Insights PT 2018 Exclusive

Insights PT 2018

Exclusive Updated Module - Part 2

February 2018 to April 2018

W W W . I N S I G H T S O N I N D I A . C O M

Insights PT 2018 Exclusive (Updated Module – Part 2)

www.insightsonindia.com www.insightsias.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ENVIRONMENT ...................................................................................................................................6

1. Geomagnetic storm ............................................................................................................................ 6 2. National Biodiversity Authority ........................................................................................................... 6 3. Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) ................................................................................................ 7 4. Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) ............................................................... 7 5. World Wildlife Day.............................................................................................................................. 8 6. World Wetlands Day 2018 .................................................................................................................. 9 7. World Environment Day 2018 ........................................................................................................... 10 8. World Water Day 2018 ...................................................................................................................... 10 9. International Day of Forests .............................................................................................................. 11 10. Earth Hour 2018 .............................................................................................................................. 11 11. Sach-Gaurav.................................................................................................................................... 12 12. Cuvette Centrale region .................................................................................................................. 12 13. ‘Super Blue Blood Moon’ ................................................................................................................ 13 14. New Project to Control Pollution of River Sal at Navelin, Goa .......................................................... 13 15. Massive reserves of mercury found in Arctic permafrost ................................................................. 14 16. Minamata Convention .................................................................................................................... 14 17. Great Indian Bustard ....................................................................................................................... 15 18. India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2017 .......................................................................................... 16 19. Compensatory Afforestation Act ..................................................................................................... 17 20. Tawang gets rhododendron park ..................................................................................................... 18 21. 21st Indian Birding Fair ................................................................................................................... 18 22. Drypetes kalamii ............................................................................................................................. 18 23. Fimbristylis agasthyamalaensis ....................................................................................................... 19 24. CleanSeas campaign ........................................................................................................................ 19 25. Newton-Bhabha Fund for arsenic research in Ganga basin ............................................................... 19 26. Climate Watch ................................................................................................................................ 20 27. Strategy on Resource efficiency ....................................................................................................... 20 28. Green Good Deeds campaign .......................................................................................................... 21 29. World’s largest solar park Shakti Sthala launched in Karnataka ....................................................... 21 30. Diu becomes the first and only Union Territory to be 100% solar energy efficient ............................ 22 31. Okhla Bird Sanctuary ....................................................................................................................... 22 32. Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) ........................................................................................ 22 33. Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS) Partnership .......................................................... 23 34. Great Barrier Reef ........................................................................................................................... 23 35. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) ...................................................... 24 36. Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) ......................................................................................................... 25 37. South Asian Climate Outlook Forum (SASCOF) ................................................................................. 25 38. Ramsar tag likely for Sunderbans .................................................................................................... 26 39. Island Development Agency (IDA) ................................................................................................... 27

POLITY ............................................................................................................................................... 28

1. Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal ................................................................................................... 28 2. Office-of-profit ................................................................................................................................. 28 3. Special Status To Andhra Pradesh ..................................................................................................... 28 4. Cooperative Election Authority ......................................................................................................... 29



5. Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) ................................................................................................ 30 6. World Consumers Day ...................................................................................................................... 30 7. # Democracy Index ........................................................................................................................... 31 8. Citizenship Act .................................................................................................................................. 31 9. Kaleswaram project .......................................................................................................................... 32 10. Central Geological Programming Board ........................................................................................... 32 11. National e-Governance Awards ....................................................................................................... 33 12. First ever ‘crime-free zone’ along international border launched ..................................................... 33 13. Protected area permit ..................................................................................................................... 33 14. AFSPA lifted in Meghalaya .............................................................................................................. 34 15. National Safety Council ................................................................................................................... 34 16. Defence Planning Committee (DPC) ................................................................................................. 35 17. National Company Law Appellate Tribunal ...................................................................................... 36 18. National Commission for Safai Karamcharis..................................................................................... 36 19. National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) ................................................ 37

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY .......................................................................................................... 38

1. Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) .............................................................. 38 2. Yellow Fever ..................................................................................................................................... 38 3. InSight Mission ................................................................................................................................. 39 4. Heavy Water Board ........................................................................................................................... 40 5. Super critical carbon di oxide Brayton test loop facility ..................................................................... 40 6. Rustom 2 .......................................................................................................................................... 41 7. National Science Day 2018 ................................................................................................................ 41 8. Li-Fi or light-fidelity Technology ........................................................................................................ 42 9. Three-Parent Technique .................................................................................................................... 43 10. SpaceX Falcon Heavy ....................................................................................................................... 44 11. Global IP Index ................................................................................................................................ 44 12. WFIRST ........................................................................................................................................... 44 13. ESPRESSO Instrument ..................................................................................................................... 45 14. GSAT-6A ......................................................................................................................................... 45 15. Sentinel-3B satellite ........................................................................................................................ 46 16. Scientists find a potentially powerful new antibiotic in dirt ............................................................. 47 17. India Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) ................................................................................... 47 18. Integrated Automatic Aviation Meteorological Systems (IAAMS) ..................................................... 47 19. ‘Security Check Kiya’ campaign ....................................................................................................... 48 20. National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) ........................................... 48 21. SARAS ............................................................................................................................................. 49 22. ‘Dhanush’ ballistic missile ............................................................................................................... 49 23. RemoveDebris system ..................................................................................................................... 49 24. Advanced Supersonic Parachute Inflation Research Experiment (ASPIRE) ........................................ 50 25. Icarus- farthest star ......................................................................................................................... 50 26. Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) .................................................... 51 27. Saposhi ........................................................................................................................................... 51 28. Fluorimeter ..................................................................................................................................... 52 29. HT Cotton ....................................................................................................................................... 52 30. Neutrino project ............................................................................................................................. 53



31. Interstitium: The latest organ discovered in human body ................................................................ 54 32. Air-Breathing Electric Thruster (ABET) ............................................................................................. 55 33. National Intellectual Property (IP) Award 2018 ................................................................................ 55 34. Earth BioGenome Project ................................................................................................................ 55 35. Viral hepatisis ................................................................................................................................. 56

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES ............................................................................................................... 57

1. E-Tribes India .................................................................................................................................... 57 2. National Skill Development Fund (NSDF) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) .......... 57 3. India Convention Promotion Bureau ................................................................................................. 58 4. Tribal Diaries .................................................................................................................................... 58 5. North-East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) 2017 ................................................................. 59 6. Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry ......................................................................... 59 7. Transformation of Aspirational Districts programme ......................................................................... 60 8. Know India Programme .................................................................................................................... 60 9. Rajasthan passes Bill to give death penalty for child rape .................................................................. 61 10. Enemy properties ............................................................................................................................ 61 11. Smart India Hackathon 2018 ........................................................................................................... 62 12. ‘Saubhagya’ scheme ........................................................................................................................ 62 13. Atal Innovation Mission .................................................................................................................. 63 14. IMPRINT-II ...................................................................................................................................... 63 15. Festival Of Innovation And Entrepreneurship .................................................................................. 63 16. ‘SATH-E’ program ............................................................................................................................ 63 17. 60 Higher Educational Institutions granted autonomy ..................................................................... 64 18. Krishi Vigyan Kendras ...................................................................................................................... 65 19. Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) .................................................................................. 65 20. e-Office programme ........................................................................................................................ 66 21. Rationalization of Autonomous Bodies under Department of Health & Family Welfare ................... 67 22. Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) for NER ..................... 67 23. Coach Factory in Marathwada, Maharashtra ................................................................................... 68 24. Anti-Narcotics Scheme .................................................................................................................... 68 25. Khelo India School Games ............................................................................................................... 68 26. Atal Bhoojal Yojana ......................................................................................................................... 69 27. Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP) ....................................................... 69 28. Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahaabhiyan or KUSUM scheme .............................................. 70 29. Laghu Udyog Bharati ....................................................................................................................... 71 30. Village Resource Centres ................................................................................................................. 71 31. GOBAR-Dhan Yojana ....................................................................................................................... 72 32. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) Programme ............................................................................... 72 33. National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts at IIT Chennai ................................... 72 34. Swajal Yojana ................................................................................................................................. 73 35. Sela pass ......................................................................................................................................... 73 36. Swachh Bharat Sanitation Park ....................................................................................................... 73 37. Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship Programme .......................................................................... 73 38. UIDAI’s Blue Coloured New Aadhaar Card ....................................................................................... 74 39. POSHAN Abhiyaan .......................................................................................................................... 74 40. UTTAM APP for Coal Quality Monitoring ......................................................................................... 75



41. India’s first coastal policing academy .............................................................................................. 75 42. “Wings India 2018” ......................................................................................................................... 75 43. Van Dhan Vikas Kendra ................................................................................................................... 75 44. Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) ..................................................... 76 45. Action Plan for Champion Sectors in Services .................................................................................. 77 46. Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana ........................................................................................ 77 47. Sukhad Yatra App ........................................................................................................................... 78 48. National E-Mobility programme ...................................................................................................... 78 49. Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 ............................................................................................................... 78 50. Atal New India Challenge ................................................................................................................ 79 51. National Bamboo Mission (NBM) .................................................................................................... 79 52. Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan .................................................................................................................... 80 53. Project Dhoop ................................................................................................................................. 81 54. “Satyagraha se Swachhagraha” campaign ....................................................................................... 81 55. Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) ............................................................................ 82 56. Integration of e-SANAD portal and NAD – National Academic Depository ........................................ 82 57. Study in India programme ............................................................................................................... 83 58. Saksham-2018................................................................................................................................. 83 59. Global Initiative on Academic Network (GIAN) Program .................................................................. 84



NOTES Environment

1. Geomagnetic storm

There were reports that Earth will be hit by a massive magnetic storm.

However, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) found that there was no basis for recent reports saying Earth would be hit by a massive geomagnetic storm.

What are Geomagnetic Storms? o Geomagnetic storms are caused when events such as solar flares can

send higher than normal levels of radiation towards Earth. o This radiation interacts with the Earth’s magnetic field causing a

geomagnetic storm.

Effects of Geomagnetic storms: o Effects from the geomagnetic storm can range from the appearance

of auroras or the northern and southern lights to disruptions in communications systems due to high radiation.

o This would make it difficult to communicate with others on Earth.

Classification of Geomagnetic storms: o Geomagnetic storms are classified according to a scale that measures

the effect that storms will have. o At its safest level, a G1 storm affects power grids by causing weak

fluctuations, minor impacts on satellite operations, and causes the northern and southern lights to occur.

o At its most extreme, G5, there would be voltage control problems with some grid system collapses or blackouts, radio waves wouldn’t be able to travel for one to two days, low-frequency radio would be out for hours, and the auroras would be able to be seen at lower latitudes than usual.

2. National Biodiversity Authority

Expressing concern over the increase in the import of ornamental fishes to the country, which is posing a threat to India’s native fish populations, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has urged the government to come up with quarantine facilities at major seaports and airports.

What’s the concern? o The government of India has only approved the import of 92 species

of ornamental fish but the number of ornamental fish species being imported and in trade is somewhere between 200-300.

o The huge market for Invasive Alien Species (IAS) is turning out to be major threat to India’s aquatic biodiversity.

o Several studies have disclosed the occurrence of exotic ornamental fish in many inland aquatic systems, including biodiversity-sensitive areas such as the Western Ghats.

National list of Invasive Alien Species (IAS): o Under the Centre for Biodiversity and Policy and Law (CEBPOL), the

NBA is trying to bring out a national list of IAS. o So far, no attempt has been made by any scientific organisation to



NOTES have a national IAS list across different categories. o The list will be made available on a public platform and will be

communicated to different Ministries and stakeholders. o CEBPOL is a bilateral collaboration between the Indian and

Norwegian governments, and focuses on biodiversity policies and laws.

NBA: o The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was established by the

Central Government in 2003 to implement India’s Biological Diversity Act (2002).

o The NBA is a Statutory Body and it performs facilitative, regulatory and advisory functions for the Government of India on issues of conservation, sustainable use of biological resources and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological resources.

o NBA is headquartered in Chennai. o The structure comprises of the Authority, Secretariat, SBBs, BMCs and

Expert Committees. o The State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) focus on advising the State

Governments, subject to any guidelines issued by the Central Government, on matters relating to the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of biological resources.

o The local level Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) are responsible for promoting conservation, sustainable use and documentation of biological diversity including preservation of habitats, conservation of land races, folk varieties and cultivars, domesticated stocks and breeds of animals and microorganisms and chronicling of knowledge relating to biological diversity.

3. Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)

The headquarters of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has been shifted from Chennai to Haryana’s Ballabhgarh for “better coordination” between the environment ministry and the board.

Rule 3 of the Animal Welfare Board (Administrative) Rules, 1962 reads as — ‘The Headquarter of the Board shall be at New Delhi or at such other place as the central government may, after consultation with the Board direct’.

4. Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)

The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) celebrated its 6th Foundation Day on 20th March, 2018.

Theme: ‘Sustaining Innovation – A Market Driven Pathway’.

SoCH awards: o The event saw the announcement of the preliminary winners of the

SoCH (Solutions for Community Health) awards. o This award is an innovation challenge award which was launched on

the MyGov portal in September 2017.



NOTES o This challenge has two themes, platform technologies for reducing disease burden (communicable and non-communicable diseases) and sanitation and waste recycling.

o The winners will now have 6 months and rupees 15 lakhs to develop a minimal viable prototype and will then compete for the larger rupees 50 lakh award within their categories.

BIRAC: o Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) is a not-

for-profit Public Sector Enterprise, set up by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology Government of India, to empower the emerging biotech industry to undertake strategic research and innovation.

o BIRAC is a new industry academia interface and implements its mandate through a wide range of impact initiatives, be it providing access to risk capital through targeted funding, technology transfer, IP management and handholding schemes that help bring innovation excellence to Indian biotech firms and make them globally competitive.

o It has launched over 10 flagship schemes that are supported by funding from Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and manages collaboratively funded programs with international partners.

5. World Wildlife Day

World Wildlife Day was celebrated on March 3rd.

Theme: “Big cats: predators under threat”.

Big Cats: o Big cats are among the most widely recognized and admired animals

across the globe. o Today they are facing many and varied threats, which are mostly

caused by human activities. o Their populations are declining at a disturbing rate due to loss of

habitat and prey, conflicts with people, poaching and illegal trade. o For example, tiger populations plummeted by 95% over the past 100

years and African lion populations dropped by 40% in just 20 years. o In an effort to reach as wide an audience as possible, the expanded

definition of big cats is being used, which includes not only lion, tiger, leopard and jaguar — the 4 largest wild cats that can roar – but also cheetah, snow leopard, puma, clouded leopard, etc.

o Big cat species are found in Africa, Asia, and North, Central and South America.

Background: o On 20 December 2013, at its 68th session, the United Nations

General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 3 March, the day of signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as UN World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants.

o The UNGA resolution also designated the CITES Secretariat as the



NOTES facilitator for the global observance of this special day for wildlife on the UN calendar.

CITES: o CITES is international agreement to regulate worldwide commercial

trade in wild animal and plant species. o Its aim is to ensure that international trade does not threaten the

survival of the species in the wild. o It was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting

of members of IUCN. It was formed in 1973 and entered into force in July 1975.

o The CITES Secretariat is administered by UNEP and is located at Geneva, Switzerland.

o Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties, it does not take the place of national laws.

How does CITES work? o Wild species are categorised in Appendices I to III. o This often reflects species’ threat status on the International Union for

Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. Appendix I prohibits trade in species classified as highly

endangered. Appendix II allows trade under very specific conditions. This

requires exporting countries obtain a permit, but not the importing country.

Appendix III species require only a certificate of origin to be traded.

o National CITES management authorities may issue permits once scientific authorities show non-detriment findings. In other words, scientific evidence must demonstrate that species sustainability will not be adversely affected by trade. Where data is lacking, the precautionary principle applies.

6. World Wetlands Day 2018

World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2 February.

This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea.

Theme for 2018: “Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future”.

For first time, World Wetland Day was celebrated in year 1997. Since then it is observed every year to spread awareness about Ramsar Convention in particular for conservation of Wetlands.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in collaboration with Department of Forests, Assam government organised the national-level celebration of World Wetlands Day (WWD), 2018 at Deepor Beel, a Ramsar Site in Guwahati.

Ramsar convention: o The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation

and wise use of wetlands. o It is named after the Iranian city of Ramsar, on the Caspian Sea, where



NOTES the treaty was signed on 2 February 1971. o Known officially as ‘the Convention on Wetlands of International

Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat’ (or, more recently, just ‘the Convention on Wetlands’), it came into force in 1975.

o India is a party to the Convention since 1982, and committed to the Ramsar approach of wise use of wetlands.

o The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as the nodal Ministry for wetlands conservation has been supporting the State Governments/ Union Territories since 1985, in design and implementation of Management Action Plans for conservation and management of wetlands including Ramsar sites.

Montreux Record: o Montreux Record under the Convention is a register of wetland sites

on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference.

o It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List. o The Montreux Record was established by Recommendation of the

Conference of the Contracting Parties (1990). o Sites may be added to and removed from the Record only with the

approval of the Contracting Parties in which they lie.

7. World Environment Day 2018

India is the global host of 2018 World Environment Day which will take place on June 5, 2018.

Theme: “Beat Plastic Pollution”.

World Environment Day is a UN Environment-led global event, the single largest celebration of our environment each year, which takes place on June 5 and is celebrated by thousands of communities worldwide.

It has grown to become a global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated across the globe.

It was established by United Nations General Assembly to mark opening of United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in 1972.

The first World Environment Day was observed in 1973.

8. World Water Day 2018

Every year on March 22, World Water Day is celebrated.

2018 marks the 25th anniversary of World Water Day.

Theme: ‘Nature for Water’ and exploring nature-based solutions (NBS) to the water challenges that we are currently facing.

Campaign: The campaign which is being run by UN is being called ‘The answer is in nature’ and the motto is to raise awareness on how we nations together can save water by following nature based solutions.

World Water Day: o In the year 1992, March 22 was first officially added in the schedule 21

of United Nations Conference on Environment and Development as



NOTES World Water Day in the Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. o The celebrations to mark world water day started from the year 1993. o The aim of the day is to increase awareness among people about the

importance, need and conservation of water. o The World Water Development Report is also released by the UN

every year around World Water Day.

SDG: o The goals of World Water Day are in line with the UN’s Sustainable

Development Goal 6, a program which targets bringing safe drinking water and clean sanitation to everyone around the world.

How The Day Is Celebrated? o The United Nations including all the member nations celebrate March

22 by implementing the UN recommendations as well as promoting the global water conservation through the real activities like promotion of clean water conservation, governments’ plan of action for water conservation and publishing critical reports that highlights the statistics and data on water.

o The UN-Water is responsible for the selection of World Water Day theme every year, distribution of global messages as well as leading the UN agencies for celebrating the World Day for Water.

9. International Day of Forests

International Day of Forests is observed on March 21st every year.

2018 Theme: Forests and Sustainable Cities.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests (IDF) in 2012.

The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests.

On each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns.

10. Earth Hour 2018

Earth Hour was observed on March 24 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Earth Hour is also a “part and parcel” of the “Green Good Deeds” movement, in which every individual ought to take small, voluntary green actions to protect and conserve the environment and the earth.

Dating back to 2007, Earth Hour is an annual event organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) that promotes conservation and sustainable energy.

The first Earth Hour was held on March 31, 2007 in Sydney, Australia.

During this time, civilians are encouraged to switch off their lights for one hour to help reduce the effect of global warming and raise awareness for climate change and wildlife conservation.

“Give Up to Give Back”: o On the occasion of Earth Hour, the World Wide Fund India made a

strong pitch for “Give Up to Give Back”.



NOTES o The “Give Up to Give Back” initiative to inspire organisations, institutions and individuals to make the choice to curb some habits, practices and lifestyles that burden our lives and the environment.

o It includes taking steps like giving up single-use plastics, giving up fossil fuels, giving up lonely car rides for your employees, give up e-waste.

Difference between Earth Hour and Earth Day? o Whereas Earth Hour stands as a climate change initiative where

people reduce their electricity usage, Earth Day (April 22) celebrates our natural environment by inspiring people to plant trees, recycle regularly and keep the planet tidy.

11. Sach-Gaurav

The Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes (CIRB) has claimed that India’s first cloned Assamese buffalo male calf named Sach-Gaurav was born in Hisar, Haryana.

The calf was born to a Murrah buffalo.

It was also the first to be born in the field, 100 km from the cloning laboratory at Hi Tech Sach Dairy Farm.

Animal cloning is an excellent reproductive tool for conservation and multiplication of selected superior animals of buffalo breeds.

This was the second cloned male produced by ICAR-CIRB after Hisar-Gaurav, born December 11, 2015.

CIRB: o Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes is a publicly funded

institute for water buffalo research. o It is located at Hisar in the north Indian state of Haryana. o It has a mandate to conserve superior animals of all buffalo breeds. o It is the world’s largest buffalo research institute with the widest

range of breeds under study. o It has created the world’s first online Buffalopedia in several

languages.

12. Cuvette Centrale region

It is the world’s largest tropical peatlands in Congo Basin.

To protect the Cuvette Centrale region in the Congo Basin from unregulated land use and prevent its drainage and degradation, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Republic of Congo and Indonesia have jointly signed the Brazzaville declaration that promotes better management and conservation of this globally important carbon store.

The declaration was signed on the sidelines of the Third Partners Meeting of the Global Peatlands Initiative which took place in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.

Peatlands: o Peatlands are wetlands that contain a

mixture of decomposed organic material, partially submerged in a layer of water, lacking oxygen.



NOTES o Peatlands are the world's largest terrestrial organic carbon stock, storing twice as much carbon as forests.

o They are home to a variety of species, but their high carbon content makes them uniquely vulnerable to incineration if they are drained.

o The unregulated exploitation of peatlands can potentially be detrimental to environment and to climate, as it could release carbon emissions that have been locked in for millennia.

o The Cuvette Centrale region in Congo Basin is world’s largest natural tropical peatlands, which are about size of England. It stores three years equivalent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Global Peatlands Initiative: o The Global Peatlands Initiative is a multi-partner United Nations

Environment Programme initiative launched at the Global Landscapes Forum in Marrakesh in 2016.

o The Global Peatlands Initiative is an effort by leading experts and institutions to save peatlands as the world’s largest terrestrial organic carbon stock and to prevent it being emitted into the atmosphere.

13. ‘Super Blue Blood Moon’

Large parts of the globe experienced a rare ‘Super Blue Blood Moon’ on January 31st, 2018.

A Supermoon, a blue moon and a total lunar eclipse took place at the same time.

It is the first such rare show by moon since 1982 and the next will occur after 2037.

‘Super Blue Blood Moon’: o A ‘Super Moon’ is simply a moon that is closer to the Earth than

normal. As a result, it appears bigger and brighter in the sky. o A ‘Blue Moon’ is also simple and means the second full moon in a

calendar month. o A ‘Blood Moon’ happens when sunlight passes through the

atmosphere above the Earth, casting a dark colour across the surface of the moon.

14. New Project to Control Pollution of River Sal at Navelin, Goa

The Centre has sanctioned a new project to control pollution in River Sal at Navelim town in Goa.

The project was sanctioned by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change under the National River Conservation Plan.

The project would cost of Rs. 61.74 cr. Both the Centre and State will share the cost on 60:40 basis.

The third largest river in Goa, the Sal River is based in South Goa and starts in Cavelossim. It is one of the nine major rivers of Goa.

Being the only river that flows in a north-south direction prior to flowing in to the Arabian Sea at Betul, the Sal River is a geologically odd one because it runs parallel to the west of geological coast.



NOTES 15. Massive reserves of mercury found in Arctic permafrost

Scientists have discovered that permafrost in the northern hemisphere stores massive amounts of natural mercury and a warming climate could release large amounts of this dangerous toxin that may cause neurological effects in humans and animals.

The scientists measured mercury concentrations in permafrost cores from Alaska and found that northern permafrost soils are the largest reservoir of mercury on the planet, storing nearly twice as much mercury as all other soils, the ocean and the atmosphere combined.

Mercury- basic facts: o Mercury is a chemical element with symbol Hg and atomic number 80. o It is commonly known as quicksilver and was formerly named

hydrargyrum. o It is the only metallic element that is liquid at standard conditions for

temperature and pressure. o The only other element that is liquid under these conditions is

bromine. o Mercury is a very rare element in the Earth’s crust. o It accounts for only about only 0.08 parts per million (ppm). o It is a relatively poor conductor of heat. o Mercury is used in thermometers, barometers, manometers,

sphygmomanometers, float valves, mercury switches, mercury relays, fluorescent lamps and other devices.

o It is also used in lighting: electricity passed through mercury vapour in a fluorescent lamp produces short-wave ultraviolet light which then causes the phosphor in the tube to fluoresce, making visible light.

Exposure to mercury: o Even small amounts – may cause serious health problems, and is a

threat to the development of the child in utero and early in life. o It may have toxic effects on the nervous, digestive and immune

systems, and on lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes. o It is considered by WHO as one of the top ten chemicals or groups of

chemicals of major public health concern. o People are mainly exposed to methyl mercury, an organic compound,

when they eat fish and shellfish that contain the compound.

The Minamata Convention on Mercury is an opportunity for the global community to address this mounting problem before it gets worse.

16. Minamata Convention

The Union cabinet has approved a proposal for ratification of the Minamata Convention, a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from adverse effects of mercury.

After joining the Convention, it will now be easier for India to get technological or financial assistance to address issues related to mercury.

The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a multilateral environmental agreement that addresses specific human activities which are contributing to



NOTES widespread mercury pollution.

Implementation of this agreement will help reduce global mercury pollution over the coming decades.

The Minamata Convention is named after the Japanese city of Minamata, which experienced a severe, decades-long incidence of mercury poisoning after industrial wastewater from a chemical factory was discharged into Minamata Bay.

The wastewater contained methylmercury, which bioaccumulated in fish and shellfish in the bay.

Major highlights of the Minamata Convention include: o Ban on new mercury mines, o Phase-out of existing ones, o Phase out and phase down of mercury use in a number of products

and processes, o Control measures on emissions to air and on releases to land and

water, and o Regulation of the informal sector of artisanal and small-scale gold

mining.

The Convention also addresses interim storage of mercury and its disposal once it becomes waste, sites contaminated by mercury as well as health issues.

Background: o Till now, the convention has 88 ratifications and 144 signatories

including India, which signed it on 30 September 2014. o India had actively participated in the negotiating process, making

significant contributions in finalizing the treaty text but had not ratified it till now.

o India’s neighbours – Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan – are also signatories to the convention. But only Sri Lanka has ratified it.

17. Great Indian Bustard

In a novel experiment, a group of farmers at the Lala Sanctuary in Kutch decided not to use inorganic fertilizers and toxic pesticides so as to save the Great Indian Bustard (GIB).

According to experts, when farmers use pesticides, GIB loses a major portion of its food — insects, locust, lizard among others — and the bird is forced to look for smaller insects in the grains, resulting in damage to the crops.

Great Indian Bustard is listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, in the CMS Convention and in Appendix I of CITES, as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

It has also been identified as one of the species for the recovery programme under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.

This species was formerly widespread in India and Pakistan.



NOTES

18. India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2017

The environment ministry has released the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2017.

The ISFR report is published every two years.

The India State of Forest Report 2017 is the 15th such report in the series.

The report for the first time contains information on decadal change in water bodies in forest during 2005-2015, forest fire, production of timber from outside forest, state wise carbon stock in different forest types and density classes.

India’s forest cover increased by 6,778 sq km over the last two years.

The increase, based on satellite data and subsequent ‘ground truthing’, has put the total forest cover at 7,08,273 sq km which is 21.54% of the country’s geographical area.

Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha and Telangana saw increase in their green footprint during the last two years though there is a worrying decline in six northeastern states, including a shrinkage of 630 sq km in the eastern Himalayas.

While overall green cover, including tree patches outside recorded forest areas, reported an incremental 1% increase (8,021 sq km) over the last assessment year in 2015, the quality of forests remain a hotly debated subject even as satellite monitoring has increased availability of data.

Taking into account the density (canopy covering branches and foliage formed by the crowns of trees), forest cover is divided into ‘very dense’, ‘moderately dense’ and ‘open’ forest.

The ‘very dense’ forest cover has increased over the last assessment of 2015, but the ‘moderately dense’ category reported a decline — a sign which environmentalists consider quite worrying.

The report also shows the total mangrove cover stands at 4,921 sq km and has shown an increase of 181 sq km.

All the 12 mangrove states have shown a positive change in the mangrove cover, as compared to the last assessment.

Report shows that three states – Andhra Pradesh, followed by Karnataka and Kerala – have shown the maximum increase in forest cover.

On the other hand, forest cover in states like Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Meghalaya has decreased in 2017 as compared to 2015.

The report notes that there was an increase of 2,647 sq km in the extent of water bodies over the decade (2005-15) with all states and Union Territories (UTs) showing an increase except Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh figure as the top three states reporting maximum increase in areas of water bodies including lakes and wetlands.

Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover of 77,414 sq km in the country in terms of area, followed by Arunachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

In terms of percentage of forest cover with respect to the total geographical area, Lakshadweep with (90.33%) has the highest forest cover, followed by



NOTES Mizoram (86.27%) and Andaman & Nicobar Island (81.73%).

19. Compensatory Afforestation Act

The government has notified the draft Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Rules, 2018 to facilitate utilisation of over Rs50,000 crore among states to expand India’s forest cover.

The draft rules, which come nearly one and half years after the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Bill was passed by Parliament in July 2016, specify the activities that would be allowed or restricted in a forest area.

Draft rules:

Utilization of funds: o According to the proposed rules, 80% of the “net present value (NPV)”

can be used for forest and wildlife management activities like assisted natural regeneration, artificial regeneration (by plantations), protection of plantations and forests, pest and disease control in forest, forest fire prevention and others.

o 20% of the NPV, in a financial year, “shall be utilised for strengthening the forest and wildlife related infrastructure, capacity building of the personnel of state forest departments and other associated agencies and organisations involved in utilisation of these monies”.

Activities allowed: o The draft rules also specified a list of activities that can be undertaken

or are not allowed from the fund. o It allows activities like establishment, upgradation and maintenance of

modern nurseries, purchase and maintenance of communication devices, construction, up-gradation and maintenance of inspection paths.

o These activities “shall be taken up in consultation with the Gram Sabha or Van Sanrakshan Samiti (VSS) or Village Forest Committee as the case may be” and shall be in consonance with the provisions of FRA 2006.

Activities not allowed: o The fund will not be used for activities like payment of salary, travelling

allowances, medical expenses to regular employees of the state forest department, undertaking foreign visits, payment for legal services, purchase of cars, construction of residential and official buildings for officers above forest range officers.

Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act 2016: o This act provides for setting up Compensatory Afforestation Fund

Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) at both central and state level to ensure expeditious and transparent utilization of amounts realized in lieu of forest land diverted for non-forest purpose.

o The act also seeks to establish the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund under the Public Account of India, and a State Compensatory Afforestation Fund under the Public Account of each state.

o The payments into the funds include compensatory Afforestation,



NOTES NPV, and any project-specific payments.

20. Tawang gets rhododendron park

In a bid to conserve the dwindling rhododendron species of Tawang, a rhododendron park is being established in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.

Over 30 species of rhododendron will be planted and conserved in the park.

It will also have a modern nursery, an information centre, resting sheds, and a parking facility, among other things.

Rhododendron: o Found in varied habitats from subtropical

forest to alpine shrubs, rhododendrons range from dwarf shrubs to large trees.

o The smallest are R. nivale and R. pumilum at just 10 to 50 cm while the tallest species, R. arboretum grows over 40 metres tall.

o The cold, moist slopes and deep valleys of the eastern Himalayas form a conducive habitat for the luxuriant growth of Rhododendron species.

o Arunachal Pradesh is home to the highest number with 119 taxa (74 species, 21 sub species and 24 varieties) of the Rhododendron.

o Sikkim is home to 42 taxa (25 species, 11 sub-species and six varieties) while 10 taxa are found in Manipur, four in Mizoram and 11 in Nagaland.

21. 21st Indian Birding Fair

The 21st Indian Birding Fair was held at the Man Sagar Lake, Rajasthan.

This year, this fair was dedicated to the White Naped Tit bird, which is quite rare in Jaipur and are at the verge of extinction.

White Naped Tit bird: o White-Naped is a robust, strongly patterned,

mainly black-and-white coloured bird with yellow in the flanks and sides of the breast.

o It is endemic to India where it is found in dry thorn scrub forest in two disjunct populations, in western India and southern India.

o The bird is found in Udaipur and in some regions of Kutch. o It is considered vulnerable to extinction because of the scarcity of

suitable habitats. o It is categorised as vulnerable on IUCN Red List.

22. Drypetes kalamii

It is a new plant species identified by scientists from the Botanical Survey of India from two protected National Parks in West Bengal.

It has been named after former President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.

Named Drypetes kalamii, it is a small shrub found to be shorter version of its close relative Drypetes ellisii.



NOTES Standing just 1 metre tall, the newly described plant is unisexual in nature, which means they have separate male and female plants.

By following the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) rules, the scientists have provisionally assessed the plant to be “Critically Endangered”.

The new species is found in wet, shaded areas of subtropical moist semi-evergreen forests, at a height ranging 50-100 metres.

With pale yellow flowers in clusters and bright orange to red fruits, the plant is exclusive to the two national parks- Jaldapara and Buxa National Parks.

23. Fimbristylis agasthyamalaensis

Researchers have reported the discovery of a new plant species from the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.

Classified as a sedge, the grass-like plant has been named Fimbristylis agasthyamalaensis, after the locality from which it was found.

The new species belongs to the Cyperaceae family.

In India, the genus is represented by 122 species, of which 87 are reported from the Western Ghats.

Many of the known Cyperaceae species are medicinal plants or used as fodder.

The researchers have recommended a preliminary conservation assessment of the plant as ‘critically endangered,’ according to IUCN criteria.

The report says the species is highly prone to wild grazing.

24. CleanSeas campaign

New Zealand has joined the United Nations-led CleanSeas campaign to rid oceans of plastic.

More than 40 other countries have already signed up.

The CleanSeas campaign was launched by the UN Environment in February 2017.

The campaign aims to engage governments, the general public, civil society and the private sector in the fight against marine plastic by reducing the use of non-recoverable and single-use plastics.

It addresses the root-cause of marine litter by targeting the production and consumption of non-recoverable and single-use plastic.

The campaign contributes to the goals of the Global Partnership on Marine Litter, a voluntary open-ended partnership for international agencies, governments, businesses, academia, local authorities and non-governmental organizations hosted by UN Environment.

25. Newton-Bhabha Fund for arsenic research in Ganga basin

An India-UK Joint Team has won the Newton-Bhabha Fund for a project on Groundwater Arsenic Research in Ganga River Basin.



NOTES The Department of Science and Technology has undertaken the project with the Natural Environment Research Council, UK, to find solutions to the water challenges faced in the pervasively arsenic-affected Ganga River Basin.

The Newton Bhabha Fund, provided by the British Council, aims to bring together the UK and Indian scientific research and innovation sectors to find joint solutions to the challenges facing India in economic development and social welfare.

The team members involved with the project will try to assess how the problem of arsenic poisoning can get aggravated in the next 25 to 30 years and influence groundwater management practices and suggest water remedial technologies accordingly.

26. Climate Watch

Climate Watch is an online platform designed to empower policymakers, researchers, media and other stakeholders with the open climate data, visualizations and resources they need to gather insights on national and global progress on climate change.

Climate Watch is managed by World Resources Institute. It is a contribution to the NDC Partnership (World Bank, UNFCCC, Google etc.).

Climate Watch brings together dozens of datasets for the first time to let users analyze and compare the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, access historical emissions data, discover how countries can leverage their climate goals to achieve their sustainable development objectives, and use models to map new pathways to a lower carbon, prosperous future.

It contributes to the goals of the Paris Agreement by using open data to increase transparency and accountability, and provide actionable analysis on how countries can enhance their efforts to combat climate change.

Climate Watch includes: o Data and visualizations on all countries’ greenhouse gas emissions; o A comprehensive, user-friendly database of all countries’ Nationally

Determined Contributions (NDCs); o Comprehensive mapping of linkages between Nationally Determined

Contributions (NDCs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); o Data and visuals of emissions scenario pathways for major emitting

countries, derived from a growing library of models; o National and sectoral profile pages that offer a snapshot of climate

progress, risks and vulnerabilities;

27. Strategy on Resource efficiency

Niti aayog has initiated implementation of strategy on Resource efficiency.

After detailed discussion, a road map for implementation of the RE in the country has also been evolved.

NITI Aayog will facilitate the RE strategy implementation. Implementation however will be the responsibility of the line ministries/departments.

Strategy on Resource Efficiency:



NOTES o NITI Aayog in collaboration with the European Union delegation to India has released the Strategy on Resource Efficiency.

o This strategy is the first policy document to emphasize resource productivity in the country.

o The Strategy emphasizes on Sustainable Public Procurement (SSP) as an action agenda which will be the market transformation tool to transform to a resource efficient economy.

o It is developed with the recommendations from the Indian Resource Efficiency Programme (IREP), launched by the Indian Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and Indian Resource Panel (InRP) in April 2017.

What is Resource Efficiency and why do we need it? o Resource efficiency very simply put is making more with fewer

materials. o In practice, through a life-cycle approach, it leads to minimizing impact

on environment & the associated societal burdens, transforming ‘waste’ into ‘resources’ fostering circular economy, and strengthening resource security.

o Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy are important goals and central principles for achieving sustainable development.

InRP: o The new Indian Resource Panel (InRP) was officially unveiled in 2016,

making India one of the first emerging economies to set up a national advisory body on resource efficiency.

o The InRP was created with support from the International Climate Initiative as part of the project ‘Resource efficiency and secondary raw materials management as a contribution to climate change mitigation’.

o The InRP will issue recommendations to Indian businesses and policy-makers on improving the general conditions for resource efficiency.

28. Green Good Deeds campaign

The campaign has been launched by the Environment Ministry to sensitise the people and students, in particular, about climate change and global warming.

The objective of the campaign is to restore and return the clean and green environment to the next generation.

The campaign aims to broad its base with involvement of teachers, students and other voluntary organisations.

29. World’s largest solar park Shakti Sthala launched in Karnataka

The first phase Shakti Sthala solar park having total capacity of 2,000 megawatts (MW) was inaugurated in drought-prone Pavagada region of Tumkur district, Karanataka.

It is claimed to be world’s largest solar park.

The park ties in with the Central Government’s scheme to generate 100 gigawatts (GW) of solar power by 2020.

It has been executed within record time of two years, with zero land



NOTES acquisition.

30. Diu becomes the first and only Union Territory to be 100% solar

energy efficient

Diu has become the first and only Union Territory in the country to be fully run on solar energy.

It generates total of 13 megawatts (MW) of electricity from solar power generating facilities daily. Of this, 3 MW is generated by rooftop solar plants and 10 MW by its other solar power plants.

Diu’s geographical area is limited only to 42 square kilometers, however, despite the shortage of land, solar power plants have been installed at over 50 acres of land.

31. Okhla Bird Sanctuary

Foundation Stone for Redevelopment and Upgardation of Okhla Bird Sanctuary was recently laid.

Okhla Bird Sanctuary is located close to New Delhi and is one of the 467 Important Bird Areas (IBA) of the country and is home to a large number of resident, as well as migratory birds like grey-headed fish eagle, Baikal teal, Baer’s pochard and Sarus crane.

Okhla Bird Sanctuary, belonging to the State of Uttar Pradesh, has an area of 400 ha, out of which 120 ha falls within the National Capital Region of Delhi.

32. Global Climate Observing System (GCOS)

Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) was established in 1992 to ensure that the observations and information needed to address climate-related issues are obtained and made available to all potential users.

The GCOS is co-sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the International Council for Science (ICSU).

In order to assess and monitor the adequacy of in-situ observation networks as well as satellite-based observing systems, GCOS regularly reports on the adequacy of the current climate observing system to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and thereby identifies the needs of the current climate observing system.

Objective: o The vision of GCOS is for all users to have access to the climate

observations, data records and information they need to address pressing climate-related concerns.

o GCOS users include individuals, national and international organizations, institutions and agencies.

o GCOS works with partners to ensure the sustained provision of reliable physical, chemical and biological observations and data records for the total climate system – across the atmospheric, oceanic and terrestrial domains, including hydrological and carbon cycles and the cryosphere.



NOTES 33. Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS) Partnership

A survey of over a hundred tiger conservation areas by 11 leading conservation organisations and countries with tiger ranges that are part of the Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS) Partnership has found that only 13% of tiger conservation areas meet global standards.

The surveyed area is home to approximately 70% of the world’s wild tigers.

At least one-third of these areas are severely at risk of losing their tigers and most of these sites are in Southeast Asia.

While basic needs such as encroachment against poaching, engaging local communities and managing conflict between people and wildlife remained weak for all surveyed areas, two-thirds of the surveyed area reported fair to strong management.

Despite poaching being one of the greatest threats faced by the big cats, 85% of the areas surveyed do not have the staff capacity to patrol sites effectively and 61% of the areas in Southeast Asia have very limited anti-poaching enforcement.

What is Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS)? o CA|TS is a set of criteria which allows tiger sites to check if their

management will lead to successful tiger conservation. o CA|TS is organised under seven pillars and 17 elements of critical

management activity. o Officially launched in 2013, CA|TS is an important part of Tx2, the

global goal to double wild tiger numbers by the year 2022. o Developed by WWF and partners, the Global Tiger Forum (GTF) has

endorsed CA|TS and has requested member countries to establish National Review Committees for purpose of initiating CA|TS.

o CA|TS is an important tool in the achievement of the CBD’s Global Aichi Targets, in particular Aichi Target 11 and 12, and contributes to the implementation of the Programme of Work on Protected Areas, particularly the last goal related to Standards, Assessment and Monitoring.

o Of the 13 tiger range countries Nepal, India, Bangladesh and Russia have registered and rolled out CA|TS, whilst discussion is ongoing with Bhutan, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and China.

34. Great Barrier Reef

Australia has pledged Aus $500 million ($379 million) in new funding to restore and protect the Great Barrier Reef.

Threats to the great barrier reef: o It is reeling from significant bouts of coral bleaching due to warming

sea temperatures linked to climate change. o It is also under threat from the coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish,

which has proliferated due to pollution and agricultural run-off. o The predator starfish feeds on corals by spreading its stomach over

them and using digestive enzymes to liquefy tissue. o With its heavy use of coal-fired power and relatively small population,



NOTES Australia is considered one of the world’s worst per-capita greenhouse gas polluters.

Great barrier reef: o The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system

composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometres over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres.

o The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia.

o The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms.

o This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps.

o It was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981.

35. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

A four-day Asia Pacific Regional Workshop of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), jointly hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and UNCCD Secretariat, to build the capacity of the Asia-Pacific Region to monitor and report on land degradation, was recently held in New Delhi.

Established in 1994, the United Nations to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management.

It is the only convention stemming from a direct recommendation of the Rio Conference’s Agenda 21.

To help publicise the Convention, 2006 was declared “International Year of Deserts and Desertification”.

The Convention addresses specifically the arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas, known as the drylands, where some of the most vulnerable ecosystems and peoples can be found.

Its 197 Parties aim, through partnerships, to implement the Convention and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Convention is based on the principles of participation, partnership and decentralization.

The end goal is to protect land from over-use and drought, so it can continue to provide food, water and energy.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the nodal Ministry for this Convention.

The new UNCCD 2018-2030 Strategic Framework is the most comprehensive global commitment to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) in order to restore the productivity of vast expanses of degraded land.

The UNCCD is particularly committed to a bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating desertification and land degradation.

The UNCCD secretariat facilitates cooperation between developed and developing countries, particularly around knowledge and technology transfer



NOTES for sustainable land management.

UNCCD collaborates closely with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to meet these complex challenges with an integrated approach.

36. Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has framed a new draft Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2018.

Coastal Regulation Zone or CRZ is a coastal land up to 500m from the High Tide Line and a range of 100m along banks of creeks, estuaries, backwaters and rivers subject to tidal fluctuations is CRZ.

According to Coastal Regulation Zone notifications, it is divided into 4 zones: o CRZ I – It refers to the ecologically sensitive areas, essential in

maintaining ecosystem of the coast. These lie between the HTL and LTL. Only exploration of natural gas and extraction of salt is permitted.

o CRZ II – These areas form up to the shoreline of the coast. Authorized structures are not allowed to be constructed in this zone.

o CRZ III – This includes rural and urban localities. Only certain activities relating to agriculture and public utilities allowed here.

o CRZ IV – This includes the aquatic area up to the territorial limit (12 nautical miles). Fishing and allied activities permitted in this zone. Solid waste can be let off in this zone.

37. South Asian Climate Outlook Forum (SASCOF)

Pune hosted the 12th edition of the South Asian Climate Outlook Forum (SASCOF) meeting.

The Forum was attended by meteorologists from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

This was the sixth SASCOF meeting hosted by India.

South Asian nations, supported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), have been conducting the South Asian Seasonal Climate Outlook Forum (SASCOF) since 2010.

SASCOF was established as a platform where meteorologists from South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member countries along with Myanmar, could discuss some of the common weather and climate-related matters.

All these South Asian countries — except for Afghanistan, which is located in extreme northwest — experience common weather and climatological characteristics, like Southwest monsoon.

SASCOFs prepare consensus seasonal climate information on a regional scale that provide a consistent basis for preparing national level outlooks.

Such forums also serve to interface with user sectors to understand and enhance the use of climate information as orchestrated and supported by the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS).



NOTES

38. Ramsar tag likely for Sunderbans

The West Bengal government has given its approval to the State Forest Department to apply for recognition of Sunderban Reserve Forest under the Ramsar Convention.

State Forest Department through Central Government will apply to Ramsar Convention Secretariat.

Being conferred the status of a wetland of international importance will not only be a matter of pride for the Sunderbans but also bring a lot of international scientific attention and intervention to the area.

Once conferred a Ramsar site status, it will be the largest protected wetland in the country.

It will also help promote the Sunderbans as an eco-tourism hotspot.

Sunderbans: o The Indian Sunderbans, with 2,114 sq. km. of mangrove forests,

comprise almost 43% of the mangrove cover in the country according to a 2017 Forest Survey of India report.

o Other than the forests, home to about 100 Royal Bengal tigers, the creeks and river systems of the Sunderbans are also part of the reserve forest.

Its significance: o Apart from being one of the world’s largest tiger habitat, the

mangrove forest in the Sunderbans is remarkable for the protection it provides to nearly 4.5 million people on the Indian side and another 3.5 million on the Bangladesh portion from tidal surge generated by cyclonic depression in the Bay of Bengal.

o About one-third of the total area is used as protected area for the conservation of biological diversity.

o In addition, the abundant fish and biomass resources – timber, fuelwood, pulpwood, leaves, shells, crabs, honey and fish – are harvested by local communities.

o The Sunderbans is also a major pathway for nutrient recycling and pollution abatement.

o The biodiversity of the Sunderbans is also diverse. o The delta has the distinction of encompassing the world’s largest

mangrove forest belt with 84 identified flora species, of which 34 are true mangroves.

Threats: o Sunderbans is a contiguous ecosystem spread across India and

Bangladesh. o Other than threats such as climate change, sea level rise, widespread

construction and clearing of mangrove forests for fisheries is posing a danger to the Sunderbans.

Ramsar convention: o The Convention on Wetlands, called the Ramsar Convention, is an

inter-governmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.



NOTES o Adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, an Iranian city, the Convention came into force in 1975.

o Since then, almost 90% of UN member states have acceded to become “Contracting Parties”.

o There are currently 26 sites in India recognised as Ramsar wetland sites of international importance, including the East Kolkata Wetlands also in West Bengal.

39. Island Development Agency (IDA)

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, recently chaired the third meeting of the Island Development Agency (IDA).

The Island Development Agency reviewed the progress made towards preparation of Development Plans for identified Islands.

The IDA was set up in June 2017following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s review meeting for the development of islands.

The meetings of the agency are chaired by the Union Home Minister.

Members of the IDA include cabinet secretary, home secretary, secretary (environment, forests and climate change), secretary (tourism) and secretary (tribal welfare).



NOTES Polity

1. Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal

The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation issued a notification constituting the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal with its headquarters at New Delhi.

Background: o The Tribunal has been constituted following orders of the Supreme

Court. o The Government of Odisha had sought to refer the water dispute

regarding the inter-state river Mahanadi and its river valley to a Tribunal for adjudication under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.

Legal provisions in this regard: o The tribunal is formed according to the provisions of the Inter-State

River Water Disputes (ISRWD), 1956. o It will have a chairperson and two other members nominated by the

Chief Justice of India from among the judges of the apex court or high courts.

o As per provisions of the ISRWD Act, 1956 the Tribunal is required to submit its report and decision within a period of 3 years which can be extended to a further period not exceeding 2 years due to unavoidable reasons.

What’s the dispute? o Odisha and Chhattisgarh are locked in a dispute over the Mahanadi

waters since the mid-80s. o Odisha claimed that Chhattisgarh government has been constructing

dams in the upper reaches of the Mahanadi, depriving its farmers who are heavily dependent on the rivers waters.

o Chhattisgarh has been against the setting up of a tribunal, and argued that the water sharing agreement was with the erstwhile Madhya Pradesh government, before the state was carved out in 2000.

2. Office-of-profit

The Delhi High Court has quashed a notification issued by President Ram Nath Kovind disqualifying 20 AAP MLAs for holding offices of profit as Parliamentary Secretaries.

The court has reinstated all 20 MLAs, holding that the opinion of the Election Commission of India to the President to disqualify the legislators was “vitiated and bad in law for failure to comply with the principles of natural justice”.

Why was the notification quashed by the court? o The High Court noted that the Election Commission failed to give oral

hearing and opportunity to address arguments on merits to the AAP MLAs before arriving at its opinion that they held ‘office of profit’.

3. Special Status To Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh has been demanding a Special Category State (SCS) status



NOTES from Centre ever since it was decided to carve out Telangana along with capital city Hyderabad.

Following the bifurcation of A.P., Andhra lost a large volume of its revenue due to Hyderabad remaining the capital of Telangana.

What is SCS? o The Constitution does not include any provision for categorisation of

any State in India as a Special Category Status (SCS) State. o But, recognising that some regions in the country were historically

disadvantaged in contrast to others, Central plan assistance to SCS States has been granted in the past by the erstwhile Planning Commission body, National Development Council (NDC).

o The NDC granted this status based on a number of features of the States which included:

Hilly and difficult terrain, Low population density or the presence of sizeable tribal

population, Low resource base, Strategic location along international borders, Economic and infrastructural backwardness and Non-viable nature of State finances.

What kind of assistance do SCS States receive? o The SCS States used to receive block grants based on the Gadgil-

Mukherjee formula, which effectively allowed for nearly 30 per cent of the Total Central Assistance to be transferred to SCS States as late as 2009-10.

o Following the constitution of the NITI Aayog and the recommendations of the Fourteenth Finance Commission (FFC), Central plan assistance to SCS States has been subsumed in an increased devolution of the divisible pool to all States (from 32% in the 13th FC recommendations to 42%) and do not any longer appear in plan expenditure.

o The FFC also recommended variables such as “forest cover” to be included in devolution, with a weightage of 7.5 in the criteria and which could benefit north-eastern States that were previously given SCS assistance.

o Also concession on excise duty to attract industries to the state. o These states can avail the benefit of debt swapping and debt relief

schemes. o In the case of centrally sponsored schemes and external aid, special

category states get it in the ratio of 90 per cent grants and 10 per cent loans, while other states get 30 per cent of their funds as grants.

o Tax breaks to attract investment.

4. Cooperative Election Authority

The Haryana government has announced that a Cooperative Election Authority would be set up in the State for supervising the election process in cooperative bodies.

Constitution 97th Amendment Act:



NOTES o The Constitution (Ninety Seventh Amendment) Act 2011 relating to the co-operatives is aimed to encourage economic activities of cooperatives which in turn help progress of rural India.

o It is expected to not only ensure autonomous and democratic functioning of cooperatives, but also the accountability of the management to the members and other stakeholders.

o As per the amendment the changes done to constitution are: In Part III of the constitution, after words “or unions” the words

“Cooperative Societies” was added. In Part IV a new Article 43B was inserted, which says: The state

shall endeavour to promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control and professional management of the co-operative societies”.

After Part IXA of the constitution, a Part IXB was inserted to accommodate state vs centre roles.

5. Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT)

ITAT is a quasi judicial institution set up in January, 1941 and specializes in dealing with appeals under the Direct Taxes Acts.

It was set up by virtue of section 5A of the Income Tax Act, 1922.

The orders passed by the ITAT are final, an appeal lies to the High Court only if a substantial question of law arises for determination.

It functions under the Department of Legal Affairs in the Ministry of Law and Justice.

6. World Consumers Day

15 March is World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD), an annual occasion for celebration and solidarity within the international consumer movement.

It marks the date in 1962 President John F Kennedy first outlined the definition of Consumer Rights.

It is an opportunity to promote the basic rights of all consumers, for demanding that those rights are respected and protected, and for protesting the market abuses and social injustices which undermine them.

Theme: ‘Making digital marketplaces fairer’.

WCRD was first observed on 15 March 1983, and has since become an important occasion for mobilising citizen action.

Consumers International (CI), which was founded in 1960 organises WCRD.

It is the only independent and authoritative global voice for consumers and has over 220 member organisations in 115 countries around the world.

Consumer Rights Day — India December 24th.

On this day the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 had received the assent of the President assent

Consumer protection Act: o India adopted the Consumer Protection Act, later in 1986, thus

providing a legal face to the Indian consumers. o One of the strongest campaigns for addressal and protection of

consumer rights in India, is “Jago Grahak Jago” which literally



NOTES translates into, “wake up consumers”! o This multimedia campaign from Ministry of Consumer Affairs,

Government of India is aimed at creating an aware consumer.

7. # Democracy Index

The Economist Intelligence Unit has released 2017 Democracy Index report.

The report shows that democracy is in decline across the world.

It is the worst performance since 2010-’11 in the aftermath of the global financial crisis.

The index ranks 165 independent states and two territories on the basis of five categories: electoral process and pluralism, civil liberties, the functioning of government, political participation and political culture.

Top and bottom countries: o Norway, Iceland and Sweden are the top three on the list while Chad,

Syria and North Korea bring up the bottom.

Performance of India: o India was one of the countries whose score declined the most. o It fell ten places in the rankings from 32 to 42.

8. Citizenship Act

The Supreme Court decided to refer to fresh Constitution Bench pleas to examine the validity of various aspects of a provision of the Citizenship Act 1955, including the cut-off date for awarding citizenship to Bangladeshi immigrants in Assam.

Section 6A of the Act relates to provisions for citizenship of people covered by the Assam Accord.

Assam Accord: o The Assam Accord (1985) was a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS)

signed between representatives of the Government of India and the leaders of the Assam Movement in New Delhi on 15 August 1985.

o The accord brought an end to the Assam Agitation and paved the way for the leaders of the agitation to form a political party and form a government in the state of Assam soon after.

o As per the Accord, All those foreigners who had entered Assam between 1951 and

1961 were to be given full citizenship including the right to vote.

Those Bangladeshis who came between 1961 and 1971 were to be denied voting rights for ten years but would enjoy all other rights of citizenship.

The Accord also mentions that the international borders will be sealed and all persons who crossed over from Bangladesh after 1971 are to be deported.

o Though the accord brought an end to the agitation, some of the key clauses are yet to be implemented, which has kept some of the issues festering.



NOTES

9. Kaleswaram project

The Kaleshwaram project is an off-shoot of the original Pranahitha-Chevella Lift Irrigation Scheme taken up in 2007 when Andhra Pradesh was not divided.

The KLIP envisages construction of barrage across Godavari River in Telangana.

The KLIP aims to divert 180 TMC of water for providing irrigation facility in 7.38 lakh hectares.

According to engineers, KLIP has many unique features, including the longest tunnel to carry water in Asia, running up to 81 km, between the Yellampally barrage and the Mallannasagar reservoir.

The project would also utilise the highest capacity pumps, up to 139 MW, in the country to lift water.

10. Central Geological Programming Board

The 57th Meeting of the Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) was recently held.

Representatives of State Departments, Central Ministries/ organizations, PSUs, academic institutes and private entrepreneurs attended the meeting.

The Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) is the apex body at the national level to overview the programme of Geoscientific activities including mineral exploration in the country.

It was established through Government of India Resolution in 1966, and subsequently revamped in 2009 with the constitution of 12 theme based committees.

CGPB meetings are held twice in a year.

Composition: o The Secretary (Mines) is the chairman of CGPB. o Geological Survey of India is the nodal department (Member

Secretary) and the State Geology and Mining departments and Central Government institutions, permanent and special invitees are its participating members.

Functions: o CGPB coordinates activities on geological mapping, mineral

prospecting, exploration and exploitation in the country. o It is responsible for providing the general strategic direction of

geosciences activity; effecting programmatic coordination among agencies; enabling better interaction between central agencies and state level organizations; human resource, and research capability; identifying new areas and new technologies for Geoscientific activities; advising on geosciences partnerships between GSI, and State and Central – level agencies; actively promoting use of information technology; and approving five-year detailed sub-sectoral targets on a rolling plan basis.



NOTES

11. National e-Governance Awards

National e-governance Awards were presented on the occasion of 21st National Conference on e-Governance.

The National e-Governance Awards recognise and promote excellence in implementation of e-Governance initiatives taken by various government departments and also initiatives of public sector units and Non- Government Institutions.

About the conference: o The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances

(DARPG), Government of India, along with the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India in association with Government of Telangana organized the 21stNational Conference on e-Governance in Hyderabad, Telangana.

Theme: Technology for Accelerating Development.

Sub themes: o Building User experience. o Universalization and Replication. o Governing e – Governance. o Emerging technologies. o e-Governance good/best practices.

12. First ever ‘crime-free zone’ along international border launched

In a first for both countries, the director generals of the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have declared an 8.3 km stretch of the Indo-Bangladesh border as a ‘crime-free zone’.

The Crime-free zone: o The stretch covers the Gunarmath and Kalyani Border Out Posts

(BOPs) in India and the Puthkhali and Daulatpur BOPs across the border.

o This stretch is one of the most vulnerable with cattle smuggling and other criminal activities prevalent.

How this zone works? o Both border guarding forces with the help of the civil administrations

of the two countries, NGOs and the local populance will help in ensuring that no crime takes place along the stretch.

o Both the forces will work together to ensure that no crime or anti-social activity occurs along this stretch.

13. Protected area permit

The Union Home Ministry has relaxed the protected area permit (PAP) regime to enable foreign tourists to access border areas.

Protected area permit: o Under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, all areas falling

between the Inner line and the International Border of some states have been declared as protected areas.

o The protected areas currently include whole of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim, besides parts of Himachal



NOTES Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir. o Some parts of Sikkim fall under the protected area regime while others

under the restricted area.

How are these regions different? o As per the guidelines, a foreign national is not normally allowed to

visit a protected or restricted area unless the government is satisfied that there are extra-ordinary reasons to justify his or her visit.

o Every foreigner, except a citizen of Bhutan, who desires to enter and stay in a protected or restricted area, is required to obtain a special permit from a competent authority having the power to issue such permits to a foreigner, seeking it.

o In cases, where the power to issue such permits has not been delegated to a subordinate authority by the Union government, the application for the special permit has to be referred to the Ministry of Home Affairs for prior approval, at least eight weeks before the date of the expected visit.

Who can issue such permits? o Necessary powers have been delegated to various authorities to issue

such special permits without the prior approval of the Union home ministry to facilitate foreign tourists subject to the certain exceptions.

o In cases of foreign diplomats, including the members of the United Nations and international organisations holding diplomatic or official passports, the special permits to visit such protected or restricted areas are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

o In cases of the citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan and foreign nationals of Pakistani origin, no permit, however, can be issued without the prior approval of the Union home ministry.

14. AFSPA lifted in Meghalaya

The Centre has removed the AFSPA from Meghalaya, from April 1 onwards.

Earlier, the Act was effective in the State in the 20 km area along its border with Assam.

In Arunachal Pradesh, the AFSPA has been restricted to eight police stations, instead of 16 earlier.

15. National Safety Council

NSCI Safety Awards for the year 2017 were recently awarded.

The NSCI Safety Awards are much coveted national level Awards in the field of occupational safety, health and environment and are given in recognition for effective Safety Management System and excellent safety & health performance by the organizations in Manufacturing, Construction and MSME Sectors during the relevant assessment periods.

These Awards are adjudged and declared every year by the National Safety Council.

National Safety Council: o National Safety Council is a premier, non-profit, self-financing and

tripartite apex body at the national level in India.



NOTES o It is an autonomous body, which was set up by the Government of India, Ministry of Labour and Employment in 1966 to generate, develop and sustain a voluntary movement on Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) at the national level.

o It was registered as a Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and subsequently, as a Public Trust under the Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950.

o To fulfil its objective NSC carries out various activities. o These include organising and conducting specialised training courses,

conferences, seminars & workshops; conducting consultancy studies such as safety audits, hazard evaluation & risk assessment; designing and developing HSE promotional materials & publications.

16. Defence Planning Committee (DPC)

The Centre has set up a Defence Planning Committee (DPC) chaired by National Security Advisor (NSA) to facilitate “comprehensive” planning for the defence forces besides focusing on military doctrines to deal with emerging security challenges.

The DPC will be a permanent body chaired by the National Security Advisor.

The committee will comprise: o National Security Advisor (NSA). o Foreign secretary. o Chairman of chiefs of staff committee. o The Army, Navy and Air Force chiefs. o Secretary (expenditure) in the Finance Ministry. o The chairman of the DPC can co-opt experts into it depending on

requirement.

Functions of the committee: o Prepare drafts of national security strategy and doctrines,

international defence engagement strategy and roadmap to build defence manufacturing ecosystem.

o Work on strategy to boost defence exports, and prioritised capability development plans for the armed forces.

o Analyse and evaluate all relevant inputs relating to defence planning and foreign policy imperatives besides focusing on defence acquisition and infrastructure development plans including the 15-year-long integrated perspective plan.

o Work on development of Indian defence industry and technology advancements.

Benefits of having DPC: o Because the Prime Minister’s Office, the defence ministry, the finance

ministry and the three services are part of the same committee, decisions on military purchases could now happen much faster.

Report: o The DPC would submit its draft reports to the Defence Minister

according to “given timelines” following which further approvals will be obtained as required.



NOTES 17. National Company Law Appellate Tribunal

National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) was constituted under Section 410 of the Companies Act, 2013 for hearing appeals against the orders of National Company Law Tribunal(s) (NCLT), with effect from 1st June, 2016.

NCLAT is also the Appellate Tribunal for hearing appeals against the orders passed by NCLT(s) under Section 61 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC).

NCLAT is also the Appellate Tribunal for hearing appeals against the orders passed by Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India under Section 202 and Section 211 of IBC.

NCLAT is also the Appellate Tribunal to hear and dispose of appeals against any direction issued or decision made or order passed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).

Composition: o The President of the Tribunal and the chairperson and Judicial

Members of the Appellate Tribunal shall be appointed after consultation with the Chief Justice of India

o The Members of the Tribunal and the Technical Members of the Appellate Tribunal shall be appointed on the recommendation of a Selection Committee consisting of:

Chief Justice of India or his nominee—Chairperson. A senior Judge of the Supreme Court or a Chief Justice of High

Court— Member. Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs—Member. Secretary in the Ministry of Law and Justice—Member. Secretary in the Department of Financial Services in the

Ministry of Finance— Member.

18. National Commission for Safai Karamcharis

A new website a mobile app has been launched for the ‘National Commission for Safai Karamcharis’.

The Mobile App will help the Commission in addressing the grievances/complaints of petitioners in an efficient manner.

The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) was constituted on 12th August, 1994 as a statutory body viz. ‘National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act, 1993’.

With the lapsing of the “The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act, 1993” w.e.f. 29.2.2004, the Commission is acting as a Non-Statutory body of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment whose tenure is extended from time to time through Government Resolutions.

It aims to promote and safeguard the interests and rights of Safai Karamcharis.

The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis seeks to study, evaluate and monitor the implementation of various schemes for Safai Karamcharis as an autonomous organisation and also to provide redressal of their grievances.



NOTES 19. National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI)

The Supreme Court has ruled all questions relating to conferring minority status on educational institutions are to be decided by the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) and quashed the order of the Calcutta high court, which had said the body had no original jurisdiction on the issue.

The NCMEI Act empowers the Commission “to decide all questions relating to the status of an institution as a minority educational institution and to declare its status as such.”

The Constitution grants a fundamental right to all minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

The wide power given to an independent forum like the NCMEI to declare an institution as a minority educational institution furthered the fundamental right guaranteed under Article 30.

NCMEI: o The National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions was set

up in 2004. o The Government brought out an Ordinance in November 2004

establishing the Commission. o Later a Bill was introduced in the Parliament in December 2004 and

both Houses passed the Bill. o The Commission is mandated to look into specific complaints

regarding deprivation or violation of rights of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

o The Commission is a quasi-judicial body and has been endowed with the powers of a Civil Court.

o It is to be headed by a Chairman who has been a Judge of the High Court and three members are to be nominated by Central Government.

Roles: o The Commission has 3 roles namely adjudicatory function, advisory

function and recommendatory powers. o So far as affiliation of a minority educational institution to a university

is concerned, the decision of the Commission would be final. o The Commission has powers to advise the Central Government or any

State Government on any question relating to the education of minorities that may be referred to it.

o The Commission can make recommendations to the Central Government and the State Governments regarding any matter which directly or indirectly deprives the minority community of their educational rights enshrined in Article 30.



NOTES Science and Technology

1. Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS)

CCRAS has developed and commercialized the following two drugs: o AYUSH 82 - An Anti Diabetic Ayurvedic Formulation. o AYUSH SG - An Anti-Rheumatoid Arthritis preparation.

Background: o CCRAS is actively involved in scientific process of drug development,

adopting prevalent guidelines such as Good Clinical Practices Guidelines for ASU drugs (GCP-ASU), Ministry of AYUSH and National ethical guidelines for Bio-

Medical Research (ICMR), WHO guidelines for traditional medicines etc.

CCRAS: o The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) is an

autonomous body of the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy), Government of India.

o It is an apex body in India for the formulation, coordination, development and promotion of research on scientific lines in Ayurveda and Sowa-Rigpa system of medicine.

o Research activities of the Council include Medicinal Plant Research, Drug Standardization, Pharmacological Research, Clinical Research, Literary Research & Documentation and Tribal Health Care Research Programme.

2. Yellow Fever

The burden of yellow fever in any given area is known to be heavily dependent on climate, particularly rainfall and temperature which can impact both mosquito life cycle and viral replication.

Now, researchers from Imperial College London and the World Health Organization (WHO) have developed a new model to quantify yellow fever dynamics across Africa.

About the new model: o The new model integrated the effects of temperature on mosquito

behavior and virus transmission, and looked at monthly variation in temperature, rainfall, and vegetation throughout the year across Africa.

o The model confirmed and quantified that, even in areas with high transmission potential for yellow fever, the risk varies throughout the year.

Significance of the new model: o This finding, in conjunction with forecasted data, could highlight areas

of increased transmission and provide insights into the occurrence of large outbreaks.

o When used in conjunction with forecasted data, the model predictions could be useful for focusing both surveillance efforts, and the pre-positioning of material and equipment in areas and periods of



NOTES particularly high risk. o This would allow the facilitation of early interventions in emerging

yellow fever outbreaks — which is key to prevent large scale outbreaks.

What is yellow fever? o Yellow fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by the

aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes. o It is not always easy to diagnose, especially at the beginning, since its

symptoms can often be confused with those of malaria, dengue fever, or other haemorrhagic fever.

o However, some patients will suffer from a jaundice specific to the disease, which explains why the term “yellow” is used.

o The virus is endemic in tropical areas of Africa and Central and South America.

What can be done against yellow fever? o To date, there is no specific anti-viral drug for yellow fever. o Water and medicines can be given to target the symptoms, such as

fever or dehydration. o Vaccination is the best option to prevent outbreaks of the disease and

to protect people against it. o Other strategies to combat the disease include mosquito population

control, with the large scale use of pesticides and mosquito nets, as well as the treatment of stagnant water sources.

3. InSight Mission

It is the first-ever mission by NASA dedicated to exploring the deep interior of Mars.

It will also be the first Nasa mission since the Apollo moon landings to place a seismometer, a device that measures Marsquakes, on the soil of another planet.

InSight (Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport) is a NASA Discovery Program mission that will place a single geophysical lander on Mars to study its deep interior.

But InSight is more than a Mars mission – it is a terrestrial planet explorer that will address one of the most fundamental issues of planetary and solar system science – understanding the processes that shaped the rocky planets of the inner solar system (including Earth) more than four billion years ago.

By using sophisticated geophysical instruments, InSight will delve deep beneath the surface of Mars, detecting the fingerprints of the processes of terrestrial planet formation, as well as measuring the planet’s “vital signs”: Its “pulse” (seismology), “temperature” (heat flow probe), and “reflexes” (precision tracking).

It will let scientists understand how different its crust, mantle and core are from Earth.



NOTES 4. Heavy Water Board

Heavy Water Board (HWB) is a constituent unit under the Department of Atomic Energy.

The organisation is primarily responsible for production of Heavy Water (D2O) which is used as a ‘moderator’ and ‘Coolant’ in nuclear power as well as research reactors.

Other than Heavy Water, HWB is also engaged with production of different types of nuclear grade solvents and extraction of rare materials.

What is Heavy Water? o Heavy water or deuterium oxide (D2O) is a form of water that

contains a large amount of the hydrogen isotope deuterium which is also known as heavy hydrogen.

o Deuterium differs from the hydrogen which is usually found in water. o Heavy water may be deuterium protium oxide (DHO) or deuterium

oxide (D2O). o The increase in mass due to the presence of deuterium gives it a

different chemical and physical property compared to normal water.

Applications: o Heavy water is used in certain types of nuclear reactors, where it acts

as a neutron moderator to slow down neutrons. o The different applications and uses of heavy water are:

Nuclear magnetic resonance. In Organic chemistry. Fourier transform spectroscopy. Neutron moderator. Neutrino detector. Metabolic rate testing in physiology and biology. Tritium production.

5. Super critical carbon di oxide Brayton test loop facility

Indian scientists have developed a super critical carbon di oxide Brayton test loop facility that would help generate clean energy from future power plants including solar thermal.

This next generation technology loop was developed indigenously by Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

The facility is part of the Indo-US consortium — Solar Energy Research Institute for India and the United States (SERIIUS).

Super critical carbon dioxide? o The term “supercritical” describes the state of carbon dioxide above

its critical temperature of 31°C and critical pressure of 73 atmospheres making it twice as dense as steam.

About the technology: o This is India’s first test-bed for next generation, efficient, compact,

waterless super critical carbon dioxide Brayton cycle test loop for power generation.

o The technology is perhaps the first test loop coupled with solar heat



NOTES source in the world. o This test loop is designed to generate the necessary data for future

development of scaled up S-CO2 power plants, which would require overcoming several technological challenges –developing critical components such as the turbine, compressor and heat exchangers that can work at the desired pressure and temperature ranges and using materials that can withstand these conditions.

Significance of this technology: o The efficiency of energy conversion could be significantly increased

by as much as 50% or more if S-CO2 is operated in a closed loop Brayton cycle.

o Besides increasing power generation and making the process more efficient, there are other advantages of using this new technology.

o Smaller turbines and power blocks can make the power plant cheaper, while higher efficiency would significantly reduce CO2 emissions for fossil fuel based plants.

o Moreover, if the power plant used solar or nuclear heat source, it would mean higher capacity at lower operating costs.

6. Rustom 2

Defence Research and Development Organisation has successfully completed the test flight of its Rustom 2 drone at the Aeronautical Test Range.

Rustom 2 is part of the Rustom line of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that includes Rustom-I, Rustom-H and Rustom-C.

Rustom 2 drone is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle, developed on the lines of predator drones of the United States.

The objective of this drone is to carry out surveillance for the armed forces with an endurance of 24 hours.

The drone was developed for use by all three services of the Indian armed forces, primarily for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

The medium-altitude prototype can fly at over 22,000 ft and is a long-endurance (MALE) UAV that has an approximate flight time of 20 hours.

It can fly at around 280 km/h and carry a variety of payloads like Medium Range Electro Optic (MREO), Long Range Electro Optic (LREO), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Electronic Intelligence (ELINT).

Rustom 2 can fly missions on manual as well as autonomous modes.

7. National Science Day 2018

National Science Day is celebrated on 28th of February every year in order to commemorate the invention of the Raman Effect in India by the Indian physicist, Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman on the same day in the year 1928.

For his great success in the field of science in India, Chandrasekhara Venkata



Raman was awarded and honored with the Nobel Prize in the Physics in the year 1930.

Theme: “Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future”.

What is Raman effect? o The Raman Effect is a change in the wavelength of light that occurs when a light beam is

deflected by molecules. o When a beam of light traverses a dust-free, transparent sample of a chemical compound, a

small fraction of the light emerges in directions other than that of the incident (incoming) beam.

o Most of this scattered light is of unchanged wavelength. A small part, however, has wavelengths different from that of the incident light; its presence is a result of the Raman effect.

Raman’s experiment: o The violet light of the solar spectrum is

isolated with a violet filter and passed through the liquid sample.

o Most of the light emerging from the liquid sample is the same color as the incident violet beam: the so-called Rayleigh scattered light (the scattering of light by particles in a medium, without change in wavelength.

o It accounts, for example, for the blue colour of the sky, since blue light is scattered slightly more efficiently than red).

o However, Raman, along with K S Krishnan was able to show that some of the scattered light was a different color, which they could isolate by using a green filter placed between the observer and the sample.

8. Li-Fi or light-fidelity Technology

Li-Fi, or light fidelity is a wireless technology that makes use of visible light in place of radio waves to transmit data.

Lifi accommodates a photo-detector to receive light signals and a signal processing element to convert the data into ‘stream-able’ content.

An LED lightbulb is a semi-conductor light source meaning that the constant current of electricity supplied to an LED lightbulb can be dipped and dimmed, up and down at extremely high speeds, without being visible to the human eye.

Advantages: o Transmits data more than 100 times the speed of Wi-Fi. o Due to its shorter range, Li-Fi is more secure than Wi-Fi. o Since it does not pollute, it can be called a green technology for device-to-device

communication in the Internet of Things (IoT). o Li-Fi systems consume less power.



NOTES Limitations of Li-Fi: o As visual light can’t pass through opaque objects and needs line of

sight for communication, its range will remain very restricted. o Li-Fi requires the lightbulb to be on at all times. o Li-Fi is likely to face interference from external light sources, such as

sunlight and bulbs, and obstructions in the path of transmission. o Initially, there will be high installation costs of visual light

communication systems as an add-on to lighting systems.

Potential applications: o Li-Fi can be used in street and traffic lights. Traffic lights can

communicate to the vehicles and with each other. Through the use of Li-Fi, traffic control can be made intelligent and real-time adaptable.

o Visible light being safer, they can also be used in places where radio waves can’t be used such as petrochemical and nuclear plants and hospitals.

o They can also be used in aircraft, where most of the control communication is performed through radio waves.

o Li-Fi can also easily work underwater, where Wi-Fi fails completely. o Another unique possibility: transmitting power wirelessly, wherein the

smartphone will not only receive data through Li-Fi, but will also receive power to charge itself.

9. Three-Parent Technique

The world’s first three-parent baby boy was born in Mexico.

The ‘three-parent’ technique also known as Mitochondrial donation (Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy) allows parents with rare genetic mutations to have healthy babies.

MRT or Mitochondrial donation is a medical technique in which defective mitochondria carried by a woman is replaced with the healthy mitochondria of a donor.

Through invitro fertilization technique (IVF), the egg is then fertilised with the partner’s sperm.

Thus this medical technique prevents the transmission of mitochondrial (genetic) disease from one generation to the next.

MRT proposes to give parents chance of having a child that is over 99% genetically matched to them and most importantly free of the mitochondrial



NOTES disease.

UK is the only country so far to have officially approved the use of a mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) technique, and only to prevent children from inheriting severe mitochondrial disorders.

Mitochondria: o Mitochondria are tiny rod-like structures in cells which act as power

houses, generating the energy that allows our bodies to function. o Unusually, they have their own DNA, distinct from the genetic material

within the cell nucleus. o Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) makes up about 0.1% of a cell’s total DNA

and does not affect individual characteristics such as appearance and personality.

10. SpaceX Falcon Heavy

Falcon Heavy is a partially reusable super heavy-lift launch vehicle designed and manufactured by SpaceX.

Falcon Heavy, the world’s most powerful rocket, was recently launched from the Kennedy Space Centre in the United States’ Florida toward an orbit near Mars.

Falcon Heavy is being considered mainly as a potential equipment carrier to deep space destinations.

Falcon Heavy is the most powerful operational rocket in the world with the ability to lift into orbit nearly 64 metric tons – a mass greater than a 737 jetliner loaded with passengers, crew, luggage and fuel.

Only the Saturn V moon rocket, last flown in 1973, delivered more payload to orbit.

11. Global IP Index

The US Chamber of Commerce’s intellectual property rights advocacy arm, Global Innovation Policy Centre, has released Intellectual Property Index.

The index ranks economies based on 40 unique indicators that benchmark activity critical to innovation development surrounding patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secrets protection.

The US tops the list with 37.98 points, followed by United Kingdom (37.97) and Sweden (37.03).

The index showed that India ranked 44th of 50 economies — a jump from 43rd of 45 economies one year ago — improving its performance both in relative and absolute terms.

12. WFIRST

WFIRST, the Wide Field InfraRed Survey Telescope, is a NASA observatory designed to settle essential questions in the areas of dark energy, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics.

The telescope has a primary mirror that is 2.4 meters in diameter (7.9 feet), and is the same size as the Hubble Space Telescope’s primary mirror.

WFIRST will have two instruments, the Wide Field Instrument, and the Coronagraph Instrument.



NOTES The Wide Field Instrument will have a field of view that is 100 times greater than the Hubble infrared instrument, capturing more of the sky with less observing time.

As the primary instrument, the Wide Field Instrument will measure light from a billion galaxies over the course of the mission lifetime.

It will perform a microlensing survey of the inner Milky Way to find ~2,600 exoplanets.

The Coronagraph Instrument will perform high contrast imaging and spectroscopy of dozens of individual nearby exoplanets.

13. ESPRESSO Instrument

The European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile successfully integrated the light from all four of its 8.2-meter (27 feet) unit telescopes into a new instrument, making VLT the optical telescope with the largest collecting area in the world.

The instrument is called ESPRESSO (Echelle Spectrograph for Rocky Exoplanet and Stable Spectroscopic Observations).

The upgrade will make it easier for scientists to use the observatory to search for faint, rocky planets around distant stars.

ESPRESSO is designed to exploit the light-gathering power of the individual telescopes.

Light gathering is important for telescopes because, as they receive more photons of light, fainter objects appear brighter.

Bigger telescopes typically see distant objects such as galaxies more easily because they have more light-gathering power.

ESPRESSO has a second major scientific goal besides looking for Earth-like worlds: to seek variability in fundamental physics constants. ESPRESSO will observe faint and faraway quasars to uncover more about basic physics, and the combined light of the four telescopes will greatly benefit it in its observations.

How it operates? o Each of the VLT units sends its light to the instrument using mirrors,

prisms and lenses. o ESPRESSO can use the light from either all four telescopes at once or

just one individual telescope. That design is intended to provide more flexibility in observing time.

14. GSAT-6A

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has successfully launched communication satellite GSAT-6A, on board its geosynchronous rocket GSLV-F08, at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

This marks the 12th flight of GSLV-F08 and sixth flight with indigenous cryogenic upper stage.

GSLV: o The GSLV is a three stage/engine rocket. o The core of first stage is fired with solid fuel while the four strap-on

motors by liquid fuel.



NOTES o The second stage is the liquid fuel-propelled and the third is the cryogenic engine.

GSAT- 6A satellite: o The GSAT-6A is a high power S-band communication satellite with a

mission life of about 10 years. o A key feature of the satellite is to provide mobile communication to

India through multi beam coverage facility. o The satellite will also provide a platform for developing technologies

such as demonstration of 6 m S-Band Unfurlable Antenna, handheld ground terminals and network management techniques that could be useful in satellite based mobile communication applications.

o The satellite is expected to be heavily used by security forces which are stationed in the remotest areas of the country.

What Is An ‘Unfurlable Antenna’? What Does It Do? o ISRO’s ‘unfurlable antenna’ is a six-meter-wide antenna which looks

somewhat like an umbrella. o This will be ‘unfurled’ once the GSAT-6A satellite has been put in

orbit. o This antenna, specially designed for the mission, is three times as

broad as the antennas that are usually used by ISRO. o This antenna will allow mobile communication from anywhere via

hand-held ground terminals. o Apart from communications, the GSAT-6A satellite is believed to be

designated for military use as well.

What Is S-Band? How Is It Useful? o S-band is an electromagnetic spectrum covering frequencies from 2

to 4 gigahertz (GHz). o It crosses the conventional boundary between the Ultra High

Frequency (UHF) and Super High Frequency (SHF) bands at 3.0 GHz. o S-band is used by weather radars, surface ship radar, and some

communications satellites. o S-band is very useful because the 2.5 Ghz band is used globally for 4G

services, and is extremely valuable for mobile broadband services.

15. Sentinel-3B satellite

The European Union has successfully managed to launch its new, highly-advanced Sentinel Earth observation satellite into space.

The earth observing satellite is called Sentinel-3B and it flew to space atop a Russian Rockot launcher.

The main aim of the Sentinel-3B satellite is to monitor the Earth’s ocean.

Along with that it will map the vegetation growth on the earth surface and will measure the thinning ice sheets.

The Sentinel-3B was the seventh rocket that was launched by the European Union for its ambitious Copernicus mission.

Copernicus programme: o Copernicus is the most ambitious Earth observation programme to

date.



NOTES o It will provide accurate, timely and easily accessible information to improve the management of the environment, understand and mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure civil security.

o Copernicus is the new name for the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security programme, previously known as GMES.

o This initiative is headed by the European Commission (EC) in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA).

o ESA coordinates the delivery of data from upwards of 30 satellites. The EC, acting on behalf of the European Union, is responsible for the overall initiative, setting requirements and managing the services.

o Services provided by Copernicus: land management, the marine environment, atmosphere, emergency response, security and climate change.

o Sentinel: ESA is developing a new family of satellites, called Sentinels, specifically for the operational needs of the Copernicus programme. The Sentinels will provide a unique set of observations, starting with the all-weather, day and night radar images.

16. Scientists find a potentially powerful new antibiotic in dirt

Researchers have discovered a new class of antibiotics, which they have named malacidins, which can be extracted from soil bacteria that are notoriously difficult to culture in labs and study.

The researchers say that based on their research, malacidins may be able to attack and kill many types of super bugs.

Superbug:

A superbug, also called multi-resistant, is a bacterium that carries several resistance genes.

These are resistant to multiple antibiotics and are able to survive even after exposure to one or more antibiotics.

17. India Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC)

The Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) established at Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Sciences, (INCOIS – ESSO) Hyderabad, is an autonomous body under Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Indian Tsunami Early Warning System comprises a real-time seismic monitoring network of broadband seismic stations.

ITEWC receives data in real time from 350 seismic stations, 50 tsunami buoys and 300 tide gauges established in the Indian as well as the other oceans by other countries and international agencies.

Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO has designated ITEWC as the Tsunami Service Provider (TSP) for the entire Indian Ocean Region.

Since 2012, ITEWC is providing tsunami advisories and related services to about 25 countries”.

18. Integrated Automatic Aviation Meteorological Systems (IAAMS)

‘Integrated Automatic Aviation Meteorological System (IAAMS)’ was recently



NOTES inaugurated at INS Garuda.

INS Garuda is the fourth air station to have been installed with this integrated system.

IAAMS is an ambitious project of the Indian Navy to modernise the Meteorological infrastructure of the nine Naval Air Stations.

The IAAMS project at INS Garuda will give a major fillip to aviation safety through automation of weather monitoring process.

Equipped with the state of the art Meteorological Sensors viz., Radar Vertical Wind Profiler, Transmissometer, Ceilometer and Automatic Weather Observation System, IAAMS undertakes automatic and continuous recording of relevant weather parameters that are vital for accurate weather forecasting.

It has a special alarm feature that alerts the duty staff about any abnormal change of weather parameters that may affect safe flying operations.

The system can also provide automatic dissemination of routine weather reports of the air station as per World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standards to other Air Stations and to ATC tower without human intervention.

19. ‘Security Check Kiya’ campaign

To create awareness around Internet safety, Google India has launched public initiative “#SecurityCheckKiya”.

It aims to protect young and first-time web users from account hijacking, safeguard Android devices from malicious apps and secure all their personal data if they lose their device.

Under the campaign, Google encouraged users to take the first step of Security Check on Safer Internet Day which was celebrated on February 6.

20. National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre

(NCIIPC)

National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) is an organisation created under Sec 70A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

It is designated as the National Nodal Agency in respect of Critical Information Infrastructure Protection.

What is critical information infrastructure? o The Information Technology Act, 2000 defines Critical Information

Infrastructure (CII) as “those computer resource, the incapacitation or destruction of which, shall have debilitating impact on national security, economy, public health or safety”.

NCIIPC has broadly identified the following as ‘Critical Sectors’: o Power & Energy. o Banking, Financial Services & Insurance. o Telecom. o Transport. o Government. o Strategic & Public Enterprises.



NOTES 21. SARAS

The indigenous light transport aircraft (LTA) Saras PT1N recently completed the second of the proposed 20 test flights.

SARAS PT1N is first Indian multi-purpose civilian aircraft in light transport aircraft category.

It is an indigenous aircraft developed by the National Aeronautics Laboratories (NAL), which is overseen by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).

22. ‘Dhanush’ ballistic missile

Nuclear-capable ‘Dhanush’ ballistic missile was recently test fired.

It is a surface-to-surface missile. It has a strike range of 350 km.

It is a naval variant of the indigenously-developed ‘Prithvi’ missile.

It is capable of carrying a payload of 500 kg and hitting both land and sea-based targets.

The single-stage, liquid-propelled ‘Dhanush’, has already been inducted into the defence services.

It is one of the five missiles developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).

23. RemoveDebris system

RemoveDebris system, a UK-led experiment to tackle space junk is set to head into orbit.

The system is going to the International Space Station where astronauts are expected to set the experiment running.

RemoveDebris is an EU (European Union) research project to develop and fly a low cost in-orbit demonstrator mission that aims to de-risk and verify technologies needed for future ADR (Active Debris Removal) missions.

RemoveDebris is aimed at performing key ADR technology demonstrations (e.g., capture, deorbiting) representative of an operational scenario during a low-cost mission using novel key technologies for ADR.

The project is based on and aimed at contributing to global/European ADR roadmaps.

How it works? o A microsatellite called here RemoveSAT, will release, capture and

deorbit two space debris targets, called DebrisSats, in sequence using various rendezvous, capture and deorbiting technologies thus demonstrating in orbit, key ADR technologies for future missions in what promises to be the first ADR technology mission internationally.

Background: o Space junk is an ever-growing problem with more than 7,500 tonnes

of redundant hardware now thought to be circling the Earth. o Ranging from old rocket bodies and defunct spacecraft through to

screws and even flecks of paint – this material poses a collision hazard



NOTES to operational missions.

24. Advanced Supersonic Parachute Inflation Research Experiment

(ASPIRE)

A supersonic parachute that will help NASA missions to land on Mars, was successfully launched into the sky during a key test designed to mimic the conditions of entering the red planet.

The Advanced Supersonic Parachute Inflation Research Experiment (ASPIRE) was launched aboard a sounding rocket from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in the US.

An ambitious NASA Mars rover mission set to launch in 2020 will rely on a special parachute to slow the spacecraft down as it enters the Martian atmosphere at over 12,000 mph (5.4 kilometers per second).

The Mars 2020 mission will seek signs of ancient Martian life by investigating evidence in place and by caching drilled samples of Martian rocks for potential future return to Earth.

25. Icarus- farthest star

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has discovered the farthest individual star ever seen — an enormous blue stellar body nicknamed Icarus located over halfway across the universe.

The star, harboured in a very distant spiral galaxy, is so far away that its light has taken nine billion years to reach Earth.

It appears to us as it did when the universe was about 30% of its current age.

The star is at least 100 times further away than any other star previously observed, with the exception of things like the huge supernova explosions that mark the death of certain stars.

Gravitational lensing: o The scientists took advantage of a phenomenon called ”gravitational

lensing” to spot the star. o It involves the bending of light by massive galaxy clusters in the line of

sight, which magnifies more distant celestial objects. o This makes dim, faraway objects that otherwise would be

undetectable, like an individual star, visible.

Significance of this discovery: o These observations by astronomers from NASA provide a rare and

detailed look at how stars evolve, especially the most luminous stars. o Detecting the amplification of a single and pinpoint background star

has provided a unique opportunity to test the nature of dark matter in the cluster.

Hubble Space Telescope: o The Hubble Space Telescope is a large telescope in space. NASA

launched Hubble in 1990. o It was built by the United States space agency NASA, with

contributions from the European Space Agency.



o Hubble is the only telescope designed to be serviced in space by astronauts. o Expanding the frontiers of the visible Universe, the Hubble Space Telescope looks deep into

space with cameras that can see across the entire optical spectrum from infrared to ultraviolet.

26. Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES)

Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES), UN-registered agency will collaborate with Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) to strengthen its quality, prediction ability and response capacity.

Benefits of this collaboration: o RIMES will provide technical support to OSDMA regarding analysis of data to be generated

through automatic weather stations being installed in all the gram panchayats, validation of the forecast, early warning and preparedness for lightening, heat wave, flood, draught and Tsunami.

o It would enhance the warning response capacities of the OSDMA by imparting specialized expert training.

RIMES: o RIMES is an inter-governmental body registered under the United Nations. o It is being owned and managed by 45 collaborating countries in Asia Pacific and Africa

Region. o The programme unit of the agency is located in Thailand. o RIMES evolved from the efforts of countries in Africa and Asia, in the aftermath of the 2004

Indian Ocean tsunami, to establish a regional early warning system within a multi-hazard framework for the generation and communication of early warning information, and capacity building for preparedness and response to trans-boundary hazards.

o At present, India is chairing RIMES.

27. Saposhi

It is a new malware detected by cybersecurity agencies.

How it affects? o It is

capable of taking over electronic devices and turning them into ‘bots’, which can then be used for any purpose, including a Distributed Denial of Service attack which, with enough firepower, can cripple entire industries.



NOTES 28. Fluorimeter

An instrument to measure traces of uranium in water has been developed by a unit of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

The instrument, “Fluorimeter”, has been developed by the Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT), an Indore-based unit of the DAE.

The device, costing Rs 1 lakh, would help in detecting traces of uranium in water.

The instrument is capable of examining traces of uranium in a sample of water from 0.1 PPB (Parts-per-billion) unit to 100 PPB.

Uranium: o Uranium is a radioactive element. o If in any source of water its quantity is more than the permissible

limit, then use of such water may cause thyroid cancer, blood cancer, depression and other serious ailments.

o The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board has fixed the permissible radiological limit to 60 PPB of uranium concentration for drinking water.

29. HT Cotton

Department of Biotechnology in the Ministry of Science and Technology has constituted a Field Inspection and Scientific Evaluation Committee (FISEC) to investigate the matter of illegal cultivation of HT cotton.

The cultivation of BG-III or HT cotton has not been approved by Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) of Ministry of Environment.

However, there are several media reports and complaints regarding the illegal or unauthorized cultivation of HT cotton in 4 states.

HT Cotton: o BG Cotton – III, also known as Herbicide-Tolerant Cotton, contains

Round-up Ready and Round-up Flex (RRF) gene. o HT cotton in an innovation in Bt cotton as it takes care of the weeds

problem at a much lower cost than the labour farmers have to engage for weeding.

o Monsanto, a US-based multinational seed giant, has developed herbicide-tolerant trait (BG-III) and commercialised it as ‘Round-up Ready Flex (RRF)’ in USA.

Harmful effects: o The herbicide-resistant gene in HT cotton can spread through pollen

into biodiversity system leading to transformation of weeds into super weeds on large-scale.

o It will threaten growth and yields of all crops in future and also increase cultivation costs and lead to health hazards.

Punishment: o As the herbicide tolerant cotton is not approved by the Genetic

Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) for commercial cultivation in India, its sale, cultivation and seed production is also punishable offence under Seeds Act 1966, Seed Rule 1968, Seeds (Control) Order



NOTES 1983 with regard to Environmental Protection Act 1986 and Environmental Protection Rules, 1989.

30. Neutrino project

The India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project has got a fresh lease of life with the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) taking it up as a special case and granting it environmental clearance to set up the lab in Bodi West hills.

Two conditions: o One is the consent to establish and operate to be obtained from the

Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB). o Also, the INO team has to obtain the necessary forest and National

Board for Wild Life clearances as per law.

The Mathikettan Shola National Park in Idukki district, Kerala, is situated within five km from the project site.

The India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) Project is a multi-institutional effort aimed at building a world-class underground laboratory with a rock cover of approx.1200 m for non-accelerator based high energy and nuclear physics research in India.

The initial goal of INO is to study neutrinos.

It is jointly funded by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

Why detect them? o Neutrinos are by far the most numerous of all the particles in the

universe (other than photons of light) and so even a tiny mass for the neutrinos can enable them to have an effect on the evolution of the Universe through their gravitational effects.

o Neutrinos hold the key to several fundamental questions on the origin of the Universe and the energy production in stars.

o Yet another important possible application of neutrinos is in the area of neutrino tomography of the earth that is detailed investigation of the structure of the Earth from core on wards. This is possible with neutrinos since they are the only particles which can probe the deep interiors of the Earth.

Why should the laboratory be situated underground? o Neutrinos are notoriously difficult to detect in a laboratory because of

their extremely weak interaction with matter. o The background from cosmic rays (which interact much more readily

than neutrinos) and natural radioactivity will make it almost impossible to detect them on the surface of the Earth.

o This is the reason most neutrino observatories are located deep inside the Earth’s surface.

o The overburden provided by the Earth matter is transparent to neutrinos whereas most background from cosmic rays is substantially reduced depending on the depth at which the detector is located.



31. Interstitium: The latest organ discovered in human body

Scientists have discovered a new organ in the human body which they have dubbed the ‘interstitium’.

The new organ is known as the Interstitium and it is found everywhere in our bodies, acting as a shock absorber in all places where tissues are moved or subjected to force.

It lies beneath the top layer of skin, but is also in tissue layers lining the gut, lungs, blood vessels, and muscles.

Scientists say, it may even be one of the largest organs in the body.

The organ is a network of interconnected, fluid-filled spaces all over the body and is made up of both strong (collagen) and flexible (elastin) connective tissue proteins, with interstitial fluid moving throughout.

Functions of the organ: o Interstitial spaces are organized by a collagen “mesh”, can shrink, expand, and “may thus

serve as shock absorbers.” o These “dynamically compressible and distensible sinuses” act as thoroughfares to transport

critical fluids within organs and around the body. o The Interstitium plays an important role in carrying lymph, the clear fluid that also travels

through lymphatic vessels and supports immunity.



NOTES

32. Air-Breathing Electric Thruster (ABET)

The European Space Agency (ESA) is building Air-Breathing Electric Thruster (ABET) that can possibly extend the working life of satellites by years and even help with interplanetary travel using just the air around it as a propellant.

An air-breathing engine works by collecting the sparse air at the edge of the atmosphere and compresses it to a point that it becomes thermalised ionised plasma.

It then fires out the plasma using an electric charge to achieve thrust.

An air breathing thruster could keep a satellite operational for extended periods of time if it only uses the air around it for fuel instead of propellants.

This Air-Breathing Electric Thruster (ABET) does not operate in complete vacuum, but works in low Earth orbit (LEO) – altitude of 2,000 km or less– notes the ESA. At LEO, the air is scarce, but not entirely absent.

In fact, there is enough air to cause a drag on spaceships and satellites. This is why there are on-board engines installed on satellites to correct course every time it moves out of position.

33. National Intellectual Property (IP) Award 2018

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is awarded the National Intellectual Property (IP) Award 2018 in the category “Top R&D Institution / Organization for Patents and Commercialization”.

The Indian Intellectual Property Office confers National Intellectual Property (IP) Award on outstanding innovators, organizations and companies in the fields of patents, designs, trademarks and geographical indications on the occasion of World IP Day every year.

34. Earth BioGenome Project

Scientists have proposed Earth BioGenome project, a massive project to sequence, catalog and analyze the genomes of all eukaryotic species on the planet.

Eukaryotes: o Eukaryotes include all organisms except bacteria and archaea. o It includes plants, animals, fungi and other organisms whose cells have

a nucleus that houses their chromosomal DNA. o There are an estimated 10-15 million eukaryotic species on Earth.

About the project: o The central goal of the Earth BioGenome Project (EBP) is to

understand the evolution and organization of life on our planet by sequencing and functionally annotating the genomes of 1.5 million known species of eukaryotes.

o The project also seeks to reveal some of the estimated 10 to 15 million unknown species of eukaryotes, most of which are single cell organisms, insects and small animals in the oceans.

o The Project also plans to capitalize on the “citizen scientist” movement to collect specimens.



NOTES o The initiative is led by a coordinating council with members from the United States, the European Union, China, Brazil, Canada, Australia and some African countries.

o This will take 10 years, cost $4.7 billion and require more than 200 petabytes of digital storage capacity.

Significance of the project: o The benefits of the project promise to be a complete transformation

of the scientific understanding of life on Earth and a vital new resource for global innovations in medicine, agriculture, conservation, technology and genomics.

o The project is also being seen essential for developing new drugs for infectious and inherited diseases as well as creating new biological synthetic fuels, biomaterials, and food sources for growing human population.

o The project will likely enable the development of new technologies, such as portable genetic sequencers and instrumented drones that can go out, identify samples in the field, and bring those samples back to the laboratory.

35. Viral hepatisis

With viral hepatisis becoming a serious health problem in the country, the Union Health Ministry is ready to roll out a Rs 500 crore-three-year comprehensive integrated national action plan to check morbidity and mortality due to the disease that inflicts the liver.

The action plan has been developed with the key objective to provide an actionable framework of evidence based, priority interventions to support the national response for prevention, control and management of viral hepatitis in the country.

Concerns: o The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already recognised viral

hepatitis as a serious public health problem in India which is home to over 52 million people infected with chronic hepatitis.

o Latest assessment by WHO shows that in 2016, of the 400 million people infected by viral hepatitis globally, about 13% were Indians.

o A bigger concern is that most people infected with the virus are unaware and experts points out that with challenges such as awareness, accessibility, compliance and affordability, India can only eradicate hepatitis by 2080 (as against global goal of 2030) if they start acting now.

What is viral hepatitis? o Inflammation of liver is usually referred as hepatitis. o Viral hepatitis is a widespread infectious disease normally caused by the hepatitis viruses A,

B, C, D and E. o The condition can progress to liver fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer. o It can be caused by any of the known five hepatotropic viruses, namely — hepatitis A, B,

C, D and E which are highly divergent in their structure, epidemiology, mode of transmission, incubation period, signs/symptoms, diagnosis, prevention and treatment options.



NOTES Government Schemes

1. E-Tribes India

The government has launched “E- Tribes”, Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED’s) websites.

It includes www.tribesindia.com, www.trifed.in and Retail Inventory Software and M-commerce app.

TRIFED’s Handbook for Retail Trade and TRIFED’s quarterly magazine ‘Tribes Haat’ was also launched.

Going Digital will lead to expansion of tribal commerce and the availability of tribal products over large area, reaping greater benefits for tribal artisans.

Retail Trade of tribal products would expand all over the country and the world.

TRIFED: o TRIFED is an apex organisation at National Level and functioning under

the administrative control of Ministry of Tribal Affairs. o TRIFED is serving the interests of Tribals, who are engaged in collection

of Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and making of Tribal Art & Handicraft Products for their livelihood so as to ensure better remunerative price for their products as well as for the socio-economic betterment through Self Help Groups, Empanelled NGOs, State level Tribal Development Corporations, Forest Development Corporations for undertaking marketing development of the tribal products.

o It also organizes exhibitions like National Tribal Craft Expo called “Aadi Mahotsav” etc. in which it promotes and markets tribal products.

o Also tribal affairs ministry announced a tie-up between the TRIFED and e-commerce portals Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal and Government E-Market to promote tribal arts and crafts from across India.

2. National Skill Development Fund (NSDF) and National Skill

Development Corporation (NSDC)

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for restructuring of National Skill Development Fund (NSDF) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to strengthen governance, implementation and monitoring framework.

The approval would lead to restructuring of composition of Board of NSDF and the NSDC to strengthen governance, implementation and monitoring framework.

NSDC: o National Skill Development Corporation India (NSDC), established in

2009, is a not- for-profit company set up by the Ministry of Finance. o The present equity base of NSDC is Rs.10 crore, of which the

Government of India through Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) holds 49%, while the private sector has the balance 51%.



NOTES o NSDC aims to promote skill development by catalyzing creation of large, quality and for-profit vocational institutions.

o It also provides funding to build scalable and profitable vocational training initiatives.

o Its mandate is also to enable support system which focuses on quality assurance, information systems and train the trainer academies either directly or through partnerships.

o It also develops appropriate models to enhance, support and coordinate private sector initiatives.

National Skill Development Fund: o The National Skill Development Fund was set up in 2009 by the

Government of India for raising funds both from Government and Non Government sectors for skill development in the country.

o A public Trust set up by the Government of India is the custodian of the Fund.

o The Trust accepts donation, contribution in cash or kind from the Contributors for furtherance of objectives of the Fund.

o The Fund meets its objectives through National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

3. India Convention Promotion Bureau

The government of India has been providing necessary support to India Convention Promotion Bureau to promote India as a venue for International Conferences and Exhibitions.

The India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB) has been set up under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism.

It is a non-profit organization, with members comprising national airlines, hotels, travel agents, tour operators, tourist transport operators, conference organizers, etc.

It participates in International Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism trade fairs like IMEX in Frankfurt and Las Vegas, EIBTM- Barcelona and AIME- Melbourne along with the Indiatourism overseas offices.

4. Tribal Diaries

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has developed an android based mobile application called Tribal Diaries.

It has been developed for internal monitoring and for connecting with officers/officials concerned with implementation of schemes / programmes for tribal development.

The application is for accredited users.

This application provides an opportunity for visual feedback in terms of photographs, videos, uploading reports of official tours / inspections and sharing of best practices etc.

The application is being extensively used to get an overview of the Ekalavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.



NOTES 5. North-East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) 2017

The Cabinet has approved the North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS), 2017 with financial outlay of Rs 3,000 crores upto March, 2020.

The scheme shall promote industrialization in the States of the North Eastern Region and will boost employment and income generation.

Under the Scheme, the following incentives shall be provided to new industrial units set up in the North Eastern States including Sikkim:

o Central Capital Investment Incentive for Access to Credit (CCIIAC): 30% of the investment in Plant & Machinery with an upper limit of Rs.5 Crore on the incentive amount per unit.

o Central Interest Incentive (Cll): 3% on working capital credit advanced by eligible Banks/ Financial institutions for first 5 years from the date of commencement of commercial production by the unit.

o Central Comprehensive Insurance Incentive (CCII): Reimbursement of 100% insurance premium on insurance of building and Plant & Machinery for 5 years from the date of commencement of commercial production by the unit.

o Goods and Service Tax (GST) Reimbursement: Reimbursement up to the extent of Central Govt. share of CGST and IGST for 5 Years from the date of commencement of commercial production by the unit.

o Income-Tax (IT) Reimbursement: Reimbursement of Centre’s share of income tax for first 5 years including the year of commencement of commercial production by the unit.

o Additionally, transport and employment incentives are also provided under the scheme.

6. Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for Central Sector Scheme “Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry” for the next three years from 2017-18 to 2019-20.

The scheme will be implemented through Central Silk Board (CSB).

The Scheme has four components: o Research & Development (R&D), Training, Transfer of Technology and

IT Initiatives. o Seed Organizations and farmers extension centres. o Coordination and Market Development for seed, yarn and silk

products and o Quality Certification System (QCS) by creating a chain of Silk Testing

facilities, Farm based & post-cocoon Technology Up-gradation, and Export Brand Promotion.

Highlights of the scheme: o The scheme aims to achieve self-sufficiency in silk production by

2022. o The core objective of the scheme is to improve the productivity and

quality of silk through R&D intervention. o Use of silkworm by-products (pupa) for poultry feed, sericin for



NOTES cosmetic applications and product diversification into non-woven fabrics, silk denim, silk knit etc.

o Under Seed Sector, Seed Production Units will be equipped and strengthened to bring in quality standards in production network.

o All the beneficiaries under the scheme from silk farmers, seed producers and chawkirearers will be brought on a DBT mode with Aadhaar linkage.

o A Helpline will be set up for timely redressal of grievances and all outreach programmes.

o Brand Promotion of Indian silk will be encouraged through quality certification by Silk Mark not only in the domestic market but in the Export market as well.

7. Transformation of Aspirational Districts programme

NITI Aayog launched the baseline ranking for the Aspirational Districts based on published data of 49 indicators across five developmental areas of Health and Nutrition, Education, Agriculture and Water Resources, Financial Inclusion and Skill Development, and Basic Infrastructure.

As per the baseline ranking, Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh is ranked highest with score of 48.13% while Mewat in Haryana tails at the end with 26.02%

The Aspirational Districts programme, through real-time monitoring and proactive course corrections, reinforces the mechanisms of cooperative & competitive federalism between the Centre and the States, down to the Districts.

‘Transformation of Aspirational Districts’ programme aims to quickly and effectively transform some of the most underdeveloped districts of the country.

The broad contours of the programme are Convergence (of Central & State Schemes), Collaboration (of Central, State level ‘Prabhari’ Officers & District Collectors), and Competition among districts driven by a Mass Movement or a Jan Andolan.

The program focuses closely on improving people’s ability to participate fully in the burgeoning economy.

Districts are prodded and encouraged to first catch-up with the best district within their state, and subsequently aspire to become one of the best in the country.

8. Know India Programme

Forty Indian-origin students from nine countries participated in the 46th edition of Know India Programme (KIP).

Madhya Pradesh was the partner state for this edition of the programme.

The scheme was launched in 2004.

The KIP is a three-week orientation programme organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with one or two States.

The participants are selected on the basis of nominations received and recommendations of Heads of Indian Missions/Posts.



NOTES KIP aims to engage and make the students and young professionals of Indian Diaspora, in the age group of 18 to 30years, feel a sense of connect with their motherland, to be motivated and inspired by transformational changes taking place in India and to give them an exposure to various aspects of contemporary India’s forms of art, heritage and culture.

Minimum qualification required for participating in KIP is graduation from a recognized University /Institute or enrolled for graduation and ability to speak in English.

The applicant should not have visited India through any previous Programme of Government of India. Those who have not visited India before will be given preference.

9. Rajasthan passes Bill to give death penalty for child rape

Rajasthan has passed a Bill providing for death penalty to those convicted of raping girls of 12 years and below.

The State Assembly passed the Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Bill, 2018 seeking to amend the Indian Penal Code with the insertion of new provision by voice vote.

The Bill is aimed at protecting the girl child by laying down a deterrent punishment, including death sentence, to the offenders.

The Bill provides for capital punishment or rigorous imprisonment ranging between 14 years and lifelong incarceration.

It also makes a similar provision for gang-rape of a girl child, while laying down death penalty or imprisonment from 20 years to lifelong incarceration for those convicted of the offence. Each of the persons constituting the gang will be deemed to be guilty of the offence.

The Bill will become a law after it gets the Presidential assent.

Haryana also passed a bill advocating death sentence for those convicted of raping girls up to 12 years of age. Haryana will be third state after Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to have such a law.

10. Enemy properties

The government has initiated the process of sale of more than 9,400 enemy properties.

The sale of enemy properties is expected to fetch around Rs 1 lakh crore for the government exchequer.

The move comes after the amendment of the Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Act 2017 and the Enemy Property (Amendment) Rules, 2018.

Background: o There are 9,280 properties left behind by Pakistani nationals and 126

properties which belonged to Chinese nationals.

What are enemy properties? o When wars broke out between India and China in 1962, and India and

Pakistan in 1965 and 1971, the central government took over properties of citizens of China and Pakistan in India under the Defence of India Acts.

o These Acts defined an ‘enemy’ as a country that committed an act of



NOTES aggression against India, and its citizens. o The properties of enemies in India were classified as enemy property. o The properties included land, buildings, shares held in companies, gold

and jewellery of the citizens of enemy countries. o The responsibility of the administration of enemy properties was

handed over to the Custodian of Enemy Property, an office under the central government.

Enemy properties Act: o After the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965, the Enemy Property Act was

enacted in 1968, which regulates such properties and lists the custodian’s powers.

o The government amended the Act in the wake of a claim laid by the heirs of Raja Mohammad Amir Mohammad Khan, known as Raja of Mahmudabad, on his properties spread across Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

o The government has vested these properties in the Custodian of Enemy Property for India, an office instituted under the Central government.

11. Smart India Hackathon 2018

All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) under the aegis of Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) organized Smart India Hackathon 2018.

It includes 2 sub-editions – Software edition, which is a 36-hr software product development competition held on Mar 30 & 31, 2018. The Hardware edition, involving building of hardware solutions will be held later this year.

Smart India Hackathon 2018 is a non-stop digital product development competition, where problems are posed to technology students for innovative solutions.

It will harnesses creativity & expertise of students and sparks institute-level hackathons.

It builds funnel for ‘Startup India’ campaign and crowdsources solutions for improving governance and quality of life.

It also provides opportunity to citizens to provide innovative solutions to India’s daunting problems.

Smart India Hackathon 2018 is the second massive scale hackathon initiative in India following Smart India Hackathon 2017.

Winners stand to get cash prizes and a chance to be part of the NASSCOM’s 10,000 Startups program.

12. ‘Saubhagya’ scheme

Ministry of Power partnered with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship to train the manpower in six states for speedy implementation of SAUBHAGYA scheme.

The lack of trained manpower has been the main constraint in speedy implementation of SAUBHAGYA programme.

As the scheme is to be implemented across the country with 200 districts as



NOTES major focus area, the skilling initiatives are proposed to be delivered in a decentralized mode at district level.

The training infrastructures available with ITI’s at district level as well as the infrastructures available with the State Power Distribution Utilities will be utilized for skill training of the candidates.

13. Atal Innovation Mission

NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has announced the signing of a Statement of Intent (SOI) with SAP Global to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

As part of the SOI, SAP in 2018 will adopt 100 Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATL) for five years to nurture the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning among secondary school children across India.

This aims to enable students to learn advanced technology topics relevant to digital transformation and the Internet of Things, e.g. Design Thinking methodology, introduction to programming languages and experiential science learning.

14. IMPRINT-II

In a major boost for research and innovation in the country, the Central Government has sanctioned a sum of Rs. 1000 crore for the phase two of the Impacting Research Innovation and Technology (IMPRINT) India programme.

Under the IMPRINT-II, a fund is being created by the Department of Science and Technology and Ministry of Human Resource Development together, in which participation will come from industry and other interested Ministries.

The project will be run as a separate vertical in coordination with the DST.

15. Festival Of Innovation And Entrepreneurship

The Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship was recently inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind.

It was organised by Rashtrapati Bhavan in association with the Department of Science and Technology and the National Innovation Foundation-India.

It is a celebration of country’s Innovation potential, particularly those ideas which stem from grassroots level including the citizen at the last mile and also a reflection of power of children’s creativity.

It is an initiative to recognise, respect, showcase, reward innovations and to foster a supportive ecosystem for innovators.

Significance of the Festival: o FINE would provide an excellent platform to the innovators for

building the linkages with potential stakeholders whose support can improve their prospects in coming years for the larger social good.

o It will also help in promoting lateral learning and linkages among the innovators to enrich the ecosystem for new India.

16. ‘SATH-E’ program

NITI Aayog has released comprehensive roadmaps and detailed timelines for its initiative ‘Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Capital in Education



NOTES (SATH-E)’.

These roadmaps, which operate between 2018 to 2020, lay out detailed interventions which will be taken by the three participating States- Jharkand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha – aiming to become ‘Role Model States’ in school education.

These roadmaps outline interventions at the individual, district and State level.

The roadmaps were jointly prepared by NITI Aayog, the three States and the knowledge partners of the SATH Initiatives, the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Piramal Foundation For Education Leadership (PFEL).

SATH-E Program: o SATH-E programme aims to transform elementary and secondary

school education across the selected states. o SATH-E roadmap refers to a time-bound, goal-driven exercise that will

reach its logical culmination by the end of the academic year 2020. o The SATH-E initiative will be funded through a cost-sharing

mechanism between NITI Aayog and the participating states. o The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Piramal Foundation for

Education Leadership (PFEL) were chosen as knowledge partners for the project facilitating review, data collection and implementation.

Significance: o SATH-E aims to create role model States for education and

mainstream ‘islands of excellence’ across the country to facilitate qualitative and quantitative transformation of learning outcomes.

o Marrying technology with need-based, data-driven assessment and a ‘giving it what it takes’ approach – be it innovation, incubation, external third party funding and Public- Private- Philanthropic Partnership (PPPP) experimentation – SATH-E puts the States in the driver’s seat to transform education at scale.

17. 60 Higher Educational Institutions granted autonomy

In a historic decision, the University Grants Commission has granted autonomy to sixty Higher Educational Institutions.

Criteria for granting autonomy status: o Autonomy is granted to institutes based on the parameters of

excellence in academic performances, capability of self-governance and enhancement in the quality of education.

Implications: o These universities will remain within the ambit of UGC but will have

the freedom to start new courses, off campus centres, skill development courses, research parks and any other new academic programs.

o They will also have the freedom to hire foreign faculty, enrol foreign students, give incentive based emoluments to the faculty, enter into academic collaborations and run open distance learning programmes.

o The eight autonomous collages, granted autonomy, will be free to set



NOTES their own syllabus, hold examinations, carry out evaluation as well as declare results. In this case, only the degree will be awarded by the respective university.

18. Krishi Vigyan Kendras

The ministries of agriculture and skill development have signed a pact to conduct programmes for training in farm and allied sectors at Krishi Vigyan Kendras across the country.

It will help to: o Increase productivity, o Post-harvest management and fair-prices to the farmers for their

produce, o Lower risk in agriculture, o Strengthen and develop other aspects of farmers' income such as

horticulture, animal husbandry, beekeeping, dairying, fisheries etc.

Krsihi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) are agricultural extension centres created by ICAR (Indian Council for Agricultural Research) and its affiliated institutions at district level to provide various types of farm support to the agricultural sector.

The first KVK was established during 1974 (Pondichery) and has grown as a largest network in the country.

KVKs provide several farm support activities like providing technology dissemination to farmers, training, awareness etc.

To achieve the set objectives KVKs undertake following types of activities in the adopted villages:

o Farm Advisory Service o Training programme for different categories of people. o Training programme for the extension functionaries. o Front Line Demonstration (Fill) o On Farm Testing (OFT).

19. Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA)

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for continuation of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) from April 2017 to March 2020.

Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), launched in 2013 aims at providing strategic funding to eligible state higher educational institutions.

Funding: o The central funding (in the ratio of 60:40 for general category States,

90:10 for special category states and 100% for union territories) would be norm based and outcome dependent.

o The funding would flow from the central ministry through the state governments/union territories to the State Higher Education Councils before reaching the identified institutions.

o The funding to states would be made on the basis of critical appraisal of State Higher Education Plans, which would describe each state’s



NOTES strategy to address issues of equity, access and excellence in higher education.

Components: o RUSA would create new universities through upgradation of existing

autonomous colleges and conversion of colleges in a cluster. o It would create new model degree colleges, new professional colleges

and provide infrastructural support to universities and colleges. o Faculty recruitment support, faculty improvements programmes and

leadership development of educational administrators. o In order to enhance skill development the existing central scheme of

Polytechnics has been subsumed within RUSA. o A separate component to synergise vocational education with higher

education has also been included in RUSA. o RUSA also supports reforming, restructuring and building capacity of

institutions in participating state.

20. e-Office programme

The government has presented the Certificates of Appreciation to 34 Ministries/departments for implementation of e-office programme in their respective ministries/departments.

The awards have been given by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India.

e- Office programme: o E-Office is one of the Mission Mode Projects under Digital India

Programme. o The e-Office solution enables core operations of the Government at

all levels to be performed in a virtual ‘paper-less’ environment. o This application is a major step in realizing the objective of an open

and responsive Government. o The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances

(DAR&PG) is the nodal Department for implementation of e-Office project.

o National Informatics Centre (NIC) is the technical partner in this project.

objectives: o To improve efficiency, consistency and effectiveness of government

responses. o To reduce turnaround time and to meet the demands of the citizens

charter. o To provide for effective resource management to improve the quality

of administration. o To reduce processing delays. o To establish transparency and accountability.



NOTES

21. Rationalization of Autonomous Bodies under Department of Health & Family Welfare

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for closure of Autonomous Bodies, namely, Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) and Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh (JSK) and the functions are proposed to be vested in Department of Health & Family Welfare (DoHFW).

The rationalization of Autonomous Bodies under Department of Health & Family Welfare will involve inter-ministerial consultations and review of existing bye laws of these bodies. The time frame for implementation is one year.

Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN): o It was set up as a registered society to provide financial medical

assistance to poor patients receiving treatment in designated central government hospitals.

o An advance is placed with the Medical Superintendents of such hospitals who then provide assistance on a case to case basis.

o Since the DoHFW provides funds to the hospitals, the grants can be given from the Department to the hospital directly.

o RAN functions can, therefore, be vested in DoHFW. o Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF) shall also be

transferred to the Department. The timeline required for this is one year.

Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh (JSK): o It was set up with a corpus grant of Rs.100 crores in the year 2003 to

raise awareness for population stabilization strategies. o JSK organizes various activities with target populations as a part of its

mandate. o Population stabilization strategies require private and corporate

funding, which can be accessed through JSK. o Although, JSK will continue to play a significant role in population

stabilization strategies, its existence as an Autonomous Body is not necessary.

o Hence, JSK as an Autonomous Body can be closed as it can be administered by the Department as a fund.

22. Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Medicinal and Aromatic

Plants (MAPs) for NER

An Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) has been set up for the North Eastern Region (NER).

The IMC is to create synergy in various programmes of the Union Government to enable medicinal and aromatic plants sector become vibrant and develop the resources to its potential.

Composition: o The IMC will comprise members from various Ministries,

Departments and several organisations in the relevant fields. o The Ministry of Development of North-East Region (MDoNER) will

be the coordinator for the IMC of MAPs.

Functions:



NOTES o The Committee will review the existing mechanism or institutional arrangements for management and development of MAPs resources of NER.

o The IMC will identify gaps in the existing mechanism or institutional arrangements, suggest a policy intervention for optimally harnessing the MAPs resources of NER and accelerating the development of MAPs sector, suggest a Plan of Action for dovetailing of the schemes and programmes of concerned Ministries and Departments.

23. Coach Factory in Marathwada, Maharashtra

A massive rail coach factory will be set up in Latur, Maharashtra by Indian Railways.

This plant would manufacture Electric Multiple Units for suburban trains and coaches for metros.

Significance of the project: o Marathwada, the region where Latur lies, is amongst the most

backward areas of Maharashtra. o There have been few central government projects in this region. o This will massively benefit ‘Make in India’, and bring employment to a

large number of people. o In addition, it will create an industrial ecosystem in the drought prone

region boosting shift from agriculture to industry. o It may be noted that the region suffers from heavy migration to other

parts of the country.

24. Anti-Narcotics Scheme

The ‘Assistance to States and UTs for Narcotics Control’ scheme has been extended by the Centre for a further period of 3 years -from 2017-18 to 2019-20 -with an estimated budget of Rs 21 crore.

The scheme aims to combat illicit trafficking in drugs and psychotropic substance.

The purpose of the scheme is to assist state governments and Union Territories which are contributing in controlling the inter-state and cross border drug trafficking.

Financial assistance will be provided to all the anti- narcotics agencies for strengthening their enforcement capabilities to combat illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Financial assistance is also proposed to be provided for all capacity building activities, including training of personnel.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) being the national nodal agency for drug administration will process the requests from state governments and UTs for financial assistance for improving their enforcement capabilities in dealing with the supply side of the drug menace.

25. Khelo India School Games

Khelo India School Games as a part of the Khelo India Programme has been



NOTES launched.

The mission aims to develop a sporting culture in the country, identify talents from grassroots and groom them for international success.

Khelo India School Games was held from 31st January to 8th February, 2018 in New Delhi.

Under-17 athletes were invited to participate across 16 disciplines.

Khelo India Programme: o The Khelo India programme was introduced by Ministry of Youth

affairs and Sports to revive the sports culture in India at the grass-root level by building a strong framework for all sports played in our country and establish India as a great sporting nation.

o Talented players identified in priority sports disciplines at various levels by the High-Powered Committee will be provided annual financial assistance of INR 5 lakh per annum for 8 years.

26. Atal Bhoojal Yojana

The Government has proposed Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY) aimed at sustainable ground water management with community participation in select over-exploited and ground water stressed areas in seven States (Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh).

ABHY is designed as a Central Sector Scheme.

The water resources ministry is working on Rs 6,000 crore worth ‘Atal Bhoojal Yojana’ for water conservation.

The emphasis of the scheme will be on recharge of ground water sources and efficient use of water by involving people at the local level.

Funding: o Rs 6,000 crore has been earmarked for this ambitious plan. o Half of the total cost of this central scheme will be supported by the

World Bank as loan while the remaining half (Rs 3,000 crore) will be funded by the government through budgetary support.

Implementation: o The government plans to give 50% of the money to states, including

gram panchayats, as incentives for achieving targets in groundwater management.

o That’s a first-ever move to encourage community participation and behavioural changes.

o The remaining 50% of the funds will be given to states for strengthening institutional arrangements such as providing a strong database and scientific approach to help them accomplish sustainable management of groundwater.

Ground water in India provides for about 60% of the country’s irrigation needs, 85% of rural drinking water requirements and 50% of urban water needs.

27. Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP)

Post-graduates and doctorates from premier institutes are going to teach



NOTES undergraduates in engineering colleges in backward regions of 11 districts as part of an HRD Ministry initiative.

This is being done under the third phase of Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP).

The initiative is aimed to improve quality of education and help secure National Board of Accreditation (NBA) accreditation of the engineering programme.

TEQIP or Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme is an initiative of the National Project Implementation Unit (NPIU) which implements World Bank Assisted Projects in Technical Education.

The initiative is aimed at improving the quality of engineering graduates.

All the Government engineering colleges are selected for direct intervention, and all private engineering colleges are selected for indirect intervention.

The focus is on the most-backward states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, North-East, Rajasthan, MP etc.

The measures include: o Institution based: accreditation of the courses through NBA,

governance reforms, improving the processes, digital initiatives, securing autonomy for the colleges.

o Student based: improving the quality of teaching, teacher training, equipping the class rooms, revision of syllabus, industry interaction, compulsory internships for students, training the students in industry-relevant skills, preparing them for the GATE exam etc.

Background: o The Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP)

commenced in 2002 with World Bank assistance as a long term programme to be implemented in three phases.

o The first phase of TEQIP commenced in 2003 and ended on March 31st, 2009.

o It covered 127 institutes across 13 States including 18 Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs).

o TEQIP-II commenced in August 2010, covering 23 States/Union Territories (UTs) and 191 Institutes (including 26 CFTIs).

28. Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahaabhiyan or KUSUM scheme

As part of Union Budget 2018-19, the government has announced Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahaabhiyan or KUSUM scheme.

It is a ₹1.4 lakh-crore scheme for promoting decentralised solar power production of up to 28,250 MW to help farmers.

It would provide extra income to farmers, by giving them an option to sell additional power to the grid through solar power projects set up on their barren lands.

It would help in de-dieselising the sector as also the DISCOMS.

Components of the scheme: o The components of the scheme include building 10,000 MW solar

plants on barren lands and providing sops to DISCOMS to purchase the electricity produced, ‘solarising’ existing pumps of 7250 MW as well as



NOTES government tube wells with a capacity of 8250 MW and distributing 17.5 lakh solar pumps.

o The 60% subsidy on the solar pumps provided to farmers will be shared between the Centre and the States while 30% would be provided through bank loans.

o The balance cost has to be borne by the farmers.

29. Laghu Udyog Bharati

Laghu Udyog Bharati is a registered all India organization of Micro and Small Industries in India since 1994.

Today, Laghu udyog Bharati has its membership spread over the length and breadth of the country.

It has membership in more than 400 Districts with 250 Branches all over the Country.

In a genuine effort to organise MSE sector Laghu Udyog Bharati is fighting the various ills plaguing the sector and to remove impediments coming in the way to MSEs.

Laghu Udyog Bharati render assistance to small scale industries as follows: o Removal of inspector raj & simplification procedures. o Availability & distribution of power. o Guidance for improving productivity. o Quality & technological upgradation & modernisation. o Sales promotion & marketing assistance. o Encouraging women entrepreneurs. o Creating congenial environment for better entrepreneur, worker and

customer relations. o Making various panels for better representation. o Participation in Trade-Fairs and Exhibitions for better product

exposure.

30. Village Resource Centres

To demonstrate the potential of satellite technology for development of rural areas, ISRO established Village Resource Centres (VRCs) on a pilot scale.

To provide the space based services directly to the rural areas, ISRO/ DOS has launched the Village Resource Centres (VRCs) programme in association with NGOs/ Trusts and state/ central agencies.

VRCs provide various space technology enabled services such as tele-healthcare, tele-education, natural resources information, advisories related to agriculture, career guidance to rural students, skill development and vocational training etc.

The parameters for selecting NGOs and Trusts as partners in VRC include experience in community organisation and social work, availability of required infrastructure for housing the VRC facility, requisite manpower for day-to-day operation and capacity for conducting programmes of relevance for the development of rural areas.



NOTES

31. GOBAR-Dhan Yojana

Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has launched the ‘Gobar Dhan’ scheme for Nation.

The government is also planning to create an online platform for trading cow dung and agricultural waste under the scheme.

The Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBAR-DHAN) scheme was first announced by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley during 2018 budget speech.

The scheme would focus on managing and converting cattle dung and solid waste in farms to compost, biogas and bio-CNG.

It will help in keeping the village clean while increasing the income of farmers and cattle herders.

32. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) Programme

India has invited Saudi participation in Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) Programme.

To ensure energy security, the Government of India had decided to set up 5 million metric tons (MMT) of strategic crude oil storages at three locations namely, Visakhapatnam, Mangalore and Padur (near Udupi).

These strategic storages would be in addition to the existing storages of crude oil and petroleum products with the oil companies.

In the 2017-18 budget, it was announced that two more such caverns will be set up Chandikhole in Jajpur district of Odisha and Bikaner in Rajasthan as part of the second phase.

The construction of the Strategic Crude Oil Storage facilities is being managed by Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL), a Special Purpose Vehicle, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Oil Industry Development Board (OIDB) under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.

In January 2016, India signed a deal with the United Arab Emirates that allows the Gulf OPEC country to fill half of the underground crude oil storage facility of ISPRL at Mangalore.

Therefore, the UAE’s Abu Dhabi National Oil Company will store about 6 million barrels of oil at Mangalore.

33. National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts at IIT

Chennai

The Ministry of Shipping and IIT Chennai have signed an MoU to set up National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC), at IIT Chennai.

NTCPWC is being set up under the Shipping Ministry’s flagship programme Sagarmala.

Envisioned as a world class state-of-the – art centre, NTCPWC will be a hub for latest technology tools and reduce our dependence on foreign institutions.

It will also reduce the cost of research drastically and result in cost and time savings for work in the port and maritime sector.

It will act as a technology arm of the Ministry of Shipping for providing



NOTES engineering and technological inputs and support for Ports, Inland Waterways Authority of India and other institutions.

It will provide learning opportunities for the people working in Ministry of Shipping.

34. Swajal Yojana

The Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation has launched Swajal pilot project at village Bhikampura, Karauli, Rajasthan.

Four reservoirs will be constructed in the village and common tap connection will be given to almost 300 households.

Swajal is a community owned drinking water programme for sustained drinking water supply.

Under the scheme, 90% of the project cost will be taken care by the Government and the remaining 10% of the project cost will be contributed by the community.

The Operations and management of the project will be taken care by the local villagers.

Besides ensuring the availability of clean drinking water to every household round the year, the project would also generate employment.

35. Sela pass

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced the government’s plan to build a tunnel through the Sela Pass located at an elevation of 13,700 ft which will ensure faster movement of troops in Tawang, a strategically- located town in Arunachal Pradesh bordering China.

The Sela pass is located between the Tawang and West Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh and considered crucial from strategic perspective.

Sela Lake, near the summit of the pass, is one of approximately 101 lakes in the area that are sacred in Tibetan Buddhism.

36. Swachh Bharat Sanitation Park

The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, in collaboration with the Environmental Sanitation Institute and Tata Trusts, has developed a Sanitation Park in New Delhi.

Objective is to create awareness on various safe technological options.

The Park demonstrates various options pertaining to toilet technologies and solid and liquid waste management technologies, with a brief description of these technologies.

The Park also displays information regarding various interventions undertaken under the Swachh Bharat Mission, capturing the success stories and impact created under the Mission across the country.

37. Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship Programme

Department of Biotechnology had recently organized a conclave meeting to celebrate the achievements and revisit the journey of the Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship Programme over the years.

The 8th Conclave was organized by National Institute of Plant Genome



NOTES Research (NIPGR).

The Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship was conceived in the year 2006-07 with the idea of encouraging scientists (Indian Nationals) working outside the country and would like to return to the home country to pursue their research interests in Modern Biology, Biotechnology, Life Sciences and other related areas.

The principal aim of the scheme is to improve the country’s human resource capacity in life sciences, modern biology and biotechnology research – both in terms of development, translation and diffusion by means of attracting young scientists settled abroad.

38. UIDAI’s Blue Coloured New Aadhaar Card

UIDAI has introduced a blue coloured ‘Baal Aadhaar’ card for children below the age of 5 years.

Blue coloured Aadhaar data does not include biometric information like fingerprints and iris scan.

It will be linked with one of parent’s Aadhaar card.

Once the child crosses the age of five, biometrics should be updated and then regular Aadhaar card will be issued.

Aadhaar, the 12-digit unique identity number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

It is not mandatory for children under 5 to get an Aadhaar card.

However, it may be required for attending educational programmes overseas and availing of government scholarships.

39. POSHAN Abhiyaan

The annual targets set under POSHAN Abhiyaan are as under: o Prevent and reduce stunting in children (0-6years): By 6% @ 2% p.a. o Prevent and reduce under-nutrition (underweight prevalence) in

children (0-6 years): By 6% @ 2% p.a. o Reduce the prevalence of anemia among young Children(6-59

months): By 9% @ 3% p.a. o Reduce the prevalence of anemia among Women and Adolescent Girls

in the age group of 15-49 years: By 9% @ 3% p.a. o Reduce Low Birth Weight (LBW): By 6% @ 2% p.a.

POSHAN Abhiyaan: o POSHAN Abhiyaan was launched on International Women’s day

(March 8) in 2018 to boost nutrition among children and women. o POSHAN stands for Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic

Nutrition. o It aims to ensure holistic development and adequate nutrition for

pregnant women, mothers and children. o The Abhiyaan targets to reduce stunting, under-nutrition, anemia

(among young children, women and adolescent girls) and reduce low birth weight by 2%, 2%, 3% and 2% per annum respectively.

o The target of the mission is to bring down stunting among children in the age group 0-6 years from 38.4% to 25% by 2022.



NOTES 40. UTTAM APP for Coal Quality Monitoring

The government has launched UTTAM App for Coal Quality Monitoring.

UTTAM stands for – Unlocking Transparency by Third Party Assessment of Mined Coal.

The Ministry of Coal and Coal India Limited (CIL) has developed the App.

It aims to provide an App for all citizens and coal consumers to monitor the process of Third Party Sampling of coal across CIL subsidiaries.

UTTAM App ensures accountability, transparency, effectiveness and efficiency in coal ecosystem.

It provides a platform for monitoring of sampling and coal dispatches.

41. India’s first coastal policing academy

The Union home ministry has sanctioned the launch of the National Academy of Coastal Policing (NACP) from a campus of Gujarat’s Fisheries Research Centre located in coastal Okha in Devbhoomi Dwarka district.

It will be the country’s first national academy to train police forces in effectively safeguarding the Indian shoreline.

It will sharpen the response and skills of the marine forces of multiple states which have sea lines.

The first-of-its-kind institution of the country will be created and run by a multi-agency team of paramilitary and defence forces.

The Union home ministry’s policing think tank — the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) — will pilot the establishment and running of the academy.

The Border Security Force (BSF), Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) will form core to run academy. The BSF will also provide security to campus.

42. “Wings India 2018”

The biennial event on Civil Aviation and Aerospace titled “Wings India 2018” was held in Hyderabad.

The event with the theme “India-Global Aviation Hub” was organised jointly by the Union Civil Aviation Ministry, Airports Authority of India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

“Wings India 2018” aims to be the most comprehensive platform in the region for the interactions, forging alliances, investments and air connectivity between the States and the global aviation players/ stakeholders.

It has a special focus on connecting the cities and towns aimed at increasing the regional connectivity in the country.

43. Van Dhan Vikas Kendra

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) is going to expand Van Dhan Vikas Kendras in tribal districts across the country for value addition of Forest Produce.

Value addition assumes critical importance in ensuring remunerative prices to the tribals in this approach.

About 3000 such Kendras are proposed to be set up in two years in all



NOTES forested Tribal Districts.

Initially, it will be taken up on priority in 39 districts with more than 50% tribal population and then gradually will be expanded to other Tribal Districts across the country.

As per the plan, TRIFED will facilitate establishment of Minor Forest Produce (MFP)-led multi-purpose Van Dhan Vikas Kendras in the tribal areas.

These Kendras will be cluster of 10 SHGs comprising of 30 tribal MFP gatherers each.

This initiative is aimed at mainstreaming the tribal community by promoting primary level value addition to MFP at grassroots level.

The scheme will be implemented through Ministry of Tribal Affairs as Nodal Department at the Central Level and TRIFED as Nodal Agency at the National Level.

At State level, the State Nodal Agency for MFPs and the District collectors are envisaged to play a pivot role in scheme implementation at grassroot level.

Locally the Kendras are proposed to be managed by a Managing Committee (an SHG) consisting of representatives of Van Dhan SHGs in the cluster.

44. Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)

The government has approved the continuation of Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) beyond the 12th Plan period for three years to 2019-20 with a total outlay of Rs 5,500 crore.

The scheme will create sustainable estimated employment opportunities for 15 lakh persons in three financial years.

PMEGP: o PMEGP is a

major credit-linked subsidy programme being implemented by the Ministry of MSME since 2008-09.

o The Scheme is aimed at generating self-employment opportunities through establishment of micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector by helping traditional artisans and unemployed youth in rural as well as urban areas.

o The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is the nodal implementation agency for the PMEGP at the national level.

o At the state/district level, state offices of KVIC, Khadi and Village Industries Boards (KVIBs) and District Industry Centres (DIC) are the implementing agencies.

o The scheme’s targets are fixed taking into account the extent of backwardness of state; extent of unemployment; extent of fulfilment



NOTES of previous year targets; population of state/union territory; and availability of traditional skills and raw material.

A minimum target of 75 projects per district is awarded to all districts of the country to achieve Inclusive Growth.

Higher rate of subsidy (25% to 35%) will be applicable for women, SC/ST, OBC, Physically Disabled, NER applicants in rural areas.

The entire process of application flow and fund flow right from receipt of application, processing, sanction by banks, transfer of margin money subsidy till creation of Term Deposit Receipt (TDR) in the name of applicant has been made online.

45. Action Plan for Champion Sectors in Services

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Department of Commerce to give focused attention to 12 identified Champion Services Sectors for promoting their development, and realizing their potential.

The Cabinet has also directed the Ministries/Departments concerned with these sectors to utilize the available draft sectoral plans to finalize and implement the Action Plans for the identified Champion Services Sectors.

A dedicated fund of Rs. 5000 crores has been proposed to be established to support initiatives for sectoral Action Plans of the Champion Sectors.

Impact: o This initiative will enhance the competitiveness of India’s service

sectors through the implementation of focused and monitored Action Plans, thereby promoting GDP growth, creating more jobs and promoting exports to global markets.

Champion service sectors: o Champion service sectors include Information Technology &

Information Technology enabled Services (IT & ITeS), Tourism and Hospitality Services, Medical Value Travel, Transport and Logistics Services, Accounting and Finance Services, Audio Visual Services, Legal Services, Communication Services, Construction and Related Engineering Services, Environmental Services, Financial Services and Education Services.

46. Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for enhancing the scope of Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY).

The Government of India will now contribute the Employer’s full admissible contribution for the first three years from the date of registration of the new employee for all the sectors including existing beneficiaries for their remaining period of three years.



NOTES Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana: o The scheme “Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana” (PMRPY) was

announced in the Budget for 2016-17. o The objective of the scheme is to promote employment generation. o The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Labour and

Employment. o Under the scheme employers would be provided an incentive for

enhancing employment by reimbursement of the 8.33% EPS contribution made by the employer in respect of new employment.

o The PMRPY scheme is targeted for workers earning wages upto Rs. 15,000/- per month.

47. Sukhad Yatra App

The government has launched Sukhad Yatra App.

Sukhad Yatra mobile application has been prepared by National Highways Authority of India, NHAI, to empower the Highway user.

The key feature of the app includes provision for the user to enter road quality-related information or to report any accident or pothole on the highway.

It also provides users with real-time data related to waiting time expected at Plazas and various facilities like points of interest, highway nest/nest mini, etc., available across the highway.

The app can also be used by the users to purchase the FASTag tag and further facilitate the highway user experience.

48. National E-Mobility programme

The government has launched the National E-Mobility Programme.

The Programme is a step towards ushering in an era of clean, green and future-oriented technologies in the country.

The Programme aims to provide an impetus to the entire e-mobility ecosystem including vehicle manufacturers, charging infrastructure companies, fleet operators, service providers, etc.

The Programme will be implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) which will aggregate demand by procuring electric vehicles in bulk to get economies of scale.

49. Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0

Human Resource Development Ministry has launched Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0.

Unnat Bharat Abhiyan: o Unnat Bharat Abhiyan is a flagship programme of the Ministry of

Human Resources Development, with the intention to enrich Rural India.

o It aims to leverage the knowledge base and resources of the Premier Institutions of the country to bring in transformational change in rural developmental process.

o It also aims to create a vibrant relationship between the society and



NOTES the higher educational institutes, with the latter providing the knowledge and technology support to improve the livelihoods in rural areas and to upgrade the capabilities of both the public and private organisations in the society.

Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0: o Under the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0, the institutions have been

selected on a Challenge Mode and the scheme has been extended to 750 reputed Higher Educational Institutes (both public and private) of the country.

o Also, scope for providing Subject Expert Groups and Regional Coordinating Institutes to handhold and guide the participating institutions has been strengthened.

o IIT Delhi has been designated to function as the National Coordinating Institute for this programme and the Ministry intends to extend the coverage to all the reputed Higher Educational Institutes, in a phased manner.

o Each selected institute would adopt a cluster of villages / panchayats and gradually expand the outreach over a period of time.

50. Atal New India Challenge

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under the NITI Aayog has launched the Atal New India Challenge.

It shall be run in collaboration with various ministries- Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation and Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation.

Under the Atal New India Challenge, AIM will invite prospective innovators/MSMEs/start-ups to design market-ready products, using cutting edge technologies or prototypes across 17 identified focus areas such as Climate Smart Agriculture, Smart Mobility, Predictive Maintenance of Rolling Stock, Waste Management etc.

Applicants showing capability, intent and potential to productize technologies will be awarded grants up to Rs. One crore.

This grant will be further supplemented by mentoring, handholding, incubating and other support as needed at various stages of commercialisation, while generating wider deployment for the product.

51. National Bamboo Mission (NBM)

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Bamboo Mission (NBM) under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) during remaining period of Fourteenth Finance Commission (2018-19 & 2019-20).

The Mission would ensure holistic development of the bamboo sector by addressing complete value chain and establishing effective linkage of producers (farmers) with industry.

The restructured NBM strives to: o To increase the area under bamboo plantation in non forest



NOTES Government and private lands to supplement farm income and contribute towards resilience to climate change.

o To improve post-harvest management through establishment of innovative primary processing units, treatment and seasoning plants, primary treatment and seasoning plants, preservation technologies and market infrastructure.

o To promote product development at micro, small and medium levels and feed bigger industry.

o To rejuvenate the under developed bamboo industry in India. o To promote skill development, capacity building, awareness generation

for development of bamboo sector.

Implementation: o The Mission will focus on development of bamboo in limited States

where it has social, commercial and economical advantage, particularly in the North Eastern region and States including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

o Focus will be given on Research & Development (R&D) to increase the production and productivity of bamboo.

National Bamboo Mission: o NBM, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme was started in 2006-07. o It was subsumed under Mission for Integrated Development of

Horticulture (MIDH) during 2014- 15 and continued till 2015-16. o The NBM mainly emphasized on propagation and cultivation of

bamboo, with limited efforts on processing, product development and value addition.

o There is weak linkage between farmers (producers) and industry. o The restructured mission addresses the complete value chain for

growth of the bamboo sector.

52. Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan

As part of the “Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan”, the “Swachh Bharat Parva” was recently organized all over the country.

“Gram Swaraj Abhiyan” was organised between 14th April to 05th May, 2018.

The campaign, undertaken under the name of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Gaon, Sabka Vikas”, is to promote social harmony, spread awareness about pro-poor initiatives of government, reach out to poor households to enroll them as also to obtain their feedback on various welfare programmes.

As a special endeavour during the Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, saturation of eligible households/persons would be made under seven flagship pro-poor programmes in 21,058 identified villages.

The programmes covered are Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Saubhagya, Ujala scheme, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and Mission Indradhanush.



NOTES 53. Project Dhoop

In order to address rising incidence of Vitamin ‘D’ Deficiencies (VDD), particularly amongst the young people, FSSAI has launched a unique initiative, ‘Project Dhoop’ in association with NCERT, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and North MCD Schools.

Project Dhoop urges schools to shift their morning assembly to noon time, mainly between 11am and 1pm to ensure maximum absorption of Vitamin D in students through natural sunlight.

Significance of micronutrients for the body: o Micronutrients including vitamins are needed by people in only very

small amounts, but enable the body to produce enzymes, hormones and other substances essential for proper growth and development.

o Vitamin A, D, B12, Iron, Folic Acid and Iodine, are the most important; their lack represents a major threat to the health and development of populations the world over, particularly children and pregnant women in countries like India.

Concerns: o Most parts of India receive abundant sunshine all the year through. o Yet shockingly, studies have found that more than 90% of boys and

girls across various Indian cities are deficient in Vitamin D. o In Delhi alone, 90-97% of school children (aged 6-17 years) have

Vitamin ‘D’ Deficiencies (VDD) and around 10-11% of these children exhibit signs of VDD.

How to prevent Vitamin D deficiency in school children? o Vitamin D deficiency occurs due to overuse of sunscreen, wearing

clothes that cover most of the skin, working all day in an air-conditioned atmosphere, and other factors.

o Also, the school uniforms needs to be designed in a way that at least face and arms are exposed to sunlight, which would be equivalent to 18 per cent of body surface, and the exposure has to be at least for 30-40 minutes.

Additionally, opting for fortified foods (with +F symbol) is a simple and inexpensive way to address micronutrient deficiencies without any radical change in behaviour or eating patterns.

54. “Satyagraha se Swachhagraha” campaign

To commemorate the launch of Champaran Satyagraha over a century ago on 10th April, 1917, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, in coordination with the Government of Bihar, is working to spread the message of Swachhata across the country by initiating the “Satyagraha se Swachhagraha” campaign.

Under the campaign, Swachhagrahis from different parts of the country were invited to Bihar, where they worked with 10,000 Swachhagrahis from Bihar to “trigger” behaviour change and build momentum of the jan andolan further.



NOTES 55. Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH)

7th edition of Home Expo India 2018 was recently organized by EPCH at India Expo Centre and Mart, Greater Noida.

Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) under the aegis of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India is a non-profit organization, established under the EXIM policy of Government of India in the year 1986-87.

The objective is to promote, support, protect, maintain and increase the export of handicrafts.

Functions of the council: o It is an apex body of handicrafts exporters for promotion of exports of

Handicrafts from country. o The Council has created necessary infrastructure as well as marketing

and information facilities, which are availed both by the members exporters and importers.

o The Council is engaged in promotion of handicrafts from India and project India’s image abroad as a reliable supplier of high quality handicrafts.

Composition of the council: o The Council is run and managed by team of professionals headed by

Executive Director. o The Committee of Administration consists of eminent exporters,

professionals. o The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts has a rarest distinction

of being considered as MODEL COUNCIL that is self-sustaining and where all the promotional activities are self-financed.

VRIKSH: o ” VRIKSH ” is a program by EPCH which is totally based on the timber

legality assessment and verification standard for verification of legality and legal origin of wood and wooden products.

o It is intended for entities who want to accurately track and make claims about the legal origin and transport of their products.

o The VRIKSH standard conforms to all major compliance requirements including the new CITES notification.

o To fulfil the obligation, the Vriksh shipment certificate, issued exclusively by EPCH is mandatory to go along with all shipments of two Dalbergia’s species (Rosewood and Sheesham) products.

56. Integration of e-SANAD portal and NAD – National Academic

Depository

In a bid to make education system in India more transparent, the integration of e-SANAD portal and NAD – National Academic Depository has been launched by the Union HRD Ministry.

e-SANAD: o e-Sanad is a project aimed at online submission/verification of

documents with an ultimate object to extend contact less, cashless,



NOTES faceless and paperless document attestation service for apostille and normal attestation to applicants in India (to be extended to Indians residing abroad as well in a phased manner).

o The project is being implemented by NIC in coordination with CBSE, States/UTs and the Ministry of External Affairs in a phased manner.

National Academic Depository (NAD): o National Academic Depository (NAD) is a 24X7 online store house of all

academic awards viz.certificates, diplomas, degrees, mark-sheets etc. duly digitised and lodged by academic institutions / boards / eligibility assessment bodies.

o The UGC has signed a tripartite agreement with NSDL Database Management Limited (NDML) and CDSL Ventures Limited (CVL) for operationalising NAD.

o NAD not only ensures easy access to and retrieval of an academic award but also validates and guarantees its authenticity and safe storage.

o National Academic Depository comprises of two interoperable digital depositories viz. CDSL Ventures Limited (CVL) and NSDL Database Management Limited (NDML).

57. Study in India programme

With an aim to provide students across the world an opportunity to study in Indian educational institutions, the Union HRD Ministry has launched “Study in India” programme.

The “Study in India’ is an innovative initiative to attract students from countries in South Asia, South-East Asia, Middle East and Africa to come and experience the very best of academic learning from the top institutions in India.

Under the programme, meritorious students would also be provided with fee waiver and scholarship.

The Institute concerned will bear the expenditure on the fee waiver based on cross-subsidisation or through its existing funding.

One of the objectives for the programme is to improve global ranking for Indian educational institutes.

This will be achieved through systematic brand-building, identifying quality institutions for receiving the students, creating suitable infrastructure and facilitation structures.

58. Saksham-2018

Saksham (Sanrakshan Kshamta Mahotsav) is an annual flagship event of Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Govt. of India , with active involvement of the Oil & Gas PSUs along with other stakeholders like State Governments, for creating focused attention on fuel conservation through people centric activities and to sensitize the masses about the conservation and efficient use of petroleum products leading to better health and environment.



NOTES

59. Global Initiative on Academic Network (GIAN) Program

The First Global Initiative on Academic Network GIAN course on Sustainable Urban planning using remote sensing and Geographic Information System, GIS has been launched at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur’s outreach center in NOIDA.

This course is being conducted under the GIAN Program of the Ministry of Human Resource Development and actively supported by NITI Aayog and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

This course aims to give participants state-of-the-art remote sensing and GIS skills which will allow them to rise to the challenge of managing the rapidly changing urban environment of Indian cities.

GIAN: o Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) in Higher Education was

launched in 2015 to boost the quality of the country’s higher education through international collaboration.

o Its objective is to increase footfalls of reputed international faculty to Indian academic institutes and thereby bring in international academic excellence in India’s higher education institutions.

o It facilitates participation of high quality international academicians for delivering short-term courses and programs in Indian institutions.

Insights PT 2018 Exclusive

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