Current Affairs 03 Apr 2014

Current Affairs 12

Apr 2014

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http://www.erewise.com/current-affairs-12-apr-2014


Current Affairs 12 Apr 2014

The Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships (Akademi Ratna) 2014 conferred on Kanak

Rele, R. Sathyanarayana, and Mahesh Elkunchwar.

o The 'Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards' (Akademi Puraskar) has been given to 17

eminent artists; nine in the field of music and eight for theatre.

o The twin awards, established in 1953, are national honours bestowed on artists,

teachers and scholars in the field of performing arts.

o The fellows (Akademi Ratnas) received a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakh whereas the

Sangeet Natak Akademi awardees got Rs. 1 lakh.

Justice Rajendra Mal Lodha, the senior-most judge of the apex court, is to be the new

Chief Justice of India from 27th April, 2014.

o He, due to retire on September 27 this year, will have a brief tenure of just five

months.

Rushikulya Rookery, a major nesting site of endangered marine turtles, brought Six lakh

newborn Olive Ridley turtles to life this year.

o Its a coast located in Ganjam district of south Odisha.

o The site witnessed comparatively low mass hatching this year than the previous

one.

Shikhar Dhawan is the sole Indian to feature in the coveted list of 'Wisden’s Five

Cricketers of the Year' for his performance in 2013.

o This honour, given annually since 1889, can be won by any cricketer only once in

his/her career.

The other four are...

o Chris Rogers and Ryan Harris of Australia

o Joe Root of England

o English women's skipper Charlotte Edwards


Millennium Technology Prize 2014 goes to British-American physicist Stuart Parkin

for enabling a revolutionary thousand-fold increase in digital data storage on magnetic

disks.

o The one-million euro prize honours significant technological breakthroughs.

o The biennial Prize, introduced in 2004, is given by the Technology Academy

Finland.

o Previous winners: Shuji Nakamura of Japan for laser research and Time Berners-

Lee for the World Wide Web

Heartbleed: The major internet security bug

o Its a security bug in OpenSSL software that has exposed user's sensitive personal

data like usernames, passwords, and credit card information to the hackers.

o The security deficiency has rendered about half a million websites that use

OpenSSL "vulnerable".

o The bug was discovered by security firm Codenomicon and Google researcher

Neel Mehta.


The UN Security Council gives a go-ahead to the creation of a UN peacekeeping force in

the war-torn Central African Republic


The UN Security Council has unanimously given the go-ahead to the establishment of a UN

peacekeeping force in the war-torn Central African Republic.

The 11,800-strong force named MINUSCA, aims to put an end to the sectarian violence

(bordering on genocide) raging on between Christians and Muslims in the landlocked country.

Key Points

The force named MINUSCA (UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in

CAR) will consist of 10,000 military troops plus 1,800 police.

It will assume the responsibilities from the now-deployed African-led International

Support Mission (MISCA) from 15 September 2014.

MISCA, the 5000-strong African Union peacekeeper, has not been able to stop the

violence largely due to logistical and operational resource crunch.

France, the erstwhile colonizer, will also contribute to the peace efforts by deploying a separate

2,000-strong force with a bold mandate of employing “all necessary means” to restore peace

and security.

The Background of the Bloodshed

The impoverished country was plunged into initial chaos in a coup last year (March

2013), when Muslim dominated Seleka rebels seized power and launched a brutal

regime.

The Christian anti-Balaka militiamen in response waged a war against them to wrest the

power.

The rebel Seleka government crumbled in January but the pro-christians anti-Balaka

militia didn't relent.

They turned the power-struggle into ethnic war forcing tens of thousands of Muslims to

flee.

The brutal war is still raging on with both parties indulged in gross human rights abuse in

the territory they control.

The abuse ranges from killings and torture to sexual violence and enforced

disappearances.

Objectives of the Mission

Disarmament of combatants and the cessation of all forms of violence

Restoration of peace and law and order.

Investigation into all violations of human rights and humanitarian law

(The Central African Republic, being a signatory, falls under the purview of International

Criminal Court.)

To prepare groundwork for free and fair elections by February 2015.

Some Facts

Area: 622,984 square km (45th largest in the world)

Slightly smaller than Pakistan

Population (2009 estimate): About 44 lacs (124th largest in the world)

Slightly bigger than Indian state of Tripura

Capital and largest city: Bangui

Israeli startup 'StoreDot' develops a battery capable of recharging a smartphone in just 30

seconds.

The battery, based on Nanodots technology, is presently the size of a small brick but can

be engineered into a size fit for a smartphone in future.

R Chandrasekaran has been appointed as the Chairman of Nasscom for 2014-15.

He, executive vice-chairman of Cognizant India, succeeds Krishnakumar Natarajan as

such.

Nasscom is a trade association of Indian Information Technology and Business Process

Outsourcing industry.

Sachin Tendulkar becomes the 1st Indian cricketer to feature on the cover page of the

"Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack 2014".

The annual 'cricket reference book', introduced in 1864, is in its 151st year of publication.

Ratan Tata is to be conferred on the 'Knight Grand Cross', one of the highest civilian

honours in Britain, by the queen Elizabeth.

He is one among five foreign nationals to get this award for 2014.

He earlier was honoured with a KBE (Knight Commander) in 2009.

India’s first aircraft Carrier 'INS Vikrant' is auctioned off to 'IB Commercial Pvt Ltd' for 60

crores.

Pygmy hogs' a fresh breath of life

There is some good news for the conservationist from the Manas National Park in Assam. The

state forest officials have found an estimated 21 nests of the critically-endangered Pygmy hog in

this wildlife sanctuary said to be their last remaining resort in the wild.

Details

The GPS-aided survey detected traces of their existence in signs such as their

droppings and nests.

The research team has also stumbled upon pellets and feeding signs of another of the

almost-extinct species endemic to this habitat "hispid hare".

The study was conducted for grassland species in 17 camp sites located across two

ranges of Bansbari and Bhuyanpara.

While the pellets of the Hispid hare were available across almost all sites, Pygmy hog's

nest proved a little scarce as it could only be found in three separate locations.

Points to Know

Both Pygmy hog and Hispid Hare are Schedule I species.

Schedule I and Schedule II species are given absolute protection under the

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and offences against them attract heavy penalties.

Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuary was the only other wild habitat for this species till

it deteriorated beyond hospitability.

The sanctuary offers wet alluvial grasslands dominated by Barenga and Ulu species

which are considered critical for survival of pygmy hog.

Species like Hog deer, swamp deer and Bengal florican also remained

conspicuous through their traces in the finding.

What is Pigmy Hog?

This smallest and rarest wild pig has traditionally been present across India, Nepal,

and Bhutan.

Consistent human encroachment and poaching has shrunk its population to a pathetic

150 making it endangered species endemic to Assam (India).

Manas National Park

This is an UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an

Elephant Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve.

The sanctuary is located in Assam and is contiguous with the Royal Manas National

Park in Bhutan.

Its known for being the last reserve of endangered species like Assam Roofed

Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur and Pygmy Hog


Swiss cement firm Holcim is set to acquire its french rival and the world's largest cement

manufacturer Lafarge.

o The new firm called LafargeHolcim will be based in Switzerland.

Arunachal capital 'Itanagar' gets the rail connectivity with the introduction of a

passenger train linking the town of Dekargaon to the capital city.

o The state will soon have a functioning rail connectivity to premier cities of India.

Indonesia begins vote to elect national and local government.


o Its the 4th general elections since the ouster of Suharto in 1998 after his 3-decade

long dictatorial regime.

o The outcome of this election will determine who will qualify to run for upcoming

presidential election.

o A party/coalition needs 20 percent of the seats in the 560-seat lower house or 25

percent of the total valid national vote to put up a presidential candidate.

UNEP award for 'Directorate of revenue Intelligence'

UNEP has honoured the DRI (Directorate of revenue Intelligence) with 'ECA Ozone Protection

Award for Customs & Enforcement Officers'. It has been recognized for helping the enviornment

by seizing a record amount of (over 2.4 lakh kg) ozone-depleting restricted refrigeration gas ‘R-

22’.

More

DRI is the nation's elite intelligence agency handling violation of excise and customs

laws.

The gas, used primarily as refrigerant for Air Conditioners, is banned in India under the

Montreal Protocol.

The prestigious award, in its 3rd edition, also recognizes 4 other entities.

What is R-22 ?

Mainly used as a propellant and refrigerant this colorless gas is a

Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC).

Its not only harmful for Ozone layer but also contribute to global warming.

Developing countries like India and China have been becoming its greatest consumers

with the exponential growth in sales of ACs.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Enviornmental arm of UN that seek to promote the wise use and sustainable development

of the global environment.

How to stop use (and thus rampant smuggling)

We need to persuade users to shift to green alternative technologies for refrigerants.

Strict crackdown by the law enforcement agencies.

Montreal Protocol

It seeks to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of many substances

believed to be responsible for ozone depletion.

It was signed in the year 1987 in canadian city of Montreal.

The protocol has, to a certain extent, reversed the ozone layer depletion.

India is a signatory to this protocol.


World Health Day is observed across the globe on April 7.

o The day, in celebration since 1950, marks the anniversary of the founding of

World Health Organization in 1948.

o The Theme for 2014 is 'Vector-borne diseases: small bite, big threat'.

o Vectors (mosquitoes, flies, bugs etc) transmit diseases like malaria, dengue,

yellow fever etc.

o The theme for the last year was 'Healthy heart beat, Healthy blood pressure'.

Punjab retains the 4th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2014 (Division

A) by thrashing Odisha 6-2 in the finals.

o Meanwhile, Haryana secured the 3rd place by defeating Sports Authority of India

by 7-3.

o Harjeet Singh (Punjab) has been conferred on the Man of the Tournament award.

Indian shooter Heena Sidhu becomes world no.1 in the 10 metres air pistol event.

o She recently (Mar 2014) won a gold in Asian Air Gun Championship and

followed that by securing a silver in the ISSF rifle/pistol World Cup held at Fort

Benning, US.

The Lowland, 2nd novel of Indian American author Jhumpa Lahiri, has been shortlisted

with 5 others for the 2014 Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction.

o This exclusive award for women, earlier called the Orange Prize, is open to all

women novel writers (English) across the world.

o AM Homes had won it last year for her work 'May We Be Forgiven'.

o The Lowland had also been shortlisted for the 2013 Man Booker Prize.

Veteran cinematographer VK Murthy dies aged 91.


o He was the first cinematographer to receive Dada Saheb Phalke award in 2008.

o Cinematic masterpieces like Pyaasa and 'Kagaz Ke Phool' gave him an

iconic status for his camera work.

Ashish Bose, demographer who coined the term 'BIMARU', breathes his last at 83.

o BIMARU referred to the underprivileged states of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh,

Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh whose poverty was further augmented by their

exploding population.

o He had used the term in a reserch paper presented to the then PM Rajiv Gandhi.

Ravi Chauhan has been appointed as the Managing Director of SAP India.

o SAP, one of the largest software companies worldwide, is known for making

enterprise software to manage business operations and customer relations.


Nigeria overtakes South Africa as the largest economy of Africa.

o Nigerian GDP clocks over $500bn after the country rebased the GDP calculation

first time since 1990.

o Nigeria, with a population of over 17 crore, is the most populous country in

Africa.

Sri Lanka clinches their maiden T20 world cup having thrashed India by six wickets in

the final.


Sri Lanka has finally ended their 18-year-long world cup drought by clinching the T20 world

cup 2014. The 'island nation" achieved this feat by humbling India by 6 wickets in the final.

Points to Remember

Its their maiden T20 world cup and 2nd world Cup overall after the shock victory in 1996

(50-over).

Virat Kohli, the highest scorer of the tournament with 319 runs, was declared the 'Man of

the Series'.

It was a fitting farewell for the stalwarts 'Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara'

who pulled the curtains on their T20 careers here.

It was the 5th edition of World T20 competition after ones in 2007, 2009, 2010, and

2012.

The tournament featured 16 teams, the highest so far.

"Char Chokka Hoi Hoi" was the official theme song for the tournament.

Women's T20 World Cup 2014

Australia retains the women's T-20 world cup crown for the 3rd consecutive time beating

England by 6 wickets.

England’s Anya Shrubsole received player of the series award.

It was the 4th edition of Women's World Twenty20 that began in 2009 and is held

concurrently, since then, with men's tournament.

Apart from the inaugural edition, lifted by host 'England' in 2009, all the other 3 editions

(2010, 2012 & 2014) has been captured by Australians.

Having it both ways

The multi-talented Australian all-rounder 'Ellyse Alexandra Perry' also plays football for

Australian national team

Hungary gives another 4-year term to incumbent PM Viktor Orban as he captures near two-

thirds majority in a 199-seat legislature.

It will be his 3rd (2nd in a row) stint as the PM of Hungary after 1998-2002 and 2010-

14.

Malaysian 'Lee Chong Wei' lifts his 3rd India Open Super Series men's singles title beating

Chen Long of China by 21-13, 21-17 in final.

World number one Malaysian 'Lee Chong Wei' has retained the men's singles title at the India

Open Super Series by trumping Chinese challenger 'Chen Long' with an impressive scoreline of

21-13, 21-17 in final.

More

This was his 3rd title at the event, the most by far in this category (in 2011, 2013 & 2014)

He pocketed $250,000 in prize money, $50,000 more than last year's 2 lac USD.

The championship is being held as the Super Series tournament, a 2nd level tournament

in the badminton world, since 2011.

Level one competitions in Badminton

The Thomas (men), Uber (women), and Sudirman Cups, the Olympics, and the BWF

World (and World Junior Championships).

Other Champions

Women's singles:

Shixian Wang of China clinched the women's singles title by pipping compatriot Li Xuerui by

22-20, 21-19 in a thrilling encounter.

Previous winner: Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand

Women's doubles:

Chinese pair of 'Yuanting Tang & Yang Yu' overcame the South Korean pair of 'Kyung

Eun Jung & Ha Na Kim' by 21-10, 13-21, 21-16.

Men's doubles:

Danes 'Mathias Boe & Carsten Mogensen' trumped Chinese challengers 'Xiaolong Liu &

Zihan Qiu' by 17-21, 21-15, 21-15.

Mixed doubles:

Joachim Fischer Nielsen & Christinna Pedersen (both from Denmark) defeated 'Sung

Hyun Ko & Ha Na Kim' (South Koreans) by 21-16, 18-21, 21-18


Malta gets its new president in Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.

o She, the ninth and the 2nd woman president of the country, succeeds George

Abela as such.

o Maltan presidents are just figureheads with no executive powers.

o They serve for five years and can't be re-appointed.

Bangladesh concedes transit facility for a 6,000-megawatt Indian power transmission

line.

o A committee has been formed to study feasibility of transmitting power through

Rangia Raota (Assam) to Borakpur (Bihar) via Boro Pukuria (Northwestern

Dinajpur, Bangladesh).

o The two countries also plan to join a proposed regional grid connectivity also

involving Bhutan and Nepal through a new electricity network.


Afghanistan holds presidential election amidst heavy security against threat of violence

by the Taliban.

o Afghans are going to get a new president this time round as incumbent president

Hamid Karzai is not contesting being constitutionally barred from a third term.

The European Union launches Sentinel-1A, the first satellite of its Copernicus Earth

observation project, from Kourou in French Guiana.

o It is meant to monitor Earth for climate change and environmental damage and

help disaster relief operations.

Kandla port handles the most iron ores among all ports in the country for the 2013-14

period.

o The port retains its numero uno position by tackling 87.01 million tonnes.

o Its followed in the list by ports of Paradip (68 million), JNPT (62.35 million) and

Mumbai (59.19 million) as per the report of Indian Ports Association.

R Gandhi has been appointed as the Deputy Governor of the RBI for a 3 year term.

o He succeeds Anand Sinha as such.

Indian-American Sunil Sabharwal named as the Alternate Executive Director of US at

International Monetary Fund.

o He is an independent Indian American investor in the payments sector.

Israel unearths a 1400 years old monastery of Byzantine period in the Negev region of its

southern part.

o Byzantine Empire was what remained of Roman Empire after the fall of its

western part.


ISRO launches IRNSS 1B - 2nd of the 7 satellites constituting the Indian Regional

Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) - the Indian equivalent of Global Positioning

System of the US.


India has taken another significant step towards the dream of having it own Satellite Navigation

System with the successful launch of IRNSS 1B- 2nd of the 7 satellites constituting the Indian

Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS). The satellite, bound to join its predecessor

IRNSS-1A at a longitude of 55 degrees east, was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at

Sriharikota.

IRNSS 1B

The satellite weighs 1,432 kilograms (614 kg without fuel) and is expected to have a

mission life of 10 years.

It was projected into space aboard the "Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle" C24.

It was the 26th (22nd successful in a row) PSLV mission since its beginning in 1993.

ISRO plans launch of 2 more IRNSS satellites, the 2nd pair, by the end of this year and

hope to put all the seven in orbit by mid-2015.

Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)

The IRNSS system will consist of three geostationary satellites and two pairs of

spacecraft in inclined geosynchronous orbits.

This launch has put the first pair of satellites with inclined geosynchronous orbits

successfully in the space.

The second pair will be deployed at 111 degrees east, while the 3 geostationary

satellites take up positions at 34, 83 and 132 degrees.

More about the mission

Will have a range of 1500km (thus neighbouring countries like Nepal, Srilanka would

also be able to use)

Positional accuracy of better than 20 metres in the "primary service area" (i.e 1500km)

Services:

1) Standard Positioning Service : Available for all users

2) Restricted Service : encrypted service (only for authorised users like Military and

other government agencies)

Some Applications (where it will be useful once all 7 satellites are in space):

Will provide accurate position information service to users (precise timing ), disaster

management, Navigation : (marine, aerial, terrestrial), aid to hikers, mountaineers,

trekkers and other travellers.

Vehicle tracking ; visual-voice navigation in driving; fleet management, mapping and

geodetic data capture, together with many other applications when integrated with mobile

phones.

Other Navigational Satellite Systems in the world

Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) : Russia,

Global Positioning System (GPS) : United States,

Galileo (GNSS) : European Union,

BeiDou satellite navigation system (COMPASS) : China

Quasi-Zenith Satellite System : Japan

The Satish Dhawan Space Centre

Named in the honour of former ISRO chairman (1972-84) 'Satish Dhawan' in 2002 after

his death.

Earlier it was known as Sriharikota High Altitude Range (SHAR).

ISRO Chairman : Koppillil Radhakrishnan

RBI replaces Wholesale Price Index (WPI) with Consumer Price Index (CPI) as the measure

of inflation.

The step is in sync with the suggestion of Urjit R Patel Committee that claimed CPI to be

a better measure of inflation as it reflects the correct cost of living.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has been awarded the Most Efficient Navratna Award

for the year 2013.

The awards recognize the significant contribution and performance of various PSUs in

the country.

At present there are 14 Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) which have been

designated as Navratnas by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP)

under the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.

DK Pathak becomes the new Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF).

He, given a tenure till 2016, succeeds Subhash Joshi as such.

BSF is tasked with maintaining peacetime security and law & order at our international

borders.

World observes "International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action" on

April 4.

India languishes at 102nd spot in the recently released 2nd Social Progress Index (SPI) 2014

India languishes at 102nd spot in the recently released 2nd Social Progress Index (SPI) 2014.

The index has been topped by New Zealand among a total of 132 nations surveyed.

About

The index made its debut last year (2013) where it ranked 50 countries across the globe.

The report has been prepared by not-for-profit American organization Social Progress

Imperative.

The index ranks countries by their performance on social and environmental indicators

rather than GDP.

It believes GDP or other economic output not to be the true depiction of nation's socio-

economical development.

The report aims to push and guide countries to achieve equitable and sustainable

development.

India

All other Brics country performed better than us.

Even neighbours like Bangladesh and Nepal edged slightly ahead of us.

Top 5

New Zealand

Switzerland

Iceland,

Netherlands

Norway

Major Powers

Germany: 12th

United Kingdom: 13th

Japan: 14th

United States: 16th

France: 20th

BRICS

Brazil: 46th (Best in the BRICS)

China: 90th

South Africa: 69

Russia: 80

India: 102

Bottom Five (Worst to bad)

Chad

Central African Republic

Burundi

Guinea

Sudan

Neighbours

Sri Lanka: 85th

Nepal: 101st

Bangladesh: 99

Pakistan: 124th

Pakistan deplorably features in the bottom 10 of the list, among mostly Sub-Saharan

countries.

Key Points

It reveals that economic growth doesn't always translate into social progress despite both

being correlated.

All the countries were evaluated across 3 dimensions to measure their social progress and

well being.

There were over 50 indicators scrutinizing each country progress.

Dimensions

The basic human needs

It has indicators like...

Nutrition and basic medical care

Water and Sanitation

Shelter and personal safety etc.

The foundations of wellbeing


Access to basic knowledge

Information and Communications

Health and Wellness

Ecosystem sustainability etc.

Opportunity


Personal rights

Freedom and choice

Tolerance and inclusion

Access to education etc.


Karim Massimov replaces Serik Akhmetov as the new Prime Minister of Kazakhstan.

o He was sworn in by the President Nursultan Nazarbayev after the resignation of

Serik Akhmetov.

Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) gets derecognized by Sports Ministry for

failing to revamp its constitution.

o The IABF is already facing suspension from the global governing body AIBA

(International Boxing Association).

o The Ministry had instructed the IABF to hold fresh elections and revamp its

constitution in sync with the National Sports Code.

RBI instruct banks not to fine consumers for non-maintenance of minimum balance in

their saving accounts.

o Though banks are allowed to suspend certain services of such account holders.

Election Commission appoints actor Aamir Khan as national icon to promote ethical

participation (voting) in the 2014 Lok Sabha election.

o Other such icons roped in by EC are APJ Abdul Kalam, M S Dhoni, Saina

Nehwal and Mary Kom.

Young Achiever Award 2013 has been conferred on Dr B Vinoth Kumar for his

contribution in the field of agriculture.

o The award was set up by the 'Society of Advancement of Human and Nature'

(SADHNA), Himachal Pradesh.

Satellite INSAT-3E falls out of commission : Communications satellite INSAT-3E has finally

been decommissioned by the ISRO days after it started to dwindle away to defunctness. The 3rd

generation satellite, supposed to function for 15 years, could only last ten-and-a-half years. ISRO

has already begun to migrate its users to other satellites.

Points to know

It was the 4th satellite (chronologically) launched in the INSAT-3 series of ISRO in

September 2003.

It was developed to provide high-speed communication, Television, VSAT & Tele-

education services.

It was studded with 36 transponders — 24 C-band and 12 extended C-band transponders.

It ran into trouble in 2009 which crippled its capacity to just 25 working transponders.

The Failure

The immediate reason was the unavailability of on-board oxidiser which had supposedly

been used up.

Oxidiser along with fuel are mandatory to keep the satellites stationed over India (any

given place).

They also come handy in the day to day operations.

It is likely to be replaced with soon to be launched GSAT-16.

Now its going to be pushed into a higher orbit so as to safeguard other working spacecraft

-transiting the space- from collision or damage.

INSAT (Indian National Satellite System)

A series of geo-stationary satellites launched by ISRO to serve the nation in the area of

telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, and search and rescue operations.

INSAT, the largest domestic communication system in the Asia Pacific Region, has so

far launched 21 satellites into space.

Eleven of them are still in operation.

The List

INSAT-1A

INSAT-1B

INSAT-1C

INSAT-1D

INSAT-2DT

INSAT-2A

INSAT-2B:

INSAT-2C

INSAT-2D

All the above satellites are defunct now!

All below satellites are still in operation (except INSAT-3E)...

INSAT-2E

INSAT-3A

INSAT-3B

INSAT-3C

INSAT-3D

INSAT-3E : defunct

INSAT-4A

INSAT-4B

INSAT-4C

INSAT-4CR

INSAT-4D

INSAT-4G


Manuel Valls replaces Jean-Marc Ayrault as the new Prime Minister of France.

o The rejig by the President Francois Hollande has come in the wake of recent

debacle of the ruling party in municipal elections held in March.

o He, interior minister in the regime, is presently seen as the most popular Socialist

leader with a wide acceptability base.

Indian-American cardiologist Dr Sumeet Chugh has been honoured with the coveted

Simon Dack Award by the American College of Cardiology.

o He receives the award for outstanding scholarship in recognition of his

contributions to the organisation's peer-reviewed medical journals.

o He is an expert in heart rhythm disorders such as sudden cardiac arrest and atrial

fibrillation.

o Another award given by the organization namely 'Distinguished Scientist Award'

(Basic Domain) for 2014 has gone to Eduardo Marban.

Noel Naval Tata assumes charge as chairman of Trent - the retail arm of the Tata

group.

o He, brother-in-law of Tata Sons Chairman Cyrus Mistry, succeeds now retired

'FK Kavarana'.

Anil Agarwal assumes charge as new chairman emeritus of Sesa Sterlite - a firm of

mining giant Vedanta Resources group.

o He was earlier the non-executive chairman in the company.

o His brother Navin Agarwal also joins as the new chairman of the board.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) release its report titled

"Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability"

o It holds the Global Warming responsible for unseasonal rains in India that may

have adverse impact on food production in the country.

o It also forecasts contamination of fresh water resources.

The world observes the 7th annual World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.

Nancy Powell, US ambassador to India, quits.

o The move is seen as a reflection on her unimpressive stint that saw the diplomatic

relations between the two nations plummets.

International Court of Justice declares Japanese whale hunting illegal:

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), in a landmark judgement for conservationist,

has declared the Japan's whale hunt in Southern Ocean as illegal under international

law. Though the commercial whaling is banned under the law, Japan has been found to

be carrying it out in the guise of 'scientific whaling' (legally allowed).

Points to Remember

The verdict has come in the case where Australia charged Japan of violating the rules

of whale-hunting for scientific purpose.

Australia won the ruling by 12 votes to 4.

International Whaling Commission (IWC) set rules governing hunting of whales

for scientific purpose.

Possible Consequence

The Japanese Government may frame a new hunt regime to match the criteria set by the

ICJ.

Whale hunting

Whale hunting is primarily conducted for meat and oil.

Now that its oil is no longer popular its exclusively used for consumption.

Japan is one of the pioneer in consuming whale meat.

International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (ICRW)

It came into force in 1946.

It primary motive is to protect and preserve all whale species from overhunting and

thus getting extinct.

It governs the commercial, scientific, and aboriginal subsistence whaling practices of

all its 59 member states.

International Whaling Commission (IWC)

Its the executive organ of the ICRW

It was set up under the ICRW to set and govern rules regarding hunting of whales and

other relevant matters.

The rules dont apply on the non-member countries.

Though those outside its purview are encoraged to conduct their own

management programs.

The IWC has banned the commercial whaling since 1985–86 allowing only

scientific hunting subject to strict guidelines.

Apparently there still are certain loopholes in the laws which critics fear to

be 'exploitable'.


Indian shuttler Sourabh Varma loses to Indonesian Simon Santoso in the final of

Malaysia Grand Prix gold badminton championship.

Andrej Kiska to be the next president of Slovakia after a shock landslide victory

over the current Prime Minister Robert Fico.

o He, a millionaire-turned-philanthropist, secured 59.4 percent votes as against

Fico’s 40.6 percent.

President re-promulgates the ordinance on SEBI Securities Laws (Amendment) Bill 2013

as it lapsed owing to the parliament inability to pass it in its final session.

o It aims to give powers to Securities and Exchanges Board of India (SEBI) to act

against Ponzi scheme.

o An ordinances lapses in case it does not get passed by the parliament within six

weeks of its reassembling.

Russia, in a concilliatory gesture to west, pulls out a motorised infantry battalion from

Ukraine's eastern border a day after the talks with US in Paris.

Current Affairs 31 Mar 2014

Indian shooter Heena Sidhu captures a silver medal in the women's final of the 10m air

pistol event at the ISSF World Cup being held in Fort Benning, US.

o Its her 3rd medals at the ISSF World Cup; Gold in 2013 (Germany) and silver in

2009 (Beijing) and now in US.

o She, the world number two air pistol shooter, is the only Indian pistol shooter to

bag 3 medals in World Cup.

Novak Djokovic humbles Rafael Nadal to clinch his 4th Miami Masters (Sony Open)

title.

o Its the 4th straight final defeat for the numero uno Nadal here after losing the

finals in 2008, 2009 and 2011.

o In the women's singles, Serena Williams beat Chinese Li Na to capture her 59th

WTA title.

N Lavanya (Jharkhand) clinches gold medal in the women recurve event at the 2nd

National Ranking Tournament.

o Rahul Banerjee wins the gold in men’s recurve event.

Saudi king 'Abdullah' anoints his half-brother Moqren as the crown-prince of the

kingdom.

o Moqren is presently the 2nd deputy Prime Minister of the largest crude oil

exporter of the world.

Supreme Court commutes the death sentence of Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar, a

Khalistani separatist convicted for 1993 Delhi bomb blast, to life imprisonment.

o The verdict has been taken in view of his mental illness and inordinate delay in

decision on his mercy plea.

Trans-Pacific Partnership: A brief

Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), is a proposed trade agreement which seek to expand the reach

and scope of present 4 nation trade agreement namely TPSEP (Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic

Partnership Agreement). Brunei, Chile, New Zealand, and Singapore had inked the trade treaty

'TPSEP' in 2005.

And like all other international trade agreement it seeks to integrate these economies to promote

growth and development by facilitating trade conducing enviornment.

The Proposed Members

Apart from the above four the negotiations are on with US, Canada, Australia, Japan,

Peru, Malaysia, Vietnam and Mexico for expansion of membership (reach).

Two more countries namely South Korea and Taiwan are also showing interest in joining

this group.

Likey Advantages

The treaty, should it come into force, will enhance trade and investment in the region

catapulting economic growth through jobs creation.

It will also assist in promoting innovation through a strict regime of copyrights.

Controversies

It has also drawn huge criticism for controversial clauses like clandenstine proceedings

and expansive scope.

New Zealand is the most vocal opponent of this provision.

Highly restrictive regime of Intellectual Property Rights

Elimination of affordable generic medicines as consumers will be bound to buy

exclusively available expensive brands due to biological patents.

The same rule will also hit the small scale publishers and relatively open internet

services.

Expansive scope

It grants right to individuals to sue governments under international law thus weakening

state influence and will possibly lead to compromise in the pro-public stance on

environment, human rights and public welfare.

Secrecy clause

The details of agreement not be released to general public (fearing public backlash) until

the treaty is inked.

Even then, only the final text of agreement will be made available.

Masses will have to wait another 4 years to get the nitty gritty of the negotiations.

To many it appears like an anti-people pact that will serve the exclusive interest of wealthiest by

letting them maximize profit and their domination of national governments and working class.


China (estimated) executed most people in the world in 2013 followed by Iraq, Iran, Saudi

Arabia and the US as per a report by Amnesty International.

As per the latest Death Penalty Report 2013 released by human rights watchdog Amnesty

International, China (estimated) has executed most people in the world in 2013 followed by

Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the US.

Key Points

Data of public executions in China, being a state secret, is not made public.

Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia make up 80 per cent of all global (minus China) executions in

2013.

There is a growth of 15% in the number of known executions across the world in 2013.

At least 778 executions were carried out in 2013 - up from at least 682 in 2012

Over 23,000 people were on death row in the world at the end of 2013.

http://www.erewise.com/current-affairs-29-mar-2014

The practice of capital punishment has been decreasing as the number of countries

enforcing the death penalty has fallen from 37 in 1993 to 22 in 2013.

Belarus is the only country in Europe (erstwhile soviet states included) to still allow

capital punishment.

India

Mohammad Afzal Guru was the sole person executed by India in that period.

At least 400 people are supposed to be on death row at the end of the year 2013.

Top countries to execute people in 2013

China: No data available, but its estimated that this nation executed more people than rest

of the world combined in 2013.

Iran: At least 369

Iraq: 169

Saudi Arabia: 79

United States: 39

Amnesty International

Its a global organization spread across 150 countries and territories that seek to end grave

abuses of human rights across the world.

It aims to provide every person on the planet the rights enshrined in the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards.

It also generates data through research to draws attention to various human rights abuses

worldwide and then campaign to prevent that.

More

Founded in London in 1961 by the lawyer Peter Benenson

Nobel Peace Prize in 1977 for its "campaign against torture"

United Nations Prize in Human Rights in 1978

Secretary-General: Salil Shetty

NATO designates Jens Stoltenberg, the former Prime Minister of Norway, as its new

Secretary-General.

He succeeds Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

The newly inducted Super Hercules C-130J transport aircraft of Indian Air Force crashes

near Gwalior killing all five aboard.

The super costly (1000 cr) and advance aircraft was one of the six such procured from the

US.

RBI, in a major repreive to the banking sector, defers the deadline for full implementation of

the Basel III capital regulations by a year.

The banks are now required to comply with the Basel III norms by 31 March 2019.

Sunil Gavaskar appointed as the interim President of BCCI by the Supreme Court.

The apex court directed the incumbent president to N Srinivasan to remain out till the IPL

spot fixing probe concludes.

Shivlal Yadav, the senior most Vice-President of the Board, to look after the non-IPL

affairs of BCCI.

Ajay S Shriram to replace S Gopalakrishnan as the President of CII (Confederation of

Indian Industry) for 2014-15.

He is the Chairman and Sr. Managing Director of DCM Shriram Limited.

Acclaimed Malayalam director P Ramdas breathes his last at 83.

He is credited with ushering the neo-realistic wave in Malayalam cinema during the

1950s through his path breaking movie "Newspaper Boy".

He was honoured with the 'JC Daniel Award’ by the government of Kerala in 2007.

Nuclear Security Summit 2014 concludes.

The 3rd Nuclear Security Summit 2014 has concluded in Hague, Netherlands. The biennial

summit, initiated to secure world's nuclear materials from terrorist, was overshadowed by the

Russian annexation of Crimea.

Key points of 2014 summit

It was held to assess the progress made on resolutions taken in previous summits.

53 countries alongwith 4 observing organizations namely International Atomic Energy

Agency, Interpol, EU and UN participated in it.

In the backdrop of Crimea crisis, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his Foreign

Minister in his place.

North Korea and Iran were other notable absentee.

Achievements

Japan consented to hand over a relatively small part of its nuclear material: highly

enriched uranium and plutonium to US.

35 countries accede to adopt the Nuclear Security Guidelines

While 18 countries including India, Russia and Pakistan have refused.

13 nations had so far eliminated their caches of nuclear materials.

It has done a lot in improving the security of nuclear storage facilities across the globe.

Joint Communique

It calls for drastic cut in the stocks of highly enriched uranium

It also agrees on separating the plutonium stockpile to the minimum level.

It also demand strengthening of global cooperation regime on nuclear safety.

Background

A brainchild of US president Barack Obama, It was introduced in 2010 to consolidate

efforts to safeguard sensitive nuclear materials from falling in the hands of terrorist.

1st Summit: Washington DC in 2010

2nd Summit: Seoul in 2012

Next Summit:: in the US in 2016

Classic Objectives

To cut down on the stockpile of dangerous nuclear material in the world

To bolster the security of all nuclear and radioactive materials.

To enhance global cooperation for better and secure management of such materials.

Gift baskets: A unique concept

Any given country can take up a specific security theme and try to project itself as an

example to others by improving on that. Its an effort to motivate others to join in the

initiative. This move is known as 'Gift baskets' as it prompt others to put something

(contribution) in that particular basket (initiative).


UN general assembly declares Russian annexation of Crimea illegal.

o 58 countries including India abstained from the vote.


o The vote saw only 11 nations supporting the Russian move while 100 were

against.

o Unlike the Security Council, Resolutions in the General Assembly are not legally

binding.

West Zone captures the 3rd consecutive 'Deodhar Trophy' beating North Zone by 133

runs in the final of 2013-14 edition.

o The trophy, originated in 1973-74, is named after the so called 'Grand Old Man of

Indian cricket' DB Deodhar.

o The annual one-day competition is played among the 5 zonal teams - North Zone,

South Zone, East Zone, West Zone and Central Zone.

Google has been fined Rs 1 Crore by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for

unfair trade practices.

o CCI is probing a complaint against the internet giant by matrimony.com and

Consumer Unity & Trust Society (CUTS).

o The charge accuses it of abusing its clout in the markets of online search and

search advertising.

o CCI has also ordered Google to furnish the required documents and information

asked.

UN approves international probe into alleged war crimes committed during Sri Lanka's

civil war that ended in 2009 with complete annihilation of rebel LTTE.

o The enquiry will primarily focus on the carnage at the end of the military

campaign in 2009 which is thought to claim of as many as 40,000 civilian lives.

Jammu and Kashmir becomes the first state in the country to declare all election booths

as No Smoking Areas in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Japan frees Iwao Hakamada, the longest-serving death row inmate in the world.

o The court suspended his death sentence ordering a retrial as it found possible

fabrication in the evidence by the investigators.

o He, convicted in the murder of a family in 1966, had not been executed so far due

to lengthy appeals process.

About 7 million people died in 2012 as a result of air pollution exposure: World Health

Organization

Former Indian captain Jude Felix has been appointed as the coach of the senior men's

national hockey team.

o He, who replaces Bhaskaran as such, will work under Chief Coach Terry Walsh.

Indian archaeologists claim to have discovered the largest Harappan site at Rakhigarhi

in Hisar district, Haryana.

o At present, Mohenjo-daro (with an area of almost 300 hectares) in Pakistan is the

largest among the 2,000 Harappan sites discovered.

o The researcher recently found two additional mounds there, apart from the

existing 7, which extends the total area of the site to about 350 hectares.

Philippines inks peace agreement with Muslim rebels.

Philippines, in a landmark move that may usher peace and resultant dividend in a country

marred by armed rebellion, has inked a peace accord with the nation's largest Muslim rebel group

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The deal, though quite challenging to implement, if

succeeds will put an end to one of Asia's longest and deadliest conflicts.

The Details

The agreement has finally been achieved after a rocky phase of negotiations lasting 17

years.

The deal is supposed to cease decades of bloodshed that claimed at least 120,000 lives in

the muslim dominated southern island of Mindanao.

The deal namely "Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro" create a unified and

homogeneous region of Bangsamoro by merging five muslim dominated autonomous

provinces.

It will have greater autonomy, more economic and legal freedom and powers.

A transition body has been set up to prepare grounds for the new government that would

come up after elections in 2016.

The new government will get to keep 75 percent of taxes collected in the region together

with 75 percent of revenues from metallic minerals.

They will also enjoy partial control of fishing territories.

The efforts to seal the deal was on since 2001 in the aftermath of ceasefire that had been

in place since 1997.

The Success will depend very much on the implementation of the peace process.

The MILF

They are the largest and most influential faction among those who has been raging an

arm rebellion for independence of the muslim dominated region of Mindanao.

Under the accord the group is to give up the demand for independence and turn in their

weapons.

(Its notable that a similar deal in 1996 had failed with the original rebel group as they did

not agree to cede their weapons)

The Threat

The deal is not inclusive one as it has starkly excluded original rebel group Moro

National Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters from the peace

process.

This has the potential to derail the whole peace exercise as other are still at the

loggerheads with the establishment.

Apart from Bangsamoro, the government is also embroiled in conflict with radical

Islamist group 'Abu Sayyaf' in Jolo.

Philippines

A densely populated archipelago in Southeast Asia located in the western Pacific Ocean

Area: 300,000 square km (73rd in the world)

Population (2014 estimate): 99 million (12th in the world)

Capital: Manila

Largest city: Quezon City

More

Majority of the country's 5 million Muslims inhabit this region which they consider as

their ancestral homeland.

Christians (93% of population) enjoy a dominant majority in Philippines.

President: Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III

MILF chairman: Al Haj Murad Ebrahim


The Laureus World Sports Awards 2014 winners:

o Formula one champion 'Sebastian Vettel': Sportsman of the Year

o US swimmer Missy Franklin: World Sportswoman of the Year (youngest ever)

o Marc Marquez (Spain): Breakthrough of the Year Award

o Bayern Munich: World Team of the Year Award

o Rafael Nadal: Laureus Comeback Award

o Marie Bochet (France): World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability

o Jamie Bestwick (UK): World Action Sportsperson of the Year

Two additional Awards were also presented


o Spirit of Sport Award: Afghanistan Cricket Team

o Sport for Good Award: Magic Bus (a sports-based community project in India)

The annual award, widely considered as the "Oscars of sports, was established in 1999.

India lifts the 3rd South Asian Handball Championship by trumping Pakistan 36-31 in the title

clash.

o The tournament saw 5 participants namely India, Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan and

Bangladesh.

Rusi Dinshaw, the lone Parsi to have ever been selected in a Pakistan Test squad, breathes his

last at 86.

o He was a member (but didn't get to play) of the Pakistan first Test team that toured India

in 1952-53.

RBI constituted 'Aditya Puri' panel submits its report titled "Data Format for Furnishing of

Credit Information to Credit Information Companies (CICs)".

Archaeologist discovers ancient caves in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

o The site (five caves) holds artworks depicting at least 7000-years-old civilisation and

culture.

The 25th Arab League Summit concludes.

The 25th Arab League Summit has concluded in Kuwait with the announcement of the "Kuwait

Declaration".

The Declaration

Commitment to strenghten relations and sort out differences among Arab states through

constructive and transparent dialogues,

The joint declaration pledges to provide all possible supports to countries suffering

through political transition unleashed in the wake of Arab Spring.

The crisis in Egypt, conflict in Syria and the Palestinian cause remained high on the summit's

agenda.

The league expectedly revived its unwavering support for Palestinian cause and hoped for

the creation of a Palestinian state soon.

(That perhaps remains the sole point all the Arab states still agree on)

Syrian Civil War

The declaration calls on the Syrian government to stop the bloodshed.

It, in the same breathe, also roots for a peaceful political solution of the conflict based on

Geneva 1.

The announcemrnt also denounce all forms of terrorism and interference in the internal

affairs of other countries.

Background

The summit took place amidst the undercurrent of strained relations between member

nations

The ongoing fallout of the Arab Spring uprisings have polarised the region in an

unprecedented way.

The Civil war in Syria has split the league in two block where Iraq, Algeria and Lebanon

are supporting the government while others are dead opposed to Assad.

On the other hand Saudi Arabia and Qatar find themselves on opposite ends on the issue

of Egyptian crisis.

Saudi Arabia alongwith the UAE and Bahrain had recently recalled their ambassadors

from Qatar who is openly backing islamist like Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt.

They also blame Qatar of meddling in the internal affairs of countries undergoing

political upheavel through extending support to Islamist groups and thus endangering

regional security.

Qatari-Egyptian ties have soured since the Egyptian army ousted Islamist President

Mohamed Mursi, who had been supported by Doha, in July after mass protests against his

one-year rule.

Qatar had pretty close ties with the Egypt's islamist president 'Mohamed Mursi' and his

ouster by the army has strained the bilateral ties drastically.

About the Arab League

The Arab League is an organization of countries who are predominantly bound by

common Arabian language and culture.

Objectives

To boost relations and co-operations among member states to lead them towards a

common greater good.

Members

It has 22 members including Palestine, which the League regards as an independent state.

Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya,

Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria,

Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Highest body: Council

Each member state has one vote

The council meets twice a year, in March and September

Secretary-general: Nabil el-Arabi: since May 2011

Few of the member countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar etc) are rich in natural oil

reserves and thus weild considerable power and influence in world politics.


Japanese architect Shigeru Ban honoured with Pritzker Prize 2014.

o The award is considered to be the most prestigious award in architecture.

o He has been awarded for serving humanity through his creative and affordable

designs for disaster relief shelters.

o The shelters designed by him happen to be easy-to-construct-and- dismantle and

has come handy in many disaster hit nations like Haiti, Sri Lanka and India.

Helm changes at FMCG firms -Britannia and Marico groups : Vinita Bali steps down

as CMD of Britannia while Harsh Mariwala as CMD of Marico group (13,500

cr. group, makers of Saffola, Parachute oils, Kaya skin clinics etc.).

o Vinita Bali : in 2005 she became "first woman to head a major consumer goods

company" (Nusli Wadia's controlled Buiscuit company) in India. Varun Berry

will replace her.

o Saugata Gupta will take over Marico's reign from Harsh Mariwala (he will

continue as Chairman)

'Bank of India' becomes the 1st public sector bank to launch Instant Money Transfer

(IMT) scheme in Mumbai. The IMT, an innovative domestic money remittance

facility, allows customers to withdraw cash from IMT-enabled ATMs without the need of

any card or bank account.

Process of Transaction

o The sender initiates IMT by providing receiver’s name, address and mobile

number to the bank either on SMS or Internet banking.


o The notification of IMT is sent on the recipient's mobile along with a four-digit

SMS Pin.

o The sender separately sends the four-digit sender code to the receiver.

o Now the recipient can withdraws cash from the special IMT-enabled ATMs by

punching in the mobile number and received sender code, and SMS Pin.

Acclaimed photographer Rajesh Bedi honoured with the Life-Time Achievement Award

at the 3rd National Photography Awards 2014.

o 12 more awards were presented across various categories at the event.

Nuclear Security Summit 2014 (3rd world summit) concludes in Hague, Netherlands

with an agreement to reduce nuclear risks to global security.

Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) lifts 4th Hockey India Senior Women

National Championship (Division A) title thumping defending Champions Haryana by

4-0 in the final.

o Jharkhand trumps Punjab to secure 3rd position in the tournament.

INDIAN OCEAN NAVAL SYMPOSIUM 2014 BEGINS IN PERTH, AUSTRALIA.

The 4th 'Indian Ocean Naval Symposium' kicks off in Perth, Australia. India, in the absence of

regular navy chief after the resignation of D K Joshi, is going unrepresented at the 4 day (March

25-28) meet. And since the active navy chief Vice Admiral RK Dhowan is only a 3-star general,

he is disqualified from participation.

About

The ‘Indian Ocean Naval Symposium’ (IONS) initiative aims to enhance maritime co-

operation among its members by providing a common platform.

Its a biennial meeting of naval chiefs (4-star general) of all its 35 member countries.

Key Points

It was instituted in 2008 to promote cooperation among the navies of the Indian Ocean

littoral states in the wake of the massive destruction caused by 2004 Tsunami.

The symposium is always chaired by the host nation.

Admiral D K Joshi has earlier resigned on moral grounds owning responsibility for the

fire-accident on INS Sindhuratna submarine that claimed 2 lives.

Members

South Asia

Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Pakistan, Seychelles and Sri Lanka

West Asia

Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Yemen

East Africa

Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Eriteria, France, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique,

Somalia, South Africa, Sudan and Tanzania

South East Asia and Oceania

Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Timor Leste

Previous meets

The inaugural meet was held in New Delhi (India) in 2008.

The 2nd edition: Held in Abu-Dhabi in 2010.

The 3rd edition: Hosted by South Africa in Cape Town in 2012.

Related Organization

Indian Ocean Rim Association

Its an international organisation with 20 member states bordering the Indian Ocean which seeks

to promote sustainable development by maximizing economic cooperation. It has earmarked six

priority areas of cooperation which are...

Maritime Safety and Security

Trade and Investment Facilitation

Disaster Risk Management

Academic and Science & Technology Cooperation

Tourism and Cultural Exchanges

Fisheries Management


The Supreme Court lambast centre for making Aadhaar Card mandatory for availing

government-run welfare schemes and services; direct it not to discriminate on the basis of

availability of Aadhaar Card.

o The apex court also instruct the government not to share any information with any agency

- government or private - without the prior approval of the card holder (that includes

criminal investigation as well).

Govind Mishra becomes only the 2nd Hindi author to receive Sarawasti Samman (2013) after

Harivansh Rai Bachchan (1991) for his book Dhool Paudho Par published in 2008.

o The annual award and is given in recognition of outstanding prose or poetry literary

works in Indian languages that are listed in Schedule VII of the constitution of India.

o The award was established in 1991 by K. K. Birla Foundation and carries a cash prize of

10 lakh rupees along with a certificate.

Britain’s Royal Mail issues a postage stamp of Noor Inayat Khan on her centenary year.


o She worked for Britain's 'Special Operations Executive' (intelligence unit started by

Winston Churchill) against Nazis. She was ultimately captured by the Germans and

executed at the Dachau concentration camp.

o She was honoured with the George Cross - the highest British honour, while France

awarded her the Croix de Guerre.

o She was born to an Indian father, Hazrat Inayat Khan and an American mother, Ora Ray

Baker in the year 1914.

Noted Hindi and Marathi films actress 'Nanda' dies aged 75.

o She acted in films like 'Dhool Ka Phool', 'Dulhan', 'Bhabhi', 'Jab Jab Phool Khile',

'Gumnaam', 'Shor', 'Parineeta' and 'Prem Rog'.

o She, the lifelong bachelorette, won her sole Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress

for the movie Aanchal in 1960.

11th National Youth Parliament Competition 2012-2013.

National Youth Parliament Competition 2012-2013 for Universities and Colleges has

concluded with the DAV Colleges (Jalandhar) clinching the top prize "Running Parliamentary

Shield and Trophy" for the 2nd consecutive year. 14 institutions from across the nation

participated in the competition.

Apart from the top award, merit trophies were awarded to 4 teams for standing first in their

respective groups.

University of Kanlyani (West Bengal)

Jai Prakash University, Chhapra (Bihar)

Jiwaji University, Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh)

SMB Government College, Nathdwara (Udaipur)

Points to Remember

The competition is being organized by Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs since 1997-98.

This innovative scheme aims at cultivating the spirit of self-discipline, tolerance of

diverse opinion, righteous expression of views and other virtues of a democratic way of

life among the younger generations.

Moreover it also acquaints the students with the practices and procedures of parliament,

techniques of discussion and debate and develops in them the quality of leadership

National Community Radio Awards 2014 presented.

The 3rd National Community Radio awards have been presented in all the five

stipulated categories. The award, introduced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

in 2012, aims to promote better programming on Community Radio Stations. The awardees were

selected from a total of 131 entries from 68 community radio stations across the country.

The Winners (category-wise)

Most creative /Innovative Programme Content Awards:

Yerlavani Community Radio: for its programme “Changes in cropping and

agricultural practices as per environmental change”. Its run by Yerala Projects Society,

Sangli (Maharashtra).

Community Radio JU: for its programme “Sunno Theke Suru – Types of

Quadrilateral”. Its run by Jadavpur University, Kolkata (West Bengal)

This award aims to encourage novelty in the formats of programme and presentation to improve

the efficacy.

Thematic Awards:

Anna Community Radio: for its programme, “Putholi” Kumaon Vani. Its run

by Educational Multimedia Research Centre, Anna University, Chennai (Tamil Nadu).

Kumaon Vani: for its programme, “Bazar Laye Bochhar”. Its run by The Energy

and Resource Institute (Uttarakhand).

Radio Madhuban: for its programme “Gruhasan Se Singhashan”. Its run by

Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya (Rajasthan).

This award is Given for making programmes that are relevant to the community, addressing

any issues pertaining to the need or interest of the community.

Community Engagement Awards:

Saiyere Jo Radio: for its programme “Khaso Sashan”. Its run by Saiyere Jo

Sangathan (Gujarat).

Radio Vishnu: for its programme “Vijayapadham”. Its run by Shri Vishnu

Engineering College for Women (Andhra Pradesh).

Pantnagar Janvani: for its programme “Gaon ki Baat”. Its run by G. B. Pant University

of Agriculture & Technology (Uttarakhand).

Its awarded to those radio stations which engage community in planning, content, production and

broadcast of programme.

Promoting Local Culture Awards:

Voice of SOA Community: for its programme, “Kandhai Katha”. Its run by Siksha

O Anusandhana University, Bhubaneswar (Odisha).

Radio Kissan: for its programme “Ama Kala Ama Sanskriti”. Its run by Association

for Integrated Development (Odisha).

Community Radio Sarang: for its programme “Dudi Nalike (Kunitha). Its run by

St. Aloysius College, Mangalore (Karnataka).

This award promotes incorporation of best local talent and tradition in its programming.

Sustainability Model Award:

Radio Media Village, St Joseph College of Communication (Kerala).


President Abdulla Yameen's coalition (his party Progressive Party of Maldives +

Jumhoory Party) seizes majority in Maldive's Parliamentary elections securing 54 out of

the 85 seats.

o The chief opponent and former president Mohamed Nasheed's Maldives

Democratic Party could only bag 24 seats thus losing it current majority.

o The elections were seen as challenge to President Yameen's government as they

were held under controversy due to removal (jail) of head and Deputy of Election

Commission by Supreme Court which was seen as undermining independence of

Election Commission.

Physicist Rajesh Gopakumar has been conferred on the 'GD Birla Award for

scientific research 2013'.

o The 1.5 lakh rupees award recognizes his significant contributions on topics in

Quantum Field Theory and String Theory.

o The prize was instituted in 1991 to honour exemplary scientific research

undertaken by Indian scientists (under the age of 50) working in India.

World Tuberculosis Day 2014 is being observed across the world on March 24.

o The theme for this year is "Reach the three million: A TB test, treatment and cure

for all".

o The day is celebrated to create awareness about and renew the efforts to fight off

this global epidemic which claims about 1.7 million people each year, mostly in

the developing countries.

Lt Commander Abhilash Tomy, Major Mahesh Kumar and Wing Commander

Darryl Castelino (posthumously) honoured with Kirti Chakra gallantry award.

o President also gave 10 Shaurya Chakras (5 posthumously), 15 Param Vishist seva

medals, 2 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, two Bar to Ati Vishisht Seva Medals and 22


Ati Vishisht Seva Medals to personnel of the Armed Forces for their distinguished

service of an exceptional order.

Protests in Taiwan against signing of Trade agreement with Mainland China ;

protesters occupy government offices/Parliament/ streets.

o 64 Service sector would be opened for China while China will open 80 of its

service sector

o while Pro China President Ma Ying-jeou asserts it will bring export

competitiveness (and facilitate entry into US led 12 country Trans Pacific

Partnership trade block) and consequential prosperity, locals fear that it will hurt

badly the local small service companies.

o Taiwan is an independent and democratic country ruled separately from China

since 1949 when Communist regime took over China. However China still

considers it as its breakaway Province and asserts a policy - "One Country, Two

System" on world stage. Majority of countries, including India, agrees to this

policy owing to economic might of China.

World observes 'World Meteorological Day 2014' on March 23 with the theme

“Weather and climate: engaging youth".

o The convention creating the World Meteorological Organization had come into

force on this very day in 1950.

Two more massive statues of Egyptian Pharaoh Amenhotep-iii found and unveiled in

Luxor city of Egypt-- the ancient Egyptian city of Thebis which was the capital of Egypt

during New Kingdom (16-11 centuary BC/ 18-20th Dynasties of Egypt).

o Luxor - located on the West Bank of Nile, it houses Temple complexes (also at

Karnak) of Egyptian Kings.

o Luxor is already world renowed for Memnon colossi- 3400 year old twin statues

of Amenhotep-iii in seated position

o Very near but opposite to Luxor is Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens

: Valleys where Royal Tombs are located

Adolfo Suarez, Spain's first Prime Minister (in 1975) post the regime of General

Francisco Franco, is dead.

o General Francisco Franco : Millitary dictator of Spain from 1939 to 1975 (till

his death) who came to power following removal of elected Spanish government

in Spanish Civil War (July 1936 - April1939)

o Following Franco's death, King Juan Carlos (Franco's successor) favoured

transition to democracy which was efficiently executed by Suarez whose

brilliant conciliatory skills oversaw Legalisation of political parties, framing of

Constitution and finally its approval through referendum in 1978.

Panasonic unveils the world's largest TV "Big Hoss". The giant device has the

dimension of 218 feet by 94.6 feet.

Assam Rifles celebrates its 179th anniversay : founded in 1835 it is India's Oldest Para

Military Force.

o Present Duty : guards the Indo- Myanmar border

o Past laurels: took part in both World Wars, Indo- China, Indo- Pak and

Operation Pawan (1987 in Srilanka : operation by the Indian Peace Keeping

Force to take control of Jaffna from LTTE).

FUNDAMENTAL PHYSICS PRIZE 2014.

The Fundamental Physics Prize for the year 2014 has been conferred on the Michael B Green

(University of Cambridge) and John H Schwarz (California Institute of Technology) for

opening new perspectives on quantum gravity and the unification of forces.

About

It has been instituted by the Russian physicist and internet tycoon Yuri Milner in the

2012.

The prize is given to the physicists for their remarkable contribution to the field of

fundamental physics (or in closely related fields) by the not-for-profit Fundamental

Physics Prize Foundation.

The prize, also dubbed as Russian Nobel, is the largest academic prize in the world in

terms of monetary value.

It offers 3 million USD in prize money; more than twice than that of Nobel (around 1.2

million USD).

Categories

Mainly there are 3 categories namely Fundamental Physics Prize (the most important)

Physics Frontiers Prize and The New Horizons for Physics Prize (for young researchers).

There is also a Special Fundamental Physics Prize which is given on ad-hoc basis.

Physics Frontiers Prize

Those of the nominees who don't get to win the Fundamental Physics Prize in a given

year are automatically given this prize.

They not only bags a handsome sum of $300,000 but also get to be re-nominated for the

Fundamental Physics Prize each year for the next 5 years.

2014 Winners

Joseph Polchinski (KITP/University of California) for his contributions in many areas of

quantum field theory and string theory.

Andrew Strominger and Cumrun Vafa (Harvard University) for numerous deep and

groundbreaking contributions to quantum field theory, quantum gravity, string theory and

geometry.

The New Horizons for Physics Prize

It is bestowed upon promising junior researchers to motivate them to realize their

potential.

It offers $100,000 in prize money.

2014 Winners

Indian Shiraz Minwalla of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research has secured this

honour alongwith Freddy Cachazo (Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics) and Slava

Rychkov (Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University).

Points to remember

Weightage is given to major breakthrough achievements in physics or related fields while

deciding the winner.

Recent developments in the field is also alotted priority.

There is no age bar for eligibility and number of recipients is not fixed.

One can receive the prize more than once.

So far Ashoke Sen is the sole Indian to win the Fundamental Physics Prize in the

inaugural year (2012) itself.

He was honoured for opening the path to the realization that all string theories are

different limits of the same underlying theory.

Special Fundamental Physics Prize: Prominent Winner

Stephen Hawking for his discovery of Hawking radiation from black holes, and his deep

contributions to quantum gravity and quantum aspects of the early universe.


BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) , a Not-for-Profit Company of

Government of India, Celebrates its 2nd Foundation Day.

o BIRAC has been set up as Department of Biotechnology’s interface agency with the

Private sector industries and serves as a single window for the emerging biotech

industries

o helping seed biotech start ups especially through its Biotechnology Ignition Grant

(BIG) as well as several SMEs through SBIRI (Small Business Innovation Research

Initiative) & BIPP (Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme)

o Aim : Making India Globally Competitive in the Biotech Sector (Bioeconomy)

UN-Water's “Water for Life” Best Practices Award 2014 to mark World Water Day (22 March)

: 1) “best water management practices” :- International Water Management Institute (IWMI)-Tata

Water Policy Programme, India 2) “best participatory, communication, awareness-raising and

education practices” :- “NEWater programme, Singapore


Each year, World Water Day highlights a specific aspect of freshwater. In 2013, in reflection

of the International Year of Water Cooperation, World Water Day is also dedicated to the

theme of cooperation around water and is coordinated by UNESCO in collaboration with

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and United Nations Department of

Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) on behalf of UN-Water.

World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the

importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater

resources. An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United

Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The United Nations General

Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day.

2013 International Year of Water Cooperation

In December 2010, following the proposal initiated by Tajikistan, the United Nations General

Assembly declared 2013 as the United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation.

UNESCO was appointed by UN-Water to lead the preparations for both the 2013

International Year of Water Cooperation and the World Water Day, in collaboration with

the UNECE and with the support of the UNDESA, the UN-Water Decade Programme on

Capacity Development (UNW-DPC) and the UN-Water Decade Programme on Advocacy and

Communication (UNW-DPAC). UN has also declared 2005-2015 as the International Decade for

Action 'Water for Life' 2005-2015.

Government to sell 9% of its stake (out of total 20.72%) in Axis Bank, India's 3rd

largest private sector bank.

Government holds the stake through the Specified Undertaking of UTI (SUUTI)

In the aftermath of USA's Snooping row, Google has upgraded its Gmail feature (email

sendings) by encrypting every email using an encrypted HTTPS (secure)

connection which can not be turned off.

This feature ensures safety from spying/snooping (from intelligence agencies or

hackers) when they move between user's and Gmail’s servers and also when they

move between Google’s data centres”.

the step was taken to address issue of breach of privacy of users

Thailand's Constitutional Court declares February 2013 parliamentary elections as

invalid as it violates the constitutional provision of holding elections on a single day across

the country.

http://www.erewise.com/current-affairs/international-decade-for-action-water-for-life-2005-2015_3597_art514c2f55025fe.html#.UUwv0jVsMic

http://www.erewise.com/current-affairs/international-decade-for-action-water-for-life-2005-2015_3597_art514c2f55025fe.html#.UUwv0jVsMic

INTRODUCTION⇒ People in Thailand are not happy with their current government & are trying to overthrow the

current government.⇒ Thailand, a country in South-East Asia, is a famous tourist spot.⇒ People coming here can see a lot of modernity, but the politics here is very medieval.⇒ Behind the scenes, Thailand is ruled by Royal Palace & its courtiers and the army, which is

very loyal to the Palace.

WHAT IS THE ISSUE ?⇒ The issue is related to the 2001 election of millionare businessman Thaksin Shinawatra as

Prime Minister of Thailand.⇒ He represents the elite group of the people who using popularism with the help of poor have

constructed a strong vote bank in the north & northeast of the country. So, even if fresh elections

are taken, the current government can easily win elections.⇒ Thaksin has been able to keep his power with the help of government of his own & of his

brother-in-law & now with the help of his sister. So, almost a decade he has been able to keep

the power with him.

WHAT OPPONENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THAKSIN⇒ He bought poor with his cheap credit, health care and wasteful subsidies.

⇒ Though he resides in Dubai now, he still has enormous control over the current government

of Thailand being run by his sister.⇒ It is even said that his sister is just a puppet & he is the real master behind all the Thailand’s

politics.⇒ The current protest started because of the proposed amnesty law which would allow Thaksin

to return to Thailand. People are against this law.⇒ It was defeated in the wake of the protest. But the protest became more energetic & is now

demanding the current government of Thaksin’s Sister be removed.

VIEWS OF THAILAND’S OLD ELITE⇒ The current leader of the protest is Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban who has backing of the Thailand’s

old royalist elite.⇒ It can be easily seen that Mr. Thaugsuban is just a figure head while the actual control of the

protest is with the old royalist elite.⇒ Old royalist elite are of the view that Thaksin has done a crime of challenging the Thailand’s

revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej through his populism.⇒ The current kind turned 86 this year. The question about what will happen in Thailand after

he dies is not freely discussed because of the majeste laws which do not allow people to talk on

the subject.

VIEWS OF THE FARMERS⇒ They are thankful to Mr. Thakshin who implemented many welfare programs for them while

he was the Prime Minister.⇒ So they are in favour of Mr. Thaksin.

VIEWS OF THE PROTESTERS⇒ Mr. Thaksin is very corroupt & he is running from country to country to evade the two year

bail in relation to corruption.⇒ The current government of his sister is trying to white wash all the crimes he has made by the

proposed amnesty bill. So, even the current government is very corroupt & should be

overthrown.⇒ Mr. Thaksin is very disrespectful to the King of Thailand.⇒ Protesters are aiming at less democracy than more democracy.

⇒ They are backed by royal elite & are loyal to them and want monarchy to have more power in

the government & not the people like Thaksin.⇒ The protesters want to install a new political system where there are fewer directly elected

MPs and more appointed by the country's political elite.⇒ They are claiming it as Civil Movement for Democracy called “People’s Assembly” which

would stop vote buying & corruption.⇒ They also may want to lure the army out of the barracks so that it could install an

administration favourable to them. Despite staging 18 coups or attempted coups since the 1930s,

military commanders appear reluctant to move this time around.

WHAT ABOUT THE CURRENT PRIME MINISTER MS. YINGLUCK SHINAWATRA⇒ Ms Yingluck has called for an end to "mob rule" but has pledged that force will not be used

against the people.⇒ She would probably win fresh elections although her popularity has taken a hit by the

amnesty fiasco, corruption scandals and a disastrous scheme to benefit rice farmers that is

costing the -nation billions of dollars.

What are Red Shirts⇒ Red shirts represent the group of people who are pro-Thaksin i.e supporters of Thaksin.⇒ They mostly consist of farmers & labourers from the north & northeast.

WHAT SHOULD BE A RADICAL VIEW ABOUT THIS ISSUE⇒ Mr. Thaksin has used politics for good purpose. During his tenure, poverty drastically

reduced in Thailand as many facilities were provided to the poor of the Thailand. (But in a way

we can say that the popular schemes which he implemented were not very productive but it is

very true that these schemes bridged the gap between the poor & the rich to a great extent).⇒ Elite of the Thailand are in no position to win any election as majority of people in Thailand

are from the lower section & they are pro-Thaksin. They even support the current government

because it is run by Thaksin’s sister.⇒ So, this situation can be seen as the way by which elite people in Thailand are trying to take

the political power with them.

WHAT EXPERTS HAVE TO SAY⇒ This is an unusual situation where minority wants to rule the majority.⇒ more confrontation and the intensifying political stand-off are certain to heighten the risk of

violent clashes and external intervention⇒ Even the solution being given is that Ms. Yingluck should call fresh elections & should give a

timetable to return the mandate to the people.

WHY PROTESTERS ARE AGAINST THE FRESH ELECTIONS⇒ Fresh election are going to be held in February 2014.⇒ Protesters are against this. They know it very well that any political standing opposite to

Thaksin will not win because of his popularity.⇒ In the last twenty years no other party has been able to win in the election.⇒ Though, the current government does not belong to Thaksin it still is controlled by him & will

it will again will elections if fresh elections are held in Thailand.

CONCLUSION⇒ The tensions between Thailand’s lower class and traditional elite will not die down with the

end of these protests, no matter the outcome.⇒ But it seems that there is room for hope. Alongside these violent protests, we’ve seen progress

in public prosecution, an electorate that values justice, and a government capable of ultimately

respecting the will of the people over the impunity of the power brokers.⇒ That might be the strongest sign this decade that democracy is taking hold in Thailand.⇒ If Yingluck can maintain control and admit her mistake, here’s to hoping that Thaksin will

keep his distance to allow for compromise and reconciliation.


Central Government increases strength of all High Court judges by 25% to clear backlog of

pending cases.

o approximately 40 Lakh cases are pending in various High Courts across the country

o total number of sanctioned judges in all High Courts now stands at 1112 (from 906 out of

which about 250 are vacant currently)

Election Commission issues detailed guidelines for use of Social Media Platform by Political

Parties during election campaigning (political advertisements).


o content managers of social networking sites (eg. Twitter/ Facebook/ You tube etc.) will

have to verify that anything violative of Model Code of Conduct, is not posted (obtain

certification from Media Certification and Monitoring Committees of EC at district and

state level, before putting them in public domain).

o maintain estimate of expenditure incurred on these advertisements by

parties/individuals

"Economic Freedom of the States of India" 2013 report, Rank out of 20 largest states of India

based on index scale of 0 to 1.0 --- 1) Gujarat (0.65) 2) Tamil Nadu (0.54) 3) Andhra Pradesh

(0.50)

Economic Freedom of the States of India' 2013 report has been relesed by the Cato Institute (of

US) with Indicus Analytics and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, New Delhi. The Report is

authored by Bibek Debroy, Laveesh Bhandari and Swaminathan Aiyar. Index is compiled based

upon the same methodology used for compiling annual Economic Freedom of the World

(EFW) which is published by Fraser Institute of Canada (co-published in US by the Cato

Institute). It Ranks 20 largest states of India based on index scale of 0 to 1.0.

Top Rankers : 1) Gujarat (0.65) 2) Tamil Nadu (0.54) 3) Andhra Pradesh (0.50)

Bottom three states : 18) Jharkhand (0.33) 19) Assam (0.32) 20) Bihar (0.31)

index takes in to account- size of the government; legal structure; security of property

rights; regulation of business and labour (also governance, growth, citizens’ rights)

The median score for economic freedom among all states has now improved

to 0.43 (declined from 0.38 in 2005 to 0.36 in 2009)

Gujarat : also registered the fastest rate of improvement (from 0.46 to 0.65) ;

2nd fastest- Andhra Pradesh (from 0.40 to 0.50)

Jharkhand : Worst fall (index score fell from 0.40 in 2005 to 0.33 in 2013 and rank

from 8th to 18th (one of the lowest rates of average economic growth-- 7.3%).

Chhattisgarh : biggest improvement (from 16th to 8th Rank) ; Rajasthan (from 12th to

7th) ; Fall in Rank --- Punjab (6th to 13th)

Pakistan first ever LNG Terminal to be ready for operation soon at Karachi

Pakistan is going through severe energy crisis and LNG is seen as short term solution to

meet its energy needs.

it has LNG import deal with Qatar

India's Celebrated author/ novelist, political commentator and journalist, Khushwant Singh,

is dead.

Awards/Honours : Padma Bhushan, 1974 (returned after 1984 Operation Blue Star by

Army on Golden Temple), Padma Vibhushan (2007), Punjab Ratan, "Most honest

Indian of the year" by Sulabh International, Rajya Sabha MP(1980-86)

Editor : Planning Commission’s journal Yojana (Founder editor) , Illustrated Weekly of

India, the National Herald, Hindustan Times.

Books/Novels : Train to Pakistan, I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale, Delhi — A Novel, A

History of the Sikhs , Truth, Love and a Little Malice (Autobiography), The Sunset Club

Government allows 5 private Banks (HDFC Bank, Axis, Kotak Mahindra, IndusInd, Yes

Bank) to import Gold (beside the earlier allowed Government controlled 6 Public sector banks

and 3 Trading agencies who had three years of experience in facilitation of Gold or Jewellary

Export).

the 2nd condition (3 year experience) has been waved for these private banks

Government's 80:20 Rule to curb Gold Import (July 2013) : mandatory for these

banks/trading agencies to export 1/5th (20%) of imported Gold.

National Spot Exchange Ltd (NSEL) Scam : SEBI orders FTIL (Financial

Technologies India Ltd), promoted by main accused Jignesh Shah, to divest all its existing

equity holding in various exchanges Viz. MCX-SX , MCX-SX Clearing Corporation, Delhi

and Vadodra Stock exchange and NSEL.

National Spot Exchange Ltd (NSEL), promoted by entrepreneur Jignesh Shah’s Financial

Technologies Ltd ( in joint venture with National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation

of India), has brought back fears among traders at spot exchange as recently in August 2013 it

defaulted to pay settlement obligations to its investors. NSEL is a Commodity Exchange in India

with a mandate to bridge the divide between farmers and procurement agencies.

Crisis :

NSEL traded in Forwards Contracts for which settlement (buying and selling

transactions) was to be completed in two days (i.e T+2 settlements) and also for which it

was to be settled in 25-50 days (T+25/T+30 -- illegal as it was only allowed for T+2/spot

trading).

It gave out electronic receipts for the contracts without physically delivering the

commodity to the investors. This came out easy on investors as they engaged in what is

known in finance as “arbitrage” i.e. the purchase of currencies, securities, or commodities

in one market for immediate resale in others in order to profit from unequal prices. Thus

none took notice of the flawed contracts or the physical stock, if it sufficed to cover the

liabilities or not.

This made NSEL crisis a classic example of fraud by get-rich-overnight speculators. An

overwhelming return of as high as 15% was promised to the investors.

NSEL on Aug 1, 2013 suspended trading in all contracts except e-series (offering

commodities in the dematerialised form in smaller denominations) citing disequilibrium

in market and structural deficiencies in government’s policies, giving an impression to its

investors that there might be a default in payments and delivery and thereby created

confusion and unrest in the market.

On 5 August 2013 NSEL suspended the trading of e-series too and went for a complete

shutdown.

Government’s Response :

It is now that the payment default has taken the shape of a scam, and that the government has

sought an explanation, via its regulatory body Forward Markets Commission (FMC), to the

sudden suspension of trading in all contracts and merging of delivery and settlement of pending

contracts by NSEL. The government has announced setting up of a high-powered and focussed

committee under the chairmanship of Arvind Mayaram, Secretary of Economic Affairs in

the Ministry of Finance, a move which has been welcomed by the NSEL Investors Forum.

There has also been a PIL filed by the president of Investors' Grievances Forum Kirit

Somaiya seeking CBI probe in the scam.

In order to probe effectively into the NSEL scam the NSEL Investors’ Forum has asked

the government to allow the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) of the central

government to step in.

Impact :

This episode is reminiscent of the two decade old Harshad Mehta scam in which he had managed

to accumulate huge amount of loan from banks and financial institutions on assurance of high

returns and mobilised the same money to increase stock prices without actual movement of

stocks.

Similarly, in the NSEL case, the buyer and seller were same. That is, buyers pushed up the prices

of commodities artificially by taking funding from brokerages (and their investors). Brokers

earned money by selling it in the forwards contract to the same buyer. A hefty stock worth Rs

5500 crore is due to its investors. The crisis at NSEL would also have a cascading effect on other

exchanges run by the same promoters who happen to be high net worth individuals (HNIs).The

Saradha scam of West Bengal, not very old to trace, can also be cited here as a fraud similar to

this one except that its investors were poor, fragile, villagers who were ousted from the main

banking sector and who fell an easy prey to fraudulent easy money making schemes.

Prudent Call : Anything which advertises with “risk free” or “assured returns” is definitely an

eye catcher today but prudence of judgement should be the relying factor in making such calls

for investments. The government securities never needed any advertisement to attract investors

and “Sovereign” has held up to its name so far. But, for that matter even Government securities

are deemed as “least risky” and not as “risk free”.

SFIO : established in 2003, as a body of Ministry of Corporate Affairs, on

recommendations in Naresh Chandra Committee Report on Corporate Audit and

Governance. Though it has been accorded with more statutory powers in investigation by

the new Companies Bill, it can only initiate an investigation on directions of the

government.

Forward Markets Commission (FMC) : a statutory body set up in 1953 under the

Forward Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1952, it is the chief regulator of forwards and

futures markets in India and is overseen by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and

Public Distribution .Currently, the Commission allows commodity trading in 6 national

and 16 other exchanges in India.

Commodity Exchange : Similar to stock exchanges they offer buying and selling of

commodities over the counter. The commodities may include agricultural produce,

metals, bullions (gold/silver), etc.

Forwards Market : It is an over-the-counter market which offers trade through contracts

in commodities/derivatives and where the price of the underlying asset is set for future

delivery.

Forward Contract : a contract entered into by two parties to buy/sell a commodity at a

particular price, at a particular date in future. The buyer here is said to assume a long

position by speculating a future rise in price of the underlying commodity and profiting

from the same. In contrast, the seller is said to assume a short position in a futures

contract which means that s/he will profit if the price of the futures contract or derivative

goes down.

Commodity spot trading : buying and selling (paying cash and receiving goods) any

commodity on the ‘spot’ where both buyer and seller agree on a price and ‘fulfill’ their

side of commitment / contract within few days. A spot exchange , like NSEL, acts as a

platform to these buyer and sellers and also as “guarantor” to both parties for ensuring

that contract is settled (eg.if buyer defaults payment, exchange will sell the good to some

other person to recover money).

- These days almost all exchanges are electronic i.e buyers and sellers may not even know each

other but can enter into contract through exchange and still be at different locations.

- To facilitate such transactions exchanges designate some warehouses where seller would come,

get its contracted good (say Soyabean) verified and tested for quality/weight, give it to

warehouse and in lieu get a Warehouse receipt. This receipt is then used for trading at electronic

exchanges (receipt is being transferred from seller to buyer instead of actual physical delivery of

goods). It is this receipt which entitles buyer to either takeout the good from that very warehouse

or s/he has option to enter into other contract by selling it further (s/he just need to pay rental to

warehouse)


G7 countries mulling suspension of Russia from G8 club following Crimea's merger

with Russia and its active involvement on whole issue.

o G8-Russia Countries to meet in Netherlands soon to discuss further steps in this

direction.

o G8 Countries : US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada, Russia

TIMELINE

o 11 March 2014 - Parliament of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (of

Ukraine) adopts its "Declaration of independence from Ukraine and joining

Russia Federation"

o 16 March 2014 - Referendum in Crimea : overwhelming majority (99%) voted

in favour of "Declaration"

o 18 March 2014 - the Prime Minister of Crimea, the President of Russia, and the

mayor of Sevastopol (autonomous city at coast of the Crimean Peninsula which

hosts a Russian Naval base) jointly signed an agreement for Crimea and

Sevastopol to join the Russian Federation.

NCAER (National Council for Applied Economic Research) releases latest India

Human Development Survey (IHDS) ; largest household survey (sample size- 42,000

households) after those conducted by state body NSSO (National Sample Survey

Organisation).

o Marriage: 48% woman(over 25) were married before age 18. 59% woman (over

25) with any say in marriage.

o Average wedding expense: Groom: Rs 81,952, Bride - Rs 1,26,724

o Say in marriage: Best states: Tamil Nadu - 94%,, Assam - 90%, AP and Kerala -

86% Worst States : Rajasthan - 20%, UP - 24%, MP & Orissa- 29%. Mean age

at marriage - 17.8, Knew their husband before marriage(over 25): 18%


o Woman practice head/face covering: Highest: Rajasthan - 96%, Bihar - 91%,

Haryana & MP - 88% Lowest: T.N - 6%, AP - 13%, North east - 15%

Henderson Brooks Report on 1962 Indo-China War (in Arunachal Pradesh) made

public by an Australian Journalist Neville Maxwell

o Henderson Brooks report : commissioned by army following India's humiliating

defeat and is analysis (operations review) of the 1962 war ; the report

is classified by the government

o prepared by Indian Army's Lt Gen Henderson Brooks with the help of

Brigadier Prem Bhagat

o It critically analyses millitary preparedness, leadership role and then PM's

'Forward Policy' (believe that Indian army should dislodge Chinese by moving

forward as they are not likely to respond millitarily)

o During War : PM - Jawahar Lal Nehru ; Defence Minister : Krishna

Menon ; Army Chief : Gen P N Thapar ; Commander of newly crated IV Corps

(which was routed in the war) : Lt Gen B M Kaul (was Chief of General Staff

before the war)

Russia's most wanted man, leader of the armed rebellion in the North Caucasus

Province of Russia, Doku Umarov, is confirmed dead officially (following many

rumours earlier).

o self-styled 'Emir of the Caucasus Emirate', he was responsible for several

bombings/suicide bombings in Russia

o He united local armed groups in Chechnya, Dagestan and other North Caucasus

provinces with the aim of establishing a caliphate in the region

o Chechen Republic Premier : Ramzan Kadyrov

CHECHENYA / Chechen Republic / Ichkeria (lit land of minerals)

o federal subject (a republic) of Russia ; capital-Grozny; located in the North

Caucasus (southernmost part of Eastern Europe nera Caspian Sea)

o History : following dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Chechen-Ingush

ASSR (Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic) was split into two: the Republic of

Ingushetia and the Chechen Republic (both under Russian Federation now)

o Chechen Republic proclaimed itself independent (from Russia) as Chechen

Republic of Ichkeria (following the First Chechen War with Russia)

o Russia won the Second Chechen War to put it back under its federal control

o Since then several armed groups are continuing with their rebel activities with the

aim of breaking it away as independent from Russian federation

Karnataka wins 2014 Vijay Hazare Trophy (One Day Cricket tournament) to complete

a rare treble in this domestic season as they have already won Ranji Trophy and Irani

Cup.

They defeated Railways in the finals played at Eden Gaden, Kolkata

Sachin Tendulkar voted as the 'cricketer of the generation' ; Shane Warne and

Jacques Kallis were other final contenders

o Presented by ESPNcricinfo group, he was voted by a 50-member jury of current

and former cricketers


India launches "Operation Serachlight" : a combined effort of Navy and Coast Guard in

Andaman sea to search the whereabouts of missing Malaysian aircraft MH-370.

o Boeing P8-I (maritime patrol aircraft) ,C 130J Super Hercules transport aircraft

and many other warships / aircrafts will be used in the operation which will

extend thosands of nautical mile into Andaman and Nicobar archipelago (east

and south east of Campbell bay and Car nicobar islands respectively).

o MH-370 went misssing from the radar on 7th March and search team from China,

Malaysia, Vietnam are still not able to locate any wreckage of it.


Expert Panel of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment recommends to declare

Transgenders as third Gender in India.

o Other Recommendations : right to choose their Gender ; law to prevent

discrimination and atrocities /police excesses

o Only Gender (instead of using it interchangeably with Sex) to be used in official

documents

o Sensitization through media campaigns ; compilation of data about different

transgender socio- cultural group

US Astronomers spots largest ever Yellow Star -HR 5171 A ,1300 times larger than the

Sun (which also belong to the same family i.e. Yellow star).

o among the Top 10 Largest Stars known; 1 m times brighter than Sun; 12000

light-years from earth located in the constellation Centaurus

YELLOW STAR

o are named so as they have a temperature range of 5,200–6,000 K (medium

temperature) emitting yellow/' yellowish white colour.

o Higher temp. - fuel burns faster - life span only about 10 b years or so.

o Near the end of their lives they swell up - becomes very large -

eventually shrinking again, leaving behind most of their gas which forms a

beautiful cloud around the star called a Planetary Nebula.

Tomas Halik (Czech priest/ intellectual) has been awarded 2014 Templeton Prize given

by John Templeton Foundation.

Salvador Sanchez Ceren declared winner of the El Salvador Presidential election

defeating Norman Quijano in a closely fought election.

o the winning percentage difference was less than 1/2 %

Government sell 10% stake in Indian Oil (India's largest oil firm) in a off market deal

to state owned ONGC and Oil India Ltd (5% each).

o Government now has about 69% stake in it



The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) imposes ban on imports from

India's Sun Pharmaceutical's Karkhadi plant in Gujarat.

o FDA has issued "import alert" i.e detention without physical examination of

drugs from Sun Pharma on the ground of not meeting its good manufacturing

practices

o Sun Pharmaceutical is India's biggest drugmaker by value

o US FDA has already banned imports from all plants of Ranbaxy Pharma

(India's No.1 drugmaker by sales) some plants of Wockhardt pharma (also by

UK)

o India is second (1st - Canada) largest drug exporter to US (40% of generic and

over-the-counter drugs)

Rakesh Sethi appointed new CMD (chairman and managing director) of Kolkata

Headquartered Allahabad Bank

o He succeeds Shubhalakshmi Panse

National Community Radio Awards 2014 (3rd such award) presented by Ministry of

Information and Broadcasting.

o instituted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in 2012 to promote

better programming on Community Radio Stations.

o given in 5 categories : 1) Most creative /Innovative Programme Content Awards

2) Thematic Awards 3) Community Engagement Awards 4) Promoting Local

Culture Awards 5) Sustainability Model Award

Election Commission Data : Average number of Contestants per Lok Sabha

seat increased to a high of 25 (approx.) in 1996 General Elections from an low of 4 in

first ever 1952 Elections.

o In 2009 General Elections it was 15.

India's largest civil aviation exhibition, India Aviation-2014 (International Exhibition &

Conference on Civil Aviation) inaugurated at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad.

o This is the 4th year of the exhibition



Supreme Court asks Law Commission to go into the issue of "Hate Speeches" (made by

political / religious leaders) and frame guidelines to curb and regulate it.

The National Archives of India celebrated 124th Foundation Day on 11 March 2014

(founded on 11th March 1891 as Imperial Records Department at Imperial Secretariat

Building, Calcutta).

o National Archive : "repository of non-current records of permanent value of

Government of India

o G.W.Forrest was the First Officer incharge of the Department.

o Two exhibitions are part of the celebrations : 1) “Commemorating 100 years of

Ghadar Party (1913-2013)” and 2) “1913: The Historic Transvaal March –

100 years”

Forbes' America's most powerful CEOs under the age of 40 List - two Indians Hari K

Ravichandran (Rank 19) and Ashish Pandey (Rank 20) are in the list.

o Hari K Ravichandran is the Founder CEO of Endurance International Group (a

Website hosting company) while Ashish Pandey is the CEO Altisource Asset

Management (AAMC) , an asset management firm.

o the list of 20 CEOs ranks the head of publicly-traded companies with the highest

market capitalisations

o List : 1st) Larry Page (3rd consecutive year): Google CEO and co-founder

2) Mark Zuckerberg : Facebook founder (also the youngest in the list (29 years)

3) Marissa Mayer (2nd consecutive year) : CEO Yahoo (only woman in the list)

China to liberalise its Banking Sector by allowing Private Banks (Banks run by private

companies).

o 5 banks will be set up first on trial basis and will focus on SME (small and

medium enterprises) sector

o China is also considering loosening control over Bank's Deposit rates

o These reforms are meant to counter strong competition to state run banks by

booming Online Finance Industry which is offering better rate (interest income )

and more flexibility.

o India has also moved in this direction and may soon issue licenses to private

players to run bank

Libya's Prime Minister Ali Zeidan (first PM after 2012 overthrow of Gaddafi) removed

by its Parliament (General National Congress) following defeat in No-confidence motion.

o Defence Minister Abdullah al-Thinni has been named acting/ interim PM

o He was ousted following alleged inability to control the rebels in Eastern part

of country who have taken control of Oil ports and are independently exporting

oils to other countries. The immediate reason was escape of an oil tanker from

rebel controlled Al-Sidra port carrying rebel oil to North Korea despite alertness

of its Navy.

o Zeidan regime was not able to reign and disarm militias which have carved out

their own fiefdoms since the NATO-backed uprising that ended the 42-year rule

of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. He himself was briefly abducted by an armed

group in the heart of the capital, Tripoli in Oct13.

o Rebels are demanding a bigger share of oil revenue and political autonomy in

the east and seized three ports last summer and partly control a fourth.

o PM Zeidan has fled the country following a travel ban on him owing to his

suspected involvement in the embezzlement of public funds


Supreme Court directs lower courts to complete the trial of legislators within a year of

framing of charges.

o The move is seen as a momentous step in the process of decriminalisation of

politics

o Though Chief Justice of high court will have the authority to extend the deadline

on proper grounds.

Vishnu Prasad wins Motorsport ‘person of the year’ award at the FMSCI (Federation

of Motor Sports Club of India) awards 2013.

o Gaurav Gill becomes the first Indian driver to win the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally

Championship (APRC) title.


A team of researchers at University of Notre Dame discovers a new class of antibiotics

named "Oxadiazoles" to fight drug-resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant

Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

o The research team was led by Mayland Chang and Shahriar Mobashery.

Afghanistan's Vice President Mohammad Qasim Fahim dies aged 56.

o He, a leader of the Tajik ethnic minority, earlier was one of the most feared

warlords.

Recent elections in North Korea, Colombia and El Salvador

North Korea

Kim Jong-un, the supreme leader of North Korea, as expected has been elected with 100 per

cent votes from his constituency (Mount Paektu) in the recently held parliamentary election. The

parliament, called Supreme People’s Assembly, usually goes to poll every five years though It was first such election since the coronation of Kim Jong-un.

Election or a Farce

All the 687 district-constituency had only one candidate.

Albeit the voters were awarded the privilege of polling 'No' or 'Yes'.

The election also doubles up as a census giving officials an opportunity to track all

registered voters.

Anyone amiss is considered either to be dead or fled-abroad.

More

Kim Jong-un inherited the throne in December 2011 after the death of his father 'Kim

Jong-il'.

Needless to say that the Parliament remains subservient to the whims of the Autocrat.

Area:

120,540 square km (98th in the world)

Slightly smaller than Tamil Nadu

Population (2011 estimate):

24,554,000 (48th in the world)

Size of Haryana

Colombia

Colombia's ruling coalition has retained the majority in parliament though the numbers are down

from the previous election.

Key Points

The major South American country of 47 million elects 102 representatives to upper

house Senate and 168 to the lower chamber.

The incumbent President Jose Manuel Santos will seek a second term in the presidential

election scheduled for May this year.

The win, albeit a thin one, is expected to keep him in good stead for the upcoming vote.

The victory is seen as the endorsement for the bold move of carving out a peace deal with

the notorious rebel organisation FARC.

FARC that largely finances itself with the illegal narcotics trade has fought a five-decade

long insurgency that has claimed the lives of over 200,000 people.

Though any such deal will be a subject to a nationwide referendum before being legally

implemented.

Area

1,141,748 square km (26th in the world)

one-third of India

Population (January 2014 estimate):


Slightly bigger than Odisha

El Salvador

Salvador Sanchez Ceren seems to be pipping his right-wing rival Norman Quijano in the

presidenting election of El Salvador which became so close to call that a vote recount is under

way.

Preliminary results gave the ruling leftist front 'Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front'

(FMLN) candidate Salvador Sanchez Ceren a slight edge over his opponent of Nationalist

Republican Alliance (ARENA) party.

More

Sanchez Ceren is the outgoing vice-president of the country

The bloody civil war had killed nearly 75,000 people.

The ruling FMLN, a former rebel group, had stepped into electoral politics at the end of

the decade long El Salvador's civil war (1980-92).

The nation is grappling with a sluggish economy and high poverty levels.

The new president will be sworn in on 1 June for a five-year term.

Incumbent president : Mauricio Funes

Area

21,040 square km (153rd in the world)

Size of Meghalaya

Population (July 2009 estimate):


Slightly smaller than Himachal Pradesh

Its the smallest and the most densely populated country in Central America.

Akhilesh Gupta, Head of the Climate Change Programme at the Department of Science and

Technology, has been appointed as the President of the Indian Meteorological Society for the

period of 2014-16.

He succeeds Shailesh Nayak, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences.


Mizoram clinches their maiden Santosh Trophy having blanked Railways by 3-0 in the final of

the 68th senior National Football Championship aka "Santosh Trophy".

Six people has been awarded with Stree Shakti Puraskar 2013 by President on International

Women's Day.

o Manasi Pradhan (Odisha) : Rani Lakshmibai Award for her work in the field of

women’s empowerment.

o Dr M Venkaiah (Andhra Pradesh) : Rani Rudramma Devi Award for his contribution in

the field of women’s health.

o Bina Sheth Lashkari (Maharashtra) : Mata Jijabai Award for her achievement in the

field of education and training.

o T Radha K Prashanti (Andhra Pradesh) : Kannagi Award for her achievement in the

field of providing support to orphans, visually impaired, handicapped and destitute

women.


o Dr Vartika Nanda (Delhi) : Rani Gaidinliu Zeliang Award for her creating awareness

on women’s issues through media.

o Dr Seema Sakhare (Maharashtra) : Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Award for her contribution

in the field of women’s rights, gender issues, legal counselling and institutional support

to women and girls.

Indian Author Pankaj Misra has been honoured with $1,50,000 Yale University prize for his

literary contribution under nonfiction category.

o 7 more writers receives the award across 3 categories of fiction, nonfiction and drama.

o The award namely Windham Campbell Literature prize gives $1,50,000 to each winner.

Sri Lanka wins its 5th Asia Cup trophy with a comprehensive 5-wicket victory over defending

champions Pakistan at Mirpur, Bangladesh.

o Sri Lanka is now tied with India as the most successful team in Asia Cup with 5

titles each.

o Sri Lanka had also won the Asia Cup in 1986, 1997, 2004 and 2008.

Jagat Singh Mehta, India's former foreign secretary (1976-79) breathes his last at 90.

o He was honoured with Padma Bhushan in 2002.

ALL ENGLAND OPEN BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIPS 2014: THE RESULTS

Lee Chong Wei has reclaimed the men's singles title at All England Open Badminton

Championships 2014 for the 3rd time with an emphatic straight games victory (21-13 21-18)

over Chen Long of China. The world number one Malaysian thus revenged for his last

year's loss to Chen (same opponent) in the final here.

Other Results

Women's singles

Chinese Wang Shixian won the women's singles title beating compatriot and Olympic

champion Li Xuerui 21-19, 21-18 in the final.

Men's Doubles

Indonesian pair of Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan captured the men's

doubles title with a 21-19, 21-19 win over Japanese pair of Hiroyuki Endo and Kenichi

Hayakawa.

Women's Doubles

Yu Yang and Wang Xiaoli of China defeated their compatriot Ma Jin and Tang

Yuanting by 21-17, 18-21 and 23-21 in the summit clash.

Mixed Doubles

Indonesian pair of Tontowi Ahmad and Lilyana Natsir thrashed Chinese pair of Zhang

Nan and Zhao Yunlei by 21-13, 21-17 in the mixed doubles final.

About the championship

All England Open Badminton Championships is one of the world's oldest (since 1899)

and most prestigious badminton tournaments.

The annual competition with the total prize money of $400,000 is held at Birmingham.

Most men's singles title holder

Rudy Hartono (Indonesia) : 8 titles

Most women's singles title holder

Judy Devlin (US) : 10 titles

Most successful player

England's George Alan Thomas with 4 men's singles, 9 doubles titles together with 8

captured in mixed event has a staggering total of 21 trophies.

India's performance

Pullela Gopichand has clinched men's singles title here in 2001 becoming only the 2nd

Indian after Prakash Padukone (1980) to do so.

Both had secured the men's singles titles



What is Price Stabilization Fund?

What is Price Stabilization Fund?

Basically, it is a fund.

This fund is nothing but a pool of money created by Government of India for a specific

purpose.

This fund is going to be deposited with Public Account of Government of India.

This fund will not be used to meet the money needs. The interest that the government will

be earning on these funds will be utilized to meet the needs of the growers.

What is the purpose of Prize Stabilization Fund?

Prices of various agricultural crops fall in the world market & domestic market. There is

a lot of uncertainty (volatility) in this price change.

The ultimate sufferer of this price fall is the farmer or the grower.

So to as insulate the farmer/grower from this frequent changes in the price this “fund” has

been created.

How the farmers/growers are insulated?

They are provided financial relief in the form of money which is taken from the “Price

Stabilization Fund” when the situation arises.

Is there any scheme related to this?

Yes. The scheme for the same goes by the same name i.e. “Price Stabilization Fund Scheme”.

What is covered under this scheme?

It covers tea, coffee, rubber, tobacco & cardamom (small & large).

But it requires that growers or farmers need to have operational landholding (the land

having the same plantation) of up to 10 hectares.

Who checks the operational landholding?

Anyone who wants to avail this scheme has to obtain a certificate regarding the same from the

respective commodity board. (Note: There are various boards for these types of crops. Like there

is Tea Board, Rubber Board, & So on)

How the things are going to work?

Government for this purpose have devised a term named “Price Spectrum Band” (PSB).

It is actually a range of price by which condition of the price of a particular crop (whether

high or low) can be determined.

Price Spectrum Band is calculated by taking the average of the preceding 5 years of the

international prices of that particular commodity which is in question. (Note: 5 years

includes the year in which the spectrum band is being calculated).

After calculating the PSB, the prices of a particular commodity will be categorized into

three type’s i.e. Normal, boom or distress (Note: Normal means normal price. Boom

means there is increase in the price of commodity. Distress means the prices of the

commodity has fallen.)

Boom year is the year when Domestic Price is higher than Upper Band of the Price

Spectrum Band.

Normal year is the year when Domestic Price is within the lower band & the upper band.

Distress year is the year when Domestic Price is low than the Lower Band of Price

Spectrum Band.

Financial relief via Price Stabilization Fund will be provided only in the condition of

“DISTRESS”. It won’t be provided in the case of “normal” or “boom”. (Note: Money

will be provided to the growers only in the case when the prices of the commodity fall)

What is the financial help like?

Growers have to enrol with the government first so as to get benefits of this scheme.

Grower also needs to open a special Price Stabilization Fund Saving’s Bank Account

with the designated bank.

Eligible growers will be provided with compensation to the tune of Rs. 12,000 per

hectare of operational landholding up to 10 hectares subject to a ceiling of Rs 60,000.

If there arises a situation, where there is consecutive appearance of distress years, then

compensation would be increased by 15% of normal compensation.

No claim bonus of Rs 12,000 per hectare subject to a ceiling of Rs 60,000 is payable If

there is no distress in any of the five years of operation of the scheme.

The growers will be provided with ATM-cum-photo debit cards so that they can take

money easily.

What is the difference between the Price Stabilization Fund Scheme & the Modified Price

Stabilization Fund Scheme?

Price Stabilization Fund Scheme is the older scheme launched in 2003. (It was started on

April 1, 2003, & was supposed to end on March 31, 2013 i.e. after 10 years.

Modified Price Stabilization Fund Scheme is the new scheme launched in place of the

older scheme. The new scheme will be in force for five years from April 1, 2013.

In the older, scheme the grower had to give some fixed “enrolment” fee (Rs. 500) so as to

get the benefits of the scheme.

But under the new Modified Price Stabilization Fund Scheme, grower doesn’t need to

give “enrolment” fee. It is free to join.

Also, in older scheme, debit cards were not provided to growers which resulted in the

banking bottleneck. But in new scheme, debit cards will be provided so that the grower

can get the money easily.

Also, better implementation, awareness creation and popularization of the Scheme are

being proposed in the modified scheme.

In older scheme, Price Spectrum Band was calculated on the basis of the international

prices of a particular commodity over 7 years. But in the new scheme, it is calculated by

taking into consideration, prices over 5 years.

In the older scheme, money was provided in all the three cases i.e. in case of

Distress/Boom/Normal year. But in new scheme, money is provided only when the year

is “DISTRESS”.

The new scheme envisages an evaluation of the performance of the scheme by an

independent agency in the fourth year and depending on the findings further extension of

the scheme would be considered.

Financial Relief is also provided under crisis situation. Then why to make special “FUND”

to give money?

In crisis situation, government is not ready enough to meet the expenses incurred on the

front of relief given to farmers.

In short, government can’t give expected money to the farmers/growers, which leads to

chaos & it increases the financial hardships of the growers.

So, as a precautionary measure, creation of “FUND” is a very good idea.

What is the current status of the new scheme?

The new Price Stabilization Fund Scheme may not be implemented soon, as the Cabinet

till now (March 5, 2014) has not given permission to the scheme which was proposed by

the Ministry of Commerce.

Main hurdle is that Finance Ministry is opposing this scheme of Ministry of Commerce

because of the financial problems saying that there is not sufficient money to carry out

this scheme.

What is Forensic Auditing?

Auditing (in relation to financial institution) is nothing but to check the records of the

any financial institution like bank or company, etc.

Forensic Auditing is a special type of auditing in which the examination & evaluation of

a financial institution is made in such a way that, it can be used as an evidence or proof in

a court of law.

It is done by an expert group. (Expert group can be any company or individual which has

special knowledge of conducting such forensic audit)

In simple words, Forensic Audit is an audit done by an expert group so as to provide it’s

finding in the form of proof/evidence. It is basically a testimony with regard to the Audit

provided by the expert group.

Why is it in news?

RBI had ordered recently, Forensic Audit of the Union Bank of India because of the crisis

that hit this bank due to high bad loans (Non Performing Assets) & the underreporting of

the bad loans. This bank is currently going through financial crisis. (Note: For a long

time, Union Bank of India didn’t include the date of these increasing bad loans in its

report).

It is being carried out to determine the causes of its under-performance of the bank, and

there are restrictions on its ability to extend new credit.

What are bad loans?

Bad loans are loans given by the bank which currently have no clue/proof that they will be repaid

in the future to the bank by the group or individual that has taken the loan.

What are the uses of Forensic Auditing?

Readymade proof from a third party in relation to any audit.

Gives expert comment on any fraud

Forensic Audit reports can be directly placed in the court of law for prosecuting

"Conveyor Belt of Atlantic Storm"

Why is it in News?

Britain was recently (7th February, 2014) was hit by a very strong Atlantic Storm called

as “RUTH”.

It brought winds having speed of around 80 km/hour & also brought high waves in the

coastal areas.

Many coastal areas had to abandoned for dealing with this situation.

What is the Conveyor Belt of Atlantic Storm?

“Conveyor Belt of Atlantic Storm” is just a term given by the media to the current storms

that are emerging in the Atlantic Ocean (Incident of February 5-February 8, 2014).

It is actually the Jet stream which is responsible for sending that many Atlantic Storms

towards Britain. This Jet stream is acting like a conveyor belt & hence the term

Conveyor Belt of Atlantic Storm. (Note: Conveyor belt delivers anything from one place

to other)

What are the reasons behind this?

One must first understand that the country in question is the UK i.e. United Kingdom

whose weather is dominated by Jet stream.

This jet stream is the fast flowing air flowing at great heights in the atmosphere. It is

driven by the temperature differences between the cold air of the north & the warm air of

the south (of this particular period).

This particular winter had been very contrast & very wide in its period, so much so that it

resulted into creation of strong jet stream across the Atlantic.

Storms develop due to variations in the jet stream. Variations in the jet stream can be

caused by various reasons like changes in speed. It clearly means that if the jet stream is

faster & the variation factors are powerful, then strong storms are generated because of

this.

Is the behaviour of Jet Stream normal?

Yes it is normal.

The thing is that, jet stream moves around the globe in circles which allows for varied

weather patterns through a season.

But sometimes, these jet stream will rearrange into a particular pattern. In this case they

have become strong & straight. Each particular pattern leads to certain weather. In this

case it has formed a stormy weather.

So, there is nothing abnormal about these jet streams.

Why it is creating so many problems for UK only?

Firstly, UK is like an island which is situated between Atlantic Ocean & the rest of the

European mainland.

Also, UK falls under the influence of 5 different air masses. Each air mass from this has

its own character.

That is why UK’s weather is so variable.

What is an Air mass? What are the different types of air masses present in UK?

An air mass is a large body of air that has similar temperature and moisture properties

throughout.

Various air masses that are present in UK are:

Sr.

No.Name of the Air mass From (Origin) Description / Nature

1 Polar Maritime Air MassGreenland / Arctic

SeaWet, Cold air brings cold, showery weather

2Arctic Maritime Air

MassArctic Wet, Cold brings snow in winter

3Polar Continental Air

massCentral Europe

Hot air brings dry summers, cold air brings

snow in winter

4Tropical Maritime Air

MassAtlantic

Warm, moist air brings cloud, rain and mild

weather

5Tropical Continental Air

MassNorth Africa Hot, dry air brings hot weather in summer

These different types of air masses come to UK from different directions. Each brings

different type of weather.

Weather front is created when all of them meet in UK. They have the fight in the form of

cancellation of each other. Winner dictates & has the weather according to itself.

The larger the time is required during the fight; the worse the weather is formed.

What is the term Conveyor Belt in the Cyclone Model? Is it different from Conveyor Belt

of Atlantic Storm?

Yes. They are different terms.

Conveyor Belt in the Cyclone Model is just a model that explains those types of cyclones

that are formed at mid-latitudes (often called as Extra tropical Cyclones) because of the

coiling of three distinct air streams.

Conveyor belt model is an alternative model to describe the life cycle of mid-latitude

cyclones.

In this model, a conveyor belt relocates air with distinct temperature and moisture

content.

Three interacting air streams:

Warm moist air upward in front of cold front to the north

Cold moist air upward in front of the warm front to the west

Cold dry air downward behind the cold front

What is Bit Rot?

Bit rot is a term used to refer the rotting (degradation) of any software over time.

It means that any software (as the time passes), starts giving low performance, some

problem arises in them & they start degrading. They degrade up to that level that they end

up disintegrating leaving these software’s for no further use.

In short, Bit rot is nothing but the self-erasing of the software.

Bit rot is also called as Software Rot, Code rot, Software erosion & software decay or

software entropy.

Why is it in news?

This term was recently used by Mr. Vint Cerf at one conference.

Mr. Vint is a computer scientist and founder of internet.

What Mr. Vint was referring to by Bit Rot?

He was asked to comment on the future of the library in the digital age.

He said it is good to turn our books into digital data i.e. Bit (Note: Bit is the smallest unit

of measurement in Storage. Bit is followed by Byte, Kilobyte, Megabyte & so on)

But what will happen to these ‘bits’ if our software (software is the one which helps us to

understand & use the date in bits), gets Bit Rot i.e. what will happen if our software

which are running these bits are no longer available.

The point put by him is really serious considering the fact that if this software is not

there, then those bits have no meaning for us. It can cause serious threat to our digital

library & digital data.

About this issue

Bit rot is a digital issue.

Many people protect their data from Bit rot by making several copies of them & storing

them at different locations.

Types of Rot

Dormant Rot: Bit rot caused because of not using the software for a long period of time.

Active Rot: Bit rot caused because of the constant changes in the software.

Reasons for Bit Rot

Sr.

No.Topic Description

1 Change in

Environment

A particular software is made considering & assuming some

environment i.e. standards like the operating system or Processor

speed. So, a software may show bit rot if there happens to be a change

in the environment of the software.

2

User related often

termed as

“Onceability”

Often, users change the necessary data required of the software &

hence the system do not work as it should work in normal conditions

& starts malfunctioning & eventually exhibits bit rot.

3 Use of codeIf the code of software remains unused for a long period of time then

also bit rot takes place.

4 Code updatingIf the software is not regularly updated then the bugs (problem) in the

software tend to create conditions like Bit rot.

Solution for Bit Rot

Refactoring : code of the software is rewritten taking into view the changes in the new

technology & hence, the software completely fits into the new scheme

Other Solutions for protecting digital data

Sr.

No.Solution Description

1 RefreshingIn this method, after a regular interval of time, data is transferred to the

new media so that Bit rot do not take place.

2 Migration

In this method, the data is transferred to new environments like from

windows XP to Linux. (Note: Windows XP & Linux are operating

system) It helps the software to adapt to the new environment.

3 ReplicationIn this method, multiple copies of the data are created & stored at different

locations.

4 EmulationIn this method, the same requirements & specifications of a software are

emulated so as to get the data from the older systems.

5 EncapsulationIn this method, the data is made self-describing so that no effects of Bit rot

are seen on the data.

6 Persistent

Archives

In this method, a permanent infrastructure is created that helps the

software from getting Bit rotten.

Concept

7Metadata

Attachment

The information like the creation, access rights, restrictions, preservation

history, and rights management of the file can be protected if the new

software technologies are used. This method promotes use of new

technologies like XML for protecting metadata.

Some other related terms

Sr.

No. Term Definition

1Software

BrittlenessIt is used to define the difficulty in fixing the old software.

2 Code Smell

It represents that code of the software which shows problems with the

software. They do not create problems for the software but they indicate the

weakness of the software.

3 Software BloatIt is nothing but the act of software of creating multiple copies of itself &

using the resources of the computer which in reality is not required.

4Data

Degradation

It denotes the degradation of data in the computer over time. It is different

from Bit rot as it represents degradation of software in the computer over

time.

Market of Mothers' : Surrogacy Market in India

Terms used

Intended couple: It represents the male-male/male-female/female-female persons as

couple.

Intended mother: She is the women from the couple who is not able to conceive because

of medical reasons.

Intended father: He is the father from the couple who is not able to conceive because of

medical reasons.

Surrogate mother: She is the woman who is going to grow the child in her womb for nine

months.

What is Surrogacy?Surrogacy is the process in which a woman under legal contract carries & delivers the child to a

couple or person who cannot conceive because of medical reasons.

Types of Surrogacy

1) Traditional Surrogacy

In this process, the father’s sperm from the couple is injected into the surrogate mother either

naturally or artificially. But in this process, the child genetically represents father of the couple &

the surrogate mother.

2) Gestational Surrogacy

In this process, the embryo formed by the combination of intended mother’s egg & intended

father’s sperm is injected in the surrogate mother artificially. In this process, the child genetically

represents the intended father & intended mother. (Note: In this process, the child do not

genetically represent the surrogate mother. This process is preferred during surrogacy.

Gestational Surrogacy is further classified according to what is donated: i) Gestational Surrogacy

via sperm donation ii) Gestational Surrogacy via egg donation iii) Gestational Surrogacy via

Embryo donation

Advantage: There is around zero chance that there will be any “attachment bond” between the

child & surrogate mother.

What is IVF?IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilization. IVF is a process in which, the egg is fertilized by using

sperm, outside the body of the women.

Positive points of surrogacy

Serves as a nice option for Adoption

Often during adoption, adopting parents are worried about the lineage & heridtary characteristics

of the child being adopted. But with surrogacy, the child we will get will have our own flesh &

blood.

It gives the truest sense of being a parent.

Parent’s Cell are used in the process

For the surrogacy method, the cell of the parent are used i.e. the child is exact same (genetically)

to their parents.

Confidential & Protected

For surrogacy to work properly, the information about the surrogate mother & the parents has to

be kept secret. Because of presence of various laws & institutions specialized in “surrogacy

help” surrogacy is a very safe option.

Can help those couples which have fertility problems. Hence even an infertile man or

infertile women can become father or mother as the case may be. (Note: Fertility, here

denotes the low level of sperm or egg count. Sperm in the case of man & egg in the case

of women)

Surrogacy acts as an occupation & helps needy women to earn their living.

It helps particularly in the case if the parents are of same gender.

Negative Points about surrogacy

The process is much complex.

Time required for the whole process is large as it takes time to find the proper surrogate

mother, legal agencies, etc.

Finding the right mother is often hard as there are various complexities involved with the

various criteria that is expected by the parents.

Various things have to be attended like legal process, medical criteria & financial matter.

It is very expensive. Money is required for the following things: 1) Lawyer fees 2)

Medicines 3) Proper food for the surrogate mother 4) Surrogate mother fees 5) Hospital

Charges

The couple opting for surrogacy may not be able to share their happiness with the rest of

society as those people will still have a different “perspective” for you.

Surrogacy market in India

Beginning of the surrogacy market in India happened in the year 2002. India since then

has become so famous that it is being called as “BABY FACTORIES”.

Reasons for India being a famous “market” for surrogacy

Low cost in India as compared to other developed countries.

Availability of skilled doctors in India.

Bureaucracy is not very strict.

Large & never ending supply of surrogate mother in India (Note: Due to huge population

of India & the poverty levels)

Success rate of children born is high in India.

No official figures exist about how big Indian surrogacy market is.

But according to the data of a United Nations (UN) backed body suggest that Indian

surrogacy market is estimated at more than $400 million per year.

Most famous clinic for surrogacy in India is “AKANKSHA Clinic” based in Anand,

Gujarat. It is famous in India as well as abroad. Hence, Gujarat is recently being called as

“surrogacy capital”.

Famous surrogacy cities India: Delhi, Mumbai, Anand, Surat, Jamnagar, Bhopal &

Indore.

Laws for Surrogacy in India

Supreme Court has legalized surrogacy in India in 2002 itself.

No separate laws are present in India for surrogacy. But now Government is trying to pass the

surrogacy bill named “the Assisted Reproductive Technologies Bill (ART)”. This bill may come

before the parliament in the next year and aims :

to protect the children, surrogates & commissioning parents.

To establish regulatory authority to register & monitor the fertility clinics in India.

Defines the age of surrogate mother be between 21 to 35 years old.

To set maximum of five pregnancies (Note: Five pregnancies to include pregnancies of

their own)

Proper insurance & full proof legal contract be signed between the surrogate mother &

the couple.

Insurance to be mandatory.

Proper & common procedure be established for surrogacy in India.

Will make compulsory for the applying couple to show proof that the child will get the

citizenship of their country.

To stop clinics from sourcing, supplying & taking care of the surrogate mothers by

themselves.

Surrogate mother not to indulge in work or activity which can harm foetus.

Only Indian citizens will have the right for being surrogate. Indian clinics should not send

any surrogate abroad nor should they receive any surrogate in India from abroad.

A couple can’t opt for more than one surrogate at a given time.

Simultaneous transfer of embryo in the women & the surrogate mother is not allowed.

If the couple opting for surrogacy belongs to other country than India i.e. is foreigner

then they have to appoint a local guardian in India who will be legally responsible for the

child.

If the couple do not take the child after delivery, then the local guardian are free to hand

over that child to adoption agency.

If the surrogate mother is married then permission of her husband will be required before

she opts for surrogacy.

According to our revised visa laws, same sex couples are not allowed to apply for

surrogacy in India.

Flaws with the current Surrogacy Laws in India

No fixed rule/law for compensation & presence of no insurance for post-delivery

healthcare.

Medical clinics are seen doing exploitation of the surrogate mothers.

Also, surrogacy is being overused for financial reasons.

It has been seen in many cases that even when there is poor embryo quality in women,

doctors are suggesting them to go for surrogacy as it is good for the doctor in financial

terms. But such women can’t go for surrogacy as the embryo of these women is not of

good quality. In short, doctors are misleading the couples.

Points that should be covered in a “Surrogacy Contract”Following are the points that should be covered in the legal contract between the couple &

surrogate mother:

Name of the Doctor/Hospital & the kind of surrogacy method used.

Is health insurance available for the Surrogate if in case something bad happens & who is

going to pay for that insurance.

Contract should specifically include the following (strictly): 1) the termination of parental

rights of the surrogate mother & her partner on the child after 24 hours of child birth 2)

contract should legalize the intended parents to legally claim the child 3) Birth certificate

to be issued in the name of the couple.

All the responsibilities of the child are to be carried out by the couple once it is born & it

won’t be the responsibility of the surrogate mother.

All the stakeholders in the contract should be following strict confidentiality.

Change in the Indian society perspective

Indian society is conservative about surrogacy.

But due to recent surrogacy steps taken by the famous celebrities like Shahrukh Khan,

Aamir Khan & Satish Kaushik has helped Indian mindset to change.

YOJANA FEB 2014- SUMMARY

Introduction of the magazineThis month’s magazine is focusing on public health. It is also a special article on strategies for

sustainable progress.

Topic number one: financing India’s quest for universal health coverage

what this Universal Health Coverage (UHC)?UHC is about people having access to needed health care without suffering financial hardship,

thus encompassing improvements in access, quality and financial protection.

Health as per 12th five year plan?12th five year plan lays out its long-term objective of establishing a system of Universal Health

Coverage (UHC).

Various problems cited

low levels of financing

accountability issues in the public delivery system

persistent dominance of out-of-pocket spending

what is out-of-pocket spending? Anything important about this?

Out-of-pocket spending simply means the money spent by the patient directly to the

doctor from his own pocket for getting treated.

India is the only country which has highest percentage of out-of-pocket spending.

Paying out of pocket can also lead to West Indies since insurers can negotiate lower fees

with healthcare providers than individuals. Increased reliance on out-of-pocket spending

means that only those who can afford to pay can access care of reasonable quality

Some statistics

India had allotted around 4.1% of the GDP to health sector in 2008-2009

India though has 17% of the world population, it spends only 1% of the worlds total

health expenditure on this population.

Share of health spending has not kept pace with the country’s dynamic economic growth

(it was 1.8% of the GDP in 2001-2002)

four main sources of the health finance and delivery in India

out-of-pocket spending is very high. It is the most important reason for impoverishment

in India.

The second is the tax financed direct public delivery which in principle is available for all

of India’s population.

The third segment consist of social insurance schemes for formal private sector workers

and government employees

the fourth segment is voluntary private insurance (PHI) which emerged in the late 1980s

but has grown rapidly in 2000s.

Features of the health programmes in India

what about design for expansion of health coverage (starts with rural area and poorest

segment of the population first)

rapid scaling up of population coverage in a short period of time

there are several commonalities between the various health programs that is insured they

all a matter extending health coverage and improved financial protection to the poor and

other vulnerable groups in the country.

Two prominent national programs in relation to health

National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) ,program by the Ministry of health and family

welfare (now changed to national health mission and being further in urban areas)

Rashtriya Swasthya Bimah Yojana (RSBY), program by Ministry of labour and

employment.

In addition several state health programs are also being run. Famous among these are

Rajive Aarogyasri scheme (of Andhra Pradesh) & Rajeev Jeevandayee (of Maharashtra)

About NRHM:

it is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of health and family welfare

aimed at expanding health coverage in the country

it supplements and strengthens the state owned public health systems by providing

additional resources with a focus on rural areas primary care and public health problems.

Also leverages this financial support to facilitate the creation of institutional mechanisms

that enable some degree of financial autonomy and a faster flow of funds

it is also a component called Janani Suraksha Yojana, which offers conditional cash

transfer to poor women for availing free institutional maternity services created under

NRHM.

More statistics:

by 2009 about 19% of the Indian population has been covered under different

government-sponsored health insurance schemes.

Accounting for private insurance and other forms of coverage more than 25% of the

population had access to some form of health insurance in 2010.

Does India have fiscal room to finance universal health coverage?

India definitely doesn’t have that amount of money that it could support universal health

coverage.

India has three options: 1) increase the revenues that is taxes and get the money required

for universal health coverage 2) government can reprioritise health (example by reducing

expenditure on subsidies) 3) India can opt for option one an option two both

Conclusion:

financial constraints and augmentation among the health programme remains

but it is clear that the programs have their area focus clearly marked out (primary care in

the case of NRHM, secondary care in the case of RSBY and tertiary care in the case of

state health insurance schemes)

thus if these programs could further evolved to a state of close coordination and similarly

defined populations to be covered and with smoke linkages they could contribute to more

seamless comprehensive coverage for primary secondary and tertiary care.

Preventive interventions and effective case management for noncommunicable diseases

at the primary care level can contribute significantly introducing the need for

hospitalisation thereby simultaneously improving quality of life for the beneficiaries and

containing the cost of hospitalisation programs.

Topic number two: achieving universal coverage in India: resource use and policy

considerations

international examples of universal health coverage

in 2001 the government of Thailand launched a health insurance scheme that provides is

initially free coverage to large number of people in the agriculture and informal sectors in

addition to groups in the organised or formal sector. As a consequence almost its entire

population was covered by health insurance.

In the last two decades China reduced its funding for the health sector because of its pro-

market reforms. But China launched to insurance funds - one for the popullaton in urban

areas and the another for the rural areas. Recent estimates suggest that these schemes

cover almost the entire population of China.

Various concerns about universal health coverage

first, overall cost of healthcare have a tendency to rise over time. It especially because of

the rapid technological advancement and the new treatments which are coming in.

Second, in the absence of insurance or ready availability of subsidised care in public

facilities the burden of this rising cost will fall primary opponent households in the form

of out-of-pocket payments

Third, there are issues of resource wastage and equality involved. For example the

wastage caused by the out-of-pocket payment.

For major challenges in designing and implementing a strategy of universal coverage

how much will universal coverage cost?

What will it cover

who will it cover

who will provide the services

cost

there is little doubt that expanding coverage will require a much larger allocation of

public resources than in the past

also from the international examples we have seen that many of the countries who had

gone for universal health coverage that not able to support it because of the lack of funds

what benefits will it cover percent mark

should insurance cover the cost of all types of illness? Clearly resource limitations will

not permit this.

Administrative cost can be extremely high for processing multiple small claims.

There is also the risk that fully financing of all services leads to vestige due to over use of

subsidised healthcare. People could end up seeking care for minor aches and pains, cough

and colds and so on.

At the same time we do want people to use preventive care (example immunisation,

regular medical checkups, antenatal and postnatal care) that can lower the risk of later

complications and hospitalizations.

International example of how to choose

Mexico offers an example of how to choose services to be covered.

They divided healthcare services into three 1) those intended for preventive purposes 2)

to care for relatively rare conditions that are expensive to treat (example cancer) 3

intended to treat common conditions (fever, injuries, etc.)

this approach helps to offer the most health benefits per rupee

who will it cover?

Policy choice about the benefits to be covered is one strategy when resources are scarce.

Alternatively, the government target some groups for greater subsidies than others to

conserve resources.

Most important point is Universal coverage did not translate into universally free

coverage.

Problems in India for selecting the beneficiary group: we don’t have effective

identification system for identifying those people who really need health coverage

because of their poor economic position.

Who will provide healthcare services?

Financing is not the sole issue.

Expanding health insurance coverage will raise the demand for healthcare services in

India by making care more affordable.

This draws attention to the supply-side issues. The three issues have been discussed

below.

First, we need to assess the appropriate role of the private and the public sectors in the

context of the increased government financial contributions to the health sector. Private

sector is more responsive to consumer needs as compared to the public sector. Public

sector should be brought at par with the private sector. (Public sector lags behind private

sector mainly because of the unavailability of the funds. Also public sector is hampered

by its administrative and financial structures)

Secondly, the organisation of primary care and hospital care needs improvement.

Currently, individuals can directly visit hospitals and specialist completely bypassing

healthcare services at the primary level. Apart from long queues in major hospitals, this

results in inefficient use of expensive specialist time.

Third funding the reach of health services to rural and remote areas is hindered by the

limited availability of the providers there. (Note it is a matter of debate that whether

government doctors should be allowed to practice privately, outside of work hours to

make rural locations attractive.

Topic number 3: high prices of patented medicines in India: can we do anything about it?

Introduction

in 1972, India abolished product patent protection in pharmaceuticals.

It’s helped India to become a major player in the global pharmaceutical industry

but from January 1, 2005, drug product patent protection has been reintroduced in India

to comply with the requirements under the agreement’s on Trade Related Aspects of

Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

What exactly is a patent right?

Patent rights are the rights which exclude others from producing and marketing the product for

which someone has got a patent.

Economic rationalism for granting patents

it will stimulate investment for research for innovation

the basic presumption is that developing new drugs is expensive. It is argued that without

patent protection, others may be able to imitate new products thereby limiting the

innovators ability to fill the research and development cost

a delay in imitation through patent protection would stimulate research and development

for innovation.

Negative impacts of patents

there is no competition among the companies for producing a particular product. So there

is reduced efficiency.

It leads to higher prices of the products.

It also leads to less access to the products

About TRIPS agreement

TRIPS agreement not only helps for the protection of rights of patentee’s but also ensures that it

provides sufficient rights to member countries to take steps to prevent abuse of patent and other

intellectual property rights.

Flexibility provided by TRIPS to tackle the negative consequences of product patents protection:

exemptions from grant of patents in certain cases

compulsory licensing

about India:

India has used the first provision of ‘exemptions’ very efficiently by adding Section 3 (d)

India amended patents act when reintroducing product patents in pharmaceuticals in

2005.

But India is very weak in the case of compulsory licensing. Till now that he should only

one compulsory license. It shows India’s plight in the case of using the second option.

Patents under TRIPS

patentee is given for a limited time period, currently for 20 years under trips.

That is after 20 years other forms can also make the same product.

But companies particularly in the pharmaceutical industry are resorting to illegal

practices. The one called “evergreening”

Evergreening is the method by which a particular company tries to get a new patent for

the same product after the expiry of 20 years. This is accomplished by making small

changes in the ingredients of the medicine.

While it is allowed in USA, it is definitely not allowed in India.

Section 3 (d) tries to regulate such abuses of the patent system. Under this the mere

discovery of a new form of unknown substance which does not result in the enhancement

of the known secrecy of that substance is not patentable.

In short evergreening is not allowed in India.

About supreme court decision in Novartis case

Supreme Court decision is consistent with strings and has been arrived at not been really

but by following transparent and internationally accepted legal process.

Moreover it has helped other developing countries to stop Evergreening.

What is compulsory license?

The compulsory license is an authorisation by the government to non-patentee’s to use

the patent for example to manufacture and sell the patented medicine without or against

the consent of the patentee on payment of royalties.

Good points: it Indian companies are given licences to produce a patented drug under

compulsory license, competition among manufacturers would rise down prices but the

royalty paid to the innovators would continue to provide funds and the incentive for

research and development.

So we can see that compulsory license does not hamper research and development.

Various grounds for application of compulsory license

grounds of reasonable requirements of the public have not been satisfied or

the product is not available at the reasonably affordable price

the patented invention has not worked in the territory of India

international example

Canada has the most effective strategy for compulsory license.

It is straightforward transparent and fast.

A patent holder will naturally be opposed to any compulsory licenses. The Canadian

experience shows us how the practice and the procedures can be such that the patentee’s

have practically no unfortunately to delay or prevent the grant of compulsory licenses.

Indian case of compulsory license

the entire process is excessively legalistic.

The procedure is open-ended without any time limit imposed for the grant of compulsory

license.

It provides the patentee’s the opportunity to buy time through litigation.

Hence there is much delay in giving a compulsory license and litigation goes on.

No presence of automatic route for issue of compulsory license.

Another way for controlling high prices by patents

Another flexibility the India can utilize is to directly control the price of patented drugs.

Price control is not forbidden under trips or any other agreements under the WTO.

But there is problem with the price control. It is not good as compulsory license.

If price control is used the patentee companies would simply not sell their products in

India. Also it will hamper the space to generating companies which is vital for the long-

term sustenance.

Topic number 4: India Backbone Implementation Network (IBIN)

IBIN project was launched on April 19,2013 by the planning commission.

The purpose of it is to improve implementation of policies, programs and projects which

the 12th five year plan has identified as of crucial importance.

The ultimate objective is to accelerate inclusive and faster growth.

It has been launched in view of the finding that several projects and schemes have been

facing bottlenecks at the implementation level in districts, state and the Central level.

Need has been emphasised to convert confusion in the coordination, contention into

collaboration and intention in the implementation.

Topic number 5: reverse mortgage

reverse mortgage is alone that enables a borrower to convert part of the equity in their

home into cash.

It is also called Home Equity conversion loans.

If a senior citizen owns a home and has equity in it, he is entitled of the loan.

In reverse mortgage no principle or interest payments are required on the home while the

borrower occupies the property.

Repayment is needed if the borrower sells the home or moves out of the property.

It is generally given to people having age more than 62 years.

Reverse mortgage is a means to help aged people with limited income to use the money

they have put into their home to pay off debts and cover their other necessary expenses.

Topic number 6: Various Important Health Schemes

Sr.

No.Scheme Description

1National rural

health mission

Launched in 2005, National rural health Mission is an overreaching

project information more that strives to provide effective healthcare to

rural masses in the country with a focus on states with poor public

health indicators and all weak healthcare infrastructure. The programs

under this can be broadly be categorised into two: reproductive and

child health programs (RCH) and national disease control programme.

RCH programs address the issues and challenges relating to maternal

and child health care through a range of initiatives.

2 Janani Suraksha

Yojana (JSY)

Launched in 2005 as a key component of national rural health mission

and being implemented in all states and union territories with special

focus on low performing states, it aims to reduce maternal mortality

and neonatal mortality by promoting in institutional delivery of were

pregnant women. Under eight the pregnant woman from the rule BPL

family are provided Rs. 1400 as incentive to use government healthcare

facilities and also to cover travel costs and other expenses.

3

Janani-Shishu

Suraksha

Karyakram (JSSK)

It aims to provide free and cashless healthcare services to pregnant

women including normal deliveries, Caesarean operations (up to 30

days after birth) in public health institutions in both rural and urban

areas.

4

Navajat Shishu

Suraksha

Karyakram (NSSK)

Launched in 2009, it attempts to impart special training to healthcare

providers at the district hospitals, community health centres and

primary health centres in the interventions at birth aimed at

significantly reducing infant mortality ratio. The program is a part of

the policy of embedding child health strategy has an integral part of

maternal health.

5

Rashtriya Kishor

Swasthya

Karyakram (RKSK)

Launched on 7 January 2014, it is the nation’s first comprehensive

adolescent health programme. The programme is committed at

promotion of adolescent health mission across India and would address

the health needs of 24 million adolescents constituting 21% of total

population in the country.

6

National Disease

Control

Programmes

Noncommunicable diseases like cancer diabetes cardiovascular

diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases are on the rise in

the country to the change in lifestyle. Communicable diseases such as

tuberculosis, leprosy, vector borne diseases, HIV or AIDS among

others also continue to be a major public health challenge. These

endemic diseases result in high morbidity, mortality and adverse socio-

economic impact. Therefore national level programs on diseases have

been implemented with a renewed vigour and focus under national

rural health mission.

7 National

vectorborne

A comprehensive program for the prevention and control of

vectorborne diseases. It covers diseases like malaria, filarial, kala-azar,

diseases control

program

(NVBDCP)

Japanese encephalitis, dengye and Chikangunya.

8

Revised National

tuberculosis control

programme

Launched in 1997 and implemented in a phased manner, revised

National tuberculosis control programme - an application in India of

directly observed treatment short-course i.e. DOTS is a revamped

strategy to control to break losses with the objective of securing at least

85% of new sputum positive TB patients.

9National leprosy

eradication program

With the use of multidrug therapy, under this program, introduced in

1983 India achieved the goal of elimination of C defined as less than

one case per 10,000 at the national level in December 2005.

10National AIDS

control programme

It has the overall goal of hunting and reversing the epidemic in India

over the five-year period it places highest priority on preventive efforts

while at the same time seeking to integrate prevention wiki support and

treatment.

11National mental

health programme

It was introduced in 1982 with the objectives of ensuring availability

and accessibility of mental health care for all in the foreseeable future

particularly to the most vulnerable and underprivileged sections of the

population. It also aims to promote community participation in the

mental health service development and to stimulate efforts towards

self-help in the community.

12

Pradhan Mantri

Swasthya Suraksha

Yojana

It was launched in 2006 to which the huge In the accessibility of

healthcare services in the rural and urban areas. Under the program,

institutions in the model of all India Institute of medical science would

be set up along with the extensive upgrading of 13 government medical

colleges.

YOJANA MARCH 2014- SUMMARY

About the magazine:

This month’s magazine focuses on administrative reforms. There’s a special article titled

“strengthening rural lending”.

Topic number one: reforming public services: embracing a new management

philosophy Negative points about our current public services

non-friendly services

inefficient malfunctioning

According to second administrative reforms commission, there exist systematic rigidities,

needless complexities and overcentralisation in public services which make them

inefficient.

Main reason behind our failure in public management systems

The main reason lies in the fact that we have accepted Weberian model of bureaucracy

for our public services which we have inherited from the British.

Characteristics of the Weberian model of bureaucracy: 1) system of promotion based on

seniority 2) fixed remuneration for officials with the right of pension 3) organized as

hierarchy 4) adhering to rigid rules

Points of the Weberian model which are cause of concern: they are embroiled in red tape,

formalism, love tradition & stand for conservatism and status quo.

Another model which can help us

Many Commonwealth countries like New Zealand, Australia, Canada, etc., have

discarded the Weberian model of democracy.

Instead they have adopted a new model called New Public Management (NPM).

Main components of NPM: 1) devolution of authority 2) performance contracting 3)

customer focus.

Main reasons for poor functioning of public services

absence of accountability

outdated laws, rules and procedures

high degree of centralization

poor work culture

lack of professionalism

politicization of services

Solution for bringing accountability in public services

by linking promotion and career advancement of an officer with actual performance on

the job

bringing competition in civil services

enforcing strict disciplinary regime

Emphasize performance

Administrative reforms commission has said that there should be a periodic check and

review of a public servant.

Servant’s promotion, advancement and continuance should be linked to his actual

performance on the job and the non-performing servants should be removed.

Competition and specialist knowledge for senior level appointments

It has been seen that the various senior level appointments in the Central Secretariat have

been made from Indian administrative service i.e. IAS who are generalists.

These people are not having specialized knowledge of the topic.

ARC has identified 12 domains in which officers should specialize without which his

further promotion should not be made.

In short ARC has recommended the need for specialization by civil servants and the

prequalification for holding senior level post.

Enforce an effective disciplinary regime

Main problem is that once appointed, it is almost impossible to remove or demote an

employee.

Someone has quoted that “Public employees are like headless nail, you can get them in,

but you can’t get them out”.

The commission review the working of the Constitution has noted that the constitutional

safeguards have in practice acted to shield the guilty against Swift and certain

punishment for use of public office for private gain.

The commission also suggested revisiting the issue of constitutional safeguards under

article 311 to ensure that while the honest and efficient officials are given the requisite

protection but the dishonest are not allowed prospering in office.

ARC has expressed that illegal protection even has created a climate of excessive security

without fear of penalty for incompetence and wrongdoing.

Transforming work culture

Most government departments suffer from poor work culture and low productivity.

There is urgent need for improvement of work and employment and privatize some of the

services.

Both the Central and State governments have vast sprawling bureaucracy which needs to

be downsized.

Some recommendations: 1) the multilevel hierarchical structure should be reduced and an

officer oriented system with level jumping should be introduced to speed up decision-

making. 2) In ministries which are policy-making bodies, section should be abolished and

a desk officer system be introduced from where nothing of the file should begin. 3) The

ministerial staff divided in numerous categories be abolished and replaced by multiskilled

position: executive assistant who should be computer savy. 4) Government offices should

be modernized with provision of computer and other gadgets and can conducive work

environment should be created.

There is also need for giving lower post with some responsibility and decision-making

authority which is for the time is absent and which is decreasing the productivity in

government offices.

Streamline rules and procedures

A large number of rules and procedures relating to citizens day-to-day interface with

government are outdated and dysfunctional and give opportunity to public servants to

delay and harass.

These rules should be updated, simplified and discretionary powers of public servants be

eliminated.

A good part of efficiency of a government office depends on personnel, financial and

procurement management systems.

Privatization and contracting out

There is a need of privatization and outsourcing of large number of services which the

government is directly doing in order to improve efficiency and cut cost.

There is a great deal of justification in opening at least some certain sectors.

It will improve cost-effectiveness and service quality.

Performance-based organization

Today the working of the government’s highly centralized with all powers concentrated

in ministries and department’s heads.

There is a need for a paradigm shift in this approach and operational freedom is given to

persons in the field who implement programs and schemes by placing trust and

confidence in their ability to deliver results.

Many advanced countries like USA, Japan and Australia have revamped their

bureaucratic systems and migrated to professional management of the pulse of

government activity through creation of agency or performance-based organization.

In Britain which took the lead in reforming public services, the chief executives of

agency are selected through competition open to public and private sector and a higher on

the basis of a contract.

Each agency negotiates an animal performance agreement with its parent department

which includes targets for financial performance, efficiency and service quality.

The challenge

Main challenge in reforming public services is posed by the bureaucracy, who is the

creator of the policies in India.

There is a need for political will at the highest level to bring meaningful reforms.

It is the time that government understands that public service reform is an essential

prerequisite to alleviate poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition and deprivation from the country

and make India a happy healthy and prosperous place to live.

Topic number two: governance: civil service and politician interfaceWhat Sardar Patel Said?

He said that if you want an efficient all India service, then the one that does the service

should be allowed to speak freely.

Orders of seniors are very important but the most important thing is that frank opinion

should be put to by the people in service.

Some norms that should be followed by civil servants

maintain high personal integrity

Be fair in administrating law, policies and administrative decisions.

People respect you or your knowledge and skills. So acquire enough knowledge and

develop analytical ability.

Field jobs, on which civil service often is to spend time, provide an opportunity for

change in the system. Your aim should be to deliver results and work as an effective field

officer.

Good governance is a fundamental right of the citizen. Identify gaps in public service

delivery and implementation of schemes. Identify rules and regulations which are

hampering progress and suggest changes to government.

The biggest disservice to the governance structure is to hesitate in taking decisions or

deliberately avoiding it. So do not hesitate to take decisions.

In civil service you may invariably be the leader of the pack. As a full responsibility for

achieving the targets and key performance parameters of the organization which you are

heading.

Be sensitive to the needs of poor especially marginalized groups, women, SC/ST and

minorities.

While advising ministers and working as senior civil servants, analyze all the reasonable

policy options which can be considered on the issue and examination.

Do not criticize government policies in public discussions.

Develop interpersonal skills.

Adapt to IT use, new technologies and their use to ensure good governance.

Prepare well in advance to ensure effective articulation of the viewpoint of the Ministry.

Develop the ability to listen to visitors and different points of view carefully and

patiently.

Develop the ability to integrate and form a consensus viewpoint consistent with the

policy objective planned.

Make a well-informed judgment of ground realities and policies which will work.

Active challenging assignments. Do not try to get rid of it.

In face of grave provocation stand by your principles and convictions. Do not lose your

cool.

Civil servants accountable to government. There is however public accountability also.

Identify key target areas which you must achieve during your work based on government

policy and programs. Identify peoples felt needs and include them in your program too.

Things that the focus

First the corruption and governance system and delivery of public services is widespread.

It is useful to recall that all India services are creators of the Constitution (article 312).

While the services have to follow the policies let down by the government headed by the

political executive, they also have legal obligations under certain statutes.

It is important that civil servants clearly bring out their views in writing while doing an

analysis of the issues concerned when engaged in the task of policy-making.

There may be complex situations in which ministers and some civil servants tried to push

illegal orders on subordinates. This could be because of ulterior monetary interest or

corruption.

Topic Number 3: LIBORLIBOR – London Interbank Offered Rate – is an interest rate at which banks can borrow funds

from other banks in the London interbank market. One of the worlds’s most widely used

benchmarks for short-term interest rates, LIBOR rates were first used in financial markets in

1986.

LIBOR is fixed on a daily basis by the British Bankers Associations & is derived from a filtered

average of the world’s most creditworthy bans interbank deposit rates.

In 2012, regulators from around the world were probing alleged manipulation of LIBOR by US

and European banks. In 2013, a worldwide investigation discovered widespread manipulation of

this benchmark interbank lending rated by traders and brokers.

Topic Number 4: Geographical Indication

A Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on certain goods that have a specific

geographical origin and which possesses certain qualities, merits and features that are

essentially attributed to their place of origin.

Most commonly a geographical indication includes the name of the place of origin of the

goods.

GI is an aspect of industrial property which refer to the country or place of origin of a

product indicating an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially

attributable to the fact of its origin in that defined geographical locality, region or

country.

GI are covered as an element of intellectual property rights (IPR’s).

GI is also covered under articles 22 to 24 of the TRADE RELATED BITS OF

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS (TRIPS).

As a member of the World Trade Organization, India enacted geographical indications of

goods act 1999 and it has come into force with effect from 15 September 2003.

The GI tract ensures that no other than the registered users (or at least those residing

inside the geographical territory) are allowed to use the popular product name.

Darjeeling tea became the first GI tagged product in India in 2004-2005. Since then 194

items have been added to the list.

Topic number 5: emerging paradigms of administrative reformsReasons for the presence of aberrations in the system

Existence of audio system of values on the part of political and administrative elites in

India, who have the basic responsibility of implementing the system.

There has been growing sense of zealousness amongst the people from all walks of life in

India about the constitutional rights and administrative privileges without paying due

attention to the corresponding duties that go with them.

The total lack of an ocean of accountability and responsiveness on a part of both

legislators and administrators has eroded the very essence of a responsible government.

In India poor are still poor and have increased in absolute numbers.

Strategies for good governance

Moral responsibility and accountability, sacrifice, compassion, justice and an honest

effort to achieve the common good is the need of the hour.

Ultimately it is the moral determination which provides the foundation for governance

towards a corruption free sustainable development.

Normative model of good governance

The need of the hour and Pres seems to be the adapter normative model of good

management approach incorporating both the politico-administrative as well as the moral

dimensions of good governance.

This should include:

a more strategic result oriented orientation to decision-making

Replacement of highly centralized organizational structures with decentralized

management environment integrating with the new rural urban and municipal institutions,

where decisions on resource allocation and service delivery are taken close to the point of

delivery.

Flexibility to explore alternatives to direct public provision which might provide more

cost-effective policy outcomes.

Focusing attention on the matching of authority and responsibility has a key tool

improving performance, including mechanism of explicit performance contracting.

Creating competitive environments within and between public service organizations.

Strengthening of strategic capacities at the Centre to steer the government to respond to

external changes and diverse interest quickly, flexibility and at least costs.

Greater accountability and transparency through requirements to report on the results and

their full costs.

Service wise budgeting and management systems to support and encourage these

changes.

Adapting of innovations and evolving suitable mechanism to eliminate corruption at both

political and administrative levels and strengthening citizen’s grievance redress system.

Improving the system of delivery at the cutting edge of Administration by replacing the

existing bureaucratic procedures by absorbing some appropriate percepts inherent in the

philosophy of new public management.

Making improvements in the working atmosphere of the government institutions and

offices to reflect a new work culture and changed administrative behavior incorporating

the principles of transparency, responsiveness, accountability, participative and citizen

friendly management.

Other reforms that is necessary:

Increased public-private partnership.

Increase accountability of the civil servants.

Adoption of information technology and e-governance.

Citizen oriented paradigm for management.

Corruption should be combated.

Taxation reforms to award corruption.

Curbing inflation and high prices.


World snooker champion Pankaj Advani secures his 6th national snooker title.

o He comprehensively beat Kamal Chawla by a 6-3 scoreline at the 81st national snooker

championship 2014.

o He has so far won the 7 world title in billiards and one in snooker.

o He is the only Indian with a world title in snooker.

o Vidya Pillai defeats Chitra Magimairaj to retain the women's title.

International Women's Day is celebrated across the world on March 8.

o The theme for this year observance is "Equality for Women is Progress for All".

o The day celebrates the economic, political and social achievements of women

past, present and future.

The 2014 Winter Paralympics kicks off in Sochi, Russia.

o 550 athletes from 45 nations will participate in 72 disciplines across 5 sports.

o Brazil, Turkey and Uzbekistan are making their debut in the Winter Paralympic Games.

RAJIV GANDHI KHEL ABHIYAN The central Government, with a vision that may

establish India as a sporting powerhouse, introduced Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan

(RGKA) to the nation. It was launched under National Youth Policy 2014 (NYP), that

envision to empower the burgeoning youth of the country.

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan (RGKA)

We often rue the fact that a country of billion has to struggle tooth and nail to get even a bunch

of medals while China returns with a truckload of the same. And we, while acknowledging the

abundant raw talent that we possess, blame this ignominy on the lack of opportunity and

infrastructure in the sports. The RGKA, a unique initiative streamlining central government

schemes, has come up to address exactly that ailment.

About

It aims to build sports infrastructure at the grass-roots level.


An estimated outlay of about Rs. 9000 crores has been approved to be utilized till the end

of 13th Five Year Plan (2022).

Objectives

To promote sports as a way of life among the youth.

It will serve a tool to earn both health and fame.

To take the sports facilities throughout the country down to the lowest level

To identify and hone talents through organizing various sports competitions across the

country.

To ensure a larger collection of medals at global sports competitions like Olympics,

CWG, Asiad etc.

Games to benefit

Outdoor Games

Athletics, Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Football, Handball, Hockey, Kabaddi, Kho-

Kho, Tennis and Volley ball.

Indoor Games

Boxing, Wrestling, Table tennis and Weightlifting.

More

Provision for self defence training, especially for women.

Conduction of special category games namely Women competition, Northeast area

games, and Special area games.

National Youth Policy 2014 (NYP)

Objectives

To help the youth realize their full potential by providing them with right set of skills

and knowledge

To avail youth with healthcare facilities for maximizing their productivity

To Promote healthy lifestyle and sports among this category of population.

To promoting social and moral values among the youth,

To engage them into the process of governance and nation building

Special care for the youth with special needs and those in disadvantaged sections

through inclusive policies.

Points to Note

India is one of the youngest nations in the world and Its both a challenge and

opportunity for us.

As our future depends on the quality and the productive capability of this

generation NYP-2014 will target youth in the age-group of 15-29 years that constitutes

27.5% of India's population.

Malaysia Airlines plane Boeing 777-200ER crashes into South China Sea.

All 239 people, travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, are feared dead.

NANO MISSION GETS FINANCIAL BOOST. The government has reinforced the national

mission on nano science and technology "Nano Mission" with a boost of Rs 650 crore for the

12th plan period (2012-17)

Background

This will be the 2nd phase of this mission that was introduced in May 2007 as an

"umbrella capacity-building programme".

The first phase had an allocation of Rs 1000/- crore for 5 years.

About the Technology

Nanotechnology is the engineering of functional systems at the molecular scale helping

us to dramatically improve our ability to construct high performance products.

This technology can be a real game changer for its wide applicability and scope to

improve a wide range of products and processes that touches day-to-day lives.

This complex but "enabling technology" can mould many common products and services

in a revolutionary way thus contributing to economy and national evelopment.

Objectives

To boost research and development in nano science and technology by promoting basic

research, human resource development, research infrastructure development and

international collaborations

This time the emphasis will be on developing and promoting application-oriented R&D

so that useful products, processes and technologies emerge.

The scheme covers all scientists, institutions and industry across the country.

Achievements

It so far has shown a promising glimse of what it can achieve in future through useful products

like

Nano hydrogel-based eye drops

Pesticide removal technology for drinking water

Water filters for arsenic and fluoride removal

Nano silver-based anti-microbial textile coating.

India is at present amongst the top five nations in the world in terms of scientific publications

in nano science and technology.

It has orchestrated national dialogues to promote R&D in development of standards for

nanotechnology and for laying down a National Regulatory Framework Road-Map for

Nanotechnology (NRFR-Nanotech)


Crimea's Parliament unanimously voted to join Russia, to conduct a plebiscite for the

same on March 16.

o US and EU have ruled it illegitimate.

27th Federation Cup Volleyball championship: Tamil Nadu captures the men's title by

thrashing services 25-21, 25-19, 25-19 in the final.

o Railways clinches the women's title by beating Kerala.

o Uttrakhand and Tamil Nadu wins the bronze medal in men's and women's

category respectively.

Tamil Nadu secures the men's title by trumping Punjab 74-57 in the final of the 64th

National Basketball Championship.

o The women's title went to Chhattisgarh who pipped Indian Railways 81-77.

Tom Albanese, former Rio Tinto Chief, has been appointed as the Chief Executive

Officer of Vedanta Resources.

o He will replace Mahendra Singh Mehta after his retirement at the end of March.

o Vedanta Resources is global mining giant with mostly India-centric operations.

Indian-American scientist Anil Jain develops the first ever 3-D fingerprint.

o He led a team of Michigan State University computer scientists to convert a 2-D

image of a fingerprint into a 3-D finger surface using a 3-D printer.

o This will go along way in improving this biometric technology in accuracy and

security.

National Cycling Academy comes up at Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, New Delhi.


India to vote in 9 phases to elect its next government.

o The polling for general election 2014 will take place on April 9, 10, 12, 17, 24

and 30 as well as on 7 and 12 May.

o Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim will simultaneously go for assembly

elections.



o Counting will start on May 16.

Indian acid attack survivor 'Laxmi' has been honoured with International Women

of Courage Award by Michelle Obama for campaign against acid attacks on women in

India.

o She was permanently defaced in an acid attack at the young age of 16 in Delhi.

Assam becomes the first Indian state to celebrate Child Protection Day on March 4.

o November 20 is observed globally as Universal Children’s Day every year.

Luca Maestri is to succeed Peter Oppenheimer as the Chief Financial Officer of Apple

Inc in October this year.

o Peter Oppenheimer, senior vice president and CFO of Apple, has been associated

with the company since 1996.

The world observes the World Dentist Day on March 6.

o The day is celebrated annually to spread awareness about dental health.

R.Neelakantan has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer of low-cost airline

SpiceJet.

o He will replace Sam Isaac as such.

NATIONAL MISSION FOR A GREEN INDIA

Government has approved Rs.46,000-crore project National Mission for a Green

India which aims to improve and enhance the alarmingly receding forest cover in the country.

Background

The diminishing forest cover is a big worry for the ecological health of the country.

The move has been taken in the light of the fact that India’s forest cover had decreased

by 367 sq.km. between 2009 and 2011.

In such a grim scenario its a pity that the environment ministry even failed (and was

lambasted for the same) to properly utilize a grant of Rs.3,044 crore for the National

afforestation programme (launched in 2002).

Mission Aim

To build up an effective mechanism through combination of adaptation and

mitigation initiatives to deal with climate change.

This entails

Enhancing carbon sinks in sustainably managed forests and other ecosystems

Adaptation of vulnerable species/ecosystems to the changing climate

Adaptation of forest-dependant communities.

Objectives

To increase forest cover on 5 million hectares of forest/non-forest land and improve

the quality of forest cover on further 5 million hectares.

The above move will help in improving the ecosystem services including

biodiversity, hydrological services and carbon sequestration.

To provide 3 million forest dependent households with forest-based livelihood.

To increase annual CO2 sequestration of 50-60 million tonnes by the year 2020.

Implementation

Gram Sabha and its Committees will carry out the mission at ground level with

flexible approach (not one size fits all).

Coordination

Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMC) and Forest Development Agency (FDA)

to be restructured to facilitate Gram Sabha in the execution.

Convergence with existing programs and other Missions

Empowerment

The mission will impart requisite skills to the people working at grassroot level for

better result.

Assessment

Regular assessment through extensive research to improve the output.

Funding

North-Eastern states to get 90% of the funds from the centre.

Centre will bear 75% of the implementation cost for other states.

Rest of the expenditure will be met by respective states.

Rs.13,000 crore of the total allocation is to be spent during the 12th five-year plan

period (2013-2017).

Challenges

Plantations by the agencies might encroach over land cultivated by tribals.

It will be a challenge for so many different agencies to co-ordinate effectively


South African cricketer Graeme Smith announces retirement from all forms of

international cricket.


o He featured in 109 test and won 53 of them as captain - both world record.

o He played in 117 tests scoring 9262 runs studded with 27 hundreds and 38 fifties.

Bill Gates is back as the most richest man on the planet as per the Forbes

magazine's annual global list of billionaires.

o He wrested the coveted title from Mexican telecom tycoon Carlos Slim who was

heading the list for the previous 4 years.

o Carlos Slim has slipped to 2nd place followed by Amanico Ortega at 3rd.

o Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) Chairman Mukesh Ambani is the richest Indian in

the list that features 55 more billionaires from the country.

Hockey India has been granted the status of a National Sports Federation for the game of

Hockey in India.

o With this end the dispute between the two rival governing bodies for hockey

namely 'Indian Hockey Federation' (IHF) and 'Hockey India' (HI).

Minority Affairs Ministry introduces 2 new schemes namely Maulana Azad Sehat

Scheme and Nalanda Project.

o Maulana Azad Sehat Scheme is dedicated to serve the health needs of students

studying in schools financially assisted by MAEF (Maulana Azad Education

Foundation).

o Nalanda Project is a faculty development program for minorities’ higher

educational institutions.

KS Popli assumes charge as the Chairman and Managing Director of Indian

Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA).

o IREDA is a non-banking financial institution under the Ministry of New and

Renewable Energy which provides term loans for renewable energy and energy

efficiency projects.

Anuja Prabhudessai becomes the first woman judge of Goa high court.

The former Delhi Chief Minister 'Sheila Dikshit' has been appointed as the new

(22nd) Governor of Kerala.

o She succeeds Nikhil Kumar as such.



US, in the backdrop of recent Russian military intervention in Ukraine, calls off all

military-to-military engagements between the two nations.

3RD BIMSTEC (BAY OF BENGAL INITIATIVE FOR MULTI-SECTORAL TECHNICAL

AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION) SUMMIT KICKS OFF IN MYANMAR.

The 3rd BIMSTEC (B ay of Bengal I nitiative for M ulti- S ectoral T echnical and E conomic

C ooperation ) Summit has come to an end in the city of 'Nay Pyi Taw' (Myanmar) with many

promising declarations.

The seven member organization rolled out an extensive roadmap for collaboration in improving

connectivity and enhancing cooperation in areas like trade, energy, environment, terrorism

and organized crimes.

About

Its an international organisation comprising Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka,

Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal as member countries.

These 7 countries together account for over 20 per cent of the world population (1.5

billion) coupled with a GDP of more than USD 2.5 trillion.

It aims to facilitate cooperation in multiple sectors including trade, investment and

energy.

The grouping is said to be a byproduct of Look East Policy of India and Look West

Policy of Thailand.

Previous Summit: New Delhi (India) in 2008

Next Summit: Kathmandu (Nepal)

Current Chairman: Myanmar, since November 2009

Established in June 1997

The challenges Summit identifies and resolves to jointly work to overcome

Terrorism and the global threat it poses to peace, stability and economic progress

Climate change in general and the ensuing natural disasters in particular

Energy and Food security

Connectivity, Trade and investment

Achievements

A Memorandum of Association was signed to set up BIMSTEC Permanent Secretariat in

Dhaka. That will facilitate the implementation of declared projects.

Another MoA to set up a BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate in India to promote

cooperation in dealing with challenges posed by climate change.

Memorandum of Understanding for establishment of a BIMSTEC Cultural Industries

Commission and BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Observatory.

Resolutions

To enhance cooperation in environmental protection and sustainable development

To enhance cooperation in the field of agriculture, including crops, livestock and

horticulture besides fisheries.

To finalize an agreement on trade in goods by 2014 with intent to promote regional

commerce

To conclude the Agreement on Services and Investments

To work on agreements on dispute settlement and cooperation in customs matters under

the Free Trade Area framework.

To devise a framework for establishment of the BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility.

To increase cooperation in expanding the skill and technology base of member countries.

RBI extendes the deadline for exchanging pre-2005 notes to January 1, 2015 from the earlier

March 31, 2014.

Though people can use them for any transaction till further orders in this regard.

Indian Railways launches ‘SMS Gateway' for sending SMS alerts to passengers about their

PNR Status.

Corporation Bank wins the awards for lending to MSE (micro and small enterprises) and to

micro enterprises from the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) for the

year 2012-13

Indian Bank clinches the national award for excellence in lending to micro enterprises for

2012-2013.

Shri Krishna Chaudhary has been appointed as the Director General of Railway

Protection Force.



South Africa lifts its maiden Under-19 cricket world cup by thrashing 2-time

champion Pakistan by six wickets in the final.

o This was Proteas 3rd final after ones in 2002 & 2008.

o This is only the second ICC tournament title for the South Africans after winning

the inaugural ICC knockout title in 1998.

o Defending champion India finished a disappointing 5th.

o The next ICC U19 Cricket World Cup will be held in Bangladesh in 2016.

Centre approves revision of ceiling on election expenditure.

o It will be Rs.70 lakh per constituency for General Elections in all States except Arunachal

Pradesh, Goa, Sikkim, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar

Haveli, Daman and Diu, Lakshdweep and Puducherry which has been kept at Rs.54 lakh.

o The maximum limit for assembly election is to be Rs.28 lakh in all States except the ones

mentioned above where it will only be Rs.20 lakh.

Government includes Jat community in the Central List of OBCs for the States of

Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan Uttar Pradesh,

Delhi, Uttarakhand and Bihar.

o It will enable them avail the goodies of reservation.

Arvind Bhat becomes the 1st Indian shuttler to clinch men's singles title at German Open Grand

Prix Gold.

o He beat Danish Hans-Kristian Vittinghus to bag the prize money of $120,000.

o He is also the first Indian to win title here in any category.

The Union cabinet approves 'special category' status to Seemandhra for 5 years.

India's first electric bus begins operation in Bangalore.

o The bus with zero emission levels operates on a battery that lasts five hours and can

cover a distance of 250 km.

Bangaru Laxman, the 1st Dalit president of BJP, breathes his last at 74.

o His political career had ended in 2001 after a sting operation by Tehelka where he was

caught on camera receiving bribe from a supposed arms dealer.

Italian film 'The Great Beauty' secures Best foreign language film title at Oscar Awards 2014.

o The award for best picture went to 12 Years a Slave.

Centre to set up NTPC's 2640 MW Bundelkhand Super Thermal Power Project at Barethi,

Chattarpur (Madhya Pradesh).

o The plant will be equipped with environment friendly super critical technology.


WHAT ARE VACCINES?

What is a Vaccine?

A vaccine is a biological preparation that improves immunity to a particular disease.

A vaccine typically contains an agent that resembles a disease-causing microorganism

and is often made from weakened or killed forms of the microbe, its toxins or one of its

surface proteins.

The agent stimulates the body's immune system to recognize the agent as foreign, destroy

it, and keep a record of it, so that the immune system can more easily recognize and

destroy any of these microorganisms that it later encounters.

Types of Vaccine

Sr.

Type of

Vaccine

Description


No.

1 KilledSome vaccines contain killed, but previously virulent, micro-organisms that

have been destroyed with chemicals, heat, radioactivity, or antibiotics.

2 Attenuated

An attenuated vaccine is a vaccine created by reducing the virulence of

a pathogen, but still keeping it viable (or "live"). Attenuation takes an infectious

agent and alters it so that it becomes harmless or less virulent. These vaccines

contrast to those produced by "killing" the virus (inactivated vaccine).

3 Toxoid

Toxoid vaccines are made from inactivated toxic compounds that cause illness

rather than the micro-organism. Such toxic compounds are produced from the

organisms externally.

4 Subunit

Protein subunit – rather than introducing an inactivated or attenuated micro-

organism to an immune system (which would constitute a "whole-agent"

vaccine), a fragment of it can create an immune response. Examples include the

subunit vaccine against Hepatitis B virus that is composed of only the surface

proteins of the virus.

INDIA DECLARED POLIO FREE

Why is it in news?

India is on its way to be declared as a polio free state.

Main reason for this move is that no polio case has been detected in India for the last

three years.

India was once known as the “epicentre” of polio.

Who is going to declare India as a Polio Free state ?World Health Organization (WHO)

What is the probable time when India will be declared polio free?

WHO would officially declare India as polio-free by the end of March, when the legal

process for certification was completed.

Also if all pending laboratory investigations return negative, in the coming weeks India

will officially be deemed to have stopped indigenous transmission of wild poliovirus

Last case detected in India of Polio

last case of the wild polio virus was detected on January 13, 2011, in a two-year-old girl

in the state of West Bengal.

It has been three years now that no case of Polio has been detected in India.

Countries where polio still exist as endemic disease:

Afghanistan

Pakistan

Nigeria

Countries where polio still exist as non-endemic disease

Somalia

Kenya

Syria

Problems faced by these foreign countries in relation to Polio

These countries face a range of challenges such as violent conflicts, weak health

systems and poor sanitation.

In Pakistan, gunmen frequently attack polio vaccination workers, accusing them of being

Western spies and part of a plot to sterilize Muslims.

What one country has to get if it needs to be declared as Polio Free ?

It needs the crucial polio eradication certificate from the World Health

Organisation(WHO).

The certificate is issued on completion of incident-free three years.

This primarily involves the destruction or safe storage of all laboratory sources of wild

poliovirus. The storage should be in laboratories that meet international standards of

biosafety.

The WHO’s Global Action Plan for containment of wild polioviruses advises that when

polio cases are decreasing, national health authorities must alert laboratories, encourage

destruction of all unneeded wild poliovirus material and compile an inventory of all

laboratories retaining such materials.

What steps India took to eradicate Polio?

millions were involved in the drive to immunize children by giving them polio drops.

They targeted migrant families at bus stations, on trains, at construction sites, and at local

festivals. Some used motorcycles or trekked by foot to reach remote villages.

As a consequence, over 170 million children are immunized every year, with millions

more targeted on house-to-house visits. The drive has cost the government $2.5 billion

since 1995.

India's success has given impetus to the global fight against polio

Polio eradication is a very costly operation and so donors and partners were losing hope

and patience. Now they are all very actively mobilized into channelling their efforts.

What is Polio?

Polio attacks the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis within hours of

infection.

The highly infectious disease often spreads in areas with poor sanitation - a factor that

helped it keep a grip on India for many decades.

Children under five are the most vulnerable.

But it can be prevented by population-wide vaccination.

Why was India considered as the most difficult state to eliminate Polio?

India has very poor sanitation.

Lacks in infrastructure.

Low levels of literacy.

Many families are poor economically.

Some communities live in remote or inaccessible areas.

Which Polio Viruses India has ?Type 1 & Type 3.

Types of Vaccines present for Polio • Oral polio vaccine (OPV)

• Monovalent oral polio vaccines (mOPV1 and mOPV3)

• Bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV)

• Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)

Oral Polio Vaccine

Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) was developed by Albert Sabin in 1961.

Also called “trivalent oral polio vaccine” or “Sabin vaccine”

OPV consists of a mixture of live, attenuated (weakened) poliovirus strains of all three

poliovirus types. Hence called Trivalent Oral Polio Vaccine.

What does this vaccine do:

OPV produces antibodies in the blood to all three types of poliovirus.

In the event of infection, these antibodies protect against paralysis by preventing the

spread of wild poliovirus to the nervous system.

OPV also produces a local, mucosal immune response in the mucous membrane of the

intestines. In the event of infection, these mucosal antibodies limit the replication of the

wild poliovirus inside the intestine.

This intestinal immune response to OPV is thought to be the main reason why mass

campaigns with OPV can rapidly stop person-to-person transmission of wild poliovirus.

Advantages

OPV is administered orally. It can be given by volunteers and does not require trained

health workers or sterile injection equipment.

The vaccine is relatively inexpensive.

OPV is safe, effective, and induces long-lasting immunity to all three types of poliovirus.

For several weeks after vaccination, the vaccine virus replicates in the intestine, is

excreted in the faeces, and can be spread to others in close contact. This means that in

areas where hygiene and sanitation are poor, immunization with OPV can result in the

“passive” immunization of people who have not been directly vaccinated.

Disadvantages

Although OPV is safe and effective, in extremely rare cases (approx. 1 in every 2.7

million first doses of the vaccine) the live attenuated vaccine virus in OPV can cause

paralysis.

A second disadvantage is that very rarely the virus in the vaccine may genetically change

and start to circulate among a population.

Safety: OPV is an extremely safe vaccine.

Efficacy:

OPV is highly effective against all three types of wild poliovirus.

It is most effective against type 2.

One dose of OPV produces immunity to all three poliovirus serotypes in approximately

50% of recipients. Three doses produce immunity in more than 95% of recipients.

Immunity is long-lasting and probably life-long.

Use: Where more than one type of wild poliovirus is circulating, OPV is

epidemiologically and operationally the best vaccine to use because protection develops

to each of the three types of polio virus.

Monovalent Oral Polio Vaccines (mOPV)

Monovalent oral polio vaccines (mOPV) consist of live, attenuated (weakened)

poliovirus strains of either type 1 (mOPV1) or type 3 (mOPV3) poliovirus only. Unlike

OPV, it does not contain the other two types of poliovirus. The vaccine gives protection

against one type of poliovirus only (either type 1 or type 3 depending on the vaccine).

Monovalent oral polio vaccines were used extensively in the early days of polio

vaccination in the late 1950s and early 1960s. However, from 1963, mOPVs were

replaced by OPV, where protection against all three types of wild poliovirus could be

given at the same time – an important consideration when more than one type of wild

poliovirus was circulating.

Bivalent Oral Polio vaccine (bOPV)

Bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV) consists of live, attenuated (weakened) poliovirus

strains of type 1 and type 3. It simultaneously targets the two remaining types of wild

poliovirus (type 1 and type 3) and was developed to improve the efficiency and impact of

vaccination campaigns in areas where both types of poliovirus co-circulate.

Bivalent oral polio vaccine offers the same advantages as OPV. In addition: For both

types 1 and 3 polio, bOPV is more effective than OPV and almost as good as the

monovalent vaccines, yet in a package that delivers both at once.

Bivalent OPV is at least 30% more effective than trivalent OPV and almost as good as

the respective monovalent OPVs.

Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV)

Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) was developed in 1955 by Dr Jonas Salk.

Also called the “Salk vaccine”, IPV consists of inactivated (killed) poliovirus strains of

all three poliovirus types.

IPV is given by intramuscular injection and needs to be administered by a trained health

worker.

The inactivated polio vaccine produces antibodies in the blood to all three types of

poliovirus. In the event of infection, these antibodies prevent the spread of the virus to the

central nervous system and protect against paralysis.

Advantages:

As IPV is not a 'live' vaccine, it carries no risk of vaccine-associated polio paralysis.

IPV triggers an excellent protective immune response in most people.

Disadvantages:

IPV induces very low levels of immunity in the intestine. As a result, when a person

immunized with IPV is infected with wild poliovirus, the virus can still multiply inside

the intestines and be shed in the faeces, risking continued circulation.

IPV is over five times more expensive than oral polio vaccine.

Administering the vaccine requires trained health workers and sterile injection equipment

and procedures.

Post-Certification Problems:

Rehabilitation of polio affected as the priority

Ensure that polio vaccination program do not weak.

Set up an effective surveillance for quick finding of any polio cases.

Other Children related problems in India:

High Child Mortality

Millions of Children die in the conditions that could actually be prevented like diarrhoea,

pneumonia, etc.

Child Labour

Child Trafficking

Infant Mortality

HIV/AIDS

Malnutrition

Decreased school enrolment

What are the solutions?

Economic development that raised family incomes and living standards

widespread, affordable, required and relevant education

Enforcement of anti-child labor laws (along with compulsory education laws)

Changes in public attitudes toward children that elevated the importance of education

Social services — that help children and families survive crises, such as disease, or loss

of home and shelter

Family control of fertility — so that families are not burdened by children

WHAT ARE VIRUSES ?

What are Viruses?

Viruses are the smallest biological structures even smaller than the bacteria.

They do not have proper cellular structure i.e. they are non-cellular in nature.

Viruses are the host specific, and out of the cell they are metabolically inert.

Virus causes diseases to animals, plants, and bacteria.

Life Cycle of VirusesOne thing that should be understood clearly is that viruses force the host cell to copy the viruses

DNA or RNA to make viral proteins which all assemble to form new virus particles. There are

six stages in the life cycle of the virus. They are given below:

Attachment (Stage 1): In these stage viruses attaches themselves on the host cells. It is

important to note here that Viruses attaches to only that host cell in which they can

reproduce.

Penetration (Stage 2): After attachment, the viruses penetrate in the host cell.

Uncoating (stage 3): In this stage the coating on the viruses is removed by the viral

enzymes or host enzymes. This process exposes the viral nucleic acid i.e. DNA or RNA.

Replication (Stage 4): It is the stage where a cell uses viral messenger RNA in its protein

synthesis systems to produce viral proteins. The RNA or DNA synthesis abilities of the

cell produce the virus's DNA or RNA.

Assembly (Stage 5): It takes place in the cell when the newly created viral proteins and

nucleic acid combine to form hundreds of new virus particles.

Release (Stage 6): It occurs when the new viruses escape or are released from the cell.

Most viruses achieve this by making the cells burst, a process called lysis. Other viruses

such as HIV are released more gently by a process called budding

Classification of Viruses

A particular virus has only one type of nucleic acid in its nucleus which could be a single

or double stranded DNA or RNA. It will be either DNA or RNA.

Hence Viruses are classified in two families depending on whether they have RNA or

DNA genomes and whether these genomes are double or single stranded.

RNA virus : An RNA virus is a virus that has RNA (ribonucleic acid) as its genetic

material. This nucleic acid is usually single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) but may be double-

stranded RNA (dsRNA).

Single-stranded RNA virus : Single stranded RNA viruses can be further classified

according to the sense or polarity of their RNA into negative-sense and positive-sense

RNA viruses. Some are positive in that they have a "sense" strand of RNA (coded

information about how to build proteins) as their genetic material. Positive-sense viral

RNA is identical to viral mRNA and thus can be immediately translated by the host cell.

And other RNA viruses are negative in that they have an "antisense" strand (the paired

opposite of the coded information). Negative-sense viral RNA is complementary to

mRNA.

Negative-Strand RNA virus : Also known as an antisense-strand RNA virus, a virus

whose genetic information consists of a single strand of RNA that is the negative or

antisense strand which does not encode mRNA (messenger RNA) and is complementary

to it. Therefore itmust be copied into the complementary plus-sense mRNA before

proteins can be made. Thus, besides needing to code for an RNA-dependent RNA-

polymerase, these viruses also need to package it (polymerase) in the virion so that they

can make mRNAs upon infecting the cell. The positive-sense RNA molecule then acts as

viral mRNA, which is translated into proteins by the host ribosome. The resultant protein

goes on to direct the synthesis of new virions, such as capsid proteins and RNA replicase,

which is used to produce new negative-sense RNA molecules. Examples of negative-

strand RNA viruses include influenza virus (orthomyxovirus), measles viruses

(paramyxoviruses), and rabies virus (rhabdovirus).

Positive-stranded RNA virus : Also known as a sense-strand RNA virus, a virus whose

genetic information consists of a single strand of RNA that is the positive (or sense)

strand which usually behaves as mRNA (messenger RNA). This mRNA can be translated

immediately upon infection of the host cell, producing a single protein which is modified

by host and viral proteins to form the various proteins needed for replication. Replication

in positive-strand RNA viruses is via a negative-strand intermediate.

Double-Stranded RNA Virus : The double-stranded (ds)RNA viruses represent a diverse

group of viruses that vary widely in host range (humans, animals, plants, fungi, and

bacteria), genome segment number (one to twelve), and virion organization (T-number,

capsid layers, or turrets). Members of this fascinating group include the rotaviruses,

renowned globally as the commonest cause of gastroenteritis in young children, and

bluetongue virus, an economically important pathogen of cattle and sheep. The double

stranded RNA viruses replicate in the cytoplasm, and their replication is

monocistronic(mRNA that can encode only one polypeptide per RNA molecule).

DNA Virus: DNA Virus is a virus that has DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) as its genetic

material. They are usually Large, Icosahedral, enveloped in Lipoproteins, Do not have

polymerase enzymes, and cause Latent infection. Examples include Poxviruses,

Herpesviruses, hepadnaviruses, Hepatitis b.

Evolution of Viruses

Mutation in Viruses are either spontaneous or induced one (Note: Spontaneous means

naturally. Induced one means due to external force).

Mutations:

Mutation is nothing but any event that changes genetic structure

Naturally: Mutation occur during virus replication.

Mutation in RNA viruses may be extremely rapid because RNA is a less

thermodynamically stable molecule than is DNA.

Many of the mutations which give rise to the diversity seen with the HIV virus is not a

result of the fact that the virus uses an RNA genome, but of the nature of the polymerase

enzyme that the virus uses.

Induced: Mutations can manually be introduced by Agents acting directly on bases, e.g.

nitrous acid, Agents acting indirectly, e.g. base analogs which mis-pair more frequently

than normal bases or even by Agents such as UV light or X-rays.

Exchange of Genetic Material:

This involves breaking of covalent bonds within the nucleic acid, exchange of genetic

information, and reforming of covalent bonds.

This kind of break/join recombination is common in DNA viruses or those RNA viruses

which have a DNA phase (retroviruses).

The host cell has recombination systems for DNA.

If a virus has a segmented genome and if two variants of that virus infect a single cell,

progeny virions can result with some segments from one parent, some from the other.

This is an efficient process - but is limited to viruses with segmented genomes - so far the

only human viruses characterized with segmented genomes are RNA viruses.

Difference between Retrovirus and an RNA Virus ?

A retrovirus is that RNA virus which has an intermediate stage involving it being a DNA

i.e. in it’s intermediate stage RNA converts to DNA. This virus can convert their RNA

into DNA copy. This process is catalyzed by reverse transcriptase enzyme. Then this

DNA is integrated covalently into the host genome using integrase enzyme, which is

coded by reverse transcriptase. So, retrovirus has a special advantage as a gene carrier.

They are integrated into the host genome directly, but the reverse transcription is much

faster than the normal transcription process and it is not much accurate. So offspring may

be genetically different from the first generation. Retroviruses can cause HIV and number

of cancers in animals.

On the contrary, an RNA Virus does not convert to DNA in any of the intermediate stage.

Difference between Virus and Retrovirus• Retroviruses are a group of viruses, so retroviruses carry special characteristics, which are not

seen in viruses.

• Virus contains genetic material as DNA or RNA but retrovirus contains only RNA.

• If the virus has DNA, it inserts DNA into the host cell, and it is integrated directly into the host

genome at the lytic phase, whereas retrovirus has RNA as its genetic material and needs to

convert RNA to DNA before insert it into the host genome.

• So, viruses have transcription process, whereas retroviruses have reverse transcription process.

• The second generation of the retrovirus may be different from the first generation because of

the inaccuracy of the revere transcription process, whereas mostly the second generation is

similar to first generation genetically since the virus has normal transcription process which is

accurate than the reverse transcription.

• Because of the vast genetic change in second generation of retroviruses, treatments for diseases

caused by them are difficult, than the treatments for virus caused diseases. For an example, HIV

does not have such specific treatment, whereas virus diseases have treatment like rabies or

influenza.

Difference between DNA & RNA viruses1. DNA viruses are mostly double-stranded while RNA viruses are single-stranded.

2. RNA mutation rate is higher than DNA mutation rate.

3. DNA replication takes place in the nucleus while RNA replication takes place in the

cytoplasm.

4. DNA viruses are stable while RNA viruses are unstable.

5. In DNA viruses, viral genetic code is injected in the host DNA for duplication and decoding.

RNA viruses skip DNA for duplication and decoding.

Important Biological Molecules

Three important biological molecules: (1) DNA (2) RNA (3) Protein

Are the workhorse of the cell and carry out diverse catalytic and structural roles

DNA and RNA, carry the genetic information that can be inherited from one generation

to the next. (Note: DNA or RNA is also called as the Nucleic Acid)

RNA, which stands for ribonucleic acid, is a polymeric molecule made up of one or more

nucleotides. A strand of RNA can be thought of as a chain with a nucleotide at each chain

link. Each nucleotide is made up of a base (adenine, cytosine, guanine, and uracil,

typically abbreviated as A, C, G and U), a ribose sugar, and a phosphate.

The structure of RNA nucleotides is very similar to that of DNA nucleotides, with the

main difference being that the ribose sugar backbone in RNA has a hydroxyl (-OH) group

that DNA does not. This gives DNA its name: DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid.

Another minor difference is that DNA uses the base thymine (T) in place of uracil (U).

Despite great structural similarities, DNA and RNA play very different roles from one

another in modern cells.

Types of RNA

Sr.

No.

Type of

RNADescription

1 Messenger

RNA

It plays an important role in the transcription of DNA. Transcription is the

process in protein synthesis that involves copying the genetic information

(mRNA)

contained within DNA into an RNA message. During transcription, certain

proteins called transcription factors unwind the DNA strand and allow the

enzyme RNA polymerase to transcribe only a single strand of DNA. DNA

contains the four nucleotide bases adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C) and

thymine (T) which are paired together (A-T and C-G). When RNA

polymerase transcribes the DNA into a mRNA molecule, adenine pairs with

uracil and cytosine pairs with guanine (A-U and C-G). At the end of

transcription, mRNA is transported to the cytoplasm for the completion of

protein synthesis.

2Transfer

RNA (tRNA)

It plays an important role in the translation portion of protein synthesis. Its job

is to translate the message within the nucleotide sequences of mRNA into

specific amino acid sequences. The amino acid sequences are joined together

to form a protein. Transfer RNA is shaped like a clover leaf with three hairpin

loops. It contains an amino acid attachment site on one end and a special

section in the middle loop called the anticodon site. The anticodon recognizes

a specific area on mRNA called a codon. A codon consists of three continuous

nucleotide bases that code for an amino acid or signal the end of translation.

Transfer RNA along with ribosomes read the mRNA codons and produce

apolypeptide chain. The polypeptide chain undergoes several modifications

before becoming a fully functioning protein.

3 Ribosomal

RNA

(rRNA)

It is a component of cell organelles called ribosomes. A ribosome consists of

ribosomal proteins and rRNA. Ribosomes are typically composed of two

subunits: a large subunit and a small subunit. Ribosomal subunits are

synthesized in the nucleus by the nucleolus. Ribosomes contain a binding site

for mRNA and two binding sites for tRNA located in the large ribosomal

subunit. During translation, a small ribosomal subunit attaches to a mRNA

molecule. At the same time, an initiator tRNA molecule recognizes and binds

to a specific codon sequence on the same mRNA molecule. A large ribosomal

subunit then joins the newly formed complex. Both ribosomal subunits travel

along the mRNA molecule translating the codons on mRNA into a

polypeptide chain as they go. Ribosomal RNA is responsible for creating the

peptide bonds between the amino acids in the polypeptide chain. When a

termination codon is reached on the mRNA molecule, the translation process

ends. The polypeptide chain is released from the tRNA molecule and the

ribosome splits back into large and small subunits.

INDIA INCLUSIVE INNOVATION FUND

The National Innovation Council (NInC) and the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium

Enterprises (MSME) has come together to set up 'India Inclusive Innovation Fund' (IIIF). The

fund seeks to exploit the Venture Capital model to enable the less-privileged in setting up

businesse enterprises.

About

Its an autonomous and not for profit 500-crore fund (with ambition to expand upto Rs

5000 crore).

100 crore (20 per cent of total) is to be granted by the centre.

The rest is expected to be generated from public sector banks and various financial

institutions.

Its to be in operation for nine years with possible extension by up to two years (subject to

approval of contributors).

Advantage

The fund will provide concessional finance to ventures that are innovative and

sustainable.

The stress will be given to start-ups which seems profitable simultaneously addressing

social needs like healthcare, agriculture, education / skill development etc.

Venture Capital funded start-ups normally have to shell out 22-25% (on the average)

internal rate of return (IRR), but IIIF plans to keep it as low as 12%.

More:

The thinking behind the concept is to support small to medium entrepreneurs and thus

help job creations.

Its to add teeth to the efforts of socio-economical upliftment by assisting inadequate

philanthropy and Government grants/subsidies provided to the poors.

Latest

P Chidambaram has also announced a Rs.200 crore venture capital fund to promote Dalit

entrepreneurs in possibly his last budget speech as finance minister.

Head of the NInC: Sam Pitroda

SEBI ANNOUNCES NEW 'CORPORATE GOVERNANCE' NORMS

IntroductionCorporate world is based on the capital (money) provided to it by the numerous

stakeholders/shareholders of the companies. So, it is very important to protect the interests of the

stakeholders.

Why is it in news?

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI-regulator for securities market in India)

recently came out with a policy on corporate governance which is to be followed by all

the companies in India.

This new corporate governance code has been build & formulated over some similar

provisions present in the New Companies Act, 2013.

Big scams have happened in the recent years. The famous one is the corporate fraud by

Satyam founder and Chairman Ramalinga Raju. In fact, trouble started brewing at

Satyam around December 16 when Satyam announced its decision to buy stakes in

Maytas Properties and Infrastructure for $1.3 billion. The deal was soon called off owing

to major discontentment on the part of shareholders and plummeting share-price.

However, in what has been seen as one of the largest corporate frauds in India, Raju

confessed that the profits in the Satyam books had been inflated and that the cash

reserve with the company was minimal. Ironically, Satyam had received the Golden

Peacock Global Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance in September 2008 but

was stripped of it soon after Raju's confession.

What is Corporate Governance?

Corporate Governance may be defined as a set of systems, processes and principles

which ensure that a company is governed in the best interest of all stakeholders.

In short, it deals with conducting the affairs of a company such that there is fairness to all

stakeholders and that its actions benefit the greatest number of stakeholders.

It is the system by which companies are directed and controlled.

It is about promoting corporate fairness, transparency and accountability.

In other words, 'good corporate governance' is simply 'good business'.

The management needs to prevent asymmetry of benefits between various sections of

shareholders, especially between the owner-managers and the rest of the shareholders.

Advantages of Corporate Governance

Adequate disclosures and effective decision making to achieve corporate objectives;

Transparency in business transactions;

Statutory and legal compliances;

Protection of shareholder interests;

Commitment to values and ethical conduct of business.

Principles underlying corporate governance

Integrity

Fairness

Transparency

Complying with laws of the land

Accountability

Responsibility

Conducting business in a good manner

Objectives of Corporate Governance

A properly structured board capable of taking independent and objective decisions is in

place at the helm of affairs;

The board is balance as regards the representation of adequate number of non-executive

and independent directors who will take care of their interests and well-being of all the

stakeholders;

The board adopts transparent procedures and practices and arrives at decisions on the

strength of adequate information;

The board has an effective machinery to subserve the concerns of stakeholders;

The board keeps the shareholders informed of relevant developments impacting the

company;

The board effectively and regularly monitors the functioning of the management team;

The board remains in effective control of the affairs of the company at all times.

new norms would also seek to clearly differentiate between 'innocent mistakes' and

genuine transactions of company executives from the unlawful and serious trading

offences.

Some Important provisions under new corporate governance

Companies to justify high executive salaries

Put in place an orderly succession plan

Adopt a whistle-blower policy for employees

Limit the number of directorship a person can hold on company boards.

Various other measures to safeguard the interest of minority shareholders

Grant greater oversight by minority shareholders and independent directors and check

any unjustifiable payments to related parties

Introduce a new concept of 'Corporate Governance Rating' by independent agencies to

monitor the level of compliance by the listed companies, in addition to regular inspection

by SEBI and stock exchanges.

Greater alignment of CEO salaries with the performance and goals of the company, as

also mandatory disclosure of ratio of remuneration paid to the each of their directors and

their median staff salary. Similar provisions have been made in the new Companies Act.

Other Provisions of the New Corporate Governance

Independent director can be on the board of maximum 7 listed companies and 3 in case

the person is serving as a whole time director in a listed company Ten public companies.

No separate provision for listed companies.

Whistle blower policy made mandatory

Succession Policy Not specified

Independent director: max two terms of 5 years each

ID tenure to be computed on retrospective basis It has been specified that it should not be

applied retrospectively

No stock options for ID

Nominee director not to be treated as independent

Prior approval of Audit Committee for all material Related Party Transactions (RPTs)

Not specified

Performance evaluation of Independent Directors and the Board of Directors

Separate meeting of Independent Directors

Constitution of Stakeholders Relationship Committee

Enhanced disclosure of remuneration policies

Approval of all material RPTs by shareholders through special resolution with related

parties abstaining from voting

Mandatory constitution of Nomination and Remuneration Committee. Chairman of the

said committees shall be independent. Chairman independence not necessary

At least one woman director on the Board of the company

The scope of the definition of RPT has been widened to include elements of Companies

Act and Accounting Standards. Not clarified.

E-voting facility by top 500 companies by market capitalization for all shareholder

resolutions Not mandatory.

Providing training to Independent Directors Not specified

Most important point that SEBI has come out for corporate worldSEBI has pointed out that under the new corporate governance, companies should clearly draw a

line distinguishing the personal & corporate funds while managing the company. Till now, it has

been seen that many of the corporate funds have been used for personal benefits.

Why it is important?

It helps to maintain the confidence of people in a particular company & also in the market

Ideals of corporate governance in any country are seen by the Foreign Institutional

Investors (FII) before investing in a country.

It also helps to have a positive influence on the share price of the company.

Having a clean image on the corporate governance front could also make it easier for

companies to source capital at more reasonable costs.

What happens without the Corporate Governance?To summarize what happens without Corporate Governance is that without Corporate

Governance, big & larger scams happen in the corporate world.

What about insider trading?

Insider Trading is the buying of share of a company whose share information is known to

a person already. That person is the “insider” i.e. he either holds an important position in

the company or has close connection to the company.

For e.g. If XYZ company is going to get a tender to make rockets for NASA. It is

obvious that the share prices of that company are going to increase. To get the profit from

this, the company’s CEO (an insider) may sell the shares.

Insider Trading has not been included in the New Corporate Governance.

But it is going to be incorporated soon as per the new reports.

But it has been said that definition of the Insider Trading by the SEBI is going to be

redefined.

Under the proposed norms on insider trading many new categories of persons, including

public servants, regulatory officials, judiciary and government officials, dealing with

unpublished price-sensitive information, are being brought under the purview of insider

trading.

CANINE DISTEMPER' THREATENS INDIA'S TIGER POPULATION

Introduction:

A virus named canine distemper virus is spreading very fast in the tiger population of India. This

particular virus is very common among the dogs but it is very lethal to the Carnivores specially

Tigers. It has raised a concern as many of the tigers in India have tested positive to this virus. In

the past year, this virus has killed at least four tigers & many other animals.

Stats about Indian tigers:

India is home to more than half of the world's estimated 3,200 tigers

Despite dozens of tiger reserves in place, their numbers have sunk from an estimated

5,000-7,000 in the 1990s, when their habitat was more than twice as large.

Tiger habitat had gone down from 93687 to 81881 sq km (36,176 to 31614 sq miles) in

the four years the census was conducted.

Some disturbing findings:

The cases that reported positive to the virus tests are situated at different & distant places.

In some situations, cases have been found where there were no dogs at all i.e. the virus

appears to be spreading.

It is not just tigers that are getting this virus but also other carnivores.

Why wasn’t it detected before?

Tests for canine distemper virus are not carried on a regular basis.

Also, even if an animal dies, hardly any reason behind it is found out i.e. many of such

cases go undetected.

Also, dead bodies of very few animals that die in the wild are ever found.

Is it serious ?

There have been incidents around the world where this virus wiped out entire population

of a particular animal.

It brought the US black-footed ferret to the brink of extinction in the late 1970s.

In Tanzania in 1994, an epidemic probably introduced by tourists' dogs wiped out at least

a third of the 3,000-strong African lion population in Serengeti national park.

About the Canine Distemper Virus

Meaning: Canine means Of or relating to a pointed conical tooth. Distemper means Any

of various infectious viral diseases of animals.

Technically: It is a single stranded RNA virus of the family paramyxovirus.

Particularly, the animals in the early stages of growth (cubs/young ones of the tiger in this

case) are vulnerable to this virus.

It causes high fever, watery eyes, lethargy, paralysis and death.

A close relative of measles.

associated mostly with domestic dogs

Dogs recover from it as it is regular for them. But other animals including tigers, lions

and leopards suffer fever, seizures and delirium before they die.

There is no known cure.

Spread: The main source of infection is by inhalation of aerosol droplets during close

dog-to-dog (or animal to animal) contact. Signs can take up to three weeks to appear. The

virus cannot survive easily in the environment and can be killed by most household

disinfectants.

Signs: The early signs of disease are primarily respiratory with runny eyes and nose, and

coughing. This is followed by depression, loss of appetite, vomiting and subsequently

diarrhoea. In the later stages of the disease, animals may develop thickening of the foot

pads, known as ‘hard pad’, and nose. (For Tiger specially: display strange behavior with

disorientation, inability to predate, besides loss of fear)

Treatment: There is no specific treatment for canine distemper, although supportive

therapy in the form of intravenous fluids are often given to correct the fluid loss due to

vomiting and diarrhoea. The best form of protection against this virus is through

vaccination.

Steps being taken by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

Tests for existence of this virus are being carried out in each of the area having tiger

population. (Note: there are obvious challenges in capturing the reclusive and dangerous

nighttime predators for blood tests. It needs lot of funding and lot of manpower)

http://www.erewise.com/current-affairs/ntca-approves-5th-tiger-reserve-in-maharashtra_art529c84b1d3dc0.html

Also, a campaign has been started to vaccinate dogs against canine distemper. (Note:

Dogs are there in the vicinity of zones and sanctuaries. It is not possible to vaccinate each

single dog. But even if it is possible to vaccinate 50% of these dogs, the threat can be

reduced significantly)

regular vaccination of dogs, cats and stray cattle living around tiger reserves

collection of tissue of dead animals for pathological analysis

periodical checking of water quality in tiger reserves

What experts have to say?

It is hardly possible to control the disease as much of the human population lives near the

wildlife. with rapid development people and their pets are coming closer and closer to

wildlife.

On the contrary, government should focus on other, proven threats such as poaching, prey

loss to hunting and human encroachment into forests.

What other countries have done to contain this virus?

South Africa has quarantined huge areas and created disease-free spaces in the wild.

It is not feasible here.

Some other problems being faced by the tigers:

Illegal poaching

Selling tigers in black market because of its various uses specially by the traditional

Chinese medicine practitioners

Deforestation and urban growth bring the cats ever closer to human settlements and into

conflict with villagers who will hunt any wild animals near their communities or livestock.

LI FI TECHNOLOGY : LIGHT FIDELITY

IntroductionAs we all know that light reaches everywhere. Imagine if certain information is to be passed

using light as a medium. Not only the communication will get fast but also the possibilities

coming with it. Such a technique of using Light as a medium is dubbed as the Li-Fi.

What is Wi-Fi ?

Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity.

It uses 2.4 to 5 GHz radio frequency to deliver wireless Internet access around our

homes, schools, offices and in public places.

Main problem with the Wi-Fi

Bandwidth is typically limited to 50-100 megabits per second (Mbps) today using the

IEEE802.11n standard.

It works fine with many of the internet connections. But it is unable to deliver the High

Definition Movies, music libraries or video games.

With the recent increase in the use of cloud computing (where you store your information

on certain web server & not on your local disk), Wi-Fi is not going to be useful in the

future as it will not be able to cater to the need of the increasing bandwidth & speed.

Other Problems with the Radio Spectrum

Capacity (Costly & Expensive. Less bandwidth compared to other spectrums. Insufficient

spectrum for increasing data)

Efficiency (millions of base stations consume huge amount of energy)

Availability (Available within the range of Base Stations. Limited Availability.

Unavailable in aircrafts)

Security (Less secure. It passes through walls)

Components of Electromagnetic Spectrum

Sr.

No.

Electromagnetic

SpectrumDescription

1 Radio Waves Expensive, Limited Bandwidth, less secure

2 Infrared Only for Low power Applications

3 VisibleWhich is not used so far. Sage to Use. Larger

Bandwidth.

4 Ultra-violet Dangerous for human body.

5 X-rays Used for hospitals

6 Gamma Rays Is not used generally as it is very harmful.

What is Li-Fi?

Li-Fi is the latest communication technology which can transmit data using the spectrum

of visible light.

Other names for Li-Fi: Optical Wireless technologies / Visible Light Communication

(VLC) but mostly called Li-Fi (Light Fidelity)

Speed possible to Achieve: 10 Gbit/S (Giga bit per second). It is around 250 times faster

than the “superfast” broadband.

The name “Li-Fi” was first coined by Edinburgh University’s Prof. Harald Hass in 2001.

How Li-Fi Technology works ?

It works by sending data over the light.

For this purpose a LED (Light Emitting Diode) light bulb, anyone at all, can be flicked on

and off in order to be able to generate signals. A proper Light Receiver is made for

receiving the LED signals.

The LED bulb will hold a micro-chip that will do the job of processing the data.

The light intensity can be manipulated to send data by tiny changes in amplitude.

Properties of LED: (Fundamental property of Li-Fi): (1) Intensity can be modulated into

very high speeds and varying amplitudes. (2) LED can be switched on and off with very

high speed.

The question that comes to mind is that why would someone sit below a flickering light

bulb? But this is not the thing. The technology is focusing on making sure that the light

bulb is flickered up to billions of times a second! At that rate, the human eye simply

cannot notice the light bulb being flicked on and off.

The LIFI product consists of 4 primary sub-assemblies: Bulb, RF power amplifier circuit

(PA) , Printed circuit board (PCB) & Enclosure

The PCB controls the electrical inputs and outputs of the lamp and houses the

microcontroller used to manage different lamp functions.

An RF (radio-frequency) signal is generated by the solid-state PA and is guided into an

electric field about the bulb. The high concentration of energy in the electric field

vaporizes the contents of the bulb to a plasma state at the bulb’s center; this controlled

plasma generates an intense source of light. All of these sub assemblies are contained in

an aluminum enclosure.

Function of the Bulb Sub-Assembly: At the heart of Li-Fi is the bulb sub-assembly where

a sealed bulb is embedded in a dielectric material. This design is more reliable than

conventional light sources that insert degradable electrodes into the bulb. The dielectric

material serves two purposes; first as a waveguide for the RF energy transmitted by the

PA and second as an electric field concentrator that focuses energy in the bulb. The

energy from the electric field rapidly heats the material in the bulb to a plasma state that

emits light of high intensity and full spectrum.

Infrared Rays in remote control of TV

Single data stream

10,000 or 20,000 bits per second

Not usable for video streaming

Uses of Li-Fi

For increasing Communication speed

For increasing Flexibility

For increasing Usability

Reduced cost

Greater efficiency

It uses LED instead of bulbs & hence is indirectly helping environment.

Drawback of Li-Fi

the data receiver would have to be in sight of the transmitter-bulb as visible light does not

penetrate solid materials. (Note: Some experts are considering it as an advantage as the

hackers won’t be able to hack Li-Fi network without being in sight.

Presence of Light is required.

Difference between Wi-Fi & Li-Fi

Sr.

No.Wi-Fi Li-Fi

1

Wi-Fi transmits data over the radio waves.

(Note: Both Wi-Fi & Li-Fi transmits data

over the electromagnetic spectrum.

Li-Fi transmits data over the visible light &

some Li-Fi technologies transfer data over all

the frequencies of electromagnetic spectrum.

2 It can penetrate solids. It cannot penetrate solids.

3 Data transfer rate is much slower. Data transfer rate is very fast.

4

It Wi-Fi signals there is lot of noise when

the number of Wi-Fi network increase in an

particular area.

Such type of problem is not faced by the Li-Fi.

Li-Fi and Wi-Fi

Appearance of the Li-Fi cannot wipe off the need of Wi-Fi.

Li-Fi is a complementary.

Advantages of use of Visible Light over Radio Waves

Visible light is more plentiful than the radio waves. (more bandwidth)

Visible light can achieve far greater data density.

Can be used underwater without radio interference because salt conducts electricity

Transmission can be blocked by walls so there is less risk for data leaking

Can be safely used on planes because it does not interfere with radio equipment.

Uses of Li Fi

It can be used in Hospitals where Radio Frequency signals are a threat to the medical

equipment present in the hospital.

It can be used in Mobiles to transfer data speedily.

In Radio Frequency Restricted Environments

In vehicles and traffic lights, reducing accidents and traffic congestion

Street lamps (as free access points)

In Aircraft cabins


Noted environmentalist Chandi Prasad Bhatt has been honoured with the Gandhi

Peace Prize 2013.

o He, a noted environmentalist and social activist, is known for his work on

subaltern social ecology.

o He is also the recipient of Padma Bhushan (2005) and Ramon Magsaysay Award

(1982).

Arseniy Yatsenyuk to be the new Prime Minister of Ukraine.

o He won the parliament's approval by securing 317 votes out of the total 450.

o He has been the minister of Economy and Foreign together with being the speaker

of Parliament.

World observes the inaugural 'Zero Discrimination Day' on March 1 with the slogan

"No matter how you look, where you come from or who you love – everyone has the right

to live a full life with dignity"

o The day was introduced to the world by UNAIDS Executive Director Michel

Sidibé in Beijing recently.

GOVERNMENT APPROVES THE MISSION DOCUMENT ON THE N ATIONAL

M ISSION FOR S USTAINING THE H IMALAYAN E COSYSTEM (NMSHE).


Government has approved the Mission document on the National Mission for Sustaining the

Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE). The mission's primary objective is to improve the health of

the Himalayan Ecosystem for sustainable development through capacity building. It will also

assist executive bodies with policy-formulation and their implementation in the Indian

Himalayan Region to ensure sustainable development.

Detailed Objectives

It will study the Himalayan glaciers and associated hydrological consequences which

will help in prediction and management of natural hazards.

To calculate vulnerability of the Himalayan region with respect to climate change in

all dimensions of physical, biological and socio-cultural aspects.

Formulation of proper initiatives and building of quick response mechanism to

preserve and protect the ecosystem.

To help build capacities at all executive level to predict and assess consequences due

to climate change and launch preventive and restorative measures to beat the challenges

in the Himalayan region.

To safeguard native communities in particular and biodiversity in general in the

region from the impacts of climate change through proper mechanism.

Assist in restoration and rehabilitation process of Uttarakhand which was devastated

in last year's ravaging floods.

Coverage

The Mission covers all 12 Himalayan States of India

Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh,

Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, and two partial hill States

namely, Assam and West Bengal.

About

NMSHE was launched under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

with a budget outlay of Rs. 550 crore during the 12th Plan period.

More

The Department of Science and Technology will coordinate the implementation

of NMSHE.

Background

The rapidly changing climate around us is both a threat and opportunity to

the environmental and sustainable development in the world today and India is no

exception.

With this in mind, Indian Prime Minister released India’s National Action Plan on

Climate Change (NAPCC) in June 2008.

The document detailed a road map on how the country should best deal with the

challenges posed by climate change on its way to development.

The NAPCC comprises of eight national Missions

National Solar Mission

National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency

National Mission on Sustainable Habitat

National Water Mission

National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Eco-system

National Mission for a Green India

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture

National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change

Nation's first post office savings bank ATM comes up in Chennai.

The move is in tune with the modernization project to revive the struggling 150-year-old

Department of Posts by using technologies.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approves Rs. 975 crore for 'River Basin

Management' (RBM) scheme of the Ministry of Water Resources during 12th Plan Period.

Acclaimed Telugu writer 'Janamaddhi Hanamachhaastri' dies aged 90.

Few of his popular books are Vidurudu, Mahasoudham, Maa Seema Kavulu and

Tyaagamoorthulu.

Arvind Saxena takes over as President and Managing Director of General Motors India.

He succeeds Lowell Paddock as such.

LIST OF SCHEMES RUN BY MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS.

National Monitoring Committee for Minorities (NMCM) has recently (February 2014) been

Set up under the chairmanship of Union Minister of Minority Affairs to evaluate several

programmes and schemes run by the Ministry.

It primary objective is to assess achievements and modify the process of planning and

execution over a period of time.

List of Schemes run by Ministry of Minority Affairs

Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP)

Launched in 2008-09

To bridge the development deficits faced by minorities through creation of socio-

economic infrastructure to give them basic amenities for their overall empowerment.

710 Minority Concentration Blocks (MCBs) and 66 Minority Concentration Towns

(MCTs) have been identified for implementation of MsDP during 12th Plan.

Scholarship Schemes

Various scholarship schemes are in operation for children of notified minority

communities with intent to improve their education, skill and employability.

Like: Pre-Matric, Post –Matric and Merit-cum Means Scholarship schemes.

Padho Pardes

It provides interest subsidy to minority students to avail loans from various banks for

overseas studies.

The National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC)

It has helped the poorest section of minorities (6.44 lakh beneficiary) with concessional

loans to the tune of Rs. 1667.41 Crore so far.

Seekho Aur Kamao (Learn & Earn)

To enhance employability by skill development of minorities

It successfully placed at least 75% of trained minority youths into jobs since inception

last year.

Women Empowerment

A Leadership Development Programme for Minority Women

Trained about 37000 women across 12 States in its inaugural year (2012-13)

Ambition to train further 40,000 women during 2013-14.

Jiyo Parsi

A scheme devoted to Parsi community started during for arresting their persistent

population decline.

It was launched in 2013-14.

Equal Opportunity Commission

The government has recently (February 2014) constituted Equal Opportunity

Commission as per the recommendation of Justice Sachar Committee.

It will be (once the bill is cleared in Parliament) a statutory body to check discrimination

of minority communities in jobs and education and instances like denial of buying rights

or accommodation in housing societies.

Minority Cyber Gram

For digital literacy of Minorities in collaboration with Digital Empowerment Foundation

in PPP mode.

The Pilot Project covers village of Chandauli in Alwar (Rajasthan).

Khidmat

A dedicated Toll Free Helpline no. 1800112001 known as “Khidmat” has been launched

to help the community with knowledge and information on various schemes/programmes

of the Ministry.

Minority Today

A quarterly tri-lingual (Hindi, English and Urdu) magazine to create awareness and open

dialogue with the target communities regarding their development.

Launched in January, 2014.

For Waqf

Waqf (Amendment) Act 2013

To streamline their resources and functioning

National Waqf Development Corporation Limited (NAWADCO)

To finance the development of Waqf properties for larger public welfare.

Constituted in January, 2014

Waqf Properties (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Bill 2013

This stand-alone legislation is solely meant to protect Waqf Properties by evicting

unauthorized occupants on Wakf properties.

Minority Affairs Ministry introduced 2 new schemes in March 2014 for minorities.

Maulana Azad Sehat Scheme

Its dedicated to serve the health needs of students studying in schools financially assisted

by MAEF (Maulana Azad Education Foundation).

Nalanda Project

Its a faculty development program for minorities’ higher educational institutions.

Current Affairs 28 Feb 2014

Government constitutes G K Pillai committee to look into the viability of carving out a

separate Bodoland state from Assam.

o This one-man committee has been assigned 9 months to submit its report after due

deliberation with all stakeholders.

THE SUPREME COURT SETS UP A FIVE-JUDGE CONSTITUTION BENCH TO LOOK

INTO THE PROSPECT OF LEGALIZATION OF MERCY KILLING .

http://www.erewise.com/current-affairs-28-feb-2014

The Supreme Court has set up a five-judge Constitution Bench to look into the prospect

of legalization of euthanasia (Mercy Killing). The move has come in the wake of petition filed

by NGO Common Cause that wants Death with Dignity to become a right much like the Life

with Dignity.

What is Euthanasia:

Its intentionally killing a patient with no hope of revival in order to relieve intractable

pain and suffering borne by him/her.

The earlier judgements in this matter

Gian Kaur case (1996):

It declared the Right to Die with Dignity is implicit in the broader Right to Live with

Dignity under Article 21 though it offered nothing concrete on the legality/ validity of

Mercy Killing whether Active or Passive.

It also advised Parliament to come up with clear law and guidelines regarding the same.

Aruna Shanbaug case (2011):

It allowed Passive Euthanasia for the terminally ill patient under strict guidelines while

rejecting Active Euthanasia outrightly.

The apex court had declined the mercy killing petition of Aruna Shanbaug in 2011 who

has been in a perpetual vegetative state for the last 37 years after a brutal rape.

2 Types of Mercy Killing

Active:

To kill the terminally ill patient, with no hope of recovery at all, using external agents

like lethal substance or injection.

Passive:

To kill (relieve the suffering of) the terminally ill patient by withdrawing necessary life

supports (medical treatments) gradually over some time.

Debate:

The matter is very controversial on the moral, ethical, and legal grounds.

What proponent say

People must be allowed the right to self-determination

Its not killing but deliverance from inhuman and intractable pain and suffering.

Its better to die than to suffer hopelessly

It does not lead to misuse and malpractices as few countries like Netherlands and

Belgium have applied it successfully.

What opponent say

Killing someone is against the sanctity of life and amount to murder

legalising euthanasia will lead to misuse and malpractices.

Countries which allow Euthanasia

Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Estonia, Albania, and the US

states of Washington, Oregon and Montana.

They allow only passive (not active) euthanasia, that too with strict guidelines.

NATIONAL SCIENCE DAY IS OBSERVED ACROSS THE NATION ON FEBRUARY 28 WITH

THE THEME ‘ FOSTERING SCIENTIFIC TEMPER ’ .

o The day celebrate anniversary of the discovery of the Raman effect by Indian

physicist Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman on this very date in 1928.

o He was honoured with the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for this achievement.

Environment ministry gives go-ahead to confined field trials of Genetically Modified

(GM) crops.

o The move will enable gene modification trials of over 200 varieties of rice, wheat,

cotton, maize among other crops.

o Though the matter is sub judice in Supreme Court, the apex court has not put any

embargo on trials so far.

Centre inaugurates All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) at Bhubaneswar,

Odisha.

o The institution is also set to launch bar-coded ‘e-health card’ (smart card) which

will keep record of patients’ ailment and treatment history.

o The same facility will be extended to all six AIIMS in the country.

Government kicks off Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Boys –

“Saksham”.

o It aims to achieve all-round development of boys by making them self-reliant,

gender-sensitive and aware citizens.

o The project is to cover all adolescent boys between 11 to 18 years of age.

o To be implemented in 20 selected districts in seven States on a pilot basis.

Renowned Spanish guitarist 'Paco de Lucia' breathes his last at 66.

o He, originally called Francisco Sanchez Gomez, was famous for his flamenco

style.

Government sanctions Rs.434 crore for establishment of four new National Institutes of

Design (NID) at Jorhat (Assam), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Vijayawada (Andhra

Pradesh) and Kurukshetra (Haryana).

Nucleus Breeding Centre for Tiger Shrimp inaugurated in Port Blair.

o India ranks second only to China in global aquaculture production producing 4.64

million tonnes annually out of the world’s total production of 60 million tones.

o The centre is estimated to earn India USD 1 Billion through aquaculture export.

Centre to set up a new rail coach manufacturing unit at Kolar, Karnataka.

o The joint venture between Indian Railways and Karnataka government is

expected to roll out 500 coaches every year.


Admiral DK Joshi becomes the first chief of Indian armed forces to resign since

independence.

o He did so in the aftermath of a fire accident aboard INS Sindhuratna submarine

which claimed at least 2 lives.

o Vice Admiral Robin Dhowan is to serve as acting Navy Chief till a new chief is

selected.

o The recent string of accidents has raised many concerns on safety in the Indian

Navy.

INDIA’S LARGEST SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PLANT COMES UP IN MADHYA

PRADESH.


India’s largest solar photovoltaic plant has been commissioned at Bhagwanpur in Neemuch

(Madhya Pradesh). The plant with installed capacity of 151-MW has been developed by the

India's largest private solar projects developer Welspun Energy Ltd (WEL).

Details

It is expected to supply electricity at around Rs 8 per kWh.

Renewable energy has to be given due priority in the wake of our ever growing need for

energy.

It not only provides clean energy but also is going to be the only alternative to

conventional sources of power like coal, gas and nuclear which are bound to finish one

day.

About half of India’s photovoltaic capacity is located in Gujarat.

This plant is supposed to increase country's solar capacity by 7 percent.

India currently has a grid-connected solar-power capacity of 2208 MW.

The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) aims to enhance our solar energy

capacity to 20 Gigawatts by 2022.

Top 3 Solar Photovoltaic Plant in India

Welspun Solar Plant Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh): 151 MW***

Dhule (Sakri, Shivajinagar) Solar Power Plant Maharashtra : 150 MW***

Welspun Energy 50MW Rajasthan Solar Project - Phalodhi, Rajasthan: 50 MW

Bitta Solar Power Plant (Adani Power) - Bitta, Kutch District, Gujarat: 40 MW

*** due to subtle differences in Single unit/multiple unit or individual solar plant or solar park

there is some confusion regarding the actual status of largest Solar plants in India. So, kindly be

careful and bring it to our attention if some factual mistake is there in the listing.

The difference between Solar-Thermal & Solar Photovoltaic technology

Photovoltaic

Photovoltaic power generation employs solar panels composed of a number of solar cells

containing a photovoltaic material. They convert solar radiation into electrical power.

Solar-Thermal

It uses solar energy instead of coal energy to boil the water into steam and then use the

steam power to move turbines for generating electricity.

2 types of Photovoltaic Plant

Solar Thermal energy plant

Thermal cells capture the heat energy from the sun and then use that generate steam by

boiling water.

Its the steam energy which generates power ultimately by moving turbine.

Its also used for heating water and as an indoor heating system.

Concentrating power plant

The only major difference is the addition of mirrors and lenses as catalyst to generate

more heat.

The light from the sun is concentrated onto the photovoltaic cells and that is converted

into heat energy.

The rest of the process is same.

This is more professional and efficient type of technology than the first one.

Difference between Solar Plant and Solar Park

A solar plant is an individual power generating unit run by a particular developer

whereas a Solar Park is a congregation of such plants at one place for the ease of

operation.

In Solar Park all the units has a separate transformer to connect them to the grid.

Two types of Photovoltaic Technology

Crystalline:

Efficiency is stable and have long life but are difficult to repair if damaged.

Land requirement is less (1.6 ha per MW as against 2.6 ha in thin film technology).

Thin film technology

Needs more land

Due to smaller temperature coefficient of maximum power higher the performance

improves under diffused light conditions (morning and evening hours)

Said to have a shorter life, but advancing development has improved the life span to

at least 25 years.

Susceptible to change in atmosphere: fails when condition is overcast or at night"

Largest single-unit CSP plant in the world

Abu Dhabi’s Shams 1 concentrating solar power (CSP) plant.

India is planning to install the World's largest Solar Power Plant with 4000 MW Capacity

near Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan that will sell electricity at an estimated rate of Rs 5.50 per

unit.

EGYPT GETS A NEW P RIME M INISTER IN IBRAHIM MEHLIB .

o He has been chosen by the interim president Adly Mansour to succeed Hazem el-

Beblawi.

o It will be the country's sixth government since the ouster of autocrat Hosni

Mubarak in 2011 uprising.

Sri Lanka rejects UN call for international investigation into war crimes committed by

government forces during bloody civil war.

Sourav Kothari clinches his maiden National billiards championship by pipping Alok

Kumar in a marathon encounter.

Indian origin scientist 'Madan Babu' has been honoured with Protein Science Young

Investigator Award for 2014 at Cambridge (UK).

o The prize, given by Protein Society, recognizes notable contribution made in the

study of proteins.

India Newspaper Society (INS) celebrates its Platinum Jubilee.

Born as "Indian and Eastern Newspaper Society" on February 27, 1939 in New Delhi, its

a umbrella body of Newspapers published in India and currently has more than 1,000

members having publications in 19 languages with a combined circulation of 71 million

copies.

Israel's highest civilian honour, the 'Medal of Distinction', has been awarded to German

chancellor Angela Merkel.

Government passes Bill to establish "Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural

University" at Jhansi (UP).

Objective : impart education and undertake research in different branches of

agriculture, allied sciences and programmes of extension education in the Bundelkhand

region (of UP/MP). It will also promote linkages with national and international

educational institutes towards this goal.

The university will set up colleges for agriculture, horticulture, forestry (in UP)

and veterinary, animal sciences and fisheries (in MP).

India and Russia agrees to set up a Joint Study Group for studying the scope of

CECA (Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement) with member-countries of

the Customs Union viz Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus.

National Monitoring Committee for Minorities (NMCM) holds its first meeting in

Delhi.

o NMCM : was constituted recently to assess the achievements and review

Ministry of Minority Affairs' planning process, programmes, strategies and

implementation process over its 9 years of establishment.

o It includes 72 experts in minority related issues


Indian-American scientist Sangeeta Bhatia developed a quick, simple and affordable

paper test to detect cancer.

o The breakthrough may replace expensive tests like mammograms and

colonoscopy.

o The diagnostic, much like a pregnancy test, is based on urine sample.

o She is professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Howard

Hughes Medical Institute.

RBI constituted Bimal Jalan panel, meant to shortlist applications for new bank

licences, submits its report.

o Licences are now expected to be allotted by the end of March.

o Kotak Mahindra Bank and Yes Bank were the last two Private Banks to get

banking licences from the RBI in 2003-04.

INDIA IS ALL SET TO CONDUCT A DRY RUN STUDY ON INTERNATIONAL

NORTH-SOUTH TRANSPORT CORRIDOR (INSTC) RAIL LINK IN MARCH 2014.


India is all set to conduct a dry run study on International North-South Transport Corridor

(INSTC) rail link in March. The massive multi-modal transport corridor passes through Nhava

Sheva (Mumbai)- Bandar Abbas (Iran)- Tehran-Bandar Anzali (Iran) and

Astrakhan(Russia).

About

The move was declared at the 3rd meeting of the Inter Governmental Commission on

Trade and Economic, Science and Technology Cooperation between India and

Azerbaijan.

Dry run (testing process) : to know and eliminate the possible adverse consequences in

advance before the facility is put into operation.

This massive effort is aimed at significantly reducing freight transportation cost and time

between India and Central Asia and Russia.

The multi-modal transport network consist of ship, rail, and road route for moving

freight from India (South Asia) to Europe primarily through Iran, the Caucasus, and

Russia.

The ambitious plan was mooted by India, Russia and Iran in St. Petersburg in 2000 and

subsequently they signed an agreement in 2001 to further develop the route.

The Route Break-up

India to Iran via sea route: connects ports on India's west coast to Bandar Abbas in Iran

Rail or road route across Iran to Armenia and Georgia till Caspian Sea: to Bandar

Anzali port on the Caspian Sea (This route is not complete as it requires rail connectivity

of about 200 km from Iran to Caspian Sea).

Sea route from Caspian Sea upto the shore of Caucasus/ Southern Russia.

To Moscow and also Europe from thereon along Volga River through Rail or road

route.

Once the cargo reaches Russia, it can then utilize the vast transportation network

connecting Russia to other neighbouring countries.

Benefits

This route will connect India to energy rich regions of Central Asia.

It will also enable us to circumvent politically unstable and not so friendly Pakistan and

Afghanistan to access Central Asia and the regions beyond.

It will unveil vast markets while reducing the costs of transport and travel.

At present freights from India to Russia and Central Asia have to transit tortuous routes

of Suez Canal.

The Suez Canal route takes about 45-60 days but this new route will reduce the time

almost by half to about 25-30 days only.

Beneficiary

India, Iran, Russia, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazhakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,

Turkey, Ukraine, Georgia, Belarus and Oman

RENOWNED PAINTER PROKASH KARMAKAR BREATHES HIS LAST AT 81.

o Lalit Kala Akademi National Award (1968) was one among many honours he

received for his paintings.

Government to set up Urban Institute of India in Delhi, under the Ministry of Housing

and Urban Poverty Alleviation.

o Apex National level institution to facilitate inclusive and sustainable urban

development and provide effective capacity building in the urban sector

o creating and disseminating standards and best practices of Urban Management

o will conduct high quality research on relevant and contemporary urban issues and

policies, design, and implementation

o autonomous and not–for–profit institution ; first institute for the Ministry of

Housing and Urban Poverty

DRDO inaugurates “Anusandhan Vihar” - a modern, sophisticated and eco-friendly

residential complex at Timarpur, Delhi.

It boasts of DRDO's Bio-digester technology for sewage treatment.


Somdev Devvarman captures his 3rd ATP men's singles tennis title demolishing

Aleksandr Nedovyesov 6-3, 6-1 in the final held in Delhi.

o It was his fourth Challenger level final.

o 1st Title: Lexington (US) in 2008

o 2nd Title: Izmir (Turkey) in 2010

Egypt's Interim Prime Minister Hazem El-Beblawi resigns with his cabinet.

o He, an Army appointee, had come to power after ex-president Mohamed Morsi’s

government was deposed by the Army amidst escalating mass protests against his

rule last July.

o The country has been in constant state of political flux since the outbreak of Arab

Spring.

A 12-year-old Indian American boy Shubham Banerjee developes a low cost Braille

Printer named 'Braigo'.


o They convert regular data from computer devices into information in Braille on

the print-out.

o They, usually slower and noisier, tend to consume more papers for the same

amount of output.

Jayant Vishnu Narlikar to receive Y Nayudamma memorial award 2013 for his notable

contributions in astronomy and astrophysics.

o The annual honour is awarded to scientist and technologist for their worthy

contributions.

o Its named after acclaimed leather technologist and scientist Nayudamma.

Government revises NCR development plan to allow construction activities in eco-

sensitive zones of Aravali.

o This means that construction limit in nature conservation zones (NCZ) can now

go beyond 0.5 percent of land.

o It also approves of tourism activities in ecologically sensitive zones (ESZ).

Bihar to get 1320 MW (2 X 660 MW) Thermal Power Project at Kajra (Lakhisarai).

o It will be a joint collaboration between NTPC (74% stake) and Bihar State Power

Generation Company Limited (26% stake).

7200 km of state highways to be elevated to National Highways by the union

government.

o The present length of the National Highways in the country is about 80000 km.

National Centre for Good Governance Inaugurated in Mussorrie.

o It will serve as an apex think tank to advise government on good governance.

o The institute is just the upgradation of erstwhile National Institute of

Administrative Research (NIAR).

India’s 1st on Site Net Zero Building (green technology building) “Indira Paryavaran

Bhawan” comes up in Delhi.

o The building fulfils the highest green standard of GRIHA 5-Star and LEED India

Platinum.

NATIONAL GEOSCIENCE AWARDS 2012 PRESENTED. -

National Geoscience Awards – 2012 has been conferred on 27 geoscientists, including a young

researcher across 11 disciplines. The young researcher has been recognized for his work in

carbon sequestration and nuclear waste management.

About

The annual award, earlier known as National Mineral Awards Scheme, was set up in

1966 by the Ministry of Mines.

The Prize was expanded in scope and renamed as National Geoscience Awards (NGA) in

2009.

Objective

The awards honour individuals/group of scientists for their significant contributions in

the area of fundamental/applied geosciences, mining and allied areas.

Eligibility

All Indian citizens working as a qualified Geoscientist/Engineer /Technologist

/Academician with extraordinary contribution in any field of earth sciences is eligible for

the award.

The great weightage is given to the totality of the achievements of the nominee/s.

Categories

Awards are distributed under 3 categories namely Award for Excellence, National

Geoscience Awards and Young Researcher Award.

The award for excellence: for exceptionally high lifetime achievement for a sustained

and significant contribution in any of the 16 decided disciplines.

The National Geoscience Awards: for meritorious contribution in any of the 16

disciplines.

The Young Researcher Award: for extraordinary research work in any field of

geoscience to Researchers / Scientists from Universities, Academic and Professional

Institutions.

Age limit: One has to be under 30 years of age on the 31st December of the Year of

Award.

More

671 geoscientists so far have been honoured with the National Geoscience Awards.



SOCHI WINTER OLYMPICS 2014 : HOST RUSSIA TOPS MEDALS TALLY WITH 13

GOLDS, 11 SILVER AND 9 BRONZE

Host Russia has ended up at the top of the medal tally with 13 golds, 11 silver and 9 bronze in

the recently concluded Sochi Winter Olympics 2014. India, as expected, failed to open its

account in the 22nd edition of this mega event.

Medal Tally

Ranking Country Gold Silver Bronze

1 Russia 13 11 09

2 Norway 11 05 10

3 Canada 10 10 05

4 United States 09 07 12

5 Netherlands 08 07 09

India: No medal what-so-ever

Points to remember

It was the first Winter Olympics ever in Russia and 2nd Olympics overall after Moscow

Summer Olympics in 1980.

A total of 98 events over 15 disciplines in 7 sports were held.

Mascot: A polar bear, a snow hare, and a snow leopard.

For the first time in Olympic history, a public vote was held to decide the mascots for the

2014 Winter Olympics

Slogan: "Hot. Cool. Yours."

A record 88 countries qualified to compete in the games beating the previous record of 82

at the previous Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Seven nations—Dominica, Malta, Paraguay, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, and Zimbabwe

—made their debut here in Winter Olympics.

Sochi

Sochi is a Russian city located on the Black Sea coast near the border with

Georgia/Abkhazia.

Sochi had beaten contenders Salzburg (Austria) and Pyeongchang (South Korea) to bag

the hosting rights in 2007 in Guatemala

Hosts

Next Olympics: Pyeongchang (South Korea) in 2018

Previous Olympics: Vancouver (Canada)

India at Sochi

The 3-member Indian contingent luger Shiva Keshavan, alpine skier Himanshu Thakur

and cross-country skier Nadeem Iqbal initially competed as independent athletes as IOA

(Indian Olympic Association) was then facing suspension from the Olympics.

Ultimately the suspension was revoked in the wake of IOA (Indian Olympic Association)

election and athletes were able to stand under the tricolour at the closing ceremony.

Controversy

The Games was marred by several controversies including allegations of corruption and

global protest by (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) LGBT community for the

nation's anti-gay laws.

Many separatist groups like Chechens and Dagestani also threatened to attack and disrupt

the games.

As many as six positive doping tests were recorded at the games.

A Brief History of Winter Olympics

The first Winter Olympics: Chamonix (France) in 1924.

Both the Winter and Summer Olympics were held in the same years until 1992.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) then decided to put them on different four-year

cycles and accordingly the next Winter Olympics after 1992 was organized in 1994.

None of the southern hemisphere's country has ever hosted or even applied to host the

Winter Olympics till date.

The United States has hosted the Games most number of times (4) in 1932, 1960, 1980,

and 2002.

So far Japan (1972, 1998) is the only Asian country to have hosted the games.

Indian RAILWAYS (IRCTC) LAUNCHES E-WALLET SCHEME TO MAKE PAYMENT PROCESS

FAST AND HASSLE-FREE .

o Users can now deposit money in advance with IRCTC only to use that later while

booking tickets.

o The scheme, available only for PAN verified users, will significantly reduce

transaction failures.

Delhi Waveriders clinches 2nd Hockey India League title by trumping Punjab Warriors

3-1 in penalty shoot-out.

Number of voters grow over 4.7 times since independence in the country. The sample

compares the electorate size of 1951-52 with 2014.

President inaugurates national conference on TB and allied diseases at Rashtrapati

Bhavan.

The 6th Annual Defence and Security Dialogue between India and China concludes in

New Delhi.


Parliament passes "Whistleblower Bill"- it aims to protect those who discloses/exposes/

report corrupt practices (i.e. blows whistle).

as per the bill :- it will provide "adequate protection to persons reporting corruption or

wilful misuse of discretion which causes demonstrable loss to the government or

commission of a criminal offence by a public servant".

Whistleblowers, before the passage of this bill, will be covered under a 2004 resolution of

the government under which the CVC was empowered to protect them.

The Bill will also provides for punishment for false or frivolous complaints.

World's longest free Wi-Fi zone : A 20 Km long stretch of road in Bihar's capital city Patna

has been declared as free Wi-Fi zone making it World's longest.

stretch from NIT-Patna on Ashok Rajpath to Danapur

G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Annual meet Sydney, Australia : member

nations pledge to add $2 trillion to world economy by 2019 to boost global growth.

signals change in their strategy from "Austerity Measures" to "Investment led Growth".

leaders also expressed disappointment over blockage of IMF reforms (increased voting

power to developing nations) by US Congress.

G20 : accounts for 85% of the world economy.


Ukraine's Parliament (Verhovna Rada) votes to oust President Viktor Yanukovich and

temporarily hand over Presidential powers to speaker of the assembly, Oleksander Turchinov

who has prioritised formation of a National Unity Government.

The development follows months of opposition's protest at Independence Square in

capital Kiev which culminated into ouster of Yanukovich who finally agreed for

a national unity government, but has since vanished to unknown location.

Other Developments : Yanukovich main rival and former Primeminister Yulia

Tymoshenko was freed from imprisonment.

Rishang Keishing, Oldest Parliamentarian of India at 94, retires after 70 active years in

politics.

He was part of Parliamnet since First Lok Sabha Only i.e. 1952 and has since been a

MP 4 times from Manipur (also its CM four times for short durations).

International Mother Language Day observed on 21st February. It is an annual observance by

UNESCO to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

first announced on 17 November 1999 by UNESCO.

United Nations had declared 2008 as the "International Year of Languages"

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports launches two new schemes :- The National Youth

Policy- 2014 and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan.

Surface-to-air missile Akash test fired successfully by Army from Integrated Test Range in

Chandipur, Odisha.

developed by DRDO, its command and guidance system has been developed at

Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad.

Akash- an all weather air defence system, can hit enemy aircrafts (or

helicopters/missiles) at the distance of 25 km, can hit multiple target, can be transported

by rail, road or air and C4I enabled i.e. Command, Control, Communication, Computers

and Intelligence.

Following Presidential assent, Maharashtra Housing (Regulation and Development) Act

2012 , now provides for a Real State Regulator in Maharashtra.

India's first such regulator, it has the powers of civil court and will work for the

interests of consumers against Real state developers.

The Act provides for mandatory disclosure of property title, layout and completion plan

by Developer to Buyers and also registration of these details with regulator.


RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES BILL

Why is it in news?


Amendments are going to be made in the older draft of "The Rights of Persons with

Disabilities Bill".

It will expand definition of disabilities to include 19 physical and mental disabilities.

For the first time, this bill would have opened up jobs and education for people with

mental disabilities and multiple disabilities

Number of Persons with Disabilities in India

Sr. No. Type of Disability Total Number of Persons

1 In Movement 54.3 lakh

2 In Hearing 50.7 lakh

3 In seeing 50.3 lakh

Total number of Disabled Persons = 2.68 Crore

(Note: All of the above Data is according to the Census 2011).

5 Most Important Provisions in the Bill

New definitions of ‘persons with disability’, ‘high support’ and ‘rehabilitation’.(Note:

list of disabilities has been increased from seven to 19 to include disorders such as sickle

cell disease, haemophilia, thalassemia and autism.)

Persons with disabilities to enjoy legal capacity on an equal basis with others in all

aspects

All educational institutions funded or recognized by the government to provide inclusive

education

Ensuring reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities

Government to identify posts in the establishment to be held by respective category of

benchmark disabilities.

Other Provisions of the Bill

Has a provision for adding impairments in the schedule, provision for measures to be

taken to make all the contents accessible and it states that persons with disabilities have

access to electronic media.

It also mandates governments to take special measures to protect the rights of women and

children with disabilities.

Why this bill is being formulated?

To expand the scope of coverage of this bill so as to bring more and more disabled people

under its benifits and give effect to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities" (UN CRPD)

Objections to the Bill

The CRPD mandates an absolute prohibition on discrimination on grounds of disability.

But this Bill permits discrimination provided it is to achieve any legitimate aim, in clear

violation of the CRPD.

The CRPD prohibits deprivation of liberty on grounds of disability. The Bill cleverly

inserts one word to change the guarantee altogether: it says that no person shall be

deprived of his or her personal liberty only on grounds of disability. This formulation was

rejected while drafting the CRPD since it permits the deprivation of liberty when a person

with disability is destitute or considered to be 'dangerous'. For thousands, the addition of

'only' could mean being forced to live in institutions for the rest of their lives.

CPRD promotes right to exercise legal capacity on an equal basis with others in all

aspects of life. Presently scores of laws disqualify persons with disabilities from

marrying, inheriting, voting, etc. The CRPD seeks to offset disqualifications imposed

upon people with intellectual, psychosocial and developmental disabilities by recognising

their right to live their lives according to their will and preference. There is no mention

of legal capacity in 2014 Bill. (Note: In the amendment, legal capacity has been

recognised as an obligation of the government, not a right of persons with disabilities.)

Section 110 of the legislation states categorically that the Bill will not override any

existing laws, which means all discriminatory laws will continue to be valid.

What are the Disabled people saying about this?

Despite the many flaws in the Bill, people with the newly-included disabilities are pressing for

its enactment because these disabilities have been waiting for inclusion in the Act since 1999 and

feel they cannot wait any more.

What are activist saying?

Under the Bill, reservation for persons with disabilities has been increased from the

current three per cent to five per cent. However, this is restricted to establishments, and

the term establishment is defined as the government, or companies established by the

government. It does include any private companies, and so, there is no onus upon them to

provide employment.

Clause 2 under section 33 of the Bill could deny people a fair chance at reservation.

An establishment can, if it gets permission from the appropriate authority, switch

between disabilities for reservation, if the nature of vacancies is such that a given

category of person cannot be employed. So theoretically, an establishment can fill up its

five per cent with just visually-impaired people. They may not even have to consider

those with cerebral palsy.

Access is limited to government establishments and public buildings. Under section 40

(1) (b) of the Bill, vehicles should be made disabled-friendly — if it is technically

feasible, safe and economically viable. But who decides this? And if the costs are huge

does that mean our vehicles will not be disabled-friendly? All this indicates is that the

chances of our public transport being made disabled-friendly are slim.

This Bill is about some of the most neglected communities in India. And if doesn’t pass,

there will be a net loss of at least two years. Can persons with disabilities in this country

afford that.

What has this Bill achieved that a few amendments to the The Persons With Disabilities

Act, 1995 could not have achieved? This Bill just legitimises discrimination

Key Points of Activist against the Disabilities Bill 2014

Definition of persons with disabilities goes back to a medical model.

Recognition of legal capacity of persons with disabilities, a major feature of the UN

Convention on rights of Persons with Disabilities is completely diluted.

Sections of the most vulnerable groups children and women with disabilities, are missing

There are gaps in identification and recognition of jobs besides lacunae in reservation in

promotions

Disability rights groups have drawn up amendments that they want the current

government to accept before introducing the bill.

Key facts about the disabled people in the census 2011

Current number of disabled people stand at 26.8 million (Note: in 2001 it was 21.9

million)

It has risen from 2.13 per cent to 2.21 per cent

Out of the 26.8 million disabled people, 14.9 million are men & 11.8 million are women.

(Note: Experts from NGO’s are saying that this census is underestimating the actual

figures even when the definition of Disabled people has been increased to include various

definitions. They say that there are around 1.2 billion disabled people in India. They also

say that though awareness programs have played an important part in the urban areas for

disabled people they are completely lacking in the rural areas)

The question on disability was asked in all the Censuses since 1872 to 1931 but was

discontinued between 1941 and 1971. In the 1981 Census, information on three types of

disability was collected but was, once again, dropped in 1991. In Census 2001, the

question was again included and information on five types of disability was gathered. In

the 2011 Census, information was gathered on eight types of disability including mental

disability.

State-wise data shows, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa and Jammu and Kashmir

have more than 2.51 per cent disabled population whereas in Tamil Nadu, Assam,

Meghalaya, Assam and Nagaland, the percentage is less than 1.75.

The percentage share of disabled population is higher among males who comprise 55.9

per cent whereas women comprise 44.1 per cent.

Social groups wise analysis shows, 2.45 per cent of the total disabled population belong

to the Scheduled Castes, 2.05 to the Scheduled Tribes and 2.18 per cent to other than

SC/ST. Even among these two social groups, the proportion of men with disabilities is

higher as compared to women.

Over 5.4 million people have some kind of physical disability, followed by hearing

impairment affecting 5.07 million and 5.03 million who have problems with their vision.

Just about 2 million have speech disability, and 2 million are affected by mental

retardation and other mental illnesses.

The proportion of women suffering from seeing, hearing and multiple disabilities is

higher than men. Disability in seeing, hearing and movement and multiple disability is

more among STs than SCs and others while disability in speech and mental retardation is

more among others than SC/ST. Age-wise break-up of the data suggests disability is

more among people aged 80 years and above, and the least among children aged up to 4

years.

RECENT VISIT OF FRENCH PRESIDENT: INDIA-FRANCE RELATION

India – France Relations

Official language of France : French

Currency – Euro

Government type : unitary semi – presidential republic

Current President : Francois Hollande

Current Prime Minister : Jean Marc Ayrault

Relations:

Relations between India and France were traditionally close and friendly. The latter was

one of the major European nations to setup colonies in India and France was one among

the few countries who did not condemn India’s nuclear tests in 1998.

France also supports India’s permanent membership in United Nations Security Council.

Prime Minister of India was guest of honor at the 14 July Bastille Day celebrations in

2009. During that first time ever Indian military troops marched in another country

outside India.

Also, Nicolas Sarkozy was the chief guest at India’s Republic Day in 2008

‘ India is a nation which was affirmed its personality on the world stage ‘ : Jacques Chirac

India’s relations with France can be discussed under following heads:

Political

Economical

Nuclear

Space

Educational and Cultural

Military

Recent Visit

Political:

Diplomatic relations between both the nations are since 1947.

Establishment of strategic partnership in 1998.

India was the first country in Asia that the French President chose for a bilateral visit in

2013.

There have been appreciable number of bilateral visits at many levels. Following table

summaries them.

Meeting At the level of

Strategic dialogue National security advisors

Annual foreign office consultations Foreign secretaries

High level committee for defense cooperation Defense secretaries

Joint committee for economic and technical cooperation Ministers of commerce

Joint working group on counter terrorism.

In addition to above Indo – French research forum and Indo – French CEOs forum was

held.

Economical:

France is 9th largest foreign investor in India. (2% to total flows).

Top sector attracting FDI inflows from France are chemicals.

India exports services to France.

There are 800 French companies in India.

India is the 13th largest foreign investor in France.

In recent years there is a declined bilateral growth due to no demand in respective

nations.

Nuclear:

France was the first country with which India entered into an agreement on nuclear

energy following the waiver given by IAEA and NSG enabling India to resume full civil

nuclear cooperation with international community.

In September 2008, when Prime Minister of India visited France, Indo – French trade in

Nuclear energy begun and also CN cooperation.

France is the largest supplier of nuclear fuel to India.

Nuclear reactors are purchased from France.

Space:

Both the nations have signed agreement on joint cooperation on space research and

technology.

Megha – Tropiques (meteorological research satellite) jointly developed by ISRO and

CNES was placed in orbit by ISRO’s PSLV C – 18 in October, 2011

Spot 6 of France was launched by India in 2012.

SARAL, Indo – French satellite jointly developed by ISRO and CNES launched by ISRO

in February, 2013

Arianespace based at France has been major provider of launch services to Indian geo –

stationary satellites.

APPLE satellite launch on cooperative mode from both the nations. Till date 14 geo –

stationary satellites of India have been launched by Ariane on a commercial basis.

Recently, India’s GSAT – 10 was launched onboard Ariane 5 launcher from French

Guyana. It contained two satellites – GSAT 7(Communication) and INSAT – 3D

(weather).

Educational and cultural:

Both the nations have signed an agreement on social security for Indians living in France.

Consortium of Indo – French universities to increase educational cooperation.

Approximately 1300 Indian students study in France.

Two cultural festivals were celebrated, Namaste France in France and Bonjour India in

India.

There is a consistent cooperation in making IIT Rajasthan.

There are a significant number of Indians in France.

An agreement on mutual exemption for short stay visas for diplomatic passport holders

was signed during a visit to France by Indian envoy.

Military:

India objects France’s military assistance to Pakistan.

India purchased military equipment from France, especially French Mirage 2000 fighter

aircraft and Scorpene class submarines.

Government of India has selected Rafale from M/s Dassalt Aviation, France for

procurement of 126 MMRCA for Indian air force.

Military services of both nations conducting joint exercises. Following table summarizes

them.

Joint army exercise SHAKTI India

Joint army exercise SHAKTI – 13 France

Air force GARUDA IV France

Naval VARUNA Mediterranean sea

Recent visit:

Recent visit by a French President happened in February 14, 15 2013

List of documents signed were:

Cultural exchange programme for 2013 – 2015 to intensify cooperation in cultural and

intellectual areas and foster exchanges between various talents to encourage Indo –

French projects and to encourage people – to – people contacts.

Letter of intent on the intensification of cooperation in the fields of education and

research

Statement of intent for long-term cooperation in space

Joint statement to follow up and strengthen cooperation in the railway sector.

CFA (credit facility agreement) for Bangalore phase I metro project.

PROGRAMS / SCHEMES OF MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Ministry of Rural development

It has two departments : dept. of land resources and dept. of rural development

The erstwhile dept. of drinking water and sanitation has been removed from ministry of

rural development and established as an independent ministry.

Rural development means :

Economic betterment of people and greater social transformation

Providing better prospects or avenues (opportunities) for economic development to the

rural people

Increased participation of the rural people in the rural development programme i.e.

decentralization of governance.

Better enforcement of land reforms and greater access to credit.

Rural development ministry : Timeline

1952 - Community project administration set up under the planning commission for

managing community development programme (inaugurated - 2 oct,1952)

1974 - dept. of rural development established under the ministry of agriculture

1979 - dept. of rural development elevated to status of ministry of rural reconstruction

-The ministry was renamed as ministry of rural development and again changed into dept

under ministry of agriculture and rural development.

1985 - rechristened as ministry of Agriculture

1991 - department of rural development was again changed to ministry of rural

development

1995 - ministry was renamed ministry of rural areas and employment.

1999 - name was changed to ministry of rural development

Schemes of ministry of rural development

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

The act was notified in 2005, all the rural areas have been covered since 2008

Main Aim is improve the livelihood security of rural household

A right based act i.e providing unskilled manual work to those who demand it

Who can demand work? : any adult member of a rural household who is ready to do

unskilled manual work

How many days of work? : upto 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a

financial year ( apl 1st to march 31st). The days can be increased by the central govt. or

the state govt. concerned.

How is it guaranteed : providing work within 15 days of the demand for work or else

unemployment allowance has to be given. Unemployment allowance to be provided by

the state govt. at a rate of 1/4th of the wage paid for the first 30 days and half of the wage

rate for rest of the financial year.

Wage to material ration: 60 to 40 ratio for permissible work.

No contractor or machinery to be involved.

Implementation of Act

PRI to be responsible for planning, monitoring and implementation of the work.

Gram sabha to recommend works which will be executed by the panchayat.

The Programme Officer (appointed by the state govt. at intermediate panchayat level)

shall allot at least 50% of the works in terms of its cost under a Scheme to be

implemented through the Gram Panchayats.

1/3 of the beneficiaries have to be women

Methods to ensure transparency in implementation:

Social audit to be organized by the gram panchayat

District level ombudsman for grievance redressal, the ombudsman will be independent of

the central or the state government.

Photographs of the work site to be appended at the stage of before start of the work,

during course of the work and once the work is completed.

Payments to the beneficiaries are made through post office and savings bank account.

Indira AwasYojana

Objective - financial assistance to BPL household for construction of houses

Funding

75:25 bitween centre and states, In case of UT entire fund provided by the centre, In case

of NE states centre state funding 90:10

Per unit assistance in plain area 70000/-

In hilly/difficult and IAP(integrated action plan) states 75000/-

Up-gradation of kutcha house assistance 15000/-

Beneficiaries can also borrow 20000 from any nationalized bank at the interest rate of 4

%.

Criteria for allocation of funds:

From centre the funds are allocated to states and UT

is 75% on the basis of housing shortage and 25% on the basis of poverty ratio

Among districts the allocation is based 75 % on housing shortage and 25% weightage is

given to SC/ST component.

Who selects the BPL beneficiaries ?

The panchayat makes a waiting list of the beneficiaries. Gram sabha selects these beneficiaries

from the list of eligible BPL households

Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojgaryojana/ National livelihood Mission (NRLM)

Launched - April 1999

Target groups:

BPL household and vulnerable section of society (SC & ST, women, minority and

disabled persons)

Extended to all states and union territories except Delhi and Chandigarh.

Objective of the scheme:

Self employment scheme, aimed at providing sustainable (continuing and long lasting)

livelihood to rural BPL families through income generating assets or economic activity.

To bring these poor above the poverty line.

Methods to achieve the objective:

Socially mobilizing the rural poor into forming Self Help Groups (SHG)

providing revolving fund

providing credit and subsidy

training and capacity building and provision of income generating assets.

Scheme transformed into NRLM or AJEEVIKA

Now the scheme is implemented in a mission mode (implies that projects have clearly defined

objectives, scopes, and implementation timelines and milestones, as well as measurable

outcomes and service levels)

What is the mission objective?

To enable poor household to access gainful self employment (employment which provide

minimum wages) and skilled wage employment opportunity resulting in appreciable

improvement in their livelihood which is sustainable, and for achieving this goal strong

grassroots level institutions have to be built in the rural areas

Ultimate Goal of NRLM:

To bring every family in the rural area out of abject poverty (a condition characterized by

deprivation to basic human needs of food, shelter, education, sanitation, drinking water and

information. It depends not only on Income but also on access to services) so that they can enjoy

a decent quality of life.

National social assistance programme

Launched : 1995

centrally sponsored scheme

Guiding principle

Directive principle of state policy- Article 41

Objective

Providing minimum social assistance to poor citizens in addition to what the states are providing

Selection

Beneficiaries to be identified by Gram Panchayat and Municipalities

Schemes under NSAP

Indira Gandhi national old age pension scheme (IGNOAPS)

Pension for BPL persons in the age group 60-79 years has been fixed at Rs 200 and for

persons aged 80 and above the amount fixed is Rs 500.

States can Contribute equal amount to NOAPS

Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)

Widows aged 40-59 years in BPL category are entitled to monthly pension of Rs200

beyond 59 years widows in this category will be covered under IGNOAPS

Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS)

persons in the BPL category aged between 18 and 59 years with severe and multiple

disabilities are entitled to 200 (raised to 300 in budget 2012-13) as monthly pension.

National Family Benefit Scheme NFBS

a household in the BPL category is entitled to a one time lump sum amount of 10000, in

case of death of primary bread winner in the family. In the budget 2012-13 this amount

has been doubled Rs 20000

Annapurna

Citizens who are eligible for IGNOAPS but are not receiving the pension will get 10 kg

of food grains per month free of cost.

Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA)

Why : Lack of modern amenities, livelihood opportunities, lack of physical and social

infrastructure leading to migration among rural population towards cities and towns

In the year 2003 APJ Abdul Kalam put forward the idea of integrated development of

villages leading to urbanization

How to achieve this objective ? - By providing Physical connectivity, Electronic Connectivity,

and knowledge connectivity. All of this will lead to economic connectivity of rural areas.

Implementation: Implemented on pilot basis for three years, starting from 2004-05 (10th five

year plan).

Lessons learnt from this phase :

Not holistic, due to lack of convergence with development programmes of other dept.

No clear guidelines or business plan.

Infrastructure centric without giving due consideration to economic activity.

Site selection was not based on growth potential

Revamped PURA, after consultation with government departments and ADB. Launched in 11th

five year plan as a pilot project

Features of revamped PURA

Convergence with other government schemes, Implemented in PPP mode,

Implementation in project mode with lifestyle approach; construction, operation and

maintenance built into the cost of infrastructure.

Gram Panchayat will partner with the private partner, thereby increasing accountability at

the grass root level itself.

CAPART (Council for Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology)

Implementing Agency : Autonomous organization (Registered Society) under the dept. of rural

development Set up in 1986

Objective :

To promote voluntary action among rural people through the participation of the entire

community, and promoting technology that is appropriate for the rural setup.

To support schemes that increase employment opportunities, increases self-reliance,

generates awareness, creates organization and improves the overall quality of life.

How CAPART will achieve this objective:

By providing funding to voluntary organizations

It has also set up 9 regional centres. These regional centres are allowed to sanction

project proposals with an outlay of 10 lakh.

Funding to voluntary organizations is decided based on the nature of the project and

ability of the organization to complete the project.

CAPART has its own monitoring personnel.

Drought Prone Area Programme and Desert Development Programme

The overall objective of the programme is to mitigate the impact of droughts on crop

production, livestock, humans, water resources and productivity of land ultimately

leading to drought proofing of the target region

In case of desert development programme; the objective is to minimize the adverse effect

of drought, to control desertification and rejuvenating the natural resource base of the

identified Desert area.

Since 1995-96 both these programmes are implemented under Integrated Watershed

Development Programme

Programmes by the department of Land Resources

Integrated watershed development programme (IWDP)

Background

The objective of programmes like Desert Development programme (launched in 1977-78),

Drought Prone Area Programme (1973-74), and two programmes which follow watershed

approach but implemented by ministry of agriculture - Integrated Watershed Development

Programme for Rain fed area and Watershed Development in Shifting Cultivation Areas - were

to improve overall economic situation of resource poor

people inhabiting these programme areas through in-situ soil and water management

through low cost and locally available technologies.

Based on the review of DDP,DPAP, IWDP (integrated wasteland development programme-

1989) by a committee headed by Professor Hanumantha Rao, recommended a common set of

guidelines for these three programmes all over India. As such a common set of guideline was

framed and implemented in 1995 under Integrated Watershed development Programme.

In 2006 a Technical Committee under chairmanship of Shri S. Parthasarathy addressed major

issues in watershed programmes and recommended viable strategies and mechanisms for

effective implementation of Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP), Desert Development

Programme (DDP) and Integrated Wastelands Development Programme (IWDP). Based on the

suggestions of the Committee, National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA), in coordination with

Planning Commission, formulated Common Guidelines for Watershed Development Projects in

2008 to give an impetus to watershed development programmes. The provisions in the Common

Guidelines and the observations of the Parthasarthy Committee have necessitated modifications

in the watershed schemes of the Department of Land Resources.

Accordingly, DPAP, DDP and IWDP of the Department of Land Resources have been integrated

and consolidated into a single modified programme called Integrated Watershed Management

Programme (IWMP) w.e.f. 26.02.2009. The provisions of treatment of micro-watersheds on

cluster basis, reduced number of installments, delegation of power of sanction of projects to the

States, dedicated institutions, capacity building of stakeholders, monitoring & evaluation,

specific budget provision for Detailed Project Report preparation, livelihood for assetless people

and productivity enhancement are the major features of IWMP

Why a common set of guidelines?

While the focus of these programmes may have differed, the common theme that underlying

their structure has been land and water resource management, for sustainable development of

natural resources and community empowerment.

What is a watershed?

Watershed is a geo-hydrological unit from where streams of big and small rivers drain into a

common point. A watershed approach is based on a ridge to valley approach for simultaneous

conservation of soil and water in its location. The unit area for development is watershed area of

about 500 hectares but it could vary based on the location and geographical condition of the

village.The project will primarily aim at treatment of non-forest wastelands and identified

drought prone and desert areas. However, if any watershed area consists of some forestlands, it

should also be treated simultaneously under the project

Objective of watershed development programmes

Development of degraded/wasteland, desert land, and drought prone area on a watershed

basis

To improve socioeconomic condition and overall development of resource poor people

inhabiting these regions

Reducing the impact of drought and desertification on humans, crops and animals

Restoring ecological balance by sustainable use of land, water and vegetation

Encouraging village community for:

-Encouraging community for operation and maintenance of created assets and further

development of potential natural resources

-Asset creation through locally available technology which should be easy to implement and

affordable

-Employment generation, poverty alleviation, community empowerment and development of

human and other economic resources of the village

Project implementation agency:

ZillaParishad/District Rural Development Agency. But when expedient department of state

government or autonomous agencies of state or central government can also implement

watershed development projects with the approval of dept. of Land Resources

Hariyali

To involve all the village communities in area development programmes viz. DDP, DPAP,

IWDP; for which common guidelines were framed after Hanumantha Rao committee report in

1995 which resulted in a watershed approach to all the above area development programmes.

To involve Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) more meaningfully in planning, implementation

and management of economic development activities in rural areas, these new Guidelines called

Guidelines for Hariyali are being issued

Objectives

Creating sustainable source of income for village community by sustainable management

of rainwater for various agricultural and fisheries activities along with water for drinking

purpose.

Creating regular sources of income for the Panchayats from rainwater harvesting and

management

Employment generation, poverty alleviation, community empowerment and development

of human and other economic resources of the rural areas

Mitigating the adverse effects of extreme climatic conditions such as drought and

desertification on crops, human and livestock population for the overall improvement of

rural areas

Restoring ecological balance

Project Implementation Agencies

Zillaparishad / District Rural Development agency will be the nodal agency for implementation

of area development programme under the guidance of state government and central

government. It shall approve the selection of watersheds, the appointment of Project

Implementation Agencies, approve the action plan/treatment plan of the projects

Activities under watershed development

Development of small water harvesting structures such as low-cost farm ponds, nalla bunds,

check-dams, percolation tanks drinking water/irrigation/fisheries development, Fisheries

development, Afforestation,Pasture Land Development including in-situ soil and

moisture conservation measures,Drainage line treatment with a combination of vegetative and

engineering structures,Repair, restoration and up-gradation of existing common property

assets,Crop demonstrations for popularizing new crops/varieties or innovative management

practices, promotion and propagation of non-conventional energy saving devices, energy

conservation measures, bio fuel plantations

Current Affairs 03 Apr 2014

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Transcript of Current Affairs 03 Apr 2014