steel frame of india an initiative of officers ias academy...
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Steel frame of India – An Initiative of Officers IAS Academy
Current Affairs of January Month
S.No Topics Pg.No
General Studies I
Art & Culture
1 4th National DHARMA – DHAMMA conference 5
2 Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav 5
3 Bharat Parv 6
Geography
4 EL – NINO 7
Women Issues
5 INVS Tarini 8
General Studies II
Governance
6 Central Water Commission 9
7 Anti-Torture Law 11
8 CPCSEA 12
9 E-Sansad and e-Vidhan 12
10 EC panel to suggest changes to model code 13
11 Monuments Bill 14
12 Haj subsidies to end 15
13 Khap Panchayats 16
14 Accessible India Campaign 17
15 New Chief Election Commissioner appointed 18
16 National Medical Commission Bill, 2017 19
17 Maharashtra govt rolls out 1% reservation for orphans 21
18 Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill , 2017 22
19 Malimath Committee report 22
20 National Council For Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill 24
21 Plea to exclude SC/ST creamy layer from quota 24
22 Khelo India 25
23 Quota for Acid Attack Survivors, People With Disabilities. 26
24 Source of Data on Children’s Learning (Elementary Education) 27
Government Policies
25 Arunachal declared open defecation-free State 28
26 Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) 29
27 Food poisoning one of the commonest outbreaks 30
28 UIDAI 30
29 Bharat Net 31
30 Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme 32
31 Operation Digital Board 33
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32 Global Initiative on Academic Network (GIAN) 34
33 Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) 35
34 NHFDC 36
35 Atal Pension Yojana (APY) 37
36 Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) 38
37 RISE 39
Health, Education, Hr
38 Gross Enrolment Ratio 40
39 2017 Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 41
40 Sample Registration System (SRS) 42
41 NPPA 44
42 Capacity building for primary health care 45
43 National Medical Commission Bill, 2017 46
44 INSPIRE Scheme 47
Indian Constitution
45 National Register of Citizens 48
46 Playing National Anthem at Cinema Halls Optional 49
47 ECI Recommends disqualification of 20 MLAs 50
48 National Voters’ Day 52
49 Constitute Mahanadi tribunal: Supreme Court 52
International Relations
50 National Knowledge Network (NKN) 54
51 Official languages of the UN 55
52 Indo-Myanmar agreement on land border crossing 55
53 “Special Watch List” 56
54 India-Myanmar international border 57
55 BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement 58
56 Vajra Prahar 59
57 Budapest Convention on cyber security 59
58 Raisina Dialogue 60
59 Australia Group 61
60 RCEP 62
61 Delhi Declaration 63
62 Global Centre for Cybersecurity 65
63 Ashgabat agreement 66
Polity
64 Electoral Bonds 66
65 All India Whips’ Conference 67
General Studies III
Agriculture
66 NABARD Bill 68
67 12 initiatives to rejuvenate Indian agriculture 69
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68 National Year of Millet 70
69 RKVY 71
70 National Agricultural Policy 72
Environment
71 Bio CNG plants 73
72 Discovery of new Balsams 73
73 Green Crackers 74
74 Mankidia denied habitat in Similipal 75
75 Ozone Recovery 76
76 Mangalajodi Ecotourism 77
77 Climate Resilient Agriculture 78
78 M-StrIPES 78
79 Protocol for Star Rating of Garbage-Free Cities 79
80 China releases Arctic Policy 80
Public Economy
81 Real Estate Act yet to Show Teeth 81
82 Capital Adequacy Ratio 82
83 Marketing of tribals goods 82
84 Zojila tunnel in J&K 83
85 7.75% Savings (Taxable) Bonds 84
86 Public Stock Holding 85
87 H1-B VISA 86
88 Income tax department and Online Chat Service 87
89 FOREX Reserves 87
90 AIIB 88
91 Sfoorti Application 89
92 SAKSHAM 2018 Campaign 89
93 Global Manufacturing Index 90
94 Green bonds and INDIA’S Inx 91
95 National Knowledge Network 92
96 Mini Meeting of WTO 93
97 Sensex and Nifty 93
98 World Future Energy Summit and ISA 94
99 Waste to Wealth 95
100 Corporate Data Portal and CSR Portal 96
101 Government names nine new smart cities 97
102 Bad Loans 98
103 Oxfam Inequality Report 98
104 Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership 99
105 Inclusive Development Index 100
106 Global index of talent competitiveness 100
107 Payments Bank 101
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108 Merchandise export incentive scheme (MEIS) 102
109 Floating market 103
110 UDAN 103
111 National Agricultural Policy 104
112 Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles 105
Internal Security
113 INS Arihant 107
114 Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) 108
118 Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Vikrant 108
119 Govt. to set up apex cyber crime coordination centre 109
Science and Technology
120 Unknown Microbes Identified in Space 110
121 Ancient jumping genes may give corals new lease of Life 111
122 Swine Flu 112
123 Typhoid conjugate vaccine 112
124 Boost to Gravitation Wave Study 113
125 Pratyush 114
126 James Webb Space Telescope 115
127 ISRO Launches Its 100th Satellite 116
128 Chandrayaan-2 117
129 Agni V 117
130 Kilo power Project 118
131 Parker Solar Probe 119
132 Remove DEBRIS 119
133 GOLD Mission 120
134 Scientists clone monkeys 121
135 Lamin B2 Protein 122
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General Studies I
Art & Culture
4th National DHARMA – DHAMMA conference
Why in news?
The 4th International Dharma-Dhamma Conference on “State and Social Order in Dharma-
Dhamma Traditions” was held at Rajgir in Nalanda district, Bihar.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
The event was organised as part of commemorative events to celebrate Silver Jubilee (25) year
of ASEAN-India Dialogue Partnership. (ASEAN: Association of Southeast Asian Nations).
The Conference was organised by Nalanda University, in collaboration with Centre for Study of
Religion and Society, India Foundation, Ministry of External Affairs and Vietnam Buddhist
University.
Its central theme was the ideal state and just social order based on dharmic principles.
The conference aimed to facilitate crosspollination of ideas and foster harmony at global level.
It also focused to explore shared values of dharmic traditions, which may provide the guiding
light to troubled world today. It was attended by 20-30 plenary speakers and around 60 papers
were presented by participants from 11 countries.
Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav
Why in news?
7th edition of RashtriyaSanskritiMahotsav (RSM) 2018 under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
programme was held in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
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FACTS FOR PRELIMS
RashtriyaSanskritiMahotsav aims to celebrate national integration and idea of unity in diversity
of country. It celebrates rich culture and heritageof India.
It aims to provide platform to bring together artists from each corner of country. It covers
events including art forms from classical and folk, music and dance, theatre to literature and
visual arts. It also showcases gallery of Indian art forms and tradition for the discerning
audience.
EK BHARAT SHREKSTHA BHARAT
It was launched by Prime Minister NarendraModi on EktaDiwas (31st October 2016) on the
occasion of birth anniversary of SardarVallabhBhai Patel.
Its objective is to
Strengthen cultural relations of various parts of country and to embolden mutual connection
between people dwelling in different states.
Strengthen sentiments for National Unity between the citizens of states and states governed by
union government by conducting various activities throughout the year under this campaign.
Showcase rich heritage and culture, customs and traditions of either State for enabling people
to understand and appreciate the diversity that is India, thus fostering a sense of common
identity.
Establish long-term engagements and create environment which promotes learning between
States by sharing best practices and experiences.
Bharat Parv
Why in news?
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Bharat Parv’ event being organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India at the
Red Fort, Delhi from 26th to 31st January, 2018 is generating a patriotic mood and
promoting the rich cultural diversity of the country.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
The Ministry of Tourism has been designated as the nodal Ministry for the event, the
highlights of which include Display of Republic Day Parade Tableaux, Performances by the
Armed Forces Bands (Static as well as dynamic), a Multi-Cuisine Food Court, Crafts Mela,
Cultural Performances from different regions of the country and Photo Exhibition by the
Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP).
The Cultural Performances include choreographed Folk/ Tribal Dances and Music arranged
through the North Zonal Cultural Centre as well as performances by cultural troupes from
the different States / UTs of the country.
The Food Court has stalls set up by the States/ UTs, National Association of Street
Vendors of India (NASVI) showcasing street food from different regions as well as by the
Institutes of Hotel Managements and ITDC.
The Crafts Mela with 50 stalls showcases the diverse handicrafts of the country, arranged
by the State Governments and Ministry of Textiles through the office of the Development
Commissioner of Handicrafts. T
here are Theme State Pavilions where each State is showcasing its strength along with its
tourism products. DAVP has set up an exhibition on the theme “Naya Bharat Hum
KarkeRahenge”. A live ‘Cookery Demonstration Area’ has been set up in the food court to
promote cuisines of different States of India.
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Geography
EL – NINO
Why in news?
Last year was the second or third warmest on record behind 2016, and the hottest without an
extra dose of heat caused by an El Niño event in the Pacific Ocean said the United Nations (UN).
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
EL NINO
El Niño is the name given to the occasional development of warm ocean surface waters along
the coast of Ecuador and Peru.
When this warming occurs the usual upwelling of cold, nutrient rich deep ocean water is
significantly reduced.
El Niño normally occurs around Christmas and usually lasts for a few weeks to a few months.
Sometimes an extremely warm event can develop that lasts for much longer time periods. In
the 1990s, strong El Niños developed in 1991 and lasted until 1995, and from fall 1997 to spring
1998.
In an El Niño year, air pressure drops over large areas of the central Pacific and along the coast
of South America.
The normal low pressure system is replaced by a weak high in the western Pacific (the southern
oscillation). This change in pressure pattern causes the trade winds to be reduced == Weak
Walker Cell. Sometimes Walker Cell might even get reversed.
This reduction allows the equatorial counter current (current along doldrums) to accumulate
warm ocean water along the coastlines of Peru and Ecuador.
EFFECTS
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The warmer waters had a devastating effect on marine life existing off the coast of Peru and
Ecuador.
Fish catches off the coast of South America were lower than in the normal year (Because there
is no upwelling).
Severe droughts occur in Australia, Indonesia, India and southern Africa.
Heavy rains in California, Ecuador, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Women Issues
INVS Tarini
Why in News?
Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini crossed Cape Horn, its designated point, early on Friday
morning, following which its all-woman crew hoisted the tricolor to mark their accomplishment.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Navika Sagar Parikrama
It is a project wherein a team of women officers of the Indian Navy would circumnavigate the
globe on an Indian-built sailboat INSV Tarini. This is the first ever Indian circumnavigation of the
globe by an all-women crew.
INSV Tarini is the sister vessel of INSV Mhadei. The project is considered essential towards
promoting Ocean Sailing activities in the Navy while depicting Government of India’s thrust for
‘Nari Shakti’.
General Studies II
Governance
Central Water Commission
Why in News?
Central Water Commission Receives CBIP ( Central Board of Irrigation and Power ) Special
Recognition Award 2018 for Excellence in Health & Safety of Large Dams.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
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Background
In recognition of the contribution made by the Central Water Commission (CWC) for promoting
the health and safety of large dams in India through the World Bank aided Dam Rehabilitation
and Improvement Project (DRIP), the CBIP Special Recognition Award 2018, Excellence in
Health & Safety of Large Dams was awarded to – Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project
(DRIP).
Central Water Commission
It is a premier technical Organization of India in the field of Water Resources and is presently
functioning as an attached office of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and
Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India.
The Commission is entrusted with the general responsibilities of initiating, coordinating and
furthering in consultation of the State Governments concerned, schemes for control,
conservation and utilization of water resources throughout the country, for purpose of Flood
Control, Irrigation, Navigation, Drinking Water Supply and Water Power Development. It also
undertakes the investigations, construction and execution of any such schemes as required.
DRIP
The Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) has been taken up with loan
assistance of the World Bank for rehabilitation and improvement of about 250 dams initially in
seven States (namely Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and
Uttarakhand) and institutional strengthening and project management in Central Water
Commission (CWC) and other Implementing Agencies.
DRIP also assists in the capacity building of the Implementing Agencies through national and
international training programmes in which about 3200 dam professionals have been trained
on various aspects of dam safety aspects.
The project consists of three components:
i)Rehabilitation and Improvement of dams
ii)Dam Safety Institutional Strengthening in participating States and CWC, and
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iii)Project Management.
Anti-Torture Law
Why in News?
India does not have a comprehensive Anti-torture law, The Law Commission in one of its
reports had suggested that India must hasten to bring in an anti-torture law and also submitted
a draft Prevention of Torture Bill, 2017.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
The Prevention of Torture Bill was introduced in 2010, the primary objective of the Bill was to
ratify the UN Convention against Torture of 1975. India is a signatory of the Convention but has
not enacted a law on torture which would enable it to ratify the Convention.
A few months ago, the court had sought the Centre’s response to a petition filed in public
interest by former Union Law Minister Ashwani Kumar, who complained about the delay in
India ratifying the UN Convention, which it had signed in 1997.
The petition had also favoured a standalone legislation to prohibit torture. The court disposed
of the matter without any direction after being informed that the matter was under serious
consideration.
Draft Prevention of Torture Bill, 2017
i)Definition of torture-Any public servant or an individual authorised by him indulges in an act
of torture if they inflict on another person: (i) grievous hurt, (ii) danger to life, limb, or health,
(iii) severe physical or mental pain, or (iv) death for the purpose of acquiring information or
punishment.
ii)Punishment-punishment for torture includes imprisonment up to 10 years and fine.
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iii)Protection for individuals- The Bill makes state governments responsible for protecting these
individuals.
iv)Compensation for torture: The Commission recommended amendments to the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1973 to allow for payment of compensation in case of torture.
v)Sovereign immunity: Sovereign immunity is the principle that the government is not
responsible for the actions of its agents (such as police forces). The Commission states that
courts have rejected this principle in various cases and therefore agents of the government
cannot engage in torture. The Commission reiterated that citizens are entitled to constitutional
rights such as the right to life and personal liberty.
CPCSEA
Why in News?
A one-day National Conference on Welfare of Laboratory Animals was organised by CPCSEA,
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, with the theme of “Implementation of
3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) while using animals in academic research and
regulatory testing in India” .
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
The conference deliberated upon elaborating the understanding of animal use in academics, as
well as regulatory testing and evaluating the use of alternatives, wherever animals can be
exempted from testing.
CPCSEA
The Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA)
is a statutory Committee, which is established under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960
The objective of CPCSEA is to ensure that animals are not subjected to unnecessary pains or
suffering before, during or after the performance of experiments on them. For this purpose,
under the delegated powers, the Committee formulated the ‘Breeding of and Experiments on
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Animals (Control and Supervision) Rules, 1998’ which were amended in 2001 and then in 2006,
to regulate the experimentation on animals.
E-Sansad and e-Vidhan
Why in News?
The 18th All India Whips’ Conference rolled out e-Sansad and e-Vidhan in Parliament and State
Legislatures to digitize and make their functioning paperless.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
About The Project
E-Sansad and e-Vidhan are mission mode projects of Government of India under Digital India,
to make the functioning of Parliament and State Legislatures paperless. Union Ministry of
Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) is the Nodal Ministry for implementation of both the projects.
Significance
i) It will improve participation, better legislation, demand more information from the
government and the depth of understanding will improve.
ii)With the availability of huge digital database, the legislation making process will improve.
iii)The grievance redressal of the citizens will also improve.
EC panel to suggest changes to model code
Why in News?
The Election Commission (EC) has set up a 14-member committee chaired by Deputy Election
Commissioner Umesh Sinha to suggest changes to Model Code of Conduct.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Terms of Reference of the Committee-
i)To suggest changes to Section 126 of the Representation of the People (RP) Act, which
prohibits poll campaign in the last 48 hours leading to voting, in the wake of media expansion.
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ii)To study the impact of new media and social media during the “silence period” and its
implication in view of Section 126 , and suggest changes to the model code of conduct (MCC)
accordingly.
iii)It has also been tasked to examine the difficulties faced in regulating media platforms during
the prohibitory 48 hours in a multi-phase election.
Representation Of Peoples Act, 1951
The Act contains provisions relating to the following electoral matters-
i)Qualifications and disqualifications to the Members of Parliament and State Legislatures.
ii)Notification of General Election
iii)Administrative machinery for the conduct of elections
iv)Registration of Political parties
v)Conduct of elections
vi)Free supply of certain material to candidates of recognised political parties.
vii)Disputes regarding elections
viii)Corrupt practices and electoral offence.
Model Code of Conduct
i)The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of
India to regulate the conduct of political parties and their candidates in the run-up to elections
and is aimed at ensuring free and fair elections. It is essentially “voluntary” and is not backed by
any law.
ii)Its primary purpose is to ensure that the ruling party does not misuse or use to its advantage
the government machinery for its election campaign purpose.
iii)The Code of Conduct comes into force immediately after the elections are announced by the
EC. It applies to political parties, their candidates and polling agents, the government in power
and all government employees.
iv)Even though the Code of Conduct does not have any statutory basis, the EC has the power to
disqualify a candidate if he/she violates the code.
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Monuments Bill
Why in News?
India and Myanmar are set to streamline the free movement of people within 16 km along their
borders.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
The formation of Myanmar as a separate State in 1935 and decolonisation of the sub-continent
in 1947 divided ethnic communities living along the Indo-Myanmar border.
These communities, particularly Nagas, found the newly created boundary to be inconsistent
with the traditional limits of the region they inhabited.
To address their concerns and enable greater interaction among them, the Indian and
Myanmarese governments established the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allowed
Nagas to travel 16 kilometers across the border on either side without any visa requirements.
Border Pass
India and Myanmar share an unfenced border of 1,643 km, touching Arunachal Pradesh (520
km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km) and Mizoram (510 km).
The Centre has asked the four states to distribute “border pass” to all the residents living within
16 km from the boundary line. It has also asked the respective state governments to enroll the
border residents under Aadhaar on the war footing.
Haj subsidies to end
Why in News?
Union Minister for Minority Affairs recently announced that the Centre would phase out
subsidies for the annual Haj pilgrimage.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
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Haj is one of the most complex organizational tasks undertaken by Government of India outside
its borders. Although a five-day religious congregation, it is virtually a year-long managerial
exercise. Indian Haj pilgrims who constitute one of the largest national group perform Haj
through two streams –
(i) the Haj Committee of India (HCOI), and
(ii) registered Private Tour Operators (PTOs).
HCOI established under the Haj Committee Act 2002 is responsible for making the
arrangements for pilgrims performing Haj through them.
Haj Subsidy
The responsibility for making air travel arrangements for Haj pilgrims identified by the Haj
Committee of India (HCoI) is with Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). The pilgrims deposit a fixed
amount decided on a year to year basis towards airfare to HCoI and the balance fare payable to
the Airlines is paid by MoCA as a subsidy to facilitate the Haj pilgrims.
The Supreme Court in 2012 had said that the Haj subsidy should be withdrawn gradually by
2022. The top court had ruled that Haj subsidy is not only unconstitutional but inconsistent with
the teachings of Quran.
Khap Panchayats
Why in News?
The Supreme Court recently stated that any collective attack by a khap panchayat on an adult
for choosing to marry the person of their choice is absolutely illegal and condemned.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
What are Khap Panchayats?
The “Khap” is an ancient concept, they are socio-political groups, which usually comprise of the
upper caste and elderly men from the Jat community, which are united by geography and caste.
They consolidate their position and power covering area comprising a cluster of villages and set
rules. These are social institutions are not sanctioned under the law and have no legal status.
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SC Judgement
The apex court asked Central Government to give its response on suggestions given by senior
advocate on ways to prevent harassment and killing of young couples in name of family honour
who opt for inter-caste marriages. It also issued a strict direction to the government to control
such attacks.
Accessible India Campaign
Why In News?
100 Accessible websites of various State Governments/UTs under Accessible India Campaign
were launched by the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Accessible Websites
Accessible Websites are those websites into which Persons with Disabilities can perceive,
understand, navigate, and interact with the Web, and that they can contribute to the Web.
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) initiated a Website
Accessibility Project for State Government/Union Territories under Accessible India Campaign
through ERNET India (nodal agency). It is an autonomous scientific society under the Ministry of
Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).
Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan
International Convention
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), to which India
is a signatory, casts obligations on the Governments for ensuring to PwDs accessibility to-
(a) Information
(b) Transportation
(c) Physical Environment
(d) Communication Technology
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(e) Accessibility to Services as well as emergency services.
In this direction, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DePWD), Ministry
of Social Justice & Empowerment has conceptualised the “Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya
Bharat Abhiyan)” as a nation-wide flagship campaign for achieving universal accessibility. It has
three components-
i)Built Environment Accessibility
ii)Transportation System Accessibility
iii)Information and Communication Eco-System Accessibility
NOTE4STUDENTS-
Incheon Strategy
Governments at the High-Level Inter-Governmental Meeting organized by the Govt. of the
Republic of Korea adopted the ministerial declaration and Incheon Strategy to “Make the Right
Real” for PwDs in Asia and Pacific.
The Incheon Strategy provides the Asian and Pacific Region, and the world’s the first set of
regionally agreed distinct – inclusive development goals.
Rights of Persons With Disabilities Act 2016
It comprehensively covers a whole spectrum of problems from physical disabilities to mental
illness and multiple disabilities under it. It complies with the UN Convention on Rights of
Persons with Disabilities, to which India became a signatory in 2007.
New Chief Election Commissioner appointed
Why in News?
The Union Law Ministry appointed the senior most election commissioner OP Rawat as the next
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Election Commission
It is a permanent and Independent body established by the constitution of India directly to
ensure free and fair elections in the country.
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Article 324 of the constitution provides that the power of superintendence, direction and the
control of elections to –
-Parliament
-state Legislature
-The Office of President
-The Office of Vice President shall be vested in the Election Commission,
Structure
As per the Constitution, the Election Commission shall consist of the Chief Election
Commissioner and such number of election commissioners as the President from time to time
fix.
NOTE4STUDENTS-Since 1993 the Election Commission has been functioning as a multi-member
body consisting of three election commissioners.
Appointment
The appointment of the CEC and other Election Commissioner shall be made by the President.
The conditions of service and tenure of office are determined by the President.
NOTE4STUDENTS-The CEC and the two other election commissioners have equal powers and
receive equal salary, allowances and other prerequisites which are similar to those of a judge of
the Supreme Court.
In case of difference of opinion within the body, the matter is decided by the Commission by a
majority.
Tenure
They hold office for a term of 6 yrs or until they attain the age of 65 yrs, whichever is earlier.
NOTE4STUDENTS- The Chief Election Commissioner is provided with the security of Tenure. He
cannot be removed from his office except in the same manner and on the same grounds as a
judge of the Supreme Court. Any other election commissioner or a regional commissioner
cannot be removed from office except on the recommendation of the CEC.
National Medical Commission Bill, 2017
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Why in News?
The National Medical Commission Bill, 2017 was introduced in Lok Sabha recently it seeks to
regulate medical education and practice in India.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
The Medical Council of India was established under the 1956 Act, to establish uniform
standards of higher education qualifications in medicine and regulating its practice.
A Committee was set up in 2016, under the NITI Aayog with Dr Arvind Panagariya as its chair, to
review the 1956 Act and recommend changes to improve medical education and the quality of
doctors in India. The Committee proposed that the Act be replaced by a new law, and also
proposed a draft Bill in August 2016.
Highlights of the Bill
i) National Medical Commission-The 2017 Bill sets up the National Medical Commission (NMC)
as an umbrella regulatory body with certain other bodies under it. The NMC will subsume the
MCI and will regulate the medical education and practice in India. The NMC will consist of 25
members, appointed by the central government.
Under the Bill, states will establish their respective State Medical Councils within three years.
These Councils will have a role similar to the NMC, at the state level.
ii)Conduct of medical entrance examinations-
a) National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET)- for admission to under-graduate medical
education in all medical institutions governed by the Bill. The NMC will specify the manner of
conducting common counselling for admission in all such medical institutions.
b) National Licentiate Examination- for the students graduating from medical institutions to
obtain the license for practice. This Examination will also serve as the basis for admission into
post-graduate courses at medical institutions.
iii)Autonomous Boards-
i)The Under-Graduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) and the Post-Graduate Medical
Education Board (PGMEB): These two bodies will be responsible for formulating standards,
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curriculum, guidelines, and granting recognition to medical qualifications at the under-graduate
and post-graduate levels respectively.
ii)The Medical Assessment and Rating Board: The Board will have the power to levy monetary
penalties on institutions which fail to maintain the minimum standards as laid down by the
UGMEB and the PGMEB. It will also grant permissions for establishing new medical colleges;
and
iii)The Ethics and Medical Registration Board: The Board will maintain a National Register of all
licensed medical practitioners, and regulate professional conduct. Only those included in the
Register will be allowed to practice as doctors.
Maharashtra govt rolls out 1% reservation for orphans
Why in News?
In an unprecedented move, the Maharashtra government announced a 1% reservation in the
open category for orphans in the state.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) in 2016 had passed a resolution stating
destitute orphaned children should be included in the central list of Other Backward Classes
(OBC) However; so far no concrete decision has been taken.
Parallel Reservation
Parallel reservation will be provided under the general category, which means the government
won’t need to increase its caste reservation quota that has already reached 52% in
Maharashtra.
Parallel reservation means – of the total jobs available under the general category, 1% will be
reserved only for orphans.
Rationale
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The historic decision is aimed at social and economic empowerment of such children. Officials,
however, clarified that children whose parents have passed away will not be considered as
orphans in this case; only children who have no idea who their parents were and what their
caste is will be covered under this reservation.
Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill , 2017
Why In News?
The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was passed by the Lok Sabha in 2017, if passed by
the Rajya Sabha it will extensively reform existing legislation on road safety.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Brasilia Declaration
The 2nd Global High-Level Conference on Road Safety ,hosted by the Government of Brazil in
2015 in Brasilia, Brazil, and co-sponsored by WHO -adopted the “Brasilia Declaration on Road
Safety” through which they agreed on ways to halve road traffic deaths by the end of this
decade – a key milestone within the new Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.6.
As a signatory towards the Brasilia Declaration on road safety , India has committed to reducing
by 2020 the number of road crash fatalities and serious injuries by 50% .
Highlights of the Bill
i)The Bill provides for a Motor Vehicle Accident Fund which would provide compulsory
insurance cover to all road users in India for certain types of accidents.
ii)The Bill also provides for-
(a) amending the existing categories of driver licensing,
(b) recall of vehicles in case of defects,
(c) protection of good Samaritans from any civil or criminal action, and
(d) an increase of penalties for several offences under the 1988 Act.
iii)Under the Act, the liability of the third party insurer for motor vehicle accidents is unlimited.
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iv)The Bill defines taxi aggregators, guidelines for which will be determined by the central
government.
Malimath Committee report Why in News? Union government is considering to revisit the Malimath Committee report on reforms in the criminal justice system. FACTS FOR PRELIMS What is Criminal Justice System? Criminal Justice refers to the agencies of government, charged with the function of enforcing law, adjudicating crime, and correcting criminal conduct. Components 1) Law Enforcement 2)Adjudication-Prosecutors ,Defence Lawyers , Courts 3)Corrections and Prisons Highlights of the Report- i)Inquisitorial system -The panel was in favour of borrowing features from the inquisitorial system of investigation, The committee recommended that courts be bestowed with powers to summon any person — whether or not listed as a witness — for examination, if it felt necessary. ii)Right to silence-The Committee suggested that the court be given freedom to question the accused to elicit information and draw an adverse inference against the accused in case the latter refuses to answer. iii)Police investigation-The Committee suggested hiving off the investigation wing from Law and Order. It also recommended setting up of a National Security Commission and State Security Commissions. iv)Public prosecution-It suggested that a new post, Director of Prosecution, be created in every State to facilitate effective coordination between the investigating and prosecuting officers under the guidance of the Advocate General.
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v)Courts and judges-The report submitted in 2003 pointed out the judge-population ratio in India is 10.5 per million population as against 50 judges per million population in many parts of the world. The ratio is 19.66 per million people as of 2017. vi)Witness protection-Committee batted for a strong witness protection mechanism – it said the judge should be ready to step in if the witness is harassed during cross-examination. vii)Sentencing-The Committee is in favour of a permanent Statutory Committee to prescribe sentencing guidelines. Pregnant women and women with a child below seven years can be kept under house arrest instead of being lodged in prison, keeping in mind the future life of the child. viii)Economic crimes-The Committee suggested that sentences in economic offences not run concurrently, but consecutively. A law has to be enacted to protect informers, it said. National Council For Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill Why in News? The National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was introduced by the Minister of Human Resource Development in the Lok Sabha. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background The Bill amends the National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993. The Act establishes the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). The NCTE plans and co-ordinates the development of the teacher education system throughout the country. It also ensures the maintenance of norms and standards in the teacher education system. Highlights of the Bill i) The Bill seeks to grant retrospective recognition to certain teacher education institutions. ii) The Bill also seeks to grant retrospective permission to start a new course or training in teacher education to institutions. NCTE Act 1993 The NCTE Act, 1993 enacted by Parliament aims to achieve planned and coordinated development of teacher education system, regulation and ensure proper maintenance of norms and standards. It has separate provisions for recognising teacher education courses and to lay down guidelines for compliance by recognized Institutions/Universities.
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Plea to exclude SC/ST creamy layer from quota Why in News? A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking exclusion of the creamy layer among Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes from getting any reservation benefit. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Background In 1992, a nine-judge Bench of the court in the IndraSawhney case, or the Mandal case upheld the caste-based reservation for the OBCs as valid. The court also said the creamy layer of the OBCs (those earning a specified income) should not get the benefits of reservation. The ruling, however, confined the exclusion of the creamy layer to the OBCs and not the SCs/STs. The recent petition wants the creamy layer of the SCs/STs excluded from the benefits. Rationale The petition argues that no class or caste remained homogeneously backward across time. Only the backward portion of castes included in the list of SCs/STs alone are constitutionally entitled to the benefits of reservation. It also stated that the benefits of the reservation policy are not percolating down to the people who are in actual need of them. Creamy Layer As per the Supreme courts Judgement the “creamy layer” among the OBC is excluded from the reservation benefits available to OBC. There are six categories to whom the exclusion will apply- i)Constitutional Posts ii)Service Category iii)Armed Forces including Paramilitary Forces iv)Professional Class and those engaged in Trade and Industry v)Property Owner vi)Income/Wealth Tax Payee NOTE 4 STUDENTS-In the last category the income ceiling has been recently raised from the limit of Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 8 lakh per annum for determining the creamy layer among the Other Backward Classes.
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Khelo India Why in news? Following the launch of Khelo India School Games earlier this month, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports today launched the PLEDGE for Khelo India at the Khelo India School Games Carnival in Delhi. FACTS FOR PRELIMS KHELO INDIA A program of central government for development of sports. Government has merged Rajiv Gandhi KhelAbhiyan (RGKA) with the Khelo India Programme. The RGKA was a centrally sponsored scheme launched by then Congress-led UPA government in 2014. Union Government also has merged two other sport projects launched by then UPA regime under Khelo India viz. Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme (USIS) and National Sports Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS) . Rajiv Gandhi KhelAbhiyan(RGKA): It was launched in place of erstwhile PanchayatYuvaKridaaurKhelAbhiyan (PYKKA). RGKA aimed at constructing sports complexes in each block and exclusively both for indoor and outdoor in different sports discipline for 5 years. PYKKA: It was a rural sports initiative introduced by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to promote youth and social development through sports. Quota for Acid Attack Survivors, People With Disabilities. Why in News? As per an official order, People with autism, mental illnesses, intellectual disability and victims of acid attacks will now get quota in central government jobs.
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FACTS FOR PRELIMS Key Facts According to the official order, In case of direct recruitment, four percent of the total number of vacancies, up from the existing three percent, in groups A, B and C shall be reserved for people with benchmark disabilities Benchmark disability means a person with not less than forty percent of a specified disability. The move to enhance reservation quota for those with learning disability and acid attack victims comes after passage of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the notification of relevant rules in this regard. Source of Data on Children’s Learning (Elementary Education) Why in News? Recently the ASER 2017 and National Achievement survey (NAS) were released. FACTS FOR PRELIMS National Achievement Survey (NAS) The Government of India through the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has been conducting National Achievement Surveys (NAS) for classes III, V and VII / VIII to provide information about the learning achievement of students at regular intervals. NAS is a representative sample of schools from all districts in India aimed at understanding the health of the education system in government and government-aided schools. Findings from the NAS will be used for formulating policies, planning and pedagogical interventions to improve student learning. It is not designed to assess the individual student performance. District Level Data In the recent report District level data has been made available. The inferences will be used to design Classroom interventions percolated to all the schools in the districts for implementation. Different Methodologies ASER NAS i)The survey is conducted by the NGO PRATHAM. ii)ASER is a household survey iii) ASER is aimed at a representative sample of all children (whether in school and attending or out of school)
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iv)Typically, ASER focusses mainly on foundational skills like reading and arithmetic i)It is conducted by the government , through the NCERT . ii)NAS is a pen-paper test. iii)NAS is a representative sample of children who are enrolled in government or aided schools. iv)NAS looks at a wider variety of skills
Government Policies
Arunachal declared open defecation-free State
Why in News?
Arunachal Pradesh became the second north-eastern state to be declared ODF (Open
Defecation Free), two years before their deadline.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
Arunachal Pradesh had undertaken ODF project under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) SBM
(G).
The State government also had launched Swachh Arunachal Mission on October 2, 2017, at
Tawang which envisaged Swachh Protocol (Cleanliness Protocol) aimed at ensuring
sustainability of assets created under SBM (G).
NOTE4STUDENTS-Arunachal Pradesh became the second state after Sikkim, and overall the
fifth, after Himachal Pradesh, Kerala and Haryana, to be declared an Open Defecation Free
(ODF) state
Swachch Bharat Mission
Swachh Bharat Mission is a massive mass movement that seeks to create a Clean India by 2019.
The mission will cover all rural and urban areas. The urban component of the mission will be
implemented by the Ministry of Urban Development, and the rural component by the Ministry
of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
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Swachch Bharat Abhiyan for Urban Areas
The programme includes the elimination of open defecation, conversion of unsanitary toilets to
pour-flush toilets, eradication of manual scavenging, municipal solid waste management and
bringing about a behavioural change in people regarding healthy sanitation practices.
Swachch Bharat Abhiyan for Rural Areas
The Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan has been restructured into the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin).
The mission aims to make India an open defecation free country in Five Years. It seeks to
improve the levels of cleanliness in rural areas through Solid and Liquid Waste Management
activities and making Gram Panchayats Open Defecation Free (ODF), clean and sanitised.
Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY)
Why in News?
The Cabinet also approved the construction of a new All India Institute of Medical Sciences
(AIIMS) in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana
(PMSSY).
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
The Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) under Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare aims at correcting the imbalances in the availability of affordable healthcare facilities in
the different parts of the country in general and augmenting facilities for quality medical
education in the under-served States in particular. The scheme was approved in March 2006.
Implementation
1st Phase
The first phase in the PMSSY has two components – setting up of six institutions in the line of
AIIMS; and upgradation of 13 existing Government medical college institutions.
2nd Phase
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In the second phase of PMSSY, the Government has approved the setting up of two more
AIIMS-like institutions, one each in the States of West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh and up-
gradation of six medical college institutions.
3rd Phase
In the third phase of PMSSY, it is proposed to upgrade certain existing medical college
institutions.
Food poisoning one of the commonest outbreaks
Why in News?
Recent data put out by the Union Health Ministry’s Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme
(IDSP) has indicated that food poisoning is one of the commonest outbreaks reported in 2017.
This is apart from acute diarrhoeal disease (ADD).
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
The Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP)
It is a disease surveillance scheme under the Ministry of Health and Family Affairs in India,
assisted by the World Bank. The scheme aims to strengthen disease surveillance for infectious
diseases to detect and respond to outbreaks quickly.
The scheme seeks to set up a Central Disease Surveillance Unit and a State Surveillance Unit in
each State where data is collected and analyzed. A large amount of data on disease reports are
collected in order to be able to identify the outbreak of a disease, identify its causes and take
corresponding preventive and responsive measures. An early warning system has been put in
place in order to take timely preventive steps.
Highlights of the Report
i)According to the data, 312 of the 1,649 outbreaks reported til the third week of December
2017 were due to ADD and 242 were due to food poisoning.
ii) The IDSP has interpreted that the incidence of ADD and food poisoning is high in places
where food is cooked in bulk, such as canteens, hostels and wedding venues.
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NOTE4STUDENTS- National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), is the nodal agency under the
Union Health Ministry that documents outbreaks and brings out data under its disease
surveillance programme.
UIDAI
Why in News?
Poor information security standards with the Unique Identification Authority of India’s (UIDAI)
enrollment infrastructure led to news of a massive data breach recently.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has registered an FIR for unauthorised
access to Aadhaar data, such as names and other demographic details, due to the misuse of the
grievance redressal facility at the office of the Surat district administration in Gujarat. The
breach came to light following a report in The Tribune that claimed an “agent” available on
WhatsApp facilitated access by a login ID and password to the particulars of any Aadhaar
number.
UIDAI
i)The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is a statutory authority established under
the provisions of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and
Services) Act, 2016 (“Aadhaar Act 2016”) by the Government of India, under the Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
ii)UIDAI was created with the objective to issue Unique Identification numbers (UID), named as
“Aadhaar”, to all residents of India.
iii)Under the Aadhaar Act 2016, UIDAI is responsible for Aadhaar enrolment and authentication,
including operation and management of all stages of Aadhaar life cycle, developing the policy,
procedure and system for issuing Aadhaar numbers to individuals and perform authentication
and also required to ensure the security of identity information and authentication records of
individuals.
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Bharat Net
Why in News?
The government has achieved a significant milestone under the BharatNet by completing
Phase-1 of the project by connecting over one lakh Gram Panchayats (GP) across the country
with high speed optical fibre network.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Bharat Net
It is a project of national importance to establish a highly scalable network infrastructure
accessible on a non-discriminatory basis, so as to provide on-demand, affordable broadband
connectivity of 2 Mbps to 20 Mbps for all households ,and on-demand capacity to all
institutions, to realise the vision of Digital India, in partnership with States and the private
sector.
The entire project is being funded by Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF),
Implementation
The project is a Centre-State collaborative project, with the States contributing free Rights of
Way for establishing the Optical Fibre Network. The three-phase implementation of the
BharatNet project is as follows-
i)The first phase envisages providing one lakh gram panchayats with broadband connectivity by
laying underground optic fibre cable (OFC) lines by December 2017.
ii)The second phase will provide connectivity to all 2,50,500 gram panchayats
iii)In the third phase from 2019 to 2023, state-of-the-art, future-proof network, including fibre
between districts and block etc will be created.
Universal Service Obligation Fund
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USOF was formed by the Central Government to help fund projects to boost connectivity in
rural areas. The money for this fund comes through a ‘Universal Access Levy,’ charged from the
telecom operators as a percentage of various licenses fees being paid by them.
Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme
Why In news?
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, has given its approval to continuation of Members
of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) till the term of the 14th Finance
Commission i.e. 31.03.2020
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
MPLAD
i)Under the scheme, each MP has the choice to suggest to the District Collector for works to the
tune of Rs.5 Crores per annum to be taken up in his/her constituency.
ii)The Rajya Sabha Members of Parliament can recommend works in one or more districts in the
State from where he/she has been elected.
iii)The Nominated Members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha may select any one or more
Districts from any one State in the Country for implementation of their choice of work under
the scheme.
Administration
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation is the administrative ministry for the
scheme at the Centre. At the level of States, each State and Union Territory designates one
nodal department for effective implementation of the scheme and coordination with the
Ministry at the Centre.
Operation Digital Board
Why in News?
The Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) recently passed a resolution to take steps
towards Operation Digital Board on the lines of Operation Blackboard of 1987.
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FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
Before 1976, education was the exclusive responsibility of the States. The Constitutional
Amendment of 1976, included education in the Concurrent List. The substantive, financial and
administrative implication required a new sharing of responsibility between the Union
Government and the States.
Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE)
CABE is the policy-making advisory body of the HRD Ministry. The committee has
representatives of central organisation, universities, state and bodies including planning
commission, NGOs and civic society.
Function
CABE plays a pivotal role in reviewing educational development, determining the changes
required to improve the system and monitoring implementation, and functions through
appropriate mechanisms created to ensure contact with, and coordination among, the various
areas of human resource development.
Structure
The CABE committee headed by HRD Minister is generally made for three years.
The Board consists of nominated members representing various interests in addition to elected
members from the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, and the representatives of the Government
of India, State Governments and UT Administrations.
Operation Blackboard
Operation Blackboard is a centrally sponsored programme which was started in 1987 to supply
the bare minimum crucial facilities to all primary schools in the country.
The objective of the scheme is providing students studying in primary settings with the
necessary institutional equipment and instructional material to facilitate their education.
Operation Digital Board
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The idea of Operation Digital Board is aimed at providing better digital education in all schools.
This will offer new opportunities and new ways of teaching and learning to schools.
Global Initiative on Academic Network (GIAN)
Why in News?
Shri Ratan P. Watal, Principal Adviser, NITI Aayog recently inaugurated the first GIAN course on
Sustainable Urban planning using remote sensing and GIS at Indian Institute of Technology
Kanpur’s outreach centre at Noida .
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
GIAN
Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) is a programme launched by the HRD Ministry
for Higher Education and is aimed at tapping the talent pool of scientists and entrepreneurs,
internationally to encourage their engagement with the institutes of Higher Education in India
so as to augment the country’s existing academic resources, accelerate the pace of quality
reform, and elevate India’s scientific and technological capacity to global excellence.
It facilitates the participation of high-quality international academicians for delivering short-
term courses and programs in Indian institutions.
About the course
The course on Sustainable Urban planning using remote sensing and Geographic Information
System (GIS), aims to give participants state-of-the-art remote sensing and GIS skills which will
allow them to rise to the challenge of managing the rapidly changing urban environment of
Indian cities. Furthermore, the course will pay particular attention to issues of water resource
management, water pollution and strategic emplacements for water treatment facilities.
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)
Why in News?
The Union Health Ministry recently stated that more than one crore antenatal check-ups have
been conducted under the ambitious PMSMA.
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FACTS FOR PRELIMS
About the programme
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) under the Ministry of Health and Social
welfare is aimed to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates through safe pregnancies and
safe deliveries.
About the Campaign
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) is a fixed day strategy, every month
across the country during which a range of quality maternal health services are envisaged to be
provided as part of Antenatal Care.
Under the campaign, a minimum package of antenatal care services is to be provided to the
beneficiaries on the 9th day of every month at the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Mattritav Clinics to
ensure that every pregnant woman receives at least one checkup in the 2nd/ 3rd trimester of
pregnancy.
Significance
India is poised to work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in
maternal and child healthcare. National health indicators like Infant Mortality Rate (IMR),
Maternal Maternity Rate (MMR), Total Fertility Rate (TFR) and under-five mortality are
declining faster than the world pace. Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) is a
step in the right direction and will greatly improve the quality and coverage of health facilities
NHFDC
Why In News?
A National Conference of the State channelizing Agencies, Public Sector Banks and Regional
Rural Banks of National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) was
recently held.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
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About NHFDC
National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) was set up by the
Department of Disability Affairs, in 1997 with the objective of serving as a catalyst in the
economic development of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) by helping them in setting up self-
employment projects.
The vision of NHFDC is to empower the Persons with Disabilities in order to break away from
the dependence on others and from the depressed economic and social conditions by engaging
themselves in productive ventures and thus help them to move up the social and economic
ladder with dignity and pride.
NHFDC functions as an apex financial institution of the country and provides financial
assistance, in the form of loans, for the wide range of income generating activities to eligible
Persons with Disabilities.
The fund is channelised through the State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) nominated by the
respective State/UT Government and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).
NHFDC also provides grants to its partner agencies and reputed training institutes to conduct
skill development programmes in various trades to help PwDs in self-employment.
Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
Why in News?
Payments Banks and Small Finance Banks are now allowed to sell Atal Pension Yojana (APY).
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
Atal Pension Yojana (APY), a pension scheme for unorganised sector workers such as personal
maids, drivers, gardeners etc, was launched in June 2015 by the government. This social
security scheme was introduced as a replacement to previous government’s Swavalamban
Yojana NPS.
About the Scheme
APY aims to help workers save money for their old age while they are working and guarantees
return post-retirement. The scheme also promises a co-contribution by Central Government of
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50% of the total prescribed contribution by a worker, up to Rs. 1000 per annum, but only to
those who joined APY before 31.12.2015. Further, this co-contribution would be made only for
5 years, from FY 2015-16 to 2019-20 in the eligible cases.
Eligibility
An Indian citizen
Have a valid bank account
Are between 18 and 40 years of age.
Benefits
i)It provides a guaranteed pension of Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 (as explained above) to the
subscribers.
ii)In case of death of subscriber, the spouse of the subscriber shall be entitled to the same
amount of pension till his or her death.
Restrictions
If the worker is a part of any other social security scheme and a taxpayer, then they are not
entitled to government contribution.
Schemes under the following enactments would not be eligible to receive Government co-
contribution:
Employees’ Provident Fund & Miscellaneous Provision Act, 1952.
The Coal Mines Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provision Act, 1948.
Assam Tea Plantation Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provision, 1955.
Seamens’ Provident Fund Act, 1966.
Jammu Kashmir Employees’ Provident Fund & Miscellaneous Provision Act, 1961.
Any other statutory social security scheme.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
Why In News?
The Union Water Resources Ministry has released central assistance amounting to Rs 734.7
crore for 26 irrigation projects.
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FACTS FOR PRELIMS
PMKSY
The major objective of the PMKSY is to-
i)Achieve convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level
ii)Expand cultivable area under assured irrigation (HarKhetkopani),
iii) Improve on-farm water use efficiency to reduce wastage of water,
iv)Enhance the adoption of precision-irrigation and other water saving technologies (More crop
per drop),
v)enhance recharge of aquifers
vi)introduce sustainable water conservation practices by exploring the feasibility of reusing
treated municipal based water for peri-urban agriculture and attract greater private investment
in precision irrigation system.
PMKSY has been formulated amalgamating ongoing schemes
i)Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) of the Ministry of Water Resources, River
Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (MoWR, RD&GR)
ii)Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) of Department of Land Resources
(DoLR)
iii)On-Farm Water Management (OFWM) of Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC).
RISE
Why in News?
A new initiative known as ‘RISE’ was announced by the Finance Minister as part of the Budget
2018.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
About the Scheme
RISE stands for Revitalising Infrastructure and Systems in Education.The initiative aims to step
up investments in research and related infrastructure in premier educational institutions,
including health institutions. It will have a total investment of ₹1,00,000-crore in the next four
years.
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The RISE scheme will be financed via a restructured higher education financing agency (HEFA)
that is functioning as a non-banking financial company. It aims to lend low-cost funds to
government higher educational institutions.
Rationale
HEFA was created to infuse fiscal discipline among government higher educational institutions
and allow them to raise money and pay back from their own income. In a way, Budget 2018’s
plan to expand HEFA will put in place a system where higher educational institutions will be
borrowing from a dedicated organization instead of depending on grant money for each of their
expenses.
Health, Education,HR
Gross Enrolment Ratio
Why in News?
The country’s Gross Enrolment Ratio or GER in higher education has registered an increase.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
What is GER?
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO), describes ‘Gross
Enrolment Ratio’ as the total enrolment within a country “in a specific level of education,
regardless of age, expressed as a percentage of the population in the official age group
corresponding to this level of education.”
All India Higher Education Survey (AIHES)
It is an annual web based survey conducted by the Ministry of Human Resource Development.
It aims to portray the status of Higher education in the country and includes all institutions
engaged in imparting Higher education in the country.
Highlights-
i)The country’s Gross Enrolment Ratio or GER in higher education has registered an increase
from 24.5% in 2015-16 to 25.2% in 2016-17.
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ii) Tamil Nadu has the highest GER in the country at 46.9%, which is higher than the national
average.
iii)Bihar’s poor show continues with just 14.9% of its eligible population (in the age group of 18
to 23 years) pursuing higher education.
iv) States in south India have higher college density, which is defined as the number of colleges
per lakh eligible population.
v) The college density in the top three states is 49 in Puducherry, 59 in Telangana and 53 in
Karnataka.
vi)There is a marginal improvement in the number of foreign students from 45,424 in 2015-16
to 47,575 in 2016-17, studying in the country.
vii)India has registered best performance in the Gender Parity Index last seven years — 0.94 in
2016-17 from 0.86 in 2010-11. GPI is calculated as the quotient of number of females by
number of males enrolled.
viii)In Seven states — Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, J&K, Nagaland, Sikkim and Kerala —
women in higher education have outnumbered men.
2017 Annual Status of Education Report (ASER)
Why in News?
The 2017 Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) by NGO Pratham was released recently.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
PRATHAM
It is one of the largest non-governmental organisations in India, It works towards the provision
of quality education to the underprivileged children in India.
ASER
Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), India’s largest NGO-run annual survey, has been
conducted by Pratham since 2005 to evaluate the relevance and impact of its programs.
Findings are disseminated at national, state, district and village levels, and influence education
policies at both state and central levels.
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Highlights of 2017 ASER
ACTIVITY
i) Overall, 86% of youth in the 14-18 age group are still within the formal education system,
either in school or in college.
ABILITY
ii) About 25% of this age group still cannot read basic text fluently in their own language.
iii)Even among youth in this age group who have completed eight years of schooling, a
significant proportion still lack foundational skills like reading and arithmetic
AWARENESS
iv) Mobile phone usage is widespread in the 14-18 age group. 73% of the young people had
used a mobile phone within the last week.
v)Girls and young women have far lower access to computer and internet as compared to boys.
While 49% of males have never used the internet, close to 76% of females have never done so.
vi)With respect to participation in financial processes and institutions, close to 75% youth have
their own bank account. Interestingly, a slightly higher percentage of females have bank
accounts than males in this age group.
Sample Registration System (SRS)
Why in News?
India posted its sharpest year-on-year decline in the under-5 infant mortality rate (u5) since
2010, according to figures from the Sample Registration Survey (SRS) .
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
There are four major sources of vital statistics in India, namely-(a) the Sample Registration
System (SRS),
(b) the Civil Registration System (CRS),
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(c) Indirect estimates from the decennial census and
(d) Indirect estimates from the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS)
Sample Registration System (SRS)
The SRS is the most regular source of demographic statistics in India. It is the largest
demographic survey in the country done by the Registrar General of India. It is based on a
system of dual recording of births and deaths in fairly representative sample units spread all
over the country. The SRS provides annual estimates of –
(a) population composition
(b) fertility
(c) mortality, and
(d) medical attention at the time of birth or death which give some idea about access to
medical care.
Child Mortality
i) The first 28 days of life is termed as neonatal period. Death during this period is termed as
neonatal mortality. Prematurity, infection and congenital anomalies are the main cause of
death in this period.
ii) From 28 days to 1 yr is infancy. Death during this period is termed as Infant Mortality.
Infection and malnutrition are the major causes of death during this period.
iii) Death during 1yr to 5 yr is termed as child mortality or under 5 mortality. Malnutrition,
infection, diarrhoeal disease are among the major causes of child mortality.
Highlights of 2016 Report
i)Tamil Nadu bridged the gender gap in under-five mortality rate.
ii)At the national level, the u5 varies from 43 in rural areas to 25 in urban areas and ranges from
11 in Kerala to 55 in Madhya Pradesh.
iii)India registered a significant 8% (3 points) decline in infant deaths per 1,000 live births (IMR)
over the previous year.
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iv)India also recorded a major drop in the birth cohort, which had for the first time come down
to below 25 million.
v)sex ratio at birth continued a steady decline that began in 2013 with only 898 girls for every
1,000 boys in 2016 compared to 909 girls for 1,000 boys in 2013.
NPPA
Why in news?
Drug price regulator National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed retail price for
30 drug formulations, including those used for treatment of diabetes, bacterial infections and
high blood pressure. The prices were fixed/revised under Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO),
2013.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
NPPA is independent body under Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and
Fertilizers. It was set up in 1997.
Its mandate is to fix/revise controlled bulk drugs prices and formulations, enforce prices and
availability of medicines under DPCO, 2013.
It also monitors prices of decontrolled drugs in order to keep them at reasonable levels. The
regulator implements and enforces the provisions of DPCO.
It is also entrusted with task of recovering amounts overcharged by manufacturers for
controlled drugs from consumers.
ESSENTIAL MEDICINES
Essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of the country’s
population. They are listed with reference to the levels of healthcare namely primary,
secondary and tertiary. They are generally based on the country’s disease burden, priority
health concerns, affordability concerns etc.
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In India, National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) formed in 2011 decides the essential
medicines. The list is prepared by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. NPPA fixes
ceiling price of essential medicines of Schedule I under DPCO 2013.
Capacity building for primary health care
Why in News?
The National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill 2017 provides for specific bridge course that may
be introduced, for Capacity building for primary health care
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Bridge Course For AYUSH
Section 49, Subsection 4 of NMC Bill 2017 proposes a joint sitting of the Commission, the
Central Council of Homoeopathy and the Central Council of Indian Medicine. This sitting may
decide on approving specific bridge course that may be introduced for the practitioners of
Homoeopathy and of Indian Systems of Medicine to enable them to prescribe such modern
medicines at such level as may be prescribed.
Arguments in Favour
i) The 2013 Shailaja Chandra report on the status of Indian medicine and folk healing,
commissioned by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, noted several instances in States
where National Rural Health Mission-recruited AYUSH physicians were the sole care providers
in PHCs and called for the appropriate skilling of this cadre to meet the demand for acute and
emergency care at the primary level.
ii)The 4th Common Review Mission Report 2010 of the National Health Mission reports the
utilisation of AYUSH physicians as medical officers in primary health centres (PHCs) in Assam,
Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand as a human resource
rationalisation strategy.
46
iii)National Health Policy (NHP) 2017 called for multi-dimensional mainstreaming of AYUSH
physicians.
Rationale
Urban-rural disparities in physician availability in the face of an increasing burden of chronic
diseases make health care in India both inequitable and expensive.
India’s primary health system is struggling with a below-par national physician-patient ratio
(0.76 per 1,000 populations, amongst the lowest in the world) due to a paucity of MBBS-trained
primary-care physicians and the unwillingness of existing MBBS-trained physicians to serve
remote/rural populations.
Therefore, there is an urgent need for a trained cadre to provide accessible primary-care
services.
National Medical Commission Bill, 2017
Why in News?
The National Medical Commission Bill, 2017 was introduced in Lok Sabha recently it seeks to
regulate medical education and practice in India.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
The Medical Council of India was established under the 1956 Act, to establish uniform
standards of higher education qualifications in medicine and regulating its practice.
A Committee was set up in 2016, under the NITI Aayog with Dr Arvind Panagariya as its chair, to
review the 1956 Act and recommend changes to improve medical education and the quality of
doctors in India. The Committee proposed that the Act be replaced by a new law, and also
proposed a draft Bill in August 2016.
Highlights of the Bill
i) National Medical Commission-The 2017 Bill sets up the National Medical Commission (NMC)
as an umbrella regulatory body with certain other bodies under it. The NMC will subsume the
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MCI and will regulate the medical education and practice in India. The NMC will consist of 25
members, appointed by the central government.
Under the Bill, states will establish their respective State Medical Councils within three years.
These Councils will have a role similar to the NMC, at the state level.
ii)Conduct of medical entrance examinations-
a) National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET)- for admission to under-graduate medical
education in all medical institutions governed by the Bill. The NMC will specify the manner of
conducting common counselling for admission in all such medical institutions.
b) National Licentiate Examination- for the students graduating from medical institutions to
obtain the license for practice. This Examination will also serve as the basis for admission into
post-graduate courses at medical institutions.
iii)Autonomous Boards-
i)The Under-Graduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) and the Post-Graduate Medical
Education Board (PGMEB): These two bodies will be responsible for formulating standards,
curriculum, guidelines, and granting recognition to medical qualifications at the under-graduate
and post-graduate levels respectively.
ii)The Medical Assessment and Rating Board: The Board will have the power to levy monetary
penalties on institutions which fail to maintain the minimum standards as laid down by the
UGMEB and the PGMEB. It will also grant permissions for establishing new medical colleges;
and
iii)The Ethics and Medical Registration Board: The Board will maintain a National Register of all
licensed medical practitioners, and regulate professional conduct. Only those included in the
Register will be allowed to practice as doctors.
INSPIRE Scheme
Why In News?
Concerns have been raised about the scholarship scheme launched to help young talented
scientists embark on independent research careers at Indian Labs.
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FACTS FOR PRELIMS
INSPIRE
“Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE)” is an innovative programme
sponsored and managed by the Department of Science & Technology for the attraction of
talent to Science.
INSPIRE has three components:
Scheme for Early Attraction of Talent (SEATS)
Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)
Assured Opportunity for Research Careers (AORC)
Objective
The basic objective of INSPIRE is to communicate to the youth of the country the excitements
of creative pursuit of science, attract talent to the study of science at an early age and thus
build the required critical human resource pool for strengthening and expanding the Science &
Technology system and R&D base.
IndianConstitution
National Register of Citizens
Why in News?
The first draft of an updated National Register of Citizens (NRC) for the State listed 1.90 crore
names out of the 3.29 crore applicants. The updated NRC was published at midnight on
December 31.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
Assam is the only State in the country that prepared an NRC in 1951 following the census of
that year and has become the first State to get the first draft of its own updated NRC. The NRC,
1951, is being updated in Assam with the names of applicants whose names appear in NRC,
1951, or any electoral rolls of the State up to midnight of March 24, 1971, and their
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descendants and all Indian citizens, including their children and descendants who have moved
to Assam post March 24, 1971.
Why was it necessary to bring out an NRC in Assam?
The NRC is being updated in Assam to detect Bangladeshi nationals, who may have illegally
entered the State after the midnight of March 24, 1971, the cut-off date. This date was
originally agreed to in the 1985 Assam Accord, signed between the then Rajiv Gandhi
government and the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU).
Assam Accord
The Assam Accord (1985) was a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) signed between
representatives of the Government of India and the leaders of the Assam Movement in New
Delhi on 15 August 1985.
Significance
The accord brought an end to the Assam Agitation and paved the way for the leaders of the
agitation to form a political party and form a government in the state of Assam soon after.
Key demands
i) All those foreigners who had entered Assam between 1951 and 1961 were to be given full
citizenship, including the right to vote.
Those who had done so after 1971 were to be deported.
ii)The entrants between 1961 and 1971 were to be denied voting rights for ten years but would
enjoy all other rights of citizenship.
iii)A parallel package for the economic development of Assam, including a second oil refinery, a
paper mill and an institute of technology, was also worked out.
iv)The central government also promised to provide ‘legislative and administrative safeguards
to protect the cultural, social, and linguistic identity and heritage’ of the Assamese people.
50
Playing National Anthem at Cinema Halls Optional
Why in News?
The Supreme Court modified its November 30, 2016, interim order and made it optional for
cinema halls to play the 52-second national anthem before every show.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
The Supreme Court has ruled that playing the national anthem before screening movies in
cinema halls is optional and not mandatory. The ruling modifies apex court’s earlier November
2016 order that made the playing of the national anthem in cinemas mandatory.
The Centre has also stated that it would set up an inter-ministerial committee to recommend
regulations for the presentation of the national anthem.The panel will also suggest changes in
the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, or in the Orders relating to the anthem
issued from time to time.
Constitutional Provisions
Article 51 (A)-It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to abide by the Constitution and
respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
Legislation
Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971:
It extends to the whole of India. It bans the insult to Indian National Flag and Constitution of
India. The act was legislated to prevent dishonour to National symbols which include the Indian
Constitution, National anthem and National Flag.
ECI Recommends disqualification of 20 MLAs
Why in News?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has recommended to the President that 20 Aam Aadmi
Party MLAs be disqualified on the office-of-profit charge.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
51
In 2015, Delhi Govt. had appointed 21 parliamentary secretaries to six Ministers. This post was
not exempted from the definition of “Office of Profit”. Delhi government then brought an
amendment to Delhi Members of Legislative Assembly (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1997,
to make the position of Parliamentary Secretary exempt from the definition of “Office of
Profit”. But the President refused to give his consent to the amendment.
Constitutional Provision
i)Article 102(1)(a) and Article 191(1)(a) – A person shall be disqualified as a member of
Parliament or of a Legislative Assembly/Council if he holds an “Office of Profit” under the
central or any state government (other than an office declared not to disqualify its holder by a
law passed by the Parliament or state legislature).
ii)Article 164 (1A)- It provides for limiting the number of Ministers in the State Cabinets to 15
percent of the total number of members of the State Legislative Assembly. The limit is 10% for
Delhi, owing to its special status.
NOTE4STUDENTS – A Parliament Secretary holds the rank of Minister of State.
Office of Profit
Office of profit’ is not defined in the Constitution. However, based on past judgments, the
Election Commission has noted five below tests for what constitutes an office of profit:
i)Whether the government makes the appointment
ii)Whether the government has the right to remove or dismiss the holder.
iii)Whether the government pays remuneration.
iv)What the functions of the holder are.
v) Does the government exercise any control over the performance of these functions?
Parliamentary Secretary
Parliamentary Secretary is a member of the Parliament in the Westminster system, who assists
a more senior minister.
52
The post has been created in several states now and then like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan
etc. However, various petitions in the High Court have challenged the appointment of
Parliament Secretary. At present, the posts do exist in various states such as Gujarat, Punjab
and Rajasthan.
National Voters’ Day
Why in News?
National Voters’ Day or Rashtriya Matdata Diwas is celebrated on January 25 every year.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
The day was first celebrated in 2011 to mark Election Commission’s Foundation Day. 25th Jan
2018 was the eighth National Voters’ Day (NVD) and was used to spread awareness among
voters regarding effective participation in the electoral process.
Election Commission
Through National Voters’ Day, the Election Commission’s objective is to increase enrolment of
voters, especially of the newly eligible ones.
The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for
administering election processes in the country and founded in 1950. It administers elections to
the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state legislatures and the offices of the President and Vice
President in India.
Significance
The significance of National Voters’ Day is to encourage more young voters to take part in the
political process. It is a day to celebrate the right to vote and vibrant democracy of India
SVEEP
To increase people’s participation in the electoral process, the Election Commission of India
adopted a Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation strategy in 2009 and it got
reflected in a range of policy initiatives, programmes and activities.
53
Constitute Mahanadi tribunal: Supreme Court
Why in News? The Supreme Court recently directed the Centre to set up a tribunal within a month to resolve the long-standing dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over the sharing of Mahanadi water. FACTS FOR PRELIMS Constitutional Provision Article 262-Provides for the adjudication of interstate water disputes. It makes two provisions- i)Parliament may by law provide for the adjudication of any disputes or complaint with respect to the distribution, and control of waters of any inter-state river and river valley. ii)Parliament may also provide that neither the supreme court nor any other court is to exercise jurisdiction in respect of any such dispute or complaint. NOTE4STUDENTS– despite the Provision of Article 262, the Supreme Court can adjudicate matters on Inter-state water disputes. This is possible when parties approach the apex court under Article 136 and Article 141. Article 136-The Supreme Court may, in its discretion, grant special leave to appeal from any judgment, decree, determination, sentence or order in any cause or matter passed or made by any court or tribunal in the territory of India. Article 141-It envisages the supremacy of the Supreme Court. It states that the law declared by the Supreme Court shall be binding on all courts within the territory of India. Legislation Under the Provision of Article 262, the Parliament has enacted 2 laws – i) River Boards Act (1956)-It provides for the establishment of River Boards for the regulation and development of inter-state river and river valleys. A River Board is established by the central government on the request of the state governments. ii) Inter-State Water Disputes Act-It empowers the central government to set up an ad hoc tribunal for the adjudication of a dispute between two or more states in relation to the waters of an inter-state river or river valley. a) Such a tribunal should have three members who should be judges of the supreme court or the high court and are appointed by the Chief Justice of India.
54
b) The government of India can appoint up to two assessors to assist the tribunal. c) After considering all the aspects as may be necessary, the tribunal gives its report to the government of India; if the riparian states or the government of India need any clarification, they can apply seeking such clarification from the tribunal within 90 days. d) The award is binding on the parties and it is deemed equivalent to an order or decree of the Supreme Court. The act also empowers the central government to make schemes and constitute an authority to implement the tribunal’s award. NOTE 4 STUDENTS-The Inter-State Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill 2017, has been introduced in the Lok Sabha. It seeks to set up a permanent water dispute tribunal. About Mahanadi i)The 858 Kilometers long Mahanadi river flows through the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha. ii)The major tributaries of Mahanadi are Seonath, Jonk, Hasdo, Mand, Ib, Ong, Tel etc. iii)The Mahanadi river empties into the Bay of Bengal via several channels near Paradeep iv)Hirakud Dam is built across the Mahanadi River, about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from Sambalpur n Odisha.
International Relations
National Knowledge Network (NKN)
Why in News?
India has excluded Pakistan from the list of SAARC member countries with which it will be
connecting its state-of-the art National Knowledge Network (NKN)
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
In March 2010, the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure (CCI) approved the establishment of
the National Knowledge Network (NKN) at an outlay of Rs 5990 Crore, to be implemented by
NIC over a period of 10 years.
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Establishing NKN is a significant step towards ushering in a knowledge revolution in the country
with connectivity to 1500+ institutions. NKN is intended to connect all the knowledge and
research institutions in the country using high bandwidth / low latency network.
About NKN
NKN is a multi-gigabit pan-India network which facilitates the development of India’s
communications infrastructure, stimulates research and creates next-generation applications
and services. It enables collaboration among researchers from different educational networks
such as TEIN4, GARUDA, CERN and Internet2. It also enables sharing of scientific databases and
remote access to advanced research facilities.
India has now decided to extend the NKN to the global research and education networks in six
South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation member states — Afghanistan, Bangladesh,
Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Pakistan is the only Saarc nation that has been left out
of this initiative.
Official languages of the UN
Why in News?
The External Affairs Ministry has stated that efforts are on to make Hindi one of the official
languages in the UN.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
i)There are six official languages of the UN. These are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian
and Spanish.
ii)These languages are used at meetings of various UN organs, particularly the General
Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, and the Security Council.
iii)The Charter of the United Nations, its 1945 constituent document, did not expressly provide
for official languages of the UN. The Charter was enacted in five languages (Chinese, French,
56
Russian, English, and Spanish) and provided (in Article 111) that the five texts are equally
authoritative.
iv)Recently efforts have been made to make languages like Hindi, Bengali, Portuguese, Turkish
etc official language.
Indo-Myanmar agreement on land border crossing
Why in News?
The Indian Cabinet approved an agreement between India and Myanmar on the land border
crossing.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
India has been engaging the Southeast Asian region through its “Act East” which is considered
as a more active approach relative to the Look East Policy of the 1990s. Myanmar is the only
Southeast Asian country with which India shares a land border. Though there are several
important aspects of the India-Myanmar relationship, one of these is the management of this
shared 1,643-kilometer border.
Highlights of the Agreement
According to the Indian government, the agreement was an “enabling arrangement for the
movement of people” across the India-Myanmar border, designed to –
i)Facilitate regulation and harmonization of the movement of people.
ii)Provide connectivity and enhance interaction between those from India’s northeastern states
and the people of Myanmar.
Indo-Myanmar Border
India shares a 1643 km long border with Myanmar, of which 171 km is not demarcated. The
northeast states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram share the border with
Myanmar. This border is manned jointly by the army and Assam Rifles.
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“Special Watch List”
Why in News?
The US has placed Pakistan on a ‘Special Watch List’ for “severe violations” of religious
freedom.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Special Watch List
The Special Watch List is for countries that engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious
freedom but may not rise to the level of the CPC. The Special Watch List designation is being
seen as a step below designating it as Country of Particular Concern, which would have
automatically kicked in economic and political sanctions.
Pakistan, notably, is the first ever country to be placed on this list, which is a new category
created by the Frank R Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016.
Countries of Particular Concern (CPC)
It is a designation by the United States Secretary of State (under authority delegated by the
President) of a nation guilty of particularly severe violations of religious freedom under the
International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA). The term “particularly severe violations of religious
freedom” means systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom.
Note4Students: Priority Watch List
“Priority Watch List” and “Watch List” countries are identified by the annual Special 301 Report.
They are judged by the USTR (Unites States Trade Representatives ) as having “serious
intellectual property rights deficiencies” that require increased USTR attention.
The US Trade Representative’s (USTR) office has once again placed India on the ‘priority watch’
list in the 2017 Special 301 report despite the country rolling out the National IPR Policy.
India-Myanmar international border
Why in News?
58
India and Myanmar are set to streamline the free movement of people within 16 km along their
borders.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
The formation of Myanmar as a separate State in 1935 and decolonisation of the sub-continent
in 1947 divided ethnic communities living along the Indo-Myanmar border.
These communities, particularly Nagas, found the newly created boundary to be inconsistent
with the traditional limits of the region they inhabited.
To address their concerns and enable greater interaction among them, the Indian and
Myanmarese governments established the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allowed
Nagas to travel 16 kilometers across the border on either side without any visa requirements.
Border Pass
India and Myanmar share an unfenced border of 1,643 km, touching Arunachal Pradesh (520
km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km) and Mizoram (510 km).
The Centre has asked the four states to distribute “border pass” to all the residents living within
16 km from the boundary line. It has also asked the respective state governments to enroll the
border residents under Aadhaar on the war footing.
BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement
Why in News?
Bangladesh, India and Nepal have given nod to operating procedures for movement of
passenger vehicles in the sub-region under Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) motor
vehicles agreement.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
59
For a seamless flow of passenger and cargo traffic in the region, BBIN motor vehicles agreement
(MVA) was signed by the transport ministers of the BBIN countries in Thimphu, Bhutan for the
‘Regulation of Passenger, Personal and Cargo Vehicular Traffic’ amongst them on June 15, 2015.
However, Bhutan could not ratify it later.
BBIN-MVA
The BBIN-MVA would enable seamless sub-regional connectivity, deeper integration on
economic issues and people-to-people contact between the member countries.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been providing technical, advisory, and financial
support to the BBIN MVA initiative as part of its assistance to the south Asia sub-regional
economic cooperation (SASEC) programme, a projects-based economic cooperation initiative
that brings together the BBIN countries, Maldives, Sri Lanka and more recently, Myanmar.
Vajra Prahar
Why in News?
India-US joint military exercise to be held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Seattle.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
About the Exercise
Vajra Prahar’ is an Indo-US Special Forces joint training exercise conducted alternately in India
and the US. Though the exercise began in 2010, there was a gap of three years between 2012
and 2015. The last edition was held in Jodhpur in March 2017.
Aim
The aim of the exercise is to promote military relations between the two countries by
enhancing interoperability and mutual exchange of tactics between Special Forces.
The objectives of the joint training are to share the best practices between the two armies and
to develop joint strategies by sharing the expertise of conducting operations in a counter-
insurgency and counter-terrorism environment.
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NOTE4STUDENTS – Other Joint Military Exercises with the USA
i) Yudh Abhyas – Focused On Specialized Drills And Procedures Involved In Counter Insurgency,
Counter Terrorist Operations In An Urban Environment.
ii)Malabar Exercise (India , Japan and USA)-Trilateral Naval Exercise.
Budapest Convention on cyber security
Why in News?
Officials said India was reconsidering its position on becoming a member of the Budapest
Convention because of the surge in cybercrime, especially after a push for digital India.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
About Budapest Convention
The Convention on Cybercrime, also known as the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime or the
Budapest Convention, is the first international treaty seeking to address Internet and computer
crime by harmonizing national laws, improving investigative techniques, and increasing
cooperation among nations.
It was drawn up by the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France, with the active participation of
the Council of Europe’s observer states Canada, Japan, South Africa and the United States.
It provides for the criminalisation of conduct, ranging from illegal access, data and systems
interference to computer-related fraud and child pornography, procedural law tools to make
the investigation of cybercrime and securing of e-evidence in relation to any crime more
effectively, and international police and judicial cooperation on cybercrime and e-evidence.
The Convention has 56 members, including the US and the UK
India’s Stand
Officials said India was reconsidering its position on becoming a member of the Budapest
Convention because of the surge in cybercrime, especially after a push for digital India.
61
The move, however, is being opposed by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) on the grounds that
sharing data with foreign law enforcement agencies infringes on national sovereignty and may
jeopardise the rights of individuals.
Raisina Dialogue
Why In News?
The 3rd edition of the Raisina Dialogue was recently held in New Delhi.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
About Raisina Dialogue
i) It is a multilateral conference committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the
global community. Every year, global leaders in policy, business, media and civil society are
hosted in New Delhi to discuss cooperation on a wide range of pertinent international policy
matters.
ii)The Dialogue is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion, involving heads of
state, cabinet ministers and local government officials, as well as major private sector
executives, members of the media and academics.
iii)The conference is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with the
Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs
iv). It is envisioned to be India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics. The
name of the conference comes from Raisina Hill which is the elevation in New Delhi where the
presidential palace of India, RashtrapatiBhavan is located.
THEME 2018- “Managing Disruptive Transitions: Ideas, Institutions and Idioms”
NOTE4STUDENTS-The Raisina Dialogue is organized on the lines of the Shangri-La Dialogue held
in Singapore.
The IISS Asia Security Summit: The Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) is a “Track One” inter-
governmental security forum held annually by an independent think tank, the International
62
Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) which is attended by defence ministers, permanent heads of
ministries and military chiefs of 28 Asia-Pacific states.
Australia Group
Why in News?
The Australia Group decided to admit India as its 43rd participant.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
About Australia Group
It is a multilateral export control regime (MECR) and an informal group of countries established
in 1985 (after the use of chemical weapons by Iraq in 1984) to help member countries to
identify those exports which need to be controlled so as not to contribute to the spread of
chemical and biological weapons.
Coordination among participant countries of Australia Group helps them to fulfil their
obligations under Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological and Toxin Weapons
Convention to the fullest extent possible. It now has 43 members.
NOTE4STUDENTS-China, Pakistan, Iran, North Korea are not members of Australia Group.
Significance
With its admission into Australia Group, India is now part of three of the four key export control
groups in the world dealing with non-proliferation. This includes-
i)Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), an informal and voluntary partnership among 35
countries that regulate trade in sensitive equipment and technology to ensure there is no
proliferation of missile and unmanned aerial vehicle technology capable of carrying payloads
above 500kg for more than 300km.
ii)Wassenaar Arrangement, which is also an informal grouping of 42 countries, exercising
control over the export of dual-use goods and technologies.
NSG, which controls the export of sensitive nuclear technologies and equipment, with the aim
of preventing nuclear weapons’ proliferation is only export control group that India is not part
63
of. The Membership to the Australia group control will boost India’s membership bid for the
Nuclear Suppliers Group which is being opposed by China.
RCEP
Why in News?
The 10-member ASEAN expressed hope that India would give an early consent to the Regional
Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
About RCEP
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a mega-regional economic
agreement being negotiated between the 10 ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations)
governments and their six FTA partners: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and South
Korea.
The stated goal of the negotiations is to “boost economic growth and equitable economic
development, advance economic cooperation and broaden and deepen integration in the
region through the RCEP,”
The RCEP aims to be the largest free-trade bloc in the world, covering about 3.5 billion people
and 30 percent of the world’s gross domestic product.
The proposed RCEP would cover almost every aspect of economy such as goods, services,
investment, economic and technical cooperation, intellectual property rights (IPR), rules of
origin and competition and dispute settlement.
India’s Stand
New Delhi is not comfortable with the ambitious dismantling of import tariffs being pushed for
by the ASEAN, especially as it would also mean allowing duty-free access to Chinese goods. The
Indian industry does not want the country to commit to high levels of liberalisation as it fears
that it could get out-priced in the domestic market.
64
India is also pushing for greater liberalization in services sectors, especially for easier movement
of its professionals to RCEP member countries. However, most countries are resisting any
ambitious deal in services under RCEP while insisting that India further expand its tariff
liberalisation offer on goods.
Delhi Declaration
Why In News?
Delhi Declaration of the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit marked the 25th Anniversary of
ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
THEME
The theme of the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations was “Shared Values,
Common Destiny” .
Highlights-
The parties agreed to
i) further strengthen and deepen the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership for mutual benefit,
across the whole spectrum of political-security, economic, socio-cultural and development
cooperation, through further strengthening of relevant institutional mechanisms.
ii) Continue to exert efforts and cooperate towards the full, effective and timely
implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace,
Progress and Shared Prosperity (2016-2020).
Political and Security Cooperation
iii)Strengthen maritime cooperation through existing relevant mechanisms includin the
Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) to address common challenges on maritime issues.
iv)Support the implementation of the Langkawi Declaration on the Global Movement of
Moderates to promote peace, security, upholding rule of law, sustainable and inclusive
development, equitable growth and social harmony.
v)Deepen cooperation in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, violent
extremism and radicalisation through information sharing, law enforcement cooperation and
65
capacity building under the existing ASEAN-led mechanisms such as ASEAN SOMTC+India
Consultation and the ADMM-Plus.
Economic Cooperation
vi) Further strengthen ASEAN-India economic relations, including through the full utilisation and
effective implementation of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area, and intensify efforts in 2018
toward the swift conclusion of RCEP.
Socio-Cultural Cooperation
vii)Cooperate on the promotion of the civilisational and historical links between ASEAN and
India by providing platforms for knowledge exchanges.
viii)intensify efforts to preserve, protect and restore cultural and historical symbols and
structures which are of mutual interest in reflecting the ASEAN-India cultural and historical
connection, including through India’s proposal on mapping inscriptions along the Mekong river
Connectivity
ix)Encourage the early completion of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project
and extend this Trilateral Highway to Cambodia, Lao PDR and Viet Nam.
Global Centre for Cybersecurity
Why in News?
In a bid to safeguard the world from hackers and growing data breaches, the World Economic
Forum (WEF) announced a new Global Centre for Cybersecurity.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
The cost of cybercrime to the global economy could go up to $500 billion annually, according to
experts. The World Economic Forum has recognized cybersecurity as one of the world’s most
critical risks.
Cyber breaches recorded by businesses are on the rise. In the last five years, these have almost
doubled to an average of 130 breaches per business in 2017.
Global Centre for Cybersecurity
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The aim of the centre is to establish the first global platform for governments, businesses,
experts and law enforcement agencies to collaborate on cybersecurity challenges
The centre will be based in Geneva, Switzerland, and will function as an autonomous
organization under the auspices of the World Economic Forum.
The centre will focus on the following aims:
Consolidating existing cybersecurity initiatives of the World Economic Forum
Establishing an independent library of cyber best practices
Helping partners to enhance knowledge on cybersecurity
Working towards an appropriate and agile regulatory framework on cybersecurity
Serving as a laboratory and early-warning think tank for future cybersecurity scenarios
WEF
The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the International
Organization for Public-Private Cooperation.
The Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape
global, regional and industry agendas.
It was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation and is headquartered in Geneva,
Switzerland. It is independent, impartial and not tied to any special interests.
Ashgabat agreement
Why in News?
India Has joined the Ashgabat agreement, which envisages setting up of an international
transport and transit corridor linking central Asia with the Persian Gulf.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
About the agreement
India has been admitted to Agreement on the Establishment of an International Transport and
Transit Corridor between Iran, Oman, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan which is termed as the
Ashgabat Agreement, it was signed on 25 April 2011.
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Ashgabat Agreement envisages facilitation of transit and transportation of goods between
Central Asia and the Persian Gulf. Accession to the Agreement would diversify India’s
connectivity options with Central Asia and have a positive influence on India’s trade and
commercial ties with the region.
It will complement India’s presence in Chabahar Port, INSTC as well as future accession to
Eurasian Economic Union.
Polity
Electoral Bonds
Why in News?
Union Finance Minister outlined the basic contours of the electoral bonds scheme announced
during the 2017 Budget, including their denominations, validity, and eligibility of the
purchasers.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
During the Budget presentation in February 2017, the Finance Minister had proposed that the
maximum amount of cash donation that a political party can receive be capped at ₹2,000 and
that parties be entitled to receive donations by cheque or digital mode, or through electoral
bonds.
About Electoral Bonds
i)An electoral bond is designed to be a bearer instrument like a Promissory Note .These bonds
will be issued by banks, which may be bought through cheque or electronic means .It can be
purchased by any citizen of India or a body incorporated in India.
ii)Every party that is registered under section 29A of the Representation of the Peoples Act,
1951 (43 of 1951) and has secured at least one percent of the votes polled in the most recent
Lok Sabha or State election will be allotted a verified account by the Election Commission of
India. Electoral bond transactions can be made only via this account.
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iii)The electoral bonds will not bear the name of the donor. The intention is to ensure that all
the donations made to a party will be accounted for in the balance sheets without exposing the
donor details to the public.
iv) donations would be tax deductible i.e A donor will get a deduction and the recipient or the
political party, will get tax exemption, provided returns are filed by the political party.
All India Whips’ Conference
Why in News?
18th All India Whips’ Conference, recently concluded in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Whip
Every Political Party, whether ruling or opposition has its own whip in the Parliament. He is
appointed by the Parliament to serve as an assistant floor leader.
He is charged with the responsibility of ensuring the attendance of his party members in large
numbers and securing their support in favour of or against a particular issue. He regulates and
monitors their behaviour in the parliament. The members are supposed to follow the directives
given by the whip; otherwise, disciplinary action can be taken.
NOTE4STUDENTS-The office of ‘whip’ is mentioned neither in the Constitution nor in the Rules
of the House nor in a parliamentary statute .It is based on the conventions of the Parliamentary
Government.
All India Whips Conference
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs organises All India Whips conference to establish suitable
links among the Whips of various political parties at the centre and the states, to discuss
matters of common interest and to strengthen the institution of Parliamentary democracy.
18th All India Whips’ Conference, gave Ten Recommendations for Efficient Functioning of
Parliament and State Legislatures.
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General Studies 3
Agriculture
NABARD Bill
Why in News?
Parliament recently passed the NABARD (Amendment ) Bill.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Bill 1981 provides for the
establishment of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). It is
responsible for providing and regulating facilities like credit for agricultural and industrial
development in the rural areas.
Amendments-
i) INCREASE IN CAPITAL –The Bill allows the central government to increase the capital from
5000 crores to Rs 30,000 crore. The capital may be increased to more than Rs 30,000 crore by
the central government in consultation with the RBI, if necessary.
ii) TRANSFER OF RBI SHARE TO THE GOVERNMENT –Under the 1981 Act, the central
government and the RBI together must hold at least 51% of the share capital of NABARD. The
Bill transfers the share capital held by the RBI and valued at Rs 20 crore to the central
government.
iii)ADDS MSME-The Bill replaces the terms ‘small-scale industry’ and ‘industry in the tiny and
decentralised sector’ with the terms ‘microenterprise’, ‘small enterprise’ and ‘medium
enterprise’ as defined in the MSME Development Act, 2006
iv) CONSISTENCY WITH COMPANIES ACT, 2013-The Bill substitutes references to provisions of
the Companies Act, 1956 under the NABARD Act, 1981, with references to the Companies Act,
2013. These include provisions that deal with: (i) definition of a government company, and (ii)
qualifications of auditors.
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12 Initiatives To Rejuvenate Indian Agriculture
Why in news?
Government initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal
Bima Yojana (PMFBY), e-NAM and Soil Health Cards are helping the farmers to improve
productivity and get better returns,The Vice President said.
The Vice President has outlined twelve initiatives that might help increase productivity and
generate adequate returns to farmers.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
PRADHAN MANTRI KRISHI SINCHAI YOJANA
The major objective of PMKSY is to achieve convergence of investments in irrigation at the field
level, expand cultivable area under assured irrigation, improve on-farm water use efficiency to
reduce wastage of water, enhance the adoption of precision-irrigation and other water saving
technologies (More crop per drop), enhance recharge of aquifers and introduce sustainable
water conservation practices by exploring the feasibility of reusing treated municipal waste
water for peri-urban agriculture and attract greater private investment in precision irrigation
system.
PRADHAN MANTRI FASAL BIMA YOJANA
The new Crop Insurance Scheme is in line with One Nation – One Scheme theme.
Objectives of PMFBY
To provide insurance coverage and financial support to the farmers in the event of failure of
any of the notified crop as a result of natural calamities, pests & diseases.
To stabilise the income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming.
To encourage farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices.
To ensure flow of credit to the agriculture sector.
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National Year of Millet
Why in news?
Government has approved 2018 as National Year of Millets to boost production of the nutrient-
rich millets and the sunrise agri industry involved in it.
Earlier in November 2017, India had forwarded proposal to United Nations (UN) for declaring
year 2018 as ‘International Year of Millets’.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Observation of Year of Millets will help in promotion of production and consumption of millets
will substantially contribute in fight against targeted hunger and mitigate effect of climate
change in long run.
Popularizing millets will also benefit future generations of farmers as well as consumers.
Millets are smart food and good for consumers, farmers and planet multiple and has untapped
uses such as food, feed, biofuels and brewing.
MILLET
Millet is a common term to categorize small-seeded grasses that are often termed nutri-cereals
or dryland-cereals. It mainly includes sorghum, ragi, proso millet, foxtail millet, barnyard millet,
kodo millet etc.
They are adapted to harsh environment of semi-arid tropics. They require low or no purchased
inputs, thus they are backbone for dry land agriculture.
RKVY
Why in news?
A top government panel has proposed major reforms to the existing administrative structure
This is a part of detailed action plan for doubling farmers’ incomes
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
RKVY
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It was started to incentivize the states in order to increase their investment in Agriculture and
allied sectors
It is a State Plan scheme
The eligibility of a state for the RKVY is contingent upon the state maintaining or increasing the
State Plan expenditure for Agricultural and Allied Sectors
The baseline expenditure is determined based on the average expenditure incurred by the
State Government during the three years prior to the previous year
The preparation of the district and State Agriculture Plans is mandatory
The scheme encourages convergence with other programmes such as NREGS
The pattern of funding is 100% Central Government Grant
It is an incentive scheme, hence allocations are not automatic
National Agricultural Policy
Why in news?
Our Agri growth has been suffering for a long time and the trend continues.
The need of the hour is to evolve a well-articulated framework to advance agriculture and
farming.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL POLICY,2000
The Green Revolution phase ran its course until 2000 when a new national agricultural policy
(NAP) was announced
NAP was targeted to:
-achieve an agricultural growth of four percent per annum
-to strengthen the rural infrastructure
-to offer a decent standard of living to farmers and
-to speed up value-added agricultural growth
PRADHAN MANTRI KRISHI BHIMA YOJANA
To help farmers cope with crop losses, the Government of India launched its flagship scheme
PradhanMantriFasalBimaYojana (PMFBY), starting from the kharif season of 2016.
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PMFBY replaced the National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Modified National
Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS). PMFBY is designed to reduce the burden of crop
insurance on farmers.
The Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) remains in place, though its premium rates
have been made the same as in PMFBY.
State governments have the authority to decide whether they want PMFBY, WBCIS or both in
their respective states.
The new Crop Insurance Scheme – PMFBY- is in line with ‘One Nation – One Scheme’ theme.
It incorporates the best features of all previous schemes and at the same time, all previous
shortcomings/weaknesses have been addressed.
Environment
Bio CNG plants
Why in news?
To promote the use of clean fuel, the oil ministry plans to set up bio-CNG (compressed natural
gas) plants and allied infrastructure
The oil ministry will be working with state-run oil and gas retailers to set up the plants over the
next two years.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Bio-CNG is a purified form of biogas with over 95% pure methane gas
It is similar to natural gas in its composition (97% methane) and energy potential
While natural gas is a fossil fuel, bio-CNG is a renewable form of energy produced from
agricultural and food waste
A typical bio-CNG station comprises a biogas purification unit, a compressor, and a high-
pressure storage system
Bio-CNG is being looked at as an environment-friendly alternative to diesel.
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Discovery of new Balsams
Why in news?
Scientists have discovered four new balsam species from various locations in Eastern Himalayas
in northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Impatiens haridasanii
It was discovered in Pongchan. The species is characterised by small yellow flowers and hairy
leaves. It has been named after Haridasan, former scientist,State Forest Research Institute,
Arunachal Pradesh, for his contribution to the taxonomy of the north-eastern States.
Impatiens pseudocitrina
It was discovered in Anjaw district. It sports bright yellow flowers with small red spots on the
throat and has long spur at the back. Its name denotes similarities with I. citrine.
Impatiens nilalohitae
It was discovered from the Lower Dibang valley. It grows to height of more than one metre and
has dark purple flowers with pale yellow throat and green stalk. Its name denotes dark purple
colour in Sanskrit.
Impatiens roingensis
It was found growing in Roing and Upper Siang. It has clustered white flowers with yellow patch
on the mouth and hooked spur.
CAUSES OF EXTINCTION
Infrastructure project like road widening works, deforestation and other development activities
are posing a threat to the natural habitat of the new species.
Green Crackers
Why in news?
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In a bid to fight air pollution, Science and Environment Minister has tasked the Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research to come up with a way to make crackers that are
“environmentally friendly”.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
The first phase will cover reduction of pollutants, while future strategies will cover removal of
pollutants from the compositions
A key ingredient in several crackers is perchlorate and replacing them with nitrogen-rich
materials or nitrocellulose could make them burn cleaner and produce less smoke.
Other than smoke-aggravating partially-burnt paper that sheaths the gunpowder in crackers,
metals in fireworks such as strontium and barium are toxic to human and animal health
The burning process produces other harmful emissions such as polychlorinated hydrocarbons.
Mankidia denied habitat in Similipal
Why in News?
Mankidia, one of the 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) in Odisha, were denied
habitat rights inside the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) under the historic Scheduled Tribes and
Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG)
In 1973, the Dhebar Commission created Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) as a separate category,
who are less developed among the tribal groups. In 2006, the Government of India renamed
the PTGs as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs Scheme for Development of Primitive Vulnerable Tribal
Groups (PVTGs), 75 PVTSGs are identified.
PVTGs have some basic characteristics -They are mostly homogenous, with a small population,
relatively physically isolated, social institutes cast in a simple mould, absence of written
language, relatively simple technology and a slower rate of change etc
Forest Rights Act, 2006
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Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006,
provides scope and historical opportunity for integrating conservation and livelihood rights of
the people.
Salient Features-
i) Nodal agency for implementation is Ministry of Tribal Affairs
ii)It is applicable for Tribal and other Traditional Forest Dwelling Communities.
iii) National Parks and Sanctuaries have been included along with the Reserve Forest, Protected
Forests for the recognition of Rights.
iv)The Act recognises the right of ownership access to collect, use and dispose of minor forest
produce which has been traditionally collected within or outside village boundaries.
v)The Gram Sabha has been designated as the competent authority for initiating the process of
determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights.
Ozone Recovery
Why in news?
As per NASA’s recent report,an international ban on chlorine-containing man-made chemicals
called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), has resulted in about 20% less ozone depletion
Chlorine from CFCs is going down in the ozone hole, and that less ozone depletion is occurring
because of it.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
OZONE DEPLETION
Ozone depletion describes two related phenomena observed since the late 1970s: a steady
decline of about four percent in the total amount of ozone in Earth’s stratosphere (the ozone
layer), and a much larger springtime decrease in stratospheric ozone around Earth’s polar
regions
The latter phenomenon is referred to as the ozone hole. There are also springtime polar
tropospheric ozone depletion events in addition to these stratospheric phenomena
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The main cause of ozone depletion and the ozone hole is man-made chemicals, especially man-
made halocarbon refrigerants, solvents, propellants, and foam-blowing agents
(chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs), HCFCs, halons), referred to as ozone-depleting substances (ODS)
These compounds are transported into the stratosphere by the winds after being emitted at the
surface
Once in the stratosphere, they release halogen atoms through photodissociation, which
catalyze the breakdown of ozone (O3) into oxygen (O2). Both types of ozone depletion were
observed to increase as emissions of halocarbons increased.
The ozone layer prevents most harmful UVB wavelengths of ultraviolet light (UV light) from
passing through the Earth’s atmosphere
These wavelengths cause skin cancer, sunburn, and cataracts, which were projected to increase
dramatically as a result of thinning ozone, as well as harming plants and animals
These concerns led to the adoption of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, which bans the
production of CFCs, halons, and other ozone-depleting chemicals.
Mangalajodi Ecotourism
Why in news?
Mangalajodi Ecotourism Trust in Odisha has won prestigious United Nations World Tourism
Organisation (UNWTO) Award for Innovation in Tourism Enterprise at 14th UNWTO Awards
ceremony held in Madrid, Spain.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Mangalajodi Ecotourism Trust is community owned and managed venture promoted by RBS
Foundation India and Indian Grameen Services on banks of Chilika Lake in Odisha.
CHILIKA LAKE
Chilika Lake is largest coastal lagoon or brackish water lake in India and Asia and second largest
lagoon in the world. It is located at mouth of Daya River flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
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It is largest wintering ground for migratory waterfowl found anywhere on Indian sub-continent.
It is one of hotspot of biodiversity in country and some rare, vulnerable and endangered species
listed in IUCN Red List of threatened Animals. It was designated as the first “Ramsar Site” of
India on account of its rich bio-diversity and ecological significance.
UNWTO
UNWTO is United Nations agency responsible for promotion of responsible, sustainable and
universally accessible tourism.
It is headquartered in Madrid, Spain. Its membership includes 156 countries, 6 territories and
over 500 affiliate members.
Climate Resilient Agriculture
Why in news?
Maharashtra Government has approved Nanaji Deshmukh Krishi Sanjivani Yojana, a Rs.4,000-
crore project aimed at promoting climate-resilient agriculture.It will be roll out in 2018-19 and
continue till 2023-24.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
The Scheme has been named after social activist Nanaji Deshmukh who has worked in fields of
education, health, and rural self-reliance, and has been honoured with Padma Vibhushan.
Its objectives are to improve soil quality, develop foodgrain varieties which can sustain climate
variations and effect necessary changes in the crop pattern as per the availability of water in a
particular region.
Main objectives of scheme
Promote very idea of sustainable development in agricultural yields to overcome the climatic
changes.
Promoting the quality of the soil such that quality of food grains produced can be improved.
Cultivate new variety of grains that will more sustainable and adaptable to climatic changes.
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M-StrIPES
Why in news?
Andhra Pradesh forest rangers have started the 4th national counting of tigers in the
Nagarjunasagar- Srisailam tiger reserve.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
The full form of M-STrIPES is Monitoring System for Tigers’-Intensive Protection and Ecological
Status.
It’s a software monitoring system launched by the Indian Government in 2010 in some tiger
reserves.
The aim is to reduce vulnerability of Tigers.
The system would enable field managers to assist intensity and spatial coverage of patrols in a
geographic information system (GIS) domain.
It is a free app that will be made available to staff participating in the tiger census exercise, and
they will feed in their observation during the carnivore sign survey and transect marking.
Details such as pellet density, vegetation status and human disturbance, if any, will also be
recorded.
Protocol for Star Rating of Garbage-Free Cities
Why in news?
The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched the ‘Protocol for Star
Rating of Garbage-Free Cities’ in Goa.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
It has been developed under Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban for rating cities on 7-star rating
system based on multiple cleanliness indicators for solid waste management.
Indicators:
These include Door to Door garbage Collection, source segregation, sweeping, scientific
processing of waste, bulk generator compliance, scientific land filling, construction and
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demolition management, plastic waste management, dump remediation & citizen grievance
redressal system etc.
Rating:
Cities will be rated as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 star based on their compliance with protocol conditions
specified for each of rating. City will begiven rating of 3 star or above only after it is declared
ODF (Open Defecation Free).
Cities can self-declare themselves as 1-star, 2-star or 4-star provided that MoHUA carry out
additional verification through independent third party to certify cities as 3-star, 5-star or 7-
star. Cities need to get themselves recertified every year to retain their star-status.
China releases Arctic Policy
Why In News?
China recently released a whitepaper on Arctic policy.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
China’s Arctic interests were heavily focused on environmental issues i.e. the impacts of
melting polar ice on China’s continental and oceanic environment, and its impact on the
country’s agricultural development.
In 1925, China joined the Spitsbergen Treaty and started active participation in addressing the
Arctic affairs. Accordingly, Chinese policymakers had been emphasizing the importance of
conducting scientific work in the region, and the country had made considerable investments in
polar research since the 1990s.
Activity
China has undertaken four research expeditions, has an Arctic research station in Norway’s
Svalbard archipelago, and has a number of elite academic institutes dedicated to Arctic
research.
It also owns the world’s largest icebreaker vessel, Xuelong (Snow Dragon), which has been
central to China’s research activities for developing the Arctic policy.
Arctic Policy
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The white paper shows China’s intention of building a “Polar Silk Road” which would involve
shipping roads in the region and has pledged corporate governance for the same. This is a part
of China’s Belt and Road Initiative or BRI and would facilitate connectivity and sustainable
economic and social development of the Arctic.
Economy
Real Estate Act yet to Show Teeth
Why in News?
Only 20,000 housing projects have been registered under the Real Estate (Regulation and
Development) Act, 2016, six months after the legislation seeking to protect the interests of
homebuyers came into force last May.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Constitutional Provision
i) Entry 18 of List II (state list) of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India (Constitution)
gives the states the right to legislate over inter alia, land, rights in or over land and colonisation.
ii) The RERA has been enacted by the Centre by the power vested in it by virtue of Entries 6 and
7 in List III (Concurrent List) of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution dealing with contracts
and the transfer of property.
Highlights of the Bill
i)The Bill regulates transactions between buyers and promoters of residential real estate
projects. It establishes state-level regulatory authorities called Real Estate Regulatory
Authorities (RERAs).
ii) Residential real estate projects, with some exceptions, need to be registered with RERAs.
Promoters cannot book or offer these projects for sale without registering them. Real estate
agents dealing in these projects also need to register with RERAs.
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iii) On registration, the promoter must upload details of the project on the website of the RERA.
These include the site and layout plan, and schedule for completion of the real estate project.
iv) 70% of the amount collected from buyers for a project must be maintained in a separate
bank account and must only be used for the construction of that project. The state government
can alter this amount to less than 70%.
v) The Bill establishes state level tribunals called Real Estate Appellate Tribunals. Decisions of
RERAs can be appealed in these tribunals.
Capital Adequacy Ratio
Why in news?
The Centre has released the much-required equity capital to six stressed public sector banks
(PSBs).
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) is also known as Capital to Risk (Weighted) Assets Ratio (CRAR), is
the ratio of a bank’s capital to its risk
National regulators track a bank’s CAR to ensure that it can absorb a reasonable amount of loss
and complies with statutory Capital requirements.
It is a measure of a bank’s capital
It is expressed as a percentage of a bank’s risk weighted credit exposures.
This ratio is used to protect depositors and promote stability and efficiency of financial systems
around the world
Two types of capital are measured: tier one capital, which can absorb losses without a bank
being required to cease trading, and tier two capital, which can absorb losses in the event of a
winding-up and so provides a lesser degree of protection to depositors.
Marketing of tribals goods
Why in news?
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The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED), a multi-
State Cooperative Society under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, is promoting and marketing tribal
products, tribal art and crafts within the country and abroad by providing marketing support to
tribal products through its network of 31 retail outlets “TRIBES INDIA”.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Towards this, TRIFED has entered into agreements with e-commerce platforms like Snapdeal
and Amazon who will offer their customers various tribal products and produce through their
portals www.snapdeal.com and www.amazon.com respectively to facilitate online sale. On the
request of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Commerce has also made provision for sale
of tribal products through TRIFED on www.gem.gov.in.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing a Central Sector Scheme ‘Support to Tribal Research
Institutes (TRIs), under which financial assistance is provided to TRIs to carry out various
activities to preserve and promote tribal culture and heritage across the country through
research and documentation, maintenance and preservation of art &artifacts, setting up of
tribal museum, exchange visits for the tribal’s to other parts of the State, organizing tribal
festivals etc.
During the last three years, this Ministry has released an amount of Rs.4689.67 lakh to State
Governments.
In addition, Ministry of Tribal Affairs organizes annual festival showcasing Tribal culture and
heritage.
Zojila tunnel in J&K
Why in news?
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved construction, operation and
maintenance of 2-lane bi-directional Zojila Tunnel on Srinagar-Leh section connecting NH-1A in
Jammu and Kashmir.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
The strategic tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to strategically important Leh region.
On completion, it will be Asia’s largest 2-lane bi-directional tunnel.
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The Zojila Tunnel will be situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National
Highway (NH-1A). The Project aims at construction of 14.150 km long 2-lane bidirectional single
tube tunnel with a parallel 14.200 km long egress (escape) tunnel excluding approaches
between Baltal&Minamarg in J&K at estimated cost of Rs 6,089 crore.
The main objective of the project is to provide all whether connectivity to strategically
important Leh region in J&K which at moment is limited to atbest 6 months because of snow on
the mountainous passes and threat of avalanches. Ladakh region remains cut off from rest of
the country during wintermonths due to heavy snowfall.
The project will be implemented by Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH)
through the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL)
on Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode.
7.75% Savings (Taxable) Bonds
Why in news?
The Union Finance Ministry has launched 7.75% Savings (Taxable) Bonds, 2018 scheme to help
citizens invest in a taxable instrument, without any monetary ceiling.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
The Bonds are open to investment by individuals (including Joint Holdings) and HUFs. Non-
Resident Indians (NRIs) are not eligible for making investment in these bonds.
The Bonds will be issued at par i.e. at Rs.100.00 They will be issued for minimum face value
amount of Rs.1,000 and in multiples thereof. There will no maximum limit for investment in
these bonds.
The Bonds will have maturity of 7 years carrying interest at 7.75% per annum payable half-
yearly. The Bonds will be issued in demat form (Bond Ledger form) only.
The Bonds are not transferable and also are not tradable in secondary market. They are also
not eligible as collateral for loans from banking institutions, non-banking financial companies or
financial institutions.
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Interest on the Bonds will be taxable under the Income-tax (IT) Act, 1961 as applicable
according to the relevant tax status of the bond holder. However these Bonds will be exempt
from Wealth-tax under Wealth Tax Act, 1957.
Tax treatment:
Income-tax: Interest on the Bonds will be taxable under the Income-tax Act, 1961 as applicable
according to the relevant tax status of the bond holder.
Public Stock Holding
Why in news?
India’s ongoing public stockholding programmes would remain unaffected and continue,
Commerce Minister informed the Rajya Sabha.
The minister’s assurance comes in the wake of the recent Eleventh Ministerial Conference of
the World Trade Organization failing to reach a permanent solution on public stockholding for
food security purposes.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Public stockholding (PSH) is a policy tool used by governments to procure, stockpile and
distribute food when needed. Ex: MSP scheme.
Governments purchasing at prices higher than market prices are considered to be subsidising
their farmers, under WTO rules.
Current rules suggest a fixed subsidy of 10% for food procurement from farmers to feed the
poor.
Also, the methodology for subsidy calculation is based on a price index of 1986-88, and that
does not account for inflation.
Currently, public distribution programmes of developing countries are included under trade-
distorting Amber Box measures that attracts reduction commitments.
WTO AND PSH
The G33 countries are thus demanding that these programmes for food security purposes be
exempted from subsidy reduction commitments of WTO.
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It suggested incorporating a new annexure to categorisefoodgrains procured specifically for
public distribution purposes.
It demanded that PSH programmes be included in the list of Green Box subsidies that are
exempted from reduction commitments.
But there is opposition from the US, the EU, Australia, Canada, Brazil, among others to provide
unlimited market price support under the banner of ‘public stockholding for food security’.
H1-B VISA
Why in news?
Some U.S. lawmakers and advocacy groups have criticised the Donald Trump administration’s
reported plan to curb H-1B visa extensions that could result in self-deportation of an estimated
5,00,000-7,50,000 Indian Americans, saying the move would drain the U.S. of talent.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
H1 B VISA
Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain
a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent
residence.
Temporary worker visas are for persons who want to enter the US for employment lasting a
fixed period of time, and are not considered permanent or indefinite.
The US H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ graduate level
workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized
fields for a certain period of time.
H1-B VISA BILL
The Bill encourages companies to recruit American workers. It explicitly prohibits replacement
of American workers by H1-B or L-1 visa holders.
The Bill seeks to increase the minimum salary of H1-B visa holders from $60,000 to $1,00,000
per annum.
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By raising the salary to a level more in line with the average American salary for these positions,
it would help cut down on abuse by removing the profit incentive and ensuring these positions
remain available for companies who truly needed them.
Currently, firms need not go through extensive paperwork if the potential H1-B employee has
an equivalent of a Master’s degree. The Bill aims to do away with the Master’s degree
exemption. Because, they are easily obtained by foreign workers.
It also prohibits companies from hiring H1-B employees if they employ more than 50 people
and more than 50 per cent of their employees are H1-B and L-1 visa holders.
Income tax department and Online Chat Service
Why in news?
Income Tax (IT) Department under the Union Finance Ministry has launched an on-line chat
service on its national website www.incometaxindia.gov.in with a prominent icon stating ‘Live
Chat Online- ask your query’.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Since its launch in October 2017 it has altogether benefited 8,424 people.
The on-line chat service is aimed at facilitating the taxpayers resolve their queries by answering
their basic queries and doubts relating to direct tax issues. The facility is available on all working
days from Monday to Friday between 10 AM and 6 PM.
The module can also be accessed through a mobile application called ‘AayakarSetu’ on Android
phone. Customer support executive having expertise in tax-related matters through this
platform helps users in resolving their queries on-line.
Moreover, it has dedicated team of experts from IT department and independent tax
practitioners to answer general queries of a taxpayer. This first-time initiative is aimed to
enhance taxpayer services in the country.
FOREX Reserves
Why in news?
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According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s foreign exchange (Forex) reserves have scaled
to fresh record high of $409.366 billion as on December 29, 2017. The surge was due to massive
spike in foreign currency assets, which is key component of the reserves.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
FOREX RESERVES
The forex are reserve assets held by a central bank in foreign currencies.
It acts as buffer to be used in challenging times and used to back liabilities on their own issued
currency as well as to influence monetary policy.
Almost all countries in world, regardless of size of their economy, hold significant foreign
exchange reserves.
The components of India’s FOREX Reserves include Foreign currency assets (FCAs), Gold, Special
Drawing Rights (SDRs) and RBI’s Reserve position with International Monetary Fund (IMF). FCAs
constitute largest component of Indian Forex Reserves.
AIIB
Why in news?
China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is planning to issue its first US dollar-
denominated bond with minimum worth of $1 billion by June 2018.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
The minimum size of the issuance will be one billion dollars, but as demand for the first bond
issue may increase AIIB anticipates of having to issue a larger size.
The maturity of the bond will be between three and five years depending on investor demand
at the time. he bank plans to cap its total borrowing volume at US $3 billion dollars in 2018.
AIIB
AIIB is a multilateral development bank initiated by China. Its purpose is to provide finance to
infrastructure development and regional connectivity projects in the Asia-Pacific region. Its
goals are to boost economic development in Asia-Pacific region, provide infrastructure, and
promote regional cooperation and partnership.
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It prioritises investment in energy, power generation, transport, rural infrastructure,
environmental protection and logistics in Asia.
It was officially established in December 2015 and opened for business in January 2016. It is
headquartered in Beijing. It has an authorised capital of US $100 billion. So far it has 84
members including India.
China is the largest shareholder of AIIB with 26.06% voting shares. India is the second largest
shareholder with 7.5% followed by Russia 5.93% and Germany with 4.5%.
Sfoorti Application
Why in news?
The Union Ministry of Railways has launched Smart Freight Operation Optimisation& Real Time
Information (SFOORTI) application to help plan traffic flows and optimize freight operations.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
SFOORTI application will help to track movement of freight trains over Zones/Divisions/Sections
on GIS View. Even passenger trains can be tracked using it.
It will help to monitor freight business along with comparative analysis of Zonal and Divisional
Traffic.
The app will help in analysis of new traffic captured and traffic lost and provides a Bird’s eye
view of all Freight Assets in a single window. It will also provide end to end Rake movement on
Geospatial view and will also help evaluate daily performance of expected traffic at Interchange
points.
It has Freight Operation Information System (FOIS) Map View–A GIS based monitoring and
management tool designed and developed in CRIS which provides layered views of freight
trains on Indian Railways.
The FOIS Map View–A GIS has been designed to cater to Divisional, Zonal and Board levels of
management for improved freight operations and also help to plan the traffic flows and
optimize freight operations.
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SAKSHAM 2018 Campaign
Why in news?
The Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) under the aegis of Ministry of
Petroleum & Natural Gas has launched month long Saksham 2018
(SarakshanKshamtaMahotsav).
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Saksham is annual flagship event of PCRA with active involvement of Oil & Gas PSUs along with
other stakeholders like State Governments.
Saksham aims at creating focused attention on fuel conservation through people centric
activities and sensitize masses about conservation and efficient use of petroleum products
leading to better health and environment.
It also aims to intensify efforts for making citizens aware about conservation andeffective
utilization of petroleum products. It seeks to enthuse masses with new energy coupled with all-
out effort for saving precious fuel, which will also contribute in keeping our environment green.
PETROLEUM CONSERVATION RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
The PCRA is an organization under the aegis of the Indian Ministry of Petroleum and Natural
Gas.
It was established in 1978. It is engaged in promoting energy efficiency in various sectors of the
economy. It helps government in proposing policies and strategies aimed at reducing India’s
dependency on oil, in order to save money, reduce environmental impact of oil use and also
conserve fossil fuel.
Global Manufacturing Index
Why in news?
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has ranked India at 30th position among 100 countries on its
Global Manufacturing Index (GMI).
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
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The index was released as part of WEF’s first Readiness for the future of production Report
which analysed development of modern industrial strategiesand urges collaborative action.
The report was developed by WEF in collaboration with A.T. Kearney. It analyses and measures
how well positioned 100 countries will shape and benefit from changing nature of production
through adoption of emerging technology as part of Fourth Industrial Revolution in production.
It calls for new and innovative approaches to public-private collaboration are needed to
accelerate transformation.
Top 10 countries in GMI: Japan, South Korea, Germany, Switzerland, China, Czech Republic,
United States, Sweden, Austria and Ireland.
BRICS nations: China (25th), Russia (35th), Brazil (41st) and South Africa (45th). China was
placed among ‘leading countries’. Indian and Russia were
Green bonds and INDIA’S Inx
Why in news?
The India International Exchange (India INX) has listed the Indian Railway Finance Corporation’s
(IRFC’s) green bonds on its debt listing platform-Global Securities Market (GSM).
Facts for prelims
With this, IRFC green bonds became first debt security to be listed on exchange at International
Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat’s GIFT city.
India INX’s GSM segment is India’s first debt listing platform. It allows raising funds in any
currency of choice by both foreign and Indian issuers from investors across the globe.
IRFC
IRFC is finance arm of Indian Railway. It raises financial resources for expansion and running
through capital markets and other borrowings. It raisesmoney mainly through financial bonds
and from banks and financial institutions.
In 2017, IRFC had raised $500 million from 10- year green bond from investors in Asia, Europe
and offshore US through listing on the London Stock Exchange.
GREEN BOND
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Bonds basically are debt instruments which help issuer to get capital while the investors receive
fixed income in the form of interest.
In case of Green Bonds, the issuer gets capital from the investors only if investment (capital) is
being raised to fund green projects relating to renewable energy or emission reductions etc.
INX-INDIA
Indai-INX is India s first international exchange at IFSC Gujarat International Financial Tech
(GIFT) City, Gandhinagar. It is wholly-owned subsidiaryof Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE),
through its global bourse. It is one of the world’s most advanced and fastest trading technology
platforms with turn-around time of 4 micro seconds.
National Knowledge Network
Why in news?
India and Sri Lanka signed four agreements for collaboration in Information and communication
technology (ICT) sector between both countries.
The MoU for cooperation was signed by Union minister for Information Technology Ravi
Shankar Prasad with his Sri Lankan counterpart in Colombo.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
The agreements were signed for collaboration in ICT sector and setting up of e-office system
and connecting of National Knowledge network (NKN) for collaboration among universities and
academics.
With this, Sri Lanka became first country to be connected to NKN through Gigabyte (GB) optical
fibre network.
This will connect NKN to Lanka education & research network (LEARN) through which
universities on both sides can share best practices and research ideas. National Informatics
centre (NIC) has set up a model E-office system for Sri Lanka.
NKN
NKN is a state-of-the-art multi-gigabit pan-Indian resource-sharing network aimed at digitally
connecting all national universities, colleges and research establishments to create country-
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wide virtual classrooms. This project was launched in 2010 for period of 10 years. Currently, it is
component of umbrella “Digital India” programme.
Objectives of NKN:
It aims to connect universities, research institutions, libraries, laboratories, healthcare and
agricultural institutions across country with high bandwidth (multi-gigabit)/low latency internet
connection so that they can share the knowledge, information and data.
Its core idea isto bring together all stakeholders from science, technology, higher education,
healthcare, agriculture and governance to a common platform.
Mini Meeting of WTO
Why in news?
India is planning to host meeting of World Trade Organisation (WTO) member countries in
February 2018 to muster support for food security and other issues.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
The proposed meeting will be in backdrop of developed nations forming groupings to prepare
ground for pushing new issues i.e. investment facilitation,, preparing rules for e- commerce,
promoting gender equality and reducing subsidy on fisheries with view to curbing illegal,
unreported and unregulated fishing.
India has been keenly pushing agriculture issues at WTO. It has also been raising its voice
against bringing new issues, especially those which are not directly linked to trade, on the
negotiating table. The meeting will help to multi-lateral process.
BACKGROUND
India had expressed its “deep disappointment” over the US’s refusal to agree on the public
stockholding issue at the recently concluded World Trade Organisation (WTO) 11th Ministerial
Conference (MC 11) in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The MC 11 had concluded in deadlock without any substantial outcome as consensus eluded
the 164-member body.
The deadlock came after US and other developed countries blocked permanent solution on
government stockholding for food security purposes followed by toughened stand on new
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issues by India and other developing countries. However, member states did agree to secure
deal on elimination of fisheries subsidies by next ministerial in December 2019.
Sensex and Nifty
Why in news?
The government’s decision to lower its additional market borrowing by 60% propelled banking
stocks on Wednesday which, in turn, pushed the benchmark Sensex above the 35,000 mark for
the first time ever.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Both Sensex and Nifty and called Indices in a Stock Market.
STOCK INDEX
“A stock index or stock market index is a measurement of the value of a section of the stock
market. It is computed from the prices of selected stocks (typically a weighted average.
BSE Sensex or Sensitive Index is the most sought-after Index of Bombay Stock Exchange
comprising of 30 major listed companies and NSE Nifty is the Index of National Stock Exchange
comprising 50 major listed companies.
Both measure the price movements in the shares of constituent companies from diverse
sectors of economy and that’s why they are called the ‘Barometer of Economy’.
They indirectly measure the health of the economy by telling us about the confidence of
investors in companies from various sectors.
The base year for the Sensex is 1978-79 and the base value is 100. For Nifty the base year is
1995 and the base value 1,000.
VALUE COMPUTATION
The values of these indices are computed on the basis of the Free-Float Market Capitalization
(FFMC) of the constituent companies. FFMC is the market value of shares which are readily
available for trading by public (shares possessed by directors, promoters, govtetc are not
included in FFMC computation).
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World Future Energy Summit and ISA
Why in news?
In one of its first outreach programmes post-ratification, the International Solar Alliance hosted
a two Day Event ‘International Solar Alliance Forum’ during 17-18th January, 2018 at the Future
World Energy Summit (WFES) 2018.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
WFES is a signature event of a global initiative, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
On receipt of 15 ratifications, the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement
entered into force on the 6th December, 2017 thereby making ISA a de jure treaty based
international intergovernmental organisation. So far 19 countries have ratified and 48 countries
have signed the ISA Framework Agreement.
ISA
The Paris Declaration establishes ISA as an alliance dedicated to the promotion of solar energy
among its member countries.
The ISA’s major objectives include global deployment of over 1,000GW of solar generation
capacity and mobilisation of investment of over US$ 1000 billion into solar energy by 2030.
As an action-oriented organisation, the ISA brings together countries with rich solar potential to
aggregate global demand, thereby reducing prices through bulk purchase, facilitating the
deployment of existing solar technologies at scale, and promoting collaborative solar R&D and
capacity building.
When the ISA Framework Agreement entered into force on December 6th, 2017, ISA formally
became a de-jure treaty based International Intergovernmental Organization, headquartered at
Gurugram, India.
As of now the ISA Framework Agreement has been signed by 48 countries, with 19 of them also
depositing the instruments of ratification with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of
India.
Waste to Wealth
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Why in news?
The science and technology ministry has called for a concept note in waste management
technologies by 31 January from interested academic institutes and research & development
(R&D) organizations.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
The government is looking at organizations to participate in developing technologies for
biomedical waste and for setting up a demo plant for hazardous waste in an institute or
university
It is also looking at technologies to address agricultural waste (stubble management) to find an
alternative to crop burning
The move is part of government’s concept of ‘waste to wealth’
Electronic waste is another focus area as the government is looking at developing “simple
indigenous material recovery technology for specific applications (precious and other metals,
plastics, glass and rare earths) in collaboration with industry
Besides these, other major areas that are on the government’s radar are urban and rural solid
waste and industrial waste
Problem of waste management
Around 62 million tonnes (mt) of solid waste is generated in India every year but only 43 mt is
collected and a mere 12 mt treated
About 15,000 tonnes of plastic waste is generated every day but of that, only 9,000 tonnes is
collected and processed
India generates 1.7 million tonnes of e-waste annually, which is rising at the rate of 5% a year
Corporate Data Portal and CSR Portal
Why in news?
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs launched the National CSR Data Portal &
Corporate Data Portal.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
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The National CSR Data Portal will capture information on CSR activities carried out by eligible
companies, filed on the MCA21 registry in their financial statements.
The filed information provides a snap shot of CSR activities carried out by companies.
The CSR portal contains all filed information, which can generate pre-defined reports with
respect to expenditure across states, districts, development sectors, etc.
The Portal also provides for feedback on projects to be given by registered users.
The open access to data is expected to help researchers, improve quality of data filed by
companies, as well as involve intended beneficiaries in giving valuable feedback to companies.
While the Corporate Data Portal aims at making all the financial and non-financial information
of the companies available in a user friendly format to the general public.
It also has facility to generate pre-defined reports and also customised reports.
Government names nine new smart cities
Why in News?
Nine cities have been chosen in the fourth round of the Centre’s flagship Smart Cities Mission.
The cities are-Bareilly, Moradabad and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Erode in Tamil Nadu, Bihar
Sharif in Bihar, Silvassa in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Diu in Daman and Diu, Kavaratti in
Lakshadweep and Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Smart City Mission
It is an innovative and new initiative by the Government of India to drive economic growth and
improve the quality of life of people by enabling local development and harnessing technology
as a means to create smart outcomes for citizens.
Each smart city, selected through a city challenge competition, would get a Central assistance
of Rs. 100 crore per year for five years. A total of Rs 48,000 crore would be spent on creating
100 smart cities across India.
The Smart Cities Mission is meant to set examples that can be replicated both within and
outside the Smart City, catalysing the creation of similar Smart Cities in various regions and
parts of the country.
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Mission Strategy
i) Pan-city initiative in which at least one Smart Solution is applied city-wide
ii)Develop areas step-by-step – three models of area-based developments
iii)Retrofitting,
iv)Redevelopment,
v)Greenfield
Rationale
Cities accommodate nearly 31% of India’s current population and contribute 63% of GDP
(Census 2011). Urban areas are expected to house 40% of India’s population and contribute
75% of India’s GDP by 2030. This requires the comprehensive development of physical,
institutional, social and economic infrastructure.
Development of Smart Cities is a step in this direction.
Bad Loans
Why in news?
Deputy Goverenor of RBI has recommended for an online augmentation of bad loans similar in
the lines of U.S and South Korea for better transparency and competitiveness
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
NON PERFORMING ASSETS
When the borrower stops paying interest or principal on a loan, the lender will lose money.
Such a loan is known as Non-Performing Asset (NPA). Indian Banking industry is seriously
affected by Non-Performing Assets.
CATEGORIES OF NPA
Categories of NPAs Criteria
· Substandard Assets An asset which remains as NPAs for less than or equal to 12
months.
· Doubtful Assets An asset which remained in the above category for 12 months.
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· Loss Assets Asset where loss has been identified by the bank or the RBI, however,
there may be some value remaining in it. Therefore loan has not been not completely written
off.
BAD LOAN
A bad debt is a monetary amount owed to a creditor that is unlikely to be paid and, or which
the creditor is not willing to take action to collect because of various reasons, often due to the
debtor not having the money to pay, for example due to a company going into liquidation or
insolvency.
Oxfam Inequality Report
Why in news?
Inequality gap widens as ‘world’s richest 1% get 82% of the wealth,’ Oxfam says.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Approximately 82 percent of the money generated last year went to the richest 1 percent of
the global population, the report said, while the poorest half saw no increase at all
Last year, Oxfam said billionaires would have seen an uptick of $762 billion — enough to end
extreme poverty seven times over
The world’s richest 1% get 82% of the wealth, Oxfam says
Just 42 people own the same amount of wealth as the poorest 50 percent worldwide, a new
study by global charity Oxfam claimed.
The report, “Reward Work, Not Health,” is based on data from Forbes and the annual Credit
Suisse Global Wealth datebook, which has detailed the distribution of global wealth since 2000.
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Why in news?
An ASEAN-India Business and Investment Meet and Expo brought Trade and Economy Ministers
along with business delegations from ASEAN including Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia,
Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
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Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a proposed free trade agreement
(FTA) between the countries of Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) namely Brunei,
Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
and the six states with which ASEAN has free trade agreements (Australia, China, India, Japan,
South Korea and New Zealand).
RCEP is considered as an alternative to the other important multilateral treaty named Trans-
Pacific Partnership (TPP). The TPP agreement excludes two of the important Asian powers –
China and India.
RCEP member states accounted for a population of 3.4 billion people and a total Gross
Domestic Product of $49.5 trillion.
It is seen that the total GDP in RCEP could grow over to $100 billion by 2050 if the growth of the
countries like China, India and India continues to be high.
On Jan 23, 2017, US President Trump signed a memorandum stating the withdrawal of the US
from the TPP, a move which has turned the focus of the world towards RCEP.
RCEP will cover trade in goods, trade in services, investment, economic, technical cooperation,
intellectual property, dispute settlement and other issues.
Inclusive Development Index
Why in news?
India was ranked at 62nd place among emerging economies on Inclusive Development Index
(IDI-2018) released by World Economic Forum (WEF).
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Norway was again remained world’s most inclusive advanced economy, while Lithuania again
topped list of emerging economies. India’s position is much below China (26) and Pakistan (47).
INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT INDEX
Inclusive Development Index (IDI) measures progress of 103 economies on three individual
pillars – growth and development; inclusion; and inter-generational equity.
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It has been divided into two parts. The first part covers 29 advanced economies and second 74
emerging economies.
The index takes into account the living standards, environmental sustainability and protection
of future generations from further indebtedness. The index also has classified countries into
five sub-categories in terms of five-year trend of their overall Inclusive Development Growth
score — receding, stable, slowly advancing and advancing.
BRICS economies: Russia was ranked at 19th, followed by China (26), Brazil (37), India (62) and
South Africa (69)
Global index of talent competitiveness
Why in news?
India was ranked 81st among 118 countries in 2017 Global index of talent competitiveness (GTI)
list.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
India has improved its position from 92nd last year.
The index measures ability of countries to compete for talent i.e. how countries grow, attract
and retain talent.
It is produced by global business school INSEAD in partnership with Adecco Group and Human
Capital Leadership Institute (HCLI) of Singapore.
TOP COUNTRIES
Switzerland is followed by Singapore and US. European countries dominate top ranks, with 15
out of the top 25 places.
Developed, high-income countries are still the global talent champions while Zurich, Stockholm
and Oslo take the top spots in the GTI cities’ ranking.
BRICS countries:
India’s ranking was last among the five BRICS countries in 2017. China has moved up to 43rd
now, Russia to 53rd, South Africa to 63rd.
Payments Bank
Why in news?
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The Finance Ministry today said that payments banks and small finance banks will offer Atal
Pension Yojana (APY).
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
The idea of such licences was mooted in the report of the Committee on Comprehensive
Financial Services for Small Business and Low Income Households, submitted by a Nachiket
Mor-led committee set up in 2013. These were envisioned keeping in view financial inclusion of
the under-served and unserved population of the country
FUNCTIONS
They can’t offer loans but can raise deposits of uptoRs. 1 lakh, and pay interest on these
balances just like a savings bank account does.
They can enable transfers and remittances through a mobile phone.
They can offer services such as automatic payments of bills, and purchases in cashless,
chequeless transactions through a phone.
They can issue debit cards and ATM cards usable on ATM networks of all banks.
They can transfer money directly to bank accounts at nearly no cost being a part of the gateway
that connects banks.
They can provide forex cards to travellers, usable again as a debit or ATM card all over India.
They can offer forex services at charges lower than banks.
They can also offer card acceptance mechanisms to third parties such as the ‘Apple Pay.’
Merchandise export incentive scheme (MEIS)
Why in news?
After decelerating for five quarters, the growth in GDP recovered to 6.3% in Q2 of 2017-18 on
account of a rebound in manufacturing
But achieving 7.5% plus growth after 2018-19 will require a series of measures for
manufacturing.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Ministry/Department: Ministry of Commerce & Industry
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Scheme:
MEIS was launched under Foreign Trade Policy of India (FTP) 2015-20.
It is one of the two schemes introduced in FP 2015-20, as a part of Exports from India Scheme.
The other scheme is Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS).
Objective of MEIS is to offset infrastructural inefficiencies and associated costs involved in
export of goods and products, which are produced and manufactured in India.
It seeks to enhance India’s export competitiveness of these goods and products having high
export intensity, employment potential.
Under this scheme, Ministry of Commerce gives duty benefits to several products. It provides
duty benefits at 2%, 3% and 5% depending upon the product and country.
It has three sub components:
Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog Yojana
Focus Market Scheme
Focus Product Scheme
Floating market
Why in news?
Kolkata, capital of West Bengal became first metro city in India to get floating market.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
The floating market is located on lake at Patuli in South Kolkata which is 400 metres long and 60
metres wide. The lake has been transformed into the floating market similar to the one in
Thailand.
The aim of floating market is to rehabilitate over 200 shopkeepers from nearby market that was
demolished for the widening of Eastern Metropolitan Bypass (EMB) — an important road that
connects the northern parts of Kolkata o the eastern and southern tips.
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The market will host at least 114 boats, each one accommodating two shops. These shops will
sell regular or daily-use items that include vegetables, fruits, flowers, fish and meat and poultry.
Shoppers can approach these boats through wooden walkways
Special provisions have been made to ensure that water in lake does not stink and the aquatic
life survives. Nets will be routinely used to fish out vegetable peel, fish scales and other waste
from the water. The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) is executing agency
of floating market.
UDAN
Why in news?
The Government has said 73 underserved and unserved airports and helipads would be
connected under the phase 2 of the regional connectivity scheme UDAN.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
UDAN (‘UdeDeshkaAamNaagrik’) is a first-of-its-kind scheme globally to stimulate regional
connectivity through a market-based mechanism.
The scheme ensures growth, development, affordability and connectivity. The primary
objective of the scheme is to facilitate regional growth, give a boost to employment, and
promote tourism by making flying affordable to masses.
It extends Viability Gap Funding to the operators in order to encourage them to fly smaller
aircraft to underserved airports with a commitment to fix the prices of the tickets at Rs.2500 for
an hour long flight (at least for half of the seats).
It is a market-based intervention mechanism where the seat subsidies are bided for, by the
airlines. Terminal navigation landing charges, parking and landing charges are exempt for
Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) flights. Security and fire services will be provided free of
cost. Besides, electricity, water and other utility services will be provided at concessional rates.
It retains potential business profits to the airlines by limiting the category of seats belonging to
the subsidized category at 50%, while the other 50% of the seats could be sold at market prices.
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Centre funds 80% of the subsidy amount to be contributed towards subsidies and the rest is
contributed by the state.
National Agricultural Policy
Why in news?
Our Agri growth has been suffering for a long time and the trend continues.
The need of the hour is to evolve a well-articulated framework to advance agriculture and
farming.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL POLICY,2000
The Green Revolution phase ran its course until 2000 when a new national agricultural policy
(NAP) was announced
NAP was targeted to:
-achieve an agricultural growth of four percent per annum
-to strengthen the rural infrastructure
-to offer a decent standard of living to farmers and
-to speed up value-added agricultural growth
PRADHAN MANTRI KRISHI BHIMA YOJANA
To help farmers cope with crop losses, the Government of India launched its flagship scheme
PradhanMantriFasalBimaYojana (PMFBY), starting from the kharif season of 2016.
PMFBY replaced the National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Modified National
Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS). PMFBY is designed to reduce the burden of crop
insurance on farmers.
The Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) remains in place, though its premium rates
have been made the same as in PMFBY.
State governments have the authority to decide whether they want PMFBY, WBCIS or both in
their respective states.
The new Crop Insurance Scheme – PMFBY- is in line with ‘One Nation – One Scheme’ theme.
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It incorporates the best features of all previous schemes and at the same time, all previous
shortcomings/weaknesses have been addressed.
Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles
Why in news?
Government is mulling on the target to achieve an all-electric fleet of vehicles by 2030
This will need a substantial push from the government and the private sector in terms of setting
up the charging infrastructure, enabling cheaper availability of raw materials and incentivising
mid-way measures such as hybrid vehicles
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Ministry : Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises
Aims to support hybrid/electric vehicles market development and manufacturing ecosystem.
Scheme:
FAME stands for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles
The scheme has 4 focus areas i.e.
Technology development,
Demand Creation,
Pilot Projects and
Charging Infrastructure.
The FAME India Scheme is aimed at incentivizing all vehicle segments i.e. 2 Wheeler, 3 Wheeler
Auto, Passenger 4 Wheeler Vehicle, Light Commercial Vehicles and Buses.
Factual Information:
Launched in 2015 under National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP)
Updates:
Government has withdrawn subsidy given to mild hybrid vehicles
Earlier, subsidy was given to mild hybrid, strong hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric vehicles
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Internal Security
INS Arihant
Why in News?
Indigenous nuclear submarine INS Arihant suffered major damage because of possible human
error.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
INS Arihant
i)It is India’s only operational ship submersible ballistic nuclear (SSBN) asset , it is the most
dependable platform for a second strike given the country’s “no first use ” on nuclear
weapons.
ii)It is modelled after the Russian Charlie class submarine. It can carry about 12 K-15 or
Sagarika Submarine Launch Missiles (SLBM) with a range of 750 km with nuclear warheads.
iii)The submarine is designed to use Vertical “Tube Launch Missile”Technology and the
Launchers have been manufactured to accommodate the submarine variant of 5,000 km range
Agni Missile.
India’s Nuclear Triad
A nuclear triad refers to the nuclear weapons delivery of a strategic nuclear arsenal which
consists of three components:
i)Land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)
ii)Strategic bombers,
iii)Submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).
India is the sixth Nation in the world to possess Nuclear Triad.
i)India Army has a strong arsenal of land-based ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile). It
includes Agni series, Prithvi series, Prahar Missile, Shaurya Missile, supersonic Brahmos and
subsonic Nirbhay missiles.
ii)Indian Airforce (IAF) operates Jaguars aircrafts which are designed for deep penetration strike
and can carry a nuclear bomb. Besides, IAF also has SU 30 MKI and Rafale aircrafts which can
also be used to deliver nuclear weapons.
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iii)Indian Navy now has its own nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine INS Arihant capable
of delivering nuclear weapons.
Rationale
The purpose of having a three-branched nuclear capability is to significantly reduce the
possibility that an enemy could destroy all of a nation’s nuclear forces in a first-strike attack;
this, in turn, ensures a credible threat of a second strike, and thus increases a nation’s nuclear
deterrence.
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)
Why in News?
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) also cleared procurement of 72,400 assault rifles and
93,895 carbines on a fast-track basis for Rs. 3,547 crore to enable the defence forces to meet
their immediate requirement for the troops deployed on the borders.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
The Government set up a Defence Acquisition Council headed by the Defence Minister. It is the
highest forum in the Ministry of Defence (MoD) which, among other things, accords Acceptance
of necessity (AoN) or ‘in principle’ approval for capital acquisition proposals estimated to cost
upward of INR 300 crore.
The decision flowing from the Defence Acquisition Council are to be implemented by the
following 3 Boards –
i)Defence Procurement Board headed by the Defence Secretary
ii)Defence Production Board headed by the Secretary (Defence Production)
iii)Defence Research & Development Board headed by the Secretary (Defence Research &
Development)
Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Vikrant
Why in News?
The Indian Navy is confident of commissioning, Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-1) Vikrant
currently under construction at Kochi, by October 2020.
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FACTS FOR PRELIMS
INS Vikrant (IAC-I) is the first aircraft carrier built in India and the first Vikrant-class aircraft
carrier built by Cochin Shipyard (CSL) in Kochi, Kerala for the Indian Navy.
It is named after India’s first aircraft INS Vikrant, which was decommissioned in 1997.
It is being built by Cochin shipyard and is powered by four GE gas turbines.
Weighs 40,000 tonnes, with 20 Mig-29k fighter jets and 2 kamov helicopters.
Vikrant has a ski jump for launching aircraft and employs the STOBAR (Short Takeoff but
Arrested Recovery) Mechanism with arrestor cables to recover the aircraft.
NOTE4STUDENTS
i)INS Vikramaditya-The Kiev-class, 44,500-tonne vessel is currently India’s sole aircraft carrier.
Govt. to set up apex cyber crime coordination centre
Why in News?
Union Home Ministry is planning to set up an apex cyber crime coordination centre – Indian
Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) in Delhi.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
Cybercrime cases pose technical, legal and administrative challenges in investigation which
require strengthening of the institutional mechanism.
Phishing, scanning or probing, website intrusions and defacements, virus or malicious code and
denial of service attacks are some types of cybercrimes.
National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) states that cybercrime cases rose by 69% during 2013 to
2014 and by 20% during 2014 to 2015.
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
To deal with cyber crimes such as financial frauds, circulation of communal and pornographic
contents, the Union Home Ministry is planning to set up an apex coordination centre and has
asked states to establish a similar mechanism in every district.
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The apex centre — Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), would coordinate with state
governments and union territories, and closely monitor the cyberspace and social media with
due emphasis on vernacular content.
CIS
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the Cyber Police Force will be set up
under the newly created Cyber & Information Security (CIS) Division of the Union Ministry of
Home Affairs.
The CIS Division will have four Wings, namely Security Clearance, Cyber Crime Prevention,
Cyber Security and Information Security Wings each headed by an Under Secretary level Officer.
It is also proposed to appoint the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Deputy CISO.
Internal Security
Unknown Microbes Identified in Space
Why in News?
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have for the first time identified
microbes in space without having to samples back to Earth for tests.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Identifying microbes involves
i) Isolating the DNA of samples.
ii)Amplifying or making many copies of that DNA through Polymerase Chain Reaction.
iii)Sequencing and identification of the microbes.
What is Polymerase Chain Reaction?
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique used in molecular biology to amplify a single
copy or a few copies of a segment of DNA across several orders of magnitude, generating
thousands to millions of copies of a particular DNA sequence.
It is probably the most widely used technique in molecular biology. This technique is used in
biomedical research, criminal forensics, and molecular archaeology.
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MinION device
MinION is the only portable real-time device for DNA and RNA sequencing. It was used to
sequence the amplified DNA on board the ISS.
Ancient jumping genes may give corals new lease of Life
Why in News?
Scientists have identified a gene that improves the heat tolerance of the algae that live
symbiotically with coral species, and could potentially help the corals adapt to some warming.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Background
Symbiodinium is a unicellular alga that provides its coral host with photosynthetic products in
return for nutrients and shelter.
However, high sea temperatures can cause the breakdown of this symbiotic relationship and
lead to the widespread expulsion of Symbiodinium from host tissues, an event known as coral
bleaching. If bleached corals do not recover, they starve to death, leaving only their white,
calcium-carbonate exoskeleton.
Now researchers have identified special genes, called retrotransposons, which could help the
algae adapt more rapidly to heat stress.
What are Jumping Genes?
Transposable elements (TEs), also known as “jumping genes,” are DNA sequence that can
change its position within a genome, sometimes creating or reversing mutations and altering
the cell’s genetic identity and genome size. These elements were first identified more than 50
years ago by geneticist Barbara McClintock (Nobel Prize 1983)
Transposable elements make up a large fraction of the genome and are responsible for much of
the mass of DNA in a eukaryotic cell. It has been shown that TEs are important in genome
function and evolution.
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Swine Flu
Why in News?
The Rajasthan government on January 3 sounded an alert in the State after more than 400
people were diagnosed positive for the swine flu virus in December 2017.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
1.Swine Flu also called H1NI influenza ,is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract of
pigs.
2.The 2009 swine flu outbreak which the WHO termed as a pandemic, was due to infection
with the H1N1 virus and was first observed in Mexico
3.Swine influenza virus is common throughout pig populations worldwide. Transmission of the
virus from pigs to humans is not common and does not always lead to human flu, however, if it
does occur it is termed as Zootonic Swine Flu.
4.Swine flu is highly contagious. It spreads quickly from one person to another through air,
mucus and saliva particles. The spread of the virus is temperature dependent.
5.Symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to most influenza infections: fever (100 F or
greater), cough, nasal secretions, fatigue, and headache.
6.The antiviral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are sometimes prescribed
within the first day or two of symptoms.
7.A biotechnology firm has made an indigenously developed swine flu vaccine under the brand
name HVAC.
Typhoid conjugate vaccine
Why in News?
A new and highly effective typhoid fever vaccine developed by a Hyderabad-based company
has been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) for global use.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Typbar TCV
Bharat Biotech’s Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) called Typbar TCV against typhoid fever has
received pre-qualification from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
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It is the first typhoid vaccine, clinically proven to be administered to children from 6 months of
age to adults and confers long-term protection against typhoid fever.
Significance
The WHO pre-qualification enables the procurement and supplies of this life-saving vaccine to
UNICEF, the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and GAVI (a vaccine alliance) supported
countries.
About Typhoid
Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi, which infects humans due to
contaminated food and beverages from sewage and other infected humans.
Currently, a third of the global population is at risk of typhoid fever, which results in reduced
school attendance, loss of work and wages, lowered pregnancy outcomes and impaired physical
and cognitive development of children.
Boost to Gravitation Wave Study
Why in News?
India to set up Gravitation Wave observatory which is expected to start functioning by 2025.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
What are Gravitation Waves?
Gravitational waves are ‘ripples’ in the fabric of space-time, caused by some of the most violent
and energetic processes in the universe such as the merger of black holes or neutron stars.
Note4Students- Three American Scientist Rainer Weiss, Kip Thorne and Barry Barish were
awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics for the first observations of gravitational waves.
LIGO
The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory is a large-scale physics experiment
and observatory to detect cosmic gravitational waves and to develop gravitational-wave
observations as an astronomical tool.
Two large observatories were built in the United States with the aim of detecting gravitational
waves by laser interferometry.
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INDIGO
LIGO-India, or INDIGO, is a planned collaborative project between the LIGO Laboratory and the
Indian Initiative in Gravitational-wave Observations (IndIGO) to create a world-class
gravitational-wave detector in India.
For this purpose, a site in the Hingoli district in Maharashtra has been selected.
Pratyush
Why in News?
India recently unveiled its new supercomputer called ‘Pratyush’.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
INDIA’S SUPERCOMPUTERS
SUPERCOMPUTER FEATURES
PARAM
-PARAM 8000 (Ist supercomputer)
-PARAM ISHAN (IIT Guwahati)
-PARAM YUVA II
It is a series of supercomputers designed and assembled by the Centre for development of
advanced computing (C-DAC) in Pune.
Aaditya (IIT-Pune) It is used for climate research and operational forecasting.
Pratyush First petaflop supercomputer in India
About Pratyush
i)Pratyush is the fourth fastest supercomputer in the world dedicated for weather and climate
research, and follows machines in Japan, USA and the United Kingdom.
ii)Pratyush is the first Petaflop Supercomputer developed by India.
iii)The machines will be installed at two government institutes: 4.0 petaflop HPC facility at IITM,
Pune; and 2.8 petaflop facility at the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast,
Noida.
iv)The new supercomputer will greatly improve India’s position in the TOP500 List
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TOP500 List
The TOP500 project ranks and details the 500 most powerful non-distributed computer systems
in the world. The project was started in 1993 and publishes an updated list of the
supercomputers twice a year.
NOTE4STUDENTS-China’s Sunway TaihuLight is the world’s most powerful super computer.
James Webb Space Telescope
Why in News?
James Webb Space Telescope has successfully completed critical testing in a massive thermal
vacuum chamber, enabling it to function properly in the extremely cold and airless
environment in space in 2019
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Important Telescopes
TELESCOPE FEATURES
Hubble Space Telescope It is a space telescope that was launched in 1990 by NASA in
collaboration with European Space Agency.
Kepler Space Telescope It is an unmanned space observatory launched in 2009 by NASA. It
is tasked with locating Earth Like Planets .
Thirty Metre Telescope Being developed by India , China , Japan , Canada and USA.
Tianyan or FAST (five-hundred-metre aperture spherical radio telescope ) It is the worlds largest
Telescope , built by China .
ARIES (Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Science) An optical telescope , It was
joint collaborative technological effort between Indian and Belgian scientists. It is located in
Nainital , Uttarakhand .
About James Webb Telescope
Webb Space Telescope, developed in coordination among NASA, the European Space Agency,
and the Canadian Space Agency, is the most sophisticated, and expensive, space observatory
ever designed
It is Scheduled for launch in the spring of 2019 aboard a European Ariane 5 rocket.
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It is the formal successor to the Hubble Space Telescope and the Spitzer Space Telescope. After
its launch, it will be the premier observatory of the next decade.
Significance
Webb Telescope is a barrier-breaking mission for engineers and astronomers that will help
solve mysteries of our solar system, look beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and
probe the mysterious structures and origins of our universe and our place in it
ISRO Launches Its 100th Satellite
Why in News?
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Polar Satellite Launch
Vehicle (PSLV-C40) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
About the Launch
i) The PSLV -C40 successfully placed the Cartosat-2 series satellite into sun-synchronous orbit.
ii) The PSLV-C40 placed 31 satellites, originating from seven countries-Canada, Finland, France,
Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.
iii)The mission is a unique one since the satellites were launched in two orbits. Thirty of the
satellites were launched in an orbit 550 km about, and one 359-km above the Earth. This was
done through what scientists call the “multiple burn technology” under which the rocket’s
engine is switched off and then switched on to control its height.
Cartosat-2
The remote-sensing satellite is the main payload aboard the PSLV C-40. It will boost data
services for urban and rural applications, coastal land use and regulation, monitoring of road
networks, water distribution, and land-use mapping.
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Chandrayaan-2
Why in News?
The ISRO has said that Chandrayaan-2, the country’s second mission to the moon, is on
schedule and flight models are going through various tests.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Chandrayaan-2
It is India’s second mission to the Moon is a totally indigenous mission comprising of an Orbiter,
Lander and Rover.
After reaching the 100 km lunar orbit, the Lander housing the Rover will separate from the
Orbiter. After a controlled descent, the Lander will soft land on the lunar surface at a specified
site and deploy a Rover.
The Chandrayaan-2 weighing around 3290 kg and would orbit around the moon and perform
the objectives of remote sensing the moon. The payloads will collect scientific information on
lunar topography, mineralogy, elemental abundance, lunar exosphere and signatures of
hydroxyl and water-ice.
Launch Vehicle: GSLV-F10
Chandrayaan-1 mission
Chandrayaan-1 was India’s first lunar probe. It was launched by the ISRO in October 2008 and
operated until August 2009. The spacecraft was launched by PSLV-C11 from Satish Dhawan
Space Centre at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
It had sent more than 70,000 images of the lunar surface which provided breathtaking views of
lunar mountains and craters, especially craters in the permanently shadowed areas of the
Moon’s polar region.
Agni V
Why in News?
India successfully tested Agni V, validating the long-range surface to surface ballistic missile’s
reliability.
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FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Agni Missile Family
Missile Features
Agni I Single-stage ,Medium Range Ballistic Missile (range -700 to 900 km)
Agni II Medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) with two solid fuel stages
Operational range -2,000–3,500 km
Agni III Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile ( Range 3000 km to 5000 km) , two solid fuel stages.
Agni IV Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile It is lighter in weight and has two stages of Solid
Propulsion.
Agni V Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) ,three-stage solid fuel missile
Agni V
i) Agni-V ICBM is indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO). It is Part of the Agni series of missiles, one of the missile systems under
the original Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.
ii) Range: 5,500–5,800 km. It will allow India to strike targets across Asia and into Europe.
iii) It is a 3 stage solid fuelled missile with composite motor casing in the second and third stage.
iv) Agni v is the most advanced missile in the Agni series with new technologies incorporated in
terms of navigation and guidance, warhead and engine.
v) The navigation systems very high accuracy Ring Laser Gyro based Inertial Navigation System
(RINS) and Micro Navigation System (MINS) ensure the missile reach the target point within few
metres of accuracy.
Kilo power Project
Why in News?
NASA announced new tests are underway for the Kilo power project, a program designed to
create small nuclear power sources to fuel further space exploration
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FACTS FOR PRELIMS
About the Project
It is a compact power system, is designed to sustain a long-duration National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA) human mission on Mars.
In addition to powering activities on the surface of the moon and Mars, Kilo power systems
could power robots as they explore the outer planets and their moons, or even take a probe
beyond the boundaries of our solar system.
Parker Solar Probe
Why In News?
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe mission is set to fly closest to the Sun’s surface than any other man-
made object before it.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Parker Solar Probe is a planned NASA robotic spacecraft to probe the outer corona of the Sun.
The probe will come within 4 million miles (6.4 million km) of the Sun’s surface and will travel at
a speed of around 725,000 kmph.
The goals of the mission are-
i) Determine the structure and dynamics of the magnetic fields at the sources of solar wind.
ii)Trace the flow of energy that heats the corona and accelerates the solar wind.
iii)Determine what mechanisms accelerate and transport energetic particles.
iv)Explore dusty plasma near the Sun and its influence on solar wind and solar energetic
particles formation.
Remove DEBRIS
Why in News?
The Remove DEBRIS mission, scheduled to be launched later this year, is being led by the Surrey
Space Centre (SSC) at the University of Surrey, UK, and is co-funded by the European
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Commission and other partners, including prominent European space companies and
institutions.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
About the Project
Remove DEBRIS is aimed at performing key Active Debris Removal (ADR) technology
demonstrations (e.g capture, de-orbiting) representative of an operational scenario during a
low-cost mission using novel key technologies for ADR.
Kessler effect
A relatively small piece of orbital debris can inflict a great deal of damage on satellites or
spacecraft orbiting in the space. This phenomenon is Kessler Syndrome which describes a self-
sustaining cascading collision of space debris in low earth Orbit.
GOLD Mission
Why in News?
Commercial aerospace company Arianespace launched the SES-14 satellite carrying NASA’s
GOLD mission.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
GOLD MISSION
The aim of the Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk, or GOLD, the mission is to study
the dynamic region where space and Earth’s uppermost atmosphere meet.
Significance
The upper atmosphere is far more variable than previously imagined, but we don’t understand
the interactions between all the factors involved.
The complexity of these interactions makes it very difficult to predict when an atmospheric
change in the ionosphere and thermosphere will occur, and this can be a serious problem for
satellite communications. The GOLD Mission will provide a big picture of how different drivers
meet and influence each other.
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Scientists clone monkeys
Why in News?
Two identical long-tailed macaques were born eight and six weeks ago, making them the first
primates to be cloned from a non-embryonic cell.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)
Chinese scientists have cloned monkeys using the same technique that produced Dolly the
sheep two decades ago, breaking a technical barrier that could open the door to copying
humans.
It was achieved through a process called somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), which involves
transferring the nucleus of a cell, which includes its DNA, into an egg which has had its nucleus
removed.
Significance
This can be used to produce animal models that are useful for researching human health.
Genetically identical animals are useful in research because confounding factors caused by
genetic variability in non-cloned animals can complicate experiments. They could be used to
test new drugs for a range of diseases before clinical use.
Lamin B2 Protein
Why in News?
For the first time, nuclear protein Lamin B2 has been found to determine the morphology and
function of the nucleolus.
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
About the Protein
Lamin B2 proteins play an important role in maintaining the structure and function of the
nucleus.
It also modulates the entry and exit of a multifunctional RNA binding protein
Significance
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Cancer cells contain more nucleoli which are also larger in size, compared to normal cells. The
study of Lamin B2 protein will contribute to cancer research.
Nucleolus
It is a roundish entity found inside the nucleus of a cell.It makes ribosomal ribonucleic acid
(rRNA) and ribosomes.