Humans Collective

RStv Big picture summary notes Topic: India France Ties Useful for GS2 - Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests                            PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron met on the sidelines of recently concluded G7 summit (France) . France reiterated its support on India’s bid for permanent membership in UNSC Both countries in a joint communique resolved to ensure Freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific and multilateralism On Afghanistan,Both countries support an inclusive and reconciliatory peace process which is Afghan led Afghan owned and Afghan controlled. On Iran nuclear deal,they agreed that full compliance with JCPOA deal and UNSC resolution 2231 is vital for regional and international peace Following the Christchurch call to Action summit to combat online extremism,they resolved against hateful content online and resolved towards a open and reliable cyber space

UPSC current affairs- THE HINDU Editorial explained August 31,2019 1) Spelling out the government's RBI windfall - Partha Ray Every year RBI transfers a specified amount of surplus to the government treasury and this augments the non tax revenue of government This year RBI transferred a huge amount of 1.76 lakh crore surplus to government and has got quite a lot of media attention Those opposing this huge tranche of transfer are worried about the independence of RBI , Those who support the surplus transfer claim RBI remains as one of the overcapitalized central banks in the world and that money lies idle with RBI instead could put to use for improving economic productivity. Hence to assess the quantum of economic capital of RBI ,RBI in consultation with government appointed Bimal Jalan expert committee (Nov 2018) ,it recommended a Cash Reserve Buffer of 5.5 to 6.5 % of RBI balance sheet to meet emergency situations as RBI remains the lender of last resort         

UPSC current affairs- THE HINDU Editorial explained August 30,2019 1) On dilution,bifurcation and 'special status ' -Faizan Mustafa The article tries to objectively assess the recent decision with respect to article 370  The Centre's tacit move of revoking article 370 using provisions in the same article by modified interpretation is yet to pass the constitutionality test Article 367 of the Indian constitution provides for Interpretation of terms in constitution ,while Article 370 1(d) empowers the President to introduce features of constitution with exceptions and modifications,using these powers the President inserted a new clause to interpret the terms in article 370  "Constituent assembly of J&K " as Legislative assembly and that "state government "shall mean "Governor acting on the advice of council of ministers" J & K was under president rule since December 19,2018  ,so the powers of legislative assembly will be su

RStv Big picture summary notes Topic: India Trumps Pakistan Episode date: August 26 Useful for GS 2 - Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora NOTES: In the recently concluded G7 summit at France,while at a bilateral meet between PM Modi and US president Trump ,PM Modi made it clear that Kashmir issue is a bilateral issue and hence does not require any third party mediation. This statement was necessitated as Trump has lately been making controversial statements such as “PM Modi asked me to mediate in kashmir issue” ,many consider this behavior of President Trump as an attempt to please Pakistan in quid pro quo cause for Pakistan's help in bringing Taliban to the negotiating table which is essential for US troops withdrawal Pakistan wants to Internationalize the kashmir issue post India's abrogation of special status to kashmir and the making of J&K as union territory stating th

UPSC current affairs- THE HINDU Editorial explained August 29 1) Hardly the brick and Mortar of a revival- Jayati Ghosh   The article focuses on recent RBI surplus transfer to Government treasury ,the author suggest the money should be used to spurge demand  The rise in demand will be attained through increase in wages and government increased expenditure on rural employment schmes like MGNREGA  The author highlights that recent Finance minister statements of revoking surcharge fee ,infusing more liquidity into banks so that credit flow increases ,all such measures address only supply side measures and leaves demand side The effects of GST and Demonetisation have impacted the Informal sector more than the formal sector,the 2019 budget didnot provide any relief,hence the author cautions the government to utilize the RBI surplus of 1.76 lakh crore in an optimal manner else this will be just another piecemeal solution  2)Kashmir's Information vacuum - Aay