Is India ready to host Olympics?-GD TOPIC 11

Introduction:

Indian government and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has jointly decided to submit its bid for hosting olympics 2024. They have started talking on the initial plans and International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach is all set to visit New Delhi for a day on April 27 to meet prime minister Narendra Modi in this regard. This could create controversy in India as not many people favour the decision to spend crores on hosting the world's largest sports event in a country struggling for development and where living conditions of majority is below average. We would definitely not want to repeat the fiasco that happened during 2010 Commonwealth Games. On the other hand, the new government is willing to experiment with all sorts of popularity gaining strategies to show ourselves large in front of western media. But are we ready to light the Olympics torch yet?

No we aren't:

1. In a country fighting poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, corruption, malnutrition, and many more challenges in every sector, it cannot be a wise decision to spend Rs 50,000 crore on hosting Olympics. Modi government should stop doing things to appease the world power and just to show off how well established we have all of a sudden become as a nation. Only after we have achieved enough to ensure that adequate has been done to improvise life of the downtrodden who constitute a larger section of our population, we can think of taking such giant steps to show off to the world. It is to be noted that even the most developed of nations would think twice before bidding to host the Olympics.

2. If India is to host Olympics, we won't be abe to compete with the other nations that have hosted the event earlier in terms of expenditure and arrangements. Compromise in budget will make us stand at the same position where we were during commonwealth games. Instead we should take our time until we are actually ready for this responsibility. The games in Delhi cost the government Rs 11,600 crore while the original budget was of Rs 1,850 crore since the Delhi government had to spend another Rs 16,500 crore on city infrastructure. We surely aren't ready for something much bigger than this kind of financial planning.

3. India's sports facilities accorded to players and athletes is far below average. India first participated in Olympics in 1900 in Paris and our total medal tally since then is a measly 26 according to TOI reports. We first need to prepare ourselves well, provide world class facilities to athletes and get them well trained before we start pouring millions into hosting the event. To boost sports in India, we need to encourage players with good coaches, nutritionists, physiotherapists and everything else that’s needed to get us higher than the six medals, 55th place in London.

4. For our overpopulated cities like New Delhi, accommodating the visitors of the Commonwealth Games was a difficult chore and Olympics attracts far more visitors from around the world. Even if Delhi plans to use the existing infrastructures for the game, it would become difficult to take in so many visitors, their transit facilities and accommodation. Hospitality cannot be compromised and we do not want to make a fool of ourselves in front of the entire world.

5. We don't have as many athletes from our country as politicians and the bunch never fails to get into controversy accusing each other of fraudulence, corruption, etc. We surely don't want these scenes to be accompanying the headlines of Olympics. And of course there is no point in anticipating that large number of viewers from our country will be eager to go watch the event when there will hardly be a few Indian athletes to cheer for.

6. All we Indians know of sports is cricket of all durations. Nothing is done to promote other sporting events. Even those who are really interested in pursuing other sports usually give up when reality hits hard - we don't have much scope for them in our country. We have stories of how national level champions have to sell their medals or work as maids for their living. We need to make their lives better first, provide them basic necessities and help them train well to be able to participate in games of international level.

Yes, we are:

1. "Olympics in India will boost sports", said swimming legend Mark Spitz. And he is undoubtedly rights. We have lesser participants in other sports because we have lesser events in our country. This could be a way to encourage them, promise them of a better future if they pursue their passion with enthusiasm.

2. Yes, we do lack organization and economic resources to fulfil our olympic dreams but that doesn't mean we should always lag behind and wait till things fall into place someday. If we can dare to dream, we surely can achieve it with the right bit of authority intervention. Yes, we do need to realize that hosting olympics is not just about making it look big as our politicians would believe and indulge happily in scams, it is more about the right judgement and proper coordination which we believe Modi government can do. It will be a matter of great pride for India if it gets to host Olympics 2024.

3. India's medal tally has improved in the last few events but the improvisation has been to one medal more in each event. We need a boost for the players and to accord them better facilities and training, hosting Olympics can act as the best ever catalyst. Sports administration in India also lags behind in many ways. India bidding for the Olympics should get the administration up and running in their favourite sneakers.

4. Expenses can pose a problem and to top that up, our greedy ministers will make sure they have their share of whatever comes out from the treasure. If CWG fiasco is not to be repeated, instead of pouring government money into the event, India should encourage private sector to invest in it. We have large scale billionaire private companies that could be made to invest in the event instead of involving government authorities at all.

5. Being a poor nation is not an excuse to stay poor always. There is poor section in almost every country. The IOC has encouraged or rather pushed India to go for the bid. It is clear that the west can accept our diversity, we ourselves can't. Hot climate and Indian food as some points out are also vague excuses we can keep aside and focus on changing the image we have of ourselves and the same image we have shown the world and western media.

Conclusion:

India is a developing nation with considerable growth in medal tally and budding enthusiasm for sports other than cricket. If the government can make better provisions and facilities for aspiring athletes, India can be ready to host Olympics by 2024. Meanwhile India should host national level sports events to encourage more and more participation and to promote the sporting spirit in the country. Cricket is our religious sports and we are yet to appreciate other sports with half the enthusiasm we show towards cricket. Only after proper facilities for the athletes to train better, we can decide if India is actually ready to host Olympics.

Read More

Is Right to Privacy a Fundamental Right?-GD TOPIC 10

Privacy is the fountainhead of all other rights. Freedom of speech doesn’t have a lot of meaning if you can’t have a quiet space. A space within yourself, within your mind, within the community of your friends, within your home, to decide what it is you actually want to say.”

Edward Snowden

A 9-judge bench of the apex court of India, the SC on 25th August 2017, decided the right to privacy is a fundamental right. The Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar held that right to privacy is a fundamental right because it is an intrinsic part of the right to life and personal liberty. Under Article 21 of part III of the Indian constitution, this judgement requires increasing importance in this day and age of Aadhaar and digital connectivity. 

Prior to the pronouncement of the judgement, the CJI said there was a difference of opinion in legal and judicial circles regarding privacy as a fundamental right. So, where does this lead the debate to? Is privacy a fundamental right or not? 

Yes

1. Prevent misuse of data

Misuse of data by foreign firms is the major issue here. If right to privacy is not secured as a fundamental right, then data can be stolen or misused by foreign technology firms and marketing divisions of companies. This can lead to disclosure of client data which was earlier confidential. 

2. Privacy as an all encompassing basic right

Citizens have complete right to control their privacy. Privacy includes the right to be left alone, the right to freedom of thought, freedom to dissent, bodily integrity and informational self determination. It is integral to fundamental existence. 

3. Prevent breach of confidential information

The issues arise from privacy invasions by Aadhaar and digital data are serious. These need to be fully addressed by the courts. Protection of personal information in the public domain is a critical concern, necessitating the need for making privacy a fundamental right. 

4. Right to privacy inalienable

Right to privacy is an inalienable and inherent part of fundamental right to liberty. The right to privacy is a natural preexisting right under the right to liberty which the Constitution guaranteed and acknowledged to the citizens through the historic SC judgement. 

No, it is vague and amorphous

1. Right to privacy subject to reasonable restrictions

The Attorney General has held that right to privacy cannot be an absolute right and the state may have power to impose reasonable restrictions on it. Right to privacy cannot fall under a bracket as a fundamental right as there were many decisions of benches are there that it was a common law. 

2. Privacy a vague and amorphous right

The Centre has termed privacy as a vague and amorphous right that cannot be granted primacy. This is because while some aspects of maintaining privacy are understandable, others are difficult to comprehend. 

3. What about criminals and law enforcement?

Right to privacy can’t be applicable in case of the enemies of the state, such as criminals and terrorists. Interpol and policing agencies would lose their meaning if surveillance is not in place to check wrong doers and information about their private data made public. 

While the SC judgement has paved the way for right to privacy as a fundamental right, many questions remain to be answered. Individuals cannot secure the right to freedom and liberty without privacy but surely the law should be subject to reasonable restrictions to safeguard society? Looking at the right to privacy in black and white terms may obstruct the complexities underlying this law. Making it a fundamental right is tantamount to giving a free pass to wrongdoers who do not deserve to be shielded from the consequences of their criminal actions through a cloak of anonymity.

Read More

Bullet train or Better trains - What does India need?-GD TOPIC 9

At a time when PM Modi envisions bullet trains to be soon launched in India, is it very difficult to see that the present condition of Indian railways, which is the backbone of the country, detrimental? India can wait for bullet trains and our PM should shift focus on bettering the condition of railways.

Better railways

1. Track renewal: Railway Ministry under Suresh Prabhu has been speaking of ‘zero accident mission’ and funds are being taken in the name of asset management. However, if tracks are still in such a bad condition as to cause an accident as big as this, railway definitely is lagging behind. A shift of focus and funds from bullet trains to better trains is the need of the hour.

2. Operation to cosmetics: Recently, more attention is being paid to the outer façade than to the inner strength and safety operations. Instead of changing rail tracks that are very old and hazardous, especially in seasons with heavy temperature drop that leads to sudden expansions, all the funds are directed in whichever direction they think could be useful to lure and appease the rich people.

3. Gory statistics: Going by data compiled by the NCRB, death count in railway accidents varied between 24,000 and 27,000 every year from 2010 to 2014. That is a very disturbing statistics to determine the condition of safety measures in Indian railways.

4. Serious lack of devices: Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches should have been rolled out as promised by railway ministry. They are specially designed to be anti-telescopic, which means they do not flip or turn over in case there is a collision. The brakes are more efficient in them and more automated to tolerate sudden brakes at high speed. Even though by 2016 all Indian railways were promised to have LHB coaches, they were ignored.

5. Less trains more people: Indian railways carry more than 13 million passengers every day but trains to accommodate them are still very few. Indian railways are known to carry 15 times more people than they are supposed to. Overloading leads to damage to tracks which are not changed or repaired as efficiently as they should be.

Bullet trains

1. Two different matters: Indian government is capable of handling these two tasks efficiently and simultaneously if proper care is given to each of them. Bullet trains are the future of travelling for our country. Existing railways are the present and it is agreed that they need proper upgrading and safety proofing from time to time but let’s not make this about bullet trains and impede its launch in India.

2. State of the art technology: Indian railway tracks are not efficient for running faster trains but still both slow and fast trains run on the same tracks. There is extreme shortage of faster travelling. There are airplanes but they cannot afford the same capacity as trains. We cannot lag behind. There are times when people are in a desperate need of faster travelling. Improving infrastructure for existing railway is no easy breezy task given the daily travelling on the routes hence opting out of bullet trains would be foolish.

3. Lessening the burden on trains: When bullet trains come into play, it will definitely share the load of the Indian railways. More people would prefer to travel faster and hence railways will be eased of the burden of carrying more people than it can afford to.

4. Development has to happen: Let’s accept that Indian railways cannot cater to the rising demands. There are not many faster trains as people would like to avail. They run on detrimental tracks. Indian railway is facing huge loss owing to the same fact that there are more people than it can afford to accommodate. Bullet train could come as a rescue to people who are willing to pay more to ease their travel facilities.

Immediate concern is needed to upgrade Indian railways. The coaches and tracks need to be of advanced technology instead of running the same old that British left us with. If funds are short, government has to accommodate but nothing should stop the launch of bullet trains, something that many are looking forward to

Read More

Do we really need smart cities?-GD TOPIC 8

Introduction

The rate of migration from rural to urban areas is increasing across the world day by day. By 2050, around 70% of the people will be living in cities and India is no exception in this regard.

There is an emerging need for the cities to get smarter in India so that it would tackle the issues related with the large scale urbanization.

Smart city can be defined as a city which should be equipped with basic infrastructure to give a decent quality of life. 

Recently, PM Modi has announced his vision to set up around 100 smart cities across the nation. The 100 smart city mission tend to promote the adoption of smart solutions for the proper use of available resources and infrastructure. 

But, does a country like India require a smart cities? Let's take a look. 

Yes – Smart cities are required.

1. Good infrastructure – The main aim of constructing a smart city is to provide good infrastructure to the residents, such as water and sanitation services, 24*7 electricity supply etc. The information will be collected through the detectors – gas, electricity and other government analytics, which will be carefully complied into small grids and then, will be fed into the computers. This process can focus on making the city efficient. 

2. Smart solutions – Smart cities are required as it would also provide smart solutions such as providing public data, electronic service delivery, 100% treatment of water waste, monitoring water quality etc. 

3. Promotes development – Smart cities enhance the developmental activities of a region. A lot of developmental activities such as building schools, organizations, shopping malls can take place. These activities benefit everybody including citizens, businesses, government and environment. 

4. Housing for All – The main aim of a smart city is “housing for all”. More than 70% of the Indian population would be living in cities by 2050. Due to the rising urbanization, a better standard of living is required. To support this rising shift, a sustainable model of housing should be developed. 

5. Provides employment – A smart city is an economy of agglomeration. It provides various opportunities and advantages to its residents. India is expanding rapidly and the emergence of smart city can provide employment for many. The construction of a smart city requires a lot of manpower. 

No – Smart cities are not required

1. Dumb administration – The politicians of India have picked up the term “smart city” to woo the youngsters. In the past few months, we have witnessed the real face of the corrupt ministers who rule our country. Corruption has become a part of our country's identity. Talking about a smart city and creating a plan under the corrupt minsters is a waste of time and resources. Smart city is not possible with a set of dumb administrators and politicians. 

2. Unable to afford – In a smart city, people have to build their own houses according to their financial capacity. A lot of people would not be able to afford a place in smart city as it would be very costly. Thus, people from middle class and poor section of the society won't be able to enjoy the benefits of a smart city. 

3. Better utilization of places – A large acre of land would be wasted for the construction of a smart city. If properly utilized, this area can be turned into a biodiversity park later on. Cities which are rich in river beds and hilly regions can be utilized to avoid ecological degeneration. 

4. Proper use of fund – India is a country which is better known for its increasing poverty rate. Only a certain part of the city would be utilized for constructing a smart city whereas, the other part of the city would be still under the shadow of poverty. We should understand that smart city won't be able to solve the basic issues of an entire state or city. If the fund which is planned to be spent for a smart city is utilized for decreasing the poverty rate, India would be much ahead of other countries. 

Conclusion

India is a developing country and the Modi government is trying its best to develop India into a powerful nation. 

Introducing the concept of smart cities in India is a great idea but due to increasing poverty rate, lack of infrastructure and basic amenities, the cities might have to face a lot of challenges. Before initiating the project, the government should try to attend to the basic issues of the nation such as implementing a proper drainage system, providing good water, sanitation and health care facilities etc. 

A nation with a strong infrastructure would be successful in creating numerous smart cities.

Read More

Is India ready to go cashless?-GD TOPIC 7

Demonetization not only created a huge expectation to scoop out black money and end corruption but also sowed the seed of what may get to be called a new era - the cashless India movement. Amid all the protests and praises, Modi government has definitely paved way for India to accept the plastic way of payment.

It lies in our hands on how we take it. Either we take it positively and welcome digitalization of money in every walk of life and help the needy with teaching them on how to carry the tasks digitally or join hands with the protestors on how it is affecting the poor and cry to bring the changes to an immediate halt.

Yes

1. Using debit/credit/RuPay cards: A few days of cash distress and it was witnessed that many people who hadn’t used their debit/credit ever before made purchases at PoS and other ways. It is clear enough that people will use cards for transactions if they have it. Let’s accept it - using these cards for shopping and other purposes is way easier than cash withdrawal from ATMs.

2. Payment banks: Airtel Payment Bank has made its debut in Rajasthan and is soon expected to be opening up centers in every city/town/village of India. Making payments and receiving them will not just be easier for educated people but also for those who are not very well versed with digitalized processes. It will only be a matter of time when people become adapted to this system of transactions.

3. PayTm: Fruits and vegetables vendors, household help, drivers, watchmen etc. in cities have adapted to getting paid via Paytm. It is simpler and one is immediately informed of the transaction made in their account. Switching over wasn’t difficult after all. With a little help to these people around us, we can make it possible for them to stay in tune with a cashless society.

4. Revealing true income: Going cashless would bring in the much needed transparency. Merchants will have to reveal their true income and pay taxes accordingly. This would eventually be beneficial for the development of our nation. We are short of funds when it comes to catering to the needs of farmers and Indian railways. It is about high time India should take a stand against the hindrances in the way of development.

5. Convenient PoS machines: Earlier the PoS machines were scaring small merchants with their bulky size and cost of payment but now they are not just affordable and smaller but also come with lower monthly charges. They can now run smoothly on low speed internet connections which were also one of the problems earlier. 

No

1. Cyber threats: It was only recently that about 30 lakh debit cards were said to be affected by security hacks and leaked PIN code at ATMs. People were asked to have their PIN changed. Some were also issued new cards. People were panicky everywhere with the mere thought of losing their hard earned money. Even though most of them were able to recover their money back after months, it made cyber threats with digitalized transactions even more evident.

2. Limited Internet Access: Not everyone has a 4G smartphone supporting Reliance’s free JIO net to console their transactions on high speed internet. Once the offer period is over, those who have availed this service will also have to bear the high internet charges to use high speed internet. It is not very difficult to see that vendors and masonry workers will not be able to afford data packs to support cashless transactions.

3. Loopholes for stealing: The non tech-savvy will be vulnerable even if they start using the easy to pay and transfer services being offered by PayTm, Digital wallets, Airtel Money etc. These people will not be very aware of logging out and not saving their passwords here and there. The crook-minded can easily take advantage of their innocence and transfer funds from their smartphones. A larger part of our nation is uneducated. Going cashless is only possible when everyone is comfortable with e-transactions.

4. Lack of infrastructure: Not enough charging points in public places are a big hindrance for a cashless society. Even in railway stations and trains, people face inconvenience of charging phones. What will people do when they are on the go and their phone battery decides to die? Our banks too are not ready to handle bulk e-transactions.

There are definite benefits of going cashless and government is doing all that it can to make cashless transactions easy for the poor and uneducated. However, the inconveniences though less in number than before, are more prevalent. These are some ultimate hindrances and without doing away with them, it will be difficult to go absolutely cashless

Read More

NUCLEAR ENERGY:BOON OR BANE-GD TOPIC 6

For

- It is a great alternative to petroleum and coal.

- Coal mining has killed loads of people and by the introduction of nuclear plants, (which is an alternative for coal) this would cut down the death rate.

- Nuclear energy does not emit greenhouse gases and nuclear fission is a clean and viable source for energy.

- It is relatively cheap to use and it produces less environmental and public health impact than other fossil fuels.

- It a renewable source of energy which can be used in place of non-renewable sources.

Against

- Nuclear power can always be an abuse for foreign powers.

- If terrorist groups take over the nuclear energy it can be used against the other country which could result in a catastrophe.

- Nuclear power if gone in wrong hands could lead to doomsday for mankind.

- Setting up reactors and building them up would cost a fortune for a under developed country.

- It is based on radioactive materials and it produces radioactive wastes which in any terms is harmful for people for any country or state.

- With nuclear power plants, a Chernobyl-type accident is never too far. The outcome would be similar as well.

Read More

The pros and cons of using Bitcoin-GD TOPIC 5

All people must be aware of the Mt. Gox trading exchange. It was one of the largest Bitcoin exchange in the world. It was based in Tokyo. Bitcoin is a form of virtual currency that provides way to anonymous peer-to-peer financial exchanges. From last time, the market participants are concerned about trading in virtual currencies. It all started with the major collapse of Mt. Gox trading exchange in February 2014. So, what do you think? Is it good to trade in Bitcoin or should the market participants avoid it? Let us check out the pros and cons of using Bitcoin:

Pros

• There is no need to disclose the identity while trading in Bitcoin. It is considered as an easiest trading more for merchants and consumers.

• It is the cheapest form of transaction in which there is no need to pay any cost while sending and receiving payments. 

• The use of anonymous Bitcoin addresses changes with every transaction and therefore provides users with financial inclusions.

• With the use of Bitcoin merchants can stay away from the stress linked with consumer chargebacks and PCI compliance. 

• The transaction platform or software can be set up at a simple tablet and doesn’t require any expensive POS system and hardware.

Cons

• After the collapse of Mt. Gox, people are getting to know the risks associated with virtual currencies. There are almost 70 risks associated with the use of virtual currencies.

• Bitcoin and the other virtual currencies act as a convenient way in cases of money laundering.

• The use of virtual currencies encourages financial crimes as anyone can plan a scheme as per its preference.

• The traders or the other participants who possess ample computational power can change the function of currency.

• Bitcoin currency exploitation is clearly visible in the decentralized mining process. It is the process used to manufacture Bitcoin.

Conclusion

Merchants and consumers both are interested in using the virtual currencies especially Bitcoins. They understand the benefits of using Bitcoin, and definitely the advantages exist over real currency. But the only problem is absence of regulatory regime. Due to the problem, The European Bank Authority has advised its banks to avoid the transactions in Bitcoin till the time a proper adequate regulatory regime is set up. Once the strict regulations are set, Bitcoin will emerge as one of the strongest virtual currency in the world.

Read More

Donald Trump’s Mexico Wall - Pros and Cons-GD TOPIC 4

I would build a great wall, and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me, and I build them very inexpensively,” said Donald Trump.

Donald Trump’s election campaign promised a wall that will be impenetrable between US and Mexico and would completely stop illegal immigration into America. It was seen as offensive by some and lauded by others but mostly it was seen as an impossible attempt, a promise that would only be vague.

President Trump recently went ahead to announce that the construction would begin and that any city that tries to shield illegal immigrants would be subjected to punishment. The wall will be built even though it would be difficult but the question here is whether it will be worth it or not.

Yes

1. Illegal immigration would lessen if not stop

Illegal immigration is a big and real problem that US has been facing for long. It gets worse each day as they bring along illegal commodities and evil intentions with them. Drug dealing and human trafficking is a real issue too. Legal immigrants are not a problem but illegal ones are. That is what the wall stands for.

2. Patrolling would be easy

With miles of shared border and some in extremely difficult regions, patrolling becomes difficult. If the wall is built, patrolling would become easier and illegal immigration would lessen since most of the immigrants with trouble packed on their backpacks come via those regions.

3. Staying safe

Yes, it will make people feel safer. Why do you think so many Americans voted for Trump despite his famous derogative comments on women? They did not want a soft President and invite more immigrants to make life harder for them. Staying safe is everyone’s priority and it should be given to them.

4. Economy

US economy is in no way ready to receive immigrants. According to reports, average illegal immigrant household receives $24,721 in government benefit and through welfare, but their annual taxes account to only $10,344. They caused wildfires, increased crime, closed a lot of hospitals, and of course the big drug problem. These are enough reasons to build that wall and stop illegal immigration for once and for all.

No

1. Cost

The cost of building the fence as shown above is far higher that it was estimated and the same is being predicted about the wall. Who is going to pay for it? Not Trump, surely. It is people of America who will face higher taxes to compensate for the wall building. With a massive debt, this would be a highly dangerous expedition.

2. Barriers

The wall will pass through regions that are filled with immigrants. They are sure to pose problem and it will be difficult to criminalize them all. Sonoran desert is a big crisis too with inhospitable terrain. Migrants crossing the desert die all the time.

3. Illegal immigration wouldn’t stop

There are other ways from which illegal immigration will still prevail. The wall in question is not going to be impregnable. The whole thing would only lead to needless debt increase to no advantage. Trump’s idea of wall is vague and too high to be practically true.

4. Environmental hazards

Natural habitants of the region would face the worst of consequences. It will be like dividing the species living there into half. Moreover, the disturbance due to construction in the areas is more likely to send them packing to find a new habitat. Their natural movement during season change would also be hampered.

5. Symbol of discrimination

Illegal immigration is a plague that should be done away with. But a wall would not symbolize prevention but discrimination and racism. It is like declaring war with Mexico. It would jeopardize relationship with the nation as people will feel that they are looked down upon as a nation of drug dealers and traffickers.

A lot of illegal immigration happens over airplane and with visas and later extending their stay. This isn’t going to stop with just a wall. The wall might incur more expenses that it is worthy of in terms of preventing illegal immigration.

However, there are pros of building that wall and President Trump is anyway going to make it happen. US rely on illegal immigrants for cheap labour too. That is something to look forward to

Read More