CONTENT Pg.No. Peace Dividend: Still a Mirage …...6.2 Bharat ke Kaushalzaade‟ 109 6.3 CARA...
Transcript of CONTENT Pg.No. Peace Dividend: Still a Mirage …...6.2 Bharat ke Kaushalzaade‟ 109 6.3 CARA...
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CONTENT Pg.No.
Peace Dividend: Still a Mirage – Cover Story
1.ECONOMY
1.1. ADB plans to raise annual lending to India to $4 billion 1 1.2 BSNL mobile tower assets to be hived off into separate company 1 1.3 CBDT signs 4 more Advance Pricing Agreements 2 1.4Centre announces new PPP Policy to promote private investments in affordable housing
2
1.5 FTSE SBI Bond Index: India‟s first bond index series 4 1.6 Government launches negotiable warehousing receipts in e-format 4 1.7 Govt launches online facility to resolve foreign trade issues 5 1.8 GSTN reopens window for composition scheme 5 1.9 India Ranked 40th On World Economic Forum‟s Global Competitiveness Index
6
1.10 India-European FTA talks this month 8 1.11 India's first spot gold exchange 8 1.12 Inter-bank Local Currency Credit Line Agreement and Cooperation Memorandum relating to Credit Ratings
9
1.13 Ministry of DoNER invites young start-ups to avail Northeast Venture Fund
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1.14 NITI Aayog constitutes Expert Task Force on Employment & Exports 11 1.15 NITI Aayog, International Road Federation ink SoI for Intelligent Transportation Systems
12
1.16 No move to fix national minimum wage at Rs. 18,000/month: Govt 12 1.17 Peer-to-peer lending platforms to be treated as NBFCs 14 1.18 PM Modi constitutes Economic Advisory Council headed by Bibek Debroy 16 1.19 Rajaswa Gyan Sangam – 2017 16 1.20 RBI includes HDFC Bank in the „too big to fail‟ list 17 1.21 Review of FSI/FAR norms in mega cities 18 1.22 SAIL‟s retail sales gets boost with SAIL‟s Gaon ki Ore campaign 19 1.23 SEBI eases fundraising norms for REITs, InvITs 19 1.24 The lowdown on the petrol pricing policy 21
1.25 Third round of NAFTA talks 22
1.26 TRAI recommends delicensing of some spectrum for M2M services 23 1.27 UGC invites applications from institutes seeking „Institutions of Eminence‟ status
24
1.28 UJALA scheme launched in Melaka, Malaysia 25
2. NATIONAL
2.1 “Dairy Processing & Infrastructure Development Fund” 27 2.2 5 September: National Teachers Day 28 2.3 Ahmedabad gets status of India‟s first World Heritage City by UNESCO 28
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2.4 All set for NIRF ranking exercise next year 29 2.5 APEDA develops mobile app- Hortinet- for farm registration, certification 30 2.6 Army to induct women into military police soon to probe gender crimes 32 2.7 Assam Assembly adopts resolution for Population Policy 33 2.8 Assam forms „State Capital Region‟ around Guwahati 34 2.9 Bharat Petroleum set to get Maharatna status 34 2.10 BSF, ITBP chiefs stress on need for technology in border management 36 2.11 Cabinet approves Extension of time period of Udaan 37 2.12 Commemorative Coins on Dr. M.S. Subbulakshmi 37 2.13 Committee to advise on RERA 38 2.14 Deendayal Hastkala Sankul 38 2.15 Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Directorate General of Quality Assurance 39 2.16 FarmerZone: The future of agriculture 39
2.17 FSSAI launches online platform for food inspection, sampling 40 2.18 Government Checking Report On Law To Deal With Internet Hate Speech 41 2.19 Govt launches Pradhan Mantri LPG Panchayat to boost PMUY 42 2.20 Graded Surveillance Measure 43 2.21 Health Ministry launches two new contraceptives 44 2.22 Home Ministry team to study risks faced by border villages 45 2.23 India and Norway sign Letter of Intent to extend health cooperation 46 2.24 India introduces no-fly list for unruly passengers 47 2.25 India will soon grant citizenship to Chakma, Hajong refugees 48 2.26 INS Kalvari, First Indian Scorpene Submarine, Handed Over to Navy 49 2.27 INS Tarasa commissioned into Indian Navy 50
2.28 Japan teams up with India for Northeast 51
2.29 Japan to fund mass rapid transit systems in Gujarat, Haryana 52 2.30 Kandla Port renamed as Deendayal Port 53 2.31 Karnataka govt invokes ESMA against garbage contractors 53 2.32 Ministry of AYUSH 54 2.33 Multi-Agency Exercise „Pralay Sahayam‟ 54 2.34 National Nutrition Week 2017 55 2.35 Navika Sagar Parikrama 56 2.36 On his 67th birthday, PM Modi dedicates Sardar Sarovar Narmada Dam to the nation
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2.37 President Kovind lays foundation stone for Link-4 of SAUNI scheme 58 2.38 Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhayay Vigyan Gram Sankul Pariyojana 59 2.39 Sashastra Seema Bal to get intelligence wing 60 2.40 Shaheed Gram Vikas Yojana launched 62 2.41 Sitharaman becomes India‟s first full-time woman defence minister 62 2.42 UN Security Council Unanimously Steps Up Sanctions Against North Korea
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2.43 Vijay Mallya: Law Ministry okays draft bill on fugitive economic offenders 64 2.44 Workshop on implementation of Emergency Action Plan for Dams held 65
3. INDIA AND WORLD
3.1 12th Indo-Nepal Joint Exercise Surya Kiran 67 3.2 2nd India-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Council held in New Delhi 67 3.3 9th BRICS summit adopts Xiamen Declaration 68 3.4 Cabinet approves Bilateral Investment Treaty between India and Belarus 69 3.5 China Wants India To Go Slow On Asia-Africa Corridor 69
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3.6 CSIR ranked 9th public research institution of the world 70 3.7 Govt to strengthen „Korea Plus‟ cell to strengthen FDI from S.Korea 71 3.8 India and China need to demarcate LAC 71 3.9 India refuses to sign Bali Declaration over Rohingya issue 73 3.10 India to attend 2nd Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) 2017 73 3.11 India, Switzerland sign two MoUs on Railways 74 3.12 India-Japan sign open sky agreement, fares may come down 74 3.13 INDO-USA Joint Exercise Yudh Abhyas –2017 75 3.14 Operation Insaniyat 75 3.15 U.S. ends amnesty scheme for young immigrants 76
4. INTERNATIONAL
4.1 27 September: World Tourism Day 78 4.2 28th September: World Maritime Day 78 4.3 5 banks of BRICS nations sign pact for credit lines 79 4.4 50 nations ink UN nuclear ban treaty opposed by big powers 79 4.5 8th September: International Literacy Day 80 4.6 Saudi Arabia women hail end of driving ban 81 4.7 Chennai-Vladivostok sea route to make it near East 82 4.8 Fiji, Niger, Tuvalu join International Solar Alliance 836 4.9 Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon elected as Chair of the IOC Ethics Commission
84
4.10 Hasina floats five-point peace plan 84 4.11 Undersea line from Iran to port cheap gas 86 4.12 India at 103 rank on Global Human Capital Index 86 4.13 India reluctant to join Hague Convention 88 4.14 India Signs Deal with JICA to Upgrade Alang-Sosiya Shipyards 88 4.15 India, China petition WTO against trade-distorting farm subsidies 89 4.16 India-Sri Lanka joint maritime naval exercise – SLINEX 2017 90 4.17 Merkel wins fourth term 90 4.18 Rohingya children to get UNHCR cards in Bengal 91 4.19 Uninhabited Lakshadweep island Parali I vanishes, 4 others shrinking fast: study
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4.20 Uttarakhand to bring special heritage law 93 4.21 VASTRA 2017 94 4.22 World Development Report 2018 95
5. POLITICAL ISSUES, HUMAN RIGHTS AND GOVERNANCE
5.1 Cabinet approves introduction of the Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 in the Parliament
96
5.2 Cabinet approves pact to collaborate in modernization of Afghan police 96 5.3 Cabinet approves Revamped Khelo India Programme 97 5.4 Cabinet approves umbrella scheme of Modernisation of Police Forces 98 5.6 Karnataka Cabinet clears anti-superstition bill 99 5.7 Private member‟s bill proposes MPs also declare assets after term ends 100 5.8 Refugees go to SC against Article 35A 101 5.9 SC to hear Rohingya plea for help 102 5.9 Sports Ministry approves empowered steering committee for Olympic preparation
104
5.10 States will have to compete for central projects 105 5.11 Supreme Court for open air jails, better treatment for prisoners 106
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5.12 VVPAT to be used in Gujarat polls 107
6. SOCIAL ISSUES AND DEVELOPMENT
6.1 „PENCIL‟ Portal On Child Labour Elimination 109 6.2 Bharat ke Kaushalzaade‟ 109 6.3 CARA launches monthly “Jan Sampark” Program to facilitate adoption 111 6.4 Diksha Portal 111 6.5 Disability pension for defence forces to be on par with civilians 112 6.6 Divyang Sarathi mobile app for disabled launched 113 6.7 Gorakhpur, Koraput and Thane to launch Zero Hunger Programme 113 6.8 Govt data shows India‟s infant mortality rate has declined 8% 114 6.9 Implementation Guidelines of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana 115 6.10 NITI Aayog launches the National Nutrition Strategy 116 6.11 NITI Aayog‟s SATH Program launched in Assam 116 6.12 PM launches Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana “Saubhagya” 117 6.13 Tribes India products to be sold on Amazon 118 6.14 Welfare and Rehabilitation Board (WARB) Mobile App 118
7. ENVIRONMENT
7.1 „BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise- 2017‟ 119 7.2 “Wood is Good” Campaign 119 7.3 13th Formation Day of the National Disaster Management Authority 120 7.4 16 September: International Day for Preservation of Ozone Layer 121 7.5 A „Boat Lab‟ to study Brahmaputra 121 7.6 A new species of non-venomous aquatic snake discovered in Western Ghats 122 7.7 All states gain if rivers linked through waterways: Expert 123 7.8 Cabinet approves survey of Un-appraised Areas of Sedimentary Basins of India
124
7.9 CGWB enters into MoA with IIS for development of ground water flow models
125
7.10 CPCB issues guidelines to manage odour at urban solid waste landfills 125 7.11 Environment ministry notifies new wetland rules 126 7.12 In a first, govt to run safety checks on 5,000 big dams 128 7.13 Mouse deer released in Amrabad Reserve for the first time 129 7.14 New species of edible fish found in Pampa river 130 7.15 NGT paves way for Chardham highway project 132 7.16 Prakriti Khoj 133 7.17 Snow leopards no longer endangered for first time in 45 years 133 7.18 Social media campaign to promote Geographical Indications 134 7.19 ZSI produces first compendium of animal diversity in the Sundarban islands
135
7.20 Swachhta Hi Seva campaign 137 7.21 Tigers to make a comeback in Buxa reserve 138
7.22 Uttarakhand ropes in HNB Garhwal University students to clean Ganga 139
7.23 VNL, BSNL launch disaster management service in India 140
8. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
8.1 4th gravitational wave detected by LIGO, Virgo observatory 142 8.2 Andhra Pradesh to get India‟s first Hyperloop 143 8.3 Breakthrough Listen detects 15 radio bursts from a distant galaxy 144 8.4 C N R Rao chosen for 2017 Von Hippel Award 145 8.5 Asteroid-bound NASA spacecraft Osiris-Rex swings by Earth 145
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8.6 CARB-X (Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator)
146
8.7 CERT-In issues alert on „Locky Ransomware‟ 147 8.8 Considering to extend FAME-India scheme 148 8.9 CSIR‟s artificial leaf creates fuel from sunlight, water 148 8.10 DRDO successfully test fires „Fire and Forget‟ Nag missile 149 8.11 Google Tez 150 8.12 India gets first state-of-the-art homoeopathy research lab 150 8.13 India joins quantum computing race 150 8.14 India‟s Mars Orbiter Mission completes 3 years in orbit 151 8.15 Indian Nobel Laureate's theory confirmed: Regulus star spinning fast at crazy 320 kmps, emits polarised light
152
8.16 Indigenous artillery gun – „ATAGS‟ sets new record in range 153 8.17 ISRO‟s IRNSS 1H satellite launch fails 153 8.18 NASA‟s Cassini completes last flyby of Saturn‟s moon Titan 155 8.19 Pluto mountains named after Tenzing Norgay, Edmund Hillary 156 8.20 Scientists create world‟s first „molecular robot‟ 158 8.21 Scientists make fuel from oxygen in air 159 8.22 Scientists map lunar water with data from Chandrayaan-1 159 8.23 Successful Development Trials of Astra Missile 161 8.24 Sun and sea water powers vegetable farms in Jordan 162 8.25 World‟s first quantum trunk line 162 8.26 World‟s biggest and powerful X-ray laser gun unveilded 163 8.27 TRAPPIST-1 planets likely to have water 163 8.28 Ultra-thin craft may wrap and destroy space junk 164 8.29 Wheat pathogen Ug99 167
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Peace Dividend: Still a Mirage
Diplomacy is in retreat, with the world arms trade reaching a new, post-Cold War high—resulting
in increasing security treats—and the huge inflow of migrants from the conflict zones. On the other
hand, the significant initiatives by United Nations on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by
2030 and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change to restrict global warming provide some rays of
hope. As a part of its peace operations, the UN Security Council has introduced a WPS (women, peace
and security) agenda to explore the potential of women in peace-building and also to protect women and
girls in conflict. In addition to that, 62 multilateral peace operations were conducted in 2016—
including efforts by the UN, regional organisations and ad hoc coalitions of states. In this mixed global
scenario, can peace, security and development initiatives with stand the global arms race, especially when
arms trade has just hit its post-Cold War peak?.
According to the World Military Expenditure Report released by the Stockholm International
Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in early 2017, global defence spending has risen for the first time
since 2011, with the world spending $1.68 trillion on arms in 2016. This is in contrast to the trend in world
military expenditure after 2011—after increasing continuously from 1998 to 2011, it had begun to plateau.
It is also significant to note that India is one among the top five military powers in the world in terms
of defence spending, behind the the US, China, Russia and Saudi Arabia. While the international
transfer of arms has been growing, transparency in arms-transfer has been declining, SIPRI notes.
While the global military spending in 2016 was 2.2% of the world GDP, India spends around 2.5%
of its GDP on military needs. Military spending in Asia and Oceania has risen by 4.6% in 2016 as
compared to 2015, and now stands at $450 billion. The ongoing tensions in Asia—more specifically,
between India & Pakistan and India & China—lets governments justify the need to modernise existing
capabilities and also increase military expenditure. Even so, US military-spending is almost three times
that of China. Coming back to global arms trade, India was the top-ranked arms importer during 2012-
2016. The other countries following India in the list of arms importers are Saudi Arabia, UAE, China and
Algeria. Due to the demand from India, Saudi Arabia and other countries in Asia and Middle East, the
international transfer of arms has reached its highest level since the Cold War. The volume of world
arms trade was 8.4% higher in 2012-16 than in the 2007-11period. During the 2012-16 period, the US and
Russia produced more than half of the world’s arms.
India, the biggest importer of arms in the world, alone accounted for 13% of the total global arms
imports in 2012-16. The rise in Indian imports is mainly due to the inability of the Indian arms industry to
produce competitive, indigenously-designed weapons, despite the government mounting efforts under
its Make-in-India initiative for the defence production sector. The major supplies come from Russia and
China. The Asia and Oceania region together imported around 43% of global arms traded due to
turbulence in the South China Sea.
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As per SIPRI data, the US exported 33% of the arms traded, making it the biggest exporter of arms in
2012-16 period in the world. The other countries at the top are Russia (23 %), China (6.2%), France
(6%) and Germany (5.6%). These five countries accounted for approximately 75% of international
transfer of arms. What determines defence spending? The perceptions of security and armed conflict are
not the sole factors that determine the size of the defence budget. Recently, oil price has also become a
significant factor in determining the size of the defence budget. The oil-price slump has compelled oil-
exporting countries to cut their national budgets, including for defence, as oil revenues form 80% of their
budgets. Saudi Arabia has downsized military spending not as a result of economic diplomacy, but as an
offshoot of aggregate reduction in expenditure budget due to plummeting oil prices.
SIPRI researchers have highlighted that there is no evidence that increasing defence spending can
lead to greater political and economic stability. The compelling questions here are what role does the
State play in ensuring peace and resilience, and which kind of public expenditure—spending on a
“security state” or on a “development state”—are most relevant for economic growth and
development. What is the plausible link between defence spending and economic growth? A recent
study, titled Fiscal Policy, Innovation and Economic Growth: An Empirical Analysis of G20
Countries, published by Levy Economics Institute of Bard College, New York (by Horst Hanusch, Lekha
Chakraborty and Swati Khurana), revealed that in the context of G20 countries, for the period 2000-2012,
innovation and R&D spending and public spending on human capital formation (especially health and
education) mattered more for economic growth than the defence spending.
The 2017 Munich Security Conference “Post-Truth, Post-West, Post-Order” has painted a bleak
picture, flagging that the international security environment is highly volatile than any other time since
World War II. As rightly highlighted by Wolfgang Ischiner, the Chairman of Munich Security Conference
(MSC), “international security is increasingly a problem and an opportunity”; We hope the world
leaders will consider the crises to fuite en avant (“escape forward” as the French say, and as noted by
former national security adviser Shivshankar Menon in his recent book, Choices: Inside the Making of
India’s Foreign Policy), seeing the “challenges as opportunities” to catalyse policies that are politically
difficult to achieve in normal times and reap the peace dividend. Source – Financial Express
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1. ECONOMY
1.1. ADB plans to raise annual lending to India to $4 billion
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has decided to raise its annual lending to India from an average
$2.65 billion per year at present to $4 billion per year during 2018-22 to help propel Asia‘s third largest
economy towards upper middle-income status.
The proposal was endorsed at new ADB Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for 2018-2022.
ADB‘s programme in India will focus on three main pillars of activity during the 5-year period —
boosting economic competitiveness to create more and well-paid jobs, improved access to infrastructure
and services, and addressing climate change and improving climate resilience.
The planned lending level, which includes private sector operations, compares with an average of $2.65
billion a year in loans extended in the period 2012-2016.
Financing will also go for public sector management, agriculture, natural resources and rural
development as well as skills development and urban health.
The new lending will be complemented by technical assistance to undertake strategic studies, build
capacities and prepare projects.
ADB said it will also explore co-financing opportunities, including climate funds for relevant projects.
1.2 BSNL mobile tower assets to be hived off into separate company
The Union Cabinet has approved proposal for hiving off mobile tower assets of Bharat Sanchar Nigam
Limited (BSNL) into a separate tower infrastructure company, fully owned by BSNL.
Significance of the move
The Cabinet approval authorizes BSNL to monetize its telecom tower infrastructure with formation of
separate subsidiary company.
Independent, dedicated tower company of BSNL with a focused approach will help to increase BSNL‘s
external tenancies and generate higher revenue for new company.
Tower Infrastructure Company
The tower infrastructure company owns passive infrastructure assets (tower structure, Diesel Generator
sets, power interface unit, battery units, air-conditioning etc) and leases it to telecom service providers.
It enables telecom companies to achieve economies of scale and reduce capital investment costs for
providing mobile services.
It helps them to minimize duplication of investments and economize on costs of Operation and
Maintenance (O&M), thereby improving profitability.
There are around 4.42 lakh mobile towers in country out of which more than 66 thousand are of BSNL.
The telecom tower industry has emerged as independent business to harness potential for sharing of
infrastructure.
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The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) policy also allows sharing of passive infrastructure
which has facilitated growth of the telecom infrastructure industry.
1.3 CBDT signs 4 more Advance Pricing Agreements
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has entered into four more Advance Pricing Agreements
(APAs), pertaining to sectors like telecom, banking, manufacturing and education in August 2017.
Out of these four agreements, three were unilateral and one was bilateral.
The bilateral APA was for international transactions between an Indian company and UK-based
company.
With this, total number of APAs entered into
by CBDT has reached 175. This includes 162
unilateral APAs and 13 bilateral APAs.
APA scheme
The APA scheme was introduced in the
Income-tax Act in 2012 and the ―Rollback‖
provisions were introduced in 2014.
The scheme endeavours to provide certainty to
taxpayers in the domain of transfer pricing by
specifying the methods of pricing and setting
the prices of international transactions in
advance.
Since its inception, the APA scheme has attracted tremendous interest and that has resulted in more
than 700 applications (both unilateral and bilateral) having been filed in just four years.
APA scheme
The progress of the APA Scheme strengthens the Government‘s mission of fostering a non-adversarial
tax regime.
An Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) is a contract, usually for multiple years, between a taxpayer and
at least one tax authority (CBDT) specifying the pricing method that the taxpayer will apply to its
related-company transactions.
These programmes are designed to help taxpayers voluntarily resolve actual or potential transfer pricing
disputes in a proactive, cooperative manner, as an alternative to the traditional examination process.
1.4Centre announces new PPP Policy to promote private investments in affordable housing
With the aim of attracting private players in the affordable housing sector to meet the ‗housing for all‘
target by 2022, the government has unfolded a new public-private partnership (PPP) policy that allows
extending central assistance up to Rs 2.5 lakh per house built by private builders, even on private land.
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The policy also envisages opening up potential for private investments in affordable housing projects on
government land in urban areas.
With the new policy in place, it is expected that the private sector will actively participate.
The policy gives eight PPP options for the private sector to invest in the affordable housing sector.
Eight PPP options, including six for promoting affordable housing with private investments using
government lands have been evolved after extensive consultations with States, promoter bodies and
other stakeholders.
Two models using private lands
The two PPP models for private investments in affordable housing on private lands include extending
central assistance of about Rs.2.50 lakh per each house as interest subsidy on bank loans as upfront
payment under the Credit Linked Subsidy Component (CLSS) component of Pradhan Mantri Awas
yojana (Urban).
Under the second option, central assistance of Rs.1.50 lakh per each house to be built on private lands
would be provided, in case the beneficiaries do not intend to take bank loans.
The six models using government lands are
1. DBT Model: Under this option, private builders can design, build and transfer houses built on
government lands to public authorities. Government land is to be allocated based on the least cost of
construction. Payments to builders will be made by the public authority based on progress of project as
per agreed upon milestones and buyers will pay to the Government.
2. Mixed Development Cross –subsidized Housing: Government land to be allotted based on number
of affordable houses to be built on the plot offered to private builders, cross subsidizing this segment
from revenues from high end house building or commercial development.
3. Annuity Based Subsidized Housing: Builders will invest against deferred annuity payments by the
Government. Land allocation to builders is based on unit cost of construction.
4. Annuity-cum-Capital Grant Based Affordable Housing: Besides annuity payments, builders could
be paid a share of project cost as upfront payment.
5. Direct Relationship Ownership Housing: As against government mediated payments to builders and
transfer of houses to beneficiaries in the above four models, under this option, promoters will directly
deal with buyers and recover costs. Allocation of public land is based on unit cost of construction.
6. Direct Relationship Rental Housing: Recovery of the costs by builders is through rental incomes
from the houses built on government lands.
Under these six Government land based PPP models, beneficiaries can avail central assistance of Rs.1.00
to Rs.2.50 lakh per house as provisioned under different components of PMAY(Urban). Beneficiaries
will be identified as per the norms of PMAY (Urban).
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Concerns have been expressed over the private sector so far not entering affordable housing segment
despite huge scope for the same under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana(Urban) and an enabling eco-system
put in place through several concessions and incentives offered including the grant of infrastructure
status for this segment.
1.5 FTSE SBI Bond Index: India‘s first bond index series
State Bank of India (SBI) launched India‘s first bond index series, the FTSE SBI Bond Index
Series, for overseas investors at the London Stock Exchange (LSE).
The launch of this index aims to give people a benchmark based on which they can make investment
calls
The FTSE SBI Bond Index Series is launched by India‘s largest commercial bank- SBI, along with global
index and data provider FTSE Russell.
The Index is positioned as a first-of-its-kind transparent benchmark for investors in international
markets to analyse India‘s government bond market.
Indian government bond market is worth around $1.7 trillion.
Prior to launch of FTSE SBI Bond Index, the bond market was not having any reliable international
indices on which international investors can invest in the country. Investors are eager to invest in India,
but lacked enough depth in terms of the various types of bond products.
1.6 Government launches negotiable warehousing receipts in e-format
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution launched web portal of Warehousing
Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) & Electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipt (e-NWR)
System under Digital India mission.
Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (NWRs)
NWRs are documents issued by warehouses to depositors against commodities deposited in warehouses
for which warehouse is bailee.
They are transferred by endorsement and delivery i.e. either original depositor or holder in due course
(transferee) can claim commodities from warehouse.
NWRs can be traded, sold, swapped and used as collateral to support borrowing or loans from banks.
These receipts were made negotiable under Warehouse (Development and Regulation) Act, 2007 and
are regulated by Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA).
Significance of e-NWR
e-NWR will have no chances of any tempering, mutilation, fudging, loss or damage and also no
possibility of any multiple financing.
It will not only facilitate an easy pledge financing by banks and other financial institutions but also
smooth trading on various trading centres like commodity exchanges, electronic National Agriculture
Markets (e-NAM) and other electronic platforms.
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e-NWR will also help to save expenditure in logistics as stocks could be traded through multiple buyers
without physical movement and can be even split for partial transfer or withdrawal.
Significance of these initiatives
Initiatives like WDRA and e-NWR aim at simplifying Warehouse Registration Rules, digitizing entire
process of registration, monitoring and surveillance as well as creation and management of NWRs in
electronic form through two repositories.
These initiatives will revolutionise marketing of agricultural commodities and help farmers realize better
price for their produce which will be step towards doubling farmers‘ income by 2022.
The whole purpose of simplifying processes and moving towards online system will enhance WDRA‘s
regulatory functions and bring greater fiduciary trust among banks, depositors and trade on e-NWR
system.
1.7 Govt launches online facility to resolve foreign trade issues
The Union government has set up an online service facility, Contact@DGFT, which can be used by
importers and exporters to resolve all foreign trade-related issues.
The facility was activated on Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) website.
It will enable traders to raise all trade related matters to Directorate or other agencies of Centre and
States.
To ensure systematic monitoring and effective resolution of issues, DGFT has requested exporters and
importers to not to send their queries through social media platforms and use Contact@DGFT service
instead.
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is nodal agency responsible for execution of import and
export Policies of India.
It is entrusted with responsibilities for formulating and implementing foreign trade policy with main
objective of promoting India‘s exports.
It comes under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industries.
1.8 GSTN reopens window for composition scheme
The GST Network (GSTN) has reopened composition scheme window facility for small taxpayers with
turnover of up to Rs.75 lakh to opt for composition scheme, which offers easy compliance for business
as returns are to be filed only quarterly.
The window will be open for those taxpayers who have migrated from earlier excise, service tax or VAT
regime as well as for the newly registered taxpayers.
GSTN
The GSTN is a private limited company floated to aid the rollout of the new indirect tax regime.
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The company will provide information technology support to all stakeholders for smooth
implementation of the new taxation regime across the country and will be the repository of all
information related to taxation and entities registered under GST.
The majority (51%) shareholding in the firm is with private entities including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank
and LIC among others. The central government, jointly with state governments and Union Territories,
own 49% in the company.
Composition scheme
The composition scheme is an alternative method of levy of tax designed for small taxpayers whose
turnover is up to Rs 75 lakh — Rs 50 lakh in the case of eight north-eastern states and the hilly state of
Himachal Pradesh.
The objective behind it is to bring simplicity and reduce the compliance cost for small taxpayers.
The scheme is optional under which manufacturers other than those of ice cream, pan masala and
tobacco products have to pay a 2% tax on their annual turnover. The tax rate is 5% for restaurant
services and 1% for traders.
As per the Central GST Act, businesses are eligible to opt for the composition scheme if a person is not
engaged in any inter-state outward supplies of goods and not into making any supply of goods through
an electronic commerce operator who is required to collect tax at source.
While a regular taxpayer has to pay taxes on a monthly basis, a composition supplier is required to file
only one return and pay taxes on a quarterly basis. Also, a composition taxpayer is not required to keep
detailed records that a normal taxpayer is supposed to maintain.
1.9 India Ranked 40th On World Economic Forum‘s Global Competitiveness Index
India has been ranked as the 40th most competitive
economy – slipping one place from last year‘s ranking –
on the World Economic Forum‘s global competitiveness
index.
India has slipped by one position compared to 39th spot
in 2016 GCI.
Global Competitiveness Index (GCI)
The GCI released by the World Economic Forum
(WEF) is one of the major studies which indicate how a
country scores in the scale of global competitiveness.
The index is calculated by aggregating indicators across 12
pillars in the report which covers both business and social
indicators.
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These 12 pillars or indicators directly or indirectly impact the competitiveness of the country in the
global arena.
The GCI measures 12 pillars which include institutions, macro-economic environment, infrastructure,
health and primary education, higher education and training, labour market efficiency, goods and market
efficiency among others.
Highlights of the report
Global: The list is topped by Switzerland. The US and Singapore are in the second and third places, respectively.
Other countries in the top 10 are the Netherlands (4th rank), Germany (5), Hong Kong SAR (6),
Sweden (7), United Kingdom (8), Japan (9) and Finland (10).
Among the BRICS nations, China and Russia (38) are placed above India. South Africa and Brazil are
placed at the 61st and 80th spots, respectively.
In South Asia, India has garnered the highest ranking, followed by Bhutan (85th), Sri Lanka (85th),
Nepal (88), Bangladesh (99) and Pakistan (115).
India‘s performance
India remains most competitive country in South Asia. It has improved across most pillars of
competitiveness, particularly infrastructure (66th,
up by 2), higher education and training (75th, up
by 6), and technological readiness (107th, up by 3)
reflecting recent public investments in these areas.
The report has lauded India‘s efforts in
information and communications technology
(ICT) sector as it can boost internet economy.
The private sector still considers corruption to be
the most problematic factor for doing business in
India.
The second biggest bottleneck is ‗access to
financing‘, followed by ‗tax rates‘, ‗inadequate
supply of infrastructure‘, ‗poor work ethics in
national labour force‘ and ‗inadequately educated
work force‘, among others.
Another big concern for India is the disconnect
between its innovative strength (29) and its
technological readiness (up 3 to 107): as long as
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this gap remains large, India will not be able to fully leverage its technological strengths across the wider
economy.
1.10 India-European FTA talks this month
India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) are planning to shortly conclude their long
pending negotiations on FTA.
The trade pact talks had started in October 2008. So far, 16 rounds of negotiations have been held at the
level of chief negotiators.
The last round of negotiations was held in November 2013 and thereafter the negotiations have
remained suspended.
Proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
The proposed pact covers trade in goods and services, market access for investments, protection of
intellectual property and public procurement.
Under an FTA, trading partners give market access to each other with a view to promoting bilateral
trade in goods and services, besides investments.
India‘s FTAs with other countries/groups
India is negotiating similar pacts with several other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Israel
and Canada.
It has implemented FTAs with Singapore, South Korea, Japan and ASEAN, among others.
EFTA
The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is an intergovernmental trade organisation and free trade
area consisting of four European states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
It was established in 1960 by the EFTA Convention for the promotion of free trade and economic
integration between its Member States.
The organisation operates in parallel with the European Union (EU), and all four member states
participate in the EU‘s single market.
While the EFTA is not a customs union, it does have a co-ordinated trade policy. As a result, its
member states have jointly concluded free trade agreements with a number of other countries.
1.11 India's first spot gold exchange
The World Gold Council (WGC) plans to form a committee soon to help set up India's first spot gold
exchange within 12 to 18 months, a senior official of the industry body said.
A dedicated exchange for physical gold is expected to pave the way for standard gold pricing practices in
India, apart from bringing in transparency into a market which sees large cash transactions.
The committee, which is likely to be formed in the December quarter, will not set up the exchange.
It will provide guidance in setting up the exchange, while releasing a WGC report highlighting the need
for a dedicated spot gold exchange in the country.
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In 2015, Indian government had floated the idea of setting up a national gold exchange.
India's push for an exchange follows the gold monetisation and sovereign bond schemes launched in last
few years, designed to mobilise the country's gold hoard and reduce imports of the precious metal that
weighs on the country's trade deficit.
The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) and National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange
(NCDEX) currently offer gold futures contracts in India, but do not have a platform for physical trade.
A physical exchange would enable jewellers, retailers, refiners and banks to trade over a regulated
platform, the WGC report said.
China, world's top gold consumer, runs such a bourse where gold, domestically produced and imported,
can be bought and sold.
1.12 Inter-bank Local Currency Credit Line Agreement and Cooperation Memorandum relating to
Credit Ratings
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the signing of the (i) Interbank Local Currency Credit
Line Agreement and (ii) Cooperation Memorandum Relating to Credit Ratings by Exim Bank
with participating member banks under BRICS Interbank Cooperation Mechanism.
As both the Agreement and the MoU are umbrella pacts, and are non-binding in nature, the Board of
Directors of Exim Bank has been authorized to negotiate and conclude any individual contracts and
commitments within their framework.
Significance of these Agreements
They will promote multilateral interaction within area of mutual interest which will deepen political and
economic relations with BRICS nations.
It will position Exim Bank in international platform along with large development finance institutions of
BRICS member countries.
They will enable Exim Bank to leverage these agreements and can enter into bilateral agreement with
any of these member institutions to raise resources for its business.
It will enable lending in single currency by any two member institutions.
Exim Bank finances, facilitates and promotes India‘s international trade.
It provides competitive finance at various stages of business cycle covering import of technology, export
production, export product development and export credit at pre-shipment and post-shipment stages
and investments overseas.
It raises resources in off-shore market in diverse currencies and swaps to mitigate the risk.
Interbank Local Currency Credit Line Agreement
It is a framework mechanism to extend credit lines in local currencies to the BRICS‘ Interbank
Cooperation Mechanism (ICM) members.
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The initial Master Agreement on Extending Credit Facility in Local Currency under BRICS ICM had
validity of five years and expired in March 2017.
Under it some member banks of BRICS had entered into bilateral agreements for local currency
financing under Master Agreement signed in 2012.
Cooperation Memorandum Relating to Credit Ratings
It enables sharing of credit ratings amongst BRICS member banks, based on request received from
another bank.
It serves as ideal mechanism to mitigate credit risks associated with cross-border financing.
It can also serve as pre-cursor to proposal of having an alternate rating agency by BRICS nations.
1.13 Ministry of DoNER invites young start-ups to avail Northeast Venture Fund
In a bid to make northeast a favourite destination for young Startups, the government has invited young
start-ups to avail the benefits of Northeast Venture Fund.
Northeast Venture Fund
Launched in April 2017, North East Venture Fund was the first dedicated venture capital fund for
the North-Eastern region.
North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFi) in association with
Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (M-DoNER) has launched the North-East
Venture Fund.
It is focussed to encourage entrepreneurship in the region, primarily by offering support to the first-
generation entrepreneurs.
In addition to the provisions of tax holiday and exit period available in the Government of India‘s
―Standup India, Startup India‖ programme, the Ministry of DoNER has also rolled out ―Venture Fund‖
for anybody who wishes to Startup in the Northeast region, which would provide a huge financial relief
particularly to young entrepreneurs.
The primary objective of North East Venture Fund (NEVF) would be to invest in enterprises focused
on and not limited to Food Processing, Healthcare, Tourism, Aggregation of Services and IT&ITES
located in the NER and to provide resources for entrepreneurs from the region to expand throughout
the country.
The objective of the Fund is to contribute to the entrepreneurship development of the NER and
achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns through long term capital appreciation by way of investments in
privately negotiated equity/ equity related investments.
1.14 NITI Aayog constitutes Expert Task Force on Employment & Exports
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With an aim to create new jobs by enhancing India‘s export, the NITI Aayog constituted an Expert Task
Force.
The task force will be chaired by the NITI Aayog Vice Chairman, Dr. Rajiv Kumar.
The task force, which includes government and private sector representatives, has been asked to submit
its report by November 2017.
Steps outlined by the task force
The steps outlined by the task force to address this challenge of creating well-paid, formal sector jobs,
include:
Proposing a comprehensive plan of action to generate employment and alleviate under-employment in
both goods and services sectors and low wages by boosting India‘s exports in key labour-intensive
industries
Recommending sector-specific policy interventions in key employment sectors
Recommending measures to enhance trade in services with high employment potential
Identifying key macro economic factors constraining exports and suggesting methods to address these
constraints
Assessing the effectiveness of existing schemes to promote exports
Addressing issues related to logistics, export credits and trade facilitation
Suggesting ways to enhance the availability of data on trade such that it is reliable, globally comparable
and timely, particularly with respect to trade in services.
Need for the task force
While the Indian workforce has high
aspirations, a majority of the workers are
still employed in low-productivity, low-
wage jobs in small, micro and own-account
enterprises. An urgent and sustained
expansion of the organized sector is
essential to address India‘s unemployment
and under-employment issue.
An important strategy is also to enable a
shift towards more labour-intensive goods
and services that are destined for exports.
Given the importance of exports in
generating jobs, India needs to create an environment in which globally competitive exporters can
emerge and flourish.
1.15 NITI Aayog, International Road Federation ink SoI for Intelligent Transportation Systems
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The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog and International Road Federation
(IRF), Geneva have signed Statement of Intent (SoI) to cooperate in field of Intelligent Transportation
Systems (ITS).
The objective of SoI is to create National Platform, involving all relevant Union Government
stakeholders, Indian and foreign companies active in sector.
It will also create platform for relevant technical experts for developing National ITS Policy.
The national platform will provide coherent and consistent National ITS Policy.
ITS Policy will be covering
1. Traffic Management,
2. Parking Management,
3. Electronic Enforcement of Traffic Rules and Regulations,
4. Fleet Management and Monitoring,
5. Innovation in the field of ITS and
6. Education in field of ITS.
Objective of the ITS Policy
Its objective will be to contribute to reduce urban traffic congestion, improving situation around parking
of vehicles in cities, improving road safety, and improving security of passenger and goods traffic.
It will be also covering domains such as traffic and parking management, enforcement, and security.
International Road federation (IRF)
The IRF is global non-governmental, not-for-profit organisation with mission to encourage and
promote development and maintenance of better, safer and more sustainable roads and road networks.
It was founded in 1948. Its motto is Better Roads. Better World.
It is headquartered in Washington, DC, United States.
IRF seeks to promote social and economic benefits of sustainable and environmentally sound road
transport infrastructure at all levels of society.
It helps to put in place technological solutions and management practices that provide maximum
economic and social returns from national road investments.
It provides a wide base of expertise for planning road development strategy and policy for governments
and financial institutions in all aspects of road policy and development.
1.16 No move to fix national minimum wage at Rs. 18,000/month: Govt
The Centre cleared the air regarding the fixation of minimum wage as Rs. 18000 per month and clarified
that government has not fixed or mentioned any amount as ―national minimum wage‖ in the Code on
Wages Bill 2017.
It also denied any move to revise the formula of fixing wages by increasing the number of family
members from three to six, as demanded by trade unions.
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The statement comes as a big relief to employers who have been ―apprehensive‖ about the move, saying
it would affect their competitiveness.
However, it deals a blow to trade unions, who have been demanding higher minimum wages and a
revised unit-based formula for fixing wages from three members of a family to six, including dependent
parents.
Issue
The Minimum Wages Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha last month. Some news reports have been
published regarding the fixation of minimum wage as Rs 18,000 per month by the central government.
Highlights of the Code on Wages Bill, 2017
The Labour Code on Wages Bill consolidates the four wage-related statutes:
1. Minimum Wages Act, 1948,
2. Payment of Bonus Act, 1965,
3. Payment of Wages Act, 1936 and
4. Equal Remuneration Act, 1976.
The bill will be applicable across all classes of workers who are at present employed in scheduled
industries or establishments by law and
across all sectors.
National minimum wage
The code ensures minimum wages to one
and all and timely payment of wages to all
employees irrespective of the sector of
employment without any wage ceiling.
It introduces concept of statutory National
Minimum Wage for different geographical
areas.
It will ensure that no state government fixes
minimum wage below the National
Minimum Wages for that particular area as
notified by Union Government.
It specifies that central or state governments will revise or review minimum wage every five years.
Advisory boards
The central and state governments will constitute their respective advisory boards to advise respective
governments on aspects of fixing minimum wages and increasing employment opportunities for women.
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These boards will have representation from employees, employers, and independent persons. Further,
one-third of total members will be women.
Payment of Wages:
The code proposes payment of wages through cheque or digital/electronic mode along with
conventional cash payments.
It mentions deduction of employee‘s wages on certain grounds by not exceeding 50% of employee‘s
total wage.
Working hours
The central or state governments will fix
the number of hours that will constitute
a working day.
Further, they will provide for a day of
rest for employees every week.
An employee will receive overtime for
working beyond these working hours on
any day. This amount will be at least
twice the normal wage of the employee.
Redressal of grievances and settlement
of claims
It proposes appellate authority between
Claim Authority and Judicial Forum for
speedy, cheaper and efficient redressal of
grievances and settlement of claims
Offences
The Code specifies penalties for offences committed by an employer. Such penalties vary depending on
nature of offence have been rationalized with the amount of fines varying as per gravity of violations.
Moreover, it specifies that compounding of offences is not punishable by penalty of imprisonment.
1.17 Peer-to-peer lending platforms to be treated as NBFCs
The Union Cabinet has approved the revamped Khelo India programme that aims at mainstreaming
sport as a tool for individual development, community development, economic development and
national development.
The Union Government has issued gazette notification, notifying that Peer-to-peer lending (P2P)
platforms will be treated as non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and thus regulated by Reserve
Bank of India (RBI).
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The notification will help P2P lenders to gain official recognition and opens new avenues for fund-
raising and business expansion.
It also ends the regulatory vacuum in which P2P lending firms were operating.
P2P lending
P2P lending allows an individual to lend or borrow money to or from other unrelated individuals
without assistance from any financial intermediary. This is mainly done via an online platform that
connects lenders and borrowers.
P2P lending is a form of crowd-funding used to raise loans which are paid back with interest.
It enables individuals to borrow and lend money – without use of an official financial institution as an
intermediary.
It can use an online platform that matches lenders with borrowers in order to provide unsecured loans.
P2P lending gives access to credit to borrowers who are unable to get it through traditional financial
institution. It boosts returns for individuals who supply capital and reduces interest rates for those who
use it.
In India, P2P lending platforms are largely technology companies registered under the Companies Act.
The biggest challenge in the sector is that most of the players are outside the formal credit rating and
reporting process — a reason why lenders and even several investors shy away from investing.
What are the advantages?
People who may not be eligible to get loans from banks or such institutions can get loans.
It also allows customers to become lenders and earn interest.
It promotes alternative forms of finance, where formal finance is unable to reach. It has potential to
soften lending rates as result of lower operational
costs and enhanced competition with traditional
lending channels.
What are the disadvantages?
Interest rates are higher than what a bank or non-
banking financial company might charge.
Currently, it is not regulated so consumers cannot
approach any ombudsman in case of distress.
Necessity of P2P lending
Although nascent in India and not significant in
value yet, the potential benefits that P2P lending
promises to various stakeholders and its associated
risks to the financial system are too important to be ignored.
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Coming under the purview of the RBI will not only be a confidence booster for the sector, but also for
individual lenders.
1.18 PM Modi constitutes Economic Advisory Council headed by Bibek Debroy
Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) has inked MoU
with e-commerce giant Amazon for selling tribal products.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi constituted an Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister
(EAC-PM).
The five-member council consists of economists of high repute and eminence. Dr. Bibek Debroy, a
member of the NITI Aayog has been appointed as the Chairman of the council.
Ratan Watal, the Principal Advisor to Niti Aayog will be the secretary of the Council.
Formation of EAC by PM Narendra Modi comes over three years after he assumed power.
The last chairperson of the Council, when Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister, was former
Reserve Bank of India Governor C. Rangarajan.
Economic Advisory Council
The EAC-PM is an independent body which provides advice on economic issues to the
government, specifically to the Prime Minister.
The five-member council consists of economists of high repute and eminence.
Terms of reference of EAC
EAC will analyse any issue, economic or otherwise, referred to it by prime minister and advising him
thereon.
It will also address issues of macroeconomic importance and present its views to the prime minister.
Its advise can be either suo-motu or on reference from prime minister or anyone else.
It can also attend any other task as may be desired by prime minister from time to time.
1.19 Rajaswa Gyan Sangam – 2017
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC) have
been holding a joint Conference of the two Boards under the umbrella of ―Rajaswa Gyan Sangam‖.
The objective of the Conference is to enable a two-way communication between the policy-makers and
the senior officers in the field offices with a view to increase revenue collection and facilitate effective
implementation of law and policies in key result areas.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC) have
been holding annual Conferences of senior officers for a number of years.
In 2016, the first time joint Conference of the two Boards was held under the umbrella of ‗Rajaswa
Gyan Sangam‘, which was inaugurated by the Hon‘ble Prime Minister.
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The Rajaswa Gyan Sangam, 2017 will be attended by the senior officers of CBDT and CBEC. For the
first time ever, senior officers of the Finance Department of the States and Union Territories will also be
attending the event.
1.20 RBI includes HDFC Bank in the ‗too big to fail‘ list
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has added HDFC Bank, the second largest private sector lender
of country in list of Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs).
HDFC Bank is third bank in country to be added in list of D-SIBs after State Bank of India (SBI)
and ICICI Bank which were added in 2016 and continue to be in that category.
What does this mean?
The addition means that HDFC has now being considered as too big to fail bank. These banks are
subject to more rigorous regulation and capital requirement.
Since 2015, RBI has been identifying banks whose failure would impact the whole financial system.
What are Systemically Important Banks?
SIBs are perceived as certain big banks in country. Since country‘s economy is dependent upon these
banks, they are perceived as ‗Too Big To Fail (TBTF)‘.
There are two types of SIBs:
1. Global SIBs, identified by BASEL committee on banking supervision and
2. Domestic SIBs; identified by central Bank of country.
RBI Framework for dealing with D-SIBs
RBI had issued Framework for dealing with D-SIBs in July 2014.
D-SIB Framework requires RBI to disclose names of banks designated as D-SIBs every year in August
starting from August 2015.
The framework also requires that D-SIBs may be placed in four buckets depending upon their Systemic
Importance Scores (SISs).
Based on bucket in which D-SIB is placed, an additional common equity requirement has to be applied
to these listed banks, as mentioned in Framework.
In case foreign bank having branch presence in India is Global-SIB, it has to maintain additional CET1
capital surcharge in India as applicable to it as a G-SIB, proportionate to its Risk Weighted Assets
(RWAs) in India under the D-SIB Framework.
Identification of D-SIBs
The D-SIB Framework specifies a two-step process of identification of D-SIBs.
In first step, sample of banks to be assessed for systemic importance has to be decided. The selection of
banks in sample for computation of SIS is based on analysis of their size as a percentage of annual GDP.
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Moreover, additional Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) requirements are also applicable to D-SIBs from
April 1, 2016 in phased manner and will be fully effective from April 1, 2019. The additional CET1
requirement will be in addition to the capital conservation buffer.
Need for recognition of banks as SIBs
Following the global financial crisis of 2008, it was observed that problems faced by certain large and
highly interconnected financial institutions hampered orderly functioning of financial system, which in
turn, negatively impacted real economy.
As some of the banks are perceived as TBTF, they can lead to reckless practices on their part like
increased risk-taking, reduction in its market discipline, creation of competitive distortions etc. because
of expectation of government support them at time of distress. All this can increase probability of
distress in future.
Therefore, it is required recognition of these banks as SIBs and subjected to additional policy measures
to deal with systemic risks and moral hazard issues posed by them. They are forced to have additional
capital against financial emergency, so that taxpayer money not wasted in rescuing them during crisis.
1.21 Review of FSI/FAR norms in mega cities
The government has ordered the review of Floor Space Index (FSI) and Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
norms in mega cities of the country.
The time bound review of these norms will be taken up in all the 53 cities with a population of one
million and above each.
A similar review for State Capitals with
less than million population will also be
taken up each in due course.
The review to be taken up in
consultation with States and cities is to
cover an assessment of the existing
norms and to what extent it could be
enhanced.
Floor Space Index (FSI)
FSI is the ratio of a building‘s total floor
area to the size of the piece of the land
on which it is built.
In Indian cities, it is generally about 1.50, which is said to be on the lower side given the needs of rapid
urbanization.
Need for review
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NITI Ayog in their report noted that a comparison of Mumbai and Shanghai illustrates the deleterious
effects of restrictive FSI. In 1984, Shanghai had only 3.65 sq.mt of space per person. Through liberal use
of FSI, despite increase in population since 1984, the city had increased the available space to 34 sq.mt
per person. In contrast, in 2009, Mumbai on average had just 4.50 sq.mt of space per person.
Besides, increasing the availability of land in urban areas is critical to meet the demand for affordable
housing under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban).
Review is necessary to give a properly planned push to the urban development in the country.
1.22 SAIL‘s retail sales gets boost with SAIL‘s Gaon ki Ore campaign
Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL), is running a nation-wide campaign SAIL steel – Gaon ki ore which
is aimed at boosting steel consumption in country.
This has started to reflect positively through the dealer sales numbers, which recorded an 18% jump in
the month of August 2017 over CPLY selling 91,000 tonnes of steel in the month.
SAIL targets to sell 1 Million Tonnes steel through its dealer network this financial year and aims at
doubling it in next three financial years.
SAIL had identified the potential of rural markets for enhancing steel consumption which is currently
around 10 kgs per capita per year as against around 150 Kg per capita consumption in Urban India.
Gaon ki ore campaign
The Gaon ki ore campaign is designed to familiarize end users at the Grass-root level, especially of rural
areas, with innovative usage of SAIL steel and its applications and advantages in construction,
household equipment, agriculture etc.
Through this nation-wide campaign, SAIL aims to cover more than 100 locations by the end of this
year.
Through engagement activities the audience are informed how using SAIL steel can increase durability,
life, safety and longevity of any construction and product.
This new age marketing campaign strategically aims to develop a stronger link with consumers through
direct engagement.
All workshops of the campaign are designed to familiarize participants about SAIL‘s production process,
product range, applications and advantages and the interactive sessions are conducted in local language
for easier connect with audience.
1.23 SEBI eases fundraising norms for REITs, InvITs
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has relaxed the guidelines for Real Estate
Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) in order to broaden the scope
of fund raising by such instruments.
It has been decided to allow REITs and InvITs to raise capital by issuing debt securities.
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REITs have also been allowed to lend to an underlying holding company or a special purpose vehicle
(SPV).
What are REITs?
REITs are similar to mutual funds. While mutual funds provide for an opportunity to invest in equity
stocks, REITs allow one to invest in income-generating real estate assets.
How does an REIT work?
REITs raise funds from a large number of investors and directly invest that sum in income-generating
real estate properties (which could be offices, residential apartments, shopping centres, hotels and
warehouses).
The trusts are listed in stock exchanges so that investors can buy units in the trust. REITs are structured
as trusts. Thus, the assets of an REIT are held by an independent trustee on behalf of unit holders.
REIT‘s investment objective
The investment objective of REITs is to provide unit holders with dividends, usually generated from
rental income and capital gains from the profitable sale of real estate assets.
Typically, the trust distributes 90 per cent of its income among its investors by issuing dividends.
REITs in India?
REITs, as a concept, have been on the horizon for a while now.
India‘s regulations in 2014 for the sector have not been able to attract investor interest.
REITs obtained exemption from dividend distribution tax in the Budget, a step towards making them
attractive for the investors.
The current SEBI guidelines for REITs permit investments only in rent-yielding assets.
Why invest in REITs?
For investors who are averse to investing in physical purchase of property due to the risks involved,
REIT is an alternative.
Investors purchase units of REITs which are traded on the stock exchange, as against physical purchase
of property. Therefore, investors can buy and sell units of REIT on the stock exchange as and when
required, making investment easier to liquidate compared to physical property transaction.
Potential investment risks
REITs units are listed on, and are subject to the vagaries of the stock exchanges, resulting in negative or
lower returns than expected.
As in mutual funds, retail investors in REITs have no control over investments and exits being made by
the trust.
InvITs
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An Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvITs) is like a mutual fund, which enables direct investment of
small amounts of money from possible individual/institutional investors in infrastructure to earn a small
portion of the income as return.
SEBI notified the SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014 on September 26, 2014,
providing for registration and regulation of InvITs in India.
The objective of InvITs is to facilitate investment in the infrastructure sector.
InvITS are like mutual funds in structure. InvITs can be established as a trust and registered with SEBI.
An InvIT consists of four elements:
1. Trustee,
2. Sponsor(s),
3. Investment Manager and
4. Project Manager.
InvITs work like mutual funds or real estate investment trusts (REITs) in features.
InvITs can be treated as the modified version of REITs designed to suit the specific circumstances of
the infrastructure sector.
1.24 The lowdown on the petrol pricing policy
Amid protests against the recent spike in petrol and diesel prices, the government has ruled out the
possibility of an end to the recently introduced policy of revising fuel prices daily.
Since June 16 this year, petrol and diesel prices across the country have been revised on a daily basis,
against the previous policy of revising prices every fortnight.
By opting for daily pricing, India has joined advanced countries like the United States and others which
follow the practice.
How did it come about?
The daily pricing policy is in line with the government‘s efforts over the years to deregulate the pricing
of essential fuels.
The prices of petrol and diesel were first deregulated in 2010 and 2014 respectively, bringing in the
practice of fortnightly revision of prices.
Proponents of the new policy
The new daily pricing policy, the government argues, will now allow oil marketing companies to price
their products even better, that is, in accordance with their fluctuating input costs.
The oil companies need not wait a fortnight to change prices, and it is believed that this would allow
them to quickly pass on the benefit of lower crude oil prices to retail customers.
Also, daily price revisions will reduce the risk of huge revisions in prices, which is more common under
the fortnightly pricing policy.
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Opponents of the new policy
The daily pricing policy has been blamed in recent weeks for the sharp increase in petrol and diesel
prices.
Fuel prices fell in the initial days after the implementation of the new policy, but have seen a sharp
acceleration ever since. The price of petrol in metro cities like Delhi and Kolkata, for instance, has risen
by more than ₹5 since the introduction of daily pricing. The government has blamed supply constraints
due to floods in the United States for the present rise in prices.
A wider criticism, however, is that domestic fuel prices have also failed to match the drastic fall in
international crude oil prices over the last few years. The surprising divergence in the cost of crude oil
and domestic fuel prices has caused a lot of anger.
Who is the main culprit?
Taxes are the main culprit stopping petrol and diesel prices from reflecting the fall in international crude
oil prices.
About half the retail price paid by consumers for petrol and diesel goes towards paying the excise duty
and the value added tax imposed on them.
These taxes increase the price at which oil companies can profitably sell essential fuels to consumers,
thus restricting supply and keeping prices high.
What next?
One option is to reduce VAT on petroleum products. But, for this, states have to forgo their share of
the Centre‘s revenue from fuel taxes. 42% of the Central tax receipts from petrol go to the States.
Another option is to bring petrol and diesel under the GST to lower the tax burden. This will help bring
down their prices, but only when it is combined with better competition in the oil sector.
Otherwise, lower taxes will merely improve the profits of oil companies without any of the benefits,
whether it is lower crude oil prices or any other fall in input costs, being passed on to consumers.
Way ahead
What is being missed is the fact that fuel prices are determined by market forces, not costs. So lower
crude oil prices need not necessarily lead to lower fuel prices.
Costs only determine the profits of oil companies, whose operating margins have naturally improved
since deregulation.
1.25 Third round of NAFTA talks
Representatives from Mexico, Canada and the US began the third round of the North American
Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) talks.
Canadian chief negotiator Steve Verhuel said he did not expect this round to see any new US proposal
to increase American content requirements for autos, reports Xinhua news agency. Rules of origin of
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autos will be ―a subject for discussion but we‘re not expecting to see anything radically new at this
point‖, he added.
Under NAFTA‘s current rules of origin, vehicles must have at least 62.5 per cent North American
content to qualify for duty-free movement between Canada, the US and Mexico.
Concern has been mounting among trade experts that the year-end deadline for the NAFTA will be
impossible to meet if negotiators did not start during this round to confront some of the most
contentious issues, including the rules of origin of autos.
At the first round of negotiations in Washington last month, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer
pronounced that the North American content requirement must be raised and a specific American
content requirement must be added, along with a way to verify that content.
Last week, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross slammed the NAFTA for allowing outside countries to
provide parts for vehicles that aren‘t covered by the content requirement. Canada reportedly believes
that resolving American concerns about the exodus of automotive jobs to low-wage Mexico is the key to
staving off US President Donald Trump‘s threat to rip up NAFTA.
A total of seven rounds of discussions are planned for the NAFTA renegotiations, with the first two
rounds being held in Washington and Mexico City.
1.26 TRAI recommends delicensing of some spectrum for M2M services
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended delicensing of chunk of spectrum
in few bands to facilitate smooth roll-out of machine-to-machine (M2M) communications.
TRAI has suggested that no separate spectrum band will be allocated exclusively for M2M services,
rather it will utilise existing license exempt airwaves.
Important recommendations made by TRAI
TRAI has suggested to Department of Telecom (DoT) that all existing operators should be allowed to
provide connectivity for M2M services. Under this technology, devices will be fitted with SIM or
universal integrated circuit card (eUICC).
TRAI has suggests delicensing of 1 MHz of spectrum from 867-868 MHz frequencies and another six
units from the 915-935 MHz range
for M2M communication services.
TRAI has suggested that government,
through DoT, should identify critical
services in M2M sector and these
services should be provided only by
connectivity providers using licensed
spectrum.
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It also suggested that companies offering M2M services using unlicensed spectrum should be covered
under licence through a new permit to be called Unified Licence (M2M).
M2M communications
Unlike person-to-person (P2P) communication, M2M technologies involve communication between
two devices.
The technology is basis for automated information exchange between machines.
It enables wired and wireless devices to talk to each other using sensors.
It is also a key component of the emerging Internet of Things (IoT) revolution.
Applications of self-communicating machines using M2M communications can be deployed in new-age
infrastructure projects and various industry verticals such as smart cities, smart grids, smart homes,
smart transportation and smart heath sectors.
TRAI acknowledged its potential in National Telecom Policy 2012.
1.27 UGC invites applications from institutes seeking ‗Institutions of Eminence‘ status
The University Grants Commission (UGC) rolled out an application process for universities and higher
education institutes (public or private) seeking ―institutions of eminence‖ status.
Aim of scheme
To help higher education institutions from country break into top 500 global rankings in 10 years, and
then eventually break into top 100 over time.
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20 institutions — 10 public and 10 private — will be given this status with aim to give them freedom to
become world-class institutions.
What is the application process?
It will be 90-day application process for interested public and private institutions.
Institutions applying for it will be divided into three categories- existing government educational
institutions, existing private higher educational institutions and sponsoring organisation for setting up of
private institutions.
The HRD Ministry will set up empowered expert committee to process application. The entire process
of shortlisting institutions will be completed by March-April 2018.
Eligible Institutions
Top 50 of National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings or those who have secured ranking
among top 500 of Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Shanghai Ranking Academic
Ranking of World Universities or QS University Rankings will be eligible to apply.
Benefits of having institutions of eminence status
The 10 state-run institutions get additional benefit — provision of Rs. 10,000 crore over a period of 10
years, over and above regular grants.
Such institutions will be free from usual regulatory mechanism to choose their autonomous path to
become institutions of global repute with emphasis on multi-disciplinary initiatives, global best practices,
high quality research and international collaborations.
These institutions will have liberty to enroll up to 30% foreign students. Moreover, selected public
institutions can recruit up to 25% foreign faculty and there will be no such limit for selected private
institutions.
They will have freedom of devising their own courses, own fee structure, create centres without coming
to UGC.
1.28 UJALA scheme launched in Melaka, Malaysia
India‘s zero-subsidy UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable Lighting for All) Scheme was launched in
Melaka State of Malaysia by Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), under Union Ministry of Power.
It highlights success of Indian model UJALA scheme to promote efficient lighting, using efficient
equipment to reduce electricity bills and preserve environment at global level.
India‘s Ujala scheme will be replicated in Malaysia, under which each household in Melaka state will get
10 high quality 9-watt LED bulbs, at subsidised rate almost half price offered in market.
The initiative is implemented by India‘s EESL with logistical assistance and facilitation support from
Green Growth Asia, a non-profit organisation in Malaysia. The EESL is planning to distribute about 1
million 9W LED bulbs, replacing 18W CFLs.
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It will help Melaka promote efficient lighting and conserve the resources, money and environment by
reducing 19,000 tonnes carbon emissions per year.
UJALA scheme
UJALA is a flagship project of the Govt. of India where it wants every home in India to use LED bulbs
so that the net power or energy consumption rate comes down and the carbon emission rates can also
be checked.
The main objective of scheme is to promote efficient lighting, enhance awareness on using efficient
equipment which reduce electricity bills and preserve environment.
It is LED based Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP). Under it, LED Bulbs are distributed.
Its purpose is not only to help reduce electricity bills of consumers but also contribute to energy security
of India.
It is being implemented by EESL, a joint venture of PSUs under Union Ministry of Power.
LED bulbs have a very long life, almost 50 times more than ordinary bulbs, and 8-10 times that of
CFLs, and therefore provide both energy and cost savings.
The Ujala scheme uses economy of scale and a sustainable market mechanism.
It is globally one of the largest efficiency programmes.
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2. NATIONAL
2.1 ―Dairy Processing & Infrastructure Development Fund‖
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a ―Dairy Processing & Infrastructure
Development Fund‖ (DIDF) with an outlay of Rs 10,881 crore during the period from 2017-18 to
2028-29.
The project will focus on
1. Building an efficient milk procurement system by setting up of chilling infrastructure & installation
of electronic milk adulteration testing equipment,
2. Creation/modernization/expansion of processing infrastructure and manufacturing faculties for
Value Added Products for the Milk Unions/ Milk Producer Companies.
Management of DIDF
The project will be implemented by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and National
Dairy Development Cooperation (NCDC)directly through the End Borrowers such as Milk Unions,
State Dairy Federations, Multi-state Milk Cooperatives, Milk Producer Companies and NDDB
subsidiaries meeting the eligibility criteria under the project.
An Implementation and Monitoring Cell (IMC) located at NDDB, Anand, will manage the
implementation and monitoring of day-to-day project activities.
The end borrowers will get the loan @ 6.5% per annum. The period of repayment will be 10 years with
initial two years moratorium.
The respective State Government will be the guarantor of loan repayment. Also for the project
sanctioned if the end user is not able to contribute its share; State Government will contribute the same.
Benefits from DIDF
The investment in diary sector will benefit 95,00,000 farmers in about 50,000 villages.
It will help for additional milk processing capacity of 126 lakh litre per day, milk chilling capacity of 140
lakh litre per day, milk drying capacity of 210 MT per day.
It will also support installation of 28000 Bulk Milk Coolers (BMCs) along with electronic milk
adulteration testing equipment and increase value added products manufacturing capacity of 59.78 lakh
litre per day of milk equivalent.
Employment Generation Potential
The implementation of DIDF scheme will generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for
skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled manpower.
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Direct employment
opportunities for about
40,000 people will be
created under the scheme
through project activities
like expansion &
modernisation of existing
milk processing facilities,
setting up of new processing
plants, establishment of
manufacturing facilities for
value added products and
setting up of Bulk Milk
Coolers (BMCs) at village
level.
About 2 lakh indirect
employment opportunitieswill be created on account of expansion of milk and milk product
marketing operations from existing Tier I, II & III to Tier IV, V & VI cities/towns etc. This will lead to
deployment of more marketing staff by Milk Cooperatives, appointment of distributors and opening of
additional milk booths/retail outlets in urban/rural locations.
With the increase in milk procurement operations of the Milk Cooperatives,there would be generation
of additional manpower employment for supervision of increased milk procurement operations,
transportation of milk from villages to processing units, and increased input delivery services like
Artificial Insemination (AI) services, Veterinary Services, etc.
2.2 5 September: National Teachers Day
The National Teachers Day is observed every year on 5th September in India to commemorate birthday
of country‘s first Vice President and second President Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was first recipient Bharat Ratna, India‘s highest civilian award along with
politician C. Rajagopalachari, scientist C. V. Raman.
2.3 Ahmedabad gets status of India‘s first World Heritage City by UNESCO
The 600-year-old Walled City of Ahmedabad has been formally accorded the status of India‘s first
World Heritage City by UNESCO.
In July, the UN agency had inscribed Ahmedabad as India‘s first World Heritage City at a meeting held
in Poland.
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The walled city of Ahmedabad is first city in India to get World Heritage City status and third in Asia
after Bhaktapur (Nepal) and Galle (Sri Lanka).
India now has total 36 World Heritage Inscriptions 28 cultural, 7 natural and 1 mixed site.
India is second after China in terms of number of world heritage properties in Asia and Pacific (ASPAC)
region, and overall seventh in world.
Walled City of Ahmedabad
The Walled City of Ahmedabad is located on the eastern banks of Sabarmati river.
It was founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah I of Gujarat Sultanate in in 1411.
It presents a rich architectural heritage from the sultanate period, notably the Bhadra citadel, walls and
gates of the Fort city and numerous mosques and tombs, as well as important Hindu and Jain temples of
later periods.
The city‘s historic characteristics include densely-packed traditional houses (‗pols‘) in gated traditional
streets (‗puras‘) with features such as bird feeders, public wells and religious institutions.
The city also holds rare distinction of being one of the oldest trading points in India and also centres of
Indian freedom struggle under Mahatma Gandhi.
World Heritage Cities Programme
It is one of six thematic programmes formally approved and monitored by the World Heritage
Committee (WHC) of UNESCO.
It aims to assist state parties in the challenges of protecting and managing their urban heritage.
The programme is structured along a two-way process (i) development of a theoretical framework for
urban heritage conservation, and (ii) provision of technical assistance to States Parties for the
implementation of new approaches and schemes.
2.4 All set for NIRF ranking exercise next year
The Centre has set the ball rolling for a more comprehensive ranking of higher educational institutions
in the next round of the National Institutional Ranking Framework in 2018.
The idea
Instead of institutions choosing to take part in the exercise, they are being auto-registered through a
large online database — the All-India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) portal — of institutions
available with the Ministry of Human Resource Development.
The institutions, however, have to provide details like patents, publications, research projects and
campus placements that are not available on the portal.
The 2016 and 2017 NIRF lists reflected the ranks of only those institutions that had taken part in the
exercise. The number was about 3,300 in 2017.
Among universities, Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore was ranked first and Jawaharlal Nehru
University in Delhi was second. Miranda House in Delhi was ranked India‘s best college.
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NIRF
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is a methodology adopted by the Ministry of
Human Resource Development (MHRD) to rank all institutions of higher education in India.
It has been approved by the MHRD and was launched in September, 2015.
This framework outlines a methodology to rank institutions across the country.
The methodology draws from the overall recommendations and broad understanding arrived at by a
Core Committee set up by MHRD, to identify the broad parameters for ranking various universities and
institutions.
The parameters broadly cover ―Teaching, Learning and Resources‖, ―Research and Professional
Practices‖, ―Graduation Outcomes‖, ―Outreach and Inclusivity‖ and ―Perception‖.
NIRF has been given the responsibility of ranking institutions that have applied and submitted their
data.
The ranking of the Institutions will be done based on the parameters proposed by NIRF for different
disciplines.
2.5 APEDA develops mobile app- Hortinet- for farm registration, certification
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has developed a
mobile app, ―Hortinet‖ for farmers to facilitate registration, testing and certification of certain fruits and
vegetables.
Hortinet
The app ―Hortinet‖ is an integrated traceability system developed by APEDA for providing internet-
based services to the stakeholders.
The app will facilitate ―farm registration, testing and certification of grape, pomegranate and vegetables
for export from India to the European Union in compliance with standards‖.
This new Mobile app will also assist State Horticulture/ Agriculture Department to capture real time
details of farmers, farm location, products and details of inspections like date of inspection, name of
inspecting directly from field. After registration and approval of farm, farmer gets approval information.
The key features of the app are:
Online Farm registration application and status tracking
Processing and approval on on-line farmer applications by State Horticulture /Agriculture department.
Registration of farmers, farms and products by State Horticulture/Agriculture department
Capture geo location of the farms registered through the app
Sample collection by APEDA authorized Laboratories along with geo location of the sample.
Significance of this initiative
This initiative is expected to increase the accessibility and reach of the traceability software system
among farmers and other stakeholders
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The app would also assist state horticulture and agriculture departments to capture real time details of
farmers, farm location, products and details of inspection.
APEDA
APEDA is an apex body of the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, to promote the
export of agricultural commodities and processed food products.
APEDA was established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food
Products Export Development Authority Act 1985.
The Authority replaced the Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC).
APEDA links Indian exporters to global markets besides providing comprehensive export oriented
services.
APEDA provides referral services and suggest suitable partners for joint ventures.
APEDA‘s export basket ranges from typically Indian ethnic products like pickles, chutneys, sauces,
curries etc. to rice, honey, fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, beverages, guar gum, poultry,
livestock products, confectionery, cut flowers, food grains, aromatic plants and other Indian delicacies.
Vietnam, UAE, Saudi Arabia, USA, Iran, Iraq and Nepal are the major destinations for export of food
products from India.
APEDA has marked its presence in almost all agro potential states of India and has been providing
services to agri-export community through its head office, five Regional offices and 13 Virtual offices.
Composition of the APEDA Authority
As prescribed by the statute, the APEDA Authority consists of the following members namely:
1. A Chairman, appointed by the Central Government
2. The Agricultural Marketing Advisor to the Government of India, ex-offical.
3. One member appointed by the Central Government representing the Planning Commission
4. Three members of Parliament of whom two are elected by the House of People and one by the
Council of States
5. Eight members appointed by the Central Government representing respectively; the Ministries of
the Central Govt.
Products Monitored by APEDA:
APEDA is mandated with the responsibility of export promotion and development of the following
scheduled products:
1. Fruits, Vegetables and their Products.
2. Meat and Meat Products.
3. Poultry and Poultry Products.
4. Dairy Products.
5. Confectionery, Biscuits and Bakery Products.
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6. Honey, Jaggery and Sugar Products.
7. Cocoa and its products, chocolates of all kinds.
8. Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages.
9. Cereal and Cereal Products.
10. Groundnuts, Peanuts and Walnuts.
11. Pickles, Papads and Chutneys.
12. Guar Gum.
13. Floriculture and Floriculture Products.
14. Herbal and Medicinal Plants.
2.6 Army to induct women into military police soon to probe gender crimes
The government has decided to recruit women jawans into the Army‘s Corps of Military Police (CMP)
for investigating gender specific crimes.
Significance of this proposal
The plan is seen as major step towards breaking gender barriers in force.
The proposal is very significant as women will be inducted in the military‘s non-officer cadre for the
first time, although they will be in a non-combat role.
The decision to induct women in Corps of Military Police will help in investigating allegations of gender
specific crimes.
Under this plan 800 women will be inducted initially with yearly intake of 52.
Women were required in the Corps of Military Police (CMP) to investigate gender-specific allegations
and crime.
The women will be inducted as junior commissioned officers and jawans.
Very few countries have allowed women in combat roles. The exceptions include Germany, Australia,
Canada, the US, Britain, Denmark, Finland, France, Norway, Sweden and Israel.
Women in armed forces
The armed forces account for around 3,500 women officers, all of whom are in non-combat roles.
Currently, women are allowed in select areas such as medical, educational, legal, signals and engineering
wings of Indian Army.
Women were allowed to join the military as officers outside the medical stream for the first time in 1992.
In the navy, women are still not permitted to serve in submarines and warships, while the army bars
them from front-line ground combat positions and tank units.
Way ahead
Though this is good move, induction of women into the Army‘s combat arms could still be a long way
as the CMP is only a support arm.
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For women to progress on to roles of higher responsibility and hence equality, there need to be
operational changes in the way the Army looks at its lady officers and at the same time bring out a
mentality change.
Corps of Military Police (CMP)
Corps of Military Police (CMP) is the military police of the Indian Army.
They can be identified by their red berets, white lanyards and belts, and they also wear a black brassard
with the letters MP imprinted in red.
The term ‗red berets‘ is synonymous with the personnel of the elite corps of Military Police (CMP), since
all ranks of this Corps adorn the exclusive red berets along with white belts to distinguish themselves
from other Corps of Army.
Functions of CMP
The role of this Corps is primarily to assist Army formations in maintaining a high standard of discipline
of its troops, prevent breaches of various rules and regulations and to assist in the preservation of high
morale of all ranks of the formation.
The CMP is trained to handle prisoners of war and to regulate traffic, as well as to handle basic
telecommunication equipment such as telephone exchanges.
2.7 Assam Assembly adopts resolution for Population Policy
Asserting that the limited resources cannot afford the rapid population growth and raising an alarm over
the fast changing demography of the State, the Assam legislative assembly has passed a
new ‗Population and Women Empowerment Policy of Assam‘.
Highlights of the policy
The policy has a strict two-child policy for government servants and elected/nominated representatives
of panchayat, municipal and statutory bodies, with stress on women empowerment and awareness.
The Policy seeks to empower women for making learned choice regarding motherhood as it would lead
to better living conditions for the communities.
The policy has provisions to bar people with more than two children from contesting election for
panchayat, municipal and other statutory bodies and committees at the state level.
Assam‘s Demography and its impact on economy
Assam‘s average family size is 5.5 which is above the national average that has pushed the state‘s
population by almost one crore to 3.12 cr between 2001 and 2011 census while the population density is
398 as per 2011 census as against 340 in 2001.
The population pressure has had a profound impact on the economy as Assam was among the lowest
five States in terms of GDP growth (less than 6%) between 2005 and 2014.
Also, the 37.9% of the population fall in the category of ―poverty headcount ratio‖ of UNDP. At 61, the
unemployment rate in the State is also high, compared to the national average of 50.
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Opposition
The policy has received flak from state‘s minority outfits for being ‗against the marginalised‘.
Some argued that Muslims are not even 1% of the government workforce, and the policy intends to shut
them out of the limited job opportunities in the future.
There is a perception that Muslims have more children, but the world knows illiteracy and poverty add
to the numbers.
Some other argued that the population policy infringed upon the reproductive rights of women who
could be forced into unsafe abortions.
2.8 Assam forms ‗State Capital Region‘ around Guwahati
While hearing a 2013 PIL on prevailing inhuman conditions prevailing in 1,382 prisons across the
country, the Supreme Court of India has passed a slew of directions on prison reforms.
In line with the National Capital Region, Assam will have a State Capital Region encompassing
Guwahati and its peripheral areas with the passing of a bill in the state Assembly.
Rationale behind the move
The authority and guidelines of existing Guwahati Municipal Corporation Development Authority
(GMDA), Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and other urban authorities were not sufficient for
desired development and growth of SCR.
The Assembly recently passed Assam State Capital Region Development Authority (ASCRDA) Bill
2017 to set up the regional authority for preparation of a plan for rapid development of the SCR.
Note
The SCR shall comprise the districts of Kamrup Metropolitan, Kamrup, Nalbari, Darrang and
Morrigaon, fully or partly. Capital Guwahati is in Kamrup Metropolitan district.
ASCRDA will be the overall authority to direct, implement and monitor the development of SCR.
ASCRDA will be headed by the State Chief Minister. It will prepare a regional plan for the area and
coordinate the preparation of functional plans, regional plans, development schemes and project plans
by the authority itself as well as by the municipal corporations, local bodies, panchayats and different
government departments.
The body will be entrusted to organise and oversee the financing of selected development projects in the
State Capital Region through government funding as well as other sources of revenue
2.9 Bharat Petroleum set to get Maharatna status
State-run oil marketing company Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) is all set to become a
Maharatna company.
The decision to elevate BPCL to Maharatna status was taken by a panel headed by the Cabinet secretary.
BPCL is at present a Navratna firm.
Benefits of becoming Maharatna
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After becoming a Maharatna firm, the board of BPCL will get enhanced powers which will help in
expansion of operations, both in India and abroad.
Eligibility for Maharatna status
Under government rules, a firm is eligible for Maharatna status if
It is already a listed Navratna firm,
It has an average turnover, net worth and
annual net profit after tax of at least Rs 25,000
crore, Rs 15,000 crore and Rs 5,000 crore,
respectively, in the last three years.
The company should have significant global
operations.
At present, there are seven Maharatna
companies
1. Bharat Heavy Electricals,
2. Coal India,
3. GAIL (India),
4. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC),
5. National Thermal Power Corporation
(NTPC),
6. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and
7. Steel Authority of India (SAIL)
2.10 BSF, ITBP chiefs stress on need for technology in border management
Highlighting the role of technology for better border management, the chiefs of the Border Security
Force and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police have said that sealing the border with Pakistan using smart
technology- aided fence will be in place by December next year.
What is CIBMS?
At the moment, BSF is working on a Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS)
which will be deployed along the International Border with Pakistan.
CIBMS is expected to counter infiltration and cross-border terror attacks.
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The system employs latest technology
which would detect infiltration via land,
underwater, air and tunnels.
The concept of CIBMS is the integration
of manpower, sensors and command and
control to improve situational awareness
and facilitate quick response to emerging
situations.
Components of CIBMS
Among major components of CIBMS is
the ‗virtual fence‘.
The second component is the command
and control, which will help in optimum
use of resources for border management.
Another component is power management to keep CIBMS running.
Indo-Pakistan border
India shares 3323 Km (including Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu & Kashmir sector) of its land border
with Pakistan.
This border runs along the States of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.
The Indo-Pakistan border has varied terrain and distinct geographical features.
This border is characterized by attempts at infiltration by terrorists and smuggling of arms, ammunition
and contraband, the Line of Control being the most active and live portion of the border.
India‘s coastal security challenges
India‘s long coastline presents a variety of security challenges including illegal landing of arms and
explosives at isolated spots on the coast, infiltration/ex- filtration of anti-national elements, use of the
sea and off shore islands for criminal activities, smuggling of consumer and intermediate goods through
sea routes etc.
Absence of physical barriers on the coast and presence of vital industrial and defence installations near
the coast also enhance the vulnerability of the coasts to illegal cross border activities.
What needs to do?
Smart borders on one hand should allow seamless movement of authorized people and goods, while on
the other, minimise cross-border security challenges using innovation and technology enablement.
Over the long term, smart border management will also have to incorporate systems that digitally
monitor patterns of activity through and around border areas to root out organised crime and anti-
national events.
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There is also a need to revisit the policies on border management to ensure that the frontier regions
grow in step with the rest of the country.
2.11 Cabinet approves Extension of time period of Udaan
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) extended time period ―Special Industry Initiative
for J&K‖ (Sll J&K)- Udaan Scheme till December, 2018 without any modification and cost escalation.
Proposal in this regard was forwarded by Ministry of Home Affairs.
Initially the time period of UDAAN Scheme was upto 2016-17.
UDAAN Scheme
Udaan is national integration scheme with goal to mainstream J&K youth with rest of country.
It not only provides skill enhancement and job opportunity but also connects bright youths from J&K
with vibrant corporate sector of country.
Udaan Scheme provides exposure to youth of J&K to best of corporate India and corporate India to
rich talent pool available in State.
So far, 109 leading corporate entities have partnered with National Skill Development Corporation
(NSDC) under scheme with commitment to train youth from State covering Banking, Financial Services,
IT, ITES, Organized Retail, Infrastructure, Hospitality etc.
2.12 Commemorative Coins on
Dr. M.S. Subbulakshmi
Commemorative coins of Rs
100 and Rs 10 denomination
were released on the occasion
of 101st Birth Centenary of
noted Carnatic musician Dr.
MS Subbulakshmi.
She was the first musician to
be awarded Bharat Ratna,
India‘s highest civilian honour
in 1998.
She was also the first Indian
musician to receive the Ramon Magsaysay award, often considered Asia‘s Nobel Prize in 1974 and first
Indian musician to perform at UN General Assembly.
In 2016, to mark her birth centenary, UN Postal Administration had issued stamp to honour her.
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2.13 Committee to advise on RERA
The Centre is setting up a 31-member Central Advisory Council that will advise the government on
protecting home buyers' interests, better implementation of the real estate regulation law and ensuring
growth in the real estate sector.
The committee will include secretaries from various ministries, state departments' representatives, home
buyers' associations, and construction workers advisory committee. Further, members of builders'
association and the Namma Bengaluru Foundation will also be part of the committee. As reported
earlier, six out of ten under-construction projects in Mumbai revised their delivery targets by more than
a year after the Real Estate Regulation and Development (RERA) Act, 2016, came into force.
About 57 per cent of projects registered with RERA authority in Maharashtra have extended the
delivery timelines, said a survey by property consultant Knight Frank.
The report covered residential units registered with the Maharashtra RERA regulator, or the
MahaRERA, in the Mumbai suburbs until August 16, 2017.
RERA came into force on May 1, with the government calling it the beginning of a "new era".
The act specifies that all existing projects must be registered with the state's regulatory authority by July
2017 and that no new project can be launched without this registration.
As reported earlier, under the central law, each state has to notify rules and set up a regulatory authority
to manage the real estate sector. The law provides for strict penalties against promoters and builders for
not fulfilling promises.
According to industry information, between 2011 and 2015, about 2,349 to 4,488 real estate projects
were launched every year amounting to a total of 17,526 projects with a total investment of Rs 13.70
lakh crore in 27 cities, including 15 state capitals.
2.14 Deendayal Hastkala Sankul
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Deendayal Hastkala Sankul, a trade facilitation centre and
Crafts Museum for handicrafts at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Deendayal Hastkala Sankul
The centre will facilitate weavers/artisans/exporters in promotion of handlooms and handicrafts in both
domestic and international markets.
Moreover, Crafts Museum at the centre will preserve traditional handloom/handicrafts products of
Varanasi and showcase handloom & handicraft products.
The centre and Crafts Museum was proposed by Union Finance Minister in his 2014-15 Budget speech
to develop and promote handlooms, handicrafts and silk products.
Significance
The centre will help to
1. Promotes rich traditional craft of ancient Varanasi.
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2. Provides enabling platform and environment to showcase Indian handloom and handicrafts.
3. Provides supply chain linkages to domestic and foreign buyers.
4. Give thrust to domestic and international tourism.
5. Give boost to trade and economic development of Varanasi as well as eastern parts of the country.
2.15 Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Directorate General of Quality Assurance
Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) has completed 60 years of its existence.
Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA)
DGQA functions under Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence.
This organisation is more than hundred years old. Although it was established in 1957, its origin dates
back to 1869.
Its headquarters are located in New Delhi.
Functions of DGQA
DGQA‘s mandate is to provide Quality Assurance (QA) cover for entire range of Arms, Ammunitions,
Equipments and Stores supplied to Armed Forces.
It is responsible for import substitution and associates with Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) in the development projects.
It ensures documentation, codification and standardisation action for minimizing variety of
components/ equipments.
It also renders services such as promotion of small scale industries, post procurement services, defect
investigations and technical consultancy to users, production agencies and Defence Ministry.
2.16 FarmerZone: The future of agriculture
Sri Lanka welcomed External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj‘s visit to the nation to attend two-day
Indian Ocean Conference.
The Union Ministry of Science and Technology is planning to create FarmerZone, a collective open-
source data platform for smart agriculture by using biological research and data to improve
lives of small and marginal farmers.
It was announced by Department of Biotechnology (DBT) at recently convened Smart Agriculture
Conclave in New Delhi.
The objective of conclave was to set stage for ―FarmerZone‖.
It was organised by DBT in partnership with UK‘s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research
Council (BBSRC) and Research Councils UK (RCUK) India.
FarmerZone platform
FarmerZone envisioned by the DBT aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s call for effective
decision-making in agriculture by integrating science, technology, innovation and farm ecosystem.
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This platform aims to
cater all needs of
farmer from dealing
with climate change,
weather predictions
and soil, water and
seed requirements.
It will connect farmers
and scientists,
government officials,
economists and
representatives from
global companies who
work in the big-data
and e-commerce space
to bring about
technology-based
localised agri-
solutions.
This platform will work to collect relevant quality data related to agriculture into the cloud and also
develop sites to help link with farmers and evolve PPP based enterprises for data delivery.
2.17 FSSAI launches online platform for food inspection, sampling
To bring in transparency in food safety inspection and sampling, food regulator Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has put in place a nationwide online platform called
‗FoSCoRIS‘.
FSSAI has asked states to adopt this system as it would help eliminate discrepancy and make food safety
officers accountable.
‗FoSCoRIS‘ system
The web-based ‗FoSCoRIS‘ system will help verify compliance of food safety and hygiene standards by
food businesses as per the government norms.
The new system will bring together all key stakeholders — food businesses, food safety officers (FSOs),
designated officers, state food safety commissioners — on a nation-wide IT platform and data related to
inspection, sampling and test result data will be shared seamlessly by all the officials.
This system will give a clear picture to the FSSAI on the real-time basis and helps eliminate any
discrepancy, hence inspection is accountable.
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The system will ease out the process of sample collection, make it transparent and traceable and controls
the quality of compliances.
How will it be implemented?
The new system requires a hand-held device with internet connectivity with FSOs.
FSSAI has asked those states that have already provided hand-held devices to FSOs to straightway adopt
the system while other states have been asked to provide such devices to FSOs or on rental and even
reimburse mobile expenses to them.
The states have been told to appoint a nodal officer for this purpose and send the details of the officers
of the state food authority for integrating them with FoSCoRIS.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an agency of the Ministry of Health &
Family Welfare, Government of India.
The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006which is a
consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation in India.
The FSSAI is led by a non-executive Chairperson, appointed by the Central Government.
The Chairperson is in the rank of Secretary to Government of India.
The agency also has 8 regional offices, 4 referral laboratories and 72 local laboratories located
throughout India..
2.18 Government Checking Report On Law To Deal With Internet Hate Speech
The Home Ministry is examining a report given by a high-level committee formed to propose new laws
or amendments to deal with hate speech on the internet.
The committee, headed by TK Viswanathan, has submitted a report on this to the Home Ministry
recently.
Recommendations made by the committee
Section 78 of the IT Act needs to be substituted and Section 153 and 505A of the Indian Penal Code
need to be amended.
Section 78 primarily dealt with capacity building and needs to be relooked at with a view to sensitise law
enforcement agency officers. Under it, a police officer of the rank of inspector or above was empowered
to investigate offences.
Each state should have a State Cyber Crime Coordinator which should be an officer not below the rank
of Inspector General of Police.
Each district to have a District Cyber Crime Cell headed by an officer not below the rank of sub-
inspector.
The TK Viswanathan committee was formed after the Supreme Court struck down section 66A of the
Information Technology Act.
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Section 66A defines the punishment for sending ―offensive‖ messages through a computer or any other
communication device like a mobile phone or a tablet. A conviction can fetch a maximum of three years
in jail and a fine.
Considering the growing menace of hate speech and abuse on the internet in the absence of the
provision, the committee was reportedly set up to propose new laws and amendments in existing laws.
2.19 Govt launches Pradhan Mantri LPG Panchayat to boost PMUY
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas launched country-wide Pradhan Mantri LPG Panchayat
scheme to distribute LPG connections among rural areas where conventional fuel is used for domestic
purposes.
It is backup scheme to existing Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.
LPG Panchayat scheme
The LPG Panchayat scheme aims at spreading awareness among LPG users about how to properly use
clean fuel and its useful benefits.
It will provide platform to trigger discussion through sharing of personal experiences on benefits of use
of clean fuel compared to traditional fuels like cowdung,
charcoal or wood.
It also aims to connect with beneficiaries of Ujjwala Yojana
to resolve issues and wrong traditional beliefs among people
through officials of oil PSUs, NGOs, Asha workers and
social workers.
Under it, one lakh LPG Panchayats will be activated across
coun
try
to
deal
with
issue of safe use of LPG as well as discuss its
various benefits on environment, health and
how it empowers women.
LPG Panchayat will serve as an interactive
platform between those who received LPG
cylinders under PMUY.
One panchayat will have around 100 LPG
customers of nearby areas.
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The panchayats discuss issues such as safe practices, quality of service provided by distributors and
availability of refill cylinders.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana aims to provide five crore LPG connections to women in Below
Poverty Line (BPL) households over the next three financial years, at a cost of Rs. 8,000 crore.
The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
The scheme will be partially funded from the savings accruing to the government from LPG users who
gave up their subsidy as part of the Give It Up programme.
The new users who receive LPG connections under the scheme will not have to pay the security deposit,
while the Rs. 1,600 administrative costs, cost of pressure regulator booklet and safety hose will be borne
by the government.
The households will be selected using the socio-economic and caste census data. Consumers will have
the option to purchase gas stove and refills on EMI.
2.20 Graded Surveillance Measure
More than 900 companies are being monitored under the Graded Surveillance Measure, designed by
market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
Graded Surveillance Measure
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Exchanges in order to enhance market integrity and
safeguard interest of investors, have introduced Graded Surveillance Measures(GSM) wherein certain
identified securities shall be subjected to enhanced monitoring and surveillance actions
The main objective of these measures is to:
1. alert and advice investors to be extra cautious while dealing in these securities and
2. advice market participants to carry out necessary due diligence while dealing in these securities.
Why did SEBI bring in the measure?
The underlying principle behind the graded surveillance framework is to alert and protect investors
trading in a security, which is seeing abnormal price movements.
SEBI may put shares of companies under the measure for suspected price rigging or under the ambit of
‗shell companies‘.
The measure would provide a heads up to market participants that they need to be extra cautious and
diligent while dealing in such securities put under surveillance.
How the Graded Surveillance Measure works?
Once a firm is identified for surveillance it goes through six stages with corresponding surveillance
actions and the restrictions on trading in those securities gets higher progressively.
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In the first stage.the securities are put in the trade-to-trade segment (meaning no speculative trading is
allowed and delivery of shares and payment of consideration amount are mandatory). A maximum of
5% movement in share price is allowed.
In the second stage, in addition to the trade-to-trade segment, the buyer of the security has to put
100% of trade value as additional surveillance deposit. The deposit would be retained by the exchanges
for a period of five months and refunded in a phased manner.
In the third stage, trading is permitted only once a week ie every Monday, apart from the buyer putting
100% of the trade value as additional surveillance deposit.
In the fourth stage, trading would be allowed once a week and the surveillance deposit increases to
200% of the trade value.
In the fifth stage, trading would be permitted only once a month (first Monday of the month) with
additional deposit of 200%.
In the sixth and final stage, there are maximum restrictions. Trading is permitted only once a month
at this stage, with no upward movement allowed in price. Also, the additional surveillance deposit would
be 200%.
Will securities remain permanently in the Graded Surveillance list?
There would a quarterly review of securities. Based on criteria, the securities would be moved from a
higher stage to a lower stage in a sequential manner.
How would these measures affect small investors?
The challenge for the small investors is that these announcements are often made at very short notice
and implemented from the next day itself thus giving those who have already entered the stock less than
adequate time to exit it.
There is also potentially another risk. For example, even if time is given, the stock might crash next day
on the news, triggering the lower price circuit and leaving no exit opportunity.
2.21 Health Ministry launches two new contraceptives
In a bid to keep a check on the increasing population in the country, The Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare has launched two new contraceptives- Antara and Chhaya.
They have been launched in 10 states under Mission ParivarVikas, a central family planning initiative.
These 10 states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Haryana, West
Bengal, Odisha, Delhi and Goa.
Antara is injectable contraceptive, effective for three months drug whereas Chayya is contraceptive pill,
effective for one week.
Both of contraceptives are safe and highly effective. They will be available for free in medical colleges
and district hospitals in 10 states.
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The introduction of these new contraceptives will expand the basket of choices for country‘s population
to meet their family planning needs
Mission ParivarVikas
The Mission ParivarVikas aims to accelerate access to high quality family planning choices based on
information, reliable services and supplies within a rights-based framework.
Its main objective is to bring down Total Fertility Rate (TFR) to 2.1, which is when population of
country starts stabilizing by 2025.
Its strategic focus is on improving access to contraceptives through delivering assured services, ensuring
commodity security and accelerating access to high quality family planning services.
It will utilise RMNCH+A strategy, FPLMIS and consumer friendly website on family planning.
The mission is being implemented in 146 high focus districts that house 44% of country‘s population,
with highest TFR of 3 and more in country.
The high focus districts are in 7 states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand,
Chhattisgarh and Assam.
2.22 Home Ministry team to study risks faced by border villages
The home ministry will set up an expert group to look into the problems people living in villages along
the Line of Control (LoC) face.
The study group will look at ways to improve lives of cross-border ceasefire violation victims.
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The study group is expected to come up with suggestions to not only increase the safety and security of
the border residents but also to look at ways of making funding in Border Are a Development
Programmes effective.
What are the concerns?
Many people have abandoned their home and have been living in relief camps for the last four months
to escape firing and shelling from across the border.
Lives of the people who faced such frequent firing are fraught with risks and more is needed to be done.
According to numbers in the home ministry, in 2011, there were 62 ceasefire violations by Pakistan.
There were 114 of those in 2012 and 347 in 2013. In 2014, the number of cross- fire violations went up
to 583.
It was 405 in 2015 and 449 in 2016. In 2017, till August, there have been 418 ceasefire violations by
Pakistan.
2.23 India and Norway sign Letter of Intent to extend health cooperation
India has signed Letter of Intent (LoI) with Norway to extend the cooperation within health sector
through the Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI) for a period of three years starting from 2018.
Through this letter, the cooperation between India and Norway will continue to be aligned with the
development goals of the Indian Government as outlined in its National Health Policy 2017 for
achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The cooperation would mainly focus on global health issues of common interest.
It would also include areas related to reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescent health and
strengthening of the health system.
It would also build on experiences from NIPI phase I and II.
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Besides this, it would focus on innovative, catalytic and strategic support taking the Indian
Government‘s Intensification Plan for Accelerated Maternal and Child Survival in India as the starting
point.
In 2006, governments of India and Norway had agreed to collaborate towards achieving MDG 4 in
order to reduce child mortality based on commitments made by the two Prime Ministers.
The partnership, based on India‘s health initiative- the National Health Mission (NHM), was aimed at
facilitating rapid improvement in the quality of child and maternal health services in four high focus
states – Bihar, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Besides the four states, the partnership initiative will now also be extended to the state of Jammu &
Kashmir.
2.24 India introduces no-fly list for unruly passengers
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued rules to tackle on-board disruptive and unruly behaviour by
passengers. It allows for formation of national, No Fly List of such unruly passengers.
In this regard, DGCA has revised relevant sections of Civil Aviation Requirement.
It has been done in accordance with provisions of Tokyo Convention 1963.
The promulgation of No-Fly List in India is unique and first-of-its-kind in world.
Its concept is based on concern for safety of passengers, crew and aircraft and not just on security
threat.
Highlights of the new rule
Applicability
Revised CAR will be applicable for all Indian operators engaged in scheduled and non-scheduled air
transport services, both domestic and international.
It will also be applicable to foreign carriers subject to compliance of Tokyo Convention 1963.
Categories of unruly behavior
It defines three categories of unruly behavior
Level 1: Behaviour that is verbally unruly, and calls for debarment upto 3 months if found guilty;
Level 2: Physical unruliness and can lead to passenger being debarred from flying for upto 6 months
and
Level 3: Life-threatening behaviour where debarment would be for a minimum of 2 years.
Probe
The cases of unruly behaviour will be probed by an internal committee set up by every domestic airline
under chairmanship of retired District and Sessions judge.
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Its members will be from different
scheduled airlines and consumer
associations, passenger associations and
retired officials of Consumer Dispute
Redressal Forum.
Internal committee
The internal committee will have to decide
matter of offence committed by passenger
within 30 days along with duration of ban.
In case Internal Committee fails to come
to a decision in 30 days then passenger
will be free to fly.
Appeal
Revised CAR also has appeal mechanism which provides an aggrieved person provision to appeal within
60 days of order to an appellate committee constituted by Ministry of Civil Aviation.
No- Fly list
Interestingly, under new CAR one airline is not be bound by no-fly list of another domestic airline. It
also does not allow passenger to circumvent domestic fly ban by flying to nearby foreign country and
then fly back to original destination in India.
Moreover, unruly behaviour of passengers in airport premises will be dealt with by relevant security
agencies.
2.25 India will soon grant citizenship to Chakma, Hajong refugees
The Centre will soon grant citizenship to nearly one lakh Chakma and Hajong refugees, who came from
the erstwhile East Pakistan five decades ago and are living in camps in the northeast.
Government‘s decision comes in line with Supreme Court order in 2015 in this regard.
The apex country had directed Union government to grant citizenship to these refugees, mostly staying
in Arunachal Pradesh.
Chakmas and Hajongs?
Chakmas and Hajongs were originally residents of Chittagong Hill Tracts in the erstwhile East Pakistan.
They left their homeland when it was submerged by the Kaptai dam project in the 1960s.
The Chakmas, who are Buddhists, and the Hajongs, who are Hindus, also allegedly faced religious
persecution and entered India through the then Lushai Hills district of Assam (now Mizoram).
The Centre moved the majority of them to the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA), which is now
Arunachal Pradesh.
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Their numbers have gone up from about 5,000 in 1964-69 to one lakh. At present, they don‘t have
citizenship and land rights but are provided basic amenities by the state government.
In 2015, the Supreme Court had given deadline to Union Government to confer citizenship to these
refugees within three months.
Later, Arunachal Pradesh Government moved to top court against the order. However, the apex court
rejected Arunachal Pradesh Government‘s plea. Since then state and the Centre began consultations on
the issue.
Opposition to their citizenship
Several organisations and civil society in Arunachal Pradesh are opposing granting citizenship to
refugees saying it would change demography of state and would reduce indigenous tribal communities to
minority and deprive them of opportunities.
Way ahead
The Union Government is trying to find workable solution by proposing that these refugees will not be
given rights to own land, which are exclusively enjoyed by Scheduled Tribes in Arunachal Pradesh.
However, Government may be given Inner Line permits (required for non-locals to travel and work in
three states Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland).
2.26 INS Kalvari, First Indian Scorpene Submarine, Handed Over to Navy
INS Kalvari, the first of the six Scorpene-class submarines, has been handed over to the Indian Navy by
shipbuilder Mazgaon Dock limited, paving way for its commissioning soon.
The development marks a major milestone in Indian Navy‘s submarine programme as the vessel is
expected to bolster India‘s maritime prowess.
Features of INS Kalvari
INS Kalvari is a class of diesel-electric attack submarine. These submarines are based on the Scorpene-
class submarine being built for the Indian Navy.
Kalvari is named after a deep-sea tiger shark. The Scorpene is part of the ambitious Project 75 of
Indian Navy‘s submarine programme.
While INS Kalvari is designed by French naval defence and energy company DCNS, they are being
manufactured by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai.
All six Kalvari class submarines being built in India will be equipped with anti-ship missiles.
It is stealth submarine difficult to be detected by the enemy and is designed to operate in all theatres
including the tropics.
It can undertake various operations including multifarious warfare, Anti-submarine warfare, Intelligence
gathering, mine laying, area surveillance etc.
It can launch attack on the enemy using precision guided weapons and attack can be launched from
underwater or on surface.
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It can launch attack on the enemy using precision guided weapons and attack can be launched from
underwater or on surface.
These missiles will provide the submarines the ability to neutralise surface threats at extended ranges and
boost India‘s maritime security.
Six Scorpene submarines are being built under Project-75 by Mazgaon Docks Limited (MDL) with
technology transfer from France.
All the six submarines under this projects will be indigenously built at Mumbai‘s Mazagaon Dockyard
Ltd.
All six submarines will be fitted with indigenous Air Independent Propulsion System (AIP) technology
developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to extend their endurance.
The second Scorpene submarine in the series, INS Khanderi was launched in January 2017 after the
ghost of data leak which threatened to derail project in August 2016.
2.27 INS Tarasa commissioned into Indian Navy
INS Tarasa, a Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (WJFAC) was recently commissioned into the Indian Navy.
INS Tarasa
INS Tarasa is the fourth and last of the follow-on Water Jet FAC‘s built by the Garden Reach
Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
INS Tarasa has been named after the picturesque island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago in
Bay of Bengal.
The ship is an ideal platform for missions like coastal and off-shore surveillance, EEZ Patrol, law
enforcement as well as non-military missions such as Search and Rescue, Humanitarian Assistance and
Disaster Relief.
This is the second ship of the Indian Navy to be named INS Tarasa. The first INS Tarasa was in service
of the Navy from 1999 to 2014. She was gifted to Seychelles Coast Guard as a symbol of India‘s
partnership with friendly maritime nation in IOR.
The new INS Tarasa will be based at Mumbai under the operational control of Western Naval
Command.
The ship is of proven design, has good endurance, low draught, high speed and manoeuvrability, thus
making her most suited for her primary role of extended coastal and offshore surveillance and patrol.
WJFACs are ideally suited and used for interception of fast-moving surface craft. INS Tarasa is fourth
and last of follow-on WJFAC‘s indegenously built GRSE, Kolkata.
The first two ships of class INS Tarmugli and INS Tihayu were commissioned in 2016 and are based
at Visakhapatnam. The third ship INS Tillanchang was commissioned earlier in March 2017 at
Karwar, Gujarat.
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2.28 Japan teams up with India for Northeast
India and Japan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to set up India Japan Act East
Forum to enhance connectivity and promote developmental projects in Northeast India.
It was one of the 15 major agreements signed between both countries during Japanese Prime Minister
Shinzo Abe‘s visit to India for the 12th Indo-Japan annual summit.
India Japan Act East Forum
The purpose of forum is to converge India‘s Act East Policy with Japan‘s Free and Open Asia-Pacific
strategy in the backdrop of China‘s One Belt One Road initiative.
It will enhance connectivity and promote developmental projects in India‘s Northeast region in an
efficient and effective manner.
It can complement India‘s connectivity initiatives in Bangladesh, Myanmar and beyond, besides BBIN
(Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical
and Economic Cooperation) Motor Vehicle Agreements.
Japan has historic connection with India‘s northeast and is among few countries that India has allowed a
presence in eight landlocked northeastern states which are India‘s gateway to ASEAN members
countries.
India and Japan agree that improving connectivity between Asia and Africa is vital for achieving
prosperity of the entire region.
Japanese Contribution to North East
Japan has cooperated with variety of
development projects in Northeast,
ranging from connectivity
infrastructure such as roads and
electricity, water supply and sewage
and environmental conservation such
as forest resource management and
biodiversity.
India and Japan have signed document
on Japanese loan and aid for highway
development in Northeast which can
complement India‘s connectivity
initiatives in Bangladesh, Myanmar
and beyond.
Japan is also extending loan of Rs.2,239 crore to India for ‗North East Road Network Connectivity
Improvement Project‘ to improve National Highway 40 (NH-40) and construct a bypass on NH-54 in
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Northeast. These projects are expected to improve intra-regional and international connectivity through
regional economic development.
Chinese Opposition
China has expressed dissatisfaction over proposed Japanese investments in India‘s North-East states.
China warned that third-party should not meddle in border disputes between India and China.
It held that negotiations are still on to settle eastern section of China-India border, so it is oppoing
involvement of any third party in region in whatsoever form.
2.29 Japan to fund mass rapid transit systems in Gujarat, Haryana
On the eve of Antyodaya Diwas 2017, Rural Skills Division, Ministry of Rural Development has
organized an event ‗Bharat ke Kaushalzaade‘.
Funds from a Japanese government loan will soon be utilised for the first time in the $100 billion, Delhi-
Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) project.
So far, the mega-project was being developed only with the
Indian government‘s financial assistance.
A soft loan (with concessional conditions) to the tune of
$4.5 billion to be extended by the Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA), will shortly be utilised to
develop two Mass Rapid Transit Systems (MRTS) — one
each in Gujarat and Haryana — that will be part of the
DMIC.
DMIC
Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) is a mega infra-
structure project of USD 90 billion with the financial &
technical aids from Japan, covering an overall length of
1483 KMs between the political capital and the business
capital of India, i.e. Delhi and Mumbai.
The project aims to develop an environmentally sustainable, long lasting and technological advanced
infrastructure utilizing cutting age Japanese technologies and to create world class manufacturing and
investment destinations in this region.
The corridor would pass through the six States – U.P, NCR of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan,
Gujarat and Maharashtra.
It‘s end terminals would be at Dadri in the National Capital Region of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru Port
near Mumbai.
Distribution of length of the corridor indicates that Rajasthan (39) and Gujarat (38%) together constitute
77% of the total length of the alignment of freight corridor.
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2.30 Kandla Port renamed as Deendayal Port
The Ministry of Shipping has issued a notification renaming Kandla Port Trust as Deendayal Port Trust
with effect from 25th of September, 2017.
As per the Ministry‘s notification, the Central Government, in exercise of powers conferred on it under
Indian Ports Act, 1908, made the amendment to replace ―Kandla‖ with ―Deendayal‖.
The name was changed as part of yearlong centenary celebrations of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, who
had stood for uplift of poor and weaker sections of society.
Kandla Port, located on the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat, is one of the twelve major ports in the country.
It is the largest port of India in terms of volume of cargo handled (around 100 million tons freight).
It was constructed in 1950s as main seaport to serve in western India, alternative to Karachi port which
came under Pakistan‘s control after partition.
In March 2016, Kandla Port had created history by becoming first Major Port in the country to cross
100 million tons freight handling capacity.
2.31 Karnataka govt invokes ESMA against garbage contractors
The Karnataka government has invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act against garbage
contractors and sanitation workers employed under them following complaints that they were not
discharging their duties.
The law has been invoked for a year to ensure that waste is removed from the city.
What‘s the issue?
The garbage problem has turned worse in Bengaluru recently as the contractors have allegedly stopped
removing the waste, causing a huge pileup that has left many important places stinking and brought the
city civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike in the line of fire.
About ESMA Act:
The Essential Services Maintenance (ESMA) is an act of Parliament of India which was established to
ensure the delivery of certain services, which if obstructed would affect the normal life of the people.
This include services like public transport (bus services), health services (doctors and hospitals).
The ESMA is a central law, that is, a law made by the Parliament of India; but the discretion on the
execution of it mostly lies with the State governments.
Each state in the union of India hence has a separate state Essential Services Maintenance Act with
slight variations from the central law in its provisions. This freedom is accorded by the central law itself.
Although it is a very powerful law, its execution rests entirely on the discretion of the State government.
The law has seen little use in India, with many strikes by public transport providers or staff, doctors or
Government employees, being continued for weeks without ESMA being invoked by the Union
Government or the State Government.
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There have been instances of citizens approaching courts for implementation of ESMA, and the
executive being forced by court orders to declare ESMA over a strike and the strikes being called off
overnight.
2.32 Ministry of AYUSH
The Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) is a
governmental body in India.
Its aim is developing, education and research in Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, unani, siddha,
homoeopathy, Sowa-rigpa and other indigenous medicine systems.
The department was created in March 1995 as the Department of Indian Systems of Medicine and
Homoeopathy (ISM&H).
The department was renamed AYUSH in March 2003.
The Ministry of AYUSH was formed with effect from 9 November 2014 by elevation of the
Department of AYUSH..
2.33 Multi-Agency Exercise ‗Pralay Sahayam‘
A multi-agency exercise was recently conducted on the banks of Hussain Sagar Lake as the final event of
‗Pralay Sahayam‘ in Hyderabad.
The two-day exercise was jointly organised by Telangana state government in association with all central
and state agencies National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) and Armed Forces.
The exercise aimed to create public awareness about man-made and natural climate change and urban
disasters including flooding.
The exercise brought out the role and function of the State Emergency Operations in coordinating
conduct of the joint operations.
The exercise emphasized the significance of early warning systems of agencies like Indian Meteorological
Department (IMD), National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) and Indian National Centre for Ocean
Information Services (INCOIS).
The exercise culminated with a static display which demonstrated the efficient and functional layout of a
relief and rehabilitation camp for the displaced persons.
NDRF
The Disaster Management (DM) Act has made the statutory provisions for constitution of National
Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for the purpose of specialized response to natural and man-made
disasters.
Role and mandate of NDRF
Specialized response during disasters
Proactive deployment during impending disaster situations
Acquire and continually upgrade its own training and skills
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Liaison, Reconnaissance, Rehearsals and Mock Drills
Impart basic and operational level training to State Response Forces (Police, Civil Defence and Home
Guards)
Community Capacity Building Programme
Public Awareness Campaign
What are the features which make NDRF a Unique Force?
The only dedicated disaster response force of the world.
The only agency with comprehensive response capabilities having multi-disciplinary and multi-skilled,
high-tech, stand alone nature.
Experienced paramilitary personnel specially trained and equipped for disaster response.
Capabilities for undertaking disaster response, prevention, mitigation and capacity building.
Locations of NDRF BNs
These NDRF battalions are located at ten different locations in the country based on the vulnerability
profile of country and to cut down the response time for their deployment at disaster site.
2.34 National Nutrition Week 2017
Sri Lanka welcomed External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj‘s visit to the nation to attend two-day
Indian Ocean Conference.
The National Nutrition Week will be observed throughout the country from 1st to 7th September.
The theme of the National Nutrition Week for 2017 is ―Optimal Infant & Young Child Feeding
Practices: Better Child Health‖.
The basic objective of this annual event is to intensify awareness generation on the importance of
nutrition for health which has an impact on development, productivity, economic growth and ultimately
National development.
During this week, the Food and Nutrition Board of Ministry of Women & Child Development will
coordinate with concerned Department of the State/UT Governments, National Institutions, NGOs
and organize State/UT Level Workshops, Orientation Training of Fields Functionaries, Awareness
Generation Camps, Community meetings during the week on the specified theme.
Large numbers of State, district and village level activities are being organized during this week.
One day workshops will be held to sensitize and for capacity building of State/Districts Level officers
on importance of nutrition for better health.
Right Nutrition: Significance
Nutrition is an issue of survival, health and development for current and succeeding generations.
Child born underweight have impaired immune function and increased risk of diseases such as diabetes
and heart diseases in their later life.
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Malnourished children tend to have lower IQ and impaired cognitive ability, thus affecting their school
performance and then productivity in their later life.
It has to be realized that the nutritional health and all age groups represent say National Economic
Asset. Therefore, improving the nutritional status of the population is imperative for National
Development.
What are the concerns?
Undernutrition in young children continues to be a major public health problem in India.
The NFHS4 has not shown an encouraging improvement in the nutritional status, especially among
women and children.
As per NFHS-4 the level of underweight has decreased by 6.8% and is stunting by 9.6%.
Level of anaemia has decreased by 11% as compared to NNHS-3 figures.
What need to be done?
Malnutrition is not to be viewed merely as an offshoot of poverty having adverse effects on health and
development of individuals but as a national problem that results in loss of productivity and economic
backwardness.
Time has come to create a moment so as to improve nutrition at the individual level.
Thus, series of convergent and well coordinated actions in different sectors are required to be
undertaken in the mission mode approach to address this big network problem of malnutrition.
2.35 Navika Sagar Parikrama
Defence Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman recently flagged-off all-women crew of Navika Sagar Parikrama
at the INS Mandovi naval training base near Panaji.
The crew of the ‗Sagar Parikrama‘ comprises of six-member all women team on board the sailing
vessel INSV Tarini. INSV Tarini is the sister vessel of INSV Mhadei.
They will circumnavigate the globe in approximately 165 days and is expected to return to Goa in April
2018.
This is the first ever Indian circumnavigation of the globe by an all-women crew. The project is
considered essential towards promoting Ocean Sailing activities in the Navy while depicting
Government of India‘s thrust for ‗Nari Shakti‘.
Navika Sagar Parikrama would cover the expedition in five legs with stop-overs at four ports
(Fremantle, Australia; Lyttleton, New Zealand; Port Stanley, the Falklands; and Cape town, South
Africa) for replenishment of ration and repairs as necessary, before returning to Goa in April 2018.
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Additional aims of the Expedition are as follows
Nari Shakti
In consonance with the National policy to empower women to attain their full potential, the expedition
aims to showcase ‗Nari Shakti‘ on the world platform.
This would also help to discard the societal attitudes and mindset towards women in India by raising
visibility of participation by women in challenging environment.
Environment and Climate Change
Sailing encourages the use of environment friendly non-conventional renewable energy resources which
affects the life of women.
The expedition thereby aims at harnessing the energy to optimise the livelihood of the women onboard.
Make in India
The voyage also aims to show case the ‗Make in India‘ initiative by sailing onboard the indigenously built
INSV Tarini.
Meteorological/ Ocean/ Wave Data Observation
The crew would also collate and update Meteorological/ Ocean/ Wave data on a daily basis for
subsequent analysis by research and development organisations.
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Marine Pollution
The crew would monitor and report marine pollution on the high seas. 2.36 On his 67th birthday, PM Modi dedicates Sardar Sarovar Narmada Dam to the nation
With the project‘s completion, Gujarat would see a green revolution as farmers in the parched northern
and Saurashtra regions would have their lands irrigated.
Though the dam has been completed in Narmada district of south Gujarat, the massive and sprawling
canal network remains woefully incomplete.
Its potential benefits to the farmers will, therefore, not be realised for many years, till the canal network
is in place.
So far, 50% of the canal network is yet to be built. The main canal and all branch canals have been built
but distributary and field channels will take years to be completed.
The project was delayed by a strong movement by the Narmada BachaoAndolan, led by social activist
MedhaPatkar, who opposed the dam on the ground that it displaced thousands of families in Madhya
Pradesh and Maharashtra where thousands of hectares of forest land was submerged.
A sustained campaign by the activists had also led to the World Bank‘s withdrawal from
funding the multi-purpose project, which is often described as the lifeline of drought-prone
Gujarat.
In 1985, the World Bank had agreed to provide $450 million as loan to fund the multi-purpose project
and subsequently, a prominent U.S. environmental expert, T. Schudder, was appointed consultant to
oversee rehabilitation of project-affected families, mostly tribal communities in Madhya Pradesh and
Maharashtra.
2.37 President Kovind lays foundation stone for Link-4 of SAUNI scheme
President Ramnath Kovind laid foundation stone for link-4 of Saurashtra Narmada Avataran Irrigation
Scheme (SAUNI) Yojana in Rajkot district, Gujarat.
SAUNI Yojana
Unlike traditional irrigation projects, SAUNI is a ‗linking‘ project, where the water will be filled in
irrigation dams that are already equipped with canal network.
In 2012, Narendra Modi as chief minister of Gujarat had announced the project.
The government has set a target to complete the four phase project by 2019.
This network of canals will then help channel water into farms.
To meet the water demands of Saurashtra region, under the SAUNI scheme, 115 dams will be provided
with excess water of the Sardar Sarovar Dam from the river Narmada.
This will be done through a network of pipelines.
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The total cost of the project is Rs. 12,000
crore. In the first phase, the government
has constructed 57km of pipeline, which
will fill up 10 dams of three districts of
Saurashtra region.
Does it benefit farmers?
Saurashtra region faces drought-like
situation. This project will irrigate over 4
lakh hectares of land and tackle water
woes.
The government claims that when all the
115 dams are filled farmers in 5,000
villages will benefit.
Farmers can reap both Kharif and Rabi crop — as opposed to Kharif crop cultivation so far — once
the project makes more water accessible for agriculture.
Though the project will not be added to the command area under irrigation, it will strengthen the
existing network by providing 1 acre million cubic feet of surplus Narmada water from the Sardar
Sarovar Dam through a new pipeline network connecting existing dams.
2.38 Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhayay Vigyan Gram Sankul Pariyojana
The Ministry of Science &
Technology has launched
Pandit Deen Dayal
Upadhayay Vigyan Gram
Sankul Pariyojana to
formulate and implement
appropriate S&T
interventions for sustainable
development through cluster
approach in Uttarakhand.
Once this concept is
validated in the few selected
clusters, it can be replicated
across large number of
village clusters in the
country.
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Under the scheme, Department of Science and Technology (DST) will adopt few clusters of villages in
Uttarakhand and transform them to become self-sustainable in time bound manner through tools of
S&T.
Local resources and locally available skill sets will be utilised using S&T under the scheme for substantial
value addition for local produce and services which can sustain rural population.
The areas selected under these clusters will process and add value to milk, honey, horticulture and local
crops, herbal tea, mushroom, forest produce, medicinal & aromatic plants and traditional craft and
handloom.
This project will also ensure, stringent product and process control interventions for energy and water
conservation.
The project will also give emphasis to practice of agriculture, agro-based cottage industries and animal
husbandry in an eco-friendly manner.
It will mainly undertake post-harvest processing of Kiwi, Cherry, Strawberry, Tulsi, Adrak, Badi Elaichi
through solar drying technology, extraction of apricot oil using cold press technology.
Benefits of the scheme
It will directly or indirectly about a lakh of people in four identified clusters of 60 villages in
Uttarakhand.
It will help in creating models that are appropriate for different altitudes and could be replicated in other
hill states.
It will promote sustainable employment and livelihood options within the clusters such as eco-tourism,
naturopathy and yoga, are also planned to be promoted.
It will ensure that local communities are not compelled to migrate from their native places in search of
jobs and livelihoods.
2.39 Sashastra Seema Bal to get intelligence wing
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has launched the SSB‘s first ever intelligence wing.
The intelligence wing will have 650 field and staff agents to gather actionable information.
SSB‘s intelligence wing personnel will be deployed on India-Nepal and India-Bhutan borders where
there are no restrictions on movement of people on either side due to visa free regime.
SSB has been declared as the Lead Intelligence Agency (LIA) for both the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan
borders.
India shares 1,751 km-long border with Nepal and 699 km-long border with Bhutan.
The border with Nepal touches Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim and border
with Bhutan touches Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
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India has visa free regime with Nepal and Bhutan as border population on both the sides has strong
regional, cultural and economic ties. Due to visa-free regime, there is trans-border movement of
criminals and anti-national elements which pose major security challenge.
Significance of the intelligence wing of SSB
The intelligence wing of SSB will help to institutionalise a well-knit intelligence network of highest
capability that can play important role in comprehensive border management.
Based on intelligence SSB can undertake essential operations to prevent criminals and smugglers from
taking advantage of friendly borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
Sashastra Seema Bal
The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) is a paramilitary police force under the Ministry of Home affairs
responsible for guarding India‘s international borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
It is one of India‘s Central Armed Police Forces, which includes ITBP, BSF, CRPF and CISF.
The Special Service Bureau (now Sashastra Seema Bal) was conceived in November 1962 and eventually
created in March 1963.
When it was created in 1963, it was called Special Services Bureau. The name was changed to Sashatra
Seema Bal in 2001 after it was given charge of the Nepal border.
It was established with the sole objective of achieving ‗total security preparedness‘ in the remote border
areas for performing a ‗stay-behind‘ role in the event of a war.
Presently, SSB has been deployed with its mandate to guard 1751 kilometers of Indo-Nepal and 699
kilometers of Indo-Bhutan borders.
Besides this, the force is also deployed in Jammu and Kashmir for counter insurgency operations and
anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar. It also provides internal security during
elections in various states.
Primary role of the SSB
The primary role of the SSB is to physically guard and manage the international border thereby
promoting a sense of security and pride amongst the local border population.
SSB is the lead intelligence unit for Nepal and Bhutan borders and the coordination agency for national
security activities.
Besides this, SSB undertakes construction of schools, buildings, toilets, roads under border area
developmental plan.
It also gives regular guidance and training to unemployed youth in general studies and physical training.
In border villages, SSB teaches the border population the best agricultural practices, horticulture,
pisiculture etc.
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SSB has also taken up a unique and important task to adopt and fund the education of the girl child in poor
villages along the border and teach them unarmed combat training. This is done to eliminate rampant
human trafficking of women across the border.
2.40 Shaheed Gram Vikas Yojana launched
The Jharkhand state government launched the ‗Shaheed Gram Vikas Yojana‘ to develop villages of
freedom fighters.
It was launched from Ulihatu Village, birth place of freedom fighter Birsa Munda.
These villages had remained inaccessible for long time after Independence because of Left-wing
extremism.
Key features of the scheme
Under the scheme, villages of many tribal freedom fighters will be developed and their habitants will be
provided with basic amenities.
The concerned villages have remained inaccessible for a long time after Independence because of Left-
wing extremism.
The current scheme will now provide the inhabitants of the Ulihatu village with 136 pucca houses.
The pucca houses will include two rooms, a verandah, bathroom and a toilet each.
Birsa Munda
Birsa Munda was a freedom fighter, religious leader, and folk hero who belonged to the Munda tribe
from Chhotanagpur area
He is known for leading Munda rebellion towards end of 19th century against British Raj.
Munda rebellion began in the year 1895 to revolt against British administration interference in tribal
politics and their religious matters
Birsa Munda was a master at Guerilla Warfare techniques. He launched various surprise attacks in which
many police officials were killed
The Britishers were able to arrest Birsa Munda on Mar 3, 1900. He was sentenced to death but he died
beforehand inside the jail due to cholera.
2.41 Sitharaman becomes India‘s first full-time woman defence minister
Nirmala Sitharaman became first full time woman Defence Minister of India after she was promoted to
the Union Cabinet.
Ms Sitharaman is second woman to become Defence Minister of India.
First was former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was holding additional portfolio as Defence
Minister from 1980-82.
Sitharaman will now be a member of the crucial Cabinet Committee on Security, which includes the
prime minister, home minister, external affairs minister and the finance minister.
2.42 UN Security Council Unanimously Steps Up Sanctions Against North Korea
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The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously passed new set of tougher sanctions
against North Korea over its sixth and most powerful nuclear test (claimed to be Hydrogen bomb).
It was overall the ninth sanctions resolution unanimously adopted by UNSC since 2006 over North
Korea‘s ballistic missile and nuclear programs.
The new sanctions imposes ban on North Korea‘s textile exports and capping imports of crude oil.
New sanctions include
Limits on imports of crude oil and oil products. China, Pyongyang‘s main economically, supplies most
of North Korea‘s crude oil.
A ban on exports of textiles, which is Pyongyang‘s second-biggest export worth more than $700m
(£530m) a year.
Measures to limit North Koreans from working overseas, which the US estimates would cut off $500m
of tax revenue per year.
How will these new sanctions affect North Korea?
The ban on all textile exports and prohibition of any country from authorizing new work permits for
North Korean workers are the two key sources of hard currency for the North Korea.
The textile ban is significant as textiles are North Korea‘s main source of export revenue after coal, iron,
seafood and other minerals that have already been severely restricted by previous UN resolutions.
As per the US mission, a cut-off on new work permits will eventually cost North Korea about USD 500
million a year once current work permits expire.
In recent months, North Korea under the leadership of Kim Jong-un had staged series of missile tests
including ICBMs that appeared to bring much of US mainland into range. It was followed up with sixth
nuclear test on September 3, 2017 which was the largest to date, was claimed to be a miniaturized
hydrogen bomb.
The US and its Asian allies argue that tougher sanctions will
put pressure on North Korea to come to the negotiation
table to discuss end to its nuclear and missile tests.
Russia and China, which are close allies of North Korea also
are pushing for talks. They have proposed suspension of US-
South Korean military drills for freezing North Korea‘s
missile and nuclear tests.
United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
UNSC is one of six principal organs of the United Nations
Organisation (UNO).
Its mandate is to maintain international peace and security.
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UNSC has 15 members, including five permanent viz. China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and
United States. Each of the five permanent members has veto power.
The Council‘s 10 non-permanent seats are allocated according to a rotation pattern set by the Assembly
in 1963, to ensure a proportionate representation over time from the different parts of the world: five
from African and Asian States; one from Eastern Europe; two from Latin American States; and two
from Western European and Other States.
Its powers include establishment of peacekeeping operations, imposing international sanctions, and
authorization of collective military action
against through resolutions.
The Security Council is also responsible
for determining the existence of a threat
against peace and to respond to an act of
aggression. It is also responsible for
finding peaceful means to settle a conflict or a dispute between States.
In some cases, the Council can resort to sanctions or even authorize the use of force to maintain or
restore international peace and security.
It is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions to member states.
2.43 Vijay Mallya: Law Ministry okays draft bill on fugitive economic offenders
The Union Law ministry has approved Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2017 to empower
government to confiscate property of economic offenders and defaulters who flee India.
The bill was drafted in pursuance of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley‘s 2017-18 Budget speech promising
legislative changes or even new law to confiscate the assets of such fugitives.
The Finance Ministry had prepared the draft Cabinet note on the bill and
sought the law ministry‘s opinion on it.
Who is a fugitive economic offender?
The bill defines fugitive economic offender as a person who has an arrest
warrant issued in respect of a scheduled offence and who leaves or has left
India so as to avoid criminal prosecution, or refuses to return to India to
face criminal prosecution.
Highlights of the Bill
The Bill seeks to deter economic offenders from evading the process of
Indian law by fleeing the country.
The proposed law will be applicable in cases where the value of offences is over Rs 100 crore.
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The bill proposes to allow the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the premier technical snoop wing under
the finance ministry, to file an application for the declaration of fugitive economic offender for
confiscation of their assets.
The courts under PMLA would be entrusted with the responsibility to try the case.
Also, the bill has provision for appointment of an administrator to dispose off the property to pay off
the creditors. Besides, the provisions of the proposed law will override provisions of other existing laws.
Also, the burden of proof for establishing that an individual is a fugitive economic offender will be on
the authorities.
Saving Clause
Law Ministry wants Saving Clause to be incorporated in the Bill before it is introduced in Parliament.
Saving clause provides for certain exception(s) in a statute.
It enables repealed law to be in force with respect to some existing rights as provisions of the proposed
bill has bearing on the provisions of existing laws.
Existing laws related to fugitive economic offenders
The existing laws under which such fugitive economic offenders are tried include:
1. Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act (RDDBFI),
2. Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002,
(SARFESI)
3. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).
Need for a law
There have been several instances of economic offenders fleeing the jurisdiction of Indian courts,
anticipating the commencement, or during the pendency, of criminal proceedings.
The absence of such offenders from Indian courts has several deleterious consequences— first, it
hampers investigation in criminal cases; second, it wastes precious time of courts of law; third, it
undermines the rule of law in India.
2.44 Workshop on implementation of Emergency Action Plan for Dams held
With the purpose of increasing awareness about dam safety measures in the country and finalisation of
Emergency Action Plan (EAP) a stakeholders consultation Workshop was recently organised by Tamil
Nadu Water Resources Department in collaboration with Central Water Commission.
Need for the preparation of EAP for each dam and involvement of all agencies in ensuring effective
relief and rescue operations was highlighted during the meeting.
Participants
Delegates representing the stakeholders involved with relief and rescue operations and representatives
from National Disaster Management Authority, State Disaster Management Authority, India
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Meteorological Department, State Health, Fire, Police, Revenue and Road Departments and Railways
participated in the Workshop.
India ranks third globally with 5254 large dams in operation and 447 large dams under
construction.
About 4% of these large dams (209) are over 100 years old and about 17% (876 dams) are more than 50
years old.
Many of these dams are facing varying degrees of inadequacies in meeting the current standards of dam
health and safety due to various reasons.
The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has taken on board
selected premier academic and research institutes, for capacity building in the areas of dam safety
through World Bank assisted Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP).
DRIP
The Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR), Government of India, with assistance from the World Bank,
is implementing the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP).
DRIP is a project involving 9 implementing agencies (IAs) across seven states of India (Kerala, Madhya
Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand) and targets rehabilitation of
about 225 dam projects across the country.
The Project is also facilitating the institutional strengthening of the implementing agencies for
sustainable dam safety initiatives.
The project will also promote new technologies and improve Institutional capacities for dam safety
evaluation and implementation at the Central and State levels and in some identified premier academic
and research institutes of the country.
The Central Dam Safety Organisation of Central Water Commission, assisted by a Consulting firm, is
coordinating and supervising the Project implementation.
The preparation of Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for all DRIP dams is one of the important activities
under DRIP. This document defines clear roles for all concern agencies as well as Standard Operating
Protocols during various stage of exigencies, as well as contains all technical details about the flood
waves moving downstream affecting the downstream habitation.
The project development objectives of DRIP are:
1. To improve the safety and performance of selected existing dams and associated appurtenances in a
sustainable manner, and
2. To strengthen the dam safety institutional setup in participating states as well as at central level.
3. Even though our dams are quite safe, in the rare event of a dam failure, extensive damage to
property, environment and sometimes loss of life occurs. Managing the exigencies caused by a
failure of a dam requires coordinated efforts of all national and States agencies.
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3. INDIA AND WORLD
3.1 12th Indo-Nepal Joint Exercise Surya Kiran
The 12th edition of India-Nepal joint military exercise- Surya Kiran XII was held in Nepal.
In this edition of exercise, Indian Army was represented by troops of Kumaon Scouts and Narayan Dal
Battalion participated on behalf of Nepal Army.
Both troops focused on the various counter insurgency operations. They also focused on important
aspects such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations and environmental
conservation.
The exercise mutually benefited both armies by gaining varied experiences and also strengthened
friendly relation between India and Nepal.
The Surya Kiran series of military exercises are being conducted bi-annually, alternatively in India and
Nepal.
It is largest exercise in terms of troop‘s participation in series of military training exercises undertaken by
India with various countries.
It aims at promoting military relations while increasing interoperability in conducting joint counter
insurgency operations in mountainous terrain.
The 11th edition of the joint exercise was held in Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand.
3.2 2nd India-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Council held in New Delhi
The 2nd meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council between India and Afghanistan, set up under the
aegis of bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreement 2011, was held in New Delhi.
During the meeting, India and Afghanistan exchanged four pacts in areas of health, transport, space and
new development partnership.
Important Agreement signed
Motor Vehicles Agreement for the Regulation of Passenger, Personal and Cargo Vehicular Traffic.
Memorandum of Understanding for mutual cooperation in the field of pharmaceutical products
regulation. This MoU was signed and exchanged between the National Medicine and Healthcare
Products Regulatory Authority of Afghanistan and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation
CDSCO), Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The Orbit Frequency Coordination Agreement between India and Afghanistan on South Asia Satellite
(SAS).
Letters establishing the New Development Partnership and launching 116 High Impact Community
Development Projects.
In addition, the two nations agreed to expeditiously conclude the agreements/MoUs related to technical cooperation on police training and development, as well as technical cooperation between railway authorities; mutual legal assistance; and cooperation in the areas of food safety among others.
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3.3 9th BRICS summit adopts Xiamen Declaration
The leaders of all five BRICS nations including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa convened
for the 9th BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China.
At the end of the summit, Xiamen declaration was adopted by the leaders of the five countries.
The main theme of the summit was, ―BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future‖.
This is the second time the China has hosted the summit after the 2011 summit.
Highlights of the Xiamen declaration
BRICS countries agreed to strive towards broad partnerships with emerging markets and developing
countries and pursue equal-footed and flexible practices and initiatives for dialogue and cooperation
with non-BRICS countries, including through BRICS Plus cooperation (It includes Thailand, Tajikistan,
Egypt, Kenya
and Mexico).
Member
countries
resolved to
promote
development of
BRICS local
currency bond
markets and
agreed to jointly
establish a
BRICS local
currency bond
fund and
facilitate
financial market
integration.
They will also
encourage
explorations
toward the establishment of the BRICS Institute of Future Networks.
They agreed to enhance joint research, development and innovation in information and communications
technology (ICT), including internet of things (IoT), big data, data analytics, cloud computing,
nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, 5G and their innovative applications.
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They agreed to strengthen BRICS cooperation on energy and work to foster open, flexible and
transparent markets for energy commodities and technologies.
They also agreed to work together to promote most effective use of fossil fuels and wider use of gas,
hydro and nuclear power to move towards low emission economy, better energy access and sustainable
development.
It is proposed to be established in India which will serve as virtual network facilitating cooperation in
priority areas.
They called upon international community to establish genuinely broad counterterrorism coalition and
support UN‘s central coordinating role in this regard.
It should be promoted for development and enhancing mutual understanding, friendship and
cooperation among BRICS countries.
3.4 Cabinet approves Bilateral Investment Treaty between India and Belarus
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing and ratification of the Bilateral Investment Treaty
(BIT) between the India and Belarus on Investments.
The Treaty is likely to increase investment flows between the two countries.
The agreement is expected to improve the confidence of the investors resulting in an increase in FDI
and Overseas Director Investment (ODI) opportunities and this will have a positive impact on
employment generation.
The signing and ratification of a BIT between the two countries will work as a strategic initiative as
Belarus is the member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
India has already initiated the BIT text with the Kyrgyz Republic and is in talks with the Russian
Federation for a new BIT, based on the Model BIT text released in December 2015
3.5 China Wants India To Go Slow On Asia-Africa Corridor
Asia Africa Growth Corridor
The Asia Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) is sponsored by India and Japan – two countries that have so
far opted not to join the B&R initiative.
The main objective of the corridor is to enhance growth and connectivity between Asia and Africa.
The AAGC is an attempt to create a ―free and open Indo-Pacific region‖ by rediscovering ancient sea-
routes and creating new sea corridors that will link the African continent with India and countries in
South-Asia and South-East Asia.
The AAGC proposes to build robust institutional, industrial and transport infrastructure in growth poles
among countries in Asia and Africa.
Why in news?
China has initiated a move to persuade India to go slow on the Asia Africa Growth Corridor, which
New Delhi has formulated along with Japan.
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What is China doing?
Beijing is now trying to persuade India and South Africa to merge the project with the BRICS platform
and keep its rival, Japan, out of it. Once merged into BRICS, India‘s influence on Africa through the
project will also get diluted.
China is also pushing the New Development Bank, the Shanghai based financial institution, which has
been created by BRICS countries to expand its lending to different African countries even though they
may not be members of the organization.
Why is China worried?
China sees the move as a source of major competition that will reduce its economic and political
influence over the African continent.
It is seen by many as an alternative Silk Road to tap the African market.
3.6 CSIR ranked 9th public research institution of the world
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India‘s largest autonomous public research
and development organisation, was ranked 9th best government organisation in the world.
As per the Scimago Institutions ranking World Report 2017, the CSIR has been ranked ninth
amongst a total of 1207 government institutions.
Scimago Institutions Ranking (SIR) is a science evaluation resource developed by Scimago Labs based
on data from Scopus — one of the world‘s largest database of peer-reviewed research literature, to
assess Worldwide Institutions.
The ranking is based on a composite indicator that combines research performance, innovation outputs
and societal impact measured by their web visibility, so as to reflect scientific, economic and social
characteristics of institutions.
Highlights of the rankings
CSIR has been ranked ninth amongst a total of 1,207 government institutions.
The ranking (Government Institutions) was topped by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, followed by
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and Helmholtz Gemeinschaft, respectively.
In overall global ranking, CSIR stands at 75th position amongst 5250 institutions world-wide. It is the
only Indian organisation which has found place amongst the Top 100 Global Institutions.
With this ranking, CSIR comes in the company of globally renowned organisations namely Chinese
Academy of Sciences; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France; Helmholtz Gemeinschaft
and Max Planck Gesellschaft in Germany; Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Spain;
Russian Academy of Sciences; Japan Science and Technology Agency; Consiglio Nazionale delle
Ricerche, Italy and Leibniz Gemeinschaft, Germany.
CSIR
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Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), established in 1942, is an autonomous body and
the largest research and development (R&D) organisation in India.
It runs 37 laboratories and 39 field stations or extension centres spread across the nation.
Although it is mainly funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology, it operates as an autonomous
body registered under the Registration of Societies Act of 1860.
The research and development activities of CSIR includes aerospace engineering, Structural engineering,
ocean sciences, Life sciences, metallurgy, chemicals, mining, food, petroleum, leather, and environment.
It provides significant technological intervention in many areas with regard to societal efforts which
include environment, health, drinking water, food, housing, energy, leather, farm and non-farm sectors.
3.7 Govt to strengthen ‗Korea Plus‘ cell to strengthen FDI from S.Korea
The government is planning to facilitate greater investments from South Korea and would strengthen
the ‗Korea Plus‖ cell in this regard.
‗Korea Plus‘
Korea Plus is a special initiative to promote and facilitate Korean Investments in India.
Korea Plus comprises a representative each from the South Korean Ministry of Industry, Trade and
Energy and Korea Trade Investment and Promotion Agency (KOTRA). Besides, it includes three
officials from Invest India.
The mandate of Korea Plus covers the entire investment spectrum including supporting Korean
enterprises entering the Indian market for the first time, looking into issues faced by Korean companies
doing business in India and policy advocacy to the Indian government on their behalf.
3.8 India and China need to demarcate LAC
The Dokalam standoff and the subsequent clash between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh has
made it necessary for takeaways and ironing out of issues by the militaries on both sides, being the
primary stakeholders in such matters.
What‘s the issue?
The LAC, starting from northwest of the Karakoram pass and ending at Arunachal Pradesh, has not
been demarcated and is virtually passed on by word of mouth. This has led to differing perceptions
regarding the alignment, with China making territorial claims in at least eight areas.
These are those areas where regular incursions and face-offs take place. They include Asaphila, Longju,
Namka Chu, Sumdorong Chu, and Yangste in Arunachal Pradesh, Barahoti in Uttarakhand, and Aksai
China and Demchok in Ladakh.
Even areas along the banks of the Pangong Lake in Ladakh, where a clash between Indian and Chinese
troops took place on August 15, are under dispute. The LAC passes through the lake, but India and
China do not agree on its exact location. The mountains sloping on the banks of the lake form finger-
like structures.
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What needs to be done?
The Line of Actual Control (LAC) has to be properly demarcated and simultaneously confidence
building measures (CBMs) have to be conducted, military experts said.
More points of contact, including regular meetings and setting up of a hotline between the two
militaries, have to be created to prevent future transgressions, incursions and face-offs.
Line of Actual Control (LAC)
The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is a demarcation line that separates Indian-held lands from Chinese-
controlled territory.
The demarcation existed as the informal cease-fire line between India and China after the 1962 conflict
until 1993, when its existence was officially accepted as the ‗Line of Actual Control‘ in a bilateral
agreement.
The term ―LAC‖ gained legal recognition in Sino-Indian agreements signed in 1993 and 1996.
The 1996 agreement states, ―No activities of either side shall overstep the line of actual control.‖
Sino-Indian border
The entire Sino-Indian border (including the western LAC, the small undisputed section in the centre,
and the MacMahon Line in the east) is 4,056 km long.
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The Sino-Indian border traverses five Indian states: Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal
Pradesh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
3.9 India refuses to sign Bali Declaration over Rohingya issue
India refused to sign Bali Declaration adopted at the World Parliamentary Forum on Sustainable
Development in Indonesia.
The Bali Declaration referred to the violence against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar‘s Rakhine state.
What is Bali Declaration?
The Bali Declaration called on all parties to contribute to restoring stability and security in the region.
The Declaration urged everyone to ―exercise maximum self-restraint from using violent means, respect
the human rights of all people in Rakhine state regardless of their faith and ethnicity, as well as facilitate
and guarantee safe access for humanitarian assistance‖.
Why India refused to sign the Declaration?
India has maintained that the Bali Declaration was not in line with the agreed principles of sustainable
development. India also maintained that it continues to support achievement of Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), the Forum‘s mandate was to discuss global issues and the overarching
principles relating to SDGs.
India argued that specifying a particular country is unjustified as this Forum is focused on SDGs and
inclusive development for all countries based on cooperative and collaborative approach to achieve the
2030 Agenda for the world.
India has reiterated its stance that the purpose of convening the Parliamentary Forum is to arrive at
mutual consensus for implementation of SDGs which requires inclusive and broad-based development
processes. The proposed reference to the violence in Rakhine state in the Declaration was considered as
not consensus-based and inappropriate.
Rohingyas
The Rohingya people are a stateless Indo-Aryan people from Rakhine State, Myanmar.
There were an estimated 1 million Rohingya living in Myanmar. As of September 2017, nearly half of
them have fled to other countries.
Described by the United Nations in 2013 as one of the most persecuted minorities in the world, the
Rohingya population is denied citizenship under the 1982 Burmese citizenship law.
The Rohingyas have faced multiple military crackdowns in two to three decades.
3.10 India to attend 2nd Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) 2017
Sri Lanka welcomed External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj‘s visit to the nation to attend two-day
Indian Ocean Conference.
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India Foundation, a Delhi-based think tank, will host the Indian Ocean Conference 2017 (IOC) in
collaboration with Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Singapore, and National Institute
of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), Colombo–both research and study centres.
The theme of the conference is peace, progress and prosperity.
It will see participation from around 35 countries and have speakers from 25 countries.
The first IOR conference was held in Singapore last year.
3.11 India, Switzerland sign two MoUs on Railways
India and Switzerland signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the field of Railways.
Signed MoUs
The first MoU is between Ministry of Railways and Federal Department of the Environment, Transport
and Communications of the Swiss Confederation for technical cooperation in Rail Sector.
The second MoU is between Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) and Swiss Federal Institute
of Technology (ETH) Zurich.
Swiss ‘tilting trains‘
Under the signed MoUs, India will collaborate with Switzerland for developing trains which will tilt on
approaching a bend, just like a motorbike on a winding road.
Such trains are now operational in 11 countries — Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Finland, Russia, the Czech
Republic, the UK, Switzerland, China, Germany and Romania.
How the tilting trains work?
The tilting trains work as a train rounds a curve at speed it cause objects to slide about.
While it makes seated passengers feel squashed by the armrest, standing passengers tend to lose their
balance. The design of the tilting trains counteract this.
During a curve to the left, the train tilts to the left and vice versa.
3.12 India-Japan sign open sky agreement, fares may come down
India and Japan have agreed to an open sky arrangement under which the airlines of both countries can
operate an unlimited number of flights.
The agreement was signed after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japan PM Shino Abe.
The agreement was signed in accordance with the National Civil Aviation Policy (NACP), 2016.
The agreement will not only encourage connectivity and passenger travel between the two countries, but
will also result in reduction in airfares on these routes.
India and the Open sky agreement
The NACP permits the government to enter into an ‗open sky‘ air services agreement on a reciprocal
basis with SAARC nations as well as countries with territory located entirely beyond a 5,000 kilometre
radius from New Delhi.
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Last year, India signed an open sky agreement with
Greece, Jamaica, Guyana, Czech Republic, Finland,
Spain and Sri Lanka.
India also signed a bilateral open sky agreement with the
US in 2005.
In 2003, India had signed an open sky agreement with
the 10-member Association of South East Asian
Nations (ASEAN).
3.13 INDO-USA Joint Exercise Yudh Abhyas – 2017
The 13th edition Yudh Abhyas 2017, a joint military
training exercise between India and United States was
recently held at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington,
USA.
Yudh Abhyas 2017
In this edition of exercise, armies of both countries
honed tactical skills in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations (CICT ops) under UN
charter.
During two-week exercise, soldiers from both countries will hone their tactical skills in counter terror
and counter insurgency operations under a joint brigade headquarter.
Both sides jointly trained, planned and executed series of well-developed tactical drills for neutralization
of likely threats that may be encountered in UN peace keeping operations.
Moreover, experts from both sides also held detailed discussions to share their experience and expertise
on varied operational topics.
3.14 Operation Insaniyat
The Ministry of External Affairs has started Operation Insaniyat to provided assistance to Bangladesh in
response to humanitarian crisis being faced by it due to large influx of Rohingya refugees from
Myanmar.
Who are Rohingya?
Rohingya are stateless ethnic minority (mostly Muslim) from Rakhine province of Buddhist-majority
Myanmar, who are forced leave their country due to communal violence and repeated military
operations.
Operation Insaniyat
Under this operation, India will provide relief material consisting of items including rice, sugar, salt,
pulses, cooking oil, biscuits and mosquito nets to the affected people.
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The relief material will be delivered in multiple consignments. The first tranche will be brought to
Chittagong by an Indian Air Force (IAF) plane.
According to UN estimates, over 379,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar‘s Rakhine state into
Bangladesh since August 2017 when a fresh wave of violence had erupted Myanmar‘s Rakhine province.
The violence had started after Rohingya militants belonging to Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (also
known as Harakat al-Yaqeen or Faith Movement) had attacked police posts in Myanmar‘s northern
Rakhine state.
Following this attack, Myanmar‘s military had launched violent crackdown on insurgents from Muslim
Rohingya population which led to mass exodus of Rohingya Muslims into neighboring Bangladesh.
3.15 U.S. ends amnesty scheme for young immigrants
US President Donald Trump discontinued an Obama-era immigration reform measure that protected
from deportation people who had entered the U.S. illegally as children.
The programme was known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
DACA
DACA is an American immigration policy founded by the Obama administration in June 2012.
DACA allows certain illegal immigrants who entered the country as minors to receive a renewable two-
year period of deferred action from deportation and eligibility for a work permit.
Those applying are vetted for any criminal history or threat to national security and must be students or
have completed school or military service.
If they pass vetting, action to deport them is deferred for two years, with a chance to renew, and they
become eligible for basics like a driving license, college enrollment or a work permit.
The programme gives beneficiaries renewable two-year work permits and Social Security numbers and
more opportunity for higher education.
Who are the ‗Dreamers‘?
Those protected under DACA are known as ―Dreamers‖ and nearly 800,000 have been granted
approval.
Implications of the move
With the announcement of the ending of the DACA program, those who took advantage of the DACA
program will be arrested and eventually be deported.
Those who are just in the process of filing their DACA applications for the first time, will no longer be
able to do so. This will affect those who just became eligible to apply for DACA and those who took
time or postponed the filing of their DACA applications despite the fact that they were eligible.
Should India worry?
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Since 2012, the DACA has helped 8,00,000 young adults to pursue education and career opportunities in
America. About 1% of the
beneficiaries (8,000 persons) of
have been of Indian origin.
The decision to not save the DACA
programme will affect many Indians
in America.
The undocumented population of
Indians is quickly growing in the
United States, according to
government estimates.
Undocumented Indian youth who have DACA status are now in a position where they don‘t know if
they can keep their jobs or if they have to live in fear of immigration officials coming to their door.
Although the program was formally rescinded, but implementation was delayed by six months to give
Congress time to come up with a solution for the population that was previously eligible for DACA.
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4. INTERNATIONAL
4.1 27 September: World Tourism Day
World Tourism Day 2017 was observed across the world on 27 September 2017.
The theme of the World Tourism Day 2017 is: ‗sustainable tourism – a tool for development‘.
In India, to mark this day, President Ram Nath Kovind gave away National Tourism Awards and also
launched Incredible India 2.0 Campaign in New Delhi.
The first World Tourism Day was celebrated in 1980 after decision made by the United Nations World
Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly in 1979.
This date was chosen as on that day in 1970, the Statutes of the UNWTO were adopted. The adoption
of these Statutes is considered a milestone in global tourism.
4.2 28th September: World Maritime Day
The World Maritime Day (WMD) is observed every year on September 28 to highlight importance of
shipping safety, maritime security and marine environment and to acknowledge maritime industry.
The 2017 theme of the day is ‗Connecting Ships, Ports and People‘.
World Maritime Day is an official United Nations day.
Every year, it provides an opportunity to focus attention on the importance of shipping and other
maritime activities and to emphasize a particular aspect of IMO‘s work.
This day also serves as a reminder to all and sundry that a vibrant and sustainable blue economy is a
boon to all mankind.
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The International Maritime Organization (IMO), known as the Inter-Governmental Maritime
Consultative Organization (IMCO) until 1982, is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible
for regulating shipping.
The IMO was established in Geneva in 1948 and came into force ten years later, meeting for the first
time in 1959.
Headquartered in London, United Kingdom, the IMO has 171 Member States and three Associate
Members.
The IMO‘s primary purpose is to develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for
shipping and its remit today includes safety, environmental concerns, legal matters, technical co-
operation, maritime security and the efficiency of shipping.
IMO is governed by an assembly of members and is financially administered by a council of members
elected from the assembly.
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The IMO‘s structure comprises the Assembly, the Council, the Maritime Safety Committee, the Marine
Environment Protection Committee, the Legal Committee, the Technical Cooperation Committee, and
the secretariat, headed by a Secretary-General.
Member organizations of the UN organizational family may observe the proceedings of the IMO.
Observer status is granted to qualified non-governmental organizations.
4.3 5 banks of BRICS nations sign pact for credit lines
Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal has been identified for the tiger augmentation programme by the
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Five banks of the BRICS Bank Cooperation Mechanism have agreed to establish credit lines in the
national currencies and cooperate on credit ratings.
Five banks include - Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES), Vnesheconombank, Export-Import
Bank of India, China Development Bank and Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA).
These banks have signed an agreement to establish credit lines in the national currencies, as well as a
memorandum of cooperation on credit ratings.
Significance of this agreement
The agreement on credit ratings allows the ICM members to share information about internal credit
ratings assigned to clients, as well as rating assessment and assignment methodologies.
The use of local currencies will help promote mutually beneficial economic cooperation, mitigate
currency risks, increase trade, and facilitate companies in accessing the BRICS markets.
BRICS Interbank Co-operation Mechanism
In order to develop and strengthen economic ties and investment cooperation between BRICS
countries, in 2010 state financial institutions for development and export support of the BRICS nations
entered into a Memorandum on cooperation, thus creating the BRICS interbank cooperation mechanism.
One of the main purposes of cooperation is to set up a scheme designed to provide financing and
banking services for future investment projects that could be beneficial for the economic development
of the BRICS countries.
On the basis of agreements that have been signed within the framework of the BRICS interbank
cooperation mechanism, the member banks have taken steps towards developing multilateral financial
cooperation within the BRICS countries and created basic mechanisms for settling payments and
financing investment projects in local currencies.
4.4 50 nations ink UN nuclear ban treaty opposed by big powers
50 countries recently signed a treaty to ban nuclear weapons, a pact that the world‘s nuclear powers
spurned but supporters hailed as a historic agreement nonetheless.
In July 2017, over 120 countries in the United Nations voted to adopt the first-ever global treaty- ‗The
Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons‘ to ban nuclear weapons.
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The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, the first multilateral legally-binding instrument for
nuclear disarmament to have been negotiated in 20 years, was adopted by a vote of 122 in favour to one
against (Netherlands) and one abstention (Singapore).
India and other nuclear-armed nations – the United States, Russia, Britain, China, France, Pakistan,
North Korea and Israel had not participated in the negotiations.
Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
Led by Austria, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa and New Zealand, 141 countries joined in drafting the
treaty that they hope will increase pressure on nuclear states to take disarmament more seriously.
The treaty prohibits a full range of nuclear-weapon related activities, such as undertaking to develop,
test, produce, manufacture, acquire, possess or stockpile nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive
devices, as well as the use or threat of use of these weapons.
Opposition
The nuclear powers view the treaty as unrealistic and argue that it will not have any impact on reducing
the global stockpile of 15000 atomic weapons.
According to the nuclear powers, their nuclear arsenals serve as a deterrent against nuclear attacks and
they remain committed to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The NPT seeks to prevent the
spread of nuclear weapons and puts the onus on nuclear states to reduce their stockpiles.
But the non-nuclear states are increasingly worried about the slow pace of disarmament and are
concerned that weapons of mass destruction may fall into the wrong hands.
Supporters of the treaty
Supporters of the treaty argue that new treaty will close a ―legal gap‖ that exists regarding nuclear
weapons, which are not expressly outlawed by the NPT even though their use would be contrary to the
rules of international law applicable in armed conflict.
They argue that the CPNW initiative reinforces the NPT and the requirement in Article VI for nuclear
disarmament and that it can reduce the salience nuclear weapons and help prompt more urgent action to
reduce nuclear risk and promote disarmament.
4.5 8th September: International Literacy Day
The 51st International Literacy Day was celebrated across the world on 8 September 2017 with the
theme ‗Literacy in a Digital World‘.
On this day, in 1965, the World Congress of Ministers of Education met in Tehran, capital of Iran,
for the first time to discuss the programme of education at the international level.
The day was given its status by UNESCO in its 14th session in November 1966. Ever since then,
the day is celebrated annually on 8 September by most of the member countries.
The main objective behind the day‘s observance was to mobilize public opinion in favour of struggle
against illiteracy.
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The day is a forum to disseminate information on literacy and raise public awareness and the
significance of literacy for individual and national development.
In India
The eradication of illiteracy has been one of the major national concerns of the government of India.
Hence, the day is used as a medium to raise public awareness to eradicate illiteracy and create an
environment in favour of adult education programmes.
Literacy rate in India
As per Educational Statistics for 2015-16, the literacy rate in India increased to 69.3% in 2011. In
comparison to 2001, when the literacy rate was 61.0%, the improvement is decent.
A dramatic improvement is seen in the literacy rate of female population which improved from 47.8% in
2001 to 59.3% in 2011. Among males, the literacy rate has improved from 73.4% in 2001 to 78.8% in
2011.
Though the literacy rate has been on an upward trajectory in the past decade, the overall literacy rate in
India is still lower than the global rate. Compared to the global youth literacy rate of 91%, India lags far
behind with 69.3%.
4.6 Saudi Arabia women hail end of driving ban
Saudi Arabia has reversed its long-standing and widely criticized ban against women driving.
A ministerial body will be set up to give advice within 30 days.
The royal order will be implemented by 24 June 2018.
The Gulf kingdom is the only country in the world that bans women from driving – and women are still
subject to strict dress codes and gender segregation.
Until now, only men were allowed licences and women who drove in public risked being arrested and
fined.
Rights groups in the kingdom have campaigned for years to allow women to drive, and some women
have been imprisoned for defying the rule.
Female activists organised collective protests in 1990, 2011 and 2013, and posted online videos of them
driving.
In recent years, some members of the Saudi royal family have expressed support for ending the ban.
Last year, the government launched the Vision 2030 plan to modernise the economy – which was seen
as a sign the country was moving towards reform.
Significance of the move
With more than half the country aged under 25, the latest move is seen as catering to the aspirations of
younger people.
The country further aims to loosen social restrictions, which has so far not translated into more political
or civil rights and also seeks to ease criticism over recent arrests.
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Lifestyle limits remain for Saudi women
Saudi law enforces a strict form of Sunni Islam known as Wahhabism and is known for its gender
segregation rules.
Women have to adhere to strict dress codes, must not associate with unrelated men, and if they want to
travel, work or access healthcare they must be accompanied by – or receive written permission from – a
male guardian.
4.7 Chennai-Vladivostok sea route to make it near East
Aiming to put in place a key maritime route connecting India with Northeast Asia and Western Pacific
region Delhi is contemplating to put in place a major connectivity initiative -direct shipping link
between Chennai and Vladivostok amid China‘s ambitious Maritime Silk Route (MSR) connecting
Asia with Africa.
This proposed maritime route which could be transformed into a corridor could juxtapose with Indo-
Japan Pacific to Indian Ocean Corridor amid Beijing‘s OBOR of which MSR is a part – virtually
connecting entire SE Asia through road, shipping and rail links.
This shipping link would enable to transfer cargo between Chennai and Vladivostok in 24 days in
comparison to over 40 days currently taken to transport goods from India to Far East Russia via
Europe, according to experts on the subject.
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Note
India was the first country to establish a resident Consulate in Vladivostok in 1992.
Current engagement of India with the region is limited to isolated pockets such as the Irkut Corporation
in Irkutsk where the Mig and Sukhoi aircraft are built and over USD 6 billion worth of investments by
ONGC Videsh Limited in the Sakhalin 1 project.
The region has a wealth of natural resources such as land, timber, mineral and other resources like tin,
gold, diamonds and oil and natural gas.
The Russian government has announced several initiatives to attract investments in the region, including
an agricultural SEZ, the Vladivostok Free Port Project and also invites participation in the timber
industry , mining of the huge mineral resources (coal & diamonds) and precious metal deposits (gold,
platinum, tin and tungsten).
Opportunities for collaboration for Indian companies include in such sectors as agriculture, mining, port
development and infrastructure, diamond processing, agro-processing.
4.8 Fiji, Niger, Tuvalu join International Solar Alliance
Fiji, Niger and Tuvalu have deposited instrument of ratification of the Framework Agreement of the
International Solar Alliance (ISA) in the recently held 5th meeting of International Steering Committee
(ISC) of the ISA.
Till date 40 countries have signed and 11 countries have ratified the Framework Agreement of the ISA.
With ratifications by 15 countries, the ISA will become a treaty based inter-governmental international
organization.
International Solar Alliance
ISA was launched, on the sidelines of COP-21, at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris in
November, 2015 by Modi and French President Francois Hollande.
The alliance, headquartered in India, aims to bring together countries situated between the Tropics of
Cancer and Capricorn which receive abundant sunshine for around 300 days a year.
ISA aims to invite solar rich 121 countries located fully or partly between the tropics of Cancer and
Capricorn to join the alliance.
International Steering Committee was establishment under the mandate of the Paris Declaration of ISA
to provide the guidance and direction to establish the ISA.
It will function from the Gurgaon, Haryana based National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE).
India has offered a contribution of Rs 175 crore for creating ISA corpus fund and for meeting the cost
of ISA secretariat for initial five years.
Alliance seeks to share common platform to reduce the cost of finance and technology that is needed to
deploy solar power widely.
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Alliance would pursue cooperation in training, building institutions, regulatory issues, common
standards, and investment including joint ventures.
4.9 Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon elected as Chair of the IOC Ethics Commission
Former United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was elected as Chair of Ethics
Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for a four-year term.
Ban was the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations from January 2007 to December 2016.
He has had a close relationship with the IOC as in 2009, IOC was granted Permanent Observer Status at
the UN. He has also been the Olympic torch bearer.
Ban‘s first action as the Secretary General was to introduce a code of ethics to the organisation, which
applies to all employees.
He constituted an Ethics Committee to devise a unified set of standards and policies for the entire UN
system.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is the supreme authority of the worldwide Olympic
movement.
It is an international, non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Its mission is to develop, promote and protect the Olympic Movement in their respective countries.
The NOCs are the only organisations that can select and designate the city which may apply to organise
Olympic Games in their respective countries. In addition, they alone can send athletes to the Games.
4.10 Hasina floats five-point peace plan
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has floated a five-point peace proposal at United Nations to
find a permanent solution to Rohingya crisis.
She called for immediate steps to end ethnic cleansing of Rohingya minority as it has deepened crisis
along Bangladesh‘s border with Myanmar where over 430,000 refugees fleeing violence in Rakhine State
since August 2017.
Five-point proposal
1. Myanmar must stop violence and practice of ethnic cleansing in Rakhine State unconditionally,
immediately and forever.
2. UN Secretary General should immediately send fact-finding mission to Myanmar.
3. All civilians, irrespective of religion and ethnicity, must be protected in Myanmar. For this, safe zones
can be created inside Myanmar under UN supervision.
4. Sustainable return of all forcibly displaced Rohingyas in Bangladesh to their homes in Myanmar
5. Recommendations of Kofi Annan Commission Report must be implemented immediately,
unconditionally and entirely.
What‘s the issue?
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According to UN estimates, over 450000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar‘s Rakhine state into
Bangladesh since August 2017 when a fresh wave of violence had erupted Myanmar‘s Rakhine province.
The violence had started after Rohingya militants belonging to Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (also
known as Harakat al-Yaqeen or Faith Movement) had attacked police posts in Myanmar‘s northern
Rakhine state.
Following this attack, Myanmar‘s military had launched violent crackdown on insurgents from Muslim
Rohingya population which led to mass exodus of Rohingya Muslims into neighboring Bangladesh.
4.11 Undersea line from Iran to port cheap gas
A 1,300-km undersea pipeline from Iran, avoiding Pakistani waters, has been proposed to port cheap
gas.
It is said that this pipeline can bring natural gas from the Persian Gulf to India at rates less than the price
of LNG available in the spot market.
The subsea pipeline is being seen as an alternative to the on-land, Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline.
India has not been participating in talks on the 1,036-km Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline since 2007
citing security and commercial concerns. But, it has never officially pulled out of the $7.6 billion project.
Proposed pipeline
As per the proposal, the pipeline can first travel to Oman, and then onwards to Porbandar in the state of
Gujarat.
The pipeline is planned to carry 31.5 million standard cubic meters gas per day.
It will be built in two years from the date of necessary approvals and a gas sale and purchase agreement
(GSPA) being signed.
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Benefits of the proposed pipeline
Presently, liquefied natural gas, or LNG, imported through ships costs about $7.50 per million British
thermal unit. However, natural gas imported through the proposed $4-billion line would cost $5-5.50
per million British thermal unit at the Indian coast, cheaper than the rate at which some of the domestic
fields supply gas. Therefore, the cost of landed gas through an undersea pipeline will be at least $2
cheaper than importing LNG, saving about $1 billion annually.
Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline
IPI pipeline was envisaged to transport natural gas from South Pars gas field of Iran to Pakistan and
India with a carrying capacity of 60 million standard cubic meters per day, to be equally split between
India and Pakistan.
The total length of 2700 km project would run 1100 km in Iran and 1000 km to Pakistan and in case of
agreement with India it will continue 600 km in Indian Territory.
Because of Iran is the most geographically convenient supplier of gas to both countries; Iran is offering
to cover 60% of the construction costs of the pipeline.
As per past estimates, investments required for this pipeline were in excess of $7 billion.
This project is expected to greatly benefit India and Pakistan, which do not have sufficient natural gas to
meet their rapidly increasing domestic demand for energy.
4.12 India at 103 rank on Global Human Capital Index
India ranked low 103rd out of 130 countries surveyed on World Economic Forum‘s (WEF) Global
Human Capital Index (GHCI) 2017.
In the previous edition, India ranked 105th.
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The GHCI measures countries‘ ability to nurture, develop and deploy talent for economic growth
against four key areas of human capital development;
1. Capacity (determined by past investment in formal education),
2. Deployment (accumulation of skills through work),
3. Development (reskilling and continued upskilling of existing workers) and
4. know-how (specialised skills-use at work).
Highlights of the index
Global scenario
The overall list was topped by Norway, followed by Finland and Switzerland in the second and third
place respectively.
Other countries in the top 10 include, the United States (4th), Denmark (5th), Germany (6th), New
Zealand (7th), Sweden (8th), Slovenia (9th) and Austria (10th).
India‘s performance
India is ranked lower than its BRICS peers. Russia (16th), China (34th), Brazil (77th) and South Africa
(87th).
India was ranked lower than Sri Lanka (70) and Nepal (98). But it ranked higher than neighbouring
B
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e
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(
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)
and Pakistan (125).
In terms of development of skills needed for the future India ranks 65th. However, India ranks lower
because of number of factors. It ranks lowest (last) in world when it comes to employment gender gap.
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It also ranks low 110th in educational attainment (primary education attainment among 25 -54 year olds)
and low deployment of its human capital, meaning the skills available are not getting put to good use.
India ranks 118 for labour force participation among the key 35-54 year old demographic, means that
too many Indians are engaged in informal or subsistent employment.
4.13 India reluctant to join Hague Convention
Hague Convention
1. Deals with international child custody cases.
2. Passed in 1980, the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction, which came into force in
1983, rules that in any child custody case, the court of the country where the child is a ―habitual
resident‖ will adjudicate who will get custody.
3. A total of ninety four countries, mostly developed nations in the Americas, Europe and Australia, are
signatories to the Hague Convention
India-U.S. Consular dialogue
Between officials from the Ministries of External Affairs, Women and Child Development and Home
and their counterparts in Washington.
The U.S. might push India to join the ―Hague Convention‖ in this dialogue session.
Legal provisions: The Hague Convention is circumventing the Indian system, and India can‘t abdicate its
responsibility to Indian parents, mostly mothers, and their young children.
Separated parents: American officials say the problem arises when one parent is in the U.S., while the
other brings the child to India (their home country) to avoid an adverse decision in the U.S. court.
‗Women worst hit‘: the worst affected in the cases covered by the convention are women, who form
68% of the parents that take or ―abduct‖ their children to their home countries, and must be protected.
What is Inter-country parental child abduction?
Inter-country parental child abduction is a situation that is attained when one parent takes a child or
children to a foreign country to prevent the other parent from seeking custody of the child.
Inter-country parental child abduction cases in India
India‘s case-load (regarding IPCA) is second largest in the United States which is followed by Mexico.
At least 90 children from 80 Indian-American families were affected by separating parents and the legal
problems involved.
As more and more Indians are studying and working in the U.S, such cases are growing in number and it
is necessary to get a better mechanism to deal with this.
4.14 India Signs Deal with JICA to Upgrade Alang-Sosiya Shipyards
The project will be executed by Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) and is likely to be completed by 2022.
The total cost of project is $111 million out of which $76 million will be provided by JICA as soft loan.
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Out of remaining amount, $25 million will be borne by Gujarat Government as taxes and fees and
balance $10 million will be shared by Ministry of Shipping.
Benefits of the project
This project will help Alang-Sosia ship-recycling yards to comply with international safety &
environmental regulations. This will attract more business at recycling facilities at Alang, thereby further
consolidate India‘s share in global ship-recycling industry.
It will also help in safeguarding marine and coastal environment. The use of advanced decontamination
technology will rule out possibility of fire accidents in oil and chemical tankers, thereby ensuring workers
safety.
The project is expected to increase in direct employment from 50,000 to 92,000 people and in-direct
employment from 1.5 lakhs to 3 lakh people.
About Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
The JICA is governmental agency that coordinates official development assistance (ODA) for
government of Japan.
Its mandate is assisting economic and social growth in developing countries, and promotion of
international cooperation.
4.15 India, China petition WTO against trade-distorting farm subsidies
India and China jointly submitted a proposal to the World Trade Organization (WTO) calling for the
elimination – by developed countries – of the most trade-distorting form of farm subsidies known
as Aggregate Measurement of Support (AMS), or ‗Amber Box‘ support.
What is AMS or ‗Amber Box‘ support?
The WTO divides subsidies into amber, blue and green box subsidies.
Amber box are trade-distorting subsidies, blue box are subsidies with restrictions designed to reduce
distortion and green box subsidies are non-trade distorting subsidies.
Direct cash transfers, coupons and subsidies that do not impact production are not considered trade-
distorting subsidies and categorised as green box.
What‘s the issue?
India and China have raised objections over developed countries, including the US, the EU and Canada,
that have been consistently providing trade-distorting subsidies to their farmers at levels much higher
than the ceiling applicable to developing countries.
The subsidies by the developed countries amount to about USD 160 billion. On the other hand,
countries like India provide a subsistence amount of about USD 260 per farmer annually.
Most of the developing countries, including India and China, do not have AMS entitlements.
Besides, developed members of the WTO have access to huge amount of AMS beyond their de minimis
— the minimal amount of domestic support that are allowed even though they distort trade up to 5% of
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the value of production for developed countries, 10% for developing. In contrast, most developing
members have access only to de minimis resulting in a major asymmetry in the rules on agricultural
trade.
Why this proposal is significant?
It is an important proposal by India and China in view of the ongoing negotiations for the ministerial
conference of the WTO to be held in Buenos Aires in December.
India and China believe that elimination of this support should be the starting point of reforms rather
than seeking reduction of subsidies by developing countries.
4.16 India-Sri Lanka joint maritime naval exercise – SLINEX 2017
Indian Navy and Sri Lankan Navy began the 2017 Sri Lanka-India Exercise (SLINEX) at
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
SLINEX 17 aims at reinforcing strong neighbourly ties between both countries underscored by
extensive maritime interaction and improved understanding.
It focuses on fleet work, seamanship, communication, replenishment at sea, Visit Board Search and
Seize (VBSS) operations as well as helicopter operations.
The exercise will commence with a Harbour Phase, during which, the participants will engage in
professional, cultural and social interactions.
The Harbour Phase will be followed by the Sea Phase, which will include complex operations including
anti-piracy exercises, gun firings, cross-deck helicopter operations and anti-surface exercises.
Sri Lanka-India Exercise (SLINEX)
SLINEX series of bilateral maritime exercises was initiated in 2005 and since then four successful
engagements have been conducted.
SLINEX aims to promote mutual understanding and provide exposure to both the Navies to each
others‘ operating procedures, communication procedures and best practices.
This allows the two navies to develop greater confidence to operate together during complex maritime
missions.
4.17 Merkel wins fourth term
German Chancellor Angela Merkel won a fourth term in office on 24 September 2017 but Europe's
most powerful leader will have to govern with a far less stable coalition in a fractured parliament after
her conservatives haemorrhaged support to a surging far right.
Two years after Merkel left German borders open to more than 1 million migrants, the anti-immigration
Alternative for Germany (AfD) stunned the establishment by becoming the first far-right party to enter
parliament in more than half a century. The AfD won 13.0 per cent of the vote - more than expected
and one of many shocks on drama that saw Merkel's conservatives get their worst result since 1949, and
her main Social Democrat (SPD) rivals their worst since 1933.
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Describing the far right's success as a test for Germans, Merkel insisted she had a mandate to govern - a
formidable challenge as she has little choice but to cobble together a three-way coalition with a pro-
business group and the Greens.
The euro slipped around 0.4 per cent in early Asian trading as it became clear the results would make
forming a coalition tricky for Merkel.
Coalition building could take months as Merkel's only straightforward path to a majority in parliament
would be a three-way tie-up with the liberal Free Democrats (FDP) and the Greens - an arrangement
untested at national level.
The Social Democrats, who have served with Merkel's conservatives as junior partners in a ―grand
coalition‖ for the past four years, won just 20.6 per cent of the vote, as nearly half of voters repudiated
the two parties that have dominated Germany since World War Two.
4.18 Rohingya children to get UNHCR cards in Bengal
The West Bengal government will distribute identity cards issued by the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to Rohigya children lodged in the juvenile justice homes of
the State.
The move comes at a time when there are reports that the Union government is planning to deport
Rohingyas refugees.
The UNHCR has issued identity cards to the Rohingyas in India so as to shield them from harassment
and arbitrary arrests.
The UNHCR says some 16,500 Rohingya from Myanmar are registered with it in India.
UNHCR cards
The UNHCR issues ID cards to registered refugees and documents to asylum-seekers which help to
prevent arbitrary arrests, detention and deportation.
The card includes a number of enhanced security features including 3D holograms, bar codes and a large
SQR code.
The card is supported by enhanced biometric data collection at the UNHCR office, including retina, 10
fingers and face scan.
Significance of these cards
The government issues long-term visas to refugees which ease their access to public services and
employment in the private sector.
Because of some recent changes to the documentation processes, some refugees have reportedly been
facing challenges in accessing public services and opening bank accounts.
It is important for refugees to have access to employment and basic services. Therefore, refugee cards
help in facilitating their access to these services.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
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The Office of the UNHCR, also known as the UN Refugee Agency, is a United Nations programme
mandated to protect and support refugees at the request of a government or the UN itself and assists in
their voluntary repatriation, local integration or resettlement to a third country.
Its headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland, and it is a member of the United Nations
Development Group.
As UNHCR is a program governed by the UN General Assembly, and the UN Economic and
Social Council, it cooperates with many other programs and agencies under the United Nations in
order to effectively protect the rights of refugees.
UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 and succeeded the earlier United Nations Relief and
Rehabilitation Administration.
The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve
refugee problems worldwide.
Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees.
It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another
state, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country.
UNHCR maintains a database of refugee information, ProGres, which was created during the
Kosovo War in the 1990s. The database today contains data on over 11 million refugees, or about 11%
of all displaced persons globally.
The UNHCR has won two Nobel Peace Prizes, once in 1954 and again in 1981.
Moreover, the UNHCR has been chosen for the prestigious Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace,
Disarmament and Development 2015.
4.19 Uninhabited Lakshadweep island Parali I vanishes, 4 others shrinking fast: study
The 51st International Literacy Day was celebrated across the world on 8 September 2017 with the
theme ‗Literacy in a Digital World‘.
According to a study, Parali I island, one of biodiversity-rich uninhabited islands part of Lakshadweep
has disappeared due to coastal erosion and another four such islands in Lakshadweep sea are shrinking
fast.
The researcher had conducted studies on assessment of biodiversity confining to five uninhabited
islands– Parali I, II and III, Bangaram, Thinnakara in Lakshadweep, an archipelago of 36 islands in
Lakshadweep sea.
The island called Parali I, a part of Bangaram chain of islands, was about 0.032 km in size in 1968.
Highlights of the study
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An overall assessment of the changes in the aerial extent of islands using the Remote Sensing and
Geospatial Information System
revealed the incidence of coastal
erosion in the five islands.
The magnitude of net erosion was
higher in Parali I island (100 per cent),
which resulted in its inundation.
The net erosion has been reported to
be high in Parali II (80 per cent) as
well, which is one among the four
swiftly shrinking islands.
This is followed by Thinnakara (14.38
per cent), Parali III (11.42 per cent)
and Bangaram (9.968 per cent).
Concerns
According to the study, the complete
erosion of Parali I highlights the gravity of issues associated with coastal erosion within the island chain.
It calls for urgent measures to be implemented on each islet of the atoll in Lakshadweep sea to check
further erosion.
Further, due to increasing global temperature because of climate change, islands and coastal areas are
facing erosion and inundation due to rising sea levels.
India‘s coasts and islands, are densely populated, are highly vulnerable. There is urgent need to start
preparing for building defenses to protect coastlines and islands as sea levels are predicted to rise
further.
How can the problem be addressed?
The study‘s results call for the implementation of urgent measures on each island of the chain to check
further erosion.
Bio-protection strategy using mangroves can be employed to check if it helps better the situation.
Convention physical protection measures can also be applied to save the islands from erosion.
4.20 Uttarakhand to bring special heritage law
The aim of the plan is to preserve buildings and sites of historic, aesthetic, cultural or environmental
value which are not protected by the central law of the Archaeological Survey of India or any other
existing government policies.
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The Uttarakhand Heritage Act seeks to conserve landmarks such as the Almora Jail, where Pt Jawaharlal
Nehru was imprisoned, the colonial-era Raj Bhawan in Nainital, historic precincts and trees, groves and
natural fields of environmental significance.
The statute would also cover natural features of environmental significance and sites of scenic beauty
and provide for conservation and protection of areas which are environmentally sensitive.
The far-reaching legislation will also cover streetscapes and artefacts, besides protecting the sacred
groves, mountains, traditional bridle paths, wetlands and wooded areas.
The heritage authority would have the State Chief Secretary as its chairman and other key officials, along
with experts such as an architect, a structural engineer, a historian and an environmentalist, as members.
Around 71 monuments in Uttarakhand are protected by the State government under the Ancient
Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act.
Another 40 archaeological sites are covered by the Central government, through the ASI, under the
same.
4.21 VASTRA 2017
The 6th edition of VASTRA i.e. ―VASTRA – An International Textile and Apparel Fair
2017‖ (VASTRA – 2017) was recently inaugurated at Jaipur.
Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation Ltd. (RIICO) is the organiser and
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is the co-organiser of the fair.
VASTRA fair
VASTRA, an all-encompassing trade fair and conference on Textiles and Apparel, presents a
fusion of the finest and the latest in textile products – from fibre to fashion, services and technology.
Crafted to create business opportunities, it aims at revitalizing existing business ties and forging of new
business relations.
It is the ideal platform to enter JVs, strategic alliances and partnerships worldwide, launch new products,
as well as, harness new locations for setting up businesses in India. It is also a place for disseminating
technology and interacting with R&D Labs and experts for solution in technology and latest trends.
VASTRA, since its inception in 2012 has created a space for itself in the calendar of international
exhibitions on textiles and apparel.
India‘s textiles sector
India‘s textiles sector is one of the oldest industries in Indian economy dating back several centuries.
Even today, it is one of the largest contributors to India‘s exports with approximately 11% of total
exports (exports during FY 2015-16 stood at US$ 40 billion).
It contributes approximately 5% to India‘s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and 14% to overall Index
of Industrial Production (IIP).
It is also labour intensive and is the second largest employer after agriculture.
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Government has allowed 100% FDI in the Indian textiles sector under the automatic route.
4.22 World Development Report 2018
The World Bank has warned of a learning crisis in global education, particularly in low and middle-
income countries like India, underlining that schooling without learning is not just a wasted
development opportunity, but also a great injustice to children worldwide.
The Bank in a latest report noted that millions of young students in these countries face the prospect of
lost opportunity and lower wages in later life because their primary and secondary schools are failing to
educate them to succeed in life.
According to the ‗World Development Report 2018: ‘Learning to Realise Education‘s Promise‘, released,
India ranks second after Malawi in a list of 12 countries wherein a grade two student could not read a
single word of a short text.
India also tops the list of seven countries in which a grade two student could not perform two-digit
subtraction.
In rural India, just under three-quarters of students in grade 3 could not solve a two-digit subtraction
such as 46—17, and by grade 5 half could still not do so.
The report argued that without learning, education will fail to deliver on its promise to eliminate extreme
poverty and create shared opportunity and prosperity for all.
In rural India in 2016, only half of grade 5 students could fluently read text at the level of the grade 2
curriculum, which included sentences (in the local language) such as ‗It was the month of rains‘ and
‗There were black clouds in the sky‘.
According to the report, in Andhra Pradesh in 2010, low-performing students in grade 5 were no more
likely to answer a grade 1 question correctly than those in grade 2.
Further a computer-assisted learning programme in Gujarat, improved learning when it added to
teaching and learning time, especially for the poorest-performing students, it said.
The report recommends concrete policy steps to help developing countries resolve this dire learning
crisis in the areas of stronger learning assessments, using evidence of what works and what doesn‘t to
guide education decision-making; and mobilising a strong social movement to push for education
changes that champion ‗learning for all‘.
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5. POLITICAL ISSUES, HUMAN RIGHTS AND
GOVERNANCE
5.1 Cabinet approves introduction of the Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 in the
Parliament
The Union Cabinet has given approved introduction of the Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill,
2017 in the Parliament.
The Bill seeks to amend Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972.
The amendment seeks to revise the ceiling for employees in private sectors too, considering
inflation and wage increase.
The Amendment will increase maximum limit of gratuity of employees, in Public Sector Undertakings
(PSUs)/Autonomous Organizations under Government and in private sector who are not covered
under Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972, at par with Central Government employees.
The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972
The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 is an important social security legislation to wage earning population
in industries, factories and establishments.
It was enacted to provide social security to workmen after retirement, whether retirement is result of
rules of superannuation, or physical disablement or impairment of vital body part.
It applies to establishments employing 10 or more persons.
The present upper ceiling on gratuity amount under Act was Rs. 10 Lakh. The provisions for Union
Government employees under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 with regard to gratuity are also similar. Before
implementation of 7th Central Pay Commission, ceiling under CCS (Pension) Rules was Rs. 10 Lakh.
However, with implementation of 7th Central Pay Commission from January 2-016, the gratuity ceiling
was increased to Rs. 20 Lakhs.
5.2 Cabinet approves pact to collaborate in modernization of Afghan police
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the signing of the (i) Interbank Local Currency Credit
Line Agreement and (ii) Cooperation Memorandum Relating to Credit Ratings by Exim Bank
with participating member banks under BRICS Interbank Cooperation Mechanism.
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing an MoU between India and Afghanistan on
Technical Cooperation on Police Training and Development.
The MoU will help in capacity building of Afghanistan National Police and improving the security
apparatus in the region.
It has been approved for a period of 5 years from the date of signing the MoU and shall be extended for
a further period of 5 years on the condition that are not further changes and or revision.
India and Afghanistan have friendly relations.
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The police personnel of Afghanistan National Police come regularly for training purposes in different
training institutes of India.
India and Afghanistan have already signed an ―Agreement on strategic partnership‖ between the two
countries in October, 2011.
Afghanistan delegates expressed their desire for assistance from India in the field of Police training,
police development, law enforcement, strengthening the rule of law in Afghanistan and building
sustainable long-term cooperation.
India‘s support to Afghanistan
India has played a major role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban regime
and has invested over $2 billion in various reconstruction and infrastructure projects.
The construction of the major Salma Dam, the new Afghan parliament building, Zaranj-Delaram
highway, and some other projects are among the key investments India has done so far in the country.
In the security and defense, India has provided four attack helicopters along with transport choppers
besides providing scholarships to the Afghan army cadets.
5.3 Cabinet approves Revamped Khelo India Programme
The Union Cabinet has approved the revamped Khelo India programme that aims at mainstreaming
sport as a tool for individual development, community development, economic development and
national development.
The revamped programme for period 2017-18 to 2019-20 would impact the entire sports ecosystem,
including infrastructure, community sports, talent identification, coaching for excellence, competition
structure and sports economy.
Salient features of the Programme
An unprecedented Pan Indian Sports Scholarship scheme, which would cover 1,000 most talented
young athletes each year across select sports disciplines.
Each athlete selected under the scheme shall receive an annual scholarship worth Rs. 5.00 lakh for 8
consecutive years.
This is the first time ever that a long-term athlete development pathway would be made available to
gifted and talented youngsters to excel in competitive sports and will create a pool of highly competitive
athletes who can compete to win at the world stage.
The Programme aims to promote 20 universities across the country as hubs of sporting excellence,
which would enable talented sports persons to pursue the dual pathway of education and competitive
sports.
The Programme also aims at creating an active population with healthy life-style.
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The Programme would cover about 200 million children in the age group of 10-18 under a massive
national physical fitness drive, which will not only measure the physical fitness of all children in the age
group, but also support their fitness related activities.
Significance
The Khelo India programme strives to promote ―Sports for All‖ as well as ―Sports for Excellence‖.
This is for first time a long-term athlete development pathway will be made available to gifted and
talented youngsters to excel in competitive sports.
It will create a pool of highly competitive athletes who can compete to win at world stage.
It aims to engage youth living in disturbed and deprived areas, in sporting activities, to mainstream them
in nation-building process by weaning them away from unproductive and disruptive activities.
It will also promote gender equity and social inclusiveness.
It also includes use of latest user-friendly technology in all aspects of sports promotion such as, use of
mobile apps for dissemination of sports training, interactive website for indigenous sports, National
Sports Talent Search (NSTS) portal for talent identification, GIS based information system for locating
and using sports infrastructure etc.
5.4 Cabinet approves umbrella scheme of Modernisation of Police Forces
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for implementation of umbrella scheme of ―Modernisation of
Police Forces (MPF)‖ for years 2017-18 to 2019-20.
The financial outlay for the scheme over the three year‘s period is Rs.25,060 crore, out of which the
Central Government share will be Rs.18,636 crore and the States‘ share will be Rs.6,424 crore.
It is biggest ever internal security scheme in country.
Salient Features of the scheme
Special provision
Special provision has been made under the Scheme for internal security, law and order, women security,
availability of modern weapons, mobility of police forces, logistics support, hiring of helicopters,
upgradation of police wireless, National Satellite Network, CCTNS project, E-prison project etc.
J&K, North Eastern and LWE States
Under the umbrella scheme, central budget outlay of Rs.10,132 crore has been earmarked for internal
security related expenditure for Jammu & Kashmir, North Eastern States and left wing extremism
affected States.
Scheme of Special Central Assistance (SCA) for 35 worst LWE affected districts has been introduced
with an outlay of Rs.3,000 crore to tackle the issue of underdevelopment in these district.
An outlay of Rs.100 crore has been earmarked in the North Eastern States for police infrastructure
upgradation, training institutes, investigation facilities etc.
Infrastructure upgradation
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Under the scheme, new initiatives will be introduced to provide assistance to States for upgradation of
police infrastructure, forensic science laboratories, institutions and the equipment available with them to
plug critical gaps in the criminal justice system.
Integration of Police Stations
Police Stations will be integrated to set up a national data base of crime and criminals‘ records.
It will be linked with other pillars of criminal justice system such as ‗prisons, forensic science
laboratories and prosecution offices.
Forensic science laboratories
The umbrella scheme also provides for setting up of a State-of Art forensic science laboratory in
Amravati, Andhra Pradesh and upgradation of Sardar Patel Global Centre for Security, Counter
Terrorism and Anti Insurgency in Jaipur and Gujarat Forensic Science University in Gandhi Nagar.
Significance of the scheme
Implementation of this scheme will help to bolster Government‘s ability to address challenges faced in
different theatres such as areas affected by LWE, Jammu and Kashmir and North East effectively.
It will also aid to undertake development interventions which will catalyze in improving quality of life in
these areas and help combat these challenges effectively at same time.
It is expected that the scheme will go a long way to boost capability and efficiency of Central and State
Police Forces by modernizing them.
5.6 Karnataka Cabinet clears anti-superstition bill
The Karnataka Cabinet on Wednesday cleared the much-delayed and debated Karnataka Prevention and
Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Bill, 2017, popularly known as the anti-
superstition Bill.
The Bill, if cleared by the State legislature, is expected to put an end to various inhuman practices such
as black magic, witchcraft, or any act in the name of religion that causes harm to humans and animals.
However, acts such as Kesh Lochan (plucking of hair), vaastu and astrology have not been barred.
What is banned?
Performing any black magic, inhumane act and evil practices in search of treasure or bounty, tantric acts
which include physical and sexual assault.
Practices such as parading people naked, ostracising a person in the name of a ritual and encouraging
inhumane acts during said rituals also come under the purview of the bill.
Rituals of exorcism, assaulting people under the pretext of exorcism, misinformation and creating a
panic-like situation under the pretext of ghosts and black magic will also be banned.
Other practices such as making claims of having healing power, propagating practices that involve self-
mutilation and coercing people to perform fire-walking will also be banned.
What is not banned?
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The form of the worship such as Pradakshina, Yatra, Parikrama performed at religious places
Harikata, Keerthana, Pravachana, Bhajana, teaching of ancient and traditional learning and arts, practice,
propagation and circulation
Miracles of the deceased saints propagation, publicity and circulation of the same and the propagation,
publicity and distribution of literature about miracles of the religious preachers which do not cause
physical injury
Performance of prayers, upasana and religious rituals at home, temple, darghas, gurdwara, pagoda,
church, and other religious places which do not cause physical injury
All religious celebrations, festivals, prayers, procession and other act relating other rituals
Piercing of ears and nose of children in accordance with rituals and performance of religious ritual such
as Kesh Lochan by the Jains
Advice in regard to vaastu shasthra, and advice by jyothishya and other astrologers.
5.7 Private member‘s bill proposes MPs also declare assets after term ends
The Representation of The People Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017, will be presented in the Winter Session
of Parliament this year.
The bill seeks parliamentarians to declare their assets at the end of their tenure.
This bill aims to ensure accountability and transparency.
What the new bill proposes?
The bill proposes that Members of Parliament declare their assets within 90 days after their tenure ends.
This provision is to be inserted as sub section 75B(1) in the ‗Representation of People Act, 1951‘.
Significance
The proposed amendment in the parent act will help in maintaining transparency and accountability of
people‘s representatives at the apex level.
It will also help in creating a positive atmosphere of corruption-free status of MPs.
Present scenario
At present, elected candidate of the two Houses of Parliament have to declare their assets and liabilities
within ninety days from the date on which they take their seat. However, there are no such provisions
for declaration of assets and liabilities after the expiry of the term.
The bill comes in the wake of Supreme Court observations earlier this month on the issue, after it was
irked over the non-disclosure of action on jumps in politicians‘ assets.
The Supreme Court took strong exception to the Centre‘s attitude of not disclosing information on
action taken by it against politicians, some of whose assets had seen a massive jump of up to 500%
between two elections, and had directed the government to place the necessary information in this
regard before the court.
Private member‘s bill
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Members of Parliament other than ministers are called private members and bills presented by them are
known as Private member‘s bills.
5.8 Refugees go to SC against Article 35A
Some refugees from West Pakistan, who had migrated to India during Partition, have moved the
Supreme Court challenging Article 35A of the Constitution relating to special rights and privileges of
permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
Issue
Nearly 1.25 lakh WPRs, who migrated from the then West Pakistan after partition of the country in
1947 to settle in Kathua, Samba and Jammu districts of the state, are seeking citizenship rights,
employment rights and right to vote and contest the state assembly polls for the past 70 years.
According to official data 5,764 families comprising 47,915 persons had migrated from West Pakistan in
1947 and settled in the three districts of the state. Today their population increased to nearly 1.25 lakh.
These refugees are not considered permanent residents of the state, cannot vote in assembly polls and
cannot do state government jobs even though they are living in the state for generations. However, they
can vote in parliamentary elections.
Article 35A
Article 35A of the Indian Constitution is an article that empowers the Jammu and Kashmir state‘s
legislature to define ―permanent residents‖ of the state and provide special rights and privileges to those
permanent residents.
It was added by a 1954 presidential order issued under Article 370, the constitutional provision that
mediates the relationship
between the Union of India and
Kashmir.
Article 35A also empowers the
State‘s legislature to frame any
law without attracting a
challenge on grounds of
violating the Right to Equality
of people from other States or
any other right under the
Constitution.
Concerns
Attempts to undo Article 35A of the Indian Constitution would strike a fatal blow to the nationalists in
the state.
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There is an ongoing case in the Supreme Court challenging the validity of the Article, which prevents
non-J&K state subjects from settling and buying property in the state.
However, Kashmiris are apprehensive that such a move would open the sluice gates for a demographic
transformation of the Valley.
The J&K government is also concerned at the reluctance of the Union government to file a counter
affidavit in the Supreme Court. Against the backdrop of the escalating protests in Kashmir, this issue
could potentially be explosive.
5.9 SC to hear Rohingya plea for help
The Supreme Court agreed to hear a plea against deportation of illegal Rohingya Muslim immigrants to
Myanmar on several grounds, including violation of international human rights conventions.
The plea was filed by two Rohingya immigrants against the government‘s proposed move to deport their
40,000-strong refugee community back to their native Myanmar, where discrimination and possibly
summary executions await them.
Petitioners‘ arguments
Petitioners who are registered refugees under the United Nations High Commission of Refugees
(UNHCR), claimed they had taken refuge in India after escaping from Myanmar due to widespread
discrimination, violence and bloodshed against the community there.
Proposed deportation is contrary to the constitutional protections of Article 14 (Right to Equality),
Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) and Article 51(c) of the Constitution of India, which
provides equal rights and liberty to every person.
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This act would also be in contradiction with the principle of ‗Non-Refoulement‘, which has been widely
recognised as a principle of Customary International Law.
It has also sought a direction that Rohingyas be provided ―basic amenities to ensure that they can live in
human conditions as required by international law‖.
It also said that India has ratified and is a signatory to various conventions that recognise the Principle
of ―Non- Refoulement‘, which prohibits deportation of refugees to a country where they may face threat
to their lives.
Though India has not ratified the UNCHR Convention on Refugees, India has ratified the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and International
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
Further, India is also a signatory to the Protection of All Persons Against Enforced Disappearances,
Convention against Torture and Other Cruel and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment,‖
the plea said, adding that all these international treaties and conventions lay down the Principle of Non-
Refoulement.
India has traditionally been hospitable host of refugees and displaced people, both from South Asia and
across the world.
What is the Principle of ―Non-
Refoulement‖?
The principle of non-refoulement — or not
sending back refugees to a place where they
face danger — is considered part of
customary international law and is binding
on all states whether they have signed the
Refugee Convention or not.
Rohingya
Few years ago, religious and ethnic tensions
between the Rohingya Muslims and the
Rakhine Buddhists (who make up the
majority of the population in Mayanmar)
escalated into widespread, deadly rioting.
Hundreds of thousands were forced to flee.
Since then, ongoing violent attacks have
forced even more people to leave their
homes.
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The Myanmar Government says that Rohingya people are not Burmese citizens – but the Rohingya have
been living in Myanmar for generations. Today, they are a people with no home or citizenship.
Rohingya people are being widely abused and exploited. They are one of the most persecuted minorities
in the world.
Rays of hope for Rohingya
Last week, Indian government had raised ―serious concern‖ over reports of renewed violence and
attacks in Myanmar and extended its ―strong‖ support to the Myanmarese government at this
―challenging moment‖.
Moreover, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had issued notice to the Centre over its
plan to deport the Rohingya immigrants, who are residing in various parts of India.
5.9 Sports Ministry approves empowered steering committee for Olympic preparation
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has approved constitution of a 13-member Empowered Steering
Committee (ESC) which will shape and influence India‘s preparation for multi- disciplinary events,
including 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
The Empowered Steering Committee will be led by an Honorary Chairperson, who will be appointed by
the Government.
The Steering Committee will have the mandate to work till December 31, 2020 with clearly defined
terms and references.
Note
Earlier, the Sports Ministry had constituted Task Force in September 2016 head by Abhinav Bindra for
preparation of comprehensive action plan, including short-term and medium to long-term measures for
effective participation of Indian sportspersons in next three Olympic Games to be held in 2020 (Tokyo),
2024 (Paris) and 2028 (Los Angeles).
The 8-member Task Force had submitted its interim report to Government in May 2017 with focus on
preparations in the short-term for 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
The decision to form the Empowered Steering Committee (ESC) has been taken on the basis of
recommendations made by the Olympic Task Force in its interim report.
Terms and references of the ESC
The committee will review the core probable list of each High Priority and Priority disciplines for
Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and Olympic Games and make recommendations.
It can make recommendations with respect to additions or deletions.
The Committee will also have power to recommend specific plans or packages for TOPS (Target
Olympic Podium Scheme) beneficiaries, picked by the TOPS Committee.
ECS can recommend names of national and international training institutions for the empanelment for
providing training, coaching and other support to TOPS athletes, including negotiated packages.
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It can also make specific recommendations for strengthening sport sciences within SAI as well as
outsourcing sports science support in the short to medium term for providing sports science support to
national campers.
It can also have all SAI Regional Centres duly audited for holding national coaching camps and closely
interact with National Observers appointed by the government for obtaining their recommendations on
the various issues.
The ECS will also assist the government in formulating Qualification Requirements (QRs), job
description and conducting selection process with the involvement of NSF concerned for inducting
professionals, including High Performance Managers, in selected sports disciplines.
It will also provide advisory support for setting up of Centre of Excellence for Para Sports at
Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
5.10 States will have to compete for central projects
The Centre has decided to adopt the so-called challenge method for awarding all projects to states so
as to bring in speed, efficiency and transparency, besides putting an end to allocation of big projects on
political consideration.
Challenge method
Under this method, prospective states will be rated on more than half-dozen parameters prescribed in
the guidelines issued and the project will go to the state with the highest score on a scale of zero to 100.
The challenge method for selecting the state as well as the site for the projects, which can be both
brownfield and greenfield projects, will now be applicable across sectors such as aviation, roads,
railways, health, education, IT, power and textiles.
It will also be used for awarding all national events such as national games and youth festivals to states.
Significance of this method
The so-called challenge method is expected to spur competition among states and union territories both
in terms of offering the best sites and committing resources in terms of land, utilities, infrastructure
support and financial contribution, which in turn would encourage optimum utilisation of scarce
resources and help in timely completion of projects.
Awarding projects based on the challenge method will ensure due
diligence is being done by all departments and states. This will also
mean that gestation period for all these projects will come down
significantly and there will be no major delays and this will give
enough push to efficiency.
Why we need this method?
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The government is of the view that in many instances projects along with locations used to be
announced in the Budget or as a development package while the formulation of the scheme, land
selection and acquisition got done after the announcement. Such projects often face risk and results in
delay in implementation along with cost and time overruns leading to suboptimal utilisation of scarce
resources.
Hence there is a need to evolve an objective criterion for selection of sites for various projects.
5.11 Supreme Court for open air jails, better treatment for prisoners
While hearing a 2013 PIL on prevailing inhuman conditions prevailing in 1,382 prisons across the
country, the Supreme Court of India has passed a slew of directions on prison reforms.
Important directions made by the court
All high courts have to register a suo motu petition to identify kin of prisoners who admittedly died an
unnatural death after 2012 and award suitable compensation to them.
All state governments should appoint counsellors and support persons for counselling prisoners,
particularly first-time offenders.
States should also study the availability of medical assistance to prisoners and take remedial steps
wherever necessary.
The Ministry of Woman and Child Development has been asked to discuss with the official concerned
of the state governments ―and formulate procedures for tabulating the number of children (if any) who
suffer an unnatural death in child care institutions where they are kept in custody either because they are
in conflict with law or because they need care and protection‖.
The Centre has to ensure circulation of its model prison manual, a monograph prepared by the National
Human Rights Commission on suicides in prisons, and the Nelson Mandela Rules and guidelines on
investigating deaths in custody issued by the International Committee of the Red Cross within one
month to prison incharges of every states.
The states should conduct training and sensitisation programmes for senior police officers of all
prisons on their functions, duties and responsibilities and the rights and duties of prisoners.
The government may consider extending the time or frequency of meetings by the family of a prisoner
and explore the possibility of using phones and video conferencing for communication, also with their
counsel.
Need for prison reforms
NHRC figures show that prisoners cut off from family and friends had a 50% more chance of
committing suicide than those outside. The average suicide rate among the general public for this period
is 11 (per 100,000) whereas the average suicide rate in prison is 16.9 (per 100,000). In other words, the
average suicide rate in prisons is over 50% more than in normal conditions.
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Indian prisons face three long-standing structural constraints: overcrowding, thanks to a high percentage
of undertrials in the prison population, understaffing and underfunding. The inevitable outcome is sub-
human living conditions, poor hygiene, and violent clashes between the inmates and jail authorities.
Besides, while 33% of the total requirement of prison officials still lies vacant, almost 36% of vacancy
for supervising officers is still unfulfilled. In the absence of adequate prison staff, overcrowding of
prisons leads to rampant violence and other criminal activities inside the jails.
Way ahead
Indian jails have often been dubbed as a university for grooming criminals due to pathetic and inhumane
conditions.
In the absence of a robust Whistleblower Protection Act and structural changes to address the issues of
overcrowding and understaffing, India‘s prisons will continue to be heaven for politically connected
criminals and hell for socio-economically disadvantaged undertrials, some regular media uproars
notwithstanding.
Fundamental rights of prisoners cannot be placed in the back-burner and the Centre and the states need
to be more pro-active in sensitising staff about the need to treat prisoners as humanely as possible.
Note
As per the seventh schedule of the constitution, the management of prisons falls exclusively under the
domain of the state government.
In every state, the prison administrative machinery works under the chief of prisons who is a senior
ranking IPS officer.
5.12 VVPAT to be used in Gujarat polls
Gujarat will become the second state after Goa to use the new VVPAT system for the Assembly
elections in the entire state making it the first big state to use Electronic Voting Machine (EVMs)
equipped with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail
(VVPAT).
The VVPATs will cover all 50,128 polling booths
during 2017 Gujarat Assembly elections. About
70,182 VVPAT machines will be used during
elections.
In 2013, conduct of Election Rules, 1961 was
amended to facilitate the introduction of VVPAT
units. For the first time, VVPAT with EVMs was
used for the Noksen Assembly seat in Tuensang
district of Nagaland.
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In the case of Subramanian Swamy vs Election Commission of India (ECI), the Supreme Court held
that VVPAT is ―indispensable for free and fair elections‖ and directed the ECI to equip EVMs with
VVPAT systems.
The apex court had directed the EC to introduce EVMs in a phased manner for the next General
Elections in 2014, saying it would ensure free and fair polls.
What is VVPAT?
The VVPAT system is a new initiative of the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections.
In the VVPAT system, when a voter presses the button for a candidate of his choice in the electronic
voting machines (EVM), a paper ballot containing the serial number, name of the candidate and poll
symbol will be printed for the voter.
It is intended as an independent verification system for EVM designed to allow voters to verify that
their votes are casted correctly, detect possible election fraud or malfunction and provide a means to
audit the stored electronic results.
Why VVPAT?
VVPAT is independent verification printer machine attached to EVMs. It allows voters to verify if their
vote has gone to the intended candidate. Thus, ensure free and fair elections.
SC also directed the Centre to provide financial assistance for introducing VVPAT system.
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6. SOCIAL ISSUES AND DEVELOPMENT
6.1 ‗PENCIL‘ Portal On Child Labour Elimination
The Ministry for Social Justice and Empowerment has launched Divyang Sarathi - The accessible and
comprehensive mobile application for easy dissemination of information to ‗Divyangjans‘.
The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment launched Platform for Effective Enforcement for No
Child Labour (PENCIL) Portal at National Conference on Child Labour.
What is it?
The PENCIL portal is an electronic platform that aims at involving Centre, State, and District,
Governments, civil society and general public in achieving the target of child labour free society.
PENCIL portal has five components — Child Tracking System, Complaint Corner, State Government,
National Child Labour Project and Convergence.
Each district will nominate District Nodal Officers (DNOs) who will receive the complaints.
Within 48 hours of receiving complaints, DNOs will check genuineness of complaint and take rescue
measures in coordination with police, if complaint is genuine.
So far, 7 states have appointed DNOs.
National Child Labour Project (NCLP)
NCLP is central sector scheme launched in in 1988 for rehabilitation of child labour.
Under it, special schools/rehabilitation centres for rehabilitation of child labourers are opened so that
they can be mainstreamed into formal schooling system.
These centres also provide non-formal education, vocational training, supplementary nutrition and
stipend to children withdrawn from employment.
Revised NCPL
NCLP has been revised expanded and aligned to the new legislative provisions.
The legislative changes have been accompanied by creation of additional institutional mechanisms at the
district, state and national level for identification and rescue, along with revamping the rehabilitation
scheme and a centralized database for case to case monitoring and accountability.
6.2 Bharat ke Kaushalzaade‘
On the eve of Antyodaya Diwas 2017, Rural Skills Division, Ministry of Rural Development has
organized an event ‗Bharat ke Kaushalzaade‘.
The event aims to celebrate and honour beneficiaries from both of MoRD‘s flagship skill development
programmes i.e.
1. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) and
2. Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETI).
The event also witnessed the mobilization platform launch, branded ‗Kaushal Panjee‘ (Skill Register).
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‗Kaushal Panjee‘
Kaushal Panjee aims to be citizen centric end-to-end solution to aid mobilization of candidates for
RSETIs and DDU-GKY.
It facilitates mobilization of candidates through Self Help Group members, Gram Panchayat
Functionaries, Block Officials, CSCs and directly by the candidate.
RSETIs and DDU-GKY Partners can access the Kaushal Panjee to connect with the mobilized rural
youth.
Kaushal Panjee is connected to the Social Economic Caste Census (SECC 2011) which will help the
States plan and target their mobilizations based on the socio-economic profile of households in their
State.
DDU GKY
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) announced the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen
Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) Antyodaya Diwas, on 25th September 2014.
DDU-GKY is a part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), tasked with the dual objectives
of adding diversity to the incomes of rural poor families and cater to the career aspirations of rural
youth.
DDU-GKY is uniquely focused on rural youth between the ages of 15 and 35 years from poor families.
As a part of the Skill India campaign, it plays an instrumental role in supporting the social and economic
programs of the government like the Make In India, Digital India, Smart Cities and Start-Up India,
Stand-Up India campaigns.
Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs)
RSETIs are non- profit institutions established with the support of State Government and Central
Governments.
They are dedicated institutions designed as to ensure necessary skill training and skill up gradation of the
rural BPL youth to mitigate the unemployment problem.
One RSETI is established in every district in the country.
Concerned bank is the lead bank in the district takes responsibility for creating and managing
it.
Government of India will provide one – time grant assistance, upto a maximum of Rs. 1 crore for
meeting the expenditure on construction of building and other infrastructure.
After successful completion of the training, they will be provided with credit linkage assistance by the
banks to start their own entrepreneurial ventures.
At least 70% of the trainees should be from the rural BPL category certified by the DRDA.
Recognition of RSETI trainees
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Certificates issued by an RSETI will be recognised by all banks for purposes of extending credit to the
trainees.
It means that RSETI trained rural youths will be free to access any scheduled bank for loan/credit.
Credit Linkage
Credit needs of trainees will be appraised by RSETIs and the sense will be conveyed to the bank
branches.
The trainees could avail bank loans under SGSY or any other government sponsored programmes.
6.3 CARA launches monthly ―Jan Sampark‖ Program to facilitate adoption
The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) of the Ministry of Women & Child Development
has started a monthly ―Jan Sampark‖ program to enable the public to have interaction with its officials
and staff for seeking information related to Adoption as well as flagging their concerns.
The first of its kind programme under it was held recently in New Delhi.
Nearly 150 Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs), adoptive parents and representatives of agencies
participated in session.
The Jan Sampark program will now be held regularly every month apart from the quarterly Facebook
live chat by CEO CARA.
During the event, details pertaining to Immediate Placement and Special Needs Adoption Module of
Child Adoption Resource Information & Guidance System (CARINGS) will be shared with all the
stakeholders.
The will serve as platform for counselling and motivating PAPs to go for adopting older children.
Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)
CARA is statutory body of Ministry of Women & Child Development established under Juvenile Justice
Act, 2015.
It is a nodal body for adoption of Indian children.
It is mandated to monitor and regulate in-country and inter-country adoptions.
CARA primarily deals with adoption of orphan, abandoned and surrendered children through its
associated /recognised adoption agencies.
It deals with inter-country adoptions according to Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, 1993
ratified by India in 2003.
6.4 Diksha Portal
The Union Ministry of Human Resource and Development (HRD) has launched Diksha Portal
―diksha.gov.in‖ – National Digital Infrastructure for Teachers.
Through this portal, all teachers across the nation will be equipped with advanced digital technology.
DIKSHA Portal
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DIKSHA Portal is an initiative of HRD ministry for providing a digital platform to teacher to make
their lifestyle more digital.
Diksha portal launched with a tagline ―National Digital Infrastructures for Our Teacher Our
Heroes‖.
Diksha portal will enable, accelerate and amplify solutions in realm of teacher education.
It will aid teachers to learn and train themselves for which assessment resources will be available.
It will help teachers to create training content, profile, in-class resources, assessment aids, news and
announcement and connect with teacher community.
The portal will record complete work and accomplishment of teachers in educational institutes from
start to end point till their retirement.
It will cover entire life cycle of teacher– from time they were enrolled as student teachers in Teacher
Education Institutes (TEIs) to after they retire as teachers.
Significance of the Portal
The portal will help teachers boost their teaching skills and create their own separate profile with their
skills and knowledge.
It will help in improving quality of education wit use of latest technologies in education sector.
Not only the government, private institutes and NGO‘s are also allowed to participate in the Diksha
initiative.
6.5 Disability pension for defence forces to be on par with civilians
The Union government has accepted the recommendations of National Anomaly Committee (NAC)
that parity with civilians for the grant of disability element to the defence forces under the 6th Central
Pay Commission (CPC) should be maintained.
With this, the Government has decided to continue with an earlier system of disbursing disability
pension and not to go ahead with a new regime recommended by the 7th CPC.
Why this move?
The move was undertaken after an increased request from the armed forces to revert back to the
percentage-based regime for disability pension instead of the slab-based system conceived under the 7th
CPC.
The armed forces personnel had felt that the new slab-based system would result in a reduction in the
amount of disability pension for existing as well as future retirees compared to percentage-based
disability pension.
The force personnel were also upset as civilian pensioners were to be paid pension according to the
earlier percentage system.
The Ministry of Defence had referred the matter to the NAC in order to decide methodology for
calculation of disability element of the disability pension under the 7th CPC.
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Complaint and Litigation Reduction Scheme (CLRS)
The Ex-Servicemen Health Contributory Scheme (ECHS) has launched Complaint and Litigation
Reduction Scheme (CLRS) for grievance redressal of veterans and their dependents.
The scheme will assist the Defence Ministry to increase focus on the formulation of caring policy and
implementation initiatives preserving time and resources of veterans who have served the nation in a
selfless manner.
6.6 Divyang Sarathi mobile app for disabled launched
The Ministry for Social Justice and Empowerment has launched Divyang Sarathi - The accessible and
comprehensive mobile application for easy dissemination of information to ‗Divyangjans‘.
The mobile app aims to
Empower Divyangjans by providing them easier and convenient access to information pertaining to
schemes, scholarships, statutes, institutional support systems, jobs and other crucial information.
Key Features of the ‗Divyang Sarathi‘
The Divyang Sarathi app is integral part of ICT component of Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya
Bharat Abhiyan) launched in December 2015.
It also compliant with principles of UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for
Universal Access and provisions of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 which mandates that all
information to be made available in accessible form.
The app has inbuilt unique feature of audio notes (text-to-voice conversion software) which converts
written information into audio file as well as the adjustable font size which can be altered as per user‘s
requirement.
It has been developed bilingually i.e. information is available in Hindi as well as English.
6.7 Gorakhpur, Koraput and Thane to launch Zero Hunger Programme
On occasion of World Food Day (October 16),
three districts – Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh,
Koraput in Odisha and Thane in Maharashtra – will
initiate India‘s ambitious ‗Zero Hunger‘ programme
through interventions in farm sector.
These three would act as a model of an integrated
approach to deal with hunger and malnutrition by
adopting suitable agricultural\horticultural practices.
Many more districts will eventually be covered under
this dedicated farm-based programme in sync with
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India‘s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to
end hunger by 2030.
‗Zero Hunger‘ programme
The Programme will be initiated by Indian Council
of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in association with
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), MS
Swaminathan Research Foundation and
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
(BIRAC).
The concerned state governments will also be
involved in the programme which consists of
organisations of farming system for nutrition, setting
up genetic gardens for biofortified plants/crops and
initiation of a ‗Zero Hunger‘ training.
The programme will ensure suitable methods of measuring the impact of intervention. There will be
intensive training programme in order to identify the nutritional maladies in each district and the
appropriate agricultural/horticultural and animal husbandry remedies.
This programme will be launched in addition to what the government has planned to deal with the issue
of malnutrition through various other initiatives under its goal to make India malnutrition free by 2022.
What is SDG Goal 2?
The second of the seventeen proposed SDGs is ―End hunger, achieve food security and improved
nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture‖.
What is a genetic garden?
A genetic garden for biofortified plants contains germplasm of naturally biofortified crops through plant
breeding.
It has plants and crops that help supplement micro-nutrient deficiencies, including iron, zinc, vitamin A
and iodine among others.
6.8 Govt data shows India‘s infant mortality rate has declined 8%
According to recently released Sample Registration Survey (SRS), India has registered a significant
decline of 8% in Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in 2016.
Infant mortality rate (IMR)
IMR is the number of deaths per 1,000 live births of children under one year of age.
Highlights of SRS
IMR in India has declined by three points from 37 per 1000 live births in 2015 to 34 per 1000 live births
in 2016.
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India has also recorded major drop in birth cohort, which has for first time came down to below 25
million. India has registered 90000 fewer infant deaths in 2016 as compared to 2015. The total number
of estimated infant deaths have come down from 9.3 Lakhs in 2015 to 8.4 lakhs in 2016.
The gender gap in India for child survival is also reducing steadily. The gender difference between
female and male IMR has reduced to below 10%, giving major boost to Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
scheme.
Among Empowered Action Group (EAG) states and Assam, all states except Uttarakhand have
reported decline in IMR compared to 2015. The decline is reported as 4 points in Bihar, 3 points in
Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Assam respectively and two points decline in Odisha,
Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.
Significance
The results signify that strategic approach of Health Ministry has started yielding dividends and also
efforts of focusing on low performing States is paying off.
These remarkable achievements in short span of time are result of countrywide efforts to increase health
service coverage through various initiatives of Government.
6.9 Implementation Guidelines of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana
The Ministry of Women & Child Development has released the Guidelines of Pradhan Mantri Matru
Vandana Yojana.
Guidelines inter-alia provide Aadhaar linkage, Direct Benefit Transfer, antenatal check-up and
registration of child birth & first cycle of immunisation of the child.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi had announced the pan-India implementation of this scheme
w.e.f. 01st January 2017.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
It is a maternity benefit program run by the government of India.
PMMVY is implemented by the Ministry of Women & Child Development in collaboration with
State Governments.
It is a conditional cash transfer scheme for pregnant and lactating women of 19 years of age or above
for first two live births.
It provides a partial wage compensation to women for wage-loss during childbirth and childcare and to
provide conditions for safe delivery and good nutrition and feeding practices.
Under the scheme, the cost sharing ratio between the Centre and the States & UTs with Legislature is
60:40, for North-Eastern States & three Himalayan States, it is 90:10 and 100% Central assistance for
Union Territories without Legislature.
It was previously known as Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY).
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In 2013, the scheme was brought under the National Food Security Act, 2013 to implement the
provision of cash maternity benefit of ₹6,000 stated in the Act.
6.10 NITI Aayog launches the National Nutrition Strategy
NITI Aayog launched the National Nutrition Strategy aimed at Kuposhan Mukt Bharat.
Under the strategy, the problem of malnutrition will be eradicated in a phased manner.
The strategy intends at bringing nutrition to the center-stage of the National Development Agenda.
National Nutrition Strategy
The national nutrition strategy calls for convergence between four proximate determinants of
nutrition– uptake of health services, food, drinking water & sanitation and income & livelihoods.
It envisages Kuposhan Mukt Bharat – linked to Swachh Bharat and Swasth Bharat.
The strategy lays down a roadmap for effective action, among both implementers and practitioners, in
achieving our nutrition objectives.
It enables states to make strategic choices, through decentralized planning and local innovation, with
accountability for nutrition outcomes.
It also gives prominence to demand and community mobilisation as key determinant to address India‘s
nutritional needs to bring behavioural change efforts to generate demand for nutrition services.
Need for the strategy
In India, 20% of children under five years of age suffer from wasting due to acute under-nutrition.
It pays an income penalty of 9 to 10% due to workforce that was stunted during their childhood.
The NFHS-4 results shows decline in overall levels of under nutrition in both women and children.
Currently, there is lack of real time measurement of nutritional determinants, which reduces capacity for
targeted action among most vulnerable mothers and children.
6.11 NITI Aayog‘s SATH Program launched in Assam
National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog‘s SATH (Sustainable Action for
Transforming Human capital) Program was launched in in Guwahati, Assam.
The SATH program aims to provide structured support to Assam in identifying key health priorities and
implement the solutions towards transforming the health and improving the well-being of people of
state.
NITI Aayog selected the three states through a three stage challenge-process – expression of interest,
presentations by the states and assessment of commitment to health sector reforms.
Finally, three states: Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka were chosen based on objective assessment
criteria affecting the potential for impact and likelihood of success.
A consortium of reputed technical consultants are closely working with NITI Aayog and the states to
conceptualize the initiatives and provide support in the implementation process.
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SATH initiative
Furthering the agenda for cooperative federalism, NITI Aayog has launched SATH, a program
providing ‗Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital‘ with the State Governments.
1. The vision of the program is to initiate transformation in the education and health sectors.
2. SATH aims to identify and build three future ‗role model‘ states for health systems.
The program will be implemented by NITI Aayog along with McKinsey & Company and IPE Global
consortium, who were selected through a competitive bidding process.
Under it, NITI will work in close collaboration with state machinery to design a robust roadmap of
intervention, develop governance structure, set up monitoring and tracking mechanisms and provide
support on a range of institutional measures to achieve the end objectives.
The SATH program embodies the philosophy of co-operative federalism.
6.12 PM launches Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana ―Saubhagya‖
Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) has inked MoU
with e-commerce giant Amazon for selling tribal products.
Ministry of Power has launched a new scheme called Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana –
―Saubhagya‖ – to ensure electrification of all willing households in the country in rural as well as urban
areas.
Scheme
Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana aims to provide last mile electricity connectivity to all rural
and urban households.
Under the scheme, government will provide free electricity to all households identified under Socio-
Economic and Caste Census (SECC) data 2011.
Electricity connections will be given to APL families for Rs 500, which will be payable in 10 equal
monthly instalments. The BPL cardholders will get free electricity connections.
The total outlay of scheme is Rs. 16, 320 crore while Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) is Rs. 12,320
crore. The Central Government will provide largely funds for the Scheme to all States/UTs.
The States and Union Territories are required to complete works of household electrification by 31st of
December 2018.
The Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) will be nodal agency for operationalisation of
scheme throughout country.
Gram Panchayat/Public institutions in rural areas will be authorised to collect application forms along
with complete documentation, distribute bills and collect revenue in consultation with Panchayat Raj
Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Expected outcome of Scheme
Better health services
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Improvement education services
Increased economic activities and jobs
Improved quality of life especially for women
Enhanced connectivity through radio, television, mobiles, etc.
Environmental upgradation by substitution of Kerosene for lighting purposes
6.13 Tribes India products to be sold on Amazon
Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) has inked MoU
with e-commerce giant Amazon for selling tribal products.
The aim of initiative is to promote tribal handicrafts like handloom products, cane and bamboo
products, tribal jewellery, Dhokra craft, tribal weaves and embroidery, tribal paintings etc.
TRIFED already has tied-up with Snapdeal.
As a part of MoU, exquisite authentic tribal art and craft items crafted and sculpted by tribal artisans
from all over the country will be showcased on Amazon‘s online portal for sale.
TRIFED
Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) is an apex
organisation at National Level and functioning under the administrative control of Ministry of
Tribal Affairs.
TRIFED is serving the interests of Tribals, who are engaged in collection of NTFP and making of
Tribal Art & Handicraft Products for their livelihood so as to ensure better remunerative price for their
products as well as for the socio-economic betterment through Self Help Groups, Empanelled NGOs,
State level Tribal Development Corporations, Forest Development Corporations for undertaking
marketing development of the tribal products.
TRIFED is playing and lead role in protecting, promoting and multiplication of Honey Bees by
Scientific, Non-destructive collection practices, thereby increasing the livelihood of tribal people living in
various forest areas of the country, contributing to the growth of Honey Bees population and reducing
the mortality rate of Honey Bees drastically.
6.14 Welfare and Rehabilitation Board (WARB) Mobile App
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has launched the Welfare and Rehabilitation Board (WARB)
Mobile App for CAPF personnel.
The mobile App contains various useful features to facilitate retired CAPFs and Assam Rifles personnel
to get their genuine grievances redressed, seek skill development training through National Skill
Development Corporation under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, re-employment and other
relevant and important information.
This mobile App shall also help retired personnel to have better co-ordination with WARB and its field
formation at states/UTs and district level.
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7. ENVIRONMENT
7.1 ‗BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise- 2017‘
The First ‗BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise- 2017‘ (BIMSTEC DMEx-2017) will be conducted
in India from October 10-13, 2017.
It will be conducted by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) as the lead agency in the National
Capital Region (NCR).
Purpose of the exercise
The purpose of the exercise is to provide platform for sharing Best Practices on all aspects of Disaster
Risk Reduction (DRR), strengthening regional response and coordination for Disaster Management
among BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation)
member countries.
Delegates from all seven nations of BIMSTEC grouping, including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan,
Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand are participating in BIMSTEC DMEx-2017.
The main focus of exercise is to test region‘s preparedness and resilience towards effective activation of
inter-Governmental interaction and agreements for immediate deployment of regional resources for
disaster response.
BIMSTEC DMEx-2017 will help create synergy and synchronise efforts to institutionalise regional
cooperation among member countries.
It will help strengthen effective utilisation of Search & Rescue Teams for Disaster Relief & Emergency
Response, including Emergency Rapid Assessment Teams and Management of mass casualties,
especially in situations involving breakdown of communication and infrastructure.
The BIMSTEC is a sub-regional grouping comprising of seven countries of South Asia and South East
Asia.
It is home to around 1.5 billion people, constituting around 22% of the global population with a
combined GDP of $2.7 trillion economy.
Majority of the BIMSTEC countries are situated in South Asian Region (SAR) prone to natural disasters
such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, avalanches and drought.
7.2 ―Wood is Good‖ Campaign
The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has launched ―Wood
is Good‖ Campaign under Partnership for Land Use Science (Forest-Plus).
It was launched on sidelines of two-day conference on ―Sustainable landscapes and forest ecosystems:
Theory to Practice‖ in New Delhi.
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The purpose of campaign is to promote wood as climate-friendly resource and substitute to materials
like steel and plastic as it is carbon neutral unlike others materials which leave carbon footprint in their
production.
Forests are integral part of Indian culture and tradition. Government is committed to increase forest
cover from 24% to 33% of geographical area and creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion
tons of CO2 equivalent in forests, as reflected in Internationally Nationally Determined Contributions
(INDCs).
Forest-Plus
The Partnership for Land Use Science (Forest-Plus) is a joint programme by the United States Agency
for International Development (USAID) and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(MoEF&CC) to strengthen capacity for REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest
Degradation) implementation in India.
The programme will bring together experts from both India and the United States to develop tools,
technologies and methods of forest management in order to meet the technical challenges of managing
forests for the health of the ecosystem, carbon stocks, biodiversity and livelihood.
7.3 13th Formation Day of the National Disaster Management Authority
The 13th Formation Day of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was celebrated in New
Delhi on 28 September 2017.
The theme of this year‘s Formation Day is School Safety.
NDMA released the National Disaster Management Guidelines on School Safety Policy in February,
2016 with an aim to strengthen the risk resilience of schools across the country.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), headed by the Prime Minister of India, is
the apex body for Disaster Management in India under aegis of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Setting up of NDMA and the creation of an enabling environment for institutional mechanisms at the
State and District levels is mandated by the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
It is also apex body to lay down policies, plans and guidelines for Disaster Management to ensure timely
and effective response to disasters.
Its primary purpose is to coordinate response to natural or man-made disasters and for capacity-building
in disaster resiliency and crisis response.
Functions of NDMA
Lay down policies on disaster management;
Approve the National Plan;
Approve plans prepared by the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India in accordance
with the National Plan;
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Lay down guidelines to be followed by the State Authorities in drawing up the State Plan;
Lay down guidelines to be followed by the different Ministries or Departments of the Government of
India for the Purpose of integrating the measures for prevention of disaster or the mitigation of its
effects in their development plans and projects;
Coordinate the enforcement and implementation of the policy and plans for disaster management;
Recommend provision of funds for the purpose of mitigation;
Provide such support to other countries affected by major disasters as may be determined by the Central
Government;
Take such other measures for the prevention of disaster, or the mitigation, or preparedness and capacity
building for dealing with threatening disaster situations or disasters as it may consider necessary;
Lay down broad policies and guidelines for the functioning of the National Institute of Disaster
Management.
7.4 16 September: International Day for Preservation of Ozone Layer
The International Day for Preservation of Ozone Layer (or World Ozone Day) is observed every year
on September 16 for the preservation of the Ozone Layer.
This year, the theme for the Day is ‗Caring for all life under the sun‘.
The day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 19, 1994.
Its observance commemorates the date in 1987 on which the Montreal Protocol was signed on
substances that deplete the ozone layer.
It also is intended to spread awareness of the depletion of the Ozone Layer and search for solutions to
preserve it.
7.5 A ‗Boat Lab‘ to study Brahmaputra
The Centre plans to safeguard the fast-eroding Majuli island — Asia‘s largest riverine island — using
research carried out on floating ‗B4‘ – the ‗Brahmaputra Biodiversity and Biology Boat‘ along the
Brahmaputra river.
Work on ‗B4‘ boat labs will commence by December.
‗B4‘ will initially cover the region from Pasighat, Dibrigargh, Neemati, Tejpur and Guwahati in the state
of Assam
The Department of Biotechnology has set aside Rs. 50 crore as an initial investment on the project.
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The large barge (or boat) which will be set up on the river will be a ―well-equipped laboratory‖ with cold
storage facilities for
holding samples,
along with multiple
satellite boats or
rafts that will
venture into
shallower and
narrower parts of
the river to lift
samples.
The large boat with
the permanent lab will be spread over two floors and will go up and down the river. One floor will be
dedicated to scientists, while the other floor will be accessible to residents of the area to learn about the
eco-system.
The idea is to study the changes caused by dams, climate change, human interventions and the
eventual effects it has on the river eco-system.
The project will ―constantly monitor‖ the impact of various environmental and anthropological factors
that affect the river and conduct research to mitigate the effects.
The interdisciplinary focus, the work plan for which is developed with IIT Guwahati as the nodal
agency, will also aim at a thorough study of freshwater resources of North East India.
The integrated approach is aimed to combine data, science and judgement that can impact policy.
Note:
Majuli, the first island district of the country, was once 1200 square kilometres but due to excessive
erosion has since shrunk to under 500 square kilometres. It is also known for being the seat of Assam‘s
Vaishnava monasteries.
Despite supporting considerable biodiversity, the Brahmaputra has not been studied as extensively as the
Amazon.
7.6 A new species of non-venomous aquatic snake discovered in Western Ghats
A new species of non-venomous aquatic snake – Aquatic Rhabdops, which was misidentified since
1863, has finally been described and identified as a new species from the northern Western Ghats.
Aquatic Rhabdops
Aquatic Rhabdops snakes belong to genus Rhabdops which are endemic to India.
It is named after its aquatic nature since adults of these species are mostly associated with freshwater
forest streams and juveniles are seen in water-logged areas, mostly on rocky plateaus.
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They are three-foot-long nocturnal snake and mostly prey underwater like other water snakes.
Adult Aquatic Rhabdops have off-white bellies and black spots on their olive brown skin, juveniles are
olive green, with yellow undersides. This colour difference in life stages may be due to different local
habitats.
Aquatic Rhabdops is found only in the laterite plateaus of the northern Western Ghats in Goa, southern
Maharashtra and northern Karnataka which are mostly areas facing high human pressure.
Aquatic Rhabdops Vs. Olive Forest Snake
Earlier the new species, Rhabdops aquaticus, was considered as variant of Olive Forest Snake, first
described in 1863.
But new study has confirmed that Aquatic Rhabdops has different colours and patterns and also vary in
other features of size, shape and structure, and also genetic make-up.
The Aquatic Rhabdops snake are found in the North western ghats including Maharashtra, Goa and
nothern parts of North Karnataka while the olive forest snake is restricted to Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
7.7 All states gain if rivers linked through waterways: Expert
A lot of water has gone under the bridge since the idea of interlinking of rivers was first mooted during
the tenure of first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
The project which has undergone several transformations since then is yet to take shape on ground, with
states perennially bickering over their share of water.
Recently, few experts have come out with an alternative method of linking rivers which can be adopted
with far better results and zero disputes over the share of water.
Proposed method
The new method envisages a way in which the two rivers can be linked through a waterway built on an
even plane enabling two-way flow between the rivers. It is also known as Smart Waterways.
Benefits of this method
Linking through waterways will grant several benefits over the traditional interlinking of rivers.
It will enable the government to irrigate almost double the size of fields as compared to traditional
interlinking.
Unlike the traditional interlinking of rivers which involves pumping of water using a lot of electricity,
this technology uses only the ―excess flood water that goes to seas un-utilised‖ without any pumping.
The new and unique proposal only harnesses the excess flood water that goes to sea unutilised, that too
just 25% of flood water and 7% of water still goes to sea.
Bi-directional flow of water, zero pumping, enabling of 15,000 km of navigation, reduction of land
acquisition from eight per cent to two per cent, and 40 per cent flood control against four per cent
possible under the traditional method are a few other advantages.
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7.8 Cabinet approves survey of Un-appraised Areas of Sedimentary Basins of India
Sedimentary basin is a low area in the Earth‘s crust, of tectonic origin, in which sediments accumulate. It
can range from as small as hundreds of meters to large parts of ocean basins.
Sedimentary basin in India
India has total 26 sedimentary basins covering area of 3.14 Million Sq Km (MSK) spread over onland,
shallow water and deep water. 48% of total sedimentary basin area (about 1.502 MSK) does not have
adequate geo-scientific data.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved survey project to acquire 48,243
Line Kilometer (LKM) 2D seismic data for appraisal of Indian sedimentary basins where limited data is
available.
The project will be implemented by Oil India Limited (OIL) and Oil and Natural Gas
Corporation (ONGC).
Under it, survey work will be carried out in 24 States. OIL
will conduct survey in North-Eastern States, while ONGC
will cover remaining area.
The entire project is likely to be completed
by 2019-20.
After appraisal of these sedimentary
basins, blocks will be offered for further
exploration and production activities based
on prospectivity of area.
It will help in increasing the investments in
domestic production of oil and gas and
generate direct and indirect employment.
Significance of the move
The appraisal of all unappraised areas is
considered an important task to launch
future Exploration and Production (E&P) activities.
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Data acquisition will provide initial insight into basins and help in planning future E&P activities.
It will be useful in deciding focus areas of exploration activities in country and on basis of this primary
data, E&P companies will be able take up further exploration activities in acreages allocated to them.
7.9 CGWB enters into MoA with IIS for development of ground water flow models
The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), under the Ministry of Water Resources entered into
Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru for development
of ground water flow models and preparation of aquifer management plans in 11 parched districts in
Karnataka.
This mathematical model is being developed as part of aquifer mapping and management programme.
Significance
The model will help for better understanding of existing groundwater scenarios, predicting response of
groundwater system to various stress conditions expected to arise in future and developing effective
management plans incorporating different demand and supply side interventions.
Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)
CGWB is multidisciplinary scientific organization under Ministry of Water Resources, River
Development & Ganga Rejuvenation.
Its mandate is to develop and disseminate technologies and monitor and implement national policies for
scientific and sustainable development and management of India‘s ground water resources.
It is vested with responsibilities to carry out scientific studies, monitoring of ground water regime,
exploration aided by drilling, management and regulation of country‘s ground water resources.
It also undertakes exploration, assessment, conservation, augmentation, protection of groundwater
system from pollution.
7.10 CPCB issues guidelines to manage odour at urban solid waste landfills
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has come out with detailed guidelines for proper
monitoring and management of odour at urban municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills.
The guidelines suggest a series of preventive and remedial measures to tackle the issue.
As per official estimates, at present around 62 million tonnes of solid waste is generated every year and it
is expected to reach 165 million tonnes in 2030.
Of the 62 million, only 43 million tonnes is collected and only 12 millions tonnes is treated.
The Solid waste Management Rules 2016, identified odour as a public nuisance.
Odour and health effects
―Odour regulation‖ is still in nascent stage in India. Odorous compounds may have a direct effect on
human health. It generally leads to vomiting, headaches, nausea, stress, anxiety, frustration, restriction in
outdoor activities, children unable to sleep, and discomfort for elderly people and others.
Guidelines
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CPCB suggested a green belt around landfill sites and advocated for selection of ―appropriate plant
species for vegetation cover‖ to assist in reducing odours.
MSW Landfill system be designed for tapping LFG (landfill gases) efficiently to mitigate fugitive
odorous emissions
The guidelines also batted for initiating legislative norms for creating baseline data on odour
Need for gradual shift for installation of Continuous Odour Measurement Systems (sensor based) for
getting real-time data.
It also outlined challenges to odour monitoring like lack of source-based database on odour levels, low
awareness on odour (public nuisance) and lack of legislative obligations
It stated that the selection and number of landfill sites for a city should be based on factors like
requirement of land for the disposal site by considering the present population and projected growth
over the next 20 years at least.
Other factors include whether the selected site is free from the influence of other odorous sources and
the topography of the site (slope, proximity to water sources like river and natural springs).
Selection of landfill site should be integrated with the urban development planning so that even
expansions of city in next two or three decades are not encompassing the selected MSW site
Guidelines have been prepared keeping in view the various mandatory and statutory provisions and the
climatic conditions that accelerate biodegradation of organic wastes.
7.11 Environment ministry notifies new wetland rules
In a major decision, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified new
Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017 to prohibit range of activities in wetlands.
The new rules will replace earlier rules notified in 2010.
Wetlands
Wetlands can be defined as transitional land between terrestrial and aquatic eco-systems where water
table is usually at or near surface or it may be land covered by shallow water.
It supports rich biodiversity and provides wide range of ecosystem services such as water storage, water
purification, flood mitigation, erosion control, aquifer recharge etc.
Wetlands in India
There are 115 wetlands officially identified by Central Government and of those 26 are identified as
wetlands of international importance under Ramsar Convention (an international intergovernmental
treaty for conservation of wetlands to which India is party).
Threats to wetlands:
Wetlands are threatened by reclamation and degradation due to activities like drainage and landfill,
pollution, hydrological alteration, over-exploitation resulting in loss of biodiversity and disruption in
ecosystem services provided by them.
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Highlights of new rules
It stipulates setting up of SWA in each State/UTs headed by State‘s environment minister and include
range of government officials. State government will also nominate one expert each in fields of wetland
ecology, hydrology, fisheries, landscape planning and socioeconomics.
These authorities will develop comprehensive list of activities to be regulated and permitted within
notified wetlands and their zone of influence.
They will also recommend additional prohibited activities for specific wetlands, define strategies wise use
of wetlands and its conservation and undertake measures to enhance awareness within stakeholders and
local communities on values and functions of wetlands. In this case, wise use has been defined as
principle of sustainable uses that is compatible with conservation.
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The State authorities will also need to prepare a list of all wetlands of the State or union territory within
three months, a list of wetlands to be notified within six months, a comprehensive digital inventory of all
wetlands within one year which will be updated every ten years.
The rules prohibit activities like conversion of wetland for non-wetland uses including encroachment of
any kind, setting up of any industry and expansion of existing industries, manufacture or handling or
storage or disposal of hazardous substances and construction and demolition waste, solid waste
dumping, discharge of untreated wastes and effluents from industries, cities, towns, villages and other
human settlements.
What are the concerns raised by the environmental experts about the new rules?
Environmental experts, however, are not happy. They pointed out that
Provisions like ―central government may consider proposals from the state government or union
territory administration for omitting any of the (prohibited) activities on the recommendation of the
authority‖ in the new rules can be misused.
The new Wetland Rules have laudable objectives. However, it falls short in details.
Another major objection is about the process of appeal against the decisions of wetland authorities.
According to the 2010 rules, anyone aggrieved with the CWRA‘s decisions could have filed an appeal
with the National Green Tribunal, but the new 2017 rules are silent on the appeal process.
The other big gap is the subjective definition of ―wise use‖ which is to be determined by the state
wetland authority. While the subject head talks about restrictions and the activities listed are to be
prohibited, the provision gives ample space for undoing everything that ought to be prohibited.
At the outset, the identification process by the State Wetland Authority does not distinguish between
existing wetlands and especially those past wetlands which have been encroached and can be proved
through legal documents.
It also does not take into account the Jagpal Singh judgment of Justice Katju for restoration of
encroached wetlands
throughout the country.
7.12 In a first, govt to run
safety checks on 5,000
big dams
For the first time, the
Centre is planning to
conduct a ‗break
analysis‘ of 5,247 large
dams across the country,
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and put in place an emergency action plan, especially for the 196 that are over 100 years old.
Of these 196 dams, 72 are in the southern states and Maharashtra.
What is Break analysis?
Break analysis is the examination of dams to identify potential failures that may result in an uncontrolled
release of water. It involves the characterisation of threats to public safety that a dam poses.
Need of immediate repair
There are two safety issues: the risk of breach and floods, and the decreasing ability to hold as much
water as the original capacity (which means less live storage and per capita availability of water). These
concerns make maintenance more critical for dams, though not all are in a dilapidated condition or in
need of immediate repair.
In October 1987, the Centre had constituted the National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS), which
was tasked with overseeing dam safety and suggesting improvements. The committee, headed by the
Central Water Commission chairman, met 37 times and has been instrumental in the maintenance of
dams.
A project called DRIP (Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Programme) is under way. DRIP, which
was started in April 2012 and has been working with five state governments (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu,
Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha) and two agencies (Damodar Valley Corporation in Jharkhand and
Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd), was conceived with an estimated budget of Rs 2,100 crore.
The government has already drafted a ‗dam safety bill‘, currently being reworked by the NITI Aayog.
7.13 Mouse deer released in Amrabad Reserve for the first time
In a novel and unique initiative attempted anywhere in the country, the Telangana State Forest
Department has re-introduced the endangered ‗mouse deer‘ into the forests of Nallamalla in Amrabad
Tiger Reserve.
The release of these mouse deer into the protected enclosure of 2.4 hectares is aimed at improving the
biodiversity.
The Amrabad Tiger Reserve was chosen because these animals were earlier wandering in this area.
The deer will gradually be weaned-off externally supplied food. Afterwards if they get a clearing by the
field biologists, they will be released from their enclosure into the wild.
Since 2010, Nehru Zoological Park in collaboration with Laboratory for Conservation of Endangered
Species (LaCONES) of Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), and Central Zoo Authority,
Delhi were carrying out a breeding programme for conservation of mouse-deer.
They have successfully raised total population of mouse deer to 172, which includes 76 females
Mouse deer
Mouse deer (also known as Spotted Chevrotain) is one of the endangered species. It looks like weird
mash-up of a deer, mouse and pig.
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It is not considered true deer, but shares suborder with deer (Ruminantia).
It has its own family called Tragulidae. It is because of their small size they are smallest ungulates (large
mammals) in the world.
It is found in deciduous and evergreen forests throughout India.
Also called ―Jarini Pandi‖ in Telugu, their number has been decreasing at an alarming rate in recent years
because of destruction of habitat and poaching.
7.14 New species of edible fish found in Pampa river
A group of researchers discovered a new species of edible freshwater fish, named as Labeo
filiferus while exploring the waters of the Pampa River in Pathanamthitta in Kerala.
As per the researchers, the newly found fish could possibly be farmed on a commercial scale.
The new species belongs to the Labeo genus.
The name filiferus was taken from Latin and refers to the very long dorsal fin of the species.
Labeo filiferus had been registered by the International Commission of Zoological
Nomenclatureand the holotype deposited at the museum of the Zoological Survey of India at Shillong.
The fishes in the Labeo genus are widely distributed in the inland waterbodies of India, Pakistan,
Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Burma, Malaysia, tropical Africa and Syria.
As many as 31 species of Labeo are reported to be present in India, with L.rohita, commonly known
as Rohu, extensively used in aquaculture.
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The only other Labeo species reported from Kerala is L.dussumieri.
Pampa river
The Pamba River (also called Pampa river) is the third longest river in the South Indian state of
Kerala after Periyar and Bharathappuzha.
It is the longest river in the erstwhile princely state of Travancore.
Sabarimala temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is located on the banks of the river Pamba.
The river is also known as ‗Dakshina Bhageerathi‘ and ‗River Baris‘.
The river originates at Pulachimalai hill in the Peerumedu plateau in the Western
Ghats and meets into the Vembanad Lake before finally joins the Arabian Sea.
A noted Anjana temple is situated near this bank.
Kuttanad, an important rice cultivating area in Kerala receives its irrigation water from the Pamba river.
The Pamba basin is bounded on the east by the Western Ghats.
The river shares its northern boundary with the Manimala River basin, while it shares the southern
boundary with the Achankovil River basin.
Concerns
Due to drought and a lack of conservation and protection by the government, the Pampa River has
shrunk to a stream and is totally dry in many places.
Nearby wells have also dried up. Water for farming, such as paddy fields, is scarce.
Steps taken
The Kerala High Court has initiated steps to control the pollution of the river from the practice of some
visitors to Sabarimala who throw their clothes into it.
As part of the Punyam Poonkavanam project, pilgrims have been exhorted to avoid the usage of soap
and oil while bathing in River Pamba.
7.15 NGT paves way for Chardham highway project
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has paved the way for the NH-34 stretch of the PMO‘s ambitious
Chardham highway widening project, also known as Chardham Mahamarg Vikas Pariyojna.
NGT disposed of a plea that alleged that the project was violating provisions of Bhagirathi eco-sensitive
zone.
In an undertaking, the Uttarakhand state government and the Border Roads Organisation assured the
green court that the project would be carried out with due compliance of laws in force.
Issue
A plea was filed before the NGT. It had raised an alarm about mountain blasting and felling of
thousands of trees in the Bhagirathi river valley for widening of National Highway-34.
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One of the related petitions in the matter also pertained specifically to a nine-km stretch in Bhairon
Ghati on the Uttarkashi to Gangotri route. It had said that debris were being dumped into the river
valley during the road widening.
In fact, during a hearing on May 4, the state government had admitted that BRO dumped muck on the
fragile hill slopes.
Chardham Mahamarg Vikas Pariyojna
In December 2016, PM Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone for the Chardham highway
development project in Uttarakhand‘s Dehradun.
The project is an ambitious initiative to improve connectivity to the four main Himalayan pilgrimage
centres in Uttarakhand, called Char Dham.
The project‘s main objective is to develop around 900 km of national highways.
These highways will be built in Uttarakhand at an approximate cost of Rs 12,000 crore.
The project will make travel to the Char Dham (Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath) safer
and more convenient.
The project involves widening the existing, geometrically deficient highway that connects the four
abodes.
Apart from widening, the road transport and highways ministry plans to improve the stretches to two-
lane carriageway with paved shoulders, protect landslide hazard zones, construct bypasses, long bridges,
tunnels and elevated corridors to ensure safety for the users.
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It will have proper slope stabilisation to ensure protection against landslides.
The project is expected to be completed by 2018.
Significance of the project
The project will benefit people visiting holy shrines in Uttarakhand.
It will generate additional employment for the local population and will change the economy of the State
as it will give strong boost to connectivity and tourism.
The roads leading to Gangotri and Badrinath are also equally important from a strategic point of view as
these roads are used for supply and deployment to the defence establishments along the Indo-China
border areas in Uttarakhand.
7.16 Prakriti Khoj
On the occasion of Teachers‘ Day (5th September), the Union Environment Ministry launched an
environment awareness initiative.
Under the initiative, an online environmental quiz competition named Prakriti Khoj will be conducted at
the national level.
The Prakriti Khoj will be an ideal medium to reach out to young minds through a fun-filled interactive
learning mode to trigger their sensitivity towards environment protection and conservation.
This quiz will provide a unique platform for students to measure their awareness level regarding
environmental issues.
As per the ministry, the objective of the quiz is to generate interest among school children about the
science related to environment.
7.17 Snow leopards no longer endangered for first time in 45 years
The conservation status of snow leopard has been improved from ―endangered‖ to ―vulnerable‖.
The decision was announced by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – the
global standard for assessing extinction risk.
The status change followed a three-year assessment process by five international experts.
Concerns
However, experts have warned that the new classification did not mean the elusive creatures were safe.
The animals still face serious challenges, including poaching and loss of prey in their high Himalayan
habitat.
Difference between Endangered and Vulnerable
To be considered ‗endangered,‘ there must be fewer than 2,500 mature snow leopards and they must be
experiencing a high rate of decline.
Being classed as ―vulnerable‖ means a species has under 10,000 breeding animals left, with a population
decline of at least 10% over three generations.
Snow leopards
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Snow leopards live in the mountainous regions of central and southern Asia.
In India, their geographical range encompasses a large part of the western Himalayas including the states
of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the
eastern Himalayas.
Snow leopards inhabit alpine and subalpine zones at elevations from 3,000 to 4,500 m or higher in the
Himalayas.
Snow leopards prefer steep, rugged terrains with rocky outcrops and ravines. This type of habitat
provides good cover and clear view to help them sneak up on their prey.
Their spotted coats change with the seasons – from a thick, white fur to keep them warm and
camouflaged in winter, to a fine yellow-grey coat in summer.
Previously, the snow leopard is listed as Endangered on the IUCN-World Conservation Union‘s Red
List of the Threatened Species. Now, it is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species. It was first placed on
the endangered list in 1972.
In addition, the snow leopard, like
all big cats, is listed on Appendix
I of the Convention on
International Trade of
Endangered Species (CITES), which makes trading of animal body parts (i.e., fur, bones and meat)
illegal in signatory countries.
The snow leopard is the National Heritage Animal of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
7.18 Social media campaign to promote Geographical Indications
The Cell for IPR Promotions & Management (CIPAM) under Department of Industrial Policy and
Promotion (DIPP) has launched social media campaign to promote Indian Geographical Indications
(GIs).
It has been launched under CIPAM‘s ongoing campaign #LetsTalkIP to make more people aware
about importance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs).
The promotion of GIs is in line with Government‘s ambitious ‗Make in India‘ campaign.
Geographical Indication
Geographical Indication (GI) is sign or insignia used on products that have specific geographical origin
and possess qualities or reputation that are due to that origin.
Such name, sign or insignia conveys assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially
attributable to its origin in that defined geographical locality.
The status to products marks its authenticity and ensures that only registered authorised users are
allowed to use popular product name.
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Darjeeling Tea, Blue Pottery of Jaipur, Mahabaleshwar Strawberry, Banarasi Sarees and Tirupati Laddus
are some of examples for products having GIs.
Significance of GIs to India
GIs products are of utmost importance as they are integral part of India‘s rich culture and collective
intellectual heritage.
GI tag has accorded protection to number of hand-made and manufactured products, especially in
informal sector.
Certain GI products benefits rural economy in remote areas, by supplementing incomes of artisans,
farmers, weavers and craftsmens who possess unique skills and knowledge of traditional practices and
methods, passed down from generation to generation, which need to be protected and promoted.
CIPAM
Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) has been created as a professional body under the
aegis of DIPP to take forward the implementation of the National IPR Policy that was approved by the
Government in May 2016, with the slogan – ―Creative India; Innovative India‖.
CIPAM is working towards creating public awareness about IPRs in the country, promoting the filing of
IPRs through facilitation, providing inventors with a platform to commercialize their IP assets and
coordinating the implementation of the National IPR Policy in collaboration with Government
Ministries/Departments and other stakeholders.
7.19 ZSI produces first compendium of animal diversity in the Sundarban islands
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) published a first ever exhaustive compendium of animal species in the
Indian Sundarban and the threats it faces.
The compendium is titled Fauna of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve.
The compendium is the first consolidated and updated information of the faunal diversity of the
Sundarbans.
Sundarbans in India
Indian segment of Sundarbans is part of UNESCO World Heritage site.
It forms part of Ganga-Brahmaputra delta across 9,630 sq. km, distributed among 104 islands.
It has largest tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world.
Highlights of the compendium
The compendium catalogues entire faunal diversity of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve covering 9,630 sq.
km spread over 19 blocks in North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal.
According to it, fragile Sundarbans ecosystem region hosts 2,626 animal species that come under
zoological kingdom of Animalia, and 140 under more primitive Protista. It also includes diverse 25
phyla.
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Famous Bengal tigers adapted to aquatic conditions have been documented. 50 mammalian species are
also documented including the Asian small-clawed Otter, Gangetic Dolphin, Grey and Marsh
Mongoose. Wild Rhesus Monkey, only primate found in Sunderbans is also documented.
The mammal numbers are declining in Sunderbans due to pressure on habitat from people and natural
threats that have shrunk mangrove swamp habitat.
Two Rhinos, Swamp deer, Barking deer and Hog deer and Asiatic Wild Water Buffalo no more are not
found in Sundarbans.
There are 356 species of birds, including raptors (birds of prey).
Other birds found here are Osprey, Brahminy Kite, White-Bellied Sea Eagle, Rose-ringed parakeets,
flycatchers and warblers. Kingfishers are found abound and Sundarbans has nine of them.
The mangrove ecosystem covers about 350 species of fish. Cartilaginous fish make up 10.3%. The
IUCN conservation status shows 6.3% fish are near-threatened and 4.85% are threatened.
Also, there are 173 molluscs. Moreover, Crustaceans — crabs, shrimp and prawns — constitute 334
species. Besides, ten species of frogs and toads are found.
There are 11 turtles, including the famous Olive Ridley, Hawskbill sea turtles and most threatened
freshwater River Terrapin.
The region has 753 insect species. Of these, 210 are butterflies and moths. Crocodile, 13 lizards
including three species of Monitor Lizards and five Geckos are also found.
The rivers, creeks channels and islands together harbour about 30 snake species including monocled
cobra, Russell‘s viper, common and banded kraits.
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
Established on 1 July 1916, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) is
a premier Indian organisation in zoological research and studies.
The activities of the ZSI are coordinated by the Conservation and
Survey Division under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change.
It promotes the survey, exploration, research and documentation
leading to the advancement in our knowledge on various aspects of
animal taxonomy of the Indian subcontinent.
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Of the nearly 100, 000 species of animals known to occur in India, it is the ZSI that brought the
knowledge to the scientific community about many of them as the new and endemic species of animals
found in this country.
ZSI has been declared as the designated repository for the National Zoological Collection as per Section
39 of the National Biodiversity Act, 2002.
Similar to Red Data Book published by International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources (IUCN), ZSI also publishes Red Data Book on Indian Animals. It was first published in 1983.
To meet the challenges of biodiversity conservation, sustainable utilization and dissemination of
knowledge on faunal diversity to all stakeholders, the Survey is equipped with modern tools and
techniques such as scanning electron microscopes, digital stereo zoom microscopes, GIS tools, data
basing tools and the DNA bar coding technology.
7.20 Swachhta Hi Seva campaign
The Union Government has launched Swachhta Hi Seva‘ (cleanliness is service), a nation-wide
fortnight-long sanitation campaign to highlight the government‘s flagship cleanliness initiative Swachh
Bharat Mission.
It was launched by President Ram Nath Kovind from Ishworiganj village in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
It will run from September 15 to October 2, 2017.
Swachhta Hi Seva campaign
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The campaign is being coordinated by Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, convening
Ministry for the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Its objective is to mobilise people and reinforce jan aandolan (mass movement) for sanitation to
contribute to Mahatma Gandhi‘s dream of a Clean India.
It will see large scale mobilisation of people from all walks of life to undertake shramdaan (voluntary
work) for cleanliness and construction of toilets and to make their environments open defecation free.
There will be targeted cleaning of public and tourist places.
The Ministry has made elaborate plans along with State Governments to involve people from various
walks of life and make this an unprecedented people‘s campaign.
The main agenda of the campaign will be to reach out to the poor and marginalised and provide them
with sustainable sanitation services.
Sanitation
Sanitation is linked to various sectors. From health to giving security and dignity to women, sanitation
also affects a country economically.
According to UNICEF (United Nations Children‘s Fund) good sanitation can save Rs50,000 per year
per family.
7.21 Tigers to make a comeback in Buxa reserve
Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal has been identified for the tiger augmentation programme by the
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Tiger augmentation programme
As part of a plan for augmentation of tiger population in the reserve, tigers would be relocated to Buxa
Tiger Reserve (BTR) in north Bengal from neighbouring Assam.
The reserve is located very close to Assam‘s Manas Tiger Reserve, and some experts believe that animals
from Manas often come to Buxa using Bhutan as a corridor.
The forest department had taken up tiger augmentation plan in Buxa-Jaldapara for which detailed
project report was prepared in consultation with Wildlife Institute of India and Global Tiger Forum.
Challenges
Human habitation
The initial plan is to introduce six tigers at Buxa, but this poses a challenge to forest officials as there is
human habitation in the area.
The tiger reserve has an area of about 757.9 sq km, of which 390 sq km lies in the core area and 367 sq
km in the buffer zone. There are about 38 villages in Buxa and 49 villages in the fringe area.
Tea gardens
A number of tea gardens are located on the periphery of the reserve. The people residing in the villages
mainly work at the tea plantations.
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In an attempt to mitigate the human versus animal conflict, the Forest Department has started
awareness programmes in the villages before introducing the tigers.
Presence of broad gauge rail
Besides the population pressure, another major challenge at Buxa is the broad gauge rail line passing
through the reserve, connecting Siliguri and Alipurduar. Over the past few years, a number of elephants
and other animals have died, having been run over by trains.
Buxa Tiger Reserve
The Buxa Tiger Reserve is a 760-square-kilometre tiger reserve located inside the Buxa National
Park in West Bengal.
The Buxa Tiger Reserve is situated in the Buxa Hills of the southern hilly area of Bhutan.
Northern boundary of Buxa Tiger Reserve runs along the international border with Bhutan.
The Sinchula hill range lies all along the northern side of BTR and the eastern boundary touches that
of the Assam state.
It is the eastern most extension of extreme bio-diverse
North-East India and represents highly endemic Indo-
Malayan region.
The fragile ―Terai Eco-System‖ constitutes a part of this
reserve.
The Phipsu Wildlife Sanctuary of Bhutan is contiguous to
the north of BTR.
Manas National Park lies on east of BTR. BTR, thus,
serves as international corridor for Asian elephant migration
between India and Bhutan.
7.22 Uttarakhand ropes in HNB Garhwal University students to clean Ganga
Uttarakhand-based Hemawati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University has signed a MoU with Namami
Gange Project for Ganga Conservation.
Under Namami Gange project, the University will initiate activities like holding events, seminars and
conferences to make strong pitch for public outreach and community participation.
Namami Gange Programme
‗Namami Gange‘ Programme, is a flagship programme of Government of India with a renewed impetus
to decrease river pollution and conserve the revered river ‗Ganga‘.
The Union government approved ―Namami Gange‖ Program in May 2015.
In this connection, the Indian Government solicited support from various countries to rejuvenate the
Ganga.
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The program would be implemented by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), and its state
counterpart organizations i.e., State Program Management Groups (SPMGs).
According to the program, rejuvenation implies restoring the ―wholesomeness‖ of the river and that
includes three things: Aviral dhara (continuous flow), nirmal dhara (unpolluted flow) and ecological and
geological integrity.
Among other things, the programme will focus on pollution abatement interventions namely
Interception, diversion & treatment of wastewater flowing through the open drains through bio-
remediation / appropriate in-situ treatment / use of innovative technologies.
Under this programme, the focus of the Government is to involve people living on the banks of the
river to attain sustainable results.
The programme also focuses on involving the States and grassroots level institutions such as Urban
Local Bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions in implementation.
7.23 VNL, BSNL launch disaster management service in India
Domestic telecom equipment provider Vihaan Networks Limited (VNL) signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to launch ―Relief 123‖ service to
provide disaster management in India.
The model can also be scaled for SAARC countries, wherein BSNL would have roaming agreements
with local mobile service operators.
―Relief 123‖ service
The ―Relief 123‖ service is an integrated disaster response solution for first responders and public safety
agencies.
The solution is designed and manufactured by VNL and the backhaul connectivity will be provided by
BSNL.
The ―Relief 123‖ is based on ―ResQMobil‖, an integrated portable communication solution which packs
in the required hardware into a portable transportable trailer-on-wheels.
Significance
Given that our country is prone to natural disasters, the availability and quick deployment of
comprehensive communications solutions will help disaster management agencies mount faster and
more reliable search and rescue operations.
The comprehensive communication solution will bring BSNL and disaster management agencies —
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) on one
platform for better coordination.
The service will restore connectivity at disaster sites, help locate the affected people and integrate
information across platforms for quick relief.
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Both companies have partnered in the past for the roll out of voice and data connectivity in the worst Left-
wing extremism-affected areas of the country.
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8. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
8.1 4th gravitational wave detected by LIGO, Virgo observatory
A 4th gravitational wave has been detected — this time with help from Italy-based equipment — after
two black holes collided, sending ripples through the fabric of space and time.
It was for first time, these waves were simultaneously detected by US-based Laser Interferometer
Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) and Italy-based Virgo detectors.
The first two detection were made in September and December 2015 in quick succession and for third
time it was detected in January 2017.
Gravitational Waves
Gravitational waves are ‗ripples‘ or disturbances in the fabric of space-time.
They are produced when whole black holes collide and stars explode. These waves are sound track of
cosmos.
They transport energy as gravitational radiation and pass through matter without interacting with it.
Gravitational waves were first predicted in 1916 by Albert Einstein on the basis of his Theory of
General Relativity which are now confirmed and detected by the Laser Interferometer
Gravitational Observatory (LIGO) — specialised laboratories in Louisiana and Washington in the
US.
Discovery of gravitational waves would represent a scientific landmark, opening the door to an entirely
new way to observe the cosmos and unlock secrets about the early universe and mysterious objects like
black holes and neutron stars.
Gravitational waves could also help physicists understand the fundamental laws of the universe.
Gravitational waves are important in telling about the early universe.
Virgo detector
VIRGO is a 3-km long interferometer built in the framework of a French-Italian collaboration.
Today, this collaboration involves 19 laboratories with more than 250 scientists in France, Italy and also
in the Netherlands, Poland and Hungary as well.
The Virgo detector — an underground L-shaped instrument that tracks gravitational waves using the
physics of laser light and space — recently underwent an upgrade, and while still less sensitive than its
U.S. counterparts, it was able to confirm the same signal.
Known as interferometers, these high-tech underground stations do not rely on light in the sky like a
telescope does, but instead sense vibrations in space and can pick up the ―chirp‖ created by a
gravitational wave.
Other interferometers similar to Virgo have the same goal of detecting gravitational waves, including the
two LIGO interferometers in the United States (at the Hanford Site and in Livingston, Louisiana).
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Since 2007, Virgo and LIGO have agreed to share and jointly analyze the data recorded by their detectors and to jointly publish their results. 8.2 Andhra Pradesh to get India‘s first Hyperloop
The Andhra Pradesh Government on 6 September 2017 joined hands with a US-based company to
introduce the futuristic Hyperloop transportation system in the state capital region, Amravati.
The Hyperloop is expected to give rise to development of various state-of-the-art technology parks and
software clusters in Amaravati, helping to fortify the city‘s image as a world class leader in science and
technology.
The project will be taken up in the public-private-partnership mode with the funding coming primarily
from private investors.
Hyperloop is proposed to be introduced between the city centres of Vijayawada and Amaravati. It will
supposedly cover the distance of over 35km only in five minutes.
Amaravati is a state-of-the-art city being developed in Andhra Pradesh as its de facto capital. In order to
boost its image and emerge as the frontier city in future technology, Amaravati is looking forward to
collaborating with Hyperloop Transportation Technologies. Hyperloop is a cutting-edge technological
disruption in the transportation industry.
Hyperloop transportation system
It is a transportation system where a pod-like vehicle is propelled through a near-vacuum tube
connecting cities at speeds matching that of an aircraft.
The hyperloop system is being designed to transport passengers and freight.
The Hyperloop is a concept proposed by billionaire inventor Elon Musk, CEO the aerospace firm
SpaceX.
US-based Hyperloop Transport Technology (HTT) claimed it costs $40 million per kilometre to build a
hyperloop system while building a high-speed train line would cost almost twice.
How it operates?
In hyperloop transportation, custom-designed capsules or pods are expected to zip smoothly through
continuous steel tubes which are held at partial vacuum.
The pod which sandwiches the passenger compartment between an air compressor upfront and a
battery compartment in the rear is supported by air caster skis at the bottom.
The skis float on a thin layer of air provided under high pressure, eliminating rolling resistance and
allowing for movement of the pods at high speeds. These capsules are expected to be driverless with
estimated speeds of 1,000 km/h.
Linear induction motors that are placed along the tube control the speed of the pod. Electronically-
assisted acceleration and braking determines the speed of the capsule.
Why is it important?
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Developments in traditional high speed railway technology have not made much progress in recent
years.
From steam to diesel to electric, locomotives have come up against the physical constraints of weight
and drag.
Frictional losses too come into play when a vehicle relies on wheels. As speeds accelerate, mechanical
wear and tear leads to high maintenance costs.
Maglev (magnetic levitation), which was expected to provide a solution has not gained traction. High-
power consumption, accidents and technical challenges have hampered its progress.
In Hyperloop, during the pod‘s journey, an inlet fan and compressor push high pressure air from the
nose to tail. This action and the partial vacuum which eliminates most of the drag, boosts the speed.
Low power consumption and reliance on existing infrastructure after re-engineering, are big positives.
Challenges
It requires heavy investments and therefore effective public and private sector coordination is
prerequisite for implementing it.
It consumes high-power compared to railways.
Technical challenges and accidents may hamper its progress.
8.3 Breakthrough Listen detects 15 radio bursts from a distant galaxy
Breakthrough Listen project has detected 15 fast radio bursts (FRBs) coming from a dwarf galaxy about
3 million light years away from earth.
The new detection was made with help of Green Bank Telescope (GBT) in West Virginia.
It was emitted from FRB 121102, a mysterious source associated with galaxy in the distant universe.
This detection brings the total of known FRBs from this strange object to more than 150.
The first known radio burst from FRB 121102 was detected on November 2, 2012 (hence the object‘s
name). Two more bursts were detected in May 2015 and eight more in June 2015.
It is being speculated, among other things, that this detected FRB is an energy source used by extra-
terrestrial (ET) civilisations to power spacecraft.
Fast radio bursts (FRB)
FRB is brief, bright pulse of radio emission from distant galaxies.
It was first detected in 2007 with help of Parkes Telescope in Australia.
It is a high-energy astrophysical phenomenon of unknown origin manifested as transient radio pulse
lasting only a few milliseconds.
Breakthrough Listen Project (BLP)
BLP is US$100-million global astronomical initiative launched in 2015 by Internet investor Yuri Milner
and cosmologist Stephen Hawking.
It has teams from around the world to find signs of intelligent life in universe.
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The 10-year programme aims to survey 1,000,000 closest stars to Earth by scanning entire galactic plane
of Milky Way.
It will listen for messages from the 100 closest galaxies at 10 billion different frequencies originated
beyond our galaxy.
8.4 C N R Rao chosen for 2017 Von Hippel Award
Eminent scientist and Bharat Ratna Professor C.N.R Rao, has become the first Asian to be chosen for
the prestigious Von Hippel Award for his immense contribution in materials research.
Rao is chosen for the prestigious award for his immense contribution in materials research.
The award citation noted Rao‘s immense work on novel functional materials, including nanomaterials
(having particles of nanoscale dimensions), graphene (the strongest and thinnest material) and 2D
materials, superconductivity, and colossal magnetoresistance (change in electrical resistance of a material
in a magnetic field).
The award is the US-based Materials Research Society‘s (MRS) highest honour.
8.5 Asteroid-bound NASA spacecraft Osiris-Rex swings by Earth
NASA‘s asteroid-chasing spacecraft Osiris-Rex swung by Earth on its way to a space rock.
Launched a year ago, Osiris-Rex passed within 17,237 kilometres of the home planet above Antarctica.
It used Earth‘s gravity as a slingshot to put it on a path toward the asteroid Bennu.
OSIRIS-REx Mission
The Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS REx)
is a planned NASA asteroid study and sample return mission.
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Aim of the mission
The mission is to study asteroid 101955 Bennu, a carbonaceous asteroid (formerly designated 1999
RQ36) and in 2023 to return to Earth a sample for detailed analysis.
Significance of the mission
Material returned is expected to enable scientists to learn more about the time before the formation and
evolution of the Solar System, initial stages of planet formation, and the source of organic compounds
which led to the formation of life.
8.6 CARB-X (Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator)
Bugworks Research, a Bengaluru firm has become India‘s first to receive the international
CARB-X grant to develop antibiotics to treat hospital-acquired infections.
CARB-X is a public-private international partnership set up in 2016 to focus on innovations to improve
diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant infections.
It had grown out of US President Barack Obama‘s 2015 Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
(CARB) initiative.
It is funded by London-based biomedical research charity Wellcome Trust and US Health Department‘s
Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).
The purpose of CARB X is to provide a new, collaborative approach to speed R&D and delivery of new
antibiotics, vaccines, diagnostics, and other innovative products to address urgent global problem of
drug-resistant bacterial infections.
It will provide grants up to $455 million over a five-year period to firms across globe for antibiotics
R&D.
All of its funding so far is focused on projects to address most resistant ―Gram-negative‖ bacteria.
What are Gram-negative bacteria?
Bacteria are classified as Gram-positive and Gram-negative, based on a structural difference in their cell
walls.
Gram-negative bacteria are responsible for 20-25% of bacterial infections and are multi drug resistant i.e.
have ability to defend themselves against drugs that try to kill them.
Antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic resistance has become global crisis that threatens management of infections, both in
community and in hospital practice.
The major reasons are indiscriminate use of antibiotics, including against viral infections, prolonged use
in patients admitted to hospitals and their abuse in animal husbandry as growth promoters.
In hospital critical care units, more than 50% organisms are now resistant even to these drugs.
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8.7 CERT-In issues alert on ‗Locky Ransomware‘
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued an alert about spread of a new
malicious software ‗Locky‘ that can lock computers and demand ransom for unlocking them.
The CERT-In advised the users to exercise caution while opening emails.
The CERT-In also advised the organizations to deploy anti spam solutions and update spam block lists.
Locky Ransomware
First surfaced in 2016, Locky ransomware is being circulated through massive spam campaign in which
spam emails with common subject lines target computers by locking them and demanding ransom for
restoring access to users.
It encrypts files on victims‘ PCs and adds a locky file extension. The attackers then demand ransom in
Bitcoin payment to unlock the files. It is demanding ransom of half bitcoin, which at present rate is
equivalent to over Rs 1.5 lakh.
So far, it has extorted more than $7.8 million in payments, according to a recent study. However, its
impact on Indian systems is not clear so far.
What are the concerns?
While the impact of this ransomware on Indian systems is not clear so far, this could be the third major
ransomware attack this year after Wannacry and Petya that crippled thousands of computers, including
those of multinational corporations.
In fact, according to an Assocham PWC study, India was the third worst affected country in a list of
over 100 countries hit by Wannacry in May.
CERT-In
CERT-In is nodal government agency that deals with cyber security threats like hacking and phishing in
India.
It is nodal department under the aegis of Union Ministry of Communications and
Information Technology.
According to the provisions of the Information Technology Amendment Act 2008, CERT-In is
responsible for overseeing administration of the Act.
Objectives of the CERT-In
Its objectives are to:
Protect Indian cyberspace and software infrastructure against destructive and hacking activities.
Strengthen security-related defence of the Indian Internet domain. Issue guidelines, vulnerability notes,
advisories, and whitepapers regarding to information security practices, prevention, procedures,
response and reporting of cyber security incidents.
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8.8 Considering to extend FAME-India scheme
The Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises is considering the extension of FAME- India
scheme to promote electric and hybrid vehicles by another six months.
The scheme‘s phase-I was introduced from April 1, 2015, to March 31, 2017. The phase was
subsequently extended by six months till September end. Now it has been extended by another six
months up to March 31, 2018.
FAME India scheme
With an aim to promote eco-friendly vehicles, the government had launched the FAME India scheme in
2015 offering incentives on electric and hybrid vehicles of up to Rs 29,000 for bikes and Rs 1.38 lakh for
cars.
FAME India – Faster Adoption and
Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric
vehicles in India – is a part of the
National Electric Mobility Mission
Plan.
The scheme envisages Rs 795 crore
support in the first two fiscals starting
with the current year.
It is being administered by the Heavy
Industries Ministry.
National Electric Mobility Mission
Plan (NEMMP) 2020
NEMMP aims to achieve national fuel
security by promoting hybrid and electric vehicles in country.
It has set ambitious target of 6-7 million sales of hybrid and electric vehicles year on year from 2020
onwards.
8.9 CSIR‘s artificial leaf creates fuel from sunlight, water
Scientists from Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-National Chemical Laboratory have
developed an artificial leaf that absorbs sunlight to generate hydrogen fuel from water.
The ultra-thin wireless device mimics plant leaves to produce energy using water and sunlight.
Device
The device consists of semiconductors stacked in a manner to simulate the natural leaf system.
To improve the light-absorbing efficiency of the artificial leaf, researchers used gold nanoparticles,
titanium dioxide and quantum dots.
The device of an area of 23 square centimetres could produce 6 litres of hydrogen fuel per hour.
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When exposed to sunlight for 25 hours, the device retained its efficiency.
The cell does not need any external voltage and performs better than existing solar cells.
How this artificial leaf works?
When visible light strikes the semiconductors, electrons move in one direction, producing electric
current.
The current almost instantaneously splits water into hydrogen – which researchers believe is one of the
cleanest forms of fuel as its main byproduct is water.
Significance of this discovery
The artificial leaf may provide clean energy for powering eco-friendly cars in the future.
At present, hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels by steam reforming and in this process emits a large
amount of carbon di-oxide (CO2) – a green house gas that promotes global warming. In view of
pressing energy and environmental issues, it was important to produce hydrogen from natural resources
such as sunlight and water.
The preparation method reported is simple and practicable and hence there is a very good possibility of
scaling it up.
Note
Hydrogen generation from renewable resources will be the ultimate solution to our energy and
environment problems.
Hydrogen burning gives energy and water as a side product, underscoring its importance and relevance
to the present day world.
Though India basked in sunlight, not enough had been done to translate it into energy. This line of
research is very relevant to our country. India is blessed with plenty of sunlight through the year that is
not exploited significantly to produce energy or hydrogen.
8.10 DRDO successfully test fires ‗Fire and Forget‘ Nag missile
In a boost to Indian Armed Forces, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
recently successfully tested Nag, the 3rd generation Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM).
Significance
With these two successful trials and earlier test conducted in June 2017, complete functionality of Nag
ATGM along with launcher system NAMICA has been established. It marks successful completion of
development trials of Nag Missile.
Nag
Nag is a third-generation, fire-and-forget, anti-tank guided missile.
It is developed by India‘s state-owned Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to
support both mechanised infantry and airborne forces of the Indian Army.
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The missile incorporates an advanced passive homing guidance system and possesses high single-shot
kill probability.
It is designed to destroy modern main battle tanks and other heavily armoured targets.
Nag can be launched from land and air-based platforms.
The land version is currently available for integration on the Nag missile carrier (NAMICA), which is
derived from a BMP-2 tracked infantry combat vehicle.
The Nag missile was indigenously developed under the Indian Ministry of Defence‘s integrated guided
missile development programme (IGMDP), which also involved the development of four other missiles
that are Agni, Akash, Trishul and Prithvi.
8.11 Google Tez
Google launched its mobile payment service, called Tez, in India.
The payment service allows users to transfer money via their bank accounts as well as Unified Payments
Interface (UPI) ID, QR code and phone number.
The new Google Tez app can be used to pay for movie tickets, utility bills, and make other transactions
online.
It supports several local languages including Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Tamil and
Telugu and will work with 55 banks.
8.12 India gets first state-of-the-art homoeopathy research lab
Union Ministry of AYUSH inaugurated India‘s first State of art virology laboratory at Dr. Anjali
Chatterjee Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy in Kolkata, West Bengal.
The laboratory has been established to develop new drugs and technologies in homoeopathy to combat
emerging challenges of viral diseases.
The laboratory is the only one in India for conducting basic and fundamental research in Homoeopathy
for viral diseases like influenza, Japanese encephalitis, dengue, chikungunya and swine flu.
New drugs and technologies would be developed at the laboratory to combat emerging challenges of
viral diseases.
8.13 India joins quantum computing race
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is planning to fund project to develop quantum
computers in order to tap into the next big advance in computing technology.
In India, Physics departments at Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and Harish Chandra Research
Institute, Allahabad, so far have only forayed into theoretical aspects of quantum computing.
Experts from across country are expected to gather in Allahabad for a workshop to develop such
computer.
What is Quantum computing?
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Quantum computer is computer design which uses principles of quantum physics to increase
computational power beyond attainable limits of traditional computer.
How Quantum computer works?
It employs complex principles of quantum mechanics to store information in ‗qubits‘ (quantum bit)
instead of the typical binary ‗bits‘ of 1 and 0.
Qubit is two-state quantum-mechanical system, such as the polarization of a single photon (either
vertical polarization or horizontal polarization). Qubit allows for far greater flexibility than the binary
system.
It works faster because of way such circuits are designed and can do intensive number-crunching tasks
much more efficiently than the fastest comparable computers.
Challenges ahead
Commercial production of quantum computers that would process information faster than today‘s
supercomputers is still some time away.
According to an expert, the industry first has to solve hardware issues in quantum technology.
8.14 India‘s Mars Orbiter Mission completes 3 years in orbit
ISRO‘s globally acclaimed Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) also known as Mangalyaan completed three
years in Martian orbit.
In September 2014, India (ISRO) created space history by becoming first nation in world to
successfully launch interplanetary mission spacecraft into Mars orbit in maiden attempt.
ISRO also become first Asian and fourth space agency in world to reach Mars orbit after the
Roscosmos of Russia, NASA and European Space
Agency.
For its enormous success in Mangalyaan mission, ISRO
was conferred 2014 Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for
Peace, Disarmament and Development.
The programme team of mission was conferred with
prestigious 2015 Space Pioneer Award in Science
and Engineering category by National Space
Society (NSS).
Mars Orbiter Mission
(MOM)
Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), the maiden
interplanetary mission of ISRO, launched on
November 5, 2013 by PSLV-C25 got inserted into
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Martian orbit on September 24, 2014 in its first attempt.
MOM completes 1000 Earth days in its orbit, today (June 19, 2017) well beyond its designed mission life
of six months.
The spacecraft was indigenously designed, built and launched by ISRO in record period of less than two
years in Rs.450 crore ($73 million US) budget, making it cheapest inter-planetary mission till date to
reach Mars.
The spacecraft has five instruments mounted on it for collecting scientific data of Mar‘s morphology,
atmospheric processes, surface temperature, surface geology and atmospheric escape process.
These five instruments are Lyman-Alpha Photometer (LAP), Methane Sensor for Mars (MSM), Mars
Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyser (MENCA), Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (TIS)
and Mars Colour Camera (MCC).
8.15 Indian Nobel Laureate's theory confirmed: Regulus star spinning fast at crazy 320 kmps,
emits polarised light
Scientists for first time have observed Optical polarisation phenomenon (polarised light emitted by
rapidly rotating stars) after it was predicted by Indian astrophysicist and Nobel laureate
Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar 70 years ago.
Optical polarisation phenomenon
Optical polarisation phenomenon is a measure of the orientation of the oscillations of a light beam to its
direction of travel.
The phenomenon was observed
using High Precision Polarimetric
Instrument (HIPPI), world‘s most
sensitive astronomical polarimeter
to detect polarised light from
Regulus, one of brightest stars in
night sky about 79 light years
away.
The equipment provided
unprecedented insights into the
star, which is in the constellation
Leo, allowing the scientists to determine its rate of spinning and the orientation in space of the star‘s
spin axis.
Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar in 1946 had first predicted that some stars could be emitting polarised
light from their edges.
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In 1968, other researchers built on Chandrasekhar‘s work to predict that the distorted, or squashed,
shape of a rapidly rotating star would lead to the emission of polarised light, but its detection has eluded
astronomers until now.
8.16 Indigenous artillery gun – ‗ATAGS‘ sets new record in range
An indigenous artillery gun, Gun System (ATAGS), has set a new world record in range by hitting
targets at a distance of 48 km.
It is being jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the
private sector.
ATAGS registered the longest ever distance of 48.074 kms, surpassing the maximum ranges of 35-40
kms fired by any artillery gun system in this category.
ATAGS
Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) is fully indigenous towed artillery gun system
project.
The project was started by DRDO to replace older guns in service with a modern 155mm artillery gun.
The armament system comprises of barrel, breech mechanism, muzzle brake and recoil mechanism to
fire 155 mm calibre.
Capable of night operations in direct fire mode.
It has a longer range, accuracy and precision and provides greater fire power.
The system is configured with all electric drive to ensure maintenance free and reliable operation over a
longer period of time.
The system has a firing range of 40 km.
Has high mobility, quick deployability, auxiliary power mode, advanced communication system,
automatic command and control system.
Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, a nodal laboratory of DRDO is
behind the design & development of ATAGS, along with other DRDO laboratories.
DRDO aims to develop the artillery gun system with participation of private industry to meet the
requirement of the Indian Army. The idea is to establish indigenous critical defence manufacturing
technologies.
8.17 ISRO‘s IRNSS 1H satellite launch fails
The Indian Space Research Organisation received a setback, when the launch of the much-anticipated
IRNSS-1H failed.
Why it failed?
The mission was unsuccessful as the heat shields did not separate and therefore the satellite could not
launch.
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For the first time, the private sector has been actively involved in assembling and testing of a satellite
unlike earlier where its role was limited to supplying components.
IRNSS 1H
The IRNSS-1H was a back-up navigation satellite, being sent to space to back up and replace the
functions of India‘s first navigation satellite IRNSS-1A (launched in July 2013) as its three rubidium
atomic clocks on board had stopped functioning.
IRNSS-1H was India‘s first satellite actively built by consortium of private firms led by Bengaluru-based
Alpha Design Technologies.
The consortium had completed 25% development work of IRNSS-1H, under the guidance of ISRO
scientists.
Implications of this failure
The IRNSS-1H launch was crucial, as atomic clocks help maintain Indian Standard Time, which is set by
the National Physical Laboratory. Atomic clocks are known to have an error of one second in a million
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years. The failure of this launch suggests that the NPL will have to continue to rely on GPS for the
maintenance of its available atomic clocks.
Atomic clock
It is an extremely accurate type of clock regulated by the vibrations of an atomic or molecular system.
Its principle of operation is not based on nuclear physics, but rather on atomic physics.
It uses the microwave signal that electrons in atoms emit when they change energy levels.
The accuracy of an atomic clock depends on two factors, temperature of the sample atoms and
frequency and intrinsic width of the electronic transition (higher frequencies and narrow lines increase
the precision).
NavIC
NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), also known as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite
System (IRNSS), is similar to the GPS (Global Positioning System) of US, Glonass of Russia and Galileo
of Europe as well as China‘s Beidou.
Starting in July 2013, ISRO had launched all the seven navigation satellites of the IRNSS by April 2016.
Each satellite has a life span of 10 years.
IRNSS is said to be the ―Indian GPS‖ that will give accurate real-time positioning and timing services
over India and the region around it extending to 1,500km. Thus, NAVIC‘s reach is regional.
Applications of IRNSS include terrestrial, aerial and marine Navigation, disaster management, vehicle
tracking and fleet management, integration with mobile phones, precise timing, mapping and geodetic
data capture, terrestrial navigation aid for hikers and travellers, and visual and voice navigation for
drivers.
8.18 NASA‘s Cassini completes last flyby of Saturn‘s moon Titan
NASA‘s Cassini has completed a final, distant flyby of Saturn‘s giant moon Titan.
Cassini‘s final journey. Editable versions of this graphic are available via PA Graphics or your account
manager
This distant encounter is referred to informally as ―the goodbye kiss‖ by mission engineers, because it
provides a gravitational nudge that sends the spacecraft toward its dramatic ending in Saturn‘s upper
atmosphere.
With this, the spacecraft‘s mission is all set to when it enters the planet‘s atmosphere and disintegrates.
In its final hours, Cassini will relay as much data as it can back to Earth before it dies. NASA hopes the
data collected from the final descent will allow scientists to understand more about the planet‘s
atmosphere and interior.
Launched in 1997, the Cassini mission — a cooperation between NASA, the European Space Agency
and the Italian Space Agency — has sent back thousands of stunning images and made numerous
discoveries about the ringed planet and its moons.
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The probe has been crucial to findings that Saturn‘s moons are among the most hospitable places in the
Solar System for potentially supporting life.
Recently, Nasa also announced that Cassini had detected chemical reactions happening below the icy
surface of Enceladus, suggesting life is possible there. The mission also found that the moon Titan
contains many earth-like features such as wind, rain and seas.
Cassini Mission
Cassini–Huygens is an unmanned spacecraft sent to the planet Saturn. Cassini is the fourth space probe
to visit Saturn and the first to enter orbit.
Its design includes a Saturn orbiter and a lander for the moon Titan.
The lander, called Huygens, landed on Titan in 2005.
The spacecraft was launched on October 15, 1997.
This was the first landing ever accomplished in the outer Solar System.
Objectives of Cassini Mission
Determine the three-dimensional structure and dynamic behavior of the rings of Saturn.
Determine the composition of the satellite surfaces and the geological history of each object.
Determine the nature and origin of the dark material on Iapetus‘s leading hemisphere.
Measure the three-dimensional structure and dynamic behavior of the magnetosphere.
Study the dynamic behavior of Saturn‘s atmosphere at cloud level.
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Study the time variability of Titan‘s clouds and hazes.
Characterize Titan‘s surface on a regional scale. 8.19 Pluto mountains named after Tenzing Norgay, Edmund Hillary
Two mountain ranges on Pluto have been named after Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary
respectively by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
With this, IAU, for the first time, has officially approved the naming of 14 features on the icy dwarf
planet.
These are the first geological features on the planet to be named following the close flyby by the New
Horizons spacecraft in July 2015.
Tenzing Montes and Hillary Montes
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Tenzing Montes and Hillary Montes are mountain ranges honouring Tenzing Norgay (1914-1986) and
Sir Edmund Hillary (1919-2008), the Indian/Nepali Sherpa and New Zealand
mountaineer who were the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest and return safely.
NASA‘s New Horizons team proposed the names to the IAU following the first reconnaissance of
Pluto and its moons by the New Horizons spacecraft.
The names pay homage to the underworld mythology, pioneering space missions, historic pioneers who
crossed new horizons in exploration, and scientists and engineers associated with Pluto and the Kuiper
Belt.
This is the first set of official names of surface features on Pluto to be approved by the Working
Group for Planetary System Nomenclature of the International Astronomical Union
(IAU), the internationally recognised authority for naming celestial bodies and their
surface features.
International Astronomical Union (IAU)
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) was founded in 1919.
Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international
cooperation.
Its individual members — structured into Divisions, Commissions, and Working Groups — are
professional astronomers from all over the world, at the Ph.D. level and beyond, who are active in
professional research and education in astronomy.
The key activity of the IAU is the organization of scientific meetings. Every year the IAU sponsors nine
international IAU Symposia.
The IAU is a member of the International Council for Science (ICSU), an international
organization devoted to international cooperation in the advancement of science.
8.20 Scientists create world‘s first ‗molecular robot‘
Scientists from University of Manchester have created world‘s first ‗molecular robot‘ — millionth of a
millimetre in size.
Such molecular robots can be used for medical purposes, advanced manufacturing processes and even
building molecular factories and assembly lines.
The molecular robot is millionth of millimetre in size. It is made up of just 150 carbon, hydrogen,
oxygen and nitrogen atoms which are basic building blocks required to form molecules.
It can be programmed to move and build molecular cargo using a tiny robotic arm.
The molecular robot operates by carrying out chemical reactions in special solutions which can then be
controlled and programmed by scientists to perform the basic tasks. It responds to series of simple
commands that are programmed with chemical inputs.
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Each individual robot is capable of manipulating single molecule. In terms of size context, billion of
these molecular robots piled on top of each other will be only same size as a single grain of salt.
Significance of the molecular robot:
The molecular robot is so small, that it massively reduces demand for materials, dramatically reduce power
requirements and can accelerate and improve drug discovery and rapidly increase the miniaturisation of
other products.
8.21 Scientists make fuel from oxygen in air
Scientists have found a way to produce methanol — an important chemical often used as fuel in vehicles
— using oxygen in the air, an advance that may lead to cleaner, greener industrial processes worldwide.
The new technique uses freely available air, inexpensive chemicals and an energy efficient methanol
production process.
In the new method, Methanol was produced using nanoparticles of gold to initiate a chemical reaction
between methane, oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. It can be done in one stage and at temperatures no
higher than 50C (122F).
Significance of this discovery
It could become an alternative to petrol. It is also believed the new system of creating methanol could be
used to create chemicals and plastics.
The discovery promises to be not only cheaper, but much more environmentally friendly, as it both
reduces energy consumption and conserves dwindling stocks of natural gas.
It also opens up the prospect for the first time of easily converting natural gas into methanol at the site
where it is extracted, so that it can be piped as a liquid in normal atmospheric conditions. At the
moment methane has to be condensed into liquid natural gas and shipped in pressurised containers.
Methanol is currently produced by in expensive and energy-intensive processes known as steam
reforming and methanol syntheses.
In these processes, methanol is produced by breaking down natural gas at high temperatures into
hydrogen gas (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) before reassembling them.
8.22 Scientists map lunar water with data from Chandrayaan-1
Scientists, using data from an instrument which flew aboard India‘s Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, have
created the first map of water trapped in the uppermost layer of the moon‘s soil.
The study builds on the initial discovery in 2009 of water and a related molecule — hydroxyl, which
consists of one atom each of hydrogen and oxygen — in the lunar soil.
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Scientists used a new
calibration of data
taken from NASA‘s
Moon Mineralogy
Mapper, which flew
aboard Chandrayaan-
1 spacecraft in 2008,
to quantify how
much water is
present on a global
scale.
Highlights of the
study
The study found that:
The signature of water is present nearly everywhere on the lunar surface, not limited to the polar regions
as previously reported.
The amount of water increases toward the poles and does not show significant difference among distinct
compositional terrains.
The water concentration reaches a maximum average of around 500 to 750 parts per million in the
higher latitudes. That is less than what is found in the sands of Earth‘s driest deserts.
The way water is distributed across the moon gives clues about its source. The distribution is largely
uniform rather than splotchy, with concentrations gradually decreasing toward the equator.
That pattern is consistent with implantation via solar wind — the constant bombardment of protons
from the sun.
Although the bulk of the water mapped in this study could be attributed to solar wind, there were
exceptions. For example, the researchers found higher-than-average concentrations of water in lunar
volcanic deposits near the moon‘s equator, where background water in the soil is scarce. Rather than
coming from solar wind, the water in those localised deposits likely comes from deep within the moon‘s
mantle and erupted to the surface in lunar magma.
The concentration of water changes over the course of the lunar day at latitudes lower than 60 degrees,
going from wetter in the early morning and evening to nearly bone dry around lunar noon. The
fluctuation can be as much as 200 parts per million.
Chandrayaan-1
Chandrayaan-1, India‘s first mission to Moon, was launched successfully on October 22, 2008 from
SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota.
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The spacecraft was orbiting around the Moon at a height of 100 km from the lunar surface for chemical,
mineralogical and photo-geologic mapping of the Moon.
The Chandrayaan-1 mission performed high-resolution remote sensing of the moon in visible, near
infrared (NIR), low energy X-rays and high-energy X-ray regions.
One of the objectives was to prepare a three-dimensional atlas (with high spatial and altitude resolution)
of both near and far side of the moon.
It aimed at conducting chemical and mineralogical mapping of the entire lunar surface for distribution of
mineral and chemical elements such as Magnesium, Aluminium, Silicon, Calcium, Iron and Titanium as
well as high atomic number elements such as Radon, Uranium and Thorium with high spatial resolution.
The spacecraft carried 11 scientific instruments built in India, USA, UK, Germany, Sweden and
Bulgaria.
8.23 Successful Development Trials of Astra Missile
The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted developmental trials of indigenously
developed Astra beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) over the Bay of Bengal, off the
coast of Chandipur in Odisha.
They were final development flight trials of the missile, paving way for its early induction into IAF.
Astra Missile
Astra is air to air beyond visual range air-to-air indigenously developed by DRDO.
It is one of the smallest weapon system developed by DRDO, having length of 3.8-metre and
weighing 154kg.
It is single stage solid fuelled missile and has payload capacity of 15 kg conventional explosives.
It possesses high Single Shot Kill Probability (SSKP) making it highly reliable.
It is all-weather missile with active radar terminal guidance, excellent electronic counter-counter measure
(ECCM) features, smokeless propulsion and process improved effectiveness in multi-target scenario.
It has advance on-board electronic counter-measures that jam radar signals from enemy radar, making
tracking of the missile difficult.
It is fitted with terminal active radar-seeker and an updated mid-course internal guidance system that
helps missile to locate and track targets.
It can be launched from different altitudes and is capable of engaging targets at varying range and
altitudes at both short-range targets (up to 20 km) in tail-chase mode and long-range targets (up to 80
km) in head-on mode.
It is radar homing supersonic missile having maximum speed of Mach 4 (four times speed of sound).
The missile can be integrated with all fighter aircraft of IAF including Sukhoi-30 MKI, Mirage-2000,
MiG-29, Jaguar and the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
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8.24 Sun and sea water powers vegetable farms in Jordan
A new project named ―Sahara Forest Project‖ has been launched in Jordan.
It aims to turn Jordan‘s sand dunes into farming land to produce food using sun and sea water.
In the first stage, the project aims to produce up to 130 tonnes of organic vegetables per year from an
area the size of four football pitches. It also produces fresh water.
It will use solar panels to provide power and include outdoor planting space, two saltwater-cooled
greenhouses, a water desalination unit and salt ponds for salt production.
The project, whose funders include Norway and the European Union, is to be expanded from three
hectares to around 200 hectares of desert.
According to recent United Nations estimations, deserts are expanding 30 times faster than at any time
in history.
In Africa, where the worst effects of climate changes are already visible, millions are on the move in
search of arable land.
With the world‘s population expected to top 9 billion in 2050, land for food growth is growing scarce.
The Sahara Forest Project demonstrates that innovative application of technology has the potential to
revolutionize our land systems in a way that benefits the climate, people, and businesses.
8.25 World‘s first quantum trunk line
China launched the world‘s first 2,000-km-long ‗hack proof‘ quantum communication line
between Beijing and its commercial capital Shanghai that cannot be wiretapped.
Quantum communications have ultra-high security. It is impossible to wiretap, intercept or crack the
information transmitted through them.
The line is the world‘s first trunk line of secure quantum telecommunications. The Jing-Hu (Beijing-
Shanghai) Trunk Line connects Beijing, Jinan, Hefei and Shanghai.
The quantum satellite was expected to provide a fool-proof hack-free communication which makes
foreign powers to monitor or intercept China‘s communication systems.
The line is connected with the world‘s first quantum satellite, which was launched by China in August
last year, through a station in Beijing.
The satellite is nicknamed ‗Micius‘ after a Chinese philosopher and scientist who conducted optical
experiments.
Bai Chunli, president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), talked with staff in Hefei, Jinan,
Shanghai and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, through the line.
He also had a video call with Austrian quantum physicist Anton Zeilinger through the satellite.
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8.26 World‘s biggest and powerful X-ray laser gun unveilded
The biggest X-ray laser gun on earth named, European X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL), will
begin operating in September 2017.
European XFEL
The European x-ray free electron laser (European XFEL) is an X-ray research laser facility.
It is housed in underground tunnels inside a 3.4km-long facility at the DESY accelerator centre in
Germany.
Eleven countries are involved in the European XFEL.
It produces X-rays through the acceleration of electrons, the so-called synchrotron radiation.
There are currently only five X-ray lasers in the world. The European XFEL is the largest and most
powerful of the group.
The machine works by creating synchrotron radiation in X-ray range, emitting electrons that are
accelerated to close to the speed of light. Then, a powerful linear accelerator helps create the laser light,
which is a billion times brighter than conventional synchrotron light sources.
Significance
According to researchers, XFEL will create the fastest and most powerful laser pulses on the planet.
This will help many biological, chemical, and physical experiments. For example, it could aid the study
of biomolecules, leading to better, more effective disease treatments.
It also could create more research into chemical processes and their catalysts, shedding light on new
ways to help protect the environment.
The X-rays can be used to make pictures and films of the nanocosmos at atomic resolution – such as of
biomolecules, from which better understandings of the basis of illnesses or the development of new
therapies could be developed.
It will also provide us with the most detailed images of the molecular structure of new materials and
drugs and novel live recordings of biochemical reactions.
The facility will enable research into chemical processes and catalytic techniques, with the goal of
improving their efficiency or making them more environmentally friendly; materials research; or the
investigation of conditions similar to the interior of planets.
8.27 TRAPPIST-1 planets likely to have water
An international team of astronomers have discovered that the Earth-sized planets orbiting the ultracool
TRAPPIST-1 dwarf star 40 light-years away may have substantial amounts of water and could be
habitable.
Astronomers used the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope to estimate whether there might be water
on the seven planets orbiting in the nearby TRAPPIST-1 planetary.
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The results suggest that the outer planets of the system might still harbour substantial amounts of water.
This includes three planets within habitable zone (Goldilocks zone) of star, lending further weight to the
possibility that they may indeed be habitable and support alien life.
Astronomers had examined amount of ultraviolet radiation (UV) received by individual planets of
system to detect presence of water.
UV radiation is important factor in atmospheric evolution of planets as it can break water vapour in
atmospheres of planets into hydrogen and oxygen in process called photodissociation.
Scientists used the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) on the Hubble telescope to study the
amount of ultraviolet radiation received by the individual planets of the system.
TRAPPIST-1
The seven Earth-sized planets (named TRAPPIST-1b, c, d, e, f, g and h) orbiting ultracool dwarf star
TRAPPIST-1 were discovered by astronomers in February 2017.
The TRAPPIST-1 planetary system is 40 light-years away from Earth.
Its dwarf star Trappist-1 is at least 500 million years old and is marginally larger than Jupiter.
It has temperature of 2550K and shines with a feeble light about 2,000 times fainter than Earth‘s sun.
8.28 Ultra-thin craft may wrap and destroy space junk
Scientists at US-based Aerospace Corporation are developing an ultra-thin spacecraft, ‗Brane Craft‘
that can remove space debris – which potentially threaten satellites or astronauts – by enveloping junk in
the Earth‘s orbit and dragging it through the atmosphere, causing it to burn up.
The project received funding from the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts programme, which
focuses on space research that are in early stages.
Key features of the spacecraft
The Brane Craft is a flexible and less than half the thickness of a human hair.
The spacecraft is designed to be resilient. Its microprocessor and digital electronics are fabricated in a
way to ensure that if one component gets damaged, the others will continue to work.
Brane Crafts will be powered by ultra-thin solar cells as well as a little bit of propellant.
After each Brane envelops a piece of space junk, it will navigate back to towards Earth, causing the junk
to burn up in the atmosphere.
Menace of space debris
According to NASA, there are over 50,000 pieces of debris (space junk) traveling at speeds up to 17,500
mph around the Earth, the movements of which are being constantly monitored and tracked.
The rising population of space debris increases the potential danger to all space vehicles, but especially
to the International Space Station (ISS), space shuttles, satellites and other spacecraft.
In December 2016, Japan sent H-II Transfer Vehicle Kounotori 6 (HTV6) into space to deliver supplies
to the ISS. The same cargo ship was also supposed to complete another mission during its return
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journey – clean up space debris. However, the experimental Japanese probe failed in its mission to clear
space junk from the Earth‘s orbit.
In 2013, Russian satellite, Blits, was damaged after colliding with debris created when China shot down
an old weather satellite in 2007.
Kessler Syndrome/ Collisional Cascade/ Ablation Cascade
The Kessler syndrome is a cascade event whereby a collision of space junk with satellites or spacecraft
causes more space junk resulting in more collisions. The end result would be large scale destruction of
satellites and spacecraft across an orbital zone. The resulting loss of satellites posses widespread risks to
safety and the world economy as satellite services such as navigational systems are embedded in a large
number of information technologies.
The Kessler syndrome would result in an orbital range that is dangerous to spacecraft. Hypothetically, all
satellites in the entire range could be destroyed. It would likely take decades to clean up the orbital zone
and replace lost satellite networks.
SPACE DEBRIS
Space debris is defined as all non-functional, human-made objects, including fragments and elements
thereof, in Earth orbit or re-entering into Earth‘s atmosphere. Man-made space debris dominates over
the natural meteoroid environment, except around millimetre sizes.
Routine ground-based radar and optical measurements performed by the space surveillance systems of
the United States and Russia allow the tracking and cataloguing of objects larger than 5–10 cm in low
orbit, and larger than 0.3–1.0 m at geostationary orbit altitudes (36 000 km above the equator).
Each of these catalogued objects has a known orbit and many can be traced back to a launch event − to
a unique owner. Ground-based search radars can detect smaller objects, down to a centimetre or less in
size. Such objects, however, can generally not be correlated with specific launch events, nor can their
orbits be determined with sufficient accuracy to be predictable in future.
The presence of smaller space debris, typically less than 1 mm in size, can be deduced from impact
craters on returned space hardware, or from onboard impact detectors. The detection of objects larger
than 1 mm is difficult using this technique owing to the limited data collection time span in combination
with the reduced impact probability for larger objects.
+ve Effect of Earth‘s Atmosphere on Space Debris
Earth‘s atmosphere causes air drag that extracts orbital energy and leads to a reduction in the orbital
altitude and final reentry of a space object. Upper layers of the atmosphere are supported by lower
layers, which are compressed under the weight of the air column above them. The air density increases,
and hence the increase in air drag with decreasing altitude is progressive.
Changes in air density at a given orbital altitude are mainly driven by the Sun, which varies its activity in
an 11-year cycle. Thus, every 11 years, lower parts of the atmosphere are heated and expand towards
higher altitudes, where the air density increases, causing higher air drag on objects in space. As a
consequence, space debris is periodically cleaned from the lower orbital regions (but these are
subsequently refilled by objects descending from higher orbits).
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After sufficient exposure to air drag
the orbit decays, and the object
enters Earth‘s denser atmosphere,
where the air drag converts orbital
energy into heat. This heating
process is normally sufficient to
destroy an object. Approximately
20–40% of the mass of larger-size
spacecraft or rocket bodies, or parts
made of particularly high-melting
steel or titanium alloys, may survive
the reentry.
Risks
One must distinguish between
debris-related risks in orbit and risks
due to reentries.
In-orbit risks are due to collisions
with operational spacecraft, or with
decommissioned spacecraft or
rocket bodies. Impacts by debris
larger than 10 cm are assumed to
cause catastrophic break-ups, which
cause the triggering of a collisional
cascading process − the Kessler
syndrome. Collisions with debris
larger than 1 cm would disable an
operational spacecraft, and may
cause the explosion of a
decommissioned spacecraft or
rocket body. Impacts by millimetre-
size debris may cause local damage
or disable a subsystem of an
operational spacecraft.
Large space-debris objects (e.g. spacecraft, rocket bodies or fragments thereof) that reenter into the
atmosphere in an uncontrolled way can reach the ground and create risk to the population on ground.
The related risk for an individual is, however, several orders of magnitude smaller than commonly
accepted risks, such as driving a car, that we all accept in day-to-day life.
8.29 Wheat pathogen Ug99
A team of scientists tracking the spread of plant diseases at Cambridge may have good and bad news for
India. The good news: a deadly fungus that was seen to cause widespread devastation in wheat fields in
many parts of the world, particularly in East Africa, is unlikely to come in through a route which many
feared that the pathogen would take. The bad news, however, is that it may find alternative tracks to
enter the country, which is among the largest wheat producers globally.
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Ug99 is a deadly race of fungus puccinia graminis tritici (Pgt) — did not cross over to India
despite it being present in Iran since 2006.
Ug99 — named so because it was first detected in Uganda in 1999 — scared wheat breeders across
the world as the particular race could attack Sr31, a stem rust resistance gene used in modern wheat
breeding programmes.
The fungus causes stem rust that can severely hit yields as seen in the past in many countries in East
Africa, West Asia and parts of Europe.
A team of plant epidemiologists from Cambridge University led by Christopher Gilligan used high
performance computing, field surveys and high resolution meteorological data to simulate the routes
that Ug99 and other deadly races of Pgt can take to land in wheat farms in other geographical areas.
Suresh Bhardwaj, a principal scientist at Indian Institute Wheat and Barley Research, did not subscribe
the view. India
has one of the
best surveillance
programmes in
the world for
wheat rust, said
Bhardwaj whose
lab located at
Shimla has been
helping to
develop wheat
varieties which
are resistant to
rust diseases
caused by
different fungi.
Ninety five per
cent of wheat
crops grown in
central India,
particularly in
Madhya Pradesh
and parts of
Karnataka is
resistant to this
fungus.