The Hindu – 05 Nov 14 – Growth and austerity

< the reason>> The austerity measures unrolled by the Finance Ministry last week send out a clear signal that all is not well with government finances; at least, not yet. Though business sentiment has improved noticeably and some key indicators point to a pick-up in growth, government expenditure is running well ahead of revenues, which have not grown at the expected pace. < therefore, the act>> Thus, the Finance Ministry has been forced to order a cut in all discretionary spending; the target is to prune expenditure, other than Plan-related, by 10 per cent. < the exceptions>> The only exceptions are interest payments, debt repayments, defence capital, salaries, pensions and grants to States. These occupy a large proportion of non-Plan expenditure, which means that the savings might not be much. Yet, the fact that the government deems this necessary shows the seriousness of the problem that it faces in keeping the fiscal deficit in check. < the current fiscal situation>> < the issue areas>>  Indirect tax collections have grown at just 5.8 per cent in the first half of this fiscal compared to the budgeted target of 25.8 per cent. On the direct taxes front, refunds have eaten away almost half of the incremental collections, which have otherwise been on target. Adding to the government’s woes is the sharp rise in defence pensions due to the implementation of the ‘one-rank, one-pension’ scheme. Outgo on this is expected to shoot up by 40 per cent, or Rs.16,000 crore, this fiscal. Importantly, this was not budgeted for fully.

< the comfort zone>> It is not all gloom, though. The fall in global commodity prices, notably of crude oil, and the freeing of diesel prices, have given elbow room to the government in pruning subsidies. The subsidy on cooking gas and kerosene, as also on fertilizers, will fall significantly. Oil prices are down by about a quarter since the time the new government assumed office and look set for a subdued phase, barring a rise in geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. < future course>> Meanwhile, the government should push forward on disinvestment, receipts from which are budgeted at Rs.58,425 crore this year. After an initial burst of activity in September, action appears to have slowed down on this front. The markets are on song now and this is the best time to capitalise by offloading stakes in public sector undertakings to retail investors. Experience shows that it is not a great idea to push back the share-sale process closer to the end of the fiscal. The spectrum auction, expected in February 2015, is another big revenue source-in-waiting. <current fiscal>> With 83 per cent of the fiscal deficit already reached by the end of September, the government will be hard-pressed to keep the deficit down to the target of 4.1 per cent of GDP for this fiscal. < Conclusive Comment>> While austerity will help, all possible avenues to boost revenues have to be explored so that capital spending does not suffer.

Q: Elaborate on the current fiscal situation which has led to the austerity measures being taken up by the Government of India.

 In which topic of the CS Mains syllabi, can this article fit in? –

• Paper -2, Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
• Paper -3, Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment; Government Budgeting
• Paper -4,  laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds

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The Hindu – 07 Aug 14 – Dark truths about money

Estimates, by their very nature, are approximations and cannot claim any substantial level of accuracy. When it comes to the parallel or black economy, it is extremely difficult to provide even an estimate that is reliable — which is not surprising considering that cash transactions do not always leave a trail. There are several estimates of the black economy and the amount of unaccounted money stashed abroad. While many of them are believable, from a policy-making perspective it is important that the process and methodology of estimation are robust and credible. >> Therefore, when an agency such as the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy comes up with a report that pins the size of the parallel economy at 75 per cent of the GDP, we need to take serious notice. Bringing even a part of this into the system can work wonders for public finances. < what does the NIPFP reposrt say??>> The NIPFP study has identified four major founts of black money. Three of them —<1.> property transactions, <2.> mining business and < 3.> private education — choose themselves straightaway; the first two have traditionally been the base of the parallel economy, while the third is a recent addition after private university education took off. It is the fourth one —<4.> diversion from government subsidy schemes — which is the surprise package in the NIPFP report.

< the details>> Diversion of subsidised kerosene to the open market is estimated to have generated as much as Rs.11,910 crore, which is half the kerosene subsidy provided last year. It is highly probable that there are similar leakages with other subsidies and social welfare schemes.

< the real estate thing>> The biggest source, though, remains real estate transactions, the unaccounted money from which is estimated to be as big as the Plan expenditure of the government. < notice a step taken to account for such transactions>> Though under-reporting has decreased after steps such as making income tax PAN mandatory for property deals, the fact is that cash transactions still reign supreme. < effective measure that can be taken is>> The only way to plug this is by revising guideline values at frequent, regular intervals to reflect market prices. Guideline values are considerably lower than prevailing market prices, which encourages registrations at lower prices.

< the mining industry>> The mining industry generates cash through under-invoicing of sales, under-reporting output, and inflating expenses. Checking this should not be difficult, but what is required is the will to do so.

< in the larger context>> Taking a larger view, the government needs to review its taxation policies and tighten systems and processes. If the infrequent updating of guideline values and leakage of subsidies are failures of processes, the malpractices in the mining sector constitute a failure of governance. < Conclusive Comment>> At some stage in the future, the government, through reform of its tax regime, will also have to encourage people and businesses to report their incomes truthfully.

Q: Are the estimates on black money as brought out by NIPFP credible? Discuss the sources of black money as accounted for by this report.

In which topic of the CS Mains syllabi, can this article fit in? –

• Paper -1, salient features of Indian society
• Paper -2, Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.;
• Paper -3, Indian economy; Land reforms; Infrastructure; money-laundering and its prevention.
• Paper -4, Utilization of Public funds; Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance

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The Hindu – 19 July 14 – Opinion

1) Milestones set, but road map not clear

TAKEAWAY -Under the present circumstances, public sector investment can be a catalyst for private investment. Therefore, utilising funds available to complete existing projects must take priority.- MUST READ as written by C. Rangarajan + to test your understanding of fundamentals 

In which topic of the CS Mains syllabi, can this article fit in? –

• Paper -2, Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation;
• Paper -3, Indian Economy, Government Budgeting, Inclusive Growth
• Paper -4, laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Utilization of public funds

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2) Parsing America’s Modi baggage

TAKEAWAY – Further paralysis could hit the New Delhi-Washington relationship if the U.S. harbours a deep, even secret, disenchantment with Narendra Modi’s record regarding religious freedom. CAN AVOID A READ.

In which topic of the CS Mains syllabi, can this article fit in? –

• Paper -2, Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
• Paper -4  laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Ethical issues in International relations

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3) Misunderstanding a good judgement

TAKEAWAY –  The Supreme Court ruling on fatwas is mindful not only of the law of the land and the deplorable condition of Indian Muslims but also of religious sensitivities in the country –MUST MUST READ to understand the issue of fatwas, and sharia courts. – Dealt in a very logical and simple manner

In which topic of the CS Mains syllabi, can this article fit in? –

• Paper -1, Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India; communalism, regionalism & secularism; Social Empowerment
• Paper -2, Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies; Indian Constitution; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
• Paper -4, Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships.; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

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4) The risk of tougher sanctions on Russia

TAKEAWAY –  Russia’s energy weapon is potent, in the short run, but its impact will decline sharply over the next decade as U.S. production of shale oil and gas rises — and America becomes a major energy exporter.-MUST READ to understand the Energy Politics involving Europe, Russia and US.

In which topic of the CS Mains syllabi, can this article fit in? –

• Paper -2, Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
• Paper -4, ethical issues in international relations and funding; ws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance;

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The Hindu – 19 July 14 – Sin tax and tobacco use

It is indeed noteworthy that Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has increased the specific excise duty on cigarettes in the range of 11 to 72 per cent and by 10 per cent on chewing tobacco. < what is the reason for taking such a step??>> While the <1.> revenue generated from tobacco sale will increase substantially, the <2.> primary objective of reducing tobacco consumption may not be fully achieved. < what stops that reduction??>> One of the most important shortcomings is the failure to tax bidis. < The statistics>> Bidi consumption constitutes 35 to 40 per cent of total tobacco use in the country; it is far greater than the number of cigarettes smoked. What makes the oversight all the more glaring is that bidis attract incredibly low tax — Rs.12 per 1,000 sticks and Rs.30 per 1,000 sticks for handmade and machine-made products respectively; nearly 98 per cent of the bidis smoked are handmade. That 52 to 70 per cent of bidis smoked in India have escaped even the meagre tax levied on them — either because the manufacturer produces less than two million sticks a year or due to non-compliance — only accentuates the lapse. A 2010 study has shown that a 10 per cent hike in bidi price could cut consumption by 9.2 per cent. <However, the positives can be..>> The sharp increase in excise duty on cigarettes, particularly in the lowest segment — from Rs.669 to Rs.1,150 per 1,000 sticks — would surely prove to be a deterrent and disincentive to children as young as 15 years from taking up smoking. Over 27 per cent of tobacco users in India are in the 15-24 year age group.

< Is the hike sufficient to deter the use??>> Unfortunately, the steep hike has not been accompanied by other measures to rein in consumption. <1.> First, contrary to the WHO recommendation, there is a complete absence of price parity between different tobacco products. >> As a result, the steep increase in the price of entry-level cigarettes without a concomitant increase in bidi prices may result in product substitution. <2.> Second, an important measure that has been either ignored or overlooked is the elimination of the current taxation system that is based on the length of the cigarette; cigarettes of different lengths are treated as different products and attract varying specific duty. Despite the top two tiers — cigarettes of 75-85 mm and over 85 mm lengths — being merged into a single tariff item, there still exists four tiers. The tax differential between the four tiers being more than substantial, there is a great possibility of smokers shifting from longer to shorter length cigarettes; this defeats the very purpose of increasing tax to cut consumption. < 3.>Third, the government has failed to link the tax rates to an automatic “annual inflation-adjusted increase” to bring about a “real increase” in the price. >> In its absence, a majority of smokers would in course of time be able to afford the now expensive cigarettes.

Q: The increased sin tax on tobacco use in India stands irrelevant to check its primary objective of reducing tobacco consumption. Justify.

In which topic of the CS Mains syllabi, can this article fit in? –

• Paper -1, population and associated issues; youth issues
• Paper -2, Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.;
• Paper -4, Utilization of Public funds; Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance

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The Hindu – 17 July 14 – For efficient financial markets

The impact of the budget on the financial sector needs to be assessed not just on the basis of allocations made and tax concessions given. < what else is it the basis for??>> From merely being a statement of government accounts, it has become the forum for the government to announce its economic policies for the year. Another important reason why the budget lays more stress on policy matters is that the government has become more of a facilitator than a direct provider of money. The budget’s importance is thus seen in its enabling role. < What is this enabling role?? >> The various announcements concerning the financial sector, for instance,<1.> aim to bring more efficiency to the capital market, the insurance sector and banks, <2.> provide them with resources and < 3.> more generally equip them to function in an increasingly competitive environment, all under robust regulations. Along the way, < 4.> policy logjams are sought to be cleared. < for example>> <A> The composite limit for foreign direct investment in insurance is being raised to 49 per cent from the present 26 per cent. By way of safeguards, it has been proposed that even after the increased infusion of foreign capital, the companies will remain under Indian management and control. The relaxation is overdue, but it is far from certain whether the big insurance companies abroad that remain stressed very badly during the crisis will invest in India in a big way.

<B> For public sector banks that require Rs.2,40,000 crore to meet the Basel III regulatory capital requirements by 2018, the government has proposed equity dilution to domestic retail investors in a phased manner. It will, however, retain majority ownership at 51 per cent, and control. Obviously, more clarifications are needed as the government’s stake in the top-performing banks has come down to below 60 per cent. The remaining 8 to 9 per cent to go down to 51 per cent may not fetch the huge sums required, especially because continued government ownership will dampen valuations. The government has, however, promised greater autonomy to these banks. <C> The budget has proposed tax incentives to investors in Real Estate Investment Trusts and Infrastructure Investment Trusts. <D> The report of the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission will be discussed with stakeholders. <E> In consultation with the RBI, a modern monetary policy framework to meet the requirements of an increasingly complex economy will be put in place. <F> The scope of the ADR/GDR regimes will be expanded. <G> The introduction of uniform KYC norms which can be used across the entire financial sector, and a single demat account for all investments, are customer-friendly measures and should smoothen the way for investors.

Q: ‘The impact of the budget on the financial sector needs to be assessed not just on the basis of allocations made and tax concessions given but as the platform for delivery of economic policies.’ Discuss with suitable proposals from the Budget 2014.

In which topic of the CS Mains syllabi, can this article fit in? –

• Paper -2, Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
• Paper -3, Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. ;Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. ; Government Budgeting.
• Paper -4, Utilization of Public funds; Status and problems; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; Work culture, Quality of service delivery

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The Hindu – 16 July 14 – Opinion

1) Dams without responsibility

TAKEAWAY -… highlighted the effect of the Tehri dam on the unique self-purifying ability of Gangajal. It attributed this property to river sediments; data indicated that the blocking of sediments behind the Tehri dam diminished this property.- MUST READ to understand the dynamics of the fragile Ganga ecosystem in view of the rapid building off hydro-power projects in its basin.

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2) For rejuvenating, not re-engineering, the Ganga

TAKEAWAY –  …these projects operate as peaking projects, i.e., the turbines operate in accordance with the market demand for electricity, which means that the waters are held back in pondage and released when the turbines need to operate, resulting in huge diurnal variations in downstream flows. The idea of ‘environmental flows’ is incompatible with the logic of RoR hydroelectric projects. –MUST READ.

In which topic of the CS Mains syllabi, can this article fit in? –

• Paper -1, geographical features and their location – changes in critical geographical features (including waterbodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes
• Paper -2, Ministries and Departments of the Government; Important aspects of governance
• Paper -3, Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
• Paper -4, Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity

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3) Short-term costs, long-term benefits

TAKEAWAY – The reforms of the nineties were relatively easy to push through because the benefits clearly outweighed the short-term as well as long-term costs. The same cannot be said of the ‘second generation’ reforms. These entail substantial costs in the short-run and the benefits are not unambiguous nor can they be attained unless certain conditions are met….‘Second generation’ reforms can happen only in a measured way, under conditions of good growth and with a significant improvement in the standard of living. .-MUST READ 

In which topic of the CS Mains syllabi, can this article fit in? –

• Paper -2, Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation;
• Paper -3, Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. ; Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. ;Government Budgeting.
• Paper -4  laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Utilization of public funds, emotional intelligence

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The Hindu – 15 July 14 – Opinion

1) Wars without winners

TAKEAWAY -Contrary to the view that extremism thrives when America is absent, empirical facts indicate that the opposite is truer. And each of the countries at the centre of global concerns over extremism is in fact one that has seen direct or indirect western intervention, not western absence- MUST READ to draw the role of West in 4 lop-sided extremist countries today – Afghanistan, Libya, Syria and Iraq.

In which topic of the CS Mains syllabi, can this article fit in? –

• Paper -2, Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
• Paper -3, Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
• Paper -4  dimensions of ethics; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; moral and political attitudes; ethical aspects in international relations

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2) Whose budget is it anyway?

TAKEAWAY – The pro-business bias has to be seen in conjunction with the stated moves to dilute the already weak Land Acquisition Act to make takeover of land easier for industry. The emphasis on expanding industrial corridors, many of which will go through tribal and Fifth Schedule areas to benefit mining companies, will lead to large-scale displacement and elimination of tribal rights. These are the hidden costs of the budget.MUST READ to gain a critical perspective of the Budget 2014.

In which topic of the CS Mains syllabi, can this article fit in? –

• Paper -2, Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation;
• Paper -3, Indian Economy
• Paper -4  laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Utilization of public funds,

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3) Stirring the volatile Sikh religious pot

TAKEAWAY –  The move to create a separate management committee for Sikh shrines in Haryana has raised serious concerns about the politicisation of the Sikh clergy –MUST READ.

In which topic of the CS Mains syllabi, can this article fit in? –

• Paper -2, Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
• Paper -4, Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships.; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; work culture

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The Hindu – 14 July 14 – Opinion

1) The good is in the detail

TAKEAWAY -[U]nlike in the developed economies where informality is purely a deliberate choice to avoid taxation or regulations, in India it is more structural: a reflection of the lack of development and limited government reach.” The informal economy in India is genuine business. –  MUST MUST READ to know the contribution of informal SME sector – being run majorly by SC,ST and OBC and contributing to >90% non-farm employment.

In which topic of the CS Mains syllabi, can this article fit in? –

• Paper -1, Social empowerment
• Paper -2, Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.; Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
• Paper -3, Investment Models; Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.; Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
• Paper -4  dimensions of ethics; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; moral and political attitudes; emotional intelligence

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2) A ‘smart’ idea for urban ills

TAKEAWAY – There is also a potential danger in the Indian approach to smart cities. The government views them as small greenfield enclaves on the outskirts. This has probably been done for convenience, but they have the danger of turning into expensive and exclusive gated communities. MUST READ to gain an insight into the concept of ‘Smart Cities’.

In which topic of the CS Mains syllabi, can this article fit in? –

• Paper -1, population and associated issues, urbanization
• Paper -2, Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation;
• Paper -3, Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc.
• Paper -4  laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds,

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3) Mean and petty labour reforms 

TAKEAWAY –   the proposed amendments to the Factories Act, 1948 and the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 – for labour reforms;  –MUST READ to learn about the impending 3rd genereation reforms for the labour.

In which topic of the CS Mains syllabi, can this article fit in? –

• Paper -1, poverty and developmental issues,
• Paper -2, Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector or Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
• Paper -3, Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
• Paper -4, Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships.; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; work culture; emotional intelligence

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The Hindu – 16 June 14 – Premature optimism

The latest economic data relating to retail inflation and factory output can give rise to optimism. <the statistics>> Consumer price index inflation for May at 8.28 per cent on a year-on-year basis was lower than the 8.59 per cent for the previous month. The index of industrial production (IIP) grew 3.4 per cent in April over the same period last year. In March it had contracted by 0.5 per cent. Also, in April, according to government figures there was a revival in exports. Merchandise trade deficit shrunk as exports grew after declining over the previous three months. <notice the political timing now!>> All these relate to a period when UPA-II was in power. However, for the NDA government these could be a harbinger of better times. <What can be the effects??>> At the very least, the first set of important monthly statistics after the new government was formed can reinforce the robust sentiment reflected in the stock indices and spur the Narendra Modi government’s economic revival plans. <But on deep-reading the statistics>> Yet, for all their positive connotations, <1.> evidence of a growth revival is not robust. <2.>The IIP, regarded as an important lead indicator, has often been faulted for being inconsistent and volatile.< 3.> The drop in retail inflation by itself is not significant enough to influence the Reserve Bank of India to cut rates immediately. < 4.> Food inflation, which has underpinned both the main inflation indices, has not come down appreciably. Core retail inflation, excluding food and fuel prices, has remained high.

<Other environmental risks>> Besides, there are other important risks. < 1.>The forecast of a less-than-satisfactory monsoon raises the possibility of higher agricultural prices.< 2.> All of a sudden the geopolitical situation in West Asia has deteriorated sharply. Petroleum prices have shot up in the global markets and this naturally has important ramifications for India. Oil imports will become more expensive. The much-vaunted reduction in the current account deficit to below 2 per cent of GDP as was seen last year (2013-14) will be difficult to achieve now. Higher oil prices can push up other commodity prices. India’s subsidy burden might go up, adding to the fiscal deficit. If, however, the government decides to pass on the burden of high global oil prices to consumers, retail inflation will rise. << concretise the understanding of the way economy works> Turning to factory output data,<5.> <back to the earlier discussion above – deep reading>> it is difficult to explain the 16 per cent jump in the capital goods segment in April, the highest such rise in nine months. In March it had contracted by 11.6 per cent. Over three months the trend in capital goods output has been negative. The small uptick in intermediate goods does not really suggest a revival. <6.> Bank credit has grown at a lower rate than what an economy on the rebound would require. <Conclusive Comment>>The upshot of all this is: the usual lead indicators need to be evaluated over time to draw firm conclusions regarding the economy.

Q: Evaluate if the recent economic data relating to inflation and factory output (April-May) can be considered as vital signs to the revival of growth of Indian Economy.

In which topic of the CS Mains syllabi, can this article fit in? –

• Paper -2, Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
• Paper -3, Indian Economy, Infrastructure
• Paper -4, ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance;

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The Hindu – 10 June 14 – Opinion

1) Putting the spring back into the economy.

TAKEAWAY – the current situation of the economy – MUST READ to brief with information to understand the upcoming budget.

In which topic of the CS Mains syllabi, can this article fit in? –

• Paper -2  Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
• Paper -3, Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment; Effects of liberalization on the economy.
• Paper -4  Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration, laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance;

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2) Victims of Political Manipulation

TAKEAWAY – India-Sri Lanka relations – in the common waters- MUST READ to for an insight and summary of the relationship.

In which topic of the CS Mains syllabi, can this article fit in? –

• Paper –1 World’s Physical geography
• Paper -2, India and its neighborhood- relations.
• Paper -3, Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
• Paper -4  laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations

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3) Trees to combat pollution

TAKEAWAY – Trees being taken as the Plants to clear industrial by-products –  MUST READ for that changing perception to environment.

In which topic of the CS Mains syllabi, can this article fit in? –

• Paper -1, Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world
• Paper -2 Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
• Paper -3, Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
• Paper -4 Corporate Governance

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4) Obama’s climate plan: rhetoric vs. reality

 TAKEAWAY -the recent plan announcement to cut down on carbon emissions. – MUST READ to understand the cut being effected by shifting from coal fired plants to natural gas plants.

In which topic of the CS Mains syllabi, can this article fit in? –

• Paper -1, Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world
• Paper -2 Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
• Paper -3 Science and Technology – developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
• Paper -4 Ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions, Probity in Governance, Accountability and Transparency

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