Bt Crops and pesticides

Bt stand for Bacillus Thuringiensis, it is a bacteria which has properties to kill pest and other insects. Properties of Bt are well known and people have been using it as pesticide (popularly known as Bt- pesticides).

Bt has shell or covering of a protein which act as pesticide for specific insects. The protein, that is responsible for killing or destroying specific insects or bacteria that causes diseases have been extracted and genetically incorporated in crops.

Genetically modified crops , that can produce protein that Bt were capable of producing are known as Bt-Crops . these crops are resistant to certain insects and diseases. Bt- Crops requires less pesticide and hence not only reduces expenditure on pesticide but only help reduce pollution causes by chemical fertilizers.Bt-pesticides and crops are non- allergic to human and use of Bt- Pesticides reduces exposure of farmers to harmful chemical pesticides. Chemical pesticides are broad spectrum pesticides , which also destroys population of good beneficial insects along with pests.

Bt-Maize and Bt-Cotton are begin grown in India for non-edible purpose. Scientific experiment and experience from west has known that Bt-Crops are safe for humans and may grow seed of second green revolution in India.

In lack of Indian research on effects of genetically modified crops and clear guidelines on GMO has lead to banning of Bt- Brinjal. An careful study and educating people regarding GMO is required to pave path for Bt crops for enabling second green revolution in India.

Disinvestment of PSU

Disinvestment of PSU upto 10% in next 5 years will not only provide fund to govt but also help in increasing transparency , competitiveness and responsibility in PSU. Some PSU's like MMTC Limited has less than 1% stake in market , that too with Financial Institutes. This has not only lead to reduced liquidity of equity in market but also artificially escalated the price of stock.

Disinvestment of listed PSU in next three years will bring approx 3,41000 Cr ,unlisted PSU's will bring 24000 cr and 17000 cr From PSU banks. If we assume it to be spreaded over 5 years time span, this disinvestment could provide resources of the tune of 0.88 % of GDP.

government has decided to spend all the resources on social sector. As we know our economy is growing at faster rate and we require resources for building up of basic infrastructure and projects National action plan on climate change will require enormous investment to increase supply of solar power.It has been recommended in 13th finance commission to invest proceedings of disinvestment in other non-social projects of national importance.

There are few issues concerning compulsory public holding of 25% in listed companies.
1. non-PSU companies are required to have min 25% public holding While PSU companies are required to ensure min. 10% public share holding. Mere listing of PSU by 10% public holding may not increase performance of PSUs.
2. The word "Public share holding" as not been defined clearly , whether shares with group companies are included in "Public share holding" or share holding by FI is also in public share holding.For example Hindustan Photo Films (PSU), 90% of shares are with govt of india and approx 10% are with PSU insurance companies.
3. Indian individual are not holding significant portion in equity market. While govt. has claimed that disinvestment of PSU will give opportunity for public to participate in economic growth of country but with unclear definition of Public Share Holding and lesser participation of individual in equity market will not lead to inclusion of masses in economic growth.

With huge amount of disinvestment , it is belived that market will not able to raise fund and hence all non-promotors have been included in "Public". With 10% disinvestment of PSU and unclear defination of "Public" will neither lead to better management of PSUs nor will help in financial inclusion of masses.

State PSUs of INDIA

State PSU provides jobs to 18 Lakh people and contributes 6% to GDP. State PSU are important to our country and 13th finance commission has reviewed the performance of Sate PSU in its report

The commission has find that PSU has generating aggregate 6000 Cr losses and only PSUs of nine state are in profit. It is this recommended to analysis financial viability of existing firms and those firms which are in non-core areas need to be recommended for closure.

Many State PSU have not audited their accounts and presented to their Annual General Meeting. Inability of State PSU for closure of their annual accounts and running in arrears has lead to inefficiency in their operations.

13^th finance commission has recommended for clearing backlog accounts of state PSU and follow statutory obligations and compliance. It has also recommended for finalization of accounts in consultation with Auditor General of India by holding series of General Meetings.

13^th finance commission has also recommended for closure of non-functions state PSU in consultation with Auditor General of India and setting up of holding company for liquidation of state PSU

Classical Dances of India

Mohiniyattam (element Air)

• from kerela
• Indian classical dance form
• Mohini – who enchants onlookers , attam – graceful boby movements
• Solo dance
• Two stories

o Vishnu appears as Mohini to save Lord Shiva from the demon Bhasmasura.
o Lord Vishnu disguised as a Mohini to lure the asuras (demons) away from the amrita (nectar of immortality) obtained during the churning of Ocean

• This dance which has influences and elements from two South Indian dance forms, the Bharatanatyam and Kathakali
• Approx 40 basic movements
• costume includes white sari embroidered with bright golden brocade

Bharatanatyam (Element Fire)

• from Tamil Nadu
• Indian classical dance form
• Bharatanatyam comes from the words Bhava (Expression), Raga (Music), Tala (Rhythm) and Natya (Classic Indian Musical Theatre).
• inspirations from the sculptures of the ancient temple of Chidambaram. Many of the ancient sculptures in Hindu temples are based on Bharata Natyam dance postures
• Bharatanatyam is considered to be a 'fire dance' — the mystic manifestation of the metaphysical element of fire in the human body. It is one of the five major styles (one for each element) that include Odissi (element of water), Mohiniattam (element of air), Kuchipudi (element of earth) and Kathakali (element of sky).
• In ancient times it was performed as "dasiattam" by mandir (Hindu temple) Devadasis.
• Solo dance , lasya, the graceful feminine lines and movements, and tandava (the dance of Shiva), masculine aspect
• Tamil, Telugu and Kannada are traditionally used in Bharatanatyam. , and carnatic music

Kathakali (element of sky)

• classical Indian dance-drama
• attractive make-up of characters, elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements
• It originated in the country's present day state of Kerala
• Kathakali originated from a precursor dance-drama form called Ramanattam and owes it share of techniques also to Krishnanattam. The word "attam" means enactment. In short, these two forerunning forms to Kathakali dealt with presentation of the stories of Hindu gods Rama and Krishna.
• International Centre for Kathakali at New Delhi has taken up a continuing project since 1980 of producing new plays based on not only traditional and mythological stories, but also historical stories, European classics and Shakespeare's plays. Recently they produced Kathakali plays based on Shakespeare's Othello
• Carnatic music
• Kathakali is usually performed in front of the huge Kalivilakku (kali meaning dance; vilakku meaning lamp

Kuchipudi

• name of a village in the Divi Taluka
• resident Brahmins practicing this traditional dance form
• begins with some stage rites, after which each of the character comes on to the stage and introduces him/herself, set the mood, of the character in the drama. The drama then begins.
• Carnatic Music , Yamini Reddy

• Ornaments worn by the artists are generally made of a light weight wood called Boorugu
• There are also subtle differences in the costumes of both types of dances. Generally, Bharatanatyam dresses have three fans of differing heights that form the illusion of the spreading pleats of a sari. However, in Kuchipudi there is typically only one fan which tends to be longer than the longest of the three fans present on Bharatanatyam dresses.

Odissi

• from orrisa
• oldest surviving dance form of India on the basis of archaeological evidences
• distinguished from other classical Indian dance forms by the importance it places upon the tribhangi (literally: three parts break), the independent movement of head, chest and pelvis
• mainly associated with temple dance eg: jaganath puri
• a decline and degradation occurred in all the Indian classical dance styles during the British period, especially when a bill was passed prohibiting temple dancing. Most of these dancers associated themselves with prostitution to survive
• Odissi dance accompanied by Odissi music
• The jewelry is made from intricate filigree silver jewelry pieces
• The crown, or mahkoot, worn by the Odissi dancer

Sattriya Nritya

• originates from Assam
• The core of Sattriya Nritya has usually been mythological stories
• Traditionally performed by male monks in monasteries
• The dresses are usually made of pat, a type of silk produced in Assam, woven with intricate local motifs. The ornaments, too, are based on traditional Assamese designs.

Manipuri Dance

• Originates from Manipur
• Radha and Krishna, particularly the raslila, is central to its themes
• dancers' feet never strike the ground hard
• instrument called the Pung

Kathak

• originated from northern India. This dance form traces its origins to the nomadic bards of ancient northern India, known as Kathaks, or storytellers
• three major schools or gharanas of Kathak i.e Jaipur, Lucknow and Banaras
• more commonly, the costume is a lehenga-choli combination, but sometimes it could be saaree.
• The traditional costume for men to be bare-chested. Below the waist is the dhoti, usually tied in the Bengal style
• Ghunghru or ghunghroo are the small bells the dancer ties around his or her ankles. The Kathak bells are different from those of other Indian dance styles, as they are not affixed to a pad or strip of leather, but rather are individually woven along a thick string. The usual number of bells is 100 on each ankle
• Went to decline in British Raj by associating Kathak solely with the tawaifs and then associating the tawaifs with out-and-out prostitution, Kathak acquired an unwholesome image.

Symbol of Rupee

Introduction of symbol of rupee has boost and shown the confidence of India on its currency. Symbol of rupee has created using roman and Devanagari script with a horizontal line signifying stability in currency.

Many SE and neighboring countries like Pakistan , Nepal, Bhutan , Indonesia are using Rupee as currency . With use of new symbol of Rupee India will be able to distinguish its currency from others.

Causes for failure of counter-insurgency operations

Recently we have seen mass protest in J&K and killing of CRPF by maoist in Dantewada. CRPF has been used by government for counter insurgency operations in last few years. Strength of CRPF has increased from 160,000 personnel in 2005 to 280,000 in 2008 . CRPF have six training centers which can provide training to 150-200 personnel in a six month batch. With sudden increase in new recruits.

CRPF is not having basic infrastructure like class room , proper shooting range , combat simulation technics. Some of the better personnel are siphoned by Special protection guard and National Security Guard.

There is an urgent need to increase training centers and hire professional trainers for new recruits.

India had 128 policemen per 100000 population in 2008. Now government has claimed that the ratio has increased to 163 policemen per 100000 population. Which is still far less than international standards. But the increase is not uniform some states like Bihar (75 per 100000) and WB (100 per 100000) has very less police force while states like Nagaland (1650 per 100000) , J&K(750 per 100000) and Manipur (650 per 100000) has very high police -population ratio but are still unable to solve the problem of insurgency.

Mere increase in police-population ratio will not solve the problem . Illtrained police will amplify the problem as it has done in J&K.

Kishenganga Project

Kishenganga is tributary of Jhelum River. It originates in India then it enters POK and flows for 150 km before joining Jhelum. India is planning for Kishenganga Hydro-electric project for generating 110*3 MW of energy by diverting substantial part of water from Kishenganga to it’s project location and then to Wuller lake and finally to Jhelum river.

Pakistan has raised objection for construction of Kishenganga Project near LOC. Pakistan has claimed that under Indus treaty of 1960, No project can be contracted which does not leave enough water for agriculture and hydro-electric project for another country. Although diverted water from Kishenganga will eventually join Jhelum and reach to Pakistan but will reduce flow of water in Kishenganga in POK. It may adversely affect environment and may leave little water for agriculture and another hydro-electric Neelum – Jhelum Project project which Pakistan is planning.