Hindu Editorial - 31/01/2015

Is there a need for reforming Food Corporation of India ? Critically analyse the recommendations of Shanta Kumar Committee report on this issue ?


Recommendations of the committee

Justification for continuing public distribution system, reforming FCI and criticism of the report:

1. United Nations agencies monitoring country-wise performances towards meeting the Millennium goals have praised India for its reduction of malnutrition, giving credit for this to food security systems like the “ICDS [Integrated Child Development Services] as well as the public distribution system.” In spite of the reduction, which brings India from the “most alarming category” to the “seriously affected” category, the country is still home to the largest malnourished population in the world; its rank in the Global Hunger Index at 55 out of 76 emerging economies is only slightly ahead of Pakistan and Bangladesh but worse than Sri Lanka and Nepal.

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Current Affairs - January - Page 3

Recommendations of High Level Committee (Shanta Kumar) on restructuring of FCI:

Source: PIB

Major Recommendations of HLC:   

Below is a summary of major recommendations of HLC keeping in mind how procurement benefits can reach larger number of farmers; how PDS system can be re-oriented to give better deal to economically vulnerable consumers at a lower cost and in a financially sustainable manner; and finally how stocking and movement operations can be made more efficient and cost effective in not only feeding PDS but also in stabilizing grain markets.

On procurement related issues

·        HLC recommends that FCI hand over all procurement operations of wheat, paddy and rice to states that have gained sufficient experience in this regard and have created reasonable infrastructure for procurement.



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Editorial - 30/01/2015

What do you understand by the terms "Tax Terrorism", "Adverse Taxation" ? Analyse the implications of them on Indian economy ?

Hindu Editorial - Sending the right signal

        It refers to making unreasonable tax demands, relying on aggressive and faulty interpretations of rules and sections by government tax machinery or to challenge legally acceptable tax avoidance (not tax evasion) arrangements made by entities on the grounds of tax evasion.




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Current Affairs - Jan 2015 - MMDR Ordinance

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Ordinance, 2015

Source: PRS

The Ordinance amends the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957

1. The Ordinance adds a new Fourth Schedule to the Act. It includes bauxite, iron ore, limestone and manganese ore and are defined as notified minerals. The central government may, by notification, amend this Schedule.

2. The Ordinance creates a new category of mining license i.e. the prospecting license-cum-mining lease, which is a two stage-concession for the purpose of undertaking prospecting operations (exploring or proving mineral deposits), followed by mining operations.

3. Maximum area for mining: Under the Act, a person could acquire one mining lease for a maximum area of 10 sq km. However, for the development of any mineral, the central government could permit the person to acquire one or more licenses or leases covering additional area. The Ordinance amends this provision to allow the central government to increase the area limits for mining, instead of providing additional leases.

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Current Affairs - September 2014 - Page 13

1. A new Global Standard on Automatic Information Exchange to control tax evasion.

2. Base Erosion and Profit Sharing Project

3. Undertrial Priosoners - Section 436A of CrPC



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anthropology questions for upsc 15,16

        15. Describe any chalcolithic site in India with particular reference to Industry and town planning

 




  16. 'Neolithic is a self-sufficient food producing economy’ critically examine this expression.

ANSWER-15                                                                                            ANSWER-16

Current Affairs - September 2014 - Page 12

1. Achievements of Tourism Ministry

2. Comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India.

3. Niche Tourism

4. Real Estate Regulation Bill.

5. Gas Cracker.

6. Suicides in India - Gatekeeper Programme.


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