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Table of Contents

Polity & Governance .............................................................................................................................. 1

1. The Code on Wages Bill 2017 (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS mains Paper II) .................... 1

2. Health Ministry launches two new contraceptives (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS mains

Paper II) .......................................................................................................................................... 2

3. Indian Advance Pricing Agreement regime moves forward with the signing of four

Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS mains Paper II, III).. 3

4. First batch of 1000 E-rickshaws 'SmartE' flagged off in Gurugram (Relevant for GS Prelims

and GS mains Paper II, III) ............................................................................................................ 4

5. Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi launches Scheme Implementation Guidelines of Pradhan

Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS mains Paper II) ................ 5

6. Ministry of DoNER to organise "North East Calling” (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains

Paper II) ......................................................................................................................................... 5

7. Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MOCA) identifies more than one lakh directors of shell

companies for disqualification (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II) ................ 6

8. Cabinet approves implementation of the scheme "Dairy Processing & Infrastructure

Development Fund” (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II) ................................... 7

9. First ever National Conference on "Mission Mode to address Under-Nutrition” (Relevant

for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II) ....................................................................................... 8

10. TRIFED Plans to Scale up Marketing Functions (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains

Paper II) ......................................................................................................................................... 8

11. Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana "Saubhagya” (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II)

......................................................................................................................................................... 9

International Organizations and Relations ..........................................................................11

1. PM gives gift to Myanmar State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi (Relevant for GS

Prelims and GS Mains Paper II) .................................................................................................. 11

2. Documents signed in the presence of BRICS Leaders during BRICS Summit - 2017 in

Xiamen, China (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS mains Paper II) ........................................... 11

3. Curtain Raiser: Exercise Yudh Abhyas – 2017 (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper II)

....................................................................................................................................................... 11

Economics .............................................................................................................................................. 12

1. Department of Financial Services advises all Banks to take immediate steps to put

restrictions on bank accounts of over two lakh struck off companies (Relevant for GS

Prelims and GS Mains Paper III ..................................................................................................... 12

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2. President of India lays the foundation stone of 'Saurashtra Narmada Avataran Irrigation

Yojana' (SAUNI) Phase-II Link-4 in Rajkot (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS mains Paper II)

............................................................................................................................................................. 13

3. CIPAM-DIPP launches social media campaign to promote Geographical Indications

(Relevant for GS Prelims and GS mains Paper II) ....................................................................... 14

4. India's Foreign Trade: May 2017 (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III) .......... 15

5. A Status Report 2016-17 on External Debt of India (Relevant for GS & Mains Paper III) .. 17

6. National Steel Policy, 2017 (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper III) ........................... 20

7. VASTRA 2017 (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III) .......................................... 20

8. Total production of kharif foodgrains during 2017-18 is estimated at 134.67 million

tonnes (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III) ........................................................ 21

9. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) registered National E-Governance

Services Limited (NeSL) as an Information Utility (IU) under the IBBI (Information

Utilities) Regulations, 2017 (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III) ................... 21

Environment .......................................................................................................................................... 22

1. Environment Ministry to Launch 'PrakritiKhoj' – An Environment Quiz on Teachers' Day

(Relevant for GS Prelims and GS mains Paper III) ..................................................................... 22

2. Dr Harsh Vardhan inaugurates Conference on "Sustainable Landscapes & Forest

Ecosystems: Theory to Practice” (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III) ........... 22

Internal Security .................................................................................................................................. 25

1. Successful Flight Test of 3rd Generation Anti Tank Guided Missile – NAG (Relevant for GS

Prelims and GS Mains Paper III) .................................................................................................... 25

2. PM wishes the women officers of Navika Sagar Parikrama the very best; urges people to

share good wishes on the NM App (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III ......... 25

3. Successful Development Trials of Astra Missile (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains

Paper III) ...................................................................................................................................... 26

Science & Technology and Environment ....................................................................................... 28

1. AYUSH Minister inaugurates India's first advanced Homoeopathy Virology lab in Kolkata

(Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III) .................................................................. 28

2. Cabinet approves hiving off mobile tower assets of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited into a

separate company, fully owned by BSNL (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III)

....................................................................................................................................................... 28

3. Attaining New Heights in Biotechnology (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III)

....................................................................................................................................................... 29








Social Issues ................................................................................................................................31

1. NITI Aayog calls renewed focus on Nutrition, launches the National Nutrition Strategy

(Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper I and II).............................................................. 31

Miscellaneous ....................................................................................................................................... 33

1. DIKSHA (Relevant for GS Prelims) ............................................................................................. 33

2. International Literacy Day – 2017(Relevant for GS Prelims .................................................... 33

3. UJALA scheme launched in Melaka, Malaysia(Relevant for GS Prelims) ............................... 33

4. Kharif Crop Sowing Crosses 1041 Lakh Hectare Area (Relevant for GS Prelims) ................ 33

5. SAIL's retail sales gets boost with SAIL's Gaonki Ore campaign (Relevant for GS Prelims) 34

6. Operation Insaaniyat Humanitarian Assistance to Bangladesh on Account of Influx of

Refugees (Relevant for GS Prelims) ............................................................................................... 35

7. P.V. Sindhu on winning Korea Open Super Series title (Relevant for GS Prelims) ................ 35

8. India to conduct the First 'BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise- 2017' (Relevant for

GS Prelims) ........................................................................................................................................ 35

9. Singapore to set up Skill Center in Northeast (Relevant for GS Prelims) ............................... 36

10. DrJitendra Singh to inaugurate first 'Pension Adalat' (Relevant for GS Prelims) ................ 36

11. Minimum Support Price for Minor Forest Produce is launched Nationwide (Relevant for GS

Prelims and GS Mains Paper II) ..................................................................................................... 37






1



Polity & Governance

1. The Code on Wages Bill 2017 (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS mains Paper II)

The Code on Wages Bill is part of labour law reforms.The Government has undertaken the

exercise of rationalisation of the 38 Labour Acts by framing 4 labour codes such as Code on

Wages, Code on Industrial Relations, Code on Social Security and Code on occupational

safety, health and working conditions.

Background

The Code on Wages Bill 2017 has been introduced in LokSabha and it subsumes 4 existing

Laws, such as the Minimum Wages Act, 1948; the Payment of Wages Act, 1936; the

Payment of Bonus Act, 1965; and the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976. After the enactment of

the Code on Wages, all these four Acts will get repealed. The Classification of the Labour

Laws will remove the multiplicity of definitions and authorities which leads to ease of

compliance without compromising wage security and social security to the workers.

Provisions of new code on wages bill

1. The provisions of the Minimum Wages Act and the Payment of Wages Act do not cover a

substantial number of workers, as the applicability of both these Acts is restricted to the

Scheduled Employments / Establishments. However, the new Code on Wages will ensure

minimum wages to one and all and timely payment of wages to all employees irrespective

of the sector of employment without any wage ceiling.

2. A concept of statutory National Minimum Wage for different geographical areas has been

introduced. It will ensure that no State Government fixes the minimum wage below the

National Minimum Wages in that particular area as notified by the Central Government.

3. The proposed payment of wages through cheque or digital/ electronic mode would not

only promote digitization but also extend wage and social security to the worker.

4. Provision of an Appellate Authority has been made between the Claim Authority and the

Judicial Forum which will lead to speedy, cheaper and efficient redressal of grievances and

settlement of claims.

5. Penalties for different types of violations under this Code have been rationalized with the

amount of fines varying as per the gravity of violations and repeat of the offences. Provision

of compounding of offences has been made for those which are not punishable by a penalty

of imprisonment.

6. Central Government has not fixed or mentioned any amount as national minimum wage

in the Code on Wages Bill 2017. The minimum wages will vary from place to place






2



depending upon skill required, the difficulty of the work assigned and geographical

location.

7. The Code on Wages Bill 2017clearly states that the Central Government, before fixing the

national minimum wage, may obtain the advice of the Central Advisory Board, having

representatives from employers and employees. Therefore, the Code provides for a

consultative mechanism before determining the national minimum wage.

However, the revised methodology for calculation of minimum wages by enhancing the

units from three to six is not the part of the Code on Wages Bill.

(Adapted from PIB)

2. Health Ministry launches two new contraceptives (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS

mains Paper II)

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched two new contraceptives, an

injectable contraceptive MPA under the Antara programme and a contraceptive pill,

Chhaya, in the public health system to expand the basket of contraceptive choices to meet

the emerging needs of couples.

About Antara and Chayya

The contraceptives, which are available for free in Medical Colleges and District Hospitals

at present, have so far been launched in 10 states that includes Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh,

Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Haryana, West Bengal, Odisha, Delhi and Goa.

The contraceptives are safe and highly effective as the Antara injectable being effective for

three months and the Chayya pill for one week and will help meet the changing needs of

couples and help women plan and space their pregnancies.

Training of healthcare practitioners from all the states has been completed as well, with a

pool of state and district level doctors and staff nurses being trained to support the rollout.

What is FP-LMIS?

A new software has been launched to improve the supply and distribution of

contraceptives called Family Planning, Logistics Management Information System (FP-

LMIS). It is designed to provide robust information on the demand and distribution of

contraceptives to health facilities and ASHAs.

Mission Parivar Vikas

Mission ParivarVikas, a central family planning initiative has also been launched by the

Ministry. The key strategic focus of this initiative is on improving access to contraceptives






3



through delivering assured services, ensuring commodity security and accelerating access

to high quality family planning services.

Provisions of Mission Parivar Vikas • The mission is being implemented in 6 high focus districts with the highest total fertility rates in the country. These districts are in the seven in the number with high Total Fertility Rates (TFR) states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Assam, which constitute 44% of the country s population. • The main objective of the Mission Parivar Vikas family planning initiative is to bring down the Total Fertility Rate to 2.1 by the year 2025. Focus of Ministry

Through sustained family planning efforts, itaims to achieve its goal of increasing modern contraceptive usage and ensure that 74% of the demand for modern contraceptives is satisfied by 2020, with continued emphasis on delivering assured services, generating demand and bridging supply gaps. The focus remains on increasing awareness and demand through a holistic communications campaign that has simultaneously been rolled out across all states of India. (Adapted from PIB)

3. Indian Advance Pricing Agreement regime moves forward with the signing of four

Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS mains Paper II,

III)

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has entered into 4 more Advance Pricing

Agreements (APAs).

About Advanced Pricing Agreements

The concept of Advanced Pricing Agreement (APA) was introduced in India via the Finance

Act 2012.The international transactions are complex and involve more than one country.

The sole objective of the APA is to bring tax certainty in international transactions and

overcome the issues due to transfer pricing between related parties. The related parties

means that one party is a holding, subsidiary or an associate company of another party.

Recent Agreement

Out of the 4 Agreements, the 3 are Unilateral and 1 is a Bilateral. The Bilateral APA is for

international transactions between an Indian company and a UK-based company. This is






4



the 8th Bilateral APA with the United Kingdom and 13th overall (the other 5 being with

Japan).

With the signing of these 4 Agreements, the total number of APAs entered into by CBDT has

reached 175. This includes 162 Unilateral APAs and 13 Bilateral APAs. In the current

financial year, a total of 23 APAs (2 Bilateral and 21 Unilateral) have been signed.

The 4 APAs pertain to various sectors of the economy like Telecom, Banking,

Manufacturing and Education. The international transactions covered in these agreements

include payment of Royalty, Provision of IT Enabled Services, Provision of Software

Development Services, Provision of Manpower Services, Import of Raw Materials, Export of

Finished Goods, Provision of Engineering Design Services, etc.

Provisions of APA

The APA provisions were introduced in the Income-tax Act in 2012 and the Rollback

provisions were introduced in 2014. The APA scheme endeavours to provide certainty to

taxpayers in the domain of transfer pricing by specifying the methods of pricing and setting

the prices of international transactions in advance. Since its inception, the APA scheme has

been well-accepted by taxpayers and that has resulted in more than 800 applications (both

Unilateral and Bilateral) being filed.

The progress of the APA scheme strengthens the Government s resolve of fostering a co-

operative tax regime. The Indian APA programme has been appreciated nationally and

internationally for being able to address complex transfer pricing issues in a fair and

transparent manner.

(Adapted from PIB)

4. First batch of 1000 E-rickshaws 'SmartE' flagged off in Gurugram (Relevant for GS

Prelims and GS mains Paper II, III)

SmartE will provide last mile transport connectivity to Metro commuters

E-rickshaws initiative

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River

Development and Ganga Rejuvenation flagged off a fleet of first batch of 1000 E-rickshaws

H in Gurugram.

Advantages of E-rickshaw






5



The E-rickshaw fleet will not only provide cost effective and pollution free substitute in

transport system but will also generate employment opportunities for marginalised youth.

The public transport on electricity is the necessity of the country.

About Smart E

The E rickshaw fleet is being operated by Treasure Vase Ventures Private Limited in

partnership of Delhi Metro, under the Smart E brand name. Smart E will provide the last

mile transport connectivity in the area. The E Rickshaws have been manufactured in India

and are fitted with GPS and tracking system.

Smart E has established strategic partnerships with the Haryana government (HSIIDC) and

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. The E-rickshaws Smart E will provide meaningful self-

employment for over 1,00,000 marginalised youths, in next 4-5 years.

(Adapted from PIB)

5. Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi launches Scheme Implementation Guidelines of

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS mains Paper

II)

The norms for pre-school education developed by the Government for the first time

The Ministry of Women & Child Development released the Guidelines of Pradhan Mantri

Matru Vandana Yojana. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi had announced the pan-

India implementation of this scheme. PMMVY is implemented by the Ministry of Women &

Child Development in collaboration with State Governments.

About Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), previously Indira Gandhi Matritva

Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY), is a maternity benefit program run by the government of India. It

was introduced in 2010 and is implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child

Development. It is a conditional cash transfer scheme for pregnant and lactating women of

19 years of age or above for first two live births. It provides a partial wage compensation to

women for wage-loss during childbirth and childcare and to provide conditions for safe

delivery and good nutrition and feeding practices.

(Adapted from PIB)

6. Ministry of DoNER to organise "North East Calling” (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS

Mains Paper II)

North East Calling






6



The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India is

organising an event North East Calling under its Destination North East series of this year.

The purpose of the event is to promote the art, culture, heritage, cuisine, handicrafts,

business and tourism of North East India. The event will showcase all activities and

products of North-East and it coincides with the 16th Anniversary of Ministry of DoNER.

(Adapted from PIB)

7. Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MOCA) identifies more than one lakh directors of

shell companies for disqualification (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II)

The action of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs of cancellation of registration of around 2.10

lakh (2,09,032) defaulting companies and subsequent direction of the Ministry of Finance

to banks to restrict operations of bank accounts of such companies by the directors of such

companies or their authorized representatives, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has

identified 1,06,578 Directors for disqualification under Section 164(2)(a) of the Companies

Act, 2013.

What is Section 164(2)(a) of the Companies Act says?

(2) No person who is or has been a director of a company which- (a) has not filed financial statements or annual returns for any continuous period of three financial years. Action taken by the Ministry • Ministry of Corporate Affairs hasanalysing the data of these companies available with the Registrar of Companies to identify the Directors and the significant beneficial interests behind these companies. • Profiles of Directors such as their background, antecedents and their role in the operations/functioning of these companies are also being compiled in collaboration with the enforcement agencies. • The money laundering activities performed under the aegis of these companies are also under the scanner. • The Professionals, Chartered Accountants/Company Secretaries/Cost Accountants associated with such defaulting Companies and involved in illegal activities have been identified in certain cases and the action by Professional Institutes such as ICAI, ICSI and ICoAI is also being monitored. The above exercise is part of the strategy formulated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The Ministry of State is closely monitoring the situation emerging-out of cancellation of registration of such companies under the Companies Act, 2013. The regular meetings are






7



holding with the officials of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and its subordinate organizations such as Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), Registrars of Companies (ROCs), Department of Financial Services, Indian Banks Association and other Departments involved in the crackdown against such companies. The disqualification under Section 164 of the Act is by operation of law.The defaulting Directors of the shell companies will be identify. About Section 164 of the Companies Act, 2013 It may be recalled that as per Section 164 of the Companies Act, 2013, any person who is or has been a director in a company which has not filed financial statements or annual returns for any continuous period of three financial years shall not be eligible for re-appointment as a director in that company or appointed in other company for a period of five years from the date on which the said company fails to do so.

Section 248 of the Companies Act

Section 248 of the Act provides that, the liability, if any, of every director, manager or other

officer who was exercising any powers of management and of every member of the deregistered/ dissolved company, shall continue and may be enforced as if the company had not been de-registered/dissolved.

Further, Section 167 of the Act provides that on suffering the aforesaid disqualification, the Director shall vacate the office. (Adapted From PIB)

8. Cabinet approves implementation of the scheme "Dairy Processing &

Infrastructure Development Fund” (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II)

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a Dairy Processing & Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF) with an outlay of Rs 10,881 crore during the period from 2017-18 to 2028-29. Details of the fund • The Initiation and setting up of Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF) at a total scheme outlay of Rs 10881 crore. • Out of Rs 10881 crore of financial outlay for project components of DIDF, Rs 8004 crore shall be loan from NABARD to National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and National Dairy Development Cooperation (NCDC). • Rs 2001 crore shall be ultimate borrower s contribution. The major activities of DIDF:

The project will focus on building an efficient milk procurement system by






8



• Setting up of chilling infrastructure & installation of electronic milk adulteration testing equipment, • Creation/modernization/expansion of processing infrastructure, • Manufacturing faculties for Value Added Products for the Milk Unions/ Milk Producer Companies. Management of DIDF:

The project will be implemented by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and National Dairy Development Cooperation (NCDC). It will benefit the end Borrowers such as Milk Unions, State Dairy Federations, Multi-state Milk Cooperatives, Milk Producer Companies and NDDB subsidiaries meeting the eligibility criteria under the project. An Implementation and Monitoring Cell (IMC) located at NDDB, Anand, will manage the implementation and monitoring of day-to-day project activities. The end borrowers will get the loan @ 6.5% per annum. The period of repayment will be 10 years with initial two-year moratorium. The respective State Government will be the guarantor of loan repayment. If the end user is not able to contribute its share for the project sanctioned, the State Government will contribute the same. (Adapted From PIB)

9. First ever National Conference on "Mission Mode to address Under-Nutrition” (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II)

The first ever National Conference on "Mission Mode to address Under-Nutrition" was successfully held. The conference was organized by keeping in mind the goal of Mission Malnutrition Free India-2022. Focus of Programme

There is an urgent need to improve the quality of supplementary nutrition and also make the delivery system efficient. The programme aims to provide 1000 calories to women and 600 calories to children under ICDS. The focus of the entire programme should be to administer nutrition rather than feeding beneficiaries by giving "Nutrient Dense Food". Release of Book

Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi released a book "Forest Lanterns" containing essays on solutions to improve nutrition among children in tribal areas.

(Adapted From PIB)

10. TRIFED Plans to Scale up Marketing Functions (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS

Mains Paper II)






9



What is TRIFED?

TRIFED, a PSU under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India has been working with the main objective of promoting tribal art and craft for the benefit of tribal artisans. It is under the scheme Institutional Support for Development & Marketing of tribal products/produce NEW INITIATIVE

TRIFED plans to scale up the Retail Marketing Activities by achieving a procurement goal of Rs.20 Crores and sale of Rs.40 Crores in the current financial year. The procurement goal for the next financial year is 50 Crores and sale goal of Rs.100 Crores through sustained efforts to ramp up supply and creation of demand. It has a purpose of associating maximum number of tribal artisans through association and expertise of like minded partners in the various States. Background:

The tribal population of the country, as per 2011 census, is around 10.43 crore, constituting 8.6% of the total population. 89.97% of them live in rural areas and 10.03% in urban areas. Thus, there exists a vast potential for harnessing the supply of tribal handicraft products from the 705 Scheduled Tribes ethnic groups of 30 States/UTs in 590 districts across the country.

(Adapted from PIB)

11. Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana "Saubhagya” (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains

Paper II)

The Prime Minister Shri– Narendra Modi has launched a new scheme Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana Saubhagya to ensure electrification of all willing households in the country in rural as well as urban areas.The Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) will be the nodal agency for the operation of the scheme throughout the country. About the Yojana

The solar power packs with battery bank will be given to un-electrified households located in remote and inaccessible areas, comprising of Five LED lights, One DC fan, One DC power plug. It also includes the Repair and Maintenance (R&M) for 5 years. The expected outcome of the Scheme is as follows:

(a) Environmental upgradation by substitution of Kerosene for lighting purposes (b) Improving education services (c) Better health services (d) Enhanced connectivity through radio, television, mobiles, etc. (e) Increased economic activities and jobs (f) Improved quality of life especially for women






10



(Adapted from PIB)






11



International Organization and Relations 1.PM gives gift to Myanmar State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi (Relevant for GS

Prelims and GS Mains Paper II)

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi presented Myanmar State Counsellor Daw Aung San SuuKyi a special reproduction of the original research proposal that she had submitted for fellowship at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study in Shimla in May 1986. The research proposal was titled "The Growth and Development of Burmese and Indian Intellectual Traditions Under Colonialism: A Comparative Study."

(Adapted from PIB)

2. Documents signed in the presence of BRICS Leaders during BRICS Summit - 2017

in Xiamen, China (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS mains Paper II)

The 2017 BRICS summit was the ninth annual BRICS summit, an international relations conference attended by the heads of state or heads of government of the five-member states Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The summit held in Xiamen, China, the second time the China has hosted the summit after the 2011 summit.

Agreements signed

1. BRICS Action Agenda on Economic and Trade Cooperation 2. BRICS Action Plan for Innovation Cooperation (2017-2020) 3. Strategic Framework of BRICS Customs Cooperation 4. Memorandum of Understanding between the BRICS Business Council and the New Development Bank on Strategic Cooperation (Adapted from PIB)

3. Curtain Raiser: Exercise Yudh Abhyas – 2017 (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains

Paper II)

The ongoing Indo-US defence cooperation, a joint military training, Exercise Yudh Abhyas -

2017 is being conducted at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, USA. Exercise Yudh

Abhyas is one of the largest joint running military training and defence corporation

endeavours between India and USA. This will be the 13th edition of the joint exercise

hosted alternately between the two countries.

(Adapted from PIB)






12



Economics

1. Department of Financial Services advises all Banks to take immediate steps to put

restrictions on bank accounts of over two lakh struck off companies (Relevant for GS

Prelims and GS Mains Paper III)

Government has stepped up decisive action against companies falling within the ambit of

Section 248 of the Companies Act.

What is Section 248 of the Companies Act says?

Registrar of Companies (ROC) has the power to remove the name of companies from

Register of companies under section 248 of the companies act, 2013.

ROC cansuo-motu or on application of a company issue notice for strike off of the name of

companies on following reasons/causes:

(a) If a company has failed to commence its business within one year of its incorporation,

or

(b) The subscribers to the memorandum have not paid the subscription, which they had

undertaken to pay within a period of one hundred and eighty (180) days from the date of

incorporation of a company and a declaration under section 11(1) to this effect has not

been filed within one hundred eighty (180) days of its incorporation;

(c) A company is not carrying on any business or operation for a period of two immediately

preceding financial years and has not made any application within such period for

obtaining the status of a dormant company under section of 455.

What had happened?

The names of 2,09,032 companies have been struck off from the Register of Companies

under Section 248 (5) of the Act. The existing Directors and Authorized Signatories of such

struck off companies will now become ex Directors or ex Authorized Signatories.

Therefore, these individuals will not be able to operate bank accounts of such companies

till such companies are legally restored under Section 252 of the Companies Act by an

order of the National Company Law Tribunal. The restoration, as and when it happens shall

be reflected by a change in the status of the company from Struck off to Active .

Action taken by the Government

The Struck off` companies have ceased to exist, but action has been initiated to restrict the

operation of Bank accounts of such companies. The Department of Financial Services has,






13



through the Indian Banks Association, advised all Banks that they should take immediate

steps to put restrictions on the bank accounts of such struck off companies. A list of such

companies, Registrar of Companies wise, has been published on the website of the Ministry

of Corporate Affairs.

In addition to such struck off companies, Banks have also been advised to go in for

enhanced attentiveness while dealing with companies in general.

A company even having an active status on the website of the Ministry but defaulting in

filing of its due Financial Statement (s) or Annual Return (s) of Particular of Charges on its

assets on the secured loan should be seen with suspicion as, prima facie(clear), the

company is not complying with its mandatory statutory obligations to file this vital

information for availability to its stakeholders.

(Adapted from PIB)

2. President of India lays the foundation stone of 'Saurashtra Narmada Avataran

Irrigation Yojana' (SAUNI) Phase-II Link-4 in Rajkot (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS

mains Paper II)

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind laid the foundation stone of Saurashtra

Narmada Avataran Irrigation Yojana (SAUNI) Phase-II Link-4 in Rajkot, Gujarat.

About Saurashtra Narmada Avataran Irrigation Yojana

Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation is a project with objective of filling 115 major dams

by diverting floodwaters overflowing from the SardarSarovar Dam across the Narmada

river to the drought areas.

Background

Saruashtra region of Gujarat, which includes 11 districts which faces drought like situation

often and has been reeling under severe water scarcity due to scanty rainfall. The Sardar

Sarovar reservoir has 4.75 million acre feet (MAFT) storage capacity which is further

distributed to states of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. A lot of floodwater still

overflows the dam, especially in the monsoon season and ends up going to the sea route.

Gujarat s share is around 3 MAFT in that floodwater. With the new scheme, the water will

be distributed to all the big reservoirs.

Objectives of Yojana






14



The project acts as a linking project where the water will be filled in irrigation dams that

are already equipped with canal network. The key features of this project are:

There are 115 dams in the Saurashtra region will be filled with excess water

Around 10 dams and reservoirs of Rajkot, Jamnagar and Morbi districts will be filled with

water

The making of pipe canals instead of the conventional open canals.

The 1,125-km network of pipelines that will help to channel water into farms.

(Adapted from The PIB)

3. CIPAM-DIPP launches social media campaign to promote Geographical Indications

(Relevant for GS Prelims and GS mains Paper II)

The Cell for IPR Promotions & Management (CIPAM) has launched a social media campaign

to promote Indian Geographical Indications (GIs) with #LetsTalkIP, which is an ongoing

movement initiated by CIPAM to make more people aware about the importance of

Intellectual Property Rights.

What is Geographical Indication (GI)?

A Geographical Indication or a GI is a sign used on products that have a specific

geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Such a

name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable

to its origin in that defined geographical locality.

Darjeeling Tea, Mahabaleshwar Strawberry, Blue Pottery of Jaipur, Banarasi Sarees and

Tirupati Laddus are some of the GIs.

GIs are of utmost importance to the country as they are an integral part of India s rich

culture and collective intellectual heritage.

Benefits of Geographical Indication

GI tag has accorded protection to a number of hand-made and manufactured products,

especially in the informal sector.

The promotion of GIs is in line with the Government s Make in India campaign. It s an area

of strength and optimism for India.






15



GI products can benefit the rural economy in remote areas, by supplementing the incomes

of artisans, farmers, weavers and craftsmen. Indian rural artisans possess unique skills and

knowledge of traditional practices and methods, passed down from generation to

generation, which need to be protected and promoted.

Initiatives taken by Government

The government had launched initiatives such as #IWearHandloom and #CottonIsCool to

promote and revive traditional handwoven textiles.

Presently, CIPAM talking about interesting facts and stories related to GIs from across the

country on its Twitter handle @CIPAM_India and Facebook Page @CIPAMIndia using

#LetsTalkIP hashtag. The government will also be coming up with various other initiatives

to promote registered GIs in the future.

(Adapted from PIB)

4. India's Foreign Trade: May 2017 (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III)

TRADE BALANCE

Trade balance is calculated by taking merchandise and services together. Thus, overall

trade deficit for April- May 2017-18 is estimated at US$ 21408.91 million as compared to

US$ 5392.77 million during April-May 2016-17.

MERCHANDISE TRADE

EXPORTS & IMPORTS: (US $ Million)

(PROVISIONAL)

MAY APRIL-MAY

EXPORTS (including re-exports)

2016-17 22170.62 42739.47

2017-18 24014.62 48649.71

%Growth 2017-18/ 2016-17 8.32 13.83

2016-17 28443.52 53857.24

2017-18 37856.34 75740.62






16



%Growth 2017-18/ 2016-17 33.09 40.63

TRADE BALANCE

2016-17 -6272.90 -11117.77

2017-18 -13841.72 -27090.91

(PROVISIONAL)

MAY APRIL-MAY

EXPORTS (including re-exports)

2016-17 148336.31 285056.42

2017-18 154713.69 313627.48

%Growth 2017-18/ 2016-17 4.30 10.02

2016-17 190306.19 359229.90

2017-18 243888.74 488269.26

%Growth 2017-18/ 2016-17 28.16 35.92

TRADE BALANCE

2016-17 -41969.88 -74173.48

2017-18 -89175.05 -174641.78

SERVICES TRADE

EXPORTS & IMPORTS (SERVICES): (US $ Million)

(Provisional) April 2017

EXPORTS (Receipts) 12904






17



IMPORTS (Payments) 7222

TRADE BALANCE 5682

EXPORTS & IMPORTS (SERVICES): (Rs. Crore)

(Provisional) April 2017

EXPORTS (Receipts) 83239.96

IMPORTS (Payments) 46587.03

TRADE BALANCE

36652.93

Source: RBI Press Release dated 15thJune, 2017 (Adapted From PIB)

5. A Status Report 2016-17 on External Debt of India (Relevant for GS & Mains Paper

III)

The 23rd Issue of the Annual Publication India s External Debt: A Status Report 2016-17 prepared by the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Government of India. It presents a detailed analysis of India s External Debt position at end of March 2017.It is based on the data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and data and information available from other sources. The salient features of the Report are:

India s external debt stock stood at US$ 471.9 billion, which is decreased by US$ 13.1 billion (2.7 per cent). The decline in external debt was due to the decrease in long-term debt particularly NRI deposits and commercial borrowings. The long-term external debt was US$ 383.9 billion, showing a decrease of 4.4 per cent. Short-term external debt increased by 5.5 per cent to US$ 88.0 billion. This is mainly due to the increase in trade related credits, a major component of short-term debt with a share of 98.3 per cent. Government (sovereign) external debt increased from US$ 93.4 billion to US$ 95.8 billion and constituted 20.3 per cent of the total external debt, as compared to 19.3 per cent in the previous year.






18



India s external debt has remained within manageable limits and the external debt situation has improved in 2016-17. It is indicated by the increase in foreign exchange reserves cover to debt to 78.4 per cent from 74.3 per cent and fall in the external debt-GDP ratio to20.2 per cent from 23.5 per cent. External debt of the country continues to be dominated by the long-term borrowings. India s external debt position in recent years is given below:

India s Key External Debt Indicators (per cent)

Year 2012- 2013- 2014- 2015- 2016-

13

14

15

16

17 P

R

External Debt (US$

billion) 409.4 446.2 474.7 485.0 471.9

Growth in External

Debt (%) 13.5 9.0 6.4 2.2 -(2.7)

Total External

Debt to GDP 22.4 23.9 23.9 23.5 20.2

Debt Service Ratio 5.9 5.9 7.6 8.8 8.3

Concessional Debt

to Total External

Debt 11.1 10.4 8.8 9.0 9.3






19



Foreign Exchange

Reserves to Total

External

Debt 71.3 68.2 72.0 74.3 78.4

Short term

External Debt# to

Foreign

Exchang

e

Reserves 33.1 30.1 25.0 23.1 23.8

Short term

External Debt# to

Total Debt 23.6 20.5 18.0 17.2 18.6

Short term debt

(Residual

Maturity) to total

debt 42.1 39.7 38.5 42.7 41.5

Short term debt

(Residual

Maturity) to

foreign exchange

reserves 59.0 58.2 53.5 57.4 52.9

Source: RBI






20



Debt Service Ratio is the proportion of gross debt service payments to current account receipts (net of official transfers) International Debt Statistics

A cross country comparison based on International Debt Statistics 2017 conducted by the World Bank. It presents the debt data for 2015, shows that India continues to be among the less vulnerable countries with its external debt. The indicators comparing well with other indebted developing countries. The ratio of India s external debt stock to gross national income (GNI) at 23.4 per cent was the fifth lowest.

(Adapted From PIB)

6. National Steel Policy, 2017 (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper III)

The Cabinet approved the National steel policy 2017 that envisages Rs. 10 lakh crore investment to create more capacity in the steel sector. The development is significant as the

steel sector is revolving under weak demand and rising raw material prices. • The policy also aims at increasing supply of domestic coking coal to cut dependence on imports by half and enhance production of 300 million tonnes by 2030. • The policy also emphasizes at increasing per capita steel consumption to 6 kg by . • It also encouraging the industry to be a world leader on energy and raw material-efficient steel production in a safe and sustainable manner by maintaining quality standards for domestic steel products. Challenges before Indian Steel Industry

The per capita steel consumption in the country at 61 kg is much lower than the global average of 208 kg. The situation has been aggravated by India having the FTAs with ASEAN countries, which allows duty free imports of finished goods. The demand is also expected to rise following the focus on smart cities and improving prospects of business in construction industry. The mineral and metal industry across the globe is facing a serious economic crisis due to continuous fall in commodity prices, depleting raw material sources, non-availability of high-grade ores, stringent environmental rules and societal expectations. (Adapted From PIB)

7. VASTRA 2017 (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III)






21



Vastra Fair, 2017

The Textiles Minister inaugurated the 6th Edition of the 4-day international textiles and apparel fair VASTRA 2017. VASTRA 2017 is an all-encompassing trade fair and conference on Textiles and Apparel presenting a fusion of the finest and the latest in textile products. More than 50 countries and 13 Indian States are participating in VASTRA 2017.

(Adapted from PIB)

8. Total production of kharif foodgrains during 2017-18 is estimated at 134.67

million tonnes (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III)

Foodgrains – 134.67 million tonnes. • Rice – 94.48 million tonnes. • Coarse Cereals – 31.49 million tonnes. • Maize – 18.73 million tonnes. • Pulses – 8.71 million tonnes. • Tur – 3.99 million tonnes. • Urad – 2.53 million tonnes (record). (Adapted from PIB)

9. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) registered National E-

Governance Services Limited (NeSL) as an Information Utility (IU) under the IBBI

(Information Utilities) Regulations, 2017 (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains

Paper III)

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) registered National E-Governance Services Limited (NeSL) today as an Information Utility (IU) under the IBBI (Information Utilities) Regulations, 2017. This registration is valid for five years from the date of registration.

About IU

IU stores financial information that helps to establish defaults as well as verify claims expeditiously and thereby facilitates completion of transactions under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 in a time bound manner. It constitutes a key pillar of the insolvency and bankruptcy ecosystem, the other three being the Adjudicating Authority (National Company Law Tribunal and Debt Recovery Tribunal), the IBBI and Insolvency Professionals. NeSL becomes the first IU registered by the IBBI. Variousw banks and insurance companies are shareholder of NeSL.

(Adapted From PIB)






22








23



Environment

1. Environment Ministry to Launch 'PrakritiKhoj' – An Environment Quiz on

Teachers' Day (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS mains Paper III)

The Environment Ministry launched an environmental awareness–initiative, under which an online environmental quiz competition named PrakritiKhoj an Environment Quiz conducted at the national level. The quiz launched on the occasion of Teachers Day. About PrakritiKhoj

It is an ideal medium to reach out to young minds through a fun-filled interactive learning mode to trigger their sensitivity towards environment protection and conservation. This quiz, in a way, will provide a unique platform for students to measure their awareness level regarding environmental issues. It aims to motivate them towards effective participation in other major programmes related to conservation and protection of the environment. Objectives of PrakritiKhoj

The objective of the quiz is to generate interest among school children about the science related to environment, interactions within it and the problems therein. This will help in sensitizing the children/youth to issues related to environment and development and motivate children towards environment conservation-oriented lifestyles. It will trigger their sensitivity towards nature appreciation and conservation, leading to positive environmental actions at different levels. PrakritiParyavaranaur Hum

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission PrakritiParyavaranaur Hum – Green March was considered to be launched as a continuous activity and campaign. Children and youth must be made an integral part of this campaign and should be made aware about the importance of environment related issues. Children/youth should be actively involved in promoting a mass movement. Youth can make a difference at both local and community level, which in due course will lead to awareness at village, city, state and country level. Youth can become ParyavaranPrerak .

What is NGC?

NGC was initiated in 2001-02 for creating environmental awareness among children by formulating Eco-clubs in schools across the country. There are around 1,00,000 Eco-clubs across the country, making it one of the largest conservation networks, wherein students are involved in various kind of activities such as cleanliness drives, carrying out waste segregation, composting using bio-degradable wastes, subsisting the concept of three R s, viz, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle; NukkadNataks etc.

(Adapted from PIB)

2. Dr Harsh Vardhan inaugurates Conference on "Sustainable Landscapes & Forest

Ecosystems: Theory to Practice” (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III)






24



Emphasizing the need to create an enabling environment through small steps such as planting more trees, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said that new and innovative ways must be thought of, to bring more areas under forest and tree cover. Inaugurating a conference on Sustainable landscapes and forest ecosystems: Theory to Practice the Environment Minister urged the gathering to deliberate and come out with out-of-the-box ideas and solutions on increasing the forest cover much beyond the stipulated 33 per cent. Innovation is the need of the hour. Innovation co-efficient now is more important than any other co-efficient. Reiterating the Government s commitment to increase the country s forest cover from 24% to 33% of the geographical area and creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tons of CO2 equivalent in forests, as reflected in Nationally Determined Contribution. Plans to achieve target

The target is proposed to be achieved through a number of planned afforestation drives and initiatives. It is the balancing of environmental and developmental concerns and also the gathering of scientists and foresters to devise a solution to the problem of weeds. The forests being an integral part of Indian culture and tradition and India has managed to successfully conserve and enhance its forest resources. Wood is Good Campaign

The Ministry of Environment also launched the Wood is Good campaign on the occasion. Wood is a climate-friendly material, as it is a renewable resource, having zero carbon footprint. The Partnership for Land Use Science (Forest-Plus) is a joint programme by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to strengthen capacity for REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) implementation in India. The programme brings together experts from India and the United States to develop technologies, tools and methods of forest management to meet the technical challenges of managing forests for the health of ecosystem, carbon stocks, biodiversity and livelihood. Objectives of Conference

Some of the objectives of the conference include – exploring issues and opportunities for ecosystem approach to land management in India; discussing how the approaches and tools developed under the Forest-PLUS programme can be used to improve forest management in India and to document and disseminate that learning with a wider group.






25



(Adapted From PIB)






26



Internal Security

1. Successful Flight Test of 3rd Generation Anti Tank Guided Missile – NAG (Relevant

for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III)

India s indigenously developed 3rd generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), Nag has been successfully flight tested twice by DRDO against two different targets in the ranges of Rajasthan. The ATGM Nag missile has successfully hit both the targets under different ranges and conditions with very high accuracy as desired by the Armed Forces.

About ATGM- Nag Missile

Nag is a third generation "fire-and-forget" anti-tank missile developed in India. It is one of five missile systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP). The NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier) version of the missile is a 'lock-on before launch' system, where the target is identified and designated before the missile is launched. As the targeting system is based on visual identification, the range is limited. The HELINA (Helicopter launched Nag) version on the other hand will use a 'lock-on after launch' system extending its range to 7 km. In this scenario, the missile is launched in the general direction of the target. As it approaches the target, images of the area ahead are sent back to the operator who will be able to identify enemy tanks. The command to lock on to a tank is then passed onto the seeker through an uplink mid-flight. After that, the missile homes in onto the target and destroys it. Successful Completion

With these two successful flight trials, and the flight test conducted earlier in the complete functionality of Nag ATGM along with launcher system NAMICA has been established and marked the successful completion of development trials of Nag Missile.

(Adapted From PIB)

2. PM wishes the women officers of Navika Sagar Parikrama the very best; urges

people to share good wishes on the NM App (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains

Paper III)

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has conveyed his best wishes to the 6 women officers of the Navika Sagar Parikrama, who will begin their journey of circumnavigating the globe on board INSV Tarini. About INSV Tarini






27



INSV Tarini is the second sailboat of the Indian Navy. She was constructed at Aquarius Shipyard located in Goa. After undergoing extensive sea trials, she was commissioned to Indian Navy service on 18 February 2017. Wishes to the women officers

The Prime Minister has urged everyone to share their good wishes and words of encouragement for the team of Navika Sagar Parikrama, on the Narendra Modi App. The entire nation comes together in wishing the all-women team of Navika Sagar Parikrama the very best in their remarkable endeavour. Among the initiatives taken for Women Empowerment

This is the first-ever Indian circumnavigation of the globe by an all-women crew. They will begin their voyage today from Goa, and expect to return to Goa in 2018, after completing the circumnavigation. The expedition has been titled Navika Sagar Parikrama. The Parikrama will be covered in five legs, with stop-overs at 4 ports: Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falklands), and Cape Town (South Africa).

(Adapted From PIB)

3. Successful Development Trials of Astra Missile (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS

Mains Paper III)

The final Development Flight Trials of Astra - Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile (BVRAAM) were successfully conducted over the Bay of Bengal, Off the Coast of Chandipur, Odisha. A total of seven trials were conducted against Pilotless Target Aircrafts (PTA) successfully. About Astra Missile

Astra is an active radar homing beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India. The 3.8-metre tall Astra is a radar homing missile and one of the smallest weapon systems developed by DRDO. The maximum range of Astra is 110 km in head-on chase and 20 km in tail chase. The missile could be launched from different altitudes - it can cover 110 km when launched from an altitude of 15 km, 44 km when fired from an altitude of eight km and 21 km when the altitude is sea level. Mission Astra

The missions included

· The engagement of target at very long range, · engagement of high manoeuvring target at medium range · multiple launches of missiles in barrage to engage multiple targets. All the sub-systems, including the indigenous RF Seeker performed accurately, meeting all the mission parameters and objectives.






28



Two missiles were also launched in the combat configuration with warhead and the targets were neutralized. The effort for building a state-of-the-art BVRAAM by Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), together with Indian Air Force (IAF) has completed the development phase of the weapon system successfully. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has played a role in modifying the aircraft for weapon integration. More than 50 public and private industries have contributed in building the Astra weapon system

(Adapted From PIB)






29



Science & Technology and Environment

1. AYUSH Minister inaugurates India's first advanced Homoeopathy Virology lab in

Kolkata (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III)

The Union Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge inaugurated Indias first State of art virology laboratory at Dr. Anjali Chatterjee Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy in Kolkata.The laboratory has been established to develop new drugs and technologies in Homoeopathy to combat emerging challenges of viral diseases. About India’s first advanced Homeopathy Virology Lab • The laboratory, established at a cost of Rs. 8 croresare the only one in India for conducting basic and fundamental research in Homoeopathy for viral diseases like influenza, Japanese encephalitis, dengue, chikungunya and swine flu. • New drugs and technologies would also be developed here to combat emerging challenges of viral diseases. The AYUSH Minister also appreciated efforts of the National Institute of Homoeopathy (NIH), Kolkata which is imparting higher education and training in homoeopathy under the Ministry of AYUSH. Centre of Excellence in Fundamental Researchin Homeopathy • It is the Councils initiatives of establishing a Centre of Excellence in Fundamental Research in Homoeopathy at IIEST, Howrah to undertake fundamental research studies in homoeopathy with an interdisciplinary approach. • This institute has undertaken several clinical research studies like autism, psoriasis, vitiligo, breast cancer, hypertension, migraine etc. along with proving of new drugs in homoeopathy with their clinical validations. • About 400 patients are being treated daily through OPD services and AYUSH outreach services being provided in villages too. (Adapted From PIB)

2. Cabinet approves hiving off mobile tower assets of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited

into a separate company, fully owned by BSNL (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains

Paper III)

BSNL- A separate company

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for hiving off mobile tower assets of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) into a separate company, fully owned by BSNL.






30



This approval authorizes BSNL to monetize its telecom tower infrastructure with the formation of a separate subsidiary company. An independent, dedicated tower company of BSNL with a focused approach will lead to increasing of external tenancies and consequentially higher revenue for the new company. Background:

The telecom tower industry has emerged as an independent business to harness the potential for sharing of infrastructure. The business model arose from the need to achieve economies of scale and to reduce capital investment costs for providing mobile services. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) policy allows sharing of passive infrastructure, i.e. the tower structure, Diesel Generator sets, battery units, power interface unit, air-conditioning etc., which has facilitated the growth of the telecom infrastructure industry. A tower infrastructure company essentially owns the passive infrastructure asset and leases it to telecom service providers, enabling them to minimize duplication of investments and economize on costs of Operation and Maintenance (O&M), thereby improving profitability. Besides the captive model in BSNL and MTNL where the service provider owns their passive infrastructure also, there are three different business models within the telecom tower industry: - • Companies created by hiving off the tower assets portfolios of service providers into subsidiaries, • Companies established as independent joint venture entities by service providers jointly • Companies promoted by specific service providers but established as independent entities with the promoter being the anchor tenant for the tower company. (Adapted From PIB)

3. Attaining New Heights in Biotechnology (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains

Paper III)

North Eastern Region Biotechnology Programme Management Cell (NER-BPMC)

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science & Technology, bring about a paradigm shift in biotechnology in the country s North-East Region (NER). DBT has established a dedicated North Eastern Region Biotechnology Programme Management Cell (NER-BPMC) , with an annual investment of Rs. 180 crores. The three major new initiatives announced for the North East are as follows:






31



(a)Phyto-Pharma Plant Mission:

I. This is aRs 50 crore Mission aimed at conservation and cultivation of endangered and threatened endemic medicinal plants, and discovery of new botanical drugs for unmet medical needs. II. Brahmaputra Biodiversity and Biology Boat (B4) on the Brahmaputra River, a major ecological hotspot, in NER. B4 will establish a large barge on the river with a well-equipped laboratory for analysis of all components of the entire ecosystem of the river and surroundings. III. Frugal microscopy through the Foldscope: A frugal microscope assembled from simple components, including a sheet of paper and a lens, is acting as a tool connecting students and science from the region, with the rest of the country.

(Adapted from PIB)






32



Social Issues

1. NITI Aayog calls renewed focus on Nutrition, launches the National Nutrition

Strategy (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper I and II)

The leader of the Green Revolution Dr. M.SSwaminathan and Padma Shri Dr. H Sudarshan, launched the National Nutrition Strategy, along with Vice Chairman Dr. Rajiv Kumar and Member Dr. Vinod Paul. Progress in Nutrition

There is a benefit to cost ratio of 16:1 for 40 low and middle-income countries. So, there is a well-recognized rationalefor investing in Nutrition. The recently published NFHS-4 results reflect some progress, with a decline in the overall levels of under nutrition in both women and children. However, the pace of decline is far below in comparison of numerous countries with similar growth rates to India,have achieved. Moreover, India pays an income penalty of 9% to 10% due to a workforce that was stunted during their childhood. National Nutrition Strategy

NITI Aayog has drafted the National Nutrition Strategy to bring nutrition to the centre-stage of the National Development Agenda. The Strategy lays down a roadmap for effective action, among both the implementers and practitioners, in achieving the nutrition objectives. Provisions of National Nutrition Strategy • The nutrition strategy envisages a framework wherein the four close determinants of nutrition such as uptake of health services, food, drinking water & sanitation and income & livelihoods will work togetherto accelerate the declines of under nutrition in India. • It also envisages a KuposhanMukt Bharat - linked to Swachh Bharat and Swasth Bharat. The aim is to ensure that States create customized State/ District Action Plans to address local needs and challenges. This is especially relevant in view of enhanced resources available to the States, to prioritisefocussed interventions with a greater role for Panchayats and urban local bodies. • The strategy enables states to make strategic choices, through decentralized planning and local innovation, with accountability for nutrition outcomes. Challenges before the Strategy

Currently, there is a lack of real time measurement of the above determinants, which reduces the capacity for targeted action among the most vulnerable mothers and children. The Supply side challenges, often minimizes the need to address behavioural change efforts to generate demand for nutrition services. Therefore, this strategy gives prominence to






33



demand and community mobilisation as a key determinant to address India's nutritional needs. (Adapted from PIB)






34



Miscellaneous

1. DIKSHA (Relevant for GS Prelims)

He launched DIKSHA portal, a national digital infrastructure for teachers. DIKSHA will enable, accelerate and amplify solutions in the realm of teacher education. (Adapted from PIB)

2. International Literacy Day – 2017(Relevant for GS Prelims)

The 51st International Literacy Day is being celebrated and the theme announced by UNESCO is `Literacy in a digital world . The programme would include; felicitation to the dignitaries, distribution of Saakshar Bharat Awards to the best performing States, Districts, Gram Panchayats and NGOs. Background

The International Literacy Day is celebrated on 8th September every year throughout the world. On this day, in the year 1965 the World Congress of Ministers of Education met in Tehran for the first time to discuss the programme of education at the international level. The UNESCO in its 14th Session in November, 1966, declared 8th September as the International Literacy Day. Since then, ILD is celebrated on 8th September every year by most of the member countries. (Adapted from PIB)

3. UJALA scheme launched in Melaka, Malaysia(Relevant for GS Prelims)

Energy Efficiency Services Limited ( EESL) , under Ministry of Power, Government of India has launched UJALA (UnnatJyoti by Affordable Lighting for All) Scheme in the State of Melaka, Malaysia. In due course of time, the successful Indian model of UJALA scheme has become a sought-after example for the different nations of the world and will now be implemented in Melaka to extend programme benefits to people of the region. (Adapted from PIB)

4. Kharif Crop Sowing Crosses 1041 Lakh Hectare Area (Relevant for GS Prelims)

Decline in total sown production

The total sown area as per the reports received from States, stands at 1041.17 lakh hectare this year as compared to 1049.87 lakh hectare last year. Data of net sown






35



It is reported that rice has been sown/transplanted in 371.46 lakh hectare, pulses in 139.17 lakh hectare, coarse cereals in 183.43 lakh hectare, sugarcane in 49.88 lakh hectare and cotton in 120.98 lakh hectare. Comparison of two seasons net sown area

The details of the area covered so far, and that covered during last year are given below: In Lakh hectare Crop Area sown in 2017-18 Area sown in 2016-17

Rice

371.46

376.89

Pulses 139.17 144.84

Coarse Cereals

183.43

186.06

Oilseeds 169.20 187.16

Sugarcane

49.88

45.64

Jute & Mesta 7.05 7.56

Cotton

120.98

101.72

Total 1041.17 1049.87

(Adapted From PIB)

5. SAIL's retail sales gets boost with SAIL's Gaonki Ore campaign (Relevant for GS

Prelims)

A Nationwide Campaign






36



Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL), is running a nationwide campaign (SAIL steel – Gaonki ore) which is aimed at boosting steel consumption in the country. Target of SAIL

SAIL targets to sell 1 Million Tonnes steel through its dealer network this financial year. It aims at doubling it in next three financial years, as it goes for smart marketing. SAIL had identified the potential of rural markets for enhancing steel consumption, which is currently around 10 kgs per capita per year as against around 150 Kg per capita consumption in Urban India. About the Campaign • The Gaonki ore campaign is designed to familiarize end users at the Grass-root level, especially in rural areas. • It is designed for the innovative usage of SAIL steel and its applications and advantages in construction, household equipment, agriculture etc. (Adapted From PIB)

6. Operation Insaaniyat Humanitarian Assistance to Bangladesh on Account of Influx

of Refugees (Relevant for GS Prelims)

A humanitarian crisis arose in Bangladesh due to the heavy influx of refugees from neighbouring Myanmar.

Providing relief to Bangladesh

The government of India has decided to assist Bangladesh in the crisis by sending relief material. The Indian Air Force was tasked to airlift the relief material from India to Bangladesh. The mission to provide relief is called Operation Insaaniyat.

(Adapted From PIB)

7. P.V. Sindhu on winning Korea Open Super Series title (Relevant for GS Prelims)

First Indian to win the Korea Open

Badminton Player P.V. Sindhuwon Korea Open Super Series title. She claimed her first Korea Super Series with a three-game thrilling victory over Japan's Nozomi Okuhara in the women's singles. She becomes the first Indianshuttler to win the Korea Open.

(Adapted From PIB)

8. India to conduct the First 'BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise- 2017'

(Relevant for GS Prelims)






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The First BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise- 2017 (BIMSTEC DMEx-2017) will be conducted by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Purpose of BIMSTEC DMEx-2017

This Exercise will be a platform for sharing Best Practices on all aspects of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), strengthening regional response and coordination for Disaster Management among the BIMSTEC member countries. About BIMSTEC

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is an international organisation involving a group of countries in South Asia and South East Asia. These nations are Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal.The BIMSTEC region is home to around 1.5 billion people, constituting around 22% of the global population with a combined GDP of US $2.7 trillion economy. 17th BIMSTEC Meet

At the 17th BIMSTEC Meeting held in Kathmandu, Nepal, it was decided that India would organize the first annual Disaster Management Exercise for the region.

(Adapted From PIB)

9. Singapore to set up Skill Center in Northeast (Relevant for GS Prelims)

The Government of Singapore will set up a Skill Center at Guwahati which will cater to the entire North-Eastern region.

(Adapted From PIB)

10. DrJitendra Singh to inaugurate first 'Pension Adalat' (Relevant for GS Prelims)

Pension Adalat

The Union Ministry will inaugurate the first Pension Adalat . It will also give award to the Pensioners for their outstanding contribution towards Anubhav – a platform for retiring employees for sharing their experience of working with Government. Objective of Pension Adalat

The Pension Department will launch the first of a series of Pension Adalats which is being convened with the objective of bringing on a common table the aggrieved pensioner, the bank or CGHS representative. So that such cases can be settled across the table. About Anubhav Scheme

Anubhav scheme had been instituted on the call of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to encourage retiring/retired employees to submit their experiences while working in the government. The objective is to create an institutional wealth for the government for future






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governance as well as to enthuse and inspire the future generations of government officials in their respective assignments. (Adapted From PIB)

11. Minimum Support Price for Minor Forest Produce is launched Nationwide

(Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II)

Minimum Support Price Scheme

Minister of Tribal Affairs inaugurated the National Workshop organized by TRIFED on

Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Minor Forest Produces (MFP) scheme – Taking it to the

next level for a Fair and Equitable Deal to the Tribal . The workshop is a step to expand the horizon of the scheme of providing Minimum Support Price for Minor Forest Produce. This scheme is already implemented in 9 States and today it is expanded nationwide. MFP collection centres should also be depots of daily requirements to sell items of daily need to the tribal. MFP could be the largest generation of revenue after minerals. Benefits of MSP

Minimum Support Price provided to Kisanshave helped them overcome the vagaries of the market price fluctuations for their produce. Similarly, providing Minimum Support Price for Minor Forest Produce will help Tribals for their progress and development. At present






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Minimum Support Price will be given for 24 Minor Forest Produce but gradually efforts will be made to increase the number of Minor Forest Produce. (Adapted from PIB)



