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The Washington Consensus is a set of 10 relatively specific economic policy prescriptions that is considered to constitute the "standard" reform package promoted for crisis-wracked developing countries by Washington, D.C.–based institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and the US Treasury Department. It was coined in 1989 by English economist John Williamson. The prescriptions encompassed policies in such areas as macroeconomic stabilization, economic opening with respect to both trade and investment, and the expansion of market forces within the domestic economy. Fiscal discipline - strict criteria for limiting budget deficits Public expenditure priorities - moving them away from subsidies and administration towards previously neglected fields with high economic returns Tax reform - broadening the tax base and cutting marginal tax rates Financial liberalization - interest rates should ideally be market-determined Exchange rates - s

Of late the buzzword in INDIA is SMART CITIES. The word itself raises curiosity about the constituents of the city. It sounds good, but there are enormous challenges in making the city SMART. First, question is definition of SMART CITY.Second,whether smart city will be made by rejuvenating and retrofitting the existing city or it will be developed in entirely new city? Third,what will be source of funding for city development? finally,what is the governance structure of these cities?         According to 2011 census,India has 32% of urban population which nearly amounts to 400 million people and it is projected by 2050 it will reach to 70%. This shows the enormity of the challenge and shows the present style of city functioning will be untenable in future. DEFINITION::        Even though there is no definite description of smart city as it vary from country to country, the broad contours of the city remains same everywhere. It can defined,as an urban agglomeration where all c

The fury of nature sees no difference between rich and poor. But it is the poor and middle class who are more vulnerable to disasters. NEPAL earthquake reinforces both,it devastated the peaceful Himalayan nation and brought irreparable misery shattering homes,families and livelihoods. This disaster raises serious questions like vulnerabilities,preparedness and pattern of development we adopt. There is no doubt that geological and geographical factors are prime causes,but much of the consequences of the disaster are result of anthropogenic factors. Unplanned and ill conceived pattern of settlements flouting rules and standard building codes giving scant regard to disaster preparedness and mitigation has certainly aggravated the tragedy. The hydra-headed monster CORRUPTION has its role allowing the unplanned development of settlements.Sociological factors like property sharing between siblings leads to constructing multistoried structures without proper structural engineering stand