Current News Analysis

05-02-2017

A. GS1 Related

1. GS2 Related

1. Defiant Iran to carry out missile exercise

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/Defiant-Iran-to-carry-out-missile-

exercise/article17195507.ece

Category: International Relations

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

Key Points: Relations between U.S. and Iran have deteriorated sharply since Donald Trump

took office last month promising a tough line on what he sees as Iranian belligerency towards U.S. interests and allies.

The new sanctions which the U.S. has imposed on Iran are a response to Iran’s recent test launch of a medium-range ballistic missile as well as its support for Yemeni rebels who attacked a Saudi frigate earlier this week.

C.GS3 Related

1. Central Pollution Control Board assessing oil spill

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Central-Pollution-Control-Board-assessing-

oil-spill/article17195818.ece

Category: Environment and Ecology

Topic: Conservation

Key Points: In an important development, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is

analysing samples from the oil spill resulting from a collision between two ships off the coast of Tamil Nadu.

Clean-up operations are being coordinated by the Coast Guard and involve several disparate organisations;

However the Union Environment Ministry is expected to present a status report on the damage done by Wednesday (8th Feb, 2017)

It is important to note that About 2,000 persons are involved in the clean up operations and 54 tonnes of sludge (mixture of oil, water, ocean material etc) was removed till February 2, according to the Press Information Bureau.

The PIB further went on to note that “Over 90% of the work has been completed and most of the residual work is expected to be over in a couple of days,”

2. What is Northwest Africa 7635? http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/Demystifying-Science-%E2%80%94-February-5-

2017/article17194910.ece

Category: Science and Technology, Geography

Topic: Developments; Meteorites

Key Points: The Northwest Africa 7635, is a 6.9-ounce (about 200gm) meteorite, discovered in Algeria,

Africa, in 2012, that has given scientists unprecedented insight into volcanic activity on Mars.

It is on Mars that the largest volcano in the solar system, Olympus Mons, is found. Recently it has been learnt that Mars had a single volcano that continuously erupted for 2

billion years. Further, it is important to note that Martian volcanoes can grow to such enormous

proportions because Mars, unlike Earth, doesn’t have plate tectonics that constantly shuffle the surface.

So a volcano, like the one that birthed NWA 7635, can plume — the process by which hot magma from the earth surfaces upward — for billions of years.

3. Butterfly find enriches Indian faunal diversity http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/Butterfly-find-enriches-Indian-faunal-

diversity/article17195992.ece

Category: Environment and Ecology

Topic: Biodiversity

Key Points: In an important development that marks an important addition to India’s rich wildlife,

researchers have described Limenitis rileyi , a butterfly spotted in Arunachal Pradesh three decades ago as the first record of the species in the country.

A single male species was discovered in July 1987 from Upper Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh.

D. GS4 Related

E. Important Editorials

The Hindu

1. A difficult pitch http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/A-difficult-pitch/article17194954.ece

Category: Indian Economy

Topic: Government Policy

Key Points: It is important to note that in the recent budget that was presented, The Health Ministry, had

to accept a very modest increase in allocation. On critical evaluation, it becomes evident that despite the huge mandate to improve India’s

lagging health indicators, in the face of multiple public health challenges, the health budget continues to be disappointingly low.

The expectation that the National Urban Health Mission component of NHM would be soon launched to scale is belied by the meagre increase in NHM’s finances.

It is important to note that the Maternity Benefit Programme needs to be universal rather than conditional if it has to reach the most vulnerable sections and skilled health professionals will be needed to assure safety of the mother and the newborn.

Raising standards of care in sub-centres, primary health centres and community health centres will need more human and financial resources.

Crucially, it was also announced that kalazar and filariasis will be eliminated in 2017, leprosy by 2018, measles by 2020 and tuberculosis by 2025.

While such optimism can energise the health system, it is prudent to be aware of technical factors that influence these targets — leprosy has an incubation period of 3-5 years and we will have to wait at least till 2022 to know if we have finally overcome the problem.

Tuberculosis will pose many stiff challenges — health systems across the country and both public and private care providers will have to markedly improve their practice patterns in diagnosis and treatment.

PIB

1. Tripartite meeting held between UNC, Govt. of Manipur and

Govt. of India http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=158059

Category: Polity and Governance

Topic: Federalism, Center-State Relations

Key Points:

The issue of creation of 7 new districts and the ongoing economic blockade was discussed in a

tripartite meeting at New Delhi between UNC, Govt. of Manipur and Govt. of India.

There was substantial progress on the issue in the talks. A few points needed further

discussions at their organisation level.

Next tripartite meeting is expected on 7th Feb., 2017 on the issues.

2. DG Shipping has Instituted an inquiry in the Collision of two

ships off Kamrajar Harbour http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=158061

Category: Disaster Management

Topic: Oil Spills

Key Points:

Two vessels namely, M.T. BW MAPLE and M.T. DAWN KANCHIPURAM

while crossing each other collided at 03.45AM on 28th January, 2017 outside the

Kamrajar harbour. The Oil Tanker, M.T. DAWN KANCHIPURAM, which was

carrying 32813 Tonnes of POL, suffered a rupture which led to engine oil spill

(and not the POL being carried as cargo). There was no casualty or injury to the

crew members.

The situation was closely monitored by top officials of the Port from the time of

accident and the required assistance was rendered to both vessels.

It is important to note that The National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan

provides that while the port is responsible for responding to an oil spill within the

port area, the Coast Guard is responsible for acting as the Central Coordinating

Agency for combating oil pollution in the maritime zone and the State

Governments are responsible for shore line response. Equipment required to

handle Tier-1 Oil Spill Response was available with the Kamarajar Port and was

also deployed. The Coast Guard ship and helicopters are carrying out regular sorties for

continuous monitoring of oil slick.

If oil spillage accumulation is spotted anywhere, manpower and material under

the overall supervision of Coast Guard will be deployed.

Directorate General of Shipping has instituted a statutory inquiry under the

Merchant Shipping Act to ascertain the causes and contributory factors that led to

the accident. Both the ships have been restrained from leaving the Port.

D.G. Shipping is also holding discussions with the owners of the ships and the

mechanism of distribution of compensation and payment of claims by the insurers

will be shortly in place.

3. Budget 2017-18 focuses on educational empowerment and skill

development of the Minorities: Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=158062

Category: Indian Economy

Topic: Government Policy

Key Points:

Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has said that the Union Budget (General) 2017-18 will

be helpful in socio-economic-educational empowerment of Minorities.

The Central Government’s focus is on educational and skill development of Minorities. Maximum part of the Budget 2017-18 would go for educational

empowerment and skill development of the Minorities.

The Minister of Minority Affairs further stated that more than Rs 2600 crore have

been provided for various scholarships and skill development schemes such as

“Seekho aur Kamao”, “Nai Manzil”, “Nai Roushni”, “Usttad”, “Garib Nawaz Skill Development Centre” and “Begum Hazrat Mahal Scholarship for Girls”.

F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn: 1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS

BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGANISATIONS

IN NEWS

Links to Refer

India Innovation Index: A joint

initiative of NITI Aayog, DIPP

and CII

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=157941

3. Tags

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

Practice Questions

Date: 5

th February, 2017

Category: Geography

Topic: Solar System Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

1] Consider the following statements,

1] The largest volcano in the solar system is ‘Olympus Mons’.

2] Martian volcanoes can grow to enormous proportions because Mars, unlike Earth, doesn’t have plate tectonics that constantly shuffle the surface.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 Only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans c)

Date: 5th February, 2017

Category: Polity and Governance

Topic: Government Initiatives Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

2] Consider the following statements,

1] The National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) is a sub-mission of National Health Mission (NHM).

2] NUHM envisages to meet health care needs of the urban population with the focus on urban poor,

by making available to them essential primary health care services and reducing their out of pocket

expenses for treatment.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

a) 1 Only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans d)

Date: 5th February, 2017

Category: Environment and Ecology

Topic: Biodiversity Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

3] “Limenitis rileyi” was recently in the news. What is it?

a) A Butterfly

b) A species of Dolphin

c) A new species of plant

d) A new species of whale

Ans a)

Date: 5th February, 2017

Category: Geography

Topic: Various Parts of the World Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

4] “The Strait of Hormuz” is located in which of the following regions?

a) Middle East

b) South East Asia

c) Latin America

d) Scandinavia

Ans a)

Date: 5th February, 2017

Category: Geography

Topic: Various Parts of the World Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

5] ‘Chabahar Port’ often seen in the news is located where?

a) Iran

b) Pakistan

c) Saudi Arabia

d) U.A.E

Ans a)

Current News Analysis

06-02-2017

A. GS1 Related

1. GS2 Related

India has to de ise its o n strategy on H-1B ur s http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/%E2%80%98India-has-to-devise-its-own-

strategy-on-H-1B-curbs%E2%80%99/article17198377.ece

Category: India-world

Topic: Indian diaspora

Key Points:

Amid growing unease in India and the United States over legislation in the U.S. Congress advocating an increase in salaries of H-1B visa holders to discourage American firms from hiring them, and an anticipated executive order from President Donald Trump, BJP general secretary Muralidhar Rao says India should “devise its own strategy” rather than try to put pressure on the U.S. government.

Mr. Rao, told that India had “limited influence on the Trump or any other U.S. administration”, which would always frame policy looking at its own interests. “The United States is not framing any India-specific laws, and we

may be able to influence it to a certain extent but not enough for the U.S. to

change a certain course it has decided on,” he said. The High-Skilled Integrity and Fairness Act of 2017 introduced by California

Congressman Zoe Lofgren is the latest in a series of Bills that aim to restrict

the number of H-1B visa holders.

The Bill advocates market-based allocation of visas to those companies

willing to pay more than double the $60,000 fixed as minimum annual wage

for H-1B holders in 1989, which has remained unchanged since.

Impact: These moves by the U.S. are a reflection of what has been happening in the global

economy in the past few years. Globalization has been seeing a downward journey for some time. The economies of the U.S. and European countries are facing a downturn. The growth that we want to register using their markets is not possible now.

Mr. Trump’s actions could be seen as a “catalyst” in the situation, and not as an “initiator” of protectionist moves.

Concluding Remarks:

Wherever immigrants fill the American skill gap, they may still be unaffected, but, wherever

there can an American substitute, it will be different, We need to respond to this by devising our

own strategy, and orient our industries to create more sustainable profits.

2. Trump to meet NATO leaders in May: White House http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/Trump-to-meet-NATO-leaders-in-May-

White-House/article17200842.ece

Category: International organization

Topic: NATO

Key Points:

Donald Trump will meet fellow NATO leaders in May, the White House said

after the Preside t’s all ith the allia e’s “e retar Ge eral Je s “tolte erg. Mr. Tru p e pressed stro g support for NATO ut alled o European members to pitch in more, the White House said in a statement on

“u da , addi g that Mr. Tru p agreed to joi i a meeting of NATO leaders

i Europe i late Ma .

The United States provides significant funding to NATO, and Mr. Trump has

previously urged other member nations to step up their contributions.The

leaders discussed how to encourage all NATO allies to meet their defense

spending commitments.

Europea leaders are o er ed a out Mr. Tru p’s irule t riti is of NATO —— he has du ed the tra satla ti ilitar allia e o solete ——

at a ti e he it sta ds as the ai defe se agai st Russia’s Preside t Vladimir Putin. According to the White House statement the parties also

dis ussed the pote tial for a pea eful resolutio of the o fli t alo g the Ukrai ia order.

Kiev and the West have accused Russia of supporting eastern Ukrainian

rebels and deploying troops across the border, claims that Moscow refutes.

Mr. Tru p’s frie dl sta e to ard Mr. Puti has ee u der s ruti si e he won the US election in November.

Mr. Trump took office with US—Russian ties at new lows amid accusations by

American intelligence agencies that the Kremlin hacked Democratic Party

emails as part of a pro Trump campaign

C.GS3 Related

1.Tribe offers clues to hidden wonders of medicinal plant

http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/Tribe-offers-clues-to-hidden-wonders-of-medicinal-

plant/article17195140.ece

Category: Science &technology

Topic: Indigenous technology

Key Points:

A medicinal plant endemic to the southern parts of Western Ghats and Sri Lanka could offer

scientists the key to new herbal formulations and modern drugs for the treatment of cancer and

wounds and burns. Scientists at the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research

Institute (JNTBGRI) here have confirmed the multiple therapeutic properties ofNeurocalyx

calycinus used by the Cholanaickan tribe, one of the particularly vulnerable groups in Kerala, to treat

inflammations and wounds.

D. GS4 Related

E. Important Editorials

The Hindu

Targeting old scourges

http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/Targeting-old-

scourges/article17198147.ece?homepage=true

Category: Economic development

Topic: Government Policies on health

Key Points: Union Budget’s new elimination targets for some major communicable

diseases barely hints at the enormous burden carried by millions in India with tuberculosis, kala-azar (leishmaniasis), filariasis, leprosy and measles.

It would appear incongruous that an emerging economy with no universal health coverage and a lack of political will to loosen its purse strings for higher government expenditure has set ambitious deadlines to rid itself of deadly scourges.

Last year it was revealed that India has a higher burden of new patients with TB than estimated earlier — 2.8 million in 2015 compared to 2.2 million in the previous year, a quarter of the world’s cases

Having set goals, the Centre must now demonstrate its seriousness by moving away from the flawed policies of the past. The promise of a well-funded five-year scheme to meet the TB challenge beginning in 2017 is welcome, although steady progress towards the new elimination deadline of 2025 will also depend on improved capabilities in the health system to meet the daily drugs requirement and a feeling of ownership at the State level.

The World Health Organisation has been pointing to the lack of integration of private practitioners with the national mission on tuberculosis for guaranteed access to drugs, and lack of continuous monitoring of such patients.

India’s campaign on leprosy is in reality a ‘post-elimination’ struggle resulting from complacency, since it announced at the end of 2005 that it had eliminated it as a public health problem, based on a rate of less than one person in 10,000 having it.

Such self-congratulatory moments weakened both policy focus and funding in some pockets in eastern India, where it exceeded the accepted prevalence rate. Health Minister J.P. Nadda’s admission in the Rajya Sabha that there were 1,02,178 leprosy cases on record as of September 2016, and districts of ‘high endemism’, shows the battle was never truly won.

Detecting new cases early and preventing them from progressing to disability-inducing grade two level is crucial, although complete removal by 2018 as envisaged in the Budget may prove difficult.

Rehabilitation of patients is also a weak spot. Kala-azar, though underreported and mainly confined to Bihar and Jharkhand, is a promising candidate for elimination in the current year.

few thousand cases are caused by a protozoal parasite with no animal reservoir; control of the vector, the sand fly, holds the key. If good medical protocol is pursued, pockets of filariasis in many States can be removed. Rehabilitation programmes for these diseases require more resources and policy support.

PIB

Sports Minister Vijay Goel lays the Foundation Stone at

Gandhinagar, Gujarat for the first ever training center

dedicated for Para Athletes http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=158069

Category: Social justice

Topic: Issues related to differently abled people

Key Points:

Para athletes have won 4 medals at RIO Olympics for India in 2016and brought

glory for the country in International Sports Arena. Prime Minister after meeting

with Para Athlete Shri Devender Jhajharia Gold Medalist of RIO Olympic Games

2016 desired that a World Class Para athletic Center be opened in India. Minister

of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Vijay Goel took the initiative and

approved a Center of Excellence for Differently Abled Sportspersons at SAI

Gandhinagar,the first ever training centre dedicated for Para athletes in the

country. Today shri Vijay Goel laid the foundation stone of Boundary wall for the

Center of Excellence Para Center at Sector – 25 Gandhinagar.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that sportspersons can approach him in case

they face any professional problem. He said, a Talent Search Portal is being

launched soon to spot the budding sports persons in the country. He said the

Center of Excellence for Differently Abled Sportspersons for which he laid the

foundation today will help Para Athletes to showcase their skills and talent

further both at national and international level.

The center is proposed for an estimated budget of over Rs. 50 crores. It will have

the World Class facilities where Para athletes will be trained for various

International Competitions including Asian Games, Common Wealth Games and

Olympic Games and will also here Classification center. The center will also hold

Seminars, Educational Programmes and Workshops throughout the year with the

help of International Paralympic Committee.

F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn: 1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn

H1-B visa

NATO

Practice Questions Date: 6

thFebruary, 2017

Category:social justice

Topic: differently abled people

Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: easy

Type: Factual

1.Where is the Para athletes training stadium located?.

a) Gandhi nagar

b) Delhi

c) Mumbai

d) Banglore

Ans a)

Date: 6th February, 2017

Category:International Relations

Topic:International organisation

Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Easy

Type: Factual

2] Consider the following statements about NATO,

1] NATO is a intergovernmental military organisation

2]Maximun funding to is done by US.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 Only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans c)

Date: 6th February, 2017

Category: Science & Technology

Topic: Indigenous technologies

Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

3] Consider the following statements,

1] Neurocalyx calycinus is the medicinal plant found in westernghats

2]It has been in use to treat Alzheimer’s.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 Only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans A)

Date: 6th February, 2017

Category:Science & technology

Topic: Indegeneous technology Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

4]What is Neurocalyx calycinus which was recently in news?

a) Tribe in western ghats

b) Medicinal plant in western ghats

c) Tribe in eastern himalayas

d) Medicinal plant in eastern himalayas

Ans b)

Date: 6

th February, 2017

Category: polity-governance

Topic: public policy

Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

5] which of the following disease is not part of “Targeted elimination of communicable

Diseases” plan by government?

a) AIDS

b) Leprosy

c) Measles

d) Tuberculosis

Ans a)

Current News Analysis

07-02-2017

A. GS1 Related

B. GS2 Related

1. SC clears plan to verify mobile phone users through Aadhaar

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/SC-clears-plan-to-verify-mobile-phone-users-

through-Aadhaar/article17205615.ece

Category: Governance

Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability

Key Points:

The Supreme Court on Monday approved the government‘s plan to record the identification details of mobile subscribers through an e-KYC (Know Your Customer) mechanism linked to Aadhaar in a bid to enhance national security and prevent fake users.

The court was considering a petition by NGO Lokniti Foundation, which had contended that fake SIM cards were a major threat to national security.

The mechanism would cover at least 100 crore mobile phone subscribers, 90% of whom use pre-paid cards.

Aadhar:

Aadhaar is a 12 digit individual identification number which will serve as a proof of identity and address, anywhere in India.

Aadhaar-platform is aimed at providing social security benefits / subsidies based on eligibility through direct benefit transfer.

2. Favouritism in selection bid: Dronacharya awardee

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/Favouritism-in-selection-bid-Dronacharya-

awardee/article17206036.ece

Category: Awards

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services

relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Key Points:

The Delhi High Court on Monday called for the documents pertaining to the grant of a cricket coaching contract at NDMC’s Talkatora cricket ground, over allegations of favouritism in granting the bid to a firm, promoted by an Indian cricketer.

DRONACHARYA AWARDS: The Dronacharya Award, instituted in 1985, honours eminent Coaches who have successfully trained sportspersons or teams and enabled them to achieve outstanding results in international competitions.

3.Tech giants at the forefront of legal resistance

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/Tech-giants-at-the-forefront-of-legal-

resistance/article17201274.ece

Category: International Relations

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

Key Points:

Ninety-seven technology companies, including Apple, Microsoft and Google have joined the legal battle against the Donald Trump administration’s ban on travellers and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries.

Thousands of people from these countries with valid U.S. visas are trying to reach the country even as the the suspension of the travel ban is in effect

These companies submitted that the American innovation and economic growth are intimately tied to immigration and the executive order harms the competitiveness of U.S. companies.

Mr. Trump on Sunday accused the Washington judge of opening the country to terrorists, mounting a public campaign against the judiciary.

The travel ban imposed on the seven muslim nations has polarised the American electorate and at least 2,50,000 Muslims are estimated to be working in the Silicon Valley tech and many of them are from the seven countries directly affected by the travel ban.

4. China’s new ballistic missile has India in range

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/China%E2%80%99s-new-

ballistic-missile-has-India-in-range/article17206806.ece

Category: International Relations

Topic: India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Key Points:

China’s newly-formed Rocket Force has conducted an exercise with advanced DF-16 medium-range ballistic missile that has a range of over 1,000 km and could target a number countries in the neighbourhood, including India.

Ballistic Missiles

They are launched from land or sea.

The missile follows a trajectory with the objective of delivering one or more warheads to a predetermined target and are only guided during relatively brief periods of flight, and most of its trajectory is unpowered and governed by gravity

They are further classified into-

a.Long range intercontinental ballistic missiles

b.Shorter range ballistic missiles

Examples of ballistic missiles include Agni Missiles, Prithvi Missiles,etc

5.Rohingya refugees to be relocated on remote island

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/Rohingya-refugees-to-be-relocated-on-

remote-island/article17205798.ece

Category: International Relations

Topic: India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Key Points:

Bangladeshi authorities have decided to relocate thousands of Myanmar refugees to a thinly populated island in the Bay of Bengal to avoid adverse socioeconomic impacts in the mainland.

Rohingyas are currently living in different camps spread across the country.

Several Western diplomats have reportedly suggested that the refugees should not be moved against their will and that the place chosen for relocation was uninhabitable and prone to floods.

The government however has claimed that the relocation would be a “temporary arrangement” and has requested the international community to take meaningful measures for repatriation of the refugee population in Myanmar

C.GS3 Related

1. Late night quake jolts North India

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/Late-night-quake-jolts-North-

India/article17207265.ece

Category: Disaster management

Topic: Disaster and disaster management.

Key Points:

North India was jolted late on Monday night following an earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale with its epicentre at Baron Basti in Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand.

Epicentre:The epicenter is the point on the surface of the Earth directly above the hypocenter of an earthquake.

Hypocenter:The hypocenter is the place where the rupture of the plate boundary that led to the earthquake first happened.

2.Not a drop of the Ganga has been cleaned: NGT

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/Not-a-drop-of-the-Ganga-has-been-

cleaned-NGT/article17205902.ece

Category: Environment and Ecology

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution

Key Points:

A Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar asked government agencies to work together for the cause.

The tribunal also asked the government agencies about how they were executing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious ‘Namami Gange project’, adding that it did not want the “drama” regarding complaints between the Centre and Uttar Pradesh to go on.

Namami Gange Programme:

Namami Gange programme was launched to achieve the target of cleaning river Ganga in an effective manner with the involvement of all stakeholders, especially five major Ganga basin States – Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal.

3.I ple e t WTO’s Nairobi Mi isterial decisions: India

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-business/Implement-WTO%E2%80%99s-

Nairobi-Ministerial-decisions-India/article17206767.ece

Category: Food Security

Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support

prices; Public Distribution System

Key Points:

Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said she would soon take up the outstanding issues with World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director General Roberto Azevedo

Outstanding issues include the one on food security — of the WTO’s Doha Round negotiations

The reluctance of developed countries to agree to continue the Doha Development Agenda post-Nairobi, India negotiated and secured a re-affirmative Ministerial Decision on public stockholding for food security purposes

The Minister also said India was very clear on its stand that ‘new issues’ including e-commerce and investment cannot be brought into the formal agenda of the WTO-level negotiations

4.Ministries, sectoral regulators to screen FDI proposals

http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/Ministries-sectoral-regulators-to-screen-

FDI-proposals/article17205267.ece

Category: Indian Economy Topic: Mobilization of resources

Background:

The Centre had proposed to abolish the FIPB in its Budget for 2017-18

The Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), housed in the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, is an inter-ministerial body, responsible for processing of FDI proposals and making recommendations for Government approval.

Key Points:

The applications — on foreign direct investment (FDI) in India in sectors under the approval route will soon be taken up by the concerned ministries and sectoral regulators.

More than 92% of the FDI inflows were through the automatic route. For the rest of the FDI (about 8% of the total FDI inflows), every department concerned has a framework or a regulator for it.

The decision is seen in line with the government’s policy of maximum governance and minimum government as now that majority of the investments coming in are through the automatic route, a superfluous or an additional layer in the form of FIPB is not any longer required.

On the proposal by tech giant Apple for establishing a manufacturing unit in India for products, including iPhones and iPads, the Centre said it had so far not taken the final call. It said whenever a policy decision is taken on the matter it will be applicable to the entire sector and not just one company.

D. GS4 Related

E. Important Editorials

The Hindu

1. Perilous U-turn on Iran

http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/Perilous-U-turn-on-

Iran/article17205276.ece

Category:International Relations

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's

interests, Indian diaspora.

Background:

Bilateral relations were particularly hostile during the presidency of George W. Bush, who had threatened military action over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Barack Obama took a different line based on political realism

The U.S. and other world powers took years to find a common ground with Iran, which prevented the country from acquiring nuclear weapons in return for removal of international sanctions.

The deal,opposed by Israel, allowed Iran to mend ties with European countries, boost its oil production and trade with other countries.

Concerns over the new US adminstration:

A set of new sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States over a missile test

The U.S. and Iran cooperated on the battleground in Iraq against the Islamic State. This progress stands threatened by President Donald Trump’s hostility towards Iran.

Mr. Trump may not repeal the nuclear deal as it is a multilateral agreement.

By putting immigration curbs on Iranian citizens, imposing new sanctions on Iran and branding the country as the greatest state sponsor of terrorism, the Trump administration has clearly announced that the deal is dead

Mr. Trump appears determined to pursue the agenda of restoring the bipolar balance between Saudi Arabia and Israel, the U.S.’s strongest allies in West Asia

Way forward:

Any meaningful effort to stabilize West Asia calls for Iran’s cooperation, not hostility

The world, including the U.S., needs Iran’s cooperation to fight the Islamic State, particularly in Iraq, where Iranian-controlled Shia militias played a key role in liberating cities. If Mr. Trump ignores these realities, he runs the risk of making West Asia even more chaotic than it is.

2. Rewiring the WTO

http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/Rewiring-the-WTO/article17205325.ece

Category: Important International institutions

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.

Background:

The visit of Roberto Azevêdo, Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to India, from February 8, comes at a juncture when the framework of global trade rules is undergoing a shake-up.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) has been dealt a death blow by the Trump presidency.

United States orchestrated the move to make the WTO virtually irrelevant during the 10th Ministerial Conference of the organisation, in Nairobi in 2015 which ended without a decision on the most important area of work of WTO members — the Doha Round negotiations.

Concerns over the current structure of WTO:

The developing world has largely been questioning the relevance of the WTO ,when the richer nations gained the upper hand in setting the priorities for the organisation

Efforts of the developing countries to amend several important agreements and to make them more responsive to their development needs have been seriously undermined.

The least developed countries, especially their inability to increase their presence in the global markets, have also been put on the backburner.

The skewed rules in the areas of agriculture and intellectual property rights

In agriculture, WTO rules have been loaded in favour of the developed countries, while the interests of small farmers have almost been completely ignored and India flagged the important issue of food security and its subsidised Public Distribution System(PDS)

An understanding was reached where even if India breached agricultural subsidies’ disciplines to meet its food security needs, no penal action would be taken against it through what is commonly called a “peace clause”, but with no permanent solution to the issue.

Trade facilitation was not exactly an area that excited the developing countries for their shares in global trade are at very low levels.

the major economies are preparing the ground for another exercise at cherry picking the issues of their interest at Buenos Aires namely, electronic commerce and investment.

The issue of including investment in the WTO has been a deeply divisive, almost right since the inception of the organisation.

Way Forward:

The inclusion of e-commerce and investment in the WTO would further drive the wedge

between the rich and the poor nations.

The growing disenchantment with the existing model of globalisation has provided a historic opportunity to frame new rules that give equal opportunities to all countries and their citizens in the global marketplace

PIB

1. India and Austria Sign a Protocol amending the India-Austria

Double Taxation Avoidance Convention http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx

Category: Agreements

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting

India's interests

Key Points:

The Protocol will broaden the scope of the existing framework of exchange of tax related information which will help curb tax evasion and tax avoidance between the two countries and will also enable mutual assistance in collection of taxes.

A DTAA, also referred to as a Tax Treaty, is a bilateral economic agreement between two nations that aims to avoid or eliminate double taxation of the same income in two countries.

2.50 lacs Universal Account Number (UAN) allotted to Construction

Workers http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx

Category: mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies

Topic: Mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of

these vulnerable sections

Key Points:

The Government has enacted the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 and the Building and other Construction Workers’ Welfare Cess Act, 1996 to regulate the employment and conditions of service of building and other construction workers and to provide for their safety, health and welfare measures.

The State Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Boards of the respective states have formulated welfare schemes to provide benefits to building and other construction workers as mandated under Section 22 of the Act. Section 22 of the Act stipulates following benefits:

(a)provide immediate assistance to a beneficiary in case of accident

(b)make payment of pension to the beneficiaries who have completed the age of sixty years

(c)sanction loans and advances to a beneficiary for construction of a house not exceeding such

amount and on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed

(d)pay such amount in connection with premia for Group Insurance Scheme of the

beneficiaries as it may deem fit

(e)give such financial assistance for the education of children of the beneficiaries as may be

prescribed

(f)meet such medical expenses for treatment of major ailments of a beneficiary or, such

dependent, as may be prescribed

(g)make payment of maternity benefit to the female beneficiaries

(h)make provisions and improvement of such other welfare measures and facilities as may be

prescribed.

F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn:

1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn

Namami Gange Programme National Green Tribunal WTO Doha Round Negotiations

2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS

BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGANISATIONS

IN NEWS

Links to Refer

The Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016

http://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/the-aadhaar-

targeted-delivery-of-financial-and-other-subsidies-

benefits-and-services-bill-2016-4202/

3. Tags WTO Namami Gange NGT

Practice Questions

Date: 7

th February, 2017

Category: Geography

Topic: Indian Rivers Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

1] Which of the following are the tributaries of river Ganga?

1. Alaknanda.

2. Gomti

3. Son

4. Yamuna

a) 3 and 4 Only

b) 4 Only

c) 1,2 and 4 only

d) All of the above

Ans d)

Date: 7th February, 2017

Category: International Institutions

Topic: WTO

Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Easy

Type: Factual

2] The World Trade Organisation[WTO] is headqaurtered in?

a) Paris,France.

b) Geneva, Switzerland

c) Doha ,Qatar

d) Bali, Indonesia

Ans d)

Date: 7

th February, 2017

Topic: Welfare measure

Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

3] Which of the following are the objectives of PDS?

1.To protect the low income groups by guaranteeing the supply of certain minimum quantities of food grains

at affordable price. 2.Ensuring equitable distribution. 3.Controlling the price rise of Essential Commodities in the open market.

a) 1 only

b) 1 and 2 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) All of the above

Ans d)

Date: 7

th February, 2017

Category: Geography

Topic: Map Based Question

Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

4] Which of the following countries do not border the Mediterranean sea? a)Turkey b)Egypt c)Bulgaria d)Greece

Ans c)

Date: 7th February, 2017

Category: Governance

Topic: laws and acts Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

5] The Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act,

2016 allows individual information to revealed in which of the following scenarios?

1. In the interest of national security, a Joint Secretary in the central government may issue a

direction for revealing

2. On the directions of Governor of a state

3. On the order of a court

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 1 and 3 only

c) 2 and 3 only

d) All of the above

Ans b)

Current News Analysis

08-02-2017

A. GS1 Related

1. GS2 Related

1. Cauve y pa t a u e ual a gai

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/%E2%80%981892-Cauvery-pact-an-unequal-

bargain%E2%80%99/article17243050.ece

Category: Polity and Governance

Topic: Center-State Relations, Tribunals

Key Points: It is important to note that in 1892 there was an agreement signed between the

erstwhile Mysore and Madras Governments to share the Cauvery river water. In reference to the above, recently, the Karnataka counsel has told the Supreme

Court that the agreement can claim no validity after birth of Indian Constitution. In fact, the Karnataka counsel has called this agreement an “unconscionable

bargain” to share the Cauvery river water. Karnataka counsel and senior advocate Fali Nariman, said that both the 1892 and

1924 pacts between the then princely State of Mysore and the Madras government reflected an “inequality of bargaining power” which was “without conscience” and which could claim no validity after the birth of the Indian Constitution.

2. Trump should not address British Parliament, says Speaker

Bercow

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/Trump-should-not-address-British-

Parliament-says-Speaker-Bercow/article17243453.ece

Category: International Relations

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

Key Points:

In a landmark development, the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, said he would oppose U.S. President Donald Trump addressing the Parliament during his planned state visit.

It is important to note that the British Parliament, has to date, been more outspoken in its criticism of Mr. Trump than the government.

After the travel ban on nationals of seven mainly-Muslim states, the House of Commons held an emergency debate, and unanimously passed a motion describing the move as divisive, and counterproductive.

3. Japan eases permanent visa norms to draw global talent http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-business/Japan-eases-permanent-visa-norms-

to-draw-global-talent/article17244215.ece

Category: International Relations

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

Key Points: In a recent development, Japan is wooing foreign direct investment through a slew of

measures such as an easier visa regime and lower corporate taxes. In a bid to attract global talent, from India and other nations, Japan has said it will soon

introduce a new Green Card programme —billed as the fastest such system in the world — and expedite the granting of permanent residency to highly skilled foreign professionals.

C.GS3 Related

1. India to frame policy on synthetic biology

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/India-to-frame-policy-on-synthetic-

biology/article17244262.ece

Category: Science and Technology

Topic: Developments

Key Points: India is taking its first steps to evolve a policy on synthetic biology.

What is synthetic biology? Synthetic biology is an emerging science through which new life forms can potentially be

made in labs and existing life forms, such as bacteria and other microbes, tweaked to produce specific proteins or chemically useful products.

What promise does it hold? Synthetic biology in microbial systems holds promise for production of drugs,

vaccines, fuel components and other chemicals. A popular example is the production of artemisinin, a powerful anti-malarial drug, in

yeast, at a commercial level. Microorganisms have also been constructed to act as sensors that can detect a

toxin in vitro (outside a living organism) or in vivo (inside a living organism).

Gove e t s Positio The Environment Ministry will be convening a group of experts on biodiversity and

biotechnology, to assess synthetic biology work pursued in Indian labs, potential benefits and risks, and the implications of the trans-boundary movement of such life forms.

Significantly, it is important to note that India, so far, has no policy on synthetic biology.

D. GS4 Related

E. Important Editorials

The Hindu

1. Testing times on NEET http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/Testing-times-on-

NEET/article17242913.ece

Category: Polity and Governance

Topic: Government Policy, Government Interventions

Key Points:

What is (NEET)? NEET refers to the “National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET)”, which is a uniform

examination that will decide admission to medical courses all over the country. Recently, the state of Tamil Nadu, has taken the legislative route to grant itself exemption

from the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

Action taken by the State Recently, the Tamil Nadu State Assembly, passed two Bills, in an effort to retain its present

admission system for under-graduate and post-graduate medical courses based on marks obtained by students in their higher secondary school examination.

The Supreme Court insists that the NEET marks be the sole basis for admission. Thus, the two bills passed by the Tamil Nadu State Assembly, are likely to displease the Supreme Court.

Position Taken by Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu argues that NEET would be traumatic for both parents and children, as it would be based on a syllabus different from the one taught in schools under the board for higher secondary education.

The fear is that NEET would be insurmountable for students from rural areas and under-privileged backgrounds and those who cannot afford coaching centres.

Its concern that urban students, especially those from streams such as the CBSE, would dominate admissions under NEET cannot be dismissed easily.

Concluding Remarks

There is now an inevitable conflict between the need for a fair and transparent admission system to curb rampant commercialisation of medical education and the socio-economic goals of the State, which is worried about producing enough committed doctors ready to serve in rural areas. Both objectives are indeed laudable.

However, a moot question is whether uniformity should be thrust on a country that has wide regional, economic and linguistic disparities.

Normally it is the political leadership, and not the courts, that should harmonise such differences and evolve a viable admission policy.

At the same time, States cannot remain forever insulated from the need to upgrade educational standards.

It may be easy to advise the courts to keep out of the policy domain, but a more difficult task is for institutions in the government and the private sector to maintain standards and pass the court’s triple test of fairness, transparency and freedom from exploitation.

Economic Times

1. To fill the vacuum after scrapping FIPB http://blogs.economictimes.indiatimes.com/et-editorials/to-fill-the-vacuum-after-scrapping-

fipb/

Category: Indian Economy

Topic: Government Policy

Key Points: It has been suggested that the government has done well to announce the decision to abolish

the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) in 2017-18. It is important to note that more than 90% of the foreign direct investment, in any case,

comes through the automatic route and sectoral regulation has also become far more robust, obviating the need for the board that was set up in early 1990s.

Advanced countries, by and large, welcome all foreign investment, but have institutional mechanisms to block any foreign investment proposal that hurts national interest and security. India must also have such institutional safeguards. The RBI is best placed to play the nodal agency for review; after all, all foreign investment into the country has to comply with its foreign exchange reporting requirements.

It has been suggested that the government should enact a law to give the RBI powers that go beyond collection of information to refer proposals for vetting for possible security implications to relevant ministries of the Union government.

The executive government can then decide on whether to prohibit or suspend a transaction. That decision and the factors that guided the decision must be placed before a committee of the legislature, for the sake of transparency.

In concludion, India needs not just a robust arrangement but also stringent timelines to conclude an RBI-initiated review and report to Parliament.

PIB

1. Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) signs four more

unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=158141

Category: Indian Economy

Topic: Taxation

Key Points:

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT),Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance has entered into four more unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs)

The four APAs signed pertain to the Manufacturing, Financial and Information Technology sectors of the economy. The international transactions covered in these agreements include Contract Manufacturing, IT Enabled Services and Software Development Services.

With this, the total number of APAs entered into by the CBDT has reached 130. This includes 8 bilateral APAs and 122 Unilateral APAs.

In the current financial year, a total of 66 APAs (5 bilateral APAs and 61 unilateral APAs) have already been entered into. The CBDT expects more APAs to be concluded and signed before the end of the current fiscal.

The APA Scheme was introduced in the Income-tax Act in 2012 and the “Rollback” provisions were introduced in 2014.

The scheme endeavours to provide certainty to taxpayers in the domain of transfer pricing by specifying the methods of pricing and determining the prices of international transactions in advance.

Since its inception, the APA scheme has evinced a lot of interest from taxpayers and that has resulted in more than 700 applications (both unilateral and bilateral) being filed so far in about five years.

The progress of the APA Scheme strengthens the Government’s resolve of fostering a non-adversarial tax regime.

The Indian APA program has been appreciated nationally and internationally for being able to address complex transfer pricing issues in a fair and transparent manner.

2. S a t ity develop e t ot elitist; it s a t igge fo i lusive a d comprehensive urban development, says Shri Venkaiah Naidu

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=158206

Category: Indian Economy

Topic: Infrastructure, Urban Development

Key Points:

Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venakaiah Naidu has asserted that smart city development is not elitist and on the other hand it has triggered inclusive and comprehensive urban planning and development addressing the inherited deficit in urban governance. Addressing a Business Conclave at Shri Ram College of Commerce, the Minister said that Smart City Mission has brought about a paradigm shift by enabling the mission cities approach the challenges differently rather than doing different things.

Shri Venkaiah Naidu explained that the Smart City Mission has been so designed to promote inclusive development benefitting all sections of people besides promoting sustainable urban development practices and actions in the context of urban citizens being starved of breathing and living spaces. He said that this mission is a ‘behavioral change’ initiative requiring all stakeholders including elected and executive leadership and citizens to change their attitudes and approaches towards urban planning and execution. Smart leaders and smart citizens are crucial for the success of the mission, he said.

Referring to the growing spirit of competition among cities and towns to do better than others, Shri Naidu said that moving away from archaic ways of urban governance, cities are now vying for credit ratings for mobilization of resources through municipal bonds, reflecting on their keenness to think and act differently. He informed that of the 97 smart cities, 89 have initiated this process of which 70 have completed it and 26 of them have already been

given credit rating. Eight cities viz., Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Indore, Jaipur, Kakinada, Pune, Rajkot and Visakhapatnam have already appointed Transactional Advisors for issuing municipal bonds. Total of 44 cities including 25 AMRUT cities have so far got credit ratings, Shri Naidu informed.

F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn: 1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn

AMRUT

Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)

2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS

BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGANISATIONS

IN NEWS

Links to Refer

India Innovation Index: A joint

initiative of NITI Aayog, DIPP

and CII

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=157941

3. Tags

AMRUT

Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)

Practice Questions

Date: 8

th February, 2017

Category: Science and Technology

Topic: Developments Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

1] Consider the following statements,

1] Synthetic biology is an emerging science through which new life forms can potentially be made in labs and existing life forms, such as bacteria and other microbes, tweaked to produce specific proteins or chemically useful products.

2] Synthetic biology in microbial systems holds promise for production of drugs, vaccines, fuel components and other chemicals.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 Only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans c)

Date: 8th February, 2017

Category: Geography

Topic: Various Parts of the World Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

2] Consider the following statements,

1] The four main islands in Japan are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu.

2] Honshu is the largest of the four, followed in size by Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

a) 1 Only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans d)

Date: 8th February, 2017

Category: Science and Technology

Topic: Developments Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

3] “Artemisinin”, was recently in the news. What is it?

a) A powerful anti-malarial drug

b) A new species of Dolphin

c) A new plant species

d) A new species of Butterfly

Ans a)

Date: 8th February, 2017

Category: Geography

Topic: Ocean Currents Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

4] Consider the following statements,

1] The Gulf Stream starts in the Gulf of Mexico.

2] The Labrador Current is a cold current in the North Atlantic Ocean which flows from the

Arctic Ocean south along the coast of Labrador and passes around Newfoundland.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

a) 1 Only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans d)

Date: 8th February, 2017

Category: Geography

Topic: Various Parts of the World Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

5] ‘Baffin Island’ is located in which of the following countries?

a) Canada

b) U.S.A

c) Argentina

d) U.K.

Ans a)

Current News Analysis

09-02-2017

A. GS1 Related

1. GS2 Related

1. Trump-backed Bill seeks to cut legal immigrants by half

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/Trump-backed-Bill-seeks-to-cut-legal-

immigrants-by-half/article17264195.ece

Category: International Relations

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

Key Points: In a recent development, two top U.S. Senators have proposed legislation to cut

the number of legal immigrants to the U.S. by half within a decade. It is believed that this move could adversely hit those aspiring to get a green card

or permanent residency in the U.S., including a large number of Indians. The legislation is called the Reforming American Immigration for Strong

Employment, or Raise Act. This was introduced by Republican Senator Tom Cotton and David Perdue from

the Republican party. This legislation is believed to alter the U.S. immigration system to significantly

reduce the number of foreigners admitted to the country without a skills-based visa.

C.GS3 Related

1. Digital payment costs are a hindrance: TRAI http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/Digital-payment-costs-are-a-hindrance-

TRAI/article17264295.ece

Category: Indian Economy

Topic: Money and Banking

Key Points: The chairman, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), has recently said

that the surge in digital payments in the country, driven largely by short-term incentives, will become sustainable if the costs of making such payments are addressed.

The TRAI chief has said that “Digital financial transactions are not sustainable unless you address the issues of cost, convenience and confidence,”

D. GS4 Related

E. Important Editorials

The Hindu

1. Growing insecurity in Afghanistan http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/Growing-insecurity-in-

Afghanistan/article17264076.ece

Category: International Relations

Topic: India and its Neighbourhood- Relations

Key Points:

Recently, there was a blast near the Supreme Court premises in Kabul. This blast left at least 20 people dead and underscores the growing insecurity in Afghanistan. In the past the Taliban have targeted the court and even the Parliament building.

Afgha Gover e t’s Strategy Kabul’s anti-terror strategy has hardly been effective. Insurgents have made inroads in the recent years. After most foreign troops withdrew in 2014, the Taliban have steadily stepped up attacks,

expanding the civil war into residential areas. According to a UN report, 2016 was the bloodiest year for Afghan civilians since the U.S.-led

invasion began in 2001. The Taliban’s territorial control has grown in strength.

Concluding Remarks

For Afghanistan, the threat is multiplying. The Islamic State has established some presence in the country and declared a “province” of

the ‘Caliphate’ in eastern Afghanistan — Wilayat Khorasan. It has been suggested that to turn its fortunes around in the 15-year-old civil war,

Afghanistan needs to strengthen the administration. Mr. Ghani should initiate the administrative reforms he had promised and put up a stronger,

united fight against terrorist groups. Kabul should seek more help and a higher level of commitment from other countries,

including the U.S., in combating terror. A weakening of the civilian government and its capacity to ensure security is not in the

interest of any global power.

2. Getting back home, safely http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/Getting-back-home-

safely/article17263964.ece

Category: International Relations, Disaster Management

Topic: Indian Diaspora, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief

Key Points: In 2015, the Indian government successfully conducted Operation Raahat to evacuate almost

5,000 Indians and nearly 1,000 citizens from 41 other countries. In this operation, besides Air India aircraft, the Indian Navy deployed vessels, and the Indian

Air Force C-17 Globemasters for strategic airlift. Such unprecedented efforts and resources reflect New Delhi’s new drive to protect the lives

and assets of its citizens abroad in times of crisis.

Changing Dynamics In India, the increasing size and complexity of the diaspora requires the government to

expand capacity and improve procedures. More than 11 million Indians now reside abroad and 20 million travel internationally every

year. It is important to note that as political instability rattles the West Asian region, which hosts

more than seven million Indians, the government can no longer rely on heroic efforts by individual officials or quick-fix solutions.

The Way Forward- Suggested Reforms It has been suggested that the Government build on its rich experience in conducting

more than 30 evacuation operations since the 1950’s, and that by supporting policy-oriented research at universities and think tanks to document the memory of senior officials, the government would also facilitate the transmission of their expertise to younger officials.

It has also been suggested that an inter-ministerial committee should prepare a manual with guidelines that establish a clear chain of command and division of competencies; identify regional support bases, assembly points and routes for evacuation; develop country-specific warden systems to communicate with expatriates; and establish evacuation priority and embarkation criteria.

Further, India’s diplomatic cadre must be given specific training to operate in hostile environments.

In order to achieve this objective, the government could instruct the police or army to train Indian Foreign Service probationers to operate in war zones; conduct frequent evacuation simulations and emergency drills; and create rapid reaction teams of Indian security personnel to be deployed to protect diplomatic staff and installations abroad.

It has also been suggested that India will have to invest in cooperative frameworks that facilitate coordination among countries that have large expatriate populations in West Asia, in particular Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and among leading powers with evacuation capacity in the Indian Ocean region.

Further, it has been suggested that the government will have to assign a greater role to its armed forces. It has been suggested for example, that the Government direct the military to develop a non-combatant evacuation (NEO) doctrine, designate the Integrated Defence Staff as the nodal organisation to improve inter-services and civil-military coordination, direct the services to conduct more multilateral NEO exercises, and adapt military modernisation plans to increase capacity for out-of-area deployment and evacuation.

Further, to avoid cost inflation and delays, the government must establish a permanent civil reserve air fleet that pools aircraft from all Indian airlines based on pre-established requisition and reimbursement procedures.

It has also been suggested that the government will have to invest in new technologies to better monitor the diaspora’s profile and mobility.

In conclusion, it has been suggested that the government must expand efforts to manage public opinion and be able to conduct a quiet diplomacy that is crucial to safely extricate Overseas Indians from conflict zones.

Economic Times

1. Oil spills call for legal, technical fix http://blogs.economictimes.indiatimes.com/et-editorials/oil-spills-call-for-legal-technical-fix/

Category: Indian Economy

Topic: Government Policy

Key Points: The recent oil spill off the Chennai coast has exposed the lack of preparedness and

accountability on the part of Indian agencies. In fact, the slow and ineffective response also reveals a lack of appreciation of the

environmental and public health fallout of accidents/incidents of this nature and of organisational preparedness.

Government Intervention: It is important to note that since the mid-1990s, India has a National Oil Spill Disaster

Contingency Plan. The plan is clear in setting out the responsibilities of the Coast Guard, state and central

governments and local authorities. The Coast Guard is the nodal agency for the security of territorial waters and the exclusive

economic zone, including of the coastal environment. It not enough to have a contingency plan, the Coast Guard needs to have the competence to

respond to devastating emergencies such as oil spills.

The Way Forward: The focus needs to be on monitoring movement, augmenting information collection, proper

training and ensuring that the Coast Guard is well-equipped to handle such situations. To this end, the Coast Guard must be supported through appropriate statutory backing and

proper funding. Parliament must pass the amendments to the Merchant Shipping Act to ensure compliance

to the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage 2001.

PIB

1. Shri Piyush Goyal to launch TAMRA Portal and Mobile

Application to ensure transparent award of Statutory

Clearances for Mining Operations

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=158229

Category: Indian Economy

Topic: Government Policy

Key Points:

With an objective to enhance transparency and accountability as a part of the Ease of Doing Business in the Mining sector, Shri Piyush Goyal will launch TAMRA (Transparency, Auction Monitoring and Resource Augmentation) portal and Mobile Application.

The Ministry of Mines has developed the TAMRA Portal and Mobile Application which is a step to speed up mining activity in India and facilitate all the stakeholders to track the status of the statutory clearances associated with mining blocks for getting mines to reach till operationalisation for the same.

TAMRA will be an interactive platform for all the stakeholders to compress the timelines for statutory and other clearances as it would help minimize the gestation period for commencing production.

TAMRA covers block-wise, state-wise and mineral-wise information of the blocks to be auctioned, monitors various statutory clearances, and also highlights the additional resources generated through e-Auction.

In case of delay in obtaining any clearances, TAMRA will send triggers to the concerned authority so that the remedial steps can be taken immediately by those responsible.

The Ministry of Mines will also receive triggers generated by TAMRA and will facilitate in expediting clearances. This portal also enables successful bidder to give suggestions/inputs.

2. Cabinet approves 'Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta

A hiya ’ for overi g 6 rore rural households http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=158292

Category: Indian Economy

Topic: Government Policy

Key Points:

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved 'Pradhan

Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan' (PMGDISHA) to make 6 crore rural households digitally

literate. The outlay for this project is Rs.2,351.38 crore to usher in digital literacy in rural India by

March,.2019. This is in line with the announcement made by Finance Minister in the Union

Budget 2016-17.

PMGDISHA is expected to be one of the largest digital literacy programmes in the world. Under

the scheme, 25 lakh candidates will be trained in the FY 2016-17; 275 lakh in the FY 2017-18;

and 300 lakh in the FY 2018-19. To ensure equitable geographical reach, each of the 250,000

Gram Panchayats would be expected to register an average of 200-300 candidates.

Digitally literate persons would be able to operate computers/digital access devices (like tablets,

smart phones, etc.), send and receive emails, browse internet, access Government Services,

search for information, undertaking cashless transactions, etc. and hence use IT to actively

participate in the process of nation building.

The implementation of the Scheme would be carried out under the overall supervision of

Ministry of Electronics and IT in active collaboration with States/UTs through their designated

State Implementing Agencies, District e-Governance Society (DeGS), etc.

Background:

As per the 71st NSSO Survey on Education 2014, only 6% of rural households have a computer.

This highlights that more than 15 crore rural households (@ 94% of 16.85 crore households) do

not have computers and a significant number of these households are likely to be digitally

illiterate. The PMGDISHA being initiated under Digital India Programme would cover 6 crore

households in rural areas to make them digitally literate. This would empower the citizens by

providing them access to information, knowledge and skills for operating computers / digital

access devices.

As the thrust of the Government is on cashless transactions through mobile phones, the course

content would also have emphasis on Digital Wallets, Mobile Banking, Unified Payments

Interface (UPI), Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) and Aadhaar Enabled Payment

System (AEPS), etc.

F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn: 1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn

Unified Payments Interface (UPI)

'Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan'

TAMRA (Transparency, Auction Monitoring and Resource Augmentation) portal and Mobile

Application

2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS

BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGANISATIONS

IN NEWS

Links to Refer

India Innovation Index: A joint

initiative of NITI Aayog, DIPP

and CII

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=157941

3. Tags

Unified Payments Interface (UPI)

'Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan'

TAMRA (Transparency, Auction Monitoring and Resource Augmentation) portal and Mobile

Application

Practice Questions

Date: 9

th February, 2017

Category: Internal Security

Topic: Coastal Security Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

1] Consider the following statements,

1] The Coast Guard is the nodal agency for the security of territorial waters and the exclusive economic zone, including of the coastal environment.

2] At the apex level the National Committee for Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security (NCSMCS), headed by the Cabinet Secretary, coordinates all matters related to Maritime and Coastal Security.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 Only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans c)

Date: 9th February, 2017

Category: Disaster Management

Topic: Disaster Relief Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

2] “Operation Raahat” was in the news. What is it?

a) An HADR operation undertaken by Government of India

b) A joint military exercise

c) A scientific research initiative

d) A poverty alleviation measure

Ans a)

Date: 9th February, 2017

Category: Polity and Governance

Topic: Government Schemes Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

3] Consider the following statements,

1] 'Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan' (PMGDISHA) is a digital literacy

programme.

2] The implementation of the Scheme would be carried out under the overall supervision of

Ministry of Electronics and IT in active collaboration with States/UTs through their designated

State Implementing Agencies, District e-Governance Society (DeGS), etc.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 Only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans c)

Date: 9th February, 2017

Category: Environment and Ecology

Topic: Conservation Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

4] Consider the following statements,

1] Bioremediation consists of using naturally occurring or laboratory cultivated micro-organisms

to reduce or eliminate toxic pollutants.

2] Using bioremediation techniques, TERI has developed a mixture of bacteria called 'oilzapper'

which degrades the pollutants of oil-contaminated sites, leaving behind no harmful residues. This

technique is not only environment friendly, but also highly cost-effective.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

a) 1 Only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans d)

Date: 9th February, 2017

Category: Polity and Governance

Topic: Significant Provisions Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

5] Consider the following statements,

1] According to Article 320 of the Indian Constitution, it shall be the duty of the Union and the

State Public Service Commission to conduct examinations for appointments to the services of the

Union and the services of the State respectively.

2] Article 262 of the Constitution of India, relates to adjudication of disputes relating to waters of

inter State rivers or river valleys.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

a) 1 Only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans d)

Current News Analysis

10-02-2017

A. GS1 Related

1. GS2 Related

1. Parrikar, Mattis agree to boost defence partnership

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Parrikar-Mattis-agree-to-boost-defence-

partnership/article17280033.ece

Category: International Relations

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

Key Points: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and his U.S. counterpart, James Mattis,

recently agreed to expand cooperation. The two discussed cooperation under the Defence Technology Trade Initiative

(DTTI) and the Major Defence Partner status, and agreed to take forward the joint development of defence platforms.

However, there is no meeting on the agenda anytime soon.

C.GS3 Related

1. Nilambur teak set to enter elite club of products with GI

tag http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/Nilambur-teak-set-to-enter-elite-club-of-

products-with-GI-tag/article17280134.ece

Category: Indian Economy

Topic: IPR, GI Tags

Key Points: Nilambur teak, which is internationally known for its superior quality and

elegant appearance, will soon be added to the list of Kerala produces with the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Background: It was the Britishers who identified the superior quality of teak from

Nilambur plantations and forests. Later, the region became the major supplier of quality teak in the world.

Other Produces with GI Tag GI registration of Pokkali rice, one of the first Kerala produces to get the GI

tag, meanwhile, has been renewed. Other Kerala products with GI registration include Vazhakulam Pineapple,

Wayanadan rice varieties Jeerakasala and Gandhakasala, Tirur Betel vine, Central Travancore Jaggery and Chengalikodan Nendran, a banana variety.

2. Aadhaar number mandatory for subsidies: Centre http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/Aadhaar-number-mandatory-for-

subsidies-Centre/article17280574.ece

Category: Indian Economy

Topic: Government Policy, Subsidies

Key Points: The Consumer Affairs and Food Ministry issued a notification recently

declaring that proof of possession of ‘Aadhaar’ number will be mandatory to avail oneself of the subsidised food grains or cash transfer of food subsidy under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

The notification under the Aadhaar Act requires individual beneficiaries having ration cards to furnish proof of possession of Aadhaar number or undergo Aadhaar authentication to receive subsidies.

This condition will also be applicable for all new beneficiaries.

3. Centre to send experts to expedite talks at WTO http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-business/Centre-to-send-experts-to-

expedite-talks-at-WTO/article17280434.ece

Category: Indian Economy

Topic: International Trade

Key Points: The Centre will send an expert team to the World Trade Organisation

headquarters in Geneva next month. This would be done to ensure that negotiations on food security issues and

the proposed global services pact are expedited.

D. GS4 Related

E. Important Editorials

The Hindu

1. Bowing down to patriarchy http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/Bowing-down-to-

patriarchy/article17278836.ece

Category: Polity and Governance

Topic: Center-State Relations

Key Points: It is unfortunate that the Nagaland government, after initial steadfastness to

hold the long-delayed urban local body polls on February 1, declared the elections as “null and void” after some tribal bodies, opposed to reservations for women, sought to disrupt the process.

The fact that a substantial number of towns participated in the elections despite a bandh called by the tribal bodies reflects public support for affirmative action as mandated by the 74th Amendment to the Constitution.

Constitutional Position Article 371A of the Constitution secures a special status for Nagaland. But, importantly, as civil society groups striving for reservation have argued, it is important

to note that urban local bodies are not part of traditional Naga society, and ULBs are constitutional bodies to which customary Naga laws cannot be applied.

In conclusion, civil society and women’s groups now have their work cut out in realising their just demand for electoral representation.

Economic Times

1. Budget’s welcome boost for real estate http://blogs.economictimes.indiatimes.com/et-editorials/budgets-welcome-boost-for-real-

estate/

Category: Indian Economy

Topic: Government Policy

Key Points: It is a welcome move that the Budget proposes several measures to rationalise tax and boost

transparency in the policy-challenged real estate sector. It is important to note that abroad, in the mature markets, real estate accounts for almost half the

GDP growth; the like figure for real estate activity here is far smaller.

Thus, clearly, there is much potential for growth in the sector.

Specific Observations

The Budget seeks to shift the indexation base year from 1981 to 2001for the levy of capital gains

tax on land and real estate. It has been suggested that this was long overdue. Additionally, infrastructure status for affordable housing and its broader categorisation are both

moves in the right direction of reform. Furthermore, removal of the tax on notional rental income for one year, from the date of issue of

completion certificate, would allow real estate developers to liquidate inventory and avoid

additional tax burden.

Concluding Remarks

The way ahead is to frame concrete rules under the Real Estate Act, 2016, and also revamp

regulatory oversight across jurisdictions.

We do need to systematically shore up resource allocation for housing and real estate nationally.

PIB

1. India-UK Deal to Allow More Flights to Boost Tourism and

Trade for Global India & Britain

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=158345

Category: International Relations

Topic: Bilateral Agreements

Key Points:

India and the UK signed a MoU to ease restrictions on the number of scheduled flights between

the two countries, following successful talks in India this week. Limits on flights from key Indian

cities including Chennai and Kolkata have been scrapped, allowing for a greater range of flights

for passengers while providing a boost to trade and tourism for the UK and India. Building new

li ks ith i porta t tradi g part ers is a key part of the go er e t’s pla s for a Global Britai , opening up new export markets and creating jobs and economic growth. The agreement also

opened all destinations in the UK for Indian carriers for code share flights, and reciprocally the

UK carriers can also operate code share flights to any International Airport in India, through

domestic code share arrangements.

Tourism from India makes an important contribution to the UK economy. In 2015, there were

422,000 visits from India to the UK, bringing more than £433 million to the economy.

India is a rapidly expanding and important market for aviation and the agreement signed today

will allow airlines to develop new services and air routes. The final decision on additional flights

between the UK and India is a commercial one for airlines.

F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn: 1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn

Article 371A

National Food Security Act (NFSA)

Defence Technology Trade Initiative (DTTI)

2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS

BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGANISATIONS

IN NEWS

Links to Refer

India Innovation Index: A joint

initiative of NITI Aayog, DIPP

and CII

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=157941

3. Tags

Article 371A

National Food Security Act (NFSA)

Defence Technology Trade Initiative (DTTI)

Practice Questions

Date: 10

th February, 2017

Category: Polity and Governance

Topic: Significant Provisions Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

1] Consider the following statements,

1] Article 371A of the Constitution secures a special status for Nagaland.

2] The 74th Amendment of the Constitution of India, gives constitutional status to the municipalities

and has brought them under the purview of judicial review.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 Only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans c)

Date: 10th February, 2017

Category: Indian Economy

Topic: IPR, GI Tags Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

2] Consider the following statements,

1] Vazhakulam Pineapple is a product from Kerala with GI registration.

2] Nilambur teak, which is internationally known for its superior quality and elegant appearance, will soon be added to the list of Kerala produces with the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 Only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans c)

Date: 10th February, 2017

Category: Geography

Topic: World Physiography Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

3] Consider the following statements,

1] The Great Lakes are the largest surface freshwater system on the Earth.

2] The names of the five Great Lakes are Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie

and Lake Ontario.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 Only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans c)

Date: 10th February, 2017

Category: Geography

Topic: World Climatology Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

4] Consider the following statements,

1] Chinook is a warm, dry, gusty, westerly wind.

2] The Chinook wind is referred to as the "Snow Eater" for its ability to erase a blanket of winter

snow in a matter of days.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

a) 1 Only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans d)

Date: 10th February, 2017

Category: Indian Economy

Topic: National Income Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

5] The average income of the country is which among the following?

a. Per capita income

b. Disposable income

c. Inflation rate

d. Real national income

Ans a)

Current News Analysis

11-02-2017

A. GS1 Related

1. GS2 Related 1. Chi a uoya t after Tru p’s U-turn

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/China-buoyant-after-

Trump%E2%80%99s-U-turn/article17286138.ece

Category: International Relations

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

Key Points: Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed the one-China policy

during a telephone conversation with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. This development has cleared the air for a substantive dialogue between

Washington and Beijing . It is important to note that China had been angered by earlier remarks by Mr.

Trump, questioning Beijing’s sovereignty over Taiwan under the one-China principle.

What is the 'One China' policy? It is the diplomatic acknowledgement of China's position that there is only

one Chinese government. Under the policy, the US recognises and has formal ties with China rather

than the island of Taiwan.

2. Judiciary keeps U.S. President on a tight leash http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/Judiciary-keeps-U.S.-President-on-a-

tight-leash/article17286149.ece

Category: International Relations

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

Key Points: While asserting the judicial power to review decisions made by the executive on

national security matters, a U.S. appeals court upheld a nation-wide stay on the travel ban imposed by the Trump administration on people from seven Muslim-majority countries.

Mr. Trump tweeted in full capitals, in response to the order: “See you in court.”

Background:

Trump's original order, which he called a national security measure, barred

people from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering

for 90 days and all refugees for 120 days, except refugees from Syria, who were

banned indefinitely.

The abrupt implementation of the order plunged the immigration system into

chaos.

It also sparked a wave of criticism from targeted countries, Western allies and

some of America's leading corporations, especially technology firms.

3. India in talks with U.S. on H-1B issue, says Prasad

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-business/India-in-talks-with-U.S.-on-H-1B-issue-

says-Prasad/article17286096.ece

Category: International Relations

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

Key Points: In an important development, Electronics and Information Technology

Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Friday said the government is in talks with the Trump administration on the H-1B visa issue and is hopeful of finding a solution soon.

Indian Context

India's information technology sector is valued at $150 billion. This sector is led by Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys Ltd and Wipro Ltd,

who use the H-1B visas to fly engineers and developers to service clients in the US, their biggest market, but opponents say they are using the visas to replace US workers.

C.GS3 Related

1. A shot in the arm for defence acquisition http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/A-shot-in-the-arm-for-defence-

acquisition/article17285478.ece

Category: Indian Economy

Topic: Defence

Key Points: The government plans to set up a Defence Procurement Organisation (DPO).

This effort by the government is seen as an initiative to integrate and streamline the long and arduous process of defence acquisitions.

It has been suggested that the aim of this initiative is not to create another bureaucracy.

The DPO will be a vertical under the Defence Ministry and the philosophy is to integrate the processes.

Increased Financial Powers: In an effort to shorten the procurement cycle, the Cabinet Committee on

Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister, has recently increased the financial powers of the Defence Minister.

In the past, the Defence Minister was entitled to clear deals up to Rs. 500 crore, which has now gone up to Rs. 2,000 crore.

Jointly, the Finance Minister, the Defence Minister can approve projects up to Rs. 3,000 crore, up from the earlier Rs. 1,000 crore.

The Defence Secretary too has now been given financial powers upto Rs. 500 crore to clear deals.

Impact of this decision This ensures that a major chunk of the procurements are approved within the

Ministries. About 70% of the deals by number are below Rs. 3,000 crore. So now only deals of Rs. 3,000 crore and above would go to the CCS for

approval.

D. GS4 Related

E. Important Editorials

The Hindu

1. Israel’s o ti ui g la d gra

http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/Israel%E2%80%99s-continuing-land-

grab/article17284852.ece

Category: International Relations

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

Key Points: Recently, Israel has passed the controversial “Regularization Law”, which will

allow the forced and retroactive expropriation of Palestinian private lands in the West Bank on which Jewish settlements were established.

It has been alleged that this legislation flies in the face of international law and norms.

The legislation allows the Israeli government to expropriate private Palestinian land if the land-owners are unknown. If known, they will be compensated in cash or kind.

Role of Judiciary This legislation, can be overturned by the judiciary. Israel’s Attorney-General has said he wouldn’t defend the bill in the high court as

it is “unconstitutional and violates international law”. However, this is unlikely to stop the ideology-driven settler movement and the

government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from taking more Palestinian land.

Despite frequent international criticism, successive governments have thrown their weight behind the settlement lobby.

Concluding Remarks

Although, Israel still says it is committed to the two-state solution, how will the two-state solution stay relevant if it continues to grab Palestinian land where an independent Palestinian state is supposed to come up?

Economic Times

1. Food revolution: Indian packaged food has a global potential http://blogs.economictimes.indiatimes.com/et-editorials/food-revolution-indian-packaged-

food-has-a-global-potential/

Category: Indian Economy

Topic: Government Policy

Key Points: India’s traditional snacks, are making huge inroads and even poised to overtake western

ones, in the country’s packaged foods market.

The Market Context

Ready-to-cook foods are gaining ground in urban India, as double-income families look for quality and convenience.

The likes of ITC and Amul have the muscle and the entrepreneurial energy to brand them and market them around the world, even as a large number of smaller companies cater to the demand from the desi diaspora.

Indian food remains relatively untapped terrain for startups. Globally present Indian food would not just add to India’s soft power but also enrich the Indian farmer and grow a vast food-processing industry.

Concluding Remarks

India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions permit diverse crops, to each of which considerable value can be added, with a step-up in technology, as compared to traditional method of processing.

With support from the food regulator to ensure quality and traceability, continuous power supply to run cold storages and food processing plants in rural areas, and good roads for transporting rural produce fast to urban markets and ports for exports, there is no reason why India’s food processing industry should not produce a global champion.

PIB

1. Harnessing Solar Energy is crucial, says President

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=158379

Category: Environment and Ecology

Topic: Renewable Energy

Key Points:

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the first phase of a Solarization Project in the President’s Estate, under which 670 KW of solar power will be generated through rooftop solar panels installed on seven buildings in the President’s Estate.

Depletion of energy resources poses a serious challenge particularly for future generations. He stated that India has signed the Paris Climate Change Agreement and has committed that

by 2030, at least 40% of its electricity will be generated from non-fossil sources. He said that harnessing solar energy is crucial in this context. India has a target of reaching upto 100 GW of solar power generation by the year 2022. Thus, enhancing the capacity of solar power generation in the country becomes even more

important to fulfill this commitment. He was happy that the President’s Secretariat has taken efforts in this direction.

2. The Union Minister For Science & Technology And Earth

Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan released Braille Atlas for Visually

Impaired http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=158369

Category: Science and Technology

Topic: Developments

Key Points:

The Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan released the Special Edition of “Atlas for Visually Impaired (India)” in English Braille in New Delhi. This Braille Atlas has been prepared by National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO) under Department of Science & Technology.

The Minister expressed happiness at the production of these Atlases. He said these atlases will be distributed to various schools across the country for educating the students with visual challenges.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that all departments of Government will work to implement this. Efforts are being made to make these atlases more cost effective than the current price of Rs.600/- per atlas with 20 maps now. Silk screen printing used to prepare these atlases is unique to India, he added.

In the Braille Atlas, maps are raised and embossed with simple lines and point symbols to facilitate its users to realize the location and area coverage easily distinguishable in terms of shapes and textures. The legend and reference is placed on the map in Braille script to navigate the map. About 20 maps on different themes of physical, socio-economic and cultural aspects such as river system, natural vegetation, Metropolitan cities, Roads and Railways, Food crops and cash crops have been incorporated in the atlas with write-ups on every map as ready reference. This Atlas has been bestowed with National award for S&T

intervention in empowering the physically challenged by the Prime Minister on 3rd January, 2017 in Indian Science Congress held in Tirupati.

NATMO has recently walked ahead to prepare Braille atlases for visually impaired persons. NATMO’s long effort from metallic tactile maps to silk-screen printing technology to prepare a full volume of atlas is perhaps unique in the World. NATMO’s aim is to transmit scientific information in the form of maps and atlases in a cost-effective manner, as more than 50 lakh visually challenged citizens of our country are mainly from low-income group. Till date their knowledge is constrained within books and literatures. Enriched with this experience, they will be able to understand the Indian geographical contours and will be empowered with wealth of knowledge.

National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO) is the premier agency of applied Geo-Spatial technology and pioneer in Thematic Mapping and Atlas Cartography under Department of Science & Technology(Ministry of Science & Technology) engaged in preparing different thematic maps and atlases and other documents on national, state, district, block level and many other monograms. The contribution made by NATMO in developing the thematic maps/ data is being regularly used by the decision makers in the entire country at districts and sub-divisions levels for implementing the developmental schemes as well as by the researchers, students and common people.

F. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn: 1. Concepts-in-News: Related Concepts to Revise/Learn

National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO)

Regularization Law

Defence Procurement Organisation (DPO)

2. BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGS IN NEWS

BILLS/ACTS/SCHEMES/ORGANISATIONS

IN NEWS

Links to Refer

India Innovation Index: A joint

initiative of NITI Aayog, DIPP

and CII

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=157941

3. Tags

National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO)

Regularization Law

Defence Procurement Organisation (DPO)

Practice Questions

Date: 11

th February, 2017

Category: Science and Technology

Topic: Developments Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

1] Consider the following statements regarding ‘Braille Atlas’ which was recently in the news.

1] Braille Atlas has been prepared by National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO) under Department of Science & Technology.

2] In the Braille Atlas, maps are raised and embossed with simple lines and point symbols to

facilitate its users to realize the location and area coverage easily distinguishable in terms of shapes

and textures.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 Only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans c) Both the statements are correct. Braille Atlas has been prepared by National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO) under Department of Science & Technology. In the atlas, maps are raised and embossed with simple lines and point symbols to facilitate its users to realize the location and area coverage.

Date: 11th February, 2017

Category: Science and Technology

Topic: Developments Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

2] Consider the following statements,

1] National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO) is the premier agency of applied Geo-Spatial technology and pioneer in Thematic Mapping and Atlas Cartography under Department of Science & Technology(Ministry of Science & Technology) 2] This organization is engaged in preparing different thematic maps and atlases and other documents on national, state, district, block level and many other monograms.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 Only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans c) Both the statements are correct. National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO) is the premier agency of applied Geo-Spatial technology. This organization is engaged in preparing different thematic maps and atlases and other documents on national, state, district, block level and many other monograms.

Date: 11th February, 2017

Category: Geography

Topic: World Geography Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

3] Consider the following statements,

1] Taiwan sits on the most volcanically active part of the world, the Rim of Fire, so earthquakes occur

frequently. 2] Taiwan is surrounded by the East China Sea to the north, the Pacific Ocean (Philippine Sea) to the east, South China Sea to the south and the Taiwan Strait to the west.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

a) 1 Only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans d) The Rim of Fire is the most volcanically active part of the world. Taiwan sits on the Rim of Fire. Taiwan is surrounded by the East China Sea to the north, the Pacific Ocean (Philippine Sea) to the east, South China Sea to the south and the Taiwan Strait to the west.

Date: 11th February, 2017

Category: Geography

Topic: World Geography Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

4] ‘Gaza Strip’ occurs frequently in the news. Where is this place located?

a) Middle East

b) South-East Asia

c) Central Asia

d) Western Europe

Ans a) The Gaza Strip or simply Gaza, is a small Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the

Mediterranean Sea.

Date: 11th February, 2017

Category: History

Topic: Modern Indian History

Source: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Type: Factual

5] Consider the following statements,

1] The ‘Fairy Queen’, is the oldest surviving functional steam engine in the world. 2] The first commercial passenger train in India was from Bombay to Thane.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

a) 1 Only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans d) Both the statements are correct.

The ‘Fairy Queen’, is the oldest surviving functional steam engine in the world. This train, is a

great attraction among steam engine lovers across the globe. The first commercial passenger

train in India was from Bombay to Thane.