the marker from the cube, & never trace anywhere on the cube, except for the corners & edges? A) 13 B) 9 C) 11 D) 7 94. There are 3 persons X, Y and Z. On some day, X lent tractors to Y and Z as many as they had. After a month Y gave as many tractors to X and Z as many as they have. After a month Z did the same thing. At the end of this transaction each one of them had 24. Find the tractors each originally had? A) 39,20,18 B) 6,42,24 C) 39,21,12 D) None of these 95. A certain street has 1000 buildings. A sign-maker is contracted to number the houses from 1 to 1000. How many zeroes will he need? A) 192 B) 181 C) 171 D) None of these 96. In a sports contest there were m medals awarded on n successive days (n > 1). On the first day 1 medal and 1/ 7 of the remaining m - 1 medals were awarded. On the second day 2 medals and 1/7 of the now remaining medals was awarded; and so on. On the nth and last day, the remaining n medals were awarded. How many days did the contest last, and how many medals were awarded altogether? A) 6/36 B) 5/35 C) 4/20 D) None of these 97. Vipul was studying for his examinations and the lights went off. It was around 1:00 AM. He lighted two uniform candles of equal length but one thicker than the other. The thick candle is supposed to last six hours and the thin one two hours less. When he finally went to sleep, the thick candle was twice as long as the thin one. For how long did Vipul study in candle light? A) 3.5 hrs. B) 2 hrs. C) 3 hrs. D) None of these 98. A worker earns a 5% raise. A year later, the worker receives a 2.5% cut in pay, & now his salary is Rs. 22702.68. What was his salary to begin with? A) 22300 B) 20000 C) 21231 D) None of these 99. At 6o a clock ticks 6 times. The time between first and last ticks is 30 seconds. How long does it tick at 12o. A) 60 B) 63 C) 66 D) None of these Direction for questions 100 to 102: Answer the questions based on the following information. Function A(x, y) is defined only for non-negative integers. A(x, y) = y + 1 if x = 0 = A(x 1, y) if x not equal to 0 but y = 0 = A(x1, A(x, y 1)) if x not equal to 0 and y not equal to 0 100. A(1, 3) = ? A) 5 B) 4 FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
C) 3 D) None of the above 101. A(2, 0) = ? A) 5 B) 4 C) 3 D) None of the above 102. A( 0, A(1, 1)) is the same as: A) A(1, 1) B) A(0, A(1, 0)) C) A(1, 2) D) None of the above 103. Which of the following divides 1442+1692+144169? A) 157 B) 467 C) 149 D) None of these 104. Let A and B be two solid spheres such that the surface area of B is 300% higher than the surface area of A. The volume of A is found to be k% lower than the volume of B. The value of k must be? A) 52.5 per cent B) 87 per cent C) 92.5 per cent D) None of these 105. When the curves y = log10x and y = x1 are drawn in the xy plane, how many times do they intersect for ? values A) 0 B) 1 C) 2 D) None of these 106. At the end of year 1998, Shepard bought nine dozen goats. Henceforth, every year he added p% of the goats at the beginning of the year and sold q% of the goats at the end of the year where p>0 and q>0. If Shepard had nine dozen goats at the end of year 2002, after making the sales for that year, which of the following is true? A) p<q B) p>q C) p>2q D) Data insufficient 107. The function f(x)=|x2|+|2.5x|+|3.6x|, where x is a real number, attains a minimum at A) x=1 B) x=2.5 C) x=3 D) None of these 108. How many even integers n, where, are divisible neither by seven nor by nine? A) 38 B) 39 C) 40 D) 41 109. Twenty-seven persons attend a party. Which one of the following statements can never be true? A) There is a person in the party who is acquainted with all the twenty-six others. B) Each person in the party has a different number of acquaintances. C) There is a person in the party who has an odd number of acquaintances. D) In the party, there is no set of three mutual acquaintances. 110. A vertical tower OP stands at the center O of a square ABCD. Let h and b denote the length OP and AB then the relationship respectively. Suppose between h and b can be expressed as A) 2b2 = h2 B) 2h2 = b2 C) 3b2 = 2h2 D) 3h2 = 2b2 111. In the figure below, AB is the chord of a circle with center O. AB is extended to C such that BC = OB. The straight line CO is produced to meet the circle at D. If = y degrees and = x degrees such that x = ky, then the value of k is A) 2 B) 12 C) 3 D) 3/2 33 Civil Services
112. In the triangle ABC, AB = 6, BC = 8 and AC = 10. A perpendicular dropped from B, meets the side AC at D. A circle of radius BD (with center B) is drawn. If the circle cuts AB and BC at P and Q respectively, the AP:QC is equal to A) 2/8 B) 2/9 C) 3/5 D) 3/8 113. Three circles A, B and C have a common centre O. A is the inner circle, B middle circle and C is outer circle. The radius of the outer circle C, OP cuts the inner circle at X and middle circle at Y such that OX = XY = YP. The ratio of the area of the region between the inner and middle circles to the area of the region between the middle and outer circle is: A) 2/5 B) 2/10 C) 3/5 D) 3/10 114. How many numbers between 1 to 1000 (both excluded) are both squares and cubes? A) 20 B) 0 C) 1 D) 5 115. If P(E)=0.7 and P(F)=0.3; E and F are independents events. Find the value of P(E or F)? A) 0 B) 1 C) 0.3 D) None of the above 116. What is the probability that when a pair of six-sided dice are thrown, the sum of the numbers equals 5? A) 2/9 B) 1/2 C) 1/9 D) 1/3 117. If there are 30 red and blue marbles in a jar, and the ratio of red to blue marbles is 2:3, what is the probability that, drawing twice, you will select two red marbles if you return the marbles after each draw? A) 2/25 B) 2/50 C) 4/25 D) 5/25 118. What is the probability that a card from a deck will be either an ace or a king? A) 12/13 B) 2/13 C) 1/13 D) None of the above 119. What is the probability that the total of two dice will be greater than 8 given that the first die is a 6? E) 2/3 F) 1/2 G) 1/3 H) None of the above 120. A college has 10 basketball players. A 5-member team and a captain will be selected out of these 10 players. How many different selections can be made? A) 2260 B) 1260 C) 1450 D) 1660 121. A man bets on number 16 on a roulette wheel 14 times and losses each time. On the 15th span he does a quick calculation and finds out that the number 12 had appeared twice in the 14 spans and is therefore, unable to decide whether to bet on 16 or 12 in the 15th span. Which will give him the best chance of winning on the bet that he takes? (Roulette has numbers 1 to 36) FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
A) 12 B) 16 C) Data insufficient D) Data sufficient but none of the above 122. There is a safe with a 5 digit number as the key. The 4th digit is 4 greater than the second digit, while the 3rd digit is 3 less than the 2nd digit. The 1st digit is thrice the last digit. There are 3 pairs whose sum is 11. Find the number. A) 65292 B) 65293 C) 65294 D) 65291 123. Consider a number 235, where last digit is the sum of first two digits i.e. 2 + 3 = 5. How many such 3-digit numbers are there? A) 42 B) 45 C) 40 D) 55 124. Two identical pack of cards A and B are shuffled throughly. One card is picked from A and shuffled with B. The top card from pack A is turned up. If this is the Queen of Hearts, what are the chances that the top card in B will be the King of Hearts? A) 0.0192378 B) 0.0382378 C) 0.0232338 D) None of the above 125. There are 3 ants at 3 corners of a triangle; they randomly start moving towards another corner. What is the probability that they dont collide? A) 2/4 B) 2/8 C) 1/8 D) 2/16 126. What is the four-digit number in which the first digit is 1/3 of the second, the third is the sum of the first and second, and the last is three times the second? A) 1350 B) 1349 C) 1351 D) 1355 127. If you were to dial any 7 digits on a telephone in random order, what is the probability that you will dial your own phone number? (Assume that your telephone number is 7-digits) A) 1 in 10,000,000 B) 10 in 10,000,000 C) 7 in 10,000,000 D) None of the above 128. 3 blocks are chosen randomly on a chessboard. What is the probability that they are in the same diagonal? A) 0.002688 B) 0.00002688 C) 0.2688 D) None of the above 129. What are the chances that at least two out of a group of fifty people share the same birthday? A) 50% B) 99% C) 200/655 % D) 97% 130. A tank can be filled by pipe A in 30 minutes and by pipe B in 24 minutes. Outlet pipe C can empty the full tank in X minutes. If the tank is empty initially and if all the three pipes A, B and C are opened simultaneously, the tank will NEVER be full. Give the maximal possible value of X. A) 11 hr 20 min B) 13 hr 20 min C) 13 hr D) None of the above 131. What is the remainder left after dividing 1! + 2! + 3! + + 100! By 7? A) 1 B) 2 C) 3 D) 5 132. 12 members were present at a board meeting. Each 34 Civil Services
member shook hands with all of the other members before & after the meeting. How many hand shakes were there? A) 132 B) 61 C) 134 D) 62 133. If you look at a clock and the time is 3:15.What is the angle between the hour and the minute hands? A) 0 deg B) 7.5 deg C) 8.1 deg D) 12.5 deg 134. A cube is made of a white material, but the exterior is painted black. If the cube is cut into 125 smaller cubes of exactly the same size, how many of the cubes will have atleast 2 of their sides painted black? A) 40 B) 22 C) 44 D) 11 135. There is a grid of 20 squares by 10 squares. How many different rectangles are possible? A) 11500 B) 11550 C) 15550 D) 55550
SECTION-C: Critical Reasoning

Directions for Q136 to Q138: FACTS: deal with pieces of information that one has heard, seen or read, and which are open to discovery or verification. INFERENCES: are conclusions drawn about the unknown, on the basis of the known. JUDGEMENTS: are opinions that imply approval or disapproval of persons, objects, situations, and occurrences in the past, the present or the future. 136. I. According to all statistical indications, the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan has managed to keep pace with its ambitious goals. II. The legislature is advocating vigorously against intrusion of judiciary in parliamentary affairs. III. It is estimated that that 30% of Indians live below poverty line. IV. The economies of the industrialized western world derive 20% of their income from the sale of all kinds of arms. A) IIFJ B) IFJF C) FFJF D) FIFF 137. I. Economies of underdeveloped countries depend heavily on loads doled out by IMF. II. IMF attaches innumerable conditions to the loans it lends. III. Thus, IMF has replaced small money lenders by becoming a giant money lender. IV. Domestic compulsions must be forcing the underdeveloped countries to approach IMF for loans. A) JJFJ B) JFII C) FIJJ D) FFJI 138. I. Every mother has only the best interests of her children at her heart. II. Because we had three wars with our neighboring country, we should keep our armed forced ready for the fourth one. III. The footprint warned Robinson Crusoe that there was FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
someone else on the island. A) JJI B) IJI C) FJF D) JII Answer Q139 to Q143 independently; 139. The increased concentration of salt in the bay, which is the result of recent drought and high temperatures, will cause many fish to die. Shrimp, however, can tolerate high salt levels; the shrimp industry will not, therefore, be hurt by the increased concentration of salt. Which of the following statements, if true, would weaken the argument above? A) Some fish will migrate to areas that have lower concentrations of salt. B) Lack of rainfall for extended periods of time lowers the water level of bays. C) The organisms on which young shrimp feed cannot survive in such salty waters. D) Increased water temperature often causes shrimp to multiply more quickly. 140. According to recent dental research, bacteria around the gum line produces a substance that in sufficient amounts induces preterm labor in pregnant women and clogging of arteries, both of which add to payouts by health insurers to medical-service providers. In response, ABC health-insurance company has begun to provide additional dental benefits, including coverage for one additional cleaning by a professional hygienist or dentist each year, to pregnant women and to people proven to be at high risk of developing heart disease. The insurance companys response described above would be most likely to minimize the companys payouts to medical-service providers if which of the following were also true? A) Accumulation of the substance that induces preterm labor can be prevented by daily use of certain inexpensive mouthwashes. B) It often takes at least a year for the substance that induces clogging of the arteries to accumulate to a dangerous level. C) The daily dental-hygiene habits of pregnant women and heart-disease patients, as a group, are similar to those of the general population. D) The risk of developing heart disease is greater for individuals with a family history of heart disease than for those with no such history. 141. People tend to estimate the likelihood of an events occurrence according to its salience; that is, according to how strongly and how often it comes to their attention. By placement and headlines, newspapers emphasize stories about local crime over stories about crime elsewhere and about many other major events. It can be concluded on the basis of the statements above that, if they are true, which of the following is most probably also true? A) The language used in newspaper headlines about local crime is inflammatory and fails to respect the rights of suspects. B) The coverage of international events in newspapers is neglected in favor of the coverage of local events. C) Readers of local news in newspapers tend to 35 Civil Services
overestimate the amount of crime in their own localities relative to the amount of crime in other places. D) The press is the news medium that focuses peoples attention most strongly on local crimes. 142. Banning cigarette advertisements in the mass media will not reduce the number of young people who smoke. They know that cigarettes exist and they know how to get them. They do not need the advertisements to supply that information. The above argument would be most weakened if which of the following were true? A) Seeing or hearing an advertisement for a product tends to increase peoples desire for that product. B) Banning cigarette advertisements in the mass media will cause an increase in advertisements in places where cigarettes are sold. C) Advertisements in the mass media have been an exceedingly large part of the expenditures of the tobacco companies. D) Those who oppose cigarette use have advertised against it in the mass media ever since cigarettes were found to be harmful. 143. A conservation group in the United States is trying to change the long-standing image of bats as frightening creatures. The group contends that bats are feared and persecuted solely because they are shy animals that are active only at night. Which of the following, if true, would cast the most serious doubt on the accuracy of the groups contention? A) Bats are steadily losing natural roosting places such as caves and hollow trees and are thus turning to more developed areas for roosting. B) Bats are the chief consumers of nocturnal insects and thus can help make their hunting territory more pleasant for humans. C) Bats are regarded as frightening creatures not only in the United States but also in Europe, Africa, and South America. D) Raccoons and owls are shy and active only at night; yet they are not generally feared and persecuted. Directions for Q145 and Q146: In each question below is given a statement followed by two assumptions numbered I and II. You have to consider the statement and the following assumptions and decide which of the assumptions is implicit in the statement. A) If only assumption 1 is implicit B) If only assumption 2 is implicit C) If both 1 and 2 are implicit D) If neither 1 nor 2 is implicit Directions for Q144 and Q145: 144. Statement: The integrated steel plants in India would no longer have to depend on imports for continuous casting refractory. Assumptions: 1. Continuous casting refractory are needed by India. 2. Continuous casting refractory are in demand. 145. Statement: Without reforming the entire administrative system, we cannot eradicate corruption and prejudice from the society. Assumptions: FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
1. The existence of corruption and prejudice is good. 2. There is enough flexibility to change the administrative system. Directions for Q146 and Q147: For every question a statement followed by two courses of action are given. Base on inference from the statement, answer in following manner: A) Only I follow B) Only II follows C) Either I or II follows D) Neither I nor II follows 146. Statement: Since its launching in 1881, Vayudoot has so far accumulated losses amounting to Rs 153 crore. Courses of Action: 1. Vayudoot should be directed to reduce wasteful expenditure and to increase passenger fare. 2. An amount of about Rs 300 crore should be provided to Vayudoot to make the airliner economically viable. 147. Statement: The Asian Development Bank has approved a $285 million loan to finance a project to construct coal ports by Paradip and Madras Port Trusts. Courses of Action: 1. India should use financial assistance from other international financial organisations to develop such ports in other places. 2. India should not seek such financial assistance from the international financial agencies. Directions for Q148 to Q151:The questions in this set ask you to match definitions to particular situations. For each question, you will be given a definition and four possible answer choices. Read each definition and all four choices carefully, and find the answer that provides the best example of the given definition. Answer each question solely on the basis of the definition given. 148. A Tiebreaker is an additional contest or period of play designed to establish a winner among tied contestants. Which situation below is the best example of a Tiebreaker? A) At halftime, the score is tied at 28. B) Mary and Megan have each scored three goals in the game. C) The referee tosses a coin to decide which team will have possession of the ball first. D) The Sharks and the Bears each finished with 14 points, and they are now battling it out in a five-minute overtime. 149. An Informal Gathering occurs when a group of people get together in a casual, relaxed manner. Which situation below is the best example of an Informal Gathering? A) The book club meets on the first Thursday evening of every month. B) After finding out about his promotion, Jeremy and a few coworkers decide to go out for a quick drink after work. C) Mary sends out 25 invitations for the bridal shower she is giving for her sister. D) Whenever she eats at the Mexican restaurant, Clara seems to run into Peter. 150. Reentry occurs when a person leaves his or her social system for a period of time and then returns. Which 36 Civil Services
situation below best describes Reentry? A) When he is offered a better paying position, Jacob leaves the restaurant he manages to manage a new restaurant on the other side of town. B) Catherine is spending her junior year of college studying abroad in France. C) Malcolm is readjusting to civilian life after two years of overseas military service. D) After several miserable months, Sharon decides that she can no longer share an apartment with her roommate Hilary. 151. A Guarantee is a promise or assurance that attests to the quality of a product that is either (1) given in writing by the manufacturer or (2) given verbally by the person selling the product. Which situation below is the best example of a Guarantee? A) Melissa purchases a DVD player with the highest consumer ratings in its category. B) The salesperson advises Curt to be sure that he buys an air conditioner with a guarantee. C) The local auto body shop specializes in refurbishing and selling used cars. D) Lori buys a used digital camera from her coworker who says that she will refund Loris money if the cameras performance is not of the highest quality. Directions for Q152 to Q154: Some groups want to outlaw burning the flag. They say that people have fought and died for the flag and that citizens of the United States ought to respect that. But I say that respect cannot be legislated. Also, most citizens who have served in the military did not fight for the flag, they fought for what the flag represents. Among the things the flag represents is freedom of speech, which includes, I believe, the right for a citizen to express displeasure with the government by burning the flag in protest. 152. Which of the following best expresses the main point of the passage? A) Only veterans care about the flag-burning issue. B) Flag burning almost never happens, so outlawing it is a waste of time. C) Flag burning will be a very important issue in the next election. D) To outlaw flag burning is to outlaw what the flag represents. 153. Which of the following, if true, would weaken the speakers argument? A) An action is not considered a part of freedom of speech. B) People who burn the flag usually commit other crimes as well. C) The flag was not recognized by the government until 1812. D) State flags are almost never burned. 154. Which of the following is similar to the argument made by the speaker? A) The rich should not be allowed to buy politicians, so the Congress should enact campaign finance reform. B) The idea of freedom of religion also means the right not to participate in religion, so mandated school prayer violates freedom of religion. C) The Constitution guarantees freedom to own property, so taxes should be illegal. FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
D) Convicted felons should not have their convictions overturned on a technicality.
SECTION-D: Fill in the blanks & sentence correction

Directions for Question No. 155-164: The following question tests the correctness and effectiveness of expression of the candidates. The following questions present a sentence, part of which is underlined. The candidates are given four options to correctly choose the answerers to the underlined portion. Choose the answer that produces the most effective sentence and eliminate the grammatical error. 155. The UPSC this year promised to attract an even greater amount of candidates to appear in the Civil Services Exam of 2011. A) An even larger amount of candidates B) An amount of candidates even greater C) A number of candidates even larger D) An even greater number of candidates 156. The publics widespread belief in the existence of the UFOs and their general curiosity about extraterrestrial life has generated considerable interest in science fiction. A) UFOs and they are generally curious about extraterrestrial life which has. B) UFOs as well as their general curiosity about extraterrestrial life, have C) UFOs as well as its general curiosity about extraterrestrial life, has D) UFOs as well as general curiosity about extraterrestrial life, have 157. Many of the unemployed currently enrolled with MNREGA hope for the exchanging of their unemployment for new careers that are challenging. A) For exchanging unemployment for new careers that will challenge them B) To exchange their unemployment with new careers that will be new and challenging C) To exchange their unemployment for new and challenging careers D) To exchange their unemployment and find careers that will be new and challenging 158. Having recently published a series of science fiction books influenced by Sufism, Doris Lessing will likely be remembered best for her early novels about Africa. A) She has recently published a series of science fiction books influenced by Sufism, and Doris Lessing should likely B) Although She has recently published a series of science fiction books influenced by Sufism, Doris Lessing is likely to C) In spite of recently publishing a series of science fiction books influenced by Sufism, Doris Lessing should likely D) The above Statement is errorless 159. To control student unease over the impending economic collapse, the government in the United Kingdom ordered local official should censor records of what were their communities unemployment figures. A) Would do the censorship of records of their 37 Civil Services
communities unemployment figures B) Censoring records of unemployment figures in their communities C) The censoring of a record of unemployment figures in their communities D) To censor records of unemployment figures in their communities 160. Many IAS probationers find the first year of probation quite challenging and are unable to balance responsibilities such as attending class, reading assignments, and to write papers with the wide and sometimes bewildering array of new social opportunities. A) Reading assignments and writing B) To read assignments, and write C) To read assignments, and to write D) To read assignments, writing 161. Nigeria not only has one of the worlds largest populations, with over 72 million people, but also has one of the worlds fastest-growing populations, with an annual growth rate of 3.5%. A) Not only has one of the worlds largest populations, with over 72 million people, it also has B) Not only has one of the worlds largest populations, with over 72 million people, but moreover it is C) Has one of the worlds largest populations, with over 72 million people but also has D) The sentence is errorless and is correct it itself 162. Of ONGC and NTPC, a higher percentage of revenues are spent on insurance by the former than the latter spends on employee salaries. A) ONGC spends a larger percentage of its revenues on insurance than NTPC does on employee salaries. B) A larger percentage of ONGCs revenue is spent on insurance than NTPC spends on employee salaries. C) In ONGC they spend a larger percentage of revenues on insurance than NTPC does on employee salaries. D) In ONGC, a larger percentage of the revenues are spent on insurance than is spent on employee salaries in NTPC. 163. It was decided by the Indian Meteorological Department to purchase a forecasting system that combines 50 computers linked together with each other to form the worlds 6th largest supercomputer. A) A forecasting system that combines 50 computers linked together with each other to form the worlds 6th largest supercomputer was selected to be purchased by the Indian Meteorological Department B) It was decided by the Indian Meteorological Department to purchase a forecasting system that links 50 computers together to form the worlds 6th largest supercomputer C) The Indian Meteorological Department decided to purchase a forecasting system that links 50 computers together to form the worlds 6th largest supercomputer. D) The Indian Meteorological Department decided to purchase a forecasting system that combines 50 computers linked together with each other to from the worlds 6th largest supercomputer. 164. Scientist at Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore have found that the human body can use protein derived from whey more efficiently than it can use protein from FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
other sources such as soy, egg or drinking milk. A) Protein from other sources like soy, eggs or drinking milk B) Protein from other sources such as soy, eggs or milk C) Protein which it has derived from other sources such as soy, eggs or drinking milk D) Its protein from other sources such as soy, egg or milk
SECTION-E: Reading Comprehensions

Directions: The Questions in this section are based on the contents of the passages. After reading the passages, the candidates should choose the best answer to each question. Questions 165-171 are based on the following passage: PASSAGE -1 The rich analyses of Fernand Braudel and his fellow Annales historians have made significant contributions to historical research. In a departure from traditional historical approaches, the Annales historians assume (as do Marxist) that history cannot be limited to a simple recounting of conscious human actions, but must be understood in the context of forces and material conditions that underline human behavior. Braudel was the first Annales historian to gain widespread support for the idea that history should synthesize data from various social sciences, especially economics, in order to provide a broader view of human societies over time(although Febvre and Bloch, founders of the Annales school, had originated this approach). Braude conceived of history as the dynamic interaction of 3 temporalities. The first of these, the even ementielle, involved short-lived dramatic events, such as battles, revolutions, and the actions of great men, which had preoccupied traditional historians like Carlyle. Conjunctures was Braudels term for larger, cyclical processes that might last up to half a century. The longue duree, a historical wave of great length, was for Braudel the most fascinating of the 3 temporalities. Here he focused on those aspects of everyday life that might remain relatively unchanged for centuries. What people ate, what they wore, their means and routes of travel for Braudel these things create structures that define the limits of potential social change for hundreds of years of a time. Braudels concept of the longue duree extended the perspective of historical space as well as time. Until the Annales school, historians has taken the juridical political unit-the nation-state, duchy or whatever-as their starting point. Yet, when such enormous time spans are considered, geographical features may well have more significance for human populations than national borders. In his doctoral thesis, a seminal work on the Mediterranean during the reign of Philip II, Braudel treated the geohistory of the entire region as a structure that had exerted myriad influences on human life ways since the first settlements on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. And so the reader is given such arcane information as the list of products that came to Spanish shore from North Africa, the seasonal routes followed by Mediterranean sheep and their shepherds, and the cities where the best ship timber could be bought. Braudel has been faulted for the 38 Civil Services
imprecision of his approach. With his Rabelasian delight in concrete detail, Braudel vastly extended the realm of relevant phenomena, but this very achievement made it difficult to delimit the boundaries of observation, a task necessary to beginning any social investigation. Further, Braudel and other Annales historians minimize the differences among the social sciences. Nevertheless, the many similarly designed studies aimed at both professional and popular audiences indicate that Braudel asked significant question which traditional historians had overlooked. 165. The primary purpose of the passage is to A) Show how Braudels work changed the conception of Mediterranean life held by previous historians B) Evaluate Braudels criticism of traditional and Marxist histography C) Illustrate the relevance of Braudels concepts to other social sciences D) Outline some of Braudels influential conceptions and distinguish them from conventional approaches 166. The author refers to the work of Febvre and Bloch in order to A) Illustrate the limitations of the Annales tradition of historical investigation B) Suggest the relevance of economics to historical investigation C) Debate the need for combining various sociological approaches D) Show that previous Annales historian anticipated Braudels focus on economics 167. According to the passage, all of the following are aspects of Braudels approach to history except that he A) Attempted to unify various social sciences B) Studies social and economic activities that occurred across national boundaries C) Pointed out the link between increased economic activity and the rise of nationalism D) Examined seemingly unexciting aspects of everyday life 168. The passage suggests that, compared to traditional historians, Annales historians are A) More interested in other social sciences than in history B) More critical of the achievements of famous historical figures C) More skeptical of the validity of most economic research D) More interested in the underlying context of human behavior provided by social structure 169. The author is critical of Braudels perspective for which of the following reasons? A) It seeks structures that underlie all forms of social activity B) It assumes a greater similarity among the social sciences than actually exists C) It fails to consider the relationship between short-term events and long-term social activity D) It clearly defines boundaries for social analysis 170. The passage implies that Braudel would consider which of the following as exemplifying the longue duree? (i) The prominence of certain crops in the diet of a region FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
(ii) The annexation of a province by the victor in a war (iii) A reduction in the population of an area following a disease epidemic A) i only B) iii only C) i and ii only D) ii and iii only 171. Which of the following statements is most in keeping with the principles of Braudels work as described in the passage? A) All written history is the history of social elites. B) The most important task of historians is to define the limits of potential social change C) Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it D) Peoples historical actions are influenced by many factors that they may be unaware of Questions 172-175 are based on the following passage: PASSAGE-2 The years following the Civil War in Brail brought many changes to the Southern states, promoting a large emigration of US citizens-9000 to 40000 people- primarily from the South. In one particular case, this migration of Southerners, many from Alabama and Texas, resulted from direct invitation. Emperor Pedro II of Brazil, in an effort to expand his country, appealed for colonist from the US South. Dom Pedro II recognized the value these Southerners could have for Brazil in the form of agricultural and educational knowledge. He advertised for citizens from all over the South and even from some of the Northern states to immigrate to Brazil. Because they recognized an opportunity to rebuild their lives without yielding their Southern heritage to Northern improvements after the war, many Southerners accepted Dom Pedros offer. After founding Vila Americana, one of the most important of the American colonies in Brazil, the Southern immigrants did not remain in isolation. They interacted with and even married local Brazilians and other new colonists. While becoming integrated into the existing society, these colonists maintained their distinctive American culture. American industrial technology allowed the colonists to improve farming implements, such as ploughs, rakes, harrows and hoes, for their fellow Brazilians. Housing also improved with the introduction of chimneys and gutters. The colonists emphasis on education and industrial skills contributed to Brazils success in business, many of the countrys public transportation systems were built or run by Americanfounded companies. Today, Vila Americana, maintaining this original level of excellence, has the highest education and income levels per capita of any city in Brazil. 172. The primary purpose of the passage is to A) Analyze the source of the change in the lives of Southerners after the civil war B) Discuss the emigration of US Southerners to Brazil after the Civil War and their benefits to their new country C) Describe how the aftermath of the Civil War changed the lives of all the citizens of the Southern US D) Demonstrate how Brazil adopted the heritage of the Southern US and attracted Southerners wanting to revive 39 Civil Services
the antebellum South 173. Which of the following does the author suggest about the importance of the emigration of Southerners to Brazil? A) Without the Southern presence, Brail would never have been settled B) The Southerners sole purpose in immigrating was to introduce new inventions to the Brazilians C) If the Southerners had not emigrated, they would have gone to prison for war crimes D) The Southerners arrival had a great impact on the development of education and agriculture in Brazil 174. According to the passage, all of the following statements are correct, EXCEPT A) The Southerners brought their heritage and innovative ideas with them to Brazil B) Many Southerners were looking for a new beginning after the Civil War, independent of Northern interference C) The Influence of the Southerners had a great and lasting effect on Brazil D) The Southerners fled to Brazil to escape US government policies on farming and education 175. The author states that Southerners moved to Brazil because they recognized an opportunity to rebuild their lives without yielding their Southern heritage to Northern improvements after the war in order to. A) Explain how fears about losing their traditional culture made Southerners prefer emigration to rebuilding their lives in the US B) Describe the process by which immigrants from Southern US states replaced native Brazilian culture with their own heritage C) Suggest Dom Pedro IIs advertising campaign to tempt Southerners to uproot their lives and move to Brazil. D) Illustrate the preference native Brazilians had for the heritage of the Southern US over the improvements Northerners might provide Questions 176-179 are based on the following passage: PASSAGE-3 One of the first attempts to peer into the living human brain was carried out by a neurosurgeon named Wilder Penfield in the 1950s. Penfield opened the skulls of conscious epileptic patients under local anesthesia, and induced a mild electric current into their brains in an attempt to pinpoint the source of seizure activity and then removed that piece of tissue. What he found was even more remarkable than what he initially set out to do. By stimulating different points on the lower parts of the brain (the temporal lobes), he elicited distinct and vivid memories in his patients. These memories were more precise than usual memories, and incorporated different modalities such as visual and auditory sense impressions. Penfields patients reported different types of memories (a moment from childhood, a recollection of a tune). When the same location in the temporal lobe was stimulated again the same memory reappeared. Could it be that a physical map of memories exists within our brains? One might mistakenly conclude from Penfields experiment that particular memories are stored in specific FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
sites in the brain such that the memory of ones grandmother is stored in one area and the memory of what one had for dinner is stored in a unitary superstructure, is also inaccurate. Although it is true that the temporal lobes play a critical role in memory process, evidence from brain imaging studies strongly indicates that memory is divided among a range of distinct but interacting neural systems, each contributing to a unique feature of memory. One system may be involved to a large extent in encoding or retrieval, while another may deal with the process of consolidating memory. One specific structure is more active in emotional memory, while others are employed in working memory,, semantic multiple memory systems are constantly sharing information and modulating one another. 176. The most suitable title of this passage would be A) The life and work of Neurosurgeon Wilder Penfield B) The Physical Organization of Memory in the Human Brain C) The Cognitive Functions of the Temporal Lobes D) Historical Progress in the Search for an Epilepsy Cure 177. Which of the following is mentioned in Passage with regard to the neural systems of memory? A) A specific brain structure cannot be involved in more than one aspect of memory B) The same neural system is primarily involved in both emotional memory and semantic memory C) The lower parts of the brain play a critical role in memory processes D) There is a specific brain region that stores the memory of last nights dinner 178. When the author talks about a unitary superstructure he is referring to A) The brain as a whole B) A theory of memory organization preferred by most scientists C) The cortex of the brain D) A specific brain region in which all memories are stored 179. All of the following are mentioned in the passage as part of the surgical procedure Penfield performed on his patients EXCEPT A) Penfield stimulated different points in his patients temporal lobes B) Penfields epileptic patients were not totally anesthetized during the surgery C) The patients brains were given small electric shockduring surgery D) Penfield removed the pieces of tissue responsible for inducing seizures in his patients PASSAGE-4 Questions 180-185 are based on the following passage: The study of the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome(SARS) between the late fall 2002 and the summer of 2003 is a fascinating look into how exponentially fast contagious viruses can spread throughout the worlds population if unchecked. Before the virus was officially contained, there were a reported 8442 confirmed cases of SARS, of which 916 were fatal- a mortality rate of roughly 10%. Of all the SARS-related 40 Civil Services
deaths, however age seems to play the most important factor: almost 50% of the SARA fatalities were over 65 years old. SARS is a very viral infection of the respiratory system caused by a corona virus known as SARSassociated corona virus (SARS-CoV). Corona viruses are also believed to be the root of almost all the common colds found in humans. SARS is spread through close contact with an infected person; its possible to contact SARS by simply talking in close proximity to an infected person, touching them, or touching a surface contaminated with the respiratory droplets propelled by a sneeze or a cough. Following exposure to SARS-CoV, it usually takes between 2 to 10 days for symptoms to arise. The first symptoms are comparable to coming down with the flu. One may suffer from fever, headache, muscle pains, shortness of breath, sore throat, and a dry cough. Many SARS patients eventually develop pneumonia. Off all these symptoms, though, the only one that is universal among all confirmed SARS patient s is a very high fever, usually well over 100 degrees F. The first recorded case of SARS occurred in November 2002 in Foshan City in Chinas southern province of Guangdong. Analysis conducted by the WHO has revealed several groups of outbreaks in different areas of Guangdong during this time period, yet curiously, no links have been uncovered among those first initial human cases, and they seem to have occurred independently of each other. However, scientists have discovered the SARS virus in three different animals that were being sold in the live markets of Guangdong at the time; each considered a delicacy in China. SARS seems to have been spread outside the province by a Chinese doctor who treated Guangdong SARS patients and unknowingly became infected himself. The doctor went to Hong Kong to attend a wedding, where he stayed on the 9th floor of the Metrople Hotel. At the Metrople, he somehow transmitted SARS to 16 other hotel guests; all who stayed don the ninth floor. Those infected guests were the original seed that spread the virus to almost 30 countries, with the largest number of cases found in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Canada. Of those original 16 guests was a Chinese-American businessman who transmitted the virus to 20 hospital workers in Singapore. He was then transferred to a Honk Kong hospital where he died, but his suspicious illness and death sparked an investigation by the WHI into SARS that brought the virus to the Worlds attention. After the virus was recognized as a threat to led by the WHO to contain the disease quickly stopped SARS in its tracks. The WHO declared that the virus was officially contained on July 5, 2003. Though the spread of the virus has been thwarted, it still remains one of the most potentially dangerous viruses in the world. Accordingly, global health authorities are constantly on alert for another possible outbreak. 180. Based on information from the above passage, approximately how many people over the age of 65 fatally contracted the SARS virus? A) 8400 B) 4500 C) 900 D) 450 181. The discussion in the passage about how SARS is spread through close contact serves which of the following FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
functions within the passage? A) It illustrates the need for hospital staff to be well protected against possible infection when dealing with SARS cases B) It lists the different possible close contact scenarios C) It demonstrates how easily the virus is spread from person to person D) It offers a comparison of SARS to the common cold 182. It can be inferred from the passage A) The first SARS case may have occurred by eating infected meat B) Doctors are very close to discovering a SARS vaccine C) The Chinese doctor purposely spread the SARS virus D) SARS no longer poses a threat to the global population 183. Accordingly to the passage, all of the following are true of the Chinese-American businessman EXCEPT that: A) He was a guest on the ninth floor of the Metropole Hotel B) He died in a hospital in Singapore C) His death sparked a WHO investigation into SARS D) Before he died, he had a very high fever 184. The passage provides support for which of the following statements? A) The risk of dying from SARS decreases with age B) It is impossible to track the origin of an outbreak C) Males are more susceptible to the SARS virus than females D) Health care professionals need to be especially worry of possible SARS infection 185. Which of the following provides the most appropriate title for the passage? A) Serial Killer: The anatomy of the 2003 SARS outbreak B) SARS: An Animal-human Link? C) The Global Impact of the SARS virus D) Conquering the SARS PASSAGE-5 Questions 186-191 are based on the following passage:At last count in the year 2004, it was estimated that there were over 800 million mobile phones users worldwide, almost one-eighth of the global population. Underscoring this dramatic number is a growing suspicion that the radiation emitted by these mobile phones may be dangerous to the humans. There is no doubt that the body absorbs varying levels of radiations emitted by the cell phones but the question is, do these levels pose a health risk? Mobile phones employ radio waves, more especially, Radio Frequency (RF) energy, to wirelessly transmit voice data and other information between handsets and base stations. The FDA and FCC, share the responsibility of making sure that every cell phone sold in the US complies with certain safety guidelines that limit a persons exposure to RF energy. The amount of RF energy absorbed by a human body when in contact with the cell phone is measured by a unit known as the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). A phone deemed safe by the FCC must not have a SAR level higher than 1.6 watts per kilogram. Deeming a phone safe however is misleading. The FDA states that though there are no hard evidences of adverse health effects of cell phone use on the general public, 41 Civil Services
they urge further research into the subject. This statement is vague at best, and rather than answering our question, it brings up a number of others. This vague stance by the FDA and FCC derives from the fact that most of the research findings on the possible negative impact of cell phone radiation have been controversial. An example of this was a study conducted on rats it 1995 at the University of Washington in Seattle by a research team headed by Henry Lai. Lais team concluded that the exposure of the rats to RF energy within the FCC cell phone SAR limits results in DNA breaks in the rats brain cells. Such breaks could be linked to cancer and brain tumors. With good reason, these finding garnered much media attention but they could never be clinically replicated, which cast serious doubt on them. It is worth nothing, however that one of studies that tried to confirm Lais finding was conducted by a group founded by Motorola. The use of cell phones has only recently become widespread. Regardless of what research may indicate, time will give the true answer as to whether indeed cell phones are dangerous. Lets hope unlike the smoking of cigarettes 50 years ago, the outcome does not reach us too late. 186. The authors primary purpose in the passage is to. A) Dispel rumors about the negative side effects of cell phone use B) Describe how cell phones transmit voice data and other information C) Discuss her personal views on the subject of cell phone radiation D) Address the question of whether or not cell phone use is unhealthy 187. It can be inferred from the passage that a phone demands safe by the FCC would actually be better described as A) Probably safe B) Possibly safe C) Extremely dangerous D) Completely safe 188. According to the passage which of the following is true? A) Cell phone batteries utilize the power of RF energy B) Henry Lai concluded that the exposure of rats to RF energy could be linked to cancer and brain tumors in rats C) The FDA and FCC believe that the further cell phone research is unnecessary D) Smaller cell phones have higher SAR ratings 189. According to the information from the passage it can be inferred that which of the flowing devices also emit RF energy? A) A standard wall phone B) A TV broadcast tower C) A Radio speaker D) Internet Router 190. The author most probably notes that the one of the studies that tried to confirm Lais findings were conducted by a group founded by Motorola to suggest A) A possible bias on the part of the confirmation group B) Cell phone manufacturers are actually trying to sabotage radiation research C) The Motorola is looking for alternatives to RF energy FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
D) Lais research team lied about their findings 191. The author draws a comparison between cigarettes and cell phones in the final sentence of the passage in order to.. A) Illustrate a historical precedent B) Display here dislike for both C) Make a point about social etiquettes D) Exaggerate the issue to help her illustrate a point PASSAGE-6 Questions 192-197 are based on the following passage: In many underdeveloped countries, the state plays an important and increasingly varied role in economic development today. There are four general arguments, all of them related for state participation in economic development. First, the entrance requirements in terms of financial capital and capital equipment are very large in certain industries such as steel production, automobiles, and electronics, part of the textile industry. In addition, there are what Myint call technical indivisibilities in social overhead capital. Public utilities, transport, and communication facilities must be in place before industrial development can occur, and they do not lend themselves to small -scale improvements. A related argument centers on the demands of the economy. This economy is seemed as fragmented, disconnected and incapable of using inputs from other part of the economy. Consequently, economic activity in one part of the economy does not generate the dynamism in other sectors that is expected in more cohesive economy. Industrialization necessarily involves many different sectors, economic enterprises will thrive best in an environment in which they draw on inputs from related economic sectors and in turn release their own goods for industrial utilization within their own economies. A third argument concerns the low level equilibrium trap in which less developed nations find themselves. At subsistence levels, societies consume exactly what they produce. There is no remaining surplus for reinvestment. As per capita income rises however, the additional income will not be used for savings and investments. Instead, it will have the effect of increasing the population that will eat up the surplus and force the society to its former subsistence position. Fortunately, after a certain point, the rate of population growth will intersect with the eventually out stripped population growth. The private sector will not be able to provide the one short large dose of capital to push economic growth beyond those levels where population increase eat up by the incremental advances. The final argument concerns the relationship between delayed development and the state. Countries wishing to industrialize today have more competitors, and these competitors occupy a more differentiated industrial terrain than previously. This means that the available niches in the international system are more limited. For todays industrializes, the process for industrialization cannot be a haphazard affair nor can the pace, content, and direction be left solely to market forces. Part of the reason for a strong state presence then, relates specifically to the competitive to the international 42 Civil Services
environment in which modern nations and firms must operate. 192. According to the passage, all of the following are the arguments for the state economic intervention EXCEPT A) The start-up costs of the initial investment are beyond the capacities of many private investors B) Public amenities are required to facilitate a favorable business environment C) The pace and process of industrialization are too important to be left solely to market trends D) The livelihoods and security of workers should not be subject to the variability of industrial trends 193. Which of the following states the central point of the passage? A) Without state intervention, many less developed countries will not be able to carry out the interrelated tasks for achieving industrialization B) Less developed countries are trapped in an inescapable cycle of low production and demand C) Underdeveloped nations face a crisis of over population and a lack of effective demand that cannot be overcome without outside assistance D) State economic planning can ensure the rapid development of non-industrialized countries natural resources 194. The author suggests of all the following as appropriate role for the state in economic development EXCEPT? A) Safeguarding against the domination of local markets by a single source of capital B) Financing industries with large capital requirements C) Helping to coordinate demand among different economic sectors D) Developing communication and transportation facilities to service industry 195. The author suggests which of the following about the technical indivisibility in social overhead capital and the low level equilibrium trap? A) The first leads to rapid technological progress, the second creates the demand for technologically sophisticated products B) Both enhance the developmental effects of private sector investments C) The firs is a barrier to private investments, the second can attract it D) The first can prevent development from occurring, the second can negate its effects 196. Which of the following, is true, would cast doubt on the authors argument that state participation is important in launching large scale industries? (i) Coordination of demand among different economic sectors requires a state planning agencies (ii) Association of private sectors investors can raise large amount of capital by pooling their resources (iii) Transportation and communication facilities can be built up through a series of small scale improvements A) i only B) ii only C) i and ii only FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
D) ii and iii only 197. According to the passage, the low level equilibrium trap in under developed nations results from? A) The tendency for societies to produce more than they can use B) Intervention of the state in economic development C) The inability of the market forces to over the effects of population growth D) The fragmented and disconnected nature of the demand side of the economy.
SECTION-F: Sentence Completion

Directions for question no. 198-214: Complete the following incomplete sentences by choosing the correct option. 198. In a survey of job applicants, two-fifths admitted to being at least a little dishonest. However, the survey may underestimate the proportion of job applicants who are dishonest, because____. A) some dishonest people taking the survey might have claimed on the survey to be honest B) some generally honest people taking the survey might have claimed on the survey to be dishonest C) some people who claimed on the survey to be at least a little dishonest may be very dishonest D) some people who claimed on the survey to be dishonest may have been answering honestly E) some people who are not job applicants are probably at least a little dishonest 199. Established companies concentrate on defending what they already have. Consequently, they tend not to be innovative themselves and tend to underestimate the effects of the innovations of others. The clearest example of this defensive strategy is the fact that___. A) ballpoint pens and soft-tip markers have eliminated the traditional market for fountain pens, clearing the way for the marketing of fountain pens as luxury or prestige items B) a highly successful automobile was introduced by the same company that had earlier introduced a model that had been a dismal failure C) a once-successful manufacturer of slide rules reacted to the introduction of electronic calculators by trying to make better slide rules D) one of the first models of modern accounting machines, designed for use in the banking industry, was purchased by a public library as well as by banks E) the inventor of a commonly used anesthetic did not intend the product to be used by dentists, who currently account for almost the entire market for that drug. 200. At a recent conference on environmental threats to the North Sea, most participating countries favored uniform controls on the quality of effluents, whether or not specific environmental damage could be attributed to a particular source of effluent. What must, of course, be shown, in order to avoid excessively restrictive controls, is that ___________. A) any uniform controls that are adopted are likely to be implemented without delay any substance to be made subject to controls can actually cause environmental 43 Civil Services
damage B) the countries favoring uniform controls are those generating the largest quantities of effluents C) all of any given pollutant that is to be controlled actually reaches the North Sea at present D) environmental damage already inflicted on the North Sea is reversible 201. The more worried investors are about losing their money, the more they will demand a high potential return on their investment; great risks must be offset by the chance of great rewards. This principle is the fundamental one in determining interest rates, and it is illustrated by the fact that. A) successful investors are distinguished by an ability to make very risky investments without worrying about their money B) lenders receive higher interest rates on unsecured loans than on loans backed by collateral C) in times of high inflation, the interest paid to depositors by banks can actually be below the rate of inflation D) at any one time, a commercial bank will have a single rate of interest that it will expect all of its individual borrowers to pay E) the potential return on investment in a new company is typically lower than the potential return on investment in a well-established company 202. To pursue their decision to resist what they saw as anti-labor acts, the employees union launched an agitation to ___________ A) affirm their responsibility to the country. B) prove their strength. C) bring down the central government. D) exhibit their virility. 203. The best general characterization of the European philosophical tradition as it has developed upto now, with all its variety, is that it consists of a ________ Plato. A) series of footnotes to B) set of prologues to C) series of chapters on d) string of commentaries on 204. The ideas that these companies used seem so clear with _________ that their rivals will now _______ themselves for not thinking of them first. A) technology, hit B) new ideas, disparage C) the passage of time, curse D) hindsight, kick 205. In our country, the challenges are to raise _______ incomes to reduce poverty, and to _____ ailing enterprises. A) farm, liberalize B) middle-class, privatize C) workers, suppress D) rural, restructure 206. Overall, the recent policy changes by the government only amount to a ______ in the sugar industry. A) superficial attempt at liberalization B) lack of solution C) large change D) small regulating authority FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
207. We consulted a specialist _________ A) so that cancer may be ruled out B) so that we wanted to rule out cancer. C) so that cancer could be ruled out D) so that we can rule out cancer 208. Could you tell us _________? A) who was given the letter to B) to whom was given the letter to C) you have given the letter to whom D) to whom you gave the letter. 209. No one denies that _______ knowledge. A) he is ambitious and aspires. B) he was ambitious and aspired for C) he is ambitious and aspires for D) he aspires after 210. ..........................., but Id guess he must be about sixty. A) My husband will phone the tour company and ask the price of the trip to Egypt B) I dont remember how much the shop assistant told us those jeans cost C) I dont know exactly how old Tims father is D) Frank weighed himself and was horrified to see he is eight kilos E) Tom may be heavier than you, but dont forget that he is also taller 211. ................................, most citizens of the sultanate actually live in poverty. A) Since the Sultan of Brunei is one of the wealthiest people in the world B) Considering that the largest concentration of urban population is in Bruneis capital c) Because Brunei earns billions of dollars a year from petroleum exports (d)When Queen Elizabeth paid an official visit to the Sultan of Brunei in early 1998 (e)Although the average income in Brunei is among the worlds highest 212. The cost of living in Alaska is extremely high, ............................ . A) as the price of petrol there is surprisingly low B) whereas Eskimos live in ice houses called igloos C) due to the fact that only about 500,000 people live there D) unless you really enjoy extremely cold weather and snow E) because nearly everything has to be imported 213. In Africa, summer starts in the middle of December, ...................................... A) however the inhabitants dont have much opportunity to take advantage of this B) while in Europe, the season begins in the middle of June C) when vast stretches of land were frequently covered in snow D) but theyre going to change this system so as to be like the rest of the world E) though the modern twelve-month calendar is of little use to them. 214. .........................., so the family of the victim were outraged 44 Civil Services
A) They won their case and the burglar had to go to jail B) The girl completely recovered from the brutal attack C) They were relieved to see the murderer locked up in prison D) The murderer was only given a two and a half year prison sentence E) The judge had given the robber a harsh punishment
SECTION-G: Paragraph Jumbles

Directions for questions 215-224: The sentences given in each question, when properly sequenced, form a coherent paragraph. Each sentence is labeled with a letter. Choose the most logical order of sentences among the given choices to construct a coherent paragraph. 215. A) Those who created the problem are now the doctors offering the prescriptions. B) Yet nothing is being done to stem the hemorrhaging. C) A little while ago, we were told everything was fine. D) Then, less than six months ago, we were told that the economy was on the mend. E) Now we are told the patient needs a massive transfusion, but everyone can see that the patient is suffering from internal bleeding; in California, the number of foreclosures may already be outpacing voluntary sales. A) BCEAD B) BAECD C) CDEBA D) CAEBD 216. A) As Sylvia Huot strikes, late medieval writers were perceptive of their changing status and strived to cast off their image as lyric entertainers for a more authorial identity. B) Much of the scholarship on this issue identifies latemedieval period as a critical moment in the development of modern concepts of authority. C) Jacqueline provides a detailed diagnosis of medieval literary references for students & medieval scholars alike. D) The color of Melancholy cites an engaging survey of the development of authorship in the late middle ages, mainly designed for students. E) Authorship is a subject that has enraptured medievalists for the last two decades. A) DECBA B) EBADC C) CDEAB D) BCDAE 217. A) As a big cat native to the icy trans-Himalayan ranges, the snow leopard is an elusive and intriguing species. B) Unciauncia is a graceful golden-eyed animal with thick fur, padded paws that help it move noiselessly on rocky slopes, and a gloriously long tail that provides balance on the tricky terrain. C) Poaching to supply markets for fur and body parts presents another challenge. D) Like the tiger, the snow leopard is a keystone carnivore species whose future is clouded by conflicts with people in this case, high-altitude pastoral communities. E) Although these peaceable folk have historically coexisted with the snow leopard in a dozen range countries, the increase in livestock numbers in recent times has resulted in depredation and retaliatory killing of the FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
animal. A) BDAEC B) BECDA C) ABDEC D) CEADB 218. A) Enter the virtual assistants who are entrepreneurial partners - highly skilled in their profession and able to have an impact on the productivity of those they work with. B) But most of the small businesses started today will reach an impasse very quickly - they will be spending so much time on administrative tasks that they can no longer concentrate on growing their business. C) On the contrary, some believe that increasing numbers of small businesses will afford administrative support experts with entrepreneurial spirit opportunities that have never before been possible. D) Traditionally, the need for assistance has left the small business owner with several bleak options, hire an expensive temp for a band-aid-style solution, and take on a great deal of expense and responsibility with a permanent employee, or-perhaps worst of all-turn away the work. E) Corporate downsizing and the move towards small, home-based businesses could appear to be bad news for the over 3 million people whose expertise lies in the administrative support arena. A) DCABE B) ECBDA C) DBACE D) CDEBA 219. A) But in the industrial era destroying the enemys productive capacity means bombing the factories which are located in the cities. B) So in the agrarian era, if you need to destroy the enemys productive capacity, what you want to do is bum his fields, or if youre really vicious, salt them. C) Now in the information era, destroying the enemys productive capacity means destroying the information infrastructure. D) How do you do battle with your enemy? E) The idea is to destroy the enemys productive capacity, and depending upon the economic foundation, that productive capacity is different in each case. F) With regard to defense, the purpose of the military is to defend the nation and be prepared to do battle with its enemy. A) FDEBAC B) FCABED C) DEBACF D) DFEBAC 220. A) In art, essentialism is the idea that certain concepts may be expressed organically in certain media. B) Each medium has its own particular strengths and weaknesses, contingent on its mode of communication. C) This idea may be further refined and it may be said that the haiku is a poor vehicle for describing a lovers affection as opposed to the more organically correct sonnet. D) Essentialism is attractive to artists because it not only delineates the role of art and media but also prescribes a method for evaluating art. delineates the role of art and media but also prescribes a method for evaluating art. E) A chase scene may be appropriate for motion pictures, 45 Civil Services
but poorly realized in poetry because the essential components of the poetic medium are ill suited to convey the information of a chase scene. A) DCEBA B) BDACE C) DABEC D) ABECD 221. A) Michael Hofman, a poet and translator, accepts this sorry fact without approval or complaint. B) But thanklessness and impossibility do not daunt him. C) He acknowledges tooin fact he returns to the point oftenthat best translators of poetry always fail at some level. D) Hofman feels passionately about his work, and this is clear from his writings. E) In terms of the gap between worth and rewards, translators come somewhere near nurses and streetcleaners. A) EACDB B) ADEBC C) EACBD D) DCEAB 222. A) The mentor-protg relationship also saw the unlikely collaboration of two 19th century Victorian writers with disparate styles collaborating on two plays and a short story. B) However the first staging of The Frozen Deep, that Dickens produced led to the breakdown of his marriage. C) The Frozen Deep and No Thoroughfare the two plays written jointly by them have not lingered on in public consciousness unlike the novels they wrote individually, the plays having met with what one would call a mixed response in todays parlance when they were staged initially. D) Charles Dickens, one of the most revered figures in English Literature, had an unlikely disciple in Wilkie Collins. Collinss pen made popular a brand of fiction known as sensation novels, a genre that led to the birth of the modern day detective novels. E) Dickens appointed Collins, Editor of the literary journals he brought out and also got his daughter married to the younger brother of his protg. A) CDAEB B) CBEDA C) DCEAB D) DEACB 223. A) Given the atrocities perpetrated with impunity by state forces, it is a moral imperative that the negotiations scheduled to resume at the United Nations this month on a comprehensive treaty to regulate the sale of conventional arms should succeed. B) Its recent report calls on countries to codify the socalled golden rule not to allow the transfer of arms to states where there is a threat of grave abuses of human rights and humanitarian law. C) Every year, over 300,000 people are killed by conventional weapons and millions injured, forcibly displaced, and bereaved because of armed violence, according to Amnesty International. D) The consensus that has emerged, since the 2006 Resolution for a global pact, on underwriting provisions related to protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the proposed treaty is also a tacit recognition FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
of the brutalities committed systematically against innocent civilians in the conflict zones. E) However, opposition by the United States, Russia, China and India, besides others, to link the trade in arms to the observance of human rights and humanitarian law by recipient countries threatens to block progress. A) DAECB B) DEBCA C) EDBCA D) CBDAE 224. A) How does the cellular microenvironment regulate cellular functions or vice versa? B) This understanding can be used to engineer novel therapeutic for new drug discovery techniques and for regenerative medicines using directed stem cell differentiation C) Can the complex sugar that composes the microenvironment play a role in intercellular modulation at the protein signaling or genetic levels? D) The laboratory aims at understanding the correlation at the cellular level and in using the knowledge to develop medicines for curing diseases. E) These are the domains which are explored using novel tools to dissect complex sugars and observe changes in genetic and protein signaling. A) DABCE B) ACBED C) DACEB D) CADBE ERROR DETECTION Directions for questions 225-234:- choose the word which is most nearly the opposite of the word given in the question. 225. QUALM: A) Pleasant fragrance B) Nurturing condition C) Loud noise D) Confident attitude 226. BUCOLIC: A) Vigorous B) Ripe C) Civic D) Affable 227. VENERATION: A) Ignorance B) Unconcern C) Dissuasion D) Contempt 228. SOPORIFIC: A) Exciting B) Mature C) Impervious D) Optimistic 229. RENEGE: A) Speed up suddenly B) Allow to become loose C) Follow through D) Conform to what is conventional 230. COMMISSIONED A ) Started B) Closed C) Finished D) Terminated 231. ARTIFICIAL A) Red B) Natural C) Truthful D) Solid 232. EXODUS A) Influx B) Home-coming C) Return D)Restoration 233. RELINQUISH A) Abdicate B)Renounce C) Posses D) Deny 46 Civil Services
234. EXPAND A) Convert B) Condense C) Congest D) Conclude Directions for question 235-246:- Each of following sentences are divided into parts which are marked A,B,C,D. One of these parts may contain an error or may not be acceptable in standard written communication. Select the part containing the error and mark it as your answer. 235. a) In 1896, Henry Becquerel/b) found that Uranium salts emitted penetrating radiations/c) similar to those which Roentgen/d) produced only year early with a gas discharge tube. 236. a) Unless they reverse present policies immediately/ b) the world may suffer/c) permanent damage from the/ d) unregulated use of pesticides. 237. a) In some nations, the political system works by a simple logic/b) the more an organization contributes/c) to politicians campaign funds/d) its interests are better served by the policies and actions of the government. 238. a) a group of students who have begun/b) to clean up Fredrick law/c) Olmteds Morning side park in New York City/d) believes that the park needs not be redesigned but to returned to its former conditions. 239. a) In this years negotiations, unorganized workers will be fighting to/b) improves job security in many industries/c) but will be seeking large wage increases in some others, /d) as of the prospering telecommunications industry. 240. a) To tackle the issue of congressional campaign spending is/b) becoming embroiled in a war which is raging between those who support public financing/c) with those who would lift the limits on the/d) amount political parties may donate. 241. a) In the past few months/b) there has been extensive dispute/c)over if fare hikes should be a first or last/d) recourse in improving the transit system. 242. a) In response to higher oil prices, window manufacturers/b)have improved the insulating/ c)capabilities of their products/d)their windows have been built to conserve energy and they are. 243. a) Those who study ancient European History soon realize that/b)before Greece was Greece, it is then was collection of small city states/c) that was intentionally jealous of one another and/d)were only occasionally able to work together for common goals. 244. a) Sine 1993, when it passed a referendum/ b)approving casino gambling the town of Riverside, Missouri/c) was using casino tax revenue to improve/ d)its streets, building and other public works. 245. a)Without hiding the fact that the destruction of Athens/b) was one of their most important objectives/c) the multitudinous Persian army, let by Xerxes and nine of his generals/d) marched westwards towards Greece in the spring and summer of 480 BC. 246. a)More than any animal,/b)the wolverine exemplifies/c)the unbridled ferocity of/d) nature red in tooth and claw. Compiled by: Nitesh Khabrani and Abhinav Mathur (IIT, Mumbai) FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
Read the following passage and answer the given questions. Your answers should be drawn from the content of given passage only.
The economy of contemporary India is a great paradox. It is a strange combination of outstanding achievements as well as grave failures. Since independence, India has achieved remarkable progress in overcoming its economic backwardness. From being a very poor country in the 1950s and a basket case in the mid 1960s, it has emerged as the fourth largest economy in the world (in terms of purchasing power parity). Our economy has become one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Now the country is one of the leading players in the world knowledge economy with vast intellectual capital and booming software and information technology services. While our country has joined the league of the worlds top five fastest growing economies, we are in the bottom 20 among all countries in terms of the Human Development Index. While the country is celebrating its growth rate and technological wonders, it is witnessing social contradictions and the paradox and ironies of development. Thus, there are two Indias in contemporary India. 1. Why is the Indian economy considered a great paradox? (a) It is a leading player in information technology services with low levels of literacy. (b) There is poverty amidst plenty in agricultural produce. (c) It is one of the largest economies with low human development. (d) It has scientific achievements with social contradictions. Ans. (c) The author is specifically hinting to the paradox and ironies of development vis- a-vis the state of economical growth. While India has witnessed growth in information economy along with the overall economy, it has showed a dismal scenario in the HDI which is a much wider scale and includes the state of health, etc. apart from the state of education. Hence option (a) shows only a partial view of the given paragraph. On this line of argument, other options can be eliminated as well leaving the third option as most appropriate. 2. Why is India being referred to as a leading player in the world knowledge economy? (a) Indias knowledge base in science and technology is one of the worlds best. (b) India has huge reserves of human intellectual capitals and information technology services. (c) India is among the Worlds five fastest growing economics and technology reserves. (d) India has a huge reservoir of human capital and scientific knowledge export potential. Ans. (b) Knowledge economy refers to the intellectual resource of the country. Information technology services are the indicators of a developing knowledge economy. Option (d) is closer to (b), but it only refers to human capital which may also include unskilled labour force aplenty in our country. However, the author is pointing towards the knowledge base of our country as being 47 Civil Services
significantly large. Hence the option (b) seems more appropriate. 3. What does the author imply by the phrase two Indias? (a) There is the India that has vast intellectual capital and the other that is largely illiterate. (b) There is the India of burgeoning growth and the India of widespread want and misery. (c) There is the India of progressive mindsets and the other who are socially conservative. (d) There is an India of outstanding achievements combined with gigantic failures. Ans. (d) India's achievement on all quarters is significant. This being said, options (a) and (b) highlight the contrast in the intellectual and economic spheres of our nation respectively. The fourth option shows the contrast in India's overall economy, covering both social and economic aspects. 4. Consider the following statement and also the conclusions. Answer the question that follows: Statement : Education is in the Concurrent List. The State government cannot bring reforms in education without the consent of Central Government. Conclusion I : For bringing about quick reforms in education, it should be in the State List . Conclusion II: States are not willing to bring about quick reforms in Education. Which one of the following is correct? (a) Conclusion I only follows from the statement. (b) Conclusion II only follows from the statement. (c) Both conclusions I & II follow from the statement (d) Neither conclusion I nor conclusion II follow from the statement Ans. (d) The items in Concurrent List can be legislated by both the Centre and the State, and any issue arises only in cases of conflict. Hence, there is no question of the States being held up by inaction from states. The statements/conclusions/inferences to be analyzed are to be read as flowing from the paragraph or statements given. No value preferences should be attached to the given statements, as they may vary from individual to individual, thereby taking away the objectivity in question. The statements should be analyzed with logic, objectivity, rationality, application of knowledge and fundamentals. In some cases more than two answers may seem appropriate, and in such a situation it is advisable to look into the idea being highlighted from the paragraph. Even when the statements given are not true, they may still provide a set of conclusions which can be asked to be analyzed by the candidate. 5. Five persons P, Q, R, S, T are sitting in a row. Q is between P and T. To find who among them is in the middle, which of the information given in the following statements is/are sufficient? 1. P is left of Q and right of S. 2. R is at the right end. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Either 1 or 2 (d) Both 1 and 2 Ans. (d) Initially placing with the given information, Analysing 1, gives the arrangement S P Q T which leaves FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
the scope for placement of R from Statement 2. Hence Statement 2 will also be required. 6. Which one among , , , is the smallest one? (a) (c) Ans. (d) (b) (d)
To compare, the powers should be changed to non-fracti ons as,
=> => is smallest.
7. The following pie charts show that a man spends 10% on clothes, 20% on rent, 30% on food and rest on miscellaneous items in the month of January and spends 15% on clothes, 25% on rent, 35% on food and rest on miscellaneous items in the month of February.
Consider the following statements: 1. The money spent on food over rent in the month of January is same as the money spent on food over rent in the month of February. 2. The money spent on rent over clothes is same as money spent on food over rent in the month of January. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans. (d) Let toal spending in Jan = x total spending in Feb = y (x may or may not be equal to y) food/rent (jan) = 0.3x/0.2x=1.5 food/rent (feb) = 0.35y/.25y = 1.4 Hence, they are not same => Statement 1 is incorrect. rent/clothes (Jan) = 0.2x/0.1x= 2 food/rent (Jan) = 0.3x/0.2x= 1.5 => Statement 2 is incorrect. 48 Civil Services
Answers and Solutions:

1. For maximum fraction of young aspirants in 2009, (Stream% x Age%) should be maximum: Commerce: 23x45 = 1035 Science: 21x31 = 651 Arts: 30x34 = 1020 Engineering: 15x39 = 585 Medical: 11x21 = 231 Hence, Commerce i.e. Option C. 2. For growth rate, absolute no. of aspirants is required of all the branches: 2009 2010 Commerce Science Arts Engineering 58949 53823 76890 38445 56050 67850 85550 38350
T U V W X
46, 90 14, 46 25 46, 92 27
92,90 17, 46, 90
P Mr. AM P
Medical 28193 47200 Hence, Medical i.e. Option B 3. For no. of aspirants in each age group, (Stream% x Age%) is required: Age<25: 31x23 + 34x29 + 21x16 + 39x13 + 45x19 = 3397 25<Age<35: 52x23 + 41x29 + 44x16 + 33x13 + 44x19 = 4354 Age>35: 52x23 + 25x29 + 35x16 + 28x13 + 11x19 = 3054 Hence, (25<Age<35) i.e. Option C. 4. Here also, (Stream % x Age %) is to maximized. A - 39 x 13 = 507 B - 21 x 16 = 336 C - 25 x 29 = 725 D - 52 x 23 = 1196 Hence, Option D. 5. 2009: 52x21 + 41x30 + 44x11 + 33x15 + 44x23 = 4313 2010: 52x23 + 41x29 + 44x16 + 33x13 + 44x19 = 4354 Hence, 2010 i.e. Option B. 6. In case of 1 source, there is just one incorrect answer. While in case of two sources, blank is introduced in case of wrong answer because it can happen only when one source is correct and other is not. Analyzing the data, it is clear that P, V and S have single source (1 incorrect and no blank answer). P must have introduced wrong answer to Q46, S to Q 17 and V to Q25. Looking into the table again;
Name Wrong answer no. 46 96 27, 56 17 Blank answers no. 46, 90, 25 17, 46, 90 Source
P Q R S
Mr. X X Mr. AM
P must be source to T and V for Q46. Since blanks of R and S are same (carried forward), X must have been Rs only source. X must have S and T as sources, and U sources are T and W. Hence, Q has two sources i.e. Option B. 7. 4 persons (P, T, S and X). Hence, Option B. 8. U (Option A). 9. Option D. 10. In order to find minimum value of F(B), consider F(all 3 subjects) = 1. F(exactly) minimum value will be 2. Hence F(B)>2 i.e. 3 is the minimum value. Option B. 11. (C) when F(A)=28, F(B)=25, F(two subjects)=24. The idea is to find the 4 largest numbers which add up to 100. 12. (B) F(A) maximizes when F(B)=3, F(two subjects)=2, F(all) = 1. 13. Calculating downfall in all 4 cases: (Only absolute downfall is to be considered, not % downfall) 1973-1974 - 6.26% 1979-1980 - 3.39% 1990-1991 - 2.05% 1999-2000 0.79%. Hence Option A. 14. 1982, 1985, 1986, 1991, 1993, 1998 and 2001. Hence total 7 times i.e. Option B. 15. Clearly January profit is the minimum i.e. 1000. Hence option B. 16. It follows from Q15 that min profit per employee is also in month of January. Hence C. 17. Option C. 18. Option A. 19. 3165/425 = 7.44 20. 217/424 = 51.1 21. 4/37 = 10.81 % 22. (425 x 100) / 3165=13.24 % 23. 42% (approx) 24. q 25. Pile II 26. Tennis: D/E/F/G/H/I/J (TOTAL is N) Table Tennis: A/B/C/D/E/F/J Badminton: A/B/C/G/H/I (TOTAL is N-1) Hence only correct option is C. 27. 9 28. Data insufficient. 29. Data insufficient. 30. It is obvious that the one plays next will WIN the game. In order to find the initiator of the game, we will 49
try to find the sixth entry. Only possibility is X in last row last column. Hence next move i.e. will be O. Hence option B. 31. Option B 32. Probability will be (0.33 + 0.33 x 0.5 + 0.33 x 0.5) = 0.76. Option A. 33. Possible no. must be a square, hence 16. 34. Maximum square no. is 100 itself. 35. 1 step. (Number all lots from 1 to 10 and take same no. of packs as the lot no.; Final add-on weight will give us the indication of failed batch) 36. 3 steps (dividing 10 into 4+4+2) 37. Firstly, sum all the digits together:A+B+C+...+H+I = 45; (1) then all the four equations given: (A+B+C)+(C+D+E)+(E+F+G)+(G+H+I) = 52 (2) and we get (2)-(1): C+E+G = 7; Since every letter represents a different digit, we can infer that {C,E,G} = {1,2,4} So the question comes to us which digit in {1,2,4} does E represents? lets take a try E\CG 1 2 4 1 3(10) 5(8) there is no 10 2 3(10) 6(7) same reason 4 5(8) 6(7) Therefore, E=4 38. 7 39. It is obvious that there wont be any 5 or 7. Product of all digits will be 2734. In order to get LMN=PQR; O=2 and LMN=PQR=2332. 40. LMN=PQR=2332. 41. Initial 3+3+2, Hence, two steps. 42. Three steps. 43. There are total 4 Ram(R), 3 shyam(S), 2 Trams(T) and 1 Alam(A) Applying all the given clues, we get following 4 cases:
Case I Arora T Bhaskar T S Chopra S Das Eeshwar Case II T S T S S Case III Case IV S S T S T T T S S
Hence only possibility is: Last First Middle Arora R S Bhaskar A R Chopra T R Das T S Eeshwar R S
Hence, Mr. Arora and Mr. Eashwar. 44. None 45. Bhaskar Civil Services

46. Ram Shyam. 47. Considering three cases (only two among S, L and R are centurians & applying the conditions): I.) S+L: S is taller than R, S is younger than L, L is younger than R, L is shorter than S (3rd statement supports these data). Hence, option B. 48. Option A. 49. Option A. 50. Option B. 51. (4-69*pi+8*sqrt(2)*pi)R2 52. Head 53. 51/1000000 54. (D) X = 63 - 13 = 50/( 63 + 13) & X = 57 - 7 = 50/( 57 + 7); Hence X<Y. 55. Area (dashed) = Area of ABC (Area of all 3 arcs) (Because are all arcs are of same radius and sum of all angles is same as sum of angles of triangle ABC = 180O). Hence, Area = 600 77= 523. Option C. 56. Time required for engine to move from one end to the other end = (10 km) / (60 km/hr) = 10 min. Distance traveled by fly will be = (30 km/hr) x (10 min) = 5 km. Hence Option B. 57. On solving: (2x-3).(x-3) = (x 2 3x+1); Hence x = 4 and 2. But x=2 is not possible because log(x-3) will became undefined. Hence Option B. 58. 55 3+17 3-72 3 = (55+17).(55 2+17 2+55.17) 72 3=72*55*(-51). Hence not divisible by 7 (Option D) 59. A Profit will be = P x [(1.1)^3 -1] B Profit will be = P x [3 x 0.1]; Hence ratio will be 1.1 (Option A) 60. A work efficiency will be (W/ 20) and that of B will be (W/30). Combined they will complete (5W/ 6) of work. Hence B will need 5 days to complete the remaining work (Option C) 61. Using AM GM; (1+a)/2 sqrt(a)Hence (1+a)(1+b)(1+c)(1+d) 16. Hence Option C. 62. Assuming x=y=z=1; we get expression equal to 1. Only Option C matches. 63. Total lag per day = (120 + 288) sec / (7 days) = 58.29 sec/ day. For exact time initial lag time of 2 min has to be eliminated. Hence days required = (2*60 sec) / (58.29 sec/ day) = 2.05 day. Hence Option B. 64. S1 = 4+444+44444+.. : 9S1/4 =(101)+(1000-1) + : S1 = 4/9{[10(102n1)/99]-n} S2 = 66 + 6666 + .: 9S2/6 = (100-1) +
(10000-1) + : S2 = 6/9{[100(10 -1)/ 99]-n}. Hence Option A. 65. Enclosed figure [x+y = 1/3 and yx=1/3] is a square with diagonal = 2. Hence area = 2 (Option B). 66. F(n+5) = F(n+4)-F(n+3) = -F(n+2) = F(n-1), Hence p = 6 (Option C) 67. Total no = 5! = 120. For each decimal place 24 of these are of same digits. Thus for a decimal place the total value is 24 (1+3+5+7+9). Total value will be=11111x600 = 6666600. Hence Option B. 68. Triangles ABC and BCD are similar; Hence: BC/BD = AC/CD = AB/BC AC= 8 and AB = 16 Perimeter (ADC) / Perimeter (BDC) = 7/9 69. Since b>16, means b>a 4 OR b11>a44. Hence Option A 70. From statement :b/2 c =1 . Hence only a relation is required to find the values of b and c. Hence B 71. 15x21, greatest common divisor is 3, 5+7-1=11, 11x3=33, 33x 2 diagonals =66 tiles.(but 3 (GCD)common so answer = 63) 72. Let M stand for the mans speed in mph. When the man runs toward point A, the relative speed of the train with respect to the man is the trains speed plus the mans speed (60 + M). When he runs toward point B, the relative speed of the train is the trains speed minus the mans speed (60 - M). When he runs toward the train the distance he covers is 3 units. When he runs in the direction of the train the distance he covers is 5 units. We can now write that the ratio of the relative speed of the train when he is running toward point A to the relative speed of the train when he is running toward point B, is equal to the inverse ratio of the two distance units or (60 + M) 5 - = (60 - M) 3 M = 15 mph 73. (a 2 +b 2 +c 2) 2 =(a 4 +b 4 +c 4)+ 2(a 2 b 2 + a2c2+b2c2) (a4+b4+c4) = (a2+b2+c2)2 - 2(a2b2+a2 c2+ b 2c2 ) (a4+b4+c4) = 25 - 2(a2b2+a2c2+b2c2) Now, to get a numerical value for (a 4+b4+c 4), we need to evaluate the expression (a2b2+a2c2+b2c2) (a+b+c)2 = (a2+b2+c2)+2(ab+ac+bc) and so, (ab+ac+bc)=[(a+b+c) 2 50
2n
(a2+b2+c2)]/2 (ab+ac+bc) = (9-5)/2 = 2 (ab+ac+bc)2 = (a2 b2+a2 c2+b2 c2)+2(a2 bc+ab2 c+abc2) and so (a2b2+a2c2+b2c2)=(ab+ac+bc)2 2(a2bc+ab2c+abc2) = (ab+ac+bc)2 - 2abc(a+b+c) (a2b2+a2c2+b2c2)=22-2abc(3)=4 - 6abc (a4+b4+c4) = 25 - 2(4 - 6abc) OR (a4+b4+c4) = 17 + 12abc (a+b+c) 3 =(a+b+c)(a+b+c) 2 =(a+b+c) (a 2 +b 2 +c 2 +2ab+2ac+2bc) = a 3 +ab 2 + ac2+2a2b+2a2c+2abc + a2b +2abc+b3+ c2+2b 2c+2ab 2+2ac 2+ a 2 c+2abc+2bc 2 + b2c+c3 = a3+3ab2 + 3ac2 + 3a2b + 3a2c + 6abc + b3 + 3bc2 + 3b2c +c3 = (a3 + b3 + c3) + 3(ab2 + ac2 + a2b + bc2 + a2c + b2c) + 6abc and so; 6abc = (a+b+c)3 - (a3+b3+c3) 3(ab2+ac2+a2b+bc2+a2c+b2c) 6abc=(a+b+c) 3 -(a 3 +b 3 +c 3 ) 3[a(b2+c2)+b(a2+c2)+c(a2+b2)] and then, after some examination of this expression, I saw that I could get clever by adding and subtracting 3(a3+b3+ c3) to the expression on the right: 6abc=(a+b+c)3-(a3+b 3+c 3) + 3(a3+b 3+ c 3 ) - 3[a(b 2 +c 2 )+b(a 2 +c 2 )+c(a 2 +b 2 )](a3+b3+c3) 6abc=(a+b+c)3 + 2(a3+b3+c3) - 3[a (a2+ b2+c2) +b(a2+b2+c2)+c(a2+b2+c2)] 6abc=(a+b+c)3+2(a3+b3+c3) 3(a+b+c)(a2+b2+c2) 6abc=3 3+2(7)-3(3)(5)=27+14-45 = -4 abc = -4/6 = -2/3 Finally; (a4+b4+c4) = 17+12abc=17+12(-2/3) = 17-8 and we finally have our result: a4+b4+c4 = 9 74. You begin with 8 liters of a 15 percent solution. That means you have 15 percent acid and 85 percent water, right? Lets figure out how many liters of acid and water you have to begin with. 15 percent of 8 is 1.2 (.15*8) liters. So youve got 1.2 liters of acid and 6.8 liters of water (81.2 = 6.8). Now you want to add water until the concentration is down to 10 percent. Note that the amount of acid will remain constant..youre only changing the amount of water. You want 1.2 liters of acid to be 10 percent of the entire quantity. Set up a proportion to find out how much is 100 percent of the quantity. (10 percent)/(1.2 liters) =(100 percent) /(x liters) 12 = x Civil Services
So 12 liters is the entire amount of solution that makes 1.2 liters 10% of the concentration. Now read the problem. It asks how much distilled water must be added to make the concentration 10 percent. You go from 8 liters to 12 liters so thats 4 liters of water. 75. The family wants to save $120 over a period of two years. That means they want to save $60 a year, right? The problem also states they want to cut their yearly bill by 8 percent. Well, the two paragraphs above tell you what you need to know...that $60 is 8 percent of the total bill. Lets set up a proportation and solve for the total bill: (60/8 percent) = (x/100 percent) 750 = x The total yearly bill is $750. 76. Let x be the number of stairs visible on the escalator when it is stopped. Let r be the rate (number of stairs per second) at which the escalator moves when it is running. The woman walks down the escalator at one rate and runs back up the escalator at a rate 5 times as fast; as we showed before, the time she takes walking down is twice as much as the time she takes running back up. Let t be the time (seconds) she takes to run up; then 2t is the time she takes to walk down. In walking down the escalator, the number of stairs she walks down is equal to the number of stairs on the stopped escalator, minus the number of stairs that the escalator moves in the time 2t; we are told she walks down 10 steps. So we have: x - (r)(2t) = 10 ..............................[1] In running up the escalator, the number of stairs she runs up is equal to the number of stairs on the stopped escalator, plus the number of stairs that the escalator moves in time t; we are told that she runs up 25 stairs. So we have: x + (r)(t) = 25 ...............................[2] Hence; x = 20 77. Since we need 6 terms in the AP, we need to take it as 21 - (d*5) instead of 6 so no. of sets will be : for d = 1, 21 - (1*5) = 16 {consider all APs with 1st term 1,2,...,16} for d = 2, 21 - (2*5) = 11 {APs with d = 2, 1st term going from 1 upto 11}
for d = 3, 21 - (3*5) = 6 for d = 4, 21 - (4*5) = 1 So prob = 34/(21C6) 78. If we reverse the digits of a no., then you get a no. bigger (in this case, as the product has increased) but it is bigger by an integer as both the no.s are integers and their diff. will also be an integer. So now this diff. multiplied by the second(unreversed no.) is the reason for the product to be greater by 1224. So now find factors of 1224 from 10-20....these will come out to be 12,17,18... so by dividing 1224 by the unreversed no. , we will get the diff. between the first no. and its reversed no. now the diff. between a 2-digit no. and the no. formed by reversing its digits is always divisible by 9 because ab=10a + b ba= 10b+a so ab-ba=9(a-b) so assuming the unreversed no. is 12 , we get the diff. between the changed no. and unchanged no. as 204 which cannot be as these are 2 digit no.s assuming it to be 18 , we get the diff. as 68 which also cannot be as the diff. should be divisible by 9. so we get 17 as the second no. and the diff. as 81 now ab-ba=9(a-b) 9(a-b) = 72 so a-b = 8 so a = 8 +b so as b=0 gives 08 which is not a 2 digit no. so a = 9 and b =1 as for greater than 1 a will cease to be a digit. so the new no. is 91 and the new product is 1477. 79. Height of candle1 after x hrs=(6x)/6 height of candle2 after x hrs=(8-x)/8 2*(6-x)6=(8-x)/8 x=4.8 80. maximum possible score = 150 min possible score = -50 total possible scores = 200 * 3 = 600 - 3 + 1 ( for Zero )= 598 81. In finding average speed, we use Harmonic mean. H.M.= 1/{1/3[1/ x+1/2x+1/3x]}= 18x/11 km/hr. 82. Draw XE to YZ; (By pythagoras theorem), (XE) 2= (XY)2-(YE)2= (15)2(9)2 =144 Let AB = CD = x.AD/XE = AY/EY; x = 71/5. Area = 51.84 51
83. Total are = 4 area(%OAB) = 4*1/ 2*10*1.5 = 30cm2 84. Measure of arc XYZ = XOY; = 2(XDY)=2(XYP)=2*50o = 100o 85. 1st investment = An investment of Rs.150 fetches a dividend of Rs.5.50 Rate = 5.50/150*100 = 36.67%(approx) 2nd investment = An investment of Rs.15 fetches a dividend of Rs.0.35 Rate = 0.35/15*100 = 86.37%(approx) 86. Let the corresponding side of the other triangle be x,y, and z; x/4=y/ 6=x/8 = x+y+z/18 =162/18 = 9 Required sides are 36 cm, 54 cm & 72 cm. 87. H.C.F = 2x2x3 = 12; Area of bed = 12 sq.m; Length of bed = 12/6 = 2 m 88. L.C.M of 4,5,6 and 10 is 60 So the bells will ring together after 60 sec. 1 hours, they will ring together = 60 x 60 /60 = 60 times 89. Zinc in 2 kg of new alloy = (2/5 + 3/7) = 29/35 Nickel in 2 kg of new alloy = (3/5 + 4/7) = 41/35 Ratio of Zinc and nickel in the new alloys = 29/35 : 41/35 = 29 : 41 90. Let their ages 1 year ago be 3x and 4x 3x + 2 / 4x + 2 = 4/5; x = 2; Jai present age = 3x + 1 = 7 years 91. Assume that initial there were 3*X bullets. So they got X bullets each after division. All of them shot 4 bullets. So now they have (X - 4) bullets each. But it is given that, after they shot 4 bullets each, total number of bullets remaining is equal to the bullets each had after division i.e. X Therefore, the equation is 3 * (X - 4) = X. Hence X = 6 and total bullets before division is 18. 92. It is given that the platoon and the last person moved with uniform speed. Also, they both moved for the identical amount of time. Hence, the ratio of the distance they covered while person moving forward and backword - are equal. Lets assume that when the last person reached the first person, the platoon moved X meters forward. Thus, while moving forward the last person moved (50+X) meters whereas the platoon moved X meters. Similarly, while moving back the last person moved [50-(50-X)] X meters whereas the platoon moved (50-X) Civil Services
meters. Now, as the ratios are equal, (50+X)/X = X/(50-X) (50+X)*(50-X) = X*X Solving, X=35.355 meters Thus, total distance covered by the last person = (50+X) + X= 120.71 meters 93. Ans. 9 94. One way to solve it is by making 3 equations and solve them simultaneously. But there is rather easier way to solve it using Backtracing. Its given that at the end, each had 24 tractors (24, 24, 24) i.e. after Z gave tractors to X & Y as many as they had. It means that after getting tractors from Z their tractors got doubled. So before Z gave them tractors, they had 12 tractors each and Z had 48 tractors. (12, 12, 48) Similarly, before Y gave tractors to X & Z, they had 6 & 24 tractors respectively and Y had 42 tractors i.e. (6, 42, 24) Again, before X gave tractors to Y & Z, they had 21 & 12 tractors respectively and X had 39 tractors i.e. (39, 21, 12) 95. The sign-maker will need 192 zeroes. Divide 1000 building numbers into groups of 100 each as follow: (1..100), (101..200), (201..300), ....... (901..1000); For the first group, signmaker will need 11 zeroes. For group numbers 2 to 9, he will require 20 zeroes each. And for group number 10, he will require 21 zeroes. The total numbers of zeroes required are = 11 + 8*20 + 21=192 96. Total 36 medals were awarded and the contest was for 6 days. On day 1: Medals awarded=(1+35/7) = 6 : Remaining 30 medals On day 2: Medals awarded=(2+28/7) = 6 : Remaining 24 medals On day 3: Medals awarded=(3+21/7) = 6 : Remaining 18 medals On day 4: Medals awarded=(4 +14/7) = 6 : Remaining 12 medals On day 5: Medals awarded=(5 +7/7) = 6 : Remaining 6 medals On day 6: Medals awarded 6 97. Assume that the initial lenght of both the candle was L and Vipul studied for X hours. In X hours, total thick candle burnt = XL/6 In X hours, total thin candle burnt = XL/4 After X hours, total thick candle remaining = L - XL/6
After X hours, total thin candle remaining = L - XL/4 Also, it is given that the thick candle was twice as long as the thin one when he finally went to sleep. (L - XL/6) = 2(L - XL/4) (6 - X)/6 = (4 - X)/2 X=3 Hence, Vipul studied for 3 hours i.e. 180 minutes in candle light. 98. Assume his salary was Rs. X He earns 5% raise. So his salary is (105*X)/100 A year later he receives 2.5% cut. So his salary is ((105*X)/100)*(97.5/100) which is Rs. 22702.68 Hence, solving equation ((105*X)/ 100)*(97.5/100) = 22702.68 X = 22176 99. It is given that the time between first and last ticks at 6o is 30 seconds. Total time gaps between first and last ticks at 6o = 5 (i.e. between 1 & 2, 2 & 3, 3 & 4, 4 & 5 and 5 & 6)So time gap between two ticks = 30/5 = 6 seconds. Now, total time gaps between first and last ticks at 12o = 11. Therefore time taken for 12 ticks = 11 * 6 = 66 seconds (and not 60 seconds) 100. A(1, 3) = A(0, A(1, 2)) A(1, 2) = A(0, A(1, 1)) A(1, 1) = A(0, A(1, 0)) A(1, 0) = A(0, 0) = 1 Re substituting, A(1, 1) = A(0, 1) = 2 A(1, 2) = A(0, 2) = 3 A(1, 3) = A(0, 3) = 4 101. A(2, 0) = A(1, 0)=A(0, 0) = 0+1= 1 102. A(1, 2) = A(0, A(1, 1)) by definition. 103. 144 2 + 169 2 + (144 169) 12 4 + 13 4 + (12 2 13 2) ={12 2+(1213)+13 2}{12 2(1213)+13 2} = 469 157 This is as per the formula a4+b4+a2b2=(a2+ab+b2)(a2ab+b2). 104. The surface area of a sphere is proportional to the square of the radius. Thus, SB/SA=4/1 (S. A. of B is 300% higher than A) rB/rA=2/1 The volume of a sphere is proportional to the cube of the radius. Thus, V B/VA=8/1 Or, VA is 7/8th less than B i.e. 87.5% 105. For the curves to intersect, log 10X=X -1 Thus, log 10X=1/X or Xx=10 This is possible for only one value of 52
x (2< x < 3). 106. The number of goats remain the same. If the percentage that is added every time is equal to the percentage that is sold, then there should be a net decrease. The same will be the case if the percentage added is less than the percentage sold. The only way, the number of goats will remain the same is if p > q. 107. Case 1: If x < 2, then y=2x + 2.5 x + 3.6 x = 8.1 3x. This will be least if x is highest i.e. just less than 2. In this case y will be just more than 2.1 Case 2: If , then y=x2 + 2.5 x 3.6 x = 4.1 x Again, this will be least if x is the highest case y will be just more than 1.6. , then y = x 2 + Case 3: If x 2.5 + 3.6 x = x 0.9 This will be least if x is least i.e. X= 2.5. Case 4: If In this case y = 1.6 , then y = x 2 + x 2.5 + x 3.6 = 3x 8.1 The minimum value of this will be at x = 3.6 = 27 Hence the minimum value of y is attained at x = 2.5 108. There are 101 integers in all, of which 51 are even. From 100 to 200, there are 14 multiples of 7, of which 7 are even. There are 11 multiples of 9, of which 6 are even. But there is one integer (i.e. 126) that is a multiple of both 7 and 9 and also even. Hence the answer is (517 6 + 1) = 39 109. The number 27 has no significance here. Statement 2, will never be true for any number of people. Let us the case of 2 people. If A knows B and B only knows A, both of them have 1 acquaintance each. Thus, B should be knowing atleast one other person. Let us say he knows C as well. So now B has two acquaintances (A and C), but C has only acquaintance (B), which is equal to that of A. To close this loop, C will have to know A as well. In which case he will have two acquaintances, which is the same as that of C. Thus the loop will never be completed unless atleast two of them have the Civil Services
same number of acquaintances. Besides, statements 1, 3 and 4 can be true. Note: If we consider the other wise, to satisfy condition 2, the first person must have 26 acquaintances, the second 25, third 24 and so on. If we continue, the last one should have 0 acquaintance, which is not possible. 110.
Given
= 60 and AB = b.
Next, triangle.
h and PQ form a right angle
111. If y = 10o, = 10o (opposite equal sides) = 20 o (external angle of ) = 20 (opposite equal sides) =30o(external angle of Thus k = 3 112. )
Triangle ABC is a right angled triangle. Thus 1/2 BC AB = 1/2 BD AC Or, 6 8 = BD 10. Thus BD = 4.8.
Therefore, BP = BQ = 4.8. So, AP = AB BP = 6 4.8 = 1.2 and CQ = BC BQ = 8 4.8 = 3.2. Thus, AP : CQ = 1.2 : 3.2 = 3 : 8 113. Required ratio=(22-1)/(32-22)=3/5 114. Try with whole cubes as they are fewer in number; 43 = 64 and 82 = 64. Hence 1 is answer. 115. Since E and F are independent events; Hence P(E or F)=P(E)xP(F)= 0.21 116. There are 36 possible outcomes when a pair of dice is thrown. Consider that if one of the dice rolled is a 1, there are six possibilities for the other die. If one of the dice rolled a 2, the same is still true. And the same is true if one of the dice is a 3,4,5, or 6. If this is still confusing, look at the following (abbreviated) list of outcomes: [(1,1), (1,2), (1,3), (1,4), (1,5), (1,6); (2,1), (2,2), (2,3) (3,1), (3,2), (3,3) (4,1)(5,1)(6,1). The total number of outcomes is 6 6 = 36. Since four of the outcomes have a total of 5 [(1,4),(4,1),(2,3),(3,2)], the probability of the two dice adding up to 5 is 4/36 = 1/9. 117. First, lets determine the number of red and blue marbles respectively. The ratio 2:3 tells us that the total of 30 marbles must be broken into 5 groups of 6 marbles, each with 2 groups of red marbles and 3 groups of blue marbles. Setting up the equation 2x + 3x = 5x =30 employs the same reasoning. Solving, we find that there are 12 red marbles and 18 blue marbles. We are asked to draw twice and return the marble after each draw. Therefore, the first draw does not affect the probability of the second draw. We return the marble after the draw, and therefore, we return the situation to the initial conditions before the second draw. Nothing is altered in between draws, and therefore, the events are independent. Now lets examine the probabilities. Drawing a red marble would be 12/ 30=2/5. The same is true for the second draw. Since we want two red marbles in a row, the question is really saying that we want a red marble on the first draw and a red marble on the second draw. The and means we should expect a lower probability than 2/5. Understanding that the and is implicit can help you 53
eliminate choices d and e which are both too big. Therefore, our total probability is P(A and B) = P(A) . P(B) = 2/5 2/5 = 4/25. If you return every marble you select, the probability of drawing another marble is unaffected; the events are independent. If you do not return the marbles, the number of marbles is affected and therefore dependent. 118. The question asks for either an ace or a king. Since there are four kings and four aces in a deck, the probabilities for event A and event B are the same, 4/52 = 1/13. Our answer must be more than this, so eliminate a and b. Do kings and aces have anything to do with each other? Is there such a thing as an ace of kings or a king of aces? No, so we dont have to worry about having over-counted; the events are mutually exclusive. The probability is straightforward: P(A or B)=P(A)+P(B)=1/13+1/13=2/13. 119. This can be computed by considering only outcomes for which the first die is a 6. Then, determine the proportion of these outcomes that total more than 8. All the possible outcomes for two dice are shown in the section on simple probability. There are 6 outcomes for which the first die is a 6: (6,1), (6,2), (6,3), (6,4), (6,5), (6,6), and of these, there are four that total more than 8. The probability of a total greater than 8 given that the first die is 6 is therefore 4/6 = 2/3. 120. A team of 6 members has to be selected from the 10 players. This can be done in 10C6 or 210 ways. Now, the captain can be selected from these 6 players in 6 ways. Therefore, total ways the selection can be made is 210*6 = 1260. 121. Each of the span is an independent event and the outcome of the 15th span will not depend on the outcome of the earlier spans. 122. As per given conditions, there are three possible combinations for 2nd, 3rd and 4th digits. They are (3, 0, 7) or (4, 1, 8) or (5, 2, 9) It is given that there are 3 pairs whose sum is 11. All possible pairs are (2, 9), (3, 8), (4, 7), (5, 6). Now required number is 5 digit number and it contains 3 pairs of 11. So it must not be having 0 and 1 in it. Hence, the only possible combination for 2nd, 3rd and 4th digits is (5, 2, 9) Also, 1st digit is thrice the last digit. Civil Services
The possible combinations are (3, 1), (6, 2) and (9, 3), out of which only (6, 2) with (5, 2, 9) gives 3 pairs of 11. Hence, the answer is 65292. 123. The last digit can not be 0. If the last digit is 1, the only possible number is 101. (Note that 011 is not a 3-digit number) If the last digit is 2, the possible numbers are 202 and 112. If the last digit is 3, the possible numbers are 303, 213 and 123. If the last digit is 4, the possible numbers are 404, 314, 224 and 134. If the last digit is 5, the possible numbers are 505, 415, 325, 235 and 145. Note the pattern here - If the last digit is 1, there is only one number. If the last digit is 2, there are two numbers. If the last digit is 3, there are three numbers. If the last digit is 4, there are four numbers. If the last digit is 5, there are five numbers. And so on..... Thus, total numbers are: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 = 45 124. There are two cases to be considered. CASE 1 : King of Hearts is drawn from Pack A and shuffled with Pack B Probability of drawing King of Hearts from Pack A=1/51 (as Queen of Hearts is not to be drawn) Probability of having King of Hearts on the top of the Pack B = 2/53 So total probability of case 1 = (1/51) * (2/53) = 2 / (51 * 53) CASE 2 : King of Hearts is not drawn from Pack A Probability of not drawing King of Hearts from Pack A= 50/51 (as Queen of Hearts is not to be drawn) Probability of having King of Hearts on the top of the Pack B = 1/53 So total probability of case 2 = (50/ 51) * (1/53) = 50 / (51 * 53) Now adding both the probability, the required probability is =2 / (51 * 53) + 50 / (51 * 53) = 0.0192378 125. Lets mark the corners of the triangle as A,B,C. There are total 8 ways in which ants can move. A->B, B->C, C->A A->B, B->C, C->B A->B, B->A, C->A A->B, B->A, C->B A->C, C->B, B->A A->C, C->B, B->C
A->C, C->A, B->A A->C, C->A, B->C Out of which, there are only two cases under which the ants wont collide : A->B, B->C, C->A A->C, C->B, B->A 126. It is given that the first digit is 1/ 3 of the second. There are 3 such possibilities. 1 and 3 2 and 6 3 and 9 Now, the third digit is the sum of the first and second digits. 1+3=4 2+6=8 3 + 9 = 12 It is clear that option 3 is not possible. So we are left with only two options. Also, the last digit is three times the second, which rules out the second option. Hence, the answer is 1349. 127. There are 10 digits i.e. 0-9. First digit can be dialed in 10 ways. Second digit can be dialed in 10 ways. Third digit can be dialed in 10 ways. And so on..... Thus, 7-digit can be dialed in 10*10*10*10*10*10*10 (=10,000,000) ways. And, you have just one telephone number. Hence, the possibility that you will dial your own number is 1 in 10,000,000. Note that 0123456 may not be a valid 7-digit telephone number. But while dialing in random order, that is one of the possible 7digit number which you may dial. 128. There are total of 64 blocks on a chessboard. So 3 blocks can be chosen out of 64 in 64C3 ways. So the sample space is = 41664 There are 2 diagonal on chessboard each one having 8 blocks. Consider one of them. 3 blocks out of 8 blocks in diagonal can be chosen in 8C3 ways. But there are 2 such diagonals, hence favourables = 2 * 8C3 = 2 * 56 = 112 The require probability is = 112 / 41664 = 1 / 372 = 0.002688 129. The probability of at least two out of a group of 50 people share the same birthday is 97% Probability of at least two share the same birthday = 1 - probability of all 50 have different Birthdays 54
Probability of all 50 have different birthday = 365/365 * 364/365 * 363/365 * ... * 317/365 * 316/365 = (365 * 364 * 363 * 362 * ... * 317 * 316)/ 36550 = 0.0296264 Probability of at least two share the same birthday = 1 - 0.0296264 = 0.9703735 = 97% approx. 130. The maximum possible value of X is 13 minutes 20 seconds. In one minute, pipe A can fill 1/30 part of the tank. pipe B can fill 1/24 part of the tank. Thus, the net water level increase in one minute is = 1/30 + 1/24 = 3/40 part of the tank In order to keep the tank always empty, outlet pipe C should empty at least 3/40 part of the tank in one minute. Thus, pipe C can empty the full tank in 40/3 i.e. 13 minutes 20 seconds. 131. 7! onwards all terms are divisible by 7 as 7 is one of the factor. So there is no remainder left for those terms i.e. remainder left after dividing 7! + 8! + 9! + ... + 100! is 0. The only part to be consider is = 1! + 2! + 3! + 4! + 5! + 6! = 1 + 2 + 6 + 24 + 120 + 720 = 873 The remainder left after dividing 873 by 7 is 5 Hence, the remainder is 5. 132. the first person shakes hands with 11 people, the second person also shakes hands with 11 people, but you only count 10, because the hand shake with the first person was already counted. Then add 9 for the third person, 8 for the fourth, & so on. 66 hand shakes took place before & 66 after the meeting, for a total of 132. 133. At 3:15 minute hand will be perfactly horizontal pointing towards 3. Whereas hour hand will be towards 4. Also, hour hand must have covered 1/4 of angle between 3 and 4. The angle between two adjacent digits is 360/12 = 30 degrees. Civil Services
Hence 1/4 of it is 7.5 degrees. 134. 44; 36 of the cubes have EXACTLY 2 of their sides painted black, but because a cube with 3 of its sides painted black has 2 of its sides painted black, you must also include the corner cubes. 135. Here there are 20 rows and 10 columns or vice versa. Hence, total possible rectangles = ( 20 + 19 + 18 + 17 + 16 + .... + 3 + 2 + 1 ) * ( 10 + 9 +8 + 7 + .... + 3 + 2 + 1) = ( 210 ) * (55) = 11550 136. IFJF 137. FFJI (option D) 138. JJI (Option A) 139. The correct response is D. providing additional benefits to a particular high risk group in order to reduce payout risk later works only if the insurance company can identify who is in the group to begin with. Thats why D, which tells us that its easy to identify individuals at high risk of heart disease, lends support to the companys response (assuming, of course, that the company wants to minimize payouts, which is given in the argument). 140. The correct response is C. 141. The correct response is A. 142. The correct response is D. 143. The correct response is C. The statement mentions the selfsufficiency of India in continuous casting refractory. This means that they are needed in the country. So, I is implicit. Since continuous casting refractory are needed in integrated steel plants, it means they are in demand. So, II is implicit. 144. The correct response is B. The statement talks of eradicating corruption and prejudice from the society, which indicates that these aspects are undesirable. So, I is not implicit. Besides, the statement mentions about reforming the administrative system. So, II is implicit. 145.)Option A (Clearly, for better economic gain, losses should be reduced and income increased. So, only course I follows) 146. Option A (Clearly, such projects shall be an asset and a source of income to the country later on. So, course I shall follow) 147. (D);
148. Option D.This is the only choice that indicates that an additional period of play is taking place to determine the winner of a game that ended in a tie. 149. Option B. After getting some good news, Jeremy and a few friends casually get together for a drink after work, thereby having an informal gathering. Choices A and C describe more formal types of gatherings. Choice D describes a chance or coincidental kind of meeting. 150. Option C. Malcolm is the only person returning to a social system that he has been away from for an extended period of time. 151. Option D. Choices A, B, and C do not describe situations in which a product is guaranteed. Only choice D reflects a situation in which a seller attests to the quality of a product by giving the buyer a promise or assurance about its quality. 152. Option D. The speaker maintains that to burn a flag is an act of freedom of speech, which is among the things the flag represents. 153. Option A. If an action is not included under freedom of speech, the speakers main argument is incorrect. 154. Option B. This is the best choice because it relates to a situation where a proposed law would actually violate the part of the Constitution it is intended to protect. 155. (D)- The options (a) and (b) contain the word amount and people can be counted, they come in numbers not amount. So option (a) and (b) are not correct. And option (c)s a number of people even larger refers to bigger people. So the option (d) is best suited here as it clearly refers to more people. 156. (C) -The original sentence has two mistakes with subject/verb agreement. The subject contains two nouns, belief and curiosity. So theres a plural subject has is singular. It is also unclear what their refers to Public or UFOs. Logically it would seem the reference it to the public, but public is singular, so wed have to use its, not their and only the option C contains the singular verb has. 157. (C) - One idiom being tested here is hope for versus hope to. One can hope for something to happen or for a thing-hope for a peaceful 55
resolution to the problem. One can also hope to do something like hope to travel the world one day. In this sentence the unemployed want to do something i.e. to change careers. The proper idiom is hope to. 158. (B) -Using Although, makes it clear the contrast between Lessings recent work and her better known early work. 159. (D) 160. (A) - The underlined portion of this sentence follows a comma, includes another comma and the conjunction and, and is preceded by the key words such as. These clues indicate a series, in which all the elements much have parallel form. The first element is attending class. Because it is not underlined, the rest of the series must be adapted to match it. Reading assignments matches attending class, but to write does not. Thus the answer needs to replace to write with writing. 161.(D) - A not only sentence construction must be completed with but also. The given sentence does so and has no other errors. 162. (A) - The sentence compares the percentage of revenue that ONGC spends on in insurance with the percentage that NTPC spends on salaries. Since in the option A these two things are in the same form, the comparison is clear and grammatically correct. 163. (C) - The original sentence begins with the passive voice (it was decided) and the last part of the sentence is wrongly constructed because it is not necessary to say that the computers are both combined and linked. Option C addresses both these errors by converting the passive voice to active and simplifying the last part of the sentence. 164. (B) - The underlined portion contains list of 3 sources of protein. These three sources must have parallel forms, but soy, eggs, and drinking milk do not. A parallel construction would be soy, eggs, or milk. 165. (D) Primary purpose is another term for main idea. The primary purpose of this passage is to explain how Braudels ideas were a departure from traditional approaches to history. Civil Services
166. (D) 167. (C) 168. (D) - In this inference question, correct choice D refers to a point made in the opening paragraph. 169. (B) - Criticism of Braudels perspective can be found in the last paragraph which says that Annales historians minimize the difference between social sciences. 170. (A) - The Longue Duree is defined in the passage. Item I give us the example of a longue duree thats actually given in the passage. 171. (D) 172. (B) - (A) is out of the scope: The passage focuses on what happened to one group of Southerners who immigrated to Brazil, not on the source of changes in all Southerners lives. (C) is out of scope for the same reason. (D) Distorts Paragraph 2: there is no suggestion that Brazil adopted the heritage of the antebellum South. And though Paragraph 1 does mention emigration from Alabama and Texas, the passage does not account for all the emigration from the U.S. after the Civil war, as (E) suggests, only emigration from the South to Brazil. (B) is correct. 173. (D) -The answer to this inference question will be well-supported by the information in the passage; the wrong answers will not. Option D is correct as it reflects the Southerners influence on Brazilian society. 174. (D)175. (A) - this question asks why the author makes a certain statement. Though the quote itself mentions nothing about the fears, from the phrase without yielding their Southern heritage we can infer that Southerners expected to have to give up their heritage but preferred not to. 176. (B) 177. (C)- The Passage clearly states that the temporal lobes play a critical role in memory processes and that the temporal lobes are located in the lower parts of the brain 178. (D) - Here we need to simply define a phrase as used by the author. A unitary superstructure where all memories are stored is mentioned as an alternative theory for an earlier described one: that particular memory is stored in specific sites in the brain. So we can conclude that a
memory superstructure will hold all memories in one place. This is reference to a specific brain region. 179. (D) - The passage tell us that by stimulating different points on the lower parts of the brain (the temporal lobes) (Penfield) elicited distinct and vivid memories in his patients. We know that Penfields operations were an attempt to pinpoint the source of seizure activity and then remove that piece of tissue. 180. (D) 181. (C) - The purpose of the passage is to illustrate how quickly a contagious virus such as SARS can spread throughout the global population. The examples of simple contact-simply talking to or touching an infected person-help in support this illustrating the ease with which the virus can be transmitted in the passage. So option C is correct. 182. (A)- The passage states that the initial human SARS cases Guangdong curiously occurred independently of each other, but at that time, certain animals considered to be delicacies in Guangdong were known to have a version of the SARS virus. Though it is never stated outright in the passage, one can easily assume that these initials are patients could have caught the virus from eating the meat of these delicacies therefore A is the best answer. 183. (B)184. (D) - The idea presented in the second paragraph that SARS is easily transmitted through close contact is demonstrated in the passage by the cases of the Chinese doctor and the 20 hospital workers in Singapore who contracted the Virus after coming in contact with SARS patients. These examples offer strong support of the statement made in D, health care professions seem to be especially at risk, and therefore need to be specially worry. 185. (A) - A global question such as this one asks you to look at the passage as a whole usually to ascertain its purpose, or as in this title related question, sum up its main idea. The main idea of this passage is that an unchecked, highly contagious virus like SARS can spread throughout the world in just a few short months. The choice that best relates this main 56
idea sums up the theme of the overall passage is A. 186.(D) - The author reveals her primary purpose for writing the passage when she states there is no doubt that the body absorbs varying levels of radiations emitted by cell phones, but the question is, do these levels pose a health risk? She then uses the rest of the passage to address this question. Therefore the choice D is correct. 187. (B) 188. (B) 189. (B) 190. (A) - This question asks you to infer why the author would note Motorolas affiliation with the confirmation group. Of the choices A and C should catch our attention. Of the two, A is better because its neutral tone matches the passages tone better than the accusatory tone of C, B and D are out of scope. C tough not a stretch, a bit extreme to fit the passage. Plus such an implication would probably have some precedent somewhere in the text, there is none. 191. (A) 192. (B) 193. (A) -the passage as a whole presents reasons state intervention is necessary for the industrialization of many less developed nations. B introduces the idea of outside the system, C contradicts the passage by saying that state participation is not as important as private investment, D says that less developed countries cannot be industries at all. 194. (A) 195. (D): Technical indivisibilities in social overhead capital and low level equilibrium trap refer to problems in under developed nations that can make state participation necessary. D says that the technical indivisibilities can prevent development from occurring, and the low level equilibrium can negate its effect. The wrong answer choices all say that at least one of these things is good, or at least neutral. 196. (D) 197. (C): C is correct as it explains how economic growth in subsistence level economies tends to produce population growth which negates the effects of the economic growth. 198. (A) is the best answer. If Civil Services
applicants who are in fact dishonest claimed to be honest, the survey results would show a smaller proportion of dishonest applicants than actually exists. Therefore, this choice is the best answer. B is inappropriate because generally honest applicants who claimed to be dishonest could contribute to the overestimation, but not to the underestimation, of dishonest applicants. D is inappropriate because applicants who admitted their dishonesty would not contribute to an underestimation of the proportion of dishonest applicants. C and E are inappropriate because the argument is concerned neither with degrees of dishonesty nor with the honesty of non-applicants. 199. C is a clear example of a defensive, non-innovative strategy that underestimates the effects of others innovations: the slide-rule manufacturer acted as though any advantages offered by the newer and fundamentally different technology of a competing product, the electronic calculator, could be matched by improving the older, more familiar product. C is thus the best answer. A is not an example of the defensive strategy; it presents a case in which innovative products displaces an older product from its traditional market but in so doing made possible a new marketing strategy for the older product. B is not clearly an example of the defensive strategy since it does no describe a response to the innovations of others. D and E are cases of new products finding unintended users, not of responses to innovations of others, so they are not examples of the defensive strategy described. 200. If a substance that causes no environmental damage were subject to controls, those controls would be more restrictive than necessary. Choice B is therefore the best answer. Ensuring prompt implementation of controls, as choice A claims, is not a necessary part of avoiding excessively restrictive controls. Although it would probably help to avoid excessive restrictions if some of the countries producing the most effluents favored uniform controls, it is not necessary that all such countries
do, as choice C claims. Not all of any given pollutant need reach the North Sea, as choice D claims, since at most some needs to. Since the controls can be excessively restrictive even if the damage already inflicted is reversible, choice E is incorrect. 201. Since an unsecured loan is more risky, from the lenders point of view, than a loan baked by collateral, the fact that lenders receive higher interest rates for unsecured loans is an illustration of the principle outlined in the passage. Thus, choice B is the best answer. None of the other choices gives a clear instance in which increased risk is compensated by the potential for increased return. Choice A does not concern return on investment at all. Choice C is an instance of low return unrelated to risk. In choice D, contrary to the principle, the rate of return remains constant despite possible variations in risk, and choice E also runs counter to the principle if investments in well-established companies entail less risk. 202. Demonstrate their strength. Hence B 203. String of commentaries on. Hence D 204. The passage of time, curse. Hence C 205. Rural, restructure Hence D 206. Superficial attempt at liberalization. Hence A 207. (C) 208. (D) 209. (D) 210. (C) 211. (E) 212. (E) 213. (B) 214. (D) 215. (C) 216. (B) 217. (A) 218. (B) 219. (A) 220. (D) 221. (C) 222. (D) 223. (D) 224. (C) 225. (D): The correct response is (D). Qualm means apprehension or reticence; a person who has a confident attitude is said to have no qualms. 226. (C): The correct response is (C). Bucolic means pastoral, rustic, or agrarian; civic means municipal or urban. 57
227. (D): The correct response is (D). Veneration is an attitude of respect; contempt is an attitude of disdain or disgust. 228. (A): The correct response is (A). Soporific means causing sleepiness; something that is exciting would have a contrary effect. 229. (C): The correct response is (C). To renege is to go back on ones promise, just the opposite of following through on ones promise. 230. (D) 231. (B) 232. (A) 233. (C) 234. (B) 235. (C) the option C should read like this similar to them that Roentgen produced only a year earlier with a gas discharge tube 236. (A): The sentence should have been like this unless present polices are reversed immediately, the world may suffer permanent damage from the unregulated use of pesticides 237. (D): The sentence should read as In some nations, the political system works by a simple logic the more an organization contributesto politicians campaign funds the better its interest are served by the policies and actions of the government. 238. (D): The sentence should read as believes that the park needs not be redesigned but to be returned to its former conditions. 239. (D): The sentence should read as ..as in the prospering telecommunications industry. 240. (B): The sentence should read as . Becoming embroiled in a war raging among those who support public financing. 241. (C): The sentence should read as . Over whether fare hikes should be a first or last. 242. D: The sentence should read as ..their windows are built to conserve energy and they do. 243. (B): The sentence should read like before Greece was Greece, it was a collection of small city states. 244. (B): The sentence should be read as ..approving casino gambling the town of Riverside, Missouri has been. 245. (B): The sentence should be read as . Was one of its most important objectives. 246. A. The sentence should read as More than any other animal. Civil Services
Civil Services TIMES
TIMES
Top Features Inside

10th anniversary of the Declaration of strategic partnership
Contents
EDITORIAL / MY PAGE / COVER STORY
www.civilservicestimes.com
FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No. 02
CHIEF EDITOR
Wens visit to India: Transforming competition into cooperation

In the 60th anniversary of the commencement of bilateral diplomatic relations, the Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao on his second visit after 2005 has indicated that both the countries should enter into a free-trade agreement (FTA) which would enable the bilateral ties to a new high. The Chinese PM has categorically ...
Vivek S Raj
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Vinita S Raj
EDITOR AND BUREAU CHIEF
R K Singh, Ex-civil Servant

EDITOR (HON.)
The recent visit of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has once again opened the future role and relevance of Indo-Russian bilateral relations in the light of changing diplomatic relation in a world of globalization. The end of cold war; the disintegration of Soviet Russia; and the end of proactive role of ...
Dr. Apporva
ASSISTANT EDITOR
CURRENT INTERNATIONAL
Page
15. 16. 18. 19. 20. 21. 21.
06
22. 23. 24. 25. 26.
Page
118
Vishi S Raj
EDITORIAL BOARD
Manish Singh, Prof. R K Singh, M.S. Yadav, Rohini Sarkar, Nitesh Khabrani
CO-ORDINATOR
Ireland crisis COP16/CMP6 Korean Peninsular New START: Towards greater nuclear disarmament Euro zone Iraq: A fragile but determined government formed China-Kazakhstan water dispute
Kosovo: Prime Minister Hashim Thacis second term Italy: Silvio Berlusconi survived no-confidence vote Tonga: Elections leading to formation of new government Venezuela: Decree to rule unabated for another 18 months Gulf Cooperation Summit, 2010
Saurabh Agargwal Subscription Queries: 09871220001

DISTRIBUTORS
AGGRAWAL NEWS AGENCY: SHIVAJI STADIUM, NEW DELHI, 9810703008 JAGDISH BOOK DEPOT: BER SARAI COMMUNITY CENTRE, NEW DELHI, PH. NO. 26961421. CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY PVT LTD 27/13, CHENNA REDDY STREET, AGMORE, CHENNAI - 8, PH: 09841266521 RAJU PUSTAK KENDRA: 23/47/50, ALLAHPUR, LABOUR CHAURAHA, ALLAHABAD, PH: 9415697930, 9453460552 ASHIRWAD BOOK: Lucknow, Ph. No. 2270019. BOOK SELECTION CENTRE: KD HOUSE, NEAR SHALIMAR FUNCTION HALL, RAMKOTE, HYDERABAD, PHONE NO. 040-23446841. EBS CHANDIGARH: 98141-10136 VISHAL BOOK CENTRE: 4, TOTTEE LANE, KOLKATA: 033-22527816 A K NAYAK BHUBNESHWAR: Ph: 09861046179, 407810 B. JAYAKUMAR NEWS AGENCY: TRIVANDRUM -Ph: 2461246,9846014411. MAURYA BOOK STALL, VARANASI PH: 09532102070 ALKA BOOK AGENCY: SHOP NO.27, BUDDHA PLAZA MARG, PATNA; PH: 0612-2226540 RAHUL KUMAR: 35-56-6 LANGDI KI CHOWKI, AGRA, PH: 9219766675 POCKET BOOK DISTRIBUTOR: RAFTMALI DHAL, KHANPUR, AHEMDABAD RANJAN MISHRA: SHOP NO.32, KACHEREY BUS STAND, GORAKHPUR; PH: 09839612129 R.K. NEWS AGENCY: PATIALA, M: 09872807517 R.P PRASAD: KUMAR NEWS AGENCY (C/O P.C. . JAIN); KRISHNA NAGAR, CHATRIBATI GUWAHATI (ASSAM) FAROOQ ABDULLAHA NEWS AGENCY: LAL CHOWK, SRINAGAR, PH. 09419074859 SHEILA BOOK CENTRE: KACHHI CHHAWANI, JAMMU TAWI PH 09419146803. LIBERTY BOOK DEPOT: AHMEDABAD, PH 09825060848 GARG BOOK DEPOT: 158, BARKATNAGAR, TONK PHATAK, JAIPUR, PHONE. 0141-2595526
98 SHORT NEWS NEW SYLLABUS: PUBLIC POLICY, PRIs AND RIGHTS ISSUES
Public Policy 58. Policy implementation Prerequisites of policy implementation 58. Defining policy implementation 58. 58. Policy implementation as a process Policy Implementors 58. 61. Ad hoc and Standing Committees 61. Other Committees Committee on Subordinate Legislation 61. (Lok Sabha) 61. Committee on Government Assurances (Lok Sabha) Committee on Estimates 61. 61. Committee on Public Undertakings Committee on Public Accounts 62. 62. Departmentally Related Standing Committees Causes for delay in policy implementation 64. 65. Suggestions for successful implementation 65. Policy implementation and corruption Policy Evaluation 65. 66. Evaluation in Operation Social Audit 69. 70. Problems in Policy Evaluation Good Governance and Public Policy 70. Good Governance and Public Policy 70. PRIs Basic Concepts of Panchayati Raj 72. 72. Evolution of Panchayati Raj 73rd Constitution Amendment Act, 1993: its 74. provisions 75. Ministry of Panchayati Raj Issues relating to Panchayati Raj 75. 78. Support organizations working with PRIs 78. Nyaya Panchayats Bill, 2009
CSAT: UNDERSTANDING THE EQUATIONS
79. 79. 80. 80.
PRIs and Centrally Sponsored Schemes MGNREGS and PRI Thirteenth Finance Commission on PRIs Panchayats (extension to the scheduled areas) Act, 1996 81. Evaluation of PRIs Urban local self government and 81. municipalities 82. Report of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission on Local Governance Summary of important recommendations 83. Right to Information The Right to Information Act, 2005 87. 88. Defining Public Authority Responsibilities of Public Authorities 88. Process for providing Information 88. 89. Central Information Commission State Information Commission 90. 90. Powers and Functions of the Information Commissions Provision for Appeal 91. 91. Summarizing issues and constraints Civil Society Organizations 93. Media 93. 93. Central Government State Government 93. Second Administrative Reforms 94. Commission (2006) Tracking Right to Information in eight 94. states (2007) 94. Action Research Villages: A Right to Information Campaign Distribution System for BPL Families 95. 95. Identified list of issues in RTI implementation Section-E: Reading Comprehensions Section-F: Sentence Completion Section-G: Paragraph Jumbles Error Detection Answers and Solutions
27. 30. 35. 37.
Section-A: Data Interpretation+ Logical Reasoning Section-B: Quantitative Aptitude Section-C: Critical Reasoning Section-D: Fill in the blanks & sentence correction
38. 43. 45. 46. 49.
Civil Services
T I M E S www.civilservicestimes.com
Now! if you dont get it regularly.
Editorial Office C-75, Paryavaran Complex, IGNOU Road New Delhi-30 Phones 0-9871220001, 0-9871330001, 0-9971080001, 0-9871080001 e-mail: civilservicestimes07@yahoo.co.in All Rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Owned, Published and Printed by Vivek S Raj at Dhyani Print Process, Okhla Phase -1
All you need to do is to send a draft in favour of Civil Services Times payable at New Delhi worth Rs 860 for regular editions; Rs. 1500 for PT Specials, and Rs. 500 for Mains Special subscription. Send Rs. 350 for CONTEMPORARY ISSUES, Rs. 350 for FOREIGN POLICY OF INDIA. Rs. 700 for Question Booklet. We despatch the magazine through the Registered Parcel/Courier/Book Post. If your are intersted by Speed Post, send Rs. 350 extra for one year subscription. Mailing Address: Editorial Office, C-75, Paryavaran Complex, Ignou Road, New Delhi-30 Clearly specify your: name and personal details mailing address phone numbers (if any) month from which the subscription is sought
ADVERTISEMENT

Civil Services
MY PAGE
India and Russia Relations
10th anniversary of the
Declaration of strategic partnership

Russia is a time-tested friend of India that has stood by us in our times of need and We are determined to work together to cooperate in information and intelligence sharing and in devising effective counter-terrorism strategies,. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh he recent visit of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has once again opened the future role and relevance of Indo-Russian bilateral relations in the light of changing diplomatic relation in a world of globalization. The end of cold war; the disintegration of Soviet Russia; and the end of proactive role of non-aligned movement (NAM) ushered a period of uncertain equation for Indian diplomacy. Even during the cold war India was much closer to USSR than the erstwhile USA. But after the end of cold war and in the era of globalization, the equations have drastically changed and USA has come closer to India in the form of strategic partner. But one should think that this closeness has not come at the cost of Russia. It has been generally believed or projected
that Indo-Russia bilateral relations have taken a back seat and has not working on proper required direction. This assumption has been based on many ramifications like the decline of trade relations; lack of emphatic presence of Russia in Indian sub-continent; growing relations with China and Pakistan; inconsistent defence policies in terms prices and supply, etc. Despite such growing anomalies in relations, one must refer that Russia was the first country in the world that offered India to bring bilateral relations to such a magnitude and high level of interaction. The bilateral relations have been rightly referred as a friendship never governed by transient political factors. After independence of India, Russia offered India defence and other equipments to stabilize the conditions. Under changing circumstances, both the countries decided to streamline their relations by initiating Declaration of Strategic Partnership between the Republic of India and the Russian Federation which was signed on 3 October 2000. The partnership was mainly guided by the fact to advance the India Russia Privileged Strategic Partnership to an even higher qualitative level. In the further consolidation, both the countries have signed 30 agreements in FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
areas ranging from science, peaceful use of nuclear energy to culture and pharmaceuticals and also signed a contract for jointly building a fifth generation fighter jet. The agreements have meant to diversify the strong relationships in the light of new economic order. Apart from 11 pacts, which were signed after the talks, 19 agreements, including those between private companies of both the countries were inked on the margins of the summit. Cooperation in energy sector: Civil nuclear cooperation: Both the countries have reviewed the progress that has been made for the commissioning of Units 1 and 2 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project and the discussions for setting up additional units at Kudankulam including Units 3 and 4. India and the Russian Federation also agreed on the need for collaboration in scientific research in nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The Russian side welcomed Indias decision to set up a Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership and agreed to discuss future cooperation with this Centre. The sides also agreed to consider cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy with third countries. The first nuclear reactor of Indias Kudankulam power plant, built by Russias Atomstroyexport, a subsidiary of the state-owned nuclear company Rosatom, will be launched by the end of the first quarter of next year. Rosatom is also planning to build 18 reactors across three sites in India. Russia has shown keenness on continuing the supply of technology and expertise to energy-hungry India as the country plans to add 63,000 megawatts of nuclear power by 2032 to fuel its economic growth. Oil and gas sectors: It was agreed that the inter-govern-mental agreement on cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector signed during the Summit, must serve as an effective enabling legal mechanism to expedite governmental clearances on both sides to facilitate the creation and operation of such joint ventures. The sides agreed to Civil Services
ADVERTISEMENT

Civil Services
MY PAGE/COVER STORY
promote specific projects to encourage direct business-to-business dialogue between Indian and Russian oil and gas companies, to ensure that the contacts result in concrete and mutually beneficial commercial agreements between the companies including joint ventures in upstream and downstream activities in India, Russia, and third countries. Framework Agreement on Cooperation in hydrocarbon sector between ONGC Videsh Ltd And JSFC Sistema, has been prepared. Cooperation in the field of science and technology: Both sides have expressed satisfaction at the extension of the Integrated Long Term Program (ILTP) for scientific and technical cooperation for another decade and its focus on identifying innovation-led technology programs. Space sector: Both the countries have agreed to intensify cooperation in a broad range of flagship cooperation projects in the space sector, including the lunar exploration, human space flight and Youth Sat projects. Both India and Russia have appreciated the progress being made in Indias utilisation of Russias Global Navigation Satellite System, GLONASS. The Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) provides highprecision navigation signals which may be useful for both defence and civilian use. Russia has currently a total of 26 GLONASS satellites on orbit, of which 23 are operational. In this regard the federal network operator NIS has signed an agreement with Delhi Integrated Multimodal Transit System (DIMTS). DIMTS is a joint venture between New Delhi Government and Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IDFC) to create Intelligent Transport Systems in Indian metropolitan areas to provide solutions for monitoring traffic management. Defence: Military Technical Cooperation: Both sides noted with satisfaction that the third India Russia Joint Military Exercises held in India on October 13-23, 2010 focused on counter terrorism operations and had concluded successfully. Preliminary Design Contract for fifth generation fighter (FGFA) envisaging joint design and development by
Towards reinventing bilateral ties

In the Fourth India-Russia Forum on Trade and Investment, both Sides have noted the positive contribution of the Forum in strengthening bilateral economic engagement through establishment of direct B2B contacts. Both sides recognized the complementarity between the resources in Russia and the growing demand for fertilizers in India. Both sides also agreed for setting up of the joint venture for mining of potash and phosphate and production of phosphatic fertilizers for consumption in India. In this regard, Indian Government is setting up the Petroleum, Chemicals and Petro-Chemicals Investment Regions (PCPIR) in Vishakhapatnam, Dahej in Gujarat and Haldia in West Bengal. Russian companies may consider investing in these regions. Besides agreeing in cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, both sides agreed that there is enormous potential for cooperation in the IT Sector for mutual benefit. The Forum also recognized the need to identify specific projects for collaboration between Indian and Russian companies in areas such as, establishment of techno-parks, BPO, KPO, IT Skills and telemedicine. The Russian side invited Indian companies to participate in the Skolkovo Innovation Center. There is also scope for Indian companies in Russia in the area of E-governance, since Russia is targeting to provide all State services electronically by 2015. Other potential areas for cooperation include telemedicine, IT training and education. Indian and Russian economies have natural areas of synergy and India is ready to share its experience and expertise in setting up Information Technology parks. In the field of industrial co-operation, Indian side has requested that in view of the potential of the Indian market, signing of such long-term agreements with MMTC Limited, Hindustan Diamond Company Private Limited (HDCPL) and Surat Rough Diamond Sourcing India Limited would greatly promote cooperation in this sector. Both India and Russia has outlined the prospects for enhanced cooperation between Indian and Russian companies in the Oil and Gas Sector in the following areas: (a) upstream-oil and gas field; (b) downstream-construction of refinery; (c) joint projects in third countries both in upstream and downstream projects; and (d) participation of Russian companies in such projects in India. Both sides agreed to contribute to cooperation in the trade and investment area at the regional level, especially in the area of energy efficiency, new technologies. Both countries have urged financial organizations including banks of the two sides to work towards providing banking services to further trade and investment relations between the two countries. Both sides also welcomed the opening of representative office of Gazprombank in India. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Russias Sukhoi Design Bureau and Rosoboronexport. The FGFA would be based on Russias T-50 prototype fifthgeneration fighters. The cost of each FGFA would be around $100 million compared to $250 million for the US Air Forces F-22 Raptor, and IAF planning to induct 300 of them from 2017-18; the deal will be worth $30 billion. It has to be noted that the fighter jet, whose joint production was agreed on in 2007, is intended to compete with the US F-22 Raptor and the under production F-35 Lightning II. Both aircraft are manufactured by a consortium led by Lockheed Martin. FGFA will have advanced features such as stealth, super cruise, ultramaneuverability, highly integrated avionics suite, enhanced situational awareness, internal carriage of weapons and Network Centric Warfare 8 Civil Services
ADVERTISEMENT

Civil Services
MY PAGE/COVER STORY
capabilities apart from others. At the same time, both fighters have roughly the same top speed of Mach 2.5 (more than 3,000 km/h). It has to be mentioned that the aircraft will be built with carbon fibered-reinforced polymer, twice as light as aluminum and four times lighter than steel. It is pertinent to note that India accounts about 35 per cent to 40 per cent of Russias annual $8.6 billion of arms deliveries abroad. Russia is the only country in the world that offers India razor-edge military technologies including submarines on sale and joint production of state-of-the-art weapon systems. The recent hiccups regarding the price negotiations and supply of spare parts has certainly marred the goodwill of the supply of the defence equipments. Russia will have to rectify these anomalies. On the other hand, Russia says that India continues to believe it should get weapons at throwaway prices as it did it in the initial years of Soviet Russia. India must realize that the financial conditions of Russia are not very well and such concessions are no longer possible. In fact, there should be an immaculate mode of transaction and all professional norms should be strictly adhered. Visa related issues: Under the visa agreement the two countries agreed to simplify visa procedure by liberalizing their visa regimes as part of plans to ease travel by Indian businessmen to Russia. It is to be noted that the Indian busi-nessmen have long complained about the difficulty in getting multiple entry visas to Russia, which makes them prefer trading at other destinations in Southeast Asia or China. International issues: 1. Both sides have agreed to further strengthen their cooperation on issues related to the reform of the UN and its Security Council. 2. The Russian Federation has outrightly decided to support India as a deserving and strong candidate for a permanent seat in an expanded UN Security Council. The two sides also decided to work closely in the UN Security Council during the 2011-12 periods when India occupies a nonpermanent seat in the Council. 3. Russian side expressed readiness to
assist and promote a discussion and positive decision in the NSG on Indias full membership in the NSG and other multilateral export control clubs, and welcomed Indias intention to seek full membership. India underscored its determination to actively contribute to international efforts aimed at strengthening nuclear non-proliferation regime. Russia also took into positive consideration Indias interest in full membership in MTCR and the Wassenaar Arrangement. 4. Both the countries have welcomed the Afghan Governments policy of reintegrating those indi-viduals who agree to give up violence, adhere to the Afghan constitution and do not have ties with al Qaeda and other terrorist groups. Both sides highlighted the need for strict observance of the sanctions regime against persons and entities listed by the UNSCR 1267 Sanctions Committee. 5. India and Russia reiterated that all possible efforts should be made to address the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiations and agreed that Iran has the right to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in conformity with its international obligations. The sides call on Iran to comply with the provisions of the respective UN Security Council resolutions and extend full cooperation with the IAEA. 6. Russia has voiced its concerns over the dwindling population of tigers worldwide and has appreciated Indias initiatives in handling the tiger population within its territory. Russia recently hosted the World Tiger Summit which saw the global community pledge 330 million pounds. This consolidates the cultural ties between the two nations. Trade and Investment: India has asserted that the target of US $ 20 billion trade by 2015 is achievable provided all stakeholders put in concerted high efforts to meet it and there is need to expand the trade basket to include value added items in areas of applied technologies, information technology, telecommunications, automobile components, gems and jewellery and energy. Both 10
the countries have recognised that considerable potential exists for mutually beneficial investments by the two countries in privatisation programmes and programmes aimed at fostering technological innovation in their respective economies. Both sides have agreed to consider the possibility of a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement taking into account the implementation of the agreements on constituting the Customs Union between
Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus, after due consultation with all parties involved. In fact, the bilateral trade in 2009-10 stood at $4.54 billion and the two nations aspire to step it up more than four-fold in the next five years. But still a proper agreement between India and Russia on the basis of FTAs or CECA yet to be signed and due to the absence of these pacts, defined economic ties have evolved so far. It is important to refer that Russias bilateral trade with China is nearly $50 billion and with European Union nearly $250 billion. International organizations: 1. Both the sides have noted the successful interaction between India, Russia and China in the IRC format and the importance of this regional format in fostering dialogue and cooperation on global and regional issues between these three major states and great civilizations of the region in accordance with the Joint declaration of the 10th IRC Ministerial meeting held on 15 November 2010 in Wuhan. 2. Russia has agreed to support India in the getting the full membership of Civil Services
ADVERTISEMENT

11
Civil Services
MY PAGE/COVER STORY
the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). 3. Both the countries have noted that the mechanism of the East Asia Summits (EAS) provides new opportunities for strategic dialogue on all aspects of security and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific Region. India has welcomed Russias joining the EAS, which is now encompassing all key States of the region. 4. Russia affirmed that India joining the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) would enhance the APEC potential and effectiveness and expand trade and investment cooperation in the region. Russia supports Indias application to join the APEC and intends to work in this direction when the moratorium on the new membership is lifted. 5. The sides noted the importance of the mechanism of Defence Ministers of ASEAN and ASEAN dialogue partners (ADMM-Plus) as a key component of a robust, effective, open and inclusive regional security architecture that would enable the ADMM to cooperate with the eight Plus countries to address our common security challenges. 6. The sides observed that meetings of BRIC Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors have been useful. The sides welcomed the proposed inclusion of South Africa into the BRIC process in 2011. 7. To progress towards the shared goal of strong, sustainable and balanced growth it is essential for G20 countries to fully implement the Seoul Action Plan adopted at the recent G20 summit. The sides welcomed the reform of the World Bank and reiterated their commitment to the successful completion of the reform of the International Monetary Fund as agreed to at the G-20 Seoul Summit which will be a significant achievement in the general reform of the international financial architecture. 8. Besides that Indian leaders are frequently invited at various international conferences in Russia, including the St Petersburg Economic Forum. Climate Change: The sides stressed the importance of enhancing international efforts to combat climate change under the aegis
of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. They expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the Cancun Climate Conference and agreed that the post Cancun negotiations should be part of a comprehensive package covering all the pillars of the Bali Action Plan. On terrorism: Russia, unlike China, has urged Pakistan to punish and take stern measures against those people who plotted and planned the attacks in Mumbai in November 2008. Infrastructure and Pharmaceuticals: Regarding infrastructure, India has underlined that Indias quest for new facilities in power, transportation, urban development, communication, etc has truly taken off. In the next seven years, India will be spending $ 1.7 trillion to meet its infrastructure requirements. The government has
countries for setting up joint production facilities, technology transfer and sourcing of raw material. Dr Reddys Laboratories Ltd has entered into a licensing, technology transfer, manufacturing and marketing agreement R-Pharma of Russia. Despite powerful historical relations, bilateral trade between India and Russia has been slow in picking up as per the existing potentialities. In fact, Russia backs India's rise in Asia because it sees China as a threat particularly in the eastern Siberian region, where Chinese migrants are infiltrating into its territory. Russia also fears China may try to shift its eastern borders towards its territory. India is equally apprehensive of Chinese design of the policy 'string of pearls'. At the same time both Indian
instituted friendly policies for inviting FDI in these sectors and has addressed many areas to promote public private partnership as a plank of infrastructure development. NMDC Ltd and OJSC Severstal agreement on a 50:50 JV for an integrated steel plant in Karnataka with captive coal mining concessions for Russia has been signed. From the Indian side, there is great interest in developing a long-term partnership in pharmaceutical sector. India wants to reduce Russian dependence on imported drugs through joint ventures. MoUs with private companies: Eight MoUs were signed by the private companies of the two 12
and Russian security concern over the growing instability in Afghanistan is the same. But despite such geo-politic imperatives, both countries have yet to formulate uniform global policies to deal with international situations. The trade which is basis of new economic order has been deeply affected by the payment system involving the letter of credit (LCs). Indian exporters say that in the absence of letters of credit, they have to negotiate with their counterparts directly. In such cases Russian importers are asked to pay an advance payment up-front with the remaining amount being paid after the execution of the export order. In the past, Indian exporters have faced problems in Civil Services
ADVERTISEMENT

13
Civil Services
MY PAGE/COVER STORY
receiving the balance payments from their Russian counterparts. The underdeveloped insurance market in Russia and non-availability of warehouses with insurance cover is another major problem and there are hardly any products on offer that provide insurance cover for stocks or raw materials. Indian Companies also allege that Russia has imposed a ban on the bulk import of agricultural commodities from India. Import of certain agricultural commodities like
tea, coffee, rice and tobacco from India has been banned with effect from January 28, 2008. Tea exports to Russia have been fluctuating because of changes in competition and production levels of other countries. The appreciation of the rupee against the rouble, after the expiry of the exchange pact, led to higher tea prices and the loss of market share to countries such as Vietnam. In nutshell, both the countries must realize that the time has come to
evolve a comprehensive and allpervading policy to capitalize all the possible existing opportunities, resources, platforms and above all their feelings towards each other to make a combined and solid performance to face the realities of the new world and without the true and real relation is absolutely non sequitur.
(Vivek S. Raj)
Wassenaar Arrangement
The Wassenaar Arrangement has been established in order to contribute to regional and international security and stability, by promoting transparency and greater responsibility in transfers of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies, thus preventing destabilising accumulations. Participating States seek, through their national policies, to ensure that transfers of these items do not contribute to the development or enhancement of military capabilities which undermine these goals, and are not diverted to support such capabilities. Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom and United States are the members. The decision to transfer or deny transfer of any item is the sole responsibility of each Participating State. All measures with respect to the Arrangement are taken in accordance with national legislation and policies and are implemented on the basis of national discretion. Therefore, for specifics on Export Controls in Participating States contact the National Authorities in that country. Representatives of Participating States meet regularly in Vienna where the Wassenaar Arrangement's Secretariat is located. The WA Plenary is the decision-making and governing body of the Arrangement. It is composed of representatives of all Participating States who normally meet once a year, usually in December. The Plenary Chair is subject to annual rotation among Participating States.
Missile Technology Control Regime

The Missile Technology Control Regime is an informal and voluntary association of countries which share the goals of non-proliferation of unmanned delivery systems capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction, and which seek to coordinate national export licensing efforts aimed at preventing their proliferation. The MTCR was originally established in 1987 by Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. Since that time, the number of MTCR partners has increased to a total of thirty-four countries, all of which have equal standing within the Regime. The MTCR was initiated partly in response to the increasing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), i.e., nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. The risk of proliferation of WMD is well recognized as a threat to international peace and security, including by the UN Security Council in its Summit Meeting Declaration of January 31, 1992. While concern has traditionally focussed on state proliferators, after the tragic events of 11 September 2001, it became evident that more also has to be done to decrease the risk of WMD delivery systems falling into the hands of terrorist groups and individuals. One way to counter this threat is to maintain vigilance over the transfer of missile equipment, material, and related technologies usable for systems capable of delivering WMD. The MTCR rests on adherence to common export policy guidelines (the MTCR Guidelines) applied to an integral common list of controlled items (the MTCR Equipment, Software and Technology Annex). All MTCR decisions are taken by consensus, and MTCR partners regularly exchange information about relevant national export licensing issues. National export licensing measures on these technologies make the task of countries seeking to achieve capability to acquire and produce unmanned means of WMD delivery much more difficult. As a result, many countries, including all MTCR partners, have chosen voluntarily to introduce export licensing measures on rocket and other unmanned air vehicle delivery systems or related equipment, material and technology. The current Chairman of the Regime is Minister Santiago Irazabal Mouro of Brazil. FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
14
Civil Services
ADVERTISEMENT
Ireland crisis
End of Celtic Tiger?
he Irish crisis is looming large and it has further complicated the situation of the European Union in terms of providing economic stability. Ireland has joined the league of crisis-driven PIGS countries (indebted economies of Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Spain). The debtcrippled Ireland has formally applied for a massive EUIMF loan to stem the flight of capital from its banks. Ireland got into financial trouble after it spent more than euro 45 billion to rescue the countrys banks, which faced bankruptcy following the collapse of the once booming property business. Celtic Tiger is a term used to describe the economy of Ireland during a period of rapid economic growth between 19952007, which underwent a dramatic reversal by 2008, with a GDP contraction of 14 per cent and unemployment levels at 14 per cent by 2010. Irelands 13-year old Fianna Fil government is now practically seen the end of its illfated tenure. The Government has been accused of giving too much autonomy to banks and also blamed for lack monitoring over their activites. Through the nineties and early 2000s, Irish banks borrowed too much in the international markets, way beyond what they collected as deposits locally. The propertybuying frenzy was fed between 2003 and 2007. The massive depreciation in land prices, rent and fall in labour cost has further complicated the crisis. The European Central Bank which oversees monetary policy for the 16-nation eurozone and first raised alarm bells about a renewed cash crisis in Dublin banks. Sweden and Britain, not members of the euro currency, said they also were willing to provide bilateral loans to Ireland. In fact Ireland needed less than C100 billion ($140 billion) to use as a credit line for its state-backed banks, which are losing deposits and struggling to borrow funds on open markets. Ireland is running a deficit of 19 billion euros, which could not be financed at current market rates. Irish Finance Minister Lenihan said the money would help Ireland pay its bills and provide a contingency fund to back up the banks, which have been hemorrhaging cash since the countrys real estate boom crashed in 2008. It has been said that Irelands economy is much smaller but its problems may be even more complicated than those of the U.S., at least in one area. Because it is in the so-called eurozone, it has no currency of its own and cannot recapitalize its banks with new money as the U.S. did. Latest: Ireland is the first country to receive financial support from the euro 750 billion (nearly a trillion dollars) FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
15
Civil Services
financial safety net, spread by the EU and the IMF six months ago, to help euro zone nations facing liquidity crisis. It was set up after debt-ridden Greece slipped to the verge of a bankruptcy in May and had to be rescued by a euro 110 billion lifeline from the EU and the IMF. In the meantime, China has pledged its backing to eurozone countries amid an ongoing debt crisis and said Europe would be a major market for investment of Chinas massive foreign exchange reserves. China has emerged as a key player in the European debt crisis. Beijing has the worlds largest foreign exchange reserves at 2.648 trillion dollars, a significant portion of which is invested in the euro.
COP16/CMP6
Cancun climate conference
OP16/CMP6 was the 16th edition of Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP) and the 6th Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the
Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP). Parties refers to all the national states that signed and ratified both of the international treaties, committing to observe and comply with its terms regarding international cooperation against climate change. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change has been signed by 194 State Parties and the Kyoto Protocol has been ratified by 184 State Parties. The Cancun climate conference emphaised on the agreement on the Shared Vision, an Adaptation Framework, a global forest conservation scheme (REDD Plus) , Technology Transfer, the establishment of a Green Climate fund, proposed to be worth $100 billion a year by 2020, and a better system for monitoring and measuring GHG emissions from the USA and other major emitters. The fact that this fund can be directly accessed by national institutions without being channelled through multilateral development banks (MDBs), such as the World Bank, is another clear win since national institutions are far more suited to handle funding because they understand the contours of the country better. Besides that a technology mechanism was also set up under the UNFCCC with a policy-making committee and a centre. FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
16
Civil Services
ADVERTISEMENT
Further the conference agreed to limit global warming to less than 2 degrees celsius above pre-industrial levels and called on rich countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions as pledged in the Copenhagen Accord and for developing countries to plan to reduce their emissions. But at the same time it has to be referred these stipulations are non-binding in nature. Positive: 1. The summit was a major step forward given that international negotiations had stumbled in recent years, and as being fairly modest as it did not require the changes that scientists say are needed to avoid dangerous climate change. In other words, the summit revived the spirit of multilateralism in the climate change system, because another collapse after the disastrous failure of the Copenhagen talks a year ago would have knocked another hole into the reputation in the UN Climate Convention. 2. The Cancun text in fact gives a lot of space to the details of these monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) Total and per capita CO2 emissions Country China United States Russia India Japan Australia CO2 emissions
(in million metric tonnes)
Per capita emissions

(in tonnes)
6,534 5,833 1,729 1,495 1,214 437
4.91 19.18 12.29 1.31 9.54 20.82
by
C S AT
WHAT ADVANTAGES YOU GET
Announces
KumarS ervices A ptitudeTeam C ivil Anand & T es t
Source: Union of Concerned Scientists
procedures as well as international consultation and analysis (ICA). These are all new obligations, and a great deal of time was spent in Cancun by the developed countries (especially the United States) to get the developing countries to agree to the details of MRV and ICA. Criticism: 1. The Cancun agreements did not provide leadership, for not specifying how the proposed climate fund will be financed, and for not stating that countries had to peak their emissions within 10 years and then rapidly reduce them for there to be any chance to avert warming. 2. The summit is also criticised for the deferral of decisions on the legal form of and level of emission reductions required. 3. The Cancun conference suffered an early blow from Japans announcement that it would never ever agree to make another commitment under the Kyoto Protocol. 4. Nothing significant took place in terms of making the clauses mandatory and the regime of voluntary system continues and divergent views remain doimnating through out the summit. 5. The Cancun text avoided any mention of intellectual property rights, which have an influence over developing countries access to and cost of technology. In fact, Cancun has reduced the trust deficit amongst the member-nations and the uncertainty over climate talks seem to have ended and success to mark the next Conference of Parties in Durban in December 2011. The Cancun conference was significantly able to address key FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
C&C has been providing successful guidance for the very similar type of CSAT syllabus since 1997. As experience pays dividend, you are likely to get an edge. Director (Kumar Anand) needs no introduction in the field of Reasoning. He has distinguished knowledge of Reasoning supplemented with long experience of 15 years of teaching. Our other faculty members too have distinction of excellence in their subjects. We provide updated well compiled study materials, that sharpen your knowledge. As speed and accuracy are key to success, we arrange regular Test Series which make you successful. A change always creates scope for experimentation.
C&C on path of Glory Since 1997

Always remember! You can't beat experience.
Flat No. 202, Ansal Building, Above HDFC Bank, Dr. Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi-9
# 27651037, 98910-73103, 98996-73103

17 Civil Services
E-mail : careerncompetition@yahoo.com Website : www.careerandcompetition.com
issues in three critical areas, namely, (1) to resolve the importance of a mechanism to hold developed nations accountable for the financial pledges that have been made; (2) to hammer out the details on how these financial commitments made by developed nations can be delivered to developing nations in a framework palatable to all parties involved; and (3) to ensure that a framework exists to measure, verify and report the results achieved by the parties involved. India and the other BASIC countries (Brazil, South Africa and China) have rightly decided to forego any funding that comes from the Fast Start Climate Finance pledges since smaller countries are in dire need of it.India has always took the stance that the Fast Start Climate Finance must not be viewed as a loan but a grant or an entitlement to compensate for the damage that has been done by developed countries so far.It is important to refer that Indias per capita emissions are 1.31 tonnes and this figure is approximately 20 times less than that of Australia and the United States and at least four times less than that of China.
Korean Peninsular
North Korea-South Korea tension orth Korea has rained a hundred artillery shells on the island of Yeonpyeong in whichtwo South Korean marines were killed and set homes ablaze. With this the tension
between these two nations has reached a new alarmingly high.

The island of Yeonpyeong is 80 miles west of the South Korean port of Inchon, and only two miles away from the disputed naval border with the increasingly desperate and belligerent North and a population of 1,500. Naval battles were fought between squadrons of patrol boats in these waters, in 1999 and 2002. This attack was second one after a North Korean torpedo attack sank the South Korean warship Cheonan, killing 46 sailors. The South Korean military responded to the attack by scrambling fighter jets and firing about 80 artillery shells at the North Korean coast. South Korea is of the opinion that North Koreas bombardments inhumane atrocities that violated the 1953 armistice halting the Korean War. The two sides technically remain at war because a peace treaty was never signed. Reactions: 1. The United States urged North Korea to halt its belligerent action, saying that it was firmly committed to the defense of our ally, the Republic of Korea, and to the maintenance of regional peace and stability. The nuclear-powered USS George Washington, which carries 75 warplanes and has a crew of over 6,000, left a Naval Base South of Tokyo and to join exercises with South Korea. Five more smaller warship will follow in due course. By sending the warships, the US is also sending a clear message to China, which considers the Yellow Sea is under its control, of its responsibility to help restrain North Korea from further aggressive action. 2. The NATO alliance, the European Union and Britain all condemned the North Korean attack, and Germany joined them in expressing concern and calling for restraint. 3. China, the impoverished Norths only powerful ally, was careful to avoid taking sides, calling on both Koreas to do more to contribute to peace. China is Pyongyangs closest ally- Beijing fought on the northern side of the Korean War, its aid props up the current regime and its actions have often insulated North Korea from foreign pressure. 4. Russia said it saw a colossal danger of an escalation in fighting on the Korean peninsula and China said it was imperative to resume six-party 18
talks aimed at ending the norths nuclear weapons program. 5. Japan said that North Koreas action was unforgiveable. Diplomatic efforts are in full swing on several fronts. Former Governor Bill Richardson went to meet the leaders of North Korea in Pyongyang in the month of December. Also, Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg also visited China to discuss the North Korean issue with Chinese officials. The US and other nations still believe that China has the best chance to reach out to the North Koreans and defusing the situation. International news in Brief Russia and Iran go for Nuclear Cooperation Russia and Iran have agreed to step up their civil nuclear cooperation despite the international sanctions impose on Tehran over its nuclear programme. The agreement was reached between the two Presidents on the side-lines of a Caspian Summit Civil Services
in Baku, capital of Azerbaijan. Iran's first nuclear power plant with Russian help is being built at Bushehr. A Brief History of Iran's Nuclear Program: The nuclear program of Iran was launched in the 1950s with the help of the United States as part of the Atoms for Peace program. The support, encouragement and participation of the United States and Western European governments in Iran's nuclear program continued until the 1979 Iranian Revolution that toppled the Shah of Iran. After the 1979 revolution, the Iranian government temporarily disbanded elements of the program, and then revived it with less Western assistance than during the pre-revolution era. Iran's nuclear program has included several research sites, two Uranium mines, research reactors, and uranium processing facilities that include three known uranium enrichment plants. EU says "Yes" to Russia for WTO The EU has finally endorsed the Russian entry into the WTO. Russia is waiting for this opportunity for 17 years now. The agreement was reached at the EU-RUSSIA summit held at Brussels in December, 2010. Russia is the last major power still outside this global trade body and the deal with the world's largest trading bloc clear the crucial hurdle for Russia's entry. Now Russia's entry in the year 2011 seems a possible and realistic perspective. The European Commissioner is J.M. Barroso and the EU President is Herman Van Rompuy. Russia-Norway sign treaty on Maritime Delimitation Russia and Norway recently signed a treaty on Maritime Delimitation and Cooperation in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean. The treaty is a significant one as the High North is attracting international attention. The High North is one of the world's most resourceful region, yet most vulnerable. It is a strategic priority in Norwegian foreign and security policy. The treaty establishes a maritime delimitation line that divide a previously disputed area of about 175000 sq.km, which is potentially rich in natural resources, Russia and Norway will also adopt detailed provisions regarding cooperation on exploitation of hydrocarbon
NEW START
Towards greater nuclear disarmament The Russian American New Start has been approved by the Russian Parliament, even as Moscow rejected as unacceptable the US Senate ratification resolution. The State Duma, the lower house of the parliament supported the treaty by a 350-56 majority in a first of the three votes but postponed the final approval till next year. In Russia, international treaties must be approved by both Houses of Parliament in contrast to the US. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev hailed the pact as "a cornerstone of stability in the world and Europe for decades to come".
It is to be noted that under the new accord, the United States and Russia are required to reduce strategic warhead stockpiles to 1,550, down from the limit of 2,200 established by a treaty that expired a year ago. In addition, the treaty sets a limit of 700 land, air and sea-based missile launchers. At the same time, the treaty also includes provisions for monitoring and verification. New Start Treaty gets Senate nod An arms control treaty paring back the US and Russian nuclear arsenal has won a decisive vote in the US Senate. Now the treaty's way for the final approval by President Obama is awaited. The Senate voted 67 to 28 to end debate on the treaty, known as New Start, mustering the two-thirds majority needed for ratification despite a concerted effort by Republican leaders to sink the agreement. The Republican critics called it a bad deal, arguing that the treaty's inspections were inadequate and non-binding language in its preamble could give Russia leverage to try to keep the US from deploying missile defence installations in Eastern Europe. It would also resume on-site inspections that lapsed last December when the original Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty or START expired in 2009. The US currently has 1950 deployed strategic warheads and 798 launchers, while the Russian side has 2540 deployed strategic warhead and 574 strategic launchers. Obama and his supporters argue that ratification is a key to build and maintain an international coalition against Iran's nuclear programme. deposits and on fisheries management. It took almost 40 years to both the nations to reach to an agreement. The treaty demonstrates the constructive relationship between both the nations. Russia and S. Korea Russia took a stern diplomatic rhetoric against S. Korea against its artillery drill on Yeonpyeong Island located near a disputed maritime border with the North Korea, so as not to 19 provoke a further build-up of tension. The Russian Federation called on the Republic of Korea to refrain from holding the planned artillery firing in order to prevent the further escalation of tension on the Korean peninsula. It is here highlighted that similar drill in November had provoked an exchange of fire that had caused some causalities in the peninsula. Reacting to the proposed drill exercise the North Korea warned that it would Civil Services
strike again if S. Korea went ahead with its artillery drill. Russia is trying its best to keep the situation under control. Japan-China Japan is all set to increase its defence against China as it continuously expresses concern over the military modernisation of China and it had recently unveiled plans to build a dynamic defence force to face this security environment. Japan's cabinet recently approved national defence programme guidelines for 10 years from 2011. Japan's basic priority would be the enhancement of force disposition in southwest Japan close to China. This guideline of the Japan's cabinet acquires unusual importance in the context of recent tensions between Japan and China over the Senkakau/Diaoyu Islands. The latest development in Japan's defence policy projects the transformation of Japan's self-defence forces as an indigenous effort at increasing the credibility of deterrent capacity. This chance in Japan's military policy highlights a shift from Japan's Cold War style policies and the changing regional equation. The rise of China and other emerging powers and a relative chance in the US influence had now brought about a world-wide shift in the balance of forces. China and Pakistan Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited Pakistan in the month of December, following his visit to India. During his visit China took keen interest in investing in energy and construction projects of Pakistan. The two nations also looked positive to push forward their nuclear energy cooperation and China showed interest in setting up its fifth nuclear power reactor in Pakistan- a one gigawatt plant which will mark the single biggest deal in nuclear energy between the two nations. The 46 nation's cartel of NSG, of which China is a member, prohibits the transfer of nuclear technology to countries that have not singed the NPT but the Chinese side defends its nuclear cooperation with Pakistan and insists that the country will seek safeguards from the IAEA. Though China is yet to notify the NSG of the deal or seek an exemption. During this visit of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao the two
Euro zone
China comes to rescue of Euro Zone China has showed its willingness to help countries in the Euro Zone return to economic health and is also ready to support to support IMF of a bailout package for the bloc. The major reason for this support is that the Euro zone is one of the most important areas for China's investment. In October, during the visit to Greece, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabo offered to buy Greek bonds when Athens resumed issuing new bonds. Similarly in the month of November, Chinese President Hu Jintao visited Portugal and offered concrete measures to help the weak economy. China has now showed willingness to buy 4-5 billion euros of Portuguese sovereign debt to help the country ward off market pressure which has intensified as investors grew concerned it would be next in line to seek a bailout after Ireland and Greece. New Independent Rescue Fund for EU nations mooted: - Several European nations including Germany, are now working on a permanent euro rescue mechanism that would include the creation of new and independent funding institution. The mooted body would exist side by side with the European Central Bank, would benefit from the same independence and would be tasked with helping financially distressed euro zone countries under strict conditions. nations signed thirteen agreements and MoUs in fields including energy, rail transport, reconstruction, agriculture and culture. China will provide assistance in 36 projects in Pakistan to be completed in five years' time. Overall China is all set to invest $30 billion in Pakistan which are vital for moribund Pakistani economy. Pakistan to arm jets with Chinese missiles Pakistan will buy Chinese air to air D10 missiles and avionics to arm its 250 JF-17 Thunder fighter fleet. Pakistan may also opt to acquire other advanced defense missile system includtem for the jointly developed fighters and is also planning to get active radar and homing middle range missile developed by China, called the SD-10; it will become the standard Beyond Visual Range (BVR) weapon of JF-17. The SD-10 (Shan Dian 10) is radar guided air to air missile developed by China in 2002 and Pakistan is the first country where it is proposed to be exported. The SD10 is a variant of Italian Aspide missile supplied to China in late 80's. Pakistan and Afghanistan Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and his Afghanistan counterpart Hamid Karzai met in Istanbul in the month of December for a new round of talks aimed at building trust. These peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan are sponsored by Turkey to enhance peace and development between the two nations. Both the leaders discussed measures to reduce tensions over militant attacks along the country's lawless border. Turkey's President Abdullah Gul said that a railroad between Turkey and Pakistan will be extended to Afghanistan and flights between the three nations should be expanded for better cooperation. Turkey shares good relation Civil Services
ing Chinese surface to air missile (SAM) systems. Pakistan has opted to go in for full Chinese armament sys20
with both Afghanistan and Pakistan. The interior ministers and foreign ministers also had separate round of talks. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been plagued by mutual suspicion, though bilateral ties have recently improved. Hilal-e Pakistan for Holbrooke Pakistan will posthumously confer its highest civilian honors on late US Special Envoy for Af-Pak region, Richard Holbrooke for his untiring efforts to strengthen US-Pakistan ties. China invests in Brazilian Power Sector Chinas' biggest electric company, State Grid, has paid $989 million for seven Brazilian power companies and their transmission lines. The investment includes a 30 year concession to operate the Brazilian power grids that can be renewed for 20 years on its expiry. The deal marks a further expansion of State Grid of China into overseas markets following a $ 3.9 billion, 25 year contract with the Philippines to run its power grid by China. The deal suits the strategic cooperation between both the nations. Brazil relies heavily on power from Itaipu, the world's second largest hydro-electric dam after China's Three Georges. China to buy Portugal debt China is all set to buy euro 4-5 billion of Portuguese sovereign debt to help the country ward off pressure in debt markets. As per the reports the deal reached between the two governments will lead to China buying Portuguese debt in auctions or in the secondary markets during the first quarter of 2011. Portugal has moved into the eye of the storm in the euro zone's debt crisis, with borrowing costs spiking as investors grew concerned it would be next in the line to seek an international bailout after Ireland and Greece. China's plan of new aircraft raises concern in the region The Chinese government has confirmed that it has launched a program to build an aircraft carrier, amid rising maritime tensions between China and several of its neighbors in the South China Sea. The Chinese aircraft are all set to get ready by 2014. The announcement comes in the background of rising tension in the region. China and Japan are currently having disputes over the Diaoyn or Senkakau
IRAQ
A fragile but determined government formed Iraq's Parliament after a delay of nine months has finally confirmed Nouri alMaliki as Prime Minister for a second term. The formation of Maliki's national unity government has been an exercise in balancing the competing interest of Iraq's Sunni, Shia and Kurdish power blocs. Parliament in separate votes gave its approval to Maliki, three deputy prime ministers and 29 other cabinet ministers. The coalition government is formed and in the cabinet, the State of Law Coalition under Nuri al Maliki got 13, Al Iraqiya List under Ayad Allawi got 8, Kurdistan Alliance got 7, and Iraqi National Alliance under Ammar al Hakim got 11 ministres. Besides that Group which played an instrumental role in the government formation process by meeting with Maliki, has acquired 6 ministries. Unity of Iraq under Javad Bolani got 1 ministry. The Turkman have acquired 3 ministries Izzaddin al Dawla (minister of Agriculture) from al Iraqiyya List, Mohammad Jassem Jafar (Ministry of Youth and Sports) from Iraqi National Alliance and Turhan Muftu (State Minister on Provinces) from Iraqi Turkman Front. Former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, who failed to gain enough support for a majority after his cross-sectarian Iraqiya bloc won the most seats, told the assembly his Sunni-backed coalition would participate fully in the government. Allawi, a secular Shi'ite, has said he will join the government as head of a new national strategic policy council. Challenges before Maliki: 1. The Goran Movement from the Kurdistan Alliance has already left the government because it was not given a ministry. The Goran Movement may give tough time to the newly formed government. 2. The economy needs better direction and for streamlining the various sectors, tough decisions are bound to be taken and it would be difficult for the PM to take strong decisions in a coalition government. 3. The government has been dithering for years over a package of laws that would streamline oversight of the country's oil wealth and make it more quickly available to investors. Iraq holds the world's fourth largest oil reserves, valued at $11 trillion according to current oil prices. islands in the East China Sea. The Japanese side has recently announced its new defence policy to face growing threat from China. Concerns have also risen in Seoul, following a recent clash between Chinese fishermen and South Korean coast guard near the city of Gunsan. China-Kazakhstan water dispute China's dam building spree in its western Xinjiang region has triggered concerns in the neighbouring Kazakhstan. The Irtysh and Ili rivers are crucial to Kazakhstan's water security; these two rivers have their source in the Xinjiang. Since 2000 China has accel21 erated development in the region, which has seen intermittent ethnic unrest. The building of dams has led to falling water levels in both the rivers. The rivers drain into the Balkhash Lake, which sustains the livelihood of more than two million Kazakhs. This dispute holds crucial lessons to be learned by India in managing watersharing issues with China over the Brahmaputra River. China's plans to build dams in the Tibet are still at a nascent stage as compared with its projects in Xinjiang. China to establish rail network with S-E Asia China is planning to get connected Civil Services
with the whole of S-E Asia including Singapore, Thailand and Laos in the next three years. The rail project will add new dimensions to cooperation among ASEAN+1 nation and is also going to influence India's relationship with the group. The project envisions connecting China's Kunming city with Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam and Malaysia and it will thus give a boost to the FTA of the region. India has also been trying its diplomatic best to enhance the trade opportunities and political relation with the S-E Asian nations but with the Chinese side planning to build the rail network its influence in the region will definitely get enhanced. The Deputy Prime Minister of Laos Somsavat Lengsavad said that the main purpose of the project is to support the master plan for ASEAN connectivity and implementation of ASEAN - CHINA free trade area. Iran Nuclear Talks with P5+1 Talks resumed in Geneva in December between Iran and the P5+1 countries, or the international mediators in a settlement of Iran's nuclear problem. The five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany are represented in Geneva by their respective Deputy Foreign Ministers, while Iran's negotiator is the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic Saeed Jalili. The parties to the talks last met in this kind of format more than a year ago, so the resumption of the dialogue is seen as a move forward. In June this year the UN Security Council imposed more sanctions on Iran, but Tehran gave to understand that it was not about to roll back its nuclear programme, which is of major concern to the world community, above all the United States. Officials from the Security Council plus Germany said that they reminded Iran during these talks of their existing offer - known as freeze-for-freeze i.e. if Iran freezes its uranium enrichment programme, the UN may freeze sanctions against Iran. Emergency ends in Bangkok Thailand's government agreed to lift decree imposed in Bangkok. The state of emergency was imposed for past eight-months in Bangkok. The decision to lift the sanction was based on an improved political climate and a
Kosovo
Prime Minister Hashim Thacis second term On December 12, 2010 the citizens of Kosovo casted their vote to choose their representatives in the 120 seat parliament. It was the first general election since Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. About 1.6 million people are eligible for vote in Kosovo. The snap vote was called after the former President Fatmir Sejdiu stepped down in September, triggering the collapse of the ruling coalition. Twenty-nine political parties, coalitions and citizens' initiatives, including eight representing Kosovo Serbs, participated in the elections. According to the Kosovo Electoral Law, Serbs are guaranteed ten of the 120 seats in parliament, regardless of turnout. More than 30,000 observers monitored the election process. Analysts say that the election is set to weaken Prime Minister Hashim Thaci's grip on power. Prime Minister Hashim Thaci's Democratic Party of Kosovo has won the country's first parliamentary elections since it declared independence from Serbia nearly three years ago. Hashim Thaci's Democratic Party of Kosovo had won with 33.5 percent of the vote. The Democratic League of Kosovo, led by Isa Mustafa, received 23.6 percent of the votes. But the newcomer Self-Determination Party, led by student activist-turned-politician Albin Kurti, was in third place with 16 per cent. It means that Hashim will have to form a coalition government. It is important to refer that the ethnic Albanian majority and small Serb minority remain largely estranged in Kosovo, more than a decade after a Nato-led conflict broke Serbia's control. Belgrade has not recognised Kosovo's independence and most Serbs were expected to boycott the elections. Kosovo is facing a high unemployment rate of 45 per cent and at the same time, while recognised by many Western countries, Kosovo is still not a member of the UN. Under these circumstances, a coalition government will have to face a number of challenges to get rid of the sordid state of nature. less confrontational approach by antigovernment "red shirt" protesters. However it was subject to condition if the government foresees a resurgence of violence, it can further resort to the Internal Security Act (ISA), which is in place and allows the authorities to impose measures such as curfews and bans on gatherings. In place of the decree, the government will use the ISA, which does not automatically ban gatherings but still allows the authorities to impose curfews and declare areas off-limits among other provisions. The lifting of the decree came five days later when the meeting was held between Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and acting red 22 shirt leader Thida Thavornseth to discuss bail for the movement's leaders and more than 100 others were detained since the imposition of emergency in the country. Sri Lanka-Pakistan Sri Lanka & Pakistan have agreed to promote dialogue on security and defence issues, including training of security forces. A joint statement at the end of the four day visit by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in Sri Lanka in the month of December said that both the leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms. Pakistan was one of the key allies of Lanka in its fight against the LTTE. Besides Sri Lankan defence personnel at various levels are Civil Services
trained in Pakistan. Sri Lanka allows UN panel visit The Sri Lankan government has given the green signal to the UN's Secretary General's expert panelvisiting the country to depose before the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) appointed by the President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The panel will advise the Secretary General on accountability issue arising from the war against the LTTE. The panel has been a bone of contention between the UN and Colombo for several months. When Ban Ki Moon appointed the panel, the Sri Lankan government voiced serious concern on the ground that it impinged on the nation's sovereignty. The appoint of this UN panel is followed by demands from various quarters outside Sri Lanka for an independent investigation into war crimes both by the security forces and by the Tigers. The Lankan government had resisted the demand and has consistently maintained that the eight member commission appointed by the President of Sri Lanka in June this year will look into all aspects of three decade long conflict. The commission had a few weeks ago invited human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch to depose before it. People oppose US military base in Japan Japanese PM Naoto Kan was not successful to convince his citizen for the planned relocation of a key US military base within the Okinawa prefecture. Japan has recently given shape to its new defence strategy. The new defence blueprint, designed to transform pacifist Japan's self-defence forces into a dynamic outfit and calls for a further enhancement of Japan's decades long indispensable alliance with US. The two nations have agreed in May 2010 to relocate the Futenma base within Okinawa. However the people of Okinawa have consistently opposed the daily inconveniences they suffer because of the prolonged US military presence on their home turf. The base relocation plan was a package deal under which some US marines would leave Japan and the people of Okinawa would face a reduced burden. Law repealed by USA The United States Senate recently
Italy
Silvio Berlusconi survived no-confidence vote Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi survived another no-confidence vote in Italian Parliament. The no-confidence motion brought by the center-left opposition was defeated by 314 votes to 311, and vote counting in the chamber was briefly interrupted by a scuffle between deputies from rival camps. Therefore, he won the noconfidence vote by a marginal majority of three votes-two of them coming from the newly formed "Future and Liberty" party of his arch political rival Gianfranco Fini. It was Fini's decision to pull out of Berlusconi's tripartite right wing coalition that caused the crisis. The vote was carried in a siege like atmosphere at the Italian Parliament. Though Berlusconi has won the vote but his future still not clear. His surviving coalition partner, the xenophobic and anti-immigrant Northern League, has already indicated that it will be difficult task for the PM to carry through legislation with a razor thin majority of just three votes. Berlusconi's regime has been of corruption and mismanagement. Even the Vatican has taken a strong stand him. Implications and challenges for Berlusconi: 1. Although he has retained the power but he has been left with less power and authority to ensure the stability of his government at a time of major economic problems and a menacing euro zone debt crisis, especially the crisis of Ireland. 2. The marginal victory has indicated that his control over the government has considerably declined and under these circumstances it would be very difficult for him to take strong decisions to tame the growing dissatisfaction amongst the people. 3. Berlusconi will have to muster the support of all section of people to avert the banking crisis of Europe. Although his regulation over the banks was good enough to control the ruthless functioning of the banks. passed a bill to repeal the controversial Don't Ask Don't Tell law, a ban on openly gay persons serving in the US military. This law (DADT) was introduced in 1993 as a compromise to allow gay persons to serve in the military; it resulted in 12500 members of the armed forces being discharged. In November, an official survey found that more than two-thirds of the armed forces in the USA do not object to gays and lesbians serving openly in uniform. Reacting to the decision of senate President Obama said that " I am absolutely convinced that making this change will only under-score the professionalism of our troops as the best led and best trained fighting force the world as ever known". Japan-Russia row In another example of diplomatic frenzy the Japanese Ambassador to 23 Russia Masaharu Kono was ordered to come back following a diplomatic row over the ownership of four islands, controlled by Moscow and claimed by Tokyo since the end of the Second World War. The dispute flared up following Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's publicised visit to the Islands, known as North Territories in Japan and Southern kurils in Russia. Before this no Russian leader had gone to these islands. Reacting in protest to the visit of Russian President Tokyo recalled its Russian Ambassador to Japan to discuss the situation. UN Mission in Nepal The UN has issued a strong warning that the peace process in Nepal is moving into a critical period and urged the Nepali leaders to resolve issues of integration and rehabilitaCivil Services
tion, power sharing and the drafting of the new constitution in peaceful and consultative manner. UN Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs B Lynn Pascoe was in Kathmandu in the month of December to assess the political situation in the run up to the planned departure of the UNMIN. The UN has granted a seventh extension to the UNMIN in September and had decided that the mission's mandate would terminate on January 15, 2011. UNMIN monitors seven cantonments and 21 satellite camps where more than 19000 former Maoist combatants reside as well as a restricted number of arms and personnel of the army. Vietnam's nuclear energy plants The Civil nuclear energy has come into high focus in S-E Asia. Vietnam is planning to build its nuclear plants with foreign aid and Singapore has shown its firm interest in the nuclear power project. Russia and Japan have also firmly agreed to help Vietnam in the civil nuclear sector. The decision to support Vietnam was taken after the leaders of Vietnam met the Russian President and the Japanese Prime Minister. The formal accord for the establishment of Vietnam's first ever nuclear power plant was signed in the presence of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet. WikiLeaks WikiLeaks is an international nonprofit organization that publishes submissions of private, secret, and classified media from anonymous news sources and news leaks. Its website, launched in 2006 and run by The Sunshine Press. Julian Assange, an Australian Internet activist, is its director. WikiLeaks was originally launched as a user-editable wiki site, but has progressively moved towards a more traditional publication model, and no longer accepts either user comments or edits. WikiLeaks, the whistleblower website is at the centre of a storm over leaking 250,000 US diplomatic despatches. Wikileaks with its slogan "We open governments" came in news in April 2010 when it released a video from a 2007 incident in which Iraqi civilians were killed by US forces on a website called Collateral Murder. Vienna Convention on
Tonga
Elections leading to formation of new government The kingdom of Tonga in the South Pacific held its first democratic elections in the month of month of November, 2010 and the new government was placed there on December 26, 2010. The elections began the transition from an absolute monarchy to a democratic government. The common people voted to elect 17 People's Representatives and the nobles elected from among themselves, nine members to the 26 member National Assembly. The King of Tonga is George Tupou V. He will remain the head of state but will no longer exercise executive powers, nor will he appoint the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. He, however, retains the power to dismiss the government in certain circumstances. The Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands founded in September 2010 specifically to fight the election and led by veteran pro-democracy campaigner 'Akilisi Pohiva, secured the largest number of seats, with 12 out of the seventeen "People's Representative" seats. ThePrime Minister, Lord Tu'ivakano has named his new government, confirming that King George Tupou V has appointed seven Cabinet Ministers. Tonga is a group of 170 islands in the South Pacific. Tonga is also known as Friendly Island. This name was given by British Navigator Captain James Cook, who visited here in 1700's and found the islanders to be friendly and welcoming. The capital of Tonga is Nuku'alofa. Diplomatic Relations The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 is an international treaty that defines a framework for diplomatic relations between independent countries. It specifies the privileges of a diplomatic mission that enable diplomats to perform their function without fear of coercion or harassment by the host country. This forms the legal basis for diplomatic immunity. Its articles are considered a cornerstone of modern international relations. It has been ratified by 186 countries. The 1961 UN Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations will mark its 50th anniversary in April 2011. Socialist Greece goes for privatisation Debt stricken Greece has unveiled a three year privatisation plan to raise 7 billion Euros or $ 9.3 billion, through the sale and exploration of state companies and other assets. As per the re24 ports of the Greece Government the socialist government intends to draw at least one billion Euros in 2011 form the partial sale, joint management or outright privatisation of hundreds of properties. The major aim of this move which is in line with the Economic and Financial Policy Programme of Greece is to get revenue amounting to 7 billion euros within the 2011-13. France and United Kingdom France and United Kingdom have recently signed a historic 50 year nuclear deal that would see them share nuclear facilities and jointly develop technology, marking a new chapter in the so labelled now-on-now-off Anglo-French relations. The UK and France have signed treaties agreeing to military cooperation including testing of nuclear warheads. One centre will be set up in the UK to develop nuclear testing technology and the other one in France to carry it out. Both the nations also agreed to create a joint Civil Services
rapid reaction force of up to 50000 troops deployable at short notice and to cooperate in a range of other defence related areas. The UK and France have also agreed to keep at least one aircraft carrier at sea between them. Each will be able to use the other's carrier in some form certainly for training and other operations. Major European nations want to freeze EU budget Britain, France, Germany, Finland and the Netherlands have called for the EU budget to be frozen until at least 2020, in a joint letter to the European Commissioner Jose Manuel Barroso. These major European nations want that the European Union's joint budget should not grow faster than the rate of inflation in the bloc's post 2013 long term budget. The European Union's 27 countries will start talks in mid-2011 on the long term budget, which runs from 2014 until 2020 or longer. The budget for 2011 is worth 126.5 billion euros, with more than 40 per cent of it going on agriculture and a third on aid to poor regions. However, efforts to agree at a tighter budget are likely to run up against stiff opposition from poorer eastern European nations that currently benefit most from EU largesse. The Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk had already signaled that he will be resisting the cuts. Obama freezes employees' pay United States President Barack Obama has announced a far reaching freeze on the pay of all federal government employees for the next two years. This is a clear sign that he remains deeply concerned about the country's long term fiscal deficit. A Treasury Department report earlier this year had indicated that the debt would top $13.6 trillion in 2010. This freezing of pay would save $2 billion over the rest of this fiscal and generate $28 billion in cumulative savings over the next five years. More leeway for low-debt countries by Basel regulators The Basel III bank capital and liquidity norms will be phased between 2013 and 2018. They will replace the Basel II which almost failed to ensure banks had enough capital to withstand the credit crunch. Recently the global regulators have announced that the banks in low-debt nations like AustraFEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02
Venezuela
Decree to rule unabated for another 18 months Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has been conferred power to rule by decree for the next 18 months by the legislature. The need for such power emanated when the opposition candidates, who won 67 of the National Assembly's 165 seats in September 2010, accused Chavez of usurping their power. The move gives the president the ability to use such powers for the fourth time since he took office 11 years ago. The law that grants the president decree powers also will allow him to enact measures involving land, finances, security and other areas. At this juncture, it is important to refer that the opposition had boycotted legislative elections in 2005, and since then Chavez 's United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) has enjoyed a National Assembly monopolized by his supporters. Chavez believes in leftist ideology and has done considerable nationalization of Venezuela's economy since he took power in 1999, saying he wants to improve the life of the country's poor majority. Besides these laws, other stringent laws are passed which will prohibit some non-governmental organizations from receiving foreign funding, regulate the internet, allow for the suspension of lawmakers who leave their political party, and pave the way for government intervention in banks. The 31-year-old Geronimo Gonzalez, who is likely to contest Chavez in 2012 elections, has criticized these laws as undemocratic and has accused Chavez of turning the country into a dictatorship. Chavez has been criticized for Cuban style of communism. Possible implications: 1. It means the president can rule by decree until mid-2012, and can keep opposition parties out of the legislative process until his re-election campaign is well under way for Venezuela's next presidential vote in December of that year. 2. The President can centralize more powers and further nationalization of resources would take place. 3. The "Enabling Law," which means Chavez will have powers to issue decrees across a wide range of areas including housing, land, finances and security. 4. Even those institutions, including banking sector would feel the impact of the decree which is more autonomous in terms of takeovers and mergers with the nationalized institutions. 5. Nevertheless, the decree would enable Chavez to provide several billion dollars in relief aid for housing construction to help thousands displaced from the severe rains that hit the nation in late November. Internet banning law Venezuela recently passed a law banning for the first time internet content that promotes social unrest, challenges authority or condones crime, fuelling outrage by the opposition. The Unicameral Venezuelan parliament is the Asamblea Nacional (National Assembly). The new law restricts content on radio, TV, print media and Internet and electronic subscription services, making webpage managers responsible for the information and content published on their sites. It is meant to crack down on media content that makes an apology of crime, promotes unrest in the population or challenges legally established authorities. 25 Civil Services
lia and Denmark will get more leeway to comply with tough new liquidity rules. The rules were authorised by the global Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. Basel III refers to a new update to the Basel Accords. The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) began referring to this new international regulatory framework for banks as Basel III in September 2010. The draft Basel III regulations include: (a) tighter definitions of Common Equity; banks must hold 4.5 per cent by January 2015, then a further 2.5 per cent, totaling 7 per cent; (b) the introduction of a leverage ratio; (c) a framework for counter cyclical capital buffers; (d) measures to limit counterparty credit risk; and (e) short and mediumterm quantitative liquidity ratios. Institutions/Summits International Organisation for Migration The International Organization for Migration is an intergovernmental organization. It was initially established in 1951 as the Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration (ICEM) to help resettle people displaced by World War II. It is the principal intergovernmental organization in the field of migration. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, be they refugees, displaced persons or other uprooted people. Global Financial Integrity (GFI) The GFI is a programme of the Centre for international Policy, Washington, DC. It is a non-profit research and advocacy body that promotes national and multilateral policies, safeguards and agreements aimed at curtailing the cross border flow of illegal money. The GFI recently published a report "The Drivers and Dynamics of Illicit Financial Flows from India: 19482008". The report is authored by Dr. Kar. The report defines illicit flows as comprised of funds that are illegally earned, transferred or utilised- if laws
Gulf Cooperation Summit, 2010

The 2010 GCC summit was held in the UAE on 6-7 December 2010. This was the 31st summit of the GCC. The Presiding officer of the summit was UAE President Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The group has now completed three decades of qualitative achievements towards the path of fullfledged coordination, cooperation and integration. The bloc's leaders vowed to support all international effort to combat terrorism and calling on Iran to commit itself to the basic principles of promoting good neighbourly ties. In their closing statement, the leaders expressed the GCC's denouncement of violence and terror-related extremism and the council's support for any regional and international effort for combating terrorism. The statement also called upon the international community to back the GCC proposal to establish a World Counterterrorism Centre. The GCC demanded Iran to commit itself to the basic principles of promoting good neighbourly ties, non-interference in the internal affairs of other, settlement of disputes through peaceful means and refrain from using or threatening to use the force in that respect. The GCC also welcomed the international efforts to deal with the Iranian nuclear issue and called for the resolution of disputes through peaceful means and making the Middle East region free of nuclear weapons. Not much headway was made on the issue of a common currency for the GCC nations. Saudi Arabia will host the GCC summit in the year 2011. The Secretary General of GCC is Abdul Rahman al Attiyah. GCC was established in an agreement concluded on 25 May 1981 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE. These countries declared that the GCC is established in view of the special relations between them, their similar political systems based on Islamic beliefs, joint destiny and common objectives. The GCC is a regional common market with a defence planning council as well. were broken in the origin, movement or use of the funds then they are illicit. Such fund transfers are not recorded in the country of origin for they typically violate that nation's laws and baking regulations. As per the report India had lost $213 billion in illegal capital flight between the years 19482008. India is thus losing capital at an average rate of $19.3 billion per annum. Had India managed to avoid this staggering loss the country could have paid off its outstanding external debt of $230.6 billion (as of end 2008) and have another half left over for poverty alleviation and economic development. The GFI study makes two vital points. One, the drain bloated massively in the era of economic liberation and reforms starting with 1991. Two, High net worth individuals and private companies were found to be the primary drivers of illicit flows out of India's private sector. 26 International Tiger Forum In the month of November, 2010, Russia called for global efforts to avert extinction of tigers as wildlife activists and officials from 13 countries, including India, gathered at a summit in St Petersburg to discuss ways to double the population of the endangered animal from the existing 3,200. Due to decades of poaching and habitat destruction, there are currently only 3,200 tigers living in the wild, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), as against one lakh a century ago. WWF Director General James Leape recognised India's role in tiger conservation. Russia is the only nation to have seen its tiger population increase in the past years. Simultaneously, a Youth Tiger Summit was also held in Vladivostok on Russia's Pacific coast, which adopted an appeal to the leaders of their countries to take active steps in tiger conservation. Civil Services

Feb 2011edited

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Feb 2011edited

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

NEW SYLLABUS: Rights issues

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

Science and Technology

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

CURRENT INDIA AND THE WORLD

Wens visit to India

CURRENT INDIA AND THE WORLD

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

CURRENT INDIA AND THE WORLD

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

CURRENT INDIA AND THE WORLD

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

CURRENT INDIA AND THE WORLD

Stand of P5 on relevant issues

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

NEW SYLLABUS: Rights issues

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

NEW SYLLABUS: Rights issues

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

NEW SYLLABUS: Rights issues

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

NEW SYLLABUS: Rights issues

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

NEW SYLLABUS: PRIs

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

NEW SYLLABUS: PRIs

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

NEW SYLLABUS: PRIs

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

NEW SYLLABUS: PRIs

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

NEW SYLLABUS: PRIs

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

NEW SYLLABUS: PRIs

FEBRUARY 2011, XVII Year, Issue No.02

NEW SYLLABUS: PRIs