ta ble of contents marg vikas project in ganga river (relevant for gs prelims and gs mains paper ii,...

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Table of Contents

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

1. SWAYAM, SWAYAM Praba Channels, Programme 17 for 17? And National Digital

Repository (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper II) .......................................................... 1

2. Scheme for IPR Awareness – Creative India; Innovative India (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS

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

3. The First edition of WINGS 2017 – Sab Uden, Sab Juden (Relevant for GDS Prelims, GS

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

4. Mission Parivar Vikas to focus on 146 districts in 7 states with high TFR (Relevant for GS

Prelims, Topic: Government Schemes) ........................................................................................ 2

5. Hon ble President of India presents the 2.5 Croreth PMUY connection in West Bengal

(Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II) ....................................................................... 3

6. Digitization of School Records (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II, III) ............ 4

7. Reviewing the Policy of Moderation of marks (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper

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

8. Regulating e-Pharmacy Business (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II) ............. 5

9. Jal Marg Vikas Project in Ganga River (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II, III)6

10. Major Port Authorities Bill approved (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II, III) . 6

11. Setting up of Enforcement Department (EFD) (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains

Paper II) .......................................................................................................................................... 7

12. The Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 (Relevant for GS

Prelims and GS Mains Paper I, II)................................................................................................. 8

13. Review of the status of implementation of the recommendations of the Majithia Wage

Board (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II) ........................................................... 8

14. Protection of Dialects (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III, II) ........................... 9

15. Evaluation of efficacy of Nai Roshni Scheme (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper I

and II)............................................................................................................................................ 10

16. E-Commerce Market and consumer protection (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains

Paper II and III) ........................................................................................................................... 11

17. Swadhar Grehs (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II) ......................................... 12

18. PM s interaction through PRAGATI (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains paper III) ...... 12

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International Organizations and Relations .................................................... 14

1. Joint International Taskforce on Shared Intelligence and Collaboration (JITSIC)- Tackling

Global Tax Risks (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II)........................................ 14

2. India to Host Global Conference on Cyber Space 2017 – World s Largest Conference on

Cyber Space (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II, III) ......................................... 15

3. Indian Cultural Centres Abroad (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II, III) ........ 17

4. Outcome of 5th Meeting of BRICS Education Ministers held in Beijing, China (Relevant for

GS prelims, GS Mains Paper II) ................................................................................................... 17

5. United Nations Peacekeeping Course for African Partners (UNPCAP-02) Commences at

Manekshaw Centre (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II, III) ............................. 18

6. Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II,

III) .................................................................................................................................................. 18

7. Agreements and protocols to protect Holy Shrines in India Pakistan (Relevant for GS

Prelims and GS Mains Paper II) .................................................................................................. 19

8. Expatriate Levy by Saudi Arabia (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II, III) ...... 20

Economics ......................................................................................................................... 21

1. Union Agriculture Minister reviews the progress of two flagship schemes – National

Agricultural Markets (E-Names) and Soil Health Card (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains

Paper II) .............................................................................................................................................. 21

2. MERIT app and e-Bidding portal for utilization of domestic coal in IPP Power Stations for

reducing the cost of power generation launched (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper

II) ........................................................................................................................................................ 22

3. Cabinet approves SASEC Road Connectivity Investment Program – (Relevant for GS

Prelims and GS Mains paper II, III) ................................................................................................ 23

4. Development of Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains

Paper II, III) ........................................................................................................................................ 24

Environment ..................................................................................................................... 25

1. Environment Minister to Lead Plantation Drive to Celebrate Van Mahotsav (Relevant for

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

2. Confronting the challenge of mounting waste (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper III)

.............................................................................................................................................................. 25

3. Environment Ministry Implementing Two Major Afforestation Schemes in the Country

(Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III) ..................................................................... 27

4. Jal Marg Vikas Project in Ganga River (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II, III)

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








5. Jal Manthan-IV (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III) ......................................... 28

Science & Technology .................................................................................................... 30

1. Minister of Railways launched various Railway initiatives (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS

Mains paper II, III) ....................................................................................................................... 30

2. Mission Raftaar (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II, III) .................................... 31

3. FAME India (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III) .................................................. 32

4. DIPP to set up India s first TISC in Punjab (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS mains paper III)

....................................................................................................................................................... 32

Internal Security ............................................................................................................ 34

1. Measures to deal with piracy at sea (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III) ...... 34

Miscellaneous .................................................................................................................. 35

1. Revamped NHB RESIDEX launched (Relevant for GS Prelims)............................................... 35

2. Indian Power Sector- An Update (Relevant for GS Prelims) ...................................................... 35

3. Aaykar Setu (Relevant for GS Prelims) ...................................................................................... 35

4. Declaration of Historic City of Ahmadabad as a UNESCO s World Heritage Property

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

5. President of India receives first copy of book President s Lady (Pranaber Preyosi)

(Relevant for GS Prelims) ............................................................................................................ 36

6. Brief for Integrated Railway Mobile App (IMA) Rail SAARTHI for Indian Railways

(Relevant for GS Prelims) ................................................................................................................ 37

7. President of India inaugurates the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Paika Rebellion

of Odisha (Relevant for GS Prelims) ............................................................................................... 37

8. Promotion of Traditional Art and Folk Art (Relevant for GS Prelims) ................................... 37

9. Intangible Cultural Heritage: Yoga (Relevant for GS Prelims) ................................................ 38

10. Ramayana and Krishna Circuit (Relevant for GS Prelims) ..................................................... 38

11. First meeting of Islands Development Agency (IDA) (Relevant for GS Prelims) ................... 39

12. Achievements made under Hamari Dharohar Scheme (Relevant for GS Prelims) ................ 39

13. Mobile App Smart Consumer for Packaged Products (Relevant for GS Prelims) .................. 40

14. Profile of President Shri Ram Nath Kovind (Relevant for GS Prelims) .................................... 40






1



Polity & Governance 1. SWAYAM, SWAYAM Praba Channels, Programme 17 for 17? And National Digital

Repository (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper II)

President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee has today launched the SWAYAM, the portal that

takes high– quality education to the doorstep of everyone. Along with this, he has also

launched the SWAYAM Prabha the 32 DTH channels operationalised for telecasting high

quality educational content free of charge using the GSAT-15 satellite transponders.

What is SWAYAM?

Online interactive learning platform that provides, not only video lectures, reading material

but also assignments/quizzes that could end up in securing credits after completing the

assessment system. More than 400 Courses are available on SWAYAM covering all the

engineering and non-engineering subjects at undergraduate and post-graduate levels. The

UGC has already issued Regulation that allows transfer of credits earned through the

courses done through SWAYAM into the academic record of the students. It is now possible

for the students and others to take courses of the prestigious IITs or IIMs without formally

studying

there. The platform has been constructed by Microsoft with totally indigenous efforts. The

courses are available on www.swayam.gov.in

SWAYAM Prabha channels

The SWAYAM Prabha channels are available for free for anyone who has a set top box to

receive either DD Free Dish or DishTV. These channels transmit 4 hours of fresh content

every day and contain lectures from the best teachers in the Country. There is no monthly

charge for viewing these channels. These channels include the IIT-PAL channels which

were intended to help students taking the prestigious JEE examination, taught by the IIT

faculty.

What is Programme 17 for 17 ?

The National convention on digital learning ended with adoption of Programme 17 for 17 : – A 17-point action plan for 2017 – for building digital campuses and high-quality education. The action plan covers measures like universal adoption of digital education, digital financial transactions in the campuses from the current academic year. Three Books have been launched on the occasion – account of NMEICT initiatives, list of 323 courses which are on offer in the current academic semester and an eBook of presentation of digital best practices by more than 500 institutions. What is National Academic Depository?






2



National Academic Depository would be repository of online certificates and degrees which would help in easy authentication of the credentials issued by the institutions. This would also help in increasing transparency and ease of operation. (Adapted from PIB)

2. Scheme for IPR Awareness – Creative India; Innovative India (Relevant for GS

Prelims, GS Mains Paper II)

Taking forward the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy 2016, a Scheme for

IPR Awareness – Creative India; Innovative India has been launched by Cell for IPR

Promotion and Management (CIPAM) under the aegis of the Department of Industrial

Policy and Promotion.

The Scheme aims at raising IPR awareness amongst students, youth, authors, artists,

budding inventors and professionals to inspire them to create, innovate and protect their

creations and inventions across India including Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 cities as well as rural

areas in the next 3 years.

The Scheme for IPR Awareness aims to conduct over 4000 IPR awareness

workshops/seminars in academic institutions (schools and colleges) and the industry,

including MSMEs and Startups, as also IP training and sensitization programmes for

enforcement agencies and the judiciary.

Workshops will cover all vital IP topics including international filing procedures,

promotion of Geographical Indications and highlighting the ill effects of piracy and

counterfeiting. The Scheme for IPR Awareness would be implemented through partner

organizations to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.

(Adapted from PIB)

3. The First edition of WINGS 2017 – Sab Uden, Sab Juden (Relevant for GDS Prelims,

GS Mains Paper II)

The First edition of WINGS 2017 – Sab Uden, Sab Juden - Expanding Regional Connectivity was hosted in New Delhi yesterday by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. During the Wings-2017, Interactive sessions with Stakeholders of entire Ecosystem such as Tourism Departments, Tour Operators, Airport Operators, Cargo Operators, Aircraft Manufacturers, Engine Manufacturers and other players in the value chain was convened. (Adapted from PIB)






3



4. Mission Parivar Vikas to focus on 146 districts in 7 states with high TFR (Relevant

for GS Prelims, Topic: Government Schemes)

Mission Parivar Vikas will focus on 146 high fertility districts in 7 states with high Total

Fertility Rate (TFR). Under this, specific targeted initiatives shall be taken for population

stabilisation through better services Delivery .

Shri Nadda (Union Min for health & family welfare) stated that Mission Parivar Vikas is a

new initiative conceived by the Ministry with a strategic focus on improving access through

provision of services, promotional schemes, commodity security, capacity building,

enabling environment and intensive monitoring. Shri Nadda congratulated the team for

undertaking micro-planning for these districts and developing need-based programmes to

address TFR.

During the event, Shri J P Nadda introduced the new injectable in the public health system

under the Antara program and launched a new software – Family Planning Logistics

Management Information System (FPLMIS) – designed to provide robust information on

the demand and distribution of contraceptives to health facilities and ASHAs to strengthen

supply chain management.

As a part of the new communications campaign linked to the rollout, the Health Minister

also launched a new consumer friendly website on family planning and a 52-week radio

show for couples to discuss issues related to marriage and family planning, which will be

aired acrossthe country. The Health Minister further highlighted the life cycle approach of

the Ministry and stated that a continuum of care approach has been adopted by the

Ministry with the articulation of Strategic approach to Reproductive Maternal, Newborn,

Child and Adolescent health (RMNCH+A), bringing focus on all the life stages.

(Adapted from PIB)

5. Hon ble President of India presents the 2.5 Croreth PMUY connection in West

Bengal (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II)

The 2.5 Croreth LPG Connection under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was given

by Hon ble President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee.

This marked the completion of release of 2.5 crore LPG connections to women beneficiaries

from below poverty line (BPL) households across the country under the PMUY.

About Pradhan Mantri UjjwalaYojana (PMUY):






4



PMUY was launched by Hon ble Prime Minister, ShriNarendraModi on 1st May 2016 at

Ballia, Uttar Pradesh.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, is a scheme to provide clean cooking fuel to the women

belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) households across the country.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) aims to provide LPG connections to 5 Crore BPL

households by 2019 and is a part of larger program of adding 10 Crore new LPG

connections by 2019 to achieve full coverage of Indian households.

The identification of BPL families has been made on Social Economic Caste Census (SECC)-

2011 data. Providing LPG connections to BPL households has been a landmark program

that is ensuring universal coverage of cooking gas in the country. The scheme of providing

clean cooking fuel has also reduced drudgery, the time spent on cooking and also provides

employment for rural youth in the supply chain of cooking gas.

PMUY scheme provides assistance of Rs. 1600/- to the woman beneficiary, comprising

security deposit of 14.2 Kg cylinder and domestic pressure regulator; suraksha hose;

domestic gas consumer card and installation charges.

(Adapted from the PIB)

6. Digitization of School Records (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II, III)

The National Academic Depository (NAD) which is a 24 X 7 online store house of academic

awards digitally lodged by various academic institutions / school boards / eligibility

assessment bodies has been established.

What all documents shall be lodged in the NAD?

The academic awards to be lodged on NAD shall cover degrees, diplomas, certificates,

mark-sheets including awards issued for skill development.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has been designated as authorized body to

operationalise NAD.

About National Academic Depository (NAD)

NAD comprises of two interoperable digital depositories viz., NDSL Database Management

Limited (NDML) and CDSL Ventures Limited (CVL).






5



Maintenance of academic awards in a digital depository not only enables online access,

retrieval and verification of these awards, but also helps eliminating fraudulent practices

such as forgoing of certificates and mark-sheets etc.

How will registration be done for using the digital database?

The Aadhaar will be used for registration and usage of the digital database. However, in the

event of non-availability of Aadhaar, a unique NAD ID will be generated to facilitate digital

services to NAD users.

(Adapted from PIB)

7. Reviewing the Policy of Moderation of marks (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS

Mains Paper II)

A meeting to review the Policy of Moderation of marks to avoid spiking of marks was

conveyed by the Secretary (School Education and Literacy).

All State Boards decided to constitute Inter Board Working Group (IBWG) comprising of

Chairman, Board of Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Telengana, Chhattisgarh, Manipur,

ICSE with Chairman, CBSE as the Convener of the IBWG.

The following decisions in regard to moderation of marks for upward

revision/spiking of marks have been taken unanimously:

(i) All State Boards decided to stop awarding moderation of marks for upward revision

/spiking of marks from the current year except Kerala Board and subject to amendment in

the State regulations, if required. However, Kerala Board conveyed to do away with

moderation from the next year.

(ii) All State Boards decided to continue with the policy of Grace Marks for lower level

performance to improve the pass percentage but the policy should be placed on Board s

website for transparency. It was also decided to show grace marks distinctly in the Marks

Sheet.

(Adapted from PIB)

8. Regulating e-Pharmacy Business (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II)

A sub-committee had been constituted by the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) to

examine issues relating to online sale of drugs. The Sub-Committee has submitted its report

to the Drugs Consultative Committee. The Sub-Committee has inter alia recommended: -






6



1. Creation of a National Portal to act as the nodal platform for transacting and monitoring

online sale of drugs.

2. Necessity of evolving a mechanism to register e-pharmacies.

Geographical restrictions for operation of e-pharmacies.

3. Existing licencees involved in retail sale of drugs could also register on the National

Portal for carrying out online sale of drugs.

4. Requirement of registration with CDSCO under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.

5. Certain categories of drugs viz. the Narcotic and Psychotropic drugs, tranquilizers, habit

forming drugs and Schedule X drugs that are prone to being abused or misused be excluded

from sale through e-pharmacies.

The Government has issued a notice seeking public comments on regulation of sale of

drugs including introduction of an electronic platform for regulation of sale of drugs in the

country.

(Adapted from PIB)

9. Jal Marg Vikas Project in Ganga River (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper

II, III)

The Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) is being implemented with the technical and investment

support of the World Bank to strengthen the navigation capacity and promote

transportation of cargo and passengers on National Waterway-1, on the Haldia-Varanasi

stretch of Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly River System,

The project has been appraised by the Public Investment Board, at an estimated cost of Rs.

5,369.18 crore, and is scheduled to be completed by 2021-22.

(Adapted from PIB)

10. Major Port Authorities Bill approved (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains

Paper II, III)

Government has approved the draft Major Port Authorities (MPAs) Bill, 2016 to replace the

existing Major Port Trusts Act (MPTA), 1963 to empower the 12 major ports to perform

with greater efficiency on account of full autonomy in decision making.






7



What was the need for this bill?

With the growth and development of private ports, the major ports are facing severe

competition and difficulties in implementing the changes which may help them compete in

the evolving market conditions.

The regulation of tariff in the major ports by the Central Government are some of the

critical factors hindering their growth and development. To provide greater autonomy,

flexibility to the Major Ports and to professionalize their governance, it is proposed to

repeal the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963 and to replace it with a new legislation, namely the

Major Ports Authorities Bill, 2016.

THE SALIENT FEATURES OF THE MAJOR PORT AUTHORITIES BILL, 2016 ARE AS

FOLLOWS:

1. To constitute a Board of Port Authority for each major port in the place of the Board of

Trustees.

2. To enable the Board of Port Authority to use its property, assets and funds in such

manner and for such purposes as it may deem fit for the benefit of the major ports

3. To make regulations for the purposes of operation, development and planning of the

major ports.

4. To claim lien on such goods and to seize and detain the same until such rates and rents

are fully paid.

5. To empower the Board of Port Authority to raise loans and issue securities for the

purposes of the capital expenditure and working capital requirements of such port

authority.

6. To constitute an Adjudicatory Board for adjudication of disputes among major ports.

7. To make a provision for Corporate Social Responsibility measures within the port limits.

8. An Adjudicatory Board has been proposed inter-alia for expeditious disposal of disputes

between ports and PPP concessionaries and suggest measures for revival of such stressed

to them. This will help boost private investment in port sector and enable faster dispute

resolution.

(Adapted from PIB)






8



11. Setting up of Enforcement Department (EFD) (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS

Mains Paper II)

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has informed that they have set up an Enforcement

Department (EFD). EFD would serve as a centralised department to speed up regulatory

compliance.

Objectives of Enforcement Department

1. EFD would serve as a centralised department to speed up regulatory compliance.

2. EFD has been set up to separate those who oversee the possible rule breaches and those

who decide on punitive actions so that enforcement process operates fairly and is evidence

based.

3. The EFD has become functional with effect from April 03, 2017. The EFD has been

entrusted with the responsibility of enforcement action on commercial banks.


12. The Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 (Relevant for

GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper I, II)

After the enactment of the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016,

Government has recently ratified the International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions

No. 138 concerning minimum age for employment and No. 182 concerning prohibition and

elimination of worst forms of child labour.

The Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 provides for stricter

punishment and cognizable offence for employing any child or adolescent in contravention

of the Act. The penalty provisions against violation of the Act are as under:

(i) In case of first offence of employing any child or adolescent in contravention of the Act,

punishment would be imprisonment for a term not less than six months but which may

extend to two years or with fine not less than Rs.20,000/, but which may extend to

Rs.50,000/- or with both.

(ii) In case of a second or subsequent offence of employing any child or adolescent in

contravention of the Act, the minimum imprisonment would be one year which may extend

to three years.

(Adapted from PIB)






9



13. Review of the status of implementation of the recommendations of the Majithia

Wage Board (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II)

Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment held a meeting

with the representatives of the State Governments to review the status of implementation

of the recommendations of the Majithia Wage Board

Ministry of Labour and Employment notified the recommendations of the Majithia Wage

Boards and The Hon ble Supreme Court, in its judgment in 2014 upheld the Majithia Wage

Boards recommendations.

As order was not complied by some newspaper establishments, contempt petitions were

filed in the Hon ble Supreme Court. The Hon ble Supreme Court, in 2017 held that the

Majithia Wage Board Award has to be implemented in full. The Hon ble Court also clarified

on four important issues like payment of wages as per Majithia Wage Board Awards,

admissibility of Variable pay, applicability to Contractual employees and financial capacity

of the newspaper establishments to pay arrears.

About Majithia Wage Board

The Central Government constituted wage boards for working journalists and non-

journalist s newspaper employees in 2007.

Following are the important recommendations of G.R. Majithia Wage Board:

1. Hike in basic pay from 2.5 to 3 times

2. Fixing the retirement age at 65.

3. The recommendations have to be implemented from 8th January 2008 if accepted by the

Govt. of India.

4. Introduced variable pay concept for all employees working in newspaper establishments

and news agencies. The Boards proposed a variable pay of 35 per cent. Variable Pay has to

be implemented from 1st July 2010.

Present situation

A meeting was held to discuss the issues relating to implementation of the

recommendations of the Majithia Wage Board Awards with the representative of the State

Governments. As per the said Act, the implementation of the recommendations of the Wage

Boards lies with the State Governments.

During the meeting, the State Governments/UT Administrations were impressed upon to

implement the Wage Board Awards in letter and spirit. Discussions were also held to bring






10



the journalists of electronic & digital media under the ambit of the Working Journalists Act,

1955. State Governments were requested to tender their considered opinion in this regard.

(Adapted from PIB and helloap.com)

14. Protection of Dialects (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III, II)

The Government of India has initiated a Scheme known as Protection and Preservation of

Endangered Languages of India (SPPEL), being implemented by Central Institute of Indian

Languages (CIIL), Mysore.

Which languages are a part of it?

This scheme aims at protection, preservation and documentation of all the mother

tongues/languages of India which are spoken by less than 10,000 people. Dialects being

part of a language are covered under this programme.

Steps taken for preservation of languages

1. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has a Scheme for Establishment of Centres for

Endangered Languages under which centres were approved in nine Central Universities.

2. UGC has been implementing a scheme namely Funding support to the State Universities

for study and research in indigenous and endangered language in India under which seven

Universities were approved for grants.


15. Evaluation of efficacy of Nai Roshni Scheme (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS

Mains Paper I and II)

NITI Aayog has conducted an evaluation study on NaiRoshni - the scheme for Leadership

Development of Minority Women in 2012-13.

What are the findings of the study?

According to NITI Aayog, majority of the findings of the study indicate that the programme

has been appreciated by most of the segments of the population of the society and it has

assisted in creating confidence among minority women and developing leadership spirit in

them. Moreover, the trained women are also utilizing their enriched knowledge within

their surroundings and thereby helping their families as well as neighbours in raising their

essential demands and claims from various Government authorities.

What is NaiRoshni–scheme?






11



NaiRoshni Scheme Objectives and Features

NaiRoshni is a scheme for leadership development of minority women.The scheme will be

implemented through Ministry of Minority Affairs.

Objectives: • Empower and install confidence in women of minority communities by equipping them

with knowledge, tools and techniques to interact with government systems, banks and

intermediaries

• Encouraging minority community women to move out of the home and assume

leadership roles within the community

Features • Financial assistance

• Leadership development training modules will be used to empower women

• Specific training modules will also be based on local needs and issues faced by women from the minority community

Facts and Stats

Other similar schemes implemented for welfare of minority community include

•Prime Minister s New 15 Point Programme for Welfare of Minorities: Covers various

schemes of concerned Ministries/Departments by allocating 15% of physical

targets/financial outlays for the minorities or via specific monitoring of flow of benefits

(Adapted from The PIB)

16. E-Commerce Market and consumer protection (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS

Mains Paper II and III)

Complaints regarding e-commerce received at the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) are

referred to the companies for redressal. In some cases, consumers are advised to file

complaints in the appropriate Consumer Forum for redressal.

The Consumer Protection Act, 1986, has been enacted to better protect the interests of the

consumers. It covers all goods and services and all mode of transactions including e-

commerce. Under the provision of said Act, a three tier quasi-judicial mechanism, called

Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission/ Forum, has been set up at the district, State






12



and National levels to provide simple, quick and inexpensive redressal to consumer

disputes.

E-commerce activities are governed by number of Regulations/Acts of the Government like

the Shop and Establishment Act, Sales of Goods Act, Companies Act, Income Tax Laws,

Information Technology Act, the Competition Act, the Consumer Protection Act, etc.

Progress in establishing redressal mechanism at level of central government

A Committee has been constituted to examine various issues relating to e-commerce under

the Chairmanship of CEO, NITI Aayog.

The Consumer Protection Bill, 2015, already introduced in Parliament, seeks to provide for

establishment of a Central Consumer Protection Authority to look into, among others,

unfair trade practices and take remedial action.


17. Swadhar Grehs (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II)

The Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing the Swadhar Greh Scheme

which targets the women victims of difficult circumstances who are in need of institutional

support for rehabilitation so that they could lead their life with dignity.

What all is provided under the scheme?

The Scheme envisages providing shelter, food, clothing and health as well as economic and

social security for the women victims of difficult circumstances.

The scheme focuses on establishing one Swadhar Greh in each district. The total number of

Swadhar Grehs currently operational in the country is 551.

As per Swadhar Greh Guidelines, State Governments/UTs are required to undertake the

new projects required in their State/UTs. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the State/UTs to

set up the Swadhar Grehs in their State/UTs.

(Adapted from PIB)

18. PM s interaction through PRAGATI (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains paper

III)






13



The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, chaired his twentieth interaction through

PRAGATI –the ICT-based, multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely

Implementation.

The Prime Minister began the meeting with a review of the situation arising out of flood

and other natural calamities in the North-Eastern States. He assured the States of all

possible help from the Centre.

The Prime Minister urged all Chief Secretaries to work expeditiously towards ensuring that

all traders register under the GST regime, and this task is completed before August 15th.

What is PRAGATI?

PRAGATI is a unique integrating and interactive platform. The platform is aimed at

addressing common man s grievances, and simultaneously monitoring and reviewing

important programmes and projects of the Government of India as well as projects flagged

by State Governments.

(Adapted from the Pib)






14



International Organisation and Relations 1. Joint International Taskforce on Shared Intelligence and Collaboration (JITSIC)-

Tackling Global Tax Risks (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II)

India participated in the fourth Joint International Taskforce on Shared Intelligence and

Collaboration (JITSIC) meeting reconvened in Paris to pursue the work on the Panama

Papers in the last week of June 2017.

Progress in getting information about tax evaders

Demonstrating the value and strength of JITSIC, 30 project participant countries have

continued to exchange, analyse and act on information about taxpayers and intermediaries

connected to Mossack Fonseca. In the past six months, more than 570 requests for

information have been sent to 32 countries. India has also sent several requests for

information to various jurisdictions in the Panama Paper cases since the last meeting in

January 2017.

JITSIC members have established the capability to allow for fast, effective and coordinated

multilateral responses to any future data leaks and are sharing the same. JITSIC will

continue to identify more arrangements as countries continue their investigations and

share intelligence and new data comes to light. Collaboration with JITSIC has been useful

for India in its fight against offshore tax evasion.

About Panama Papers

The Panama Papers are an unprecedented leak of 11.5 million files from the database of the

world s fourth biggest offshore law firm, Mossack Fonseca. The records were obtained from

an anonymous source by the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, which shared them

with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).

What do they reveal?

It reveals that for at least the past 40 years, more than 140 of famous and/or politically

powered people have hidden their fortunes in anonymous, offshore (and legal) shell

companies, allowing them to skirt tax laws and make major money moves in the shadows.

These include President of Argentina, President of Ukraine, Iceland PM, King of Saudi

Arabia, aides of Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin among a few.

What is Mossack Fonseca?

It is a Panama-based law firm whose services include incorporating companies in offshore

jurisdictions such as the British Virgin Islands. It administers offshore firms for a yearly fee.

Other services include wealth management.






15



Where is it based?

The firm is Panamanian but runs a worldwide operation. Its website boasts of a global

network with 600 people working in 42 countries. It has franchises around the world.

Mossack Fonseca operates in tax havens including Switzerland, Cyprus and the British

Virgin Islands.

The Indian Link:

The Indian Express reported that over 500 Indians could have links to secret firms in

overseas tax heavens.

The Indians on the list include:

1. Amitabh Bachchan

2. AishwariyaRai

3. K.P. Singh of DLF

4. Sameer Gehlaut of India Bulls

They have all said that all the money they transferred was legal and according to Indian

laws.

Response of Centre govt.:

The Centre has formed a multi-agency group comprising of Central Board of Direct Taxes,

the Financial Intelligence Union, Foreign Tax and Tax Research and the RBI to look into

leaks.

(Adapted from the PIB and Indian Express)

2. India to Host Global Conference on Cyber Space 2017 – World s Largest Conference

on Cyber Space (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II, III)

Salient Features

1. The GCCS is taking place outside OECD nations for the first time

2. The theme for the GCCS 2017 is Cyber4All: An Inclusive, Sustainable, Developmental,

Safe and Secure

Cyberspace

3. The conference to take place on 23rd & 24th of November 2017 in New Delhi

4. Shri Narendra Modi, Hon ble Prime Minister of India will inaugurate the conference

India will be hosting the 5th Global Conference on Cyber Space (GCCS) in 2017, one of

the world s largest conference on Cyber Space and related issues . The two-day conference






16



will see participation of around 2000 delegates from senior Government officials, industry

leaders, academia and civil society from over 100 countries.

About the Global Conference on Cyber Space:

GCCS is a prestigious international conference that aims at encouraging dialogue among

stakeholders of cyberspace, which has been taking place since 2011.

1. Incepted in 2011 in London, GCCS witnessed a participation of 700 global delegates. It

helped in setting up rules and guidelines for the editions to follow.

2. The second conference was held in 2012 in Budapest with focus on relationship between

internet rights and internet security and was attended by 700 delegates from nearly 60

countries.

3. The third edition of GCCS was held in 2013 in Seoul with participation from 1600

delegates. The conference built on the themes such as Economic Growth and Development,

Social and Cultural Benefits, a Safe and Secure Cyberspace, Cybercrime and International

Security.

4. The fourth version GCCS 2015 was held on April 16-17, 2015 in The Hague, Netherlands.

Nearly 1800 members from nearly 100 countries participated in this conference and over

60 countries participated with delegations led at Ministerial level. The conference focused

on Freedom, Security and Growth in cyber space. The launch of Global Forum on Cyber

Expertise (GFCE) was main deliverable of the conference for capacity building in cyber

space.

5. Goal of GCCS 2017 is to promote an inclusive Cyber Space with focus on policies and

frameworks for inclusivity, sustainability, development, security, safety & freedom,

technology and partnerships for upholding digital democracy, maximizing collaboration for

strengthening security and safety and advocating dialogue for digital diplomacy.

How will GCCS be beneficial for India?

a. It will be an opportunity to showcase the Digital India program as a positive, sustainable

and scalable model for use of ICTs for addressing developmental challenges and growth

opportunities. It can help provide vision of inclusive digital society for inclusive growth,

education, healthcare especially for developing world.

b. Cyber security will be one of the major focus areas in GCCS 2017 especially as the central

government is in the process of setting up separate sector specific emergency response

centres to ensure cyber security and strengthen technology infrastructure. The conference






17



will be an ideal forum for the exchange of ideas with global think thanks and promote

closer co-operation among the international community.

c. Indian start-ups will also get exposure to the global industry leaders and investors in

GCCS 2017 to pitch their ideas through multiple seminars, side events and exhibitions.

(Adapted from PIB)

3. Indian Cultural Centres Abroad (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II, III)

ICCR has 36 Indian Cultural Centres and one Sub-Centre. ICCR has plans to establish new

Indian Cultural Centres in Washington and Paris. For these new Centres, the properties are

being renovated for establishing Centres.

About Cultural Centres

Cultural Centres overseas are ICCR s important arms, which play significant role in

promotion of India s soft power strength through its variety of activities like facilitating

teaching of Indian dance, music, yoga, Hindi; organizing cultural performances, film

screening, lectures, talks, Seminars & Conferences on themes related to India. Activities are

organized in the capital and other cities with the help of involvement of local community

and Indian Diaspora.

During the recent visit of Prime Minister of India to Israel, announcement for the opening

of Indian Cultural Centre in Israel was made.

(Adapted from PIB)

4. Outcome of 5th Meeting of BRICS Education Ministers held in Beijing, China

(Relevant for GS prelims, GS Mains Paper II)

Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Education was held on 5th July, 2017 at Beijing, China. The

Indian delegation was led by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister of Human Resource

Development, India.

BRICS Network University and BRICS Think Tank Council

He appreciated the creation of institutional mechanism in the form of BRICS Network

University (BRICS-NU) and BRICS Think Tank Council. BRICS Network University, where

12 universities from each of the 5 countries will engage with each other in education

research and innovation, is another commendable initiative. Five areas of cooperation are

prioritised which are Communication and IT, Economics, Climate Change, Water Resources






18



and Pollution, and BRICS study. India will participate whole-heartedly in all these

cooperative efforts.

Government initiatives in the field of higher education

Minister Javadekar highlighted some of the initiatives of the Govt. of India in education. He

specifically spoke about the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) which

provides a relative ranking of Indian institutions, India s indigenous MOOCs platform,

SWAYAM, which has already hosted over 480 courses online and, this year, plan to host

2000 courses and GIAN (Global Initiative for Academics Network) under which 600

professors from 62 countries have already conducted their courses in India and, this year,

we expect to receive another 800 faculty from across the world. The Minister spoke about

India s research initiative, IMPRINT, which identifies priority areas for research for India,

National Digital Library, which provides over 7.2 million online resources free of cost and is

ever expanding National Academic Depository (NAD), Smart India Hackathon, which

involved over 40000 students in solving over 300 problems received from various sources.

(Adapted from PIB)

5. United Nations Peacekeeping Course for African Partners (UNPCAP-02)

Commences at Manekshaw Centre (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II,

III)

The Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) is conducting jointly with the US, the

second edition of United Nations Peacekeeping Course for African Partners (UNPCAP-02)

in New Delhi from 17 July to 04 Aug 2017.

About the course:

The course is aimed to build and enhance the capacity of the African Troop Contributing

Countries to the UN and to further train the trainers from these countries. The course,

which revolves around the concept of training the trainers, as stated by the UN, is one of

the many steps that India has initiated towards active contribution to peace support

activities.

Course is being attended by officers from 19 countries including India. The students

include officers who are currently employed in their respective peacekeeping training

centres in African peacekeeping training institutions.

The training incorporates topics on operational and logistical matters, humanitarian issues,

thematic topics, Blackboard and table Top exercises and mission briefs. The course is also

targeted to assist the student officers to further train officers in their respective countries






19



on the nuances of peacekeeping. Internationally the course is already being seen as a

milestone in many ways.

(Adapted from PIB)

6. Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains

Paper II, III)

About Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF)

ICWF, set up in 2009, is aimed at assisting Overseas Indian nationals in times of distress

and emergency in the most deserving cases on a means tested basis.

Apart from assisting Indian nationals in distress abroad, ICWF has been a critical support in

emergency evacuation of Indian nationals in conflict zones in Libya, Iraq, Yemen, South

Sudan and other challenging situations like assistance extended to undocumented Indian

workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the Nitaqat drive in 2013 and the ongoing

Amnesty drive in 2017.

The scale and speed of these evacuations and assistance rendered through the Fund has

been universally appreciated. It has also created a sense of confidence among the migrant

workers going overseas about the support they can expect from India during critical times.

How is ICWF funded?

ICWF stands extended to all Indian Missions and Posts abroad and is primarily funded by

levying service charge on various consular services rendered by Indian Missions and Posts

abroad.


7. Agreements and protocols to protect Holy Shrines in India Pakistan (Relevant for

GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II)

Pant -Mirza Agreement: Major General Mirza(Pakistan) and Pundit Pant (Indian freedom

fighter and 1st Chief Minister of United provinces) had discussions on protecting the holy

shrines in both countries in the Pant -Mirza Agreement,1955.

About Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines

Visits by nationals of India and Pakistan to mutually agreed list of religious shrines in each

other s country are facilitated under the Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines

signed in September 1974.






20



This includes visits to shrines of HazratMoinuddinChishti (Ajmer),

HazratNizamuddinAuliya (Delhi), Hazrat Amir Khusro (Delhi), HazratMujaddid Alf Sani

(Sirhind Sharif) and HazratKhwajaAlauddin Ali Ahmed Sabir (Kalyar Sharif) in India and

ShadaniDarbar (HyatPitafi), ShriKatasrajDham (Lahore), Gurudwaras of ShriNankana Sahib

(Rawalpindi), ShriPanja Sahib (Rawalpindi) and ShriDera Sahib (Lahore) in Pakistan.

Under the Protocol it is the obligation of the concerned country to make every effort to

ensure that the places of worship in the agreed list of shrines under the Protocol are

properly maintained and their sanctity preserved.


8. Expatriate Levy by Saudi Arabia (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II,

III)

For the last several years, the Saudi Government has been implementing Saudization

programme aimed at reducing unemployment among Saudi nationals and to encourage the

private sector to employ greater number of Saudi nationals as well as to reducing reliance

on expatriate workers.

Further, against the backdrop of declining oil prices, the Saudi Government has introduced

a number of new taxes/VAT so as to augment the sources of government revenue.

About the dependent tax

The dependent tax, imposed on expatriates who have dependents living in the Kingdom of

Saudi Arabia beginning July 1, 2017, is one such measure. This is not India-specific and is

applicable to all expatriates residing in the Kingdom. The tax rate is SR 100 (Rs.1,700

approx.) per month on each dependent from the year 2017 onwards. The dependent tax

will be increased to SR 200 in 2018, SR 300 in 2019 and SR 400 in 2020 per dependent

member of the expatriate family.

As per initial feedback from our Mission, there is no indication of any increase in the

families returning to India on account of the dependent tax. However, it needs to be seen

whether the annual increase in tax would adversely impact the resident Indian families.







21



Economics 1. Union Agriculture Minister reviews the progress of two flagship schemes –

National Agricultural Markets (E-Names) and Soil Health Card (Relevant for GS


9 crore Soil Health Cards distributed to the farmers so far: Shri Singh

Centre making efforts to make e-NAM scheme successful: Shri Singh

Shri Radha Mohan Singh addresses a meeting of Agriculture– Minister from States/UTs

In this meeting, the progress of two flagship schemes National Agricultural Markets (E-

Names) and Soil Health Card was reviewed.

PM vision to double farmer s income

Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that Prime Minister, Narendra Modi s dream is to double

farmers income by 2022.

Shri Singh informed that the first pillar is that the cost of production should be reduced and

productivity should be increased. The second pillar is that farmers need to diversify and

adopt other agricultural activities such as animal husbandry, poultry, goat rearing, bee

keeping, and timber plantation. The third and the most important pillar is that farmers get

regulated markets close to their farms to sell their produce and earn profitable returns.

Soil Health card scheme

Union Agriculture Minister pointed out that Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme is a flagship

scheme of the Government to promote the use of fertilisers based on analysis of Soil Health

and enable farmers to get maximum yields at lower cost with minimum damage to the

ecosystem.

The central Government launched this scheme in February 2015 to provide SHC to more

than 12 crore farmers once every 2 years. Comprehensive testing of soil samples on 12

parameters including the status of micro-nutrients is being carried out for each and every

soil sample under the scheme. The first cycle (2015-17) of the scheme is expected to be

completed by July 2017. Shri Singh said that States have reported 100% collection of soil

sample i.e. 253 lakh soil samples and testing of 244 lakh soil samples. So far 9 crore soil

health cards have been distributed to farmers.

e-NAM






22



In order to double the income of the farmers, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs

(CCEA) approved the National Agricultural Markets (e-NAM) scheme on July 1, 2015, with a

budget allocation of Rs.200 crore. As part of the pilot project, 21 Mandis of 8 states were

linked to e-National Agricultural Markets (e-NAM) Scheme on 14/04/2016. This scheme

provides an online portal to the farmers for electronic trading and provides a transparent

market enabling price discovery and competition. Under the scheme, each Mandi is

provided assistance of Rs. 30 lakh for the purpose of preparing necessary infrastructure in

the integrated regulated markets. In this year s budget, this amount has been increased to

Rs.75 lakh.

The main objective of this scheme is to give farmers access to prices of different Mandis

and facility to sell their products in a transparent manner to those who offer the best price.

One important component of this scheme is that the farmer gets the value of his yield

according to the quality as the quality is checked before the electronic bidding.

For the success of this scheme, the State Governments need to make genuine efforts and

the Ministers play a key role in this. e-NAM is an important milestone in promoting digital

India and digitisation programs of the government.

2017 Amendment to APMC act

Union Agriculture Minister said in the changing scenario, the government has taken an

active step in the interest of the farmers by devising a new model called Agricultural

Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act and it was inaugurated on 24/04/2017. APMC Act

2017 provides the facility of creating private market yards and farmer-consumer markets.

Now, if the states actively enforce the act, it will be easier for the farmers to have a liberal

market available as this Act is based on the model of ease of doing business to encourage

direct marketing.

(Adapted from PIB)

2. MERIT app and e-Bidding portal for utilization of domestic coal in IPP Power

Stations for reducing the cost of power generation launched (Relevant for GS


Optimum utilization of Coal through these app/ web portal would save the consumer close

to Rs. 20,000 crores five years down the line: Shri Piyush Goyal

Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines, Shri

Piyush Goyal launched here today the MERIT app (Merit Order Despatch of Electricity for

Rejuvenation of Income and Transparency) and the e-bidding portal for providing e-

Bidding solution to States to select Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for procurement






23



of power by transferring their domestic coal under the scheme of flexibility in utilization of

domestic coal.

The app and the web portal would result in optimum utilization of Coal which would save

the consumer close to Rs. 20,000 crores five years down the line, the Minister added.

In sync with Tariff Policy, 2016

The Tariff Policy, 2016 provides that the States/DISCOMs shall follow merit order for

procurement of power and there should be uniformity in merit order mechanism.

Accordingly, Merit Order Dispatch Committee which was constituted in October 2016 with

Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority (CEA) chairperson.

The recommendations of the Committee have been prepared with regard to Transparency

in Merit Order operations and promotion of Renewables through effective implementation

of Must-Run status of Renewables. Most states follow merit order operation; however,

details in this regard need to be made transparently available. Hence, there was a need to

have a mechanism to quantify deviation from merit order and check its reasonableness.

The adherence to merit order optimizes the power procurement cost and benefits both

utility and ultimate consumer.

In this direction, a web portal and mobile apps for Merit Order Despatch of Electricity

(MERIT) have been developed in association with POSOCO. The app displays extensive

array of information regarding the merit order such as daily state-wise marginal variable

costs of all generators, daily source-wise power purchases of respective states/UTs with

source-wise fixed and variable costs, energy volumes and purchase prices. The app also

gives information regarding reasons for deviation from merit order such as must run

conditions, transmission constraints etc.

(Adapted from PIB)

3. Cabinet approves SASEC Road Connectivity Investment Program – (Relevant for GS

Prelims and GS Mains paper II, III)

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for upgradation and

widening of 65 kms of Imphal-Moreh Section of NH-39 in Manipur at a cost of Rs. 1630.29

crores.

Why is road connectivity so important for Manipur?

Manipur being a landlocked state with almost 90% of the area under difficult terrain

presently has only road transport as a means of mass transport system within the state.






24



Hence development of the road infrastructure is of paramount importance to improve

connectivity and progress of the State.

How is the project being funded?

The project is being developed with ADB s loan assistance under the South Asian Sub-

Regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Road Connectivity Investment Program which

aims at upgradation of road infrastructure in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and India (BBIN)

in order to improve the regional connectivity among BBIN nations.

The project corridor is also a part of the Asian Highway No. 01 (AH01) and acts as India s

Gateway to the East.

(Adapted from the Pib.nic.in)

4. Development of Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS

Mains Paper II, III)

Government of India gave its concurrence for engaging Asian Development Bank (ADB) for

carrying out feasibility study and preparing the Conceptual Development Plan (CDP) for

East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC) linking Kolkata in East through Chennai to Tuticorin

in South in a phased manner in May, 2014.

Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP) is implementing the project.

Aid for the project

In September 2016, ADB approved US $631 million (loans and grants) for VCIC. GoAP is to

provide counterpart funding of US $215 million.







25



Environment 1. Environment Minister to Lead Plantation Drive to Celebrate Van Mahotsav

(Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains Paper III)

Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan will lead a

month-long drive to plant saplings to mark Van Mahotsav here starting on July 5.

Van Dhan

Recollecting the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi s emphasis on Van Dhan to enhance

the country s forest-based economy, while improving the biodiversity and living in

harmony with nature

Need for Van Dhan to meet INDCs

Dr. Harsh Vardhan also referred to India s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution

(INDCs) to create additional Carbon Sink of 2.5 to 3 Billion Tonnes of CO2 equivalent

through additional forest and tree cover by 2030, as has been submitted to UNFCCC.

About Van Mahotsav

Van Mahotsav began in 1950, with a tree plantation drive, in which national leaders

participated. The festival of tree plantation was started by Dr. K.M. Munshi, the then Union

Minister for Agriculture and Food to create enthusiasm among masses for forest

conservation and planting trees. The festival was simultaneously celebrated in other states

in India.

Van Mahotsav is usually observed in the first week of July every year and is celebrated on

different days in different parts of India. The objective behind celebrating Van Mahotsav is

to keep local people involved in plantation drives and spread environmental awareness. Dr.

Harsh Vardhan urged the people to become Green ambassadors and participate actively in

plantation drives during the period of monsoon, in keeping with the spirit of Van Mahotsav.

Programmes like screening of short films and documentaries, seminars and exhibition,

painting and poster competitions are also organised to mark the occasion.

(Adapted from PIB)

2. Confronting the challenge of mounting waste (Relevant for GS Prelims, GS Mains

Paper III)

Rising mounds of waste in urban areas






26



Mini-mountains of accumulated untreated urban waste are common sights in most big and

medium cities and towns in the country. Waste dumps greet visitors to any city, reflecting

the rapidly rising prosperity in each bit of trash at the waste dump. With cities having

literally failed to develop effective ways to dispose of their waste, the resulting mountains

of waste in almost all cities have become a serious health hazard.

Government schemes

The Government of India is seized of this exacerbating problem, more so having embarked

on the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) and the Smarts Cities Mission (SCM) to turn things

around by driving growth to improve the quality of life through area-based development

and city-level smart solutions. In developing Three-Year Action Agenda (2017-18 to 2019-

20), the Niti Aayog has drawn a broader framework for addressing the issue of municipal

solid waste (MSW).

Niti Aayog will back up its Three-Year Agenda with Seven Year Strategy and Fifteen Year

Vision for taking the agenda to its logical conclusion. Given the enormity of the situation,

the Agenda has recognized the need for speeding up action on managing municipal solid

waste.

Size of urban waste

It is a timely assertion by the Niti Aayog to develop a time-bound agenda, given the fact that

377 million inhabitants (Census 2011) residing in 7,935 urban centers generate 170,000

tons of solid waste per day. Left unresolved, the nature and magnitude of urban waste will

be insurmountable by 2030 when the cities will burst at its seams with 590 million

inhabitants. The social and economic reality calls for quick-fix technological solution and

NITI Aayog s Agenda seeks to address the issue.

Proposed Waste to Energy Corporation of India on lines of NHAI

The solution being suggested by the Action Agenda is twin-fold: waste-to-energy

incinerators for bigger municipalities and composting method of waste disposal for small

towns and semi-urban areas. It further suggests establishing a new Waste to Energy

Corporation of India (WECI), akin to the National Highway Authority Of India (NHAI), to

speed up the process of cleaning up municipal solid waste by developing public-private

partnerships to build the plants.

Nature of urban waste not suitable for incineration

While proposing incineration as a solution, the NitiAayog has also assessed the benefit-cost

ratio of thermal pyrolysis and plasma gasification technologies. There are, however, mixed

reports on existing waste to energy plants operating in the country on technical and

environmental grounds. At the core of the problem is the nature of urban waste in the

country, it contains a mix of materials that is unsuitable for efficient incineration. Since 80






27



per cent of urban waste consists of organic materials such as damp food scraps, the existing

plants have found it difficult in meeting prescribed air quality standards.

Costly waste disposal methods

City municipalities spend between Rs 500-Rs 1500 per ton on waste management. Since

60-70 per cent is spent on waste collection and remaining 20-30 per cent on transporting

collected waste to the landfill sites, there is almost nothing that gets spent on treatment

and disposal. And to top it all, setting aside shrinking urban spaces for unhealthy dump

sites remains a formidable challenge.

(Adapted from PIB)

3. First Maize Based Mega Food Park in Kapurthala, Punjab (Relevant for GS Prelims,

GS Mains Paper III)

Shri Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Union Minister of Food Processing Industry laid the foundation

stone for First Maize based Mega Food Park in Kapurthala, Punjab today.

What is a Dark Zone district?

She also said that Kapurthala has been declared as a Dark Zone district where slow

desertification is happening because of overexploitation of water due to cash crops. So

establishment of this Mega Food Park was not allowed. Since this would be a maize based

Mega Food Park which will promote crop diversification and water conservation

Why Maize based Mega food park?

Maize Based Mega Food Park is the first major and serious step in the history of India for

containing the desertification problem of Punjab and would make farmers turn to maize

cultivation which need less water for more production. Maize is being used by different

industries for seed, starch, brewery, food additives, sweeteners etc and it is also a basic raw

material to thousands of industrial products like oil, proteins, pharmaceutical, cosmetics,

beverages, film, textile, gum, value added foods, paper industries, bio-ethanol etc.

What is a mega food park?

Mega Food Parks scheme is a scheme of the Ministry of Food Processing of the Government

of India. Its purpose is to increase processing of perishables from 6% to 20%.

The idea behind promotion of Mega food parks is that small and medium scale individual

food processing units cannot afford to invest in capital intensive support services such as

food testing, irradiation, grading, waxing, etc.






28



In food parks, common support services are arranged for food processing units. Thus, these

services become affordable to them. Further, financial assistance is provided by

government to establish common facilities.

Highlights of scheme

1. Government provides grants up to Rs 50 crores for each food park to a consortium of

companies.

2. 30-35 food processing units are expected to be established in each mega food park with a

collective investment of atleast 250 crores.

3. A turnover of 400-500 crore and employment generation of at least 30000 from each

mega food park is expected.

(Adapted from PIB)

4. Jal Marg Vikas Project in Ganga River (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper

II, III)

The Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) is being implemented with the technical and investment

support of the World Bank to strengthen the navigation capacity and promote

transportation of cargo and passengers on National Waterway-1, on the Haldia-Varanasi

stretch of Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly River System,.

The project has been appraised by the Public Investment Board, at an estimated cost of Rs.

5,369.18 crore, and is scheduled to be completed by 2021-22.

(Adapted from PIB)

5. Jal Manthan-IV (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III)

Towards its commitment for wider consultations among various stakeholders and to brain-

storm new ideas for solutions to various issues of water sector the Ministry of Water

Resources, –River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation will be organising a two-day

national seminar titled Jal Manthan IV in New Delhi.

The two day meet

On the first day, consultations and discussions will be on Pradhan Mantri Krishi Seenchai

Yojana (PMKSY) and its implementation and the Review of progress made by States under

Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) and Command Area Development (CAD)

etc.






29



The discussions on the second day would focus on Inter-linking of Rivers and its

implementation followed by Chintan Baithak.

The three earlier Jal Manthan Programmes held in November, 2014, February, 2016 and

January, 2017 were hugely successful.







30



Science and Technology 1. Minister of Railways launched various Railway initiatives (Relevant for GS Prelims

and GS Mains paper II, III)

Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu launched the following

Initiatives:

1. RAIL CLOUD PROJECT

2. NIVARAN-Grievance Portal (First IT Application on Rail Cloud).

3. Cashless treatment Scheme in Emergency (CTSE)

Salient Features of the Initiatives Launched:

1. Rail Cloud

Indian Railway has started a strategic IT initiative, christened IR-One ICT, for enterprise

wide digital single platform with an aim to improve customer satisfaction, improve revenue

and effective, efficient and safe operations.

To achieve the goal of single digital platform for IR a few foundational projects need to be

implemented first, establishment of Rail Cloud is one such project.

Potential benefits to Railways after implementation of Rail Cloud are:

Faster and on-demand deployment of application- Rail Cloud will pave the way for swifter

deployment of application (within 24 hrs as compared to conventional time running into

weeks and months). At the same time the cloud hardware and environment will be

available for rigorous testing of the new applications.

Optimum use of Servers and storage- The technology enables maximising the usage of the

available server and storage resulting in accommodation of bigger data and more

applications within same server space.

Utilization of existing infrastructure as part of Cloud- The existing resources available with

railway will be subsumed in Rail Cloud thereby ensuring that expenditure is minimized in

acquiring new resources.

Rapid scalability and elasticity- Server and storage space will scale up and down as per the

demand. This makes the system suitable to meet the higher demand at peak hours with less

expenditure.

IT Security enhancement and Standardization: The cloud shall be equipped with security

features as per the latest GOI guidelines, the security features can be updated in one go for






31



all the applications hosted on the cloud, resulting in enhanced security and stability with

less expenditure and effort.

Cost reduction: The server and storage infrastructure will be deployed as per the

requirement, resulting in substantial savings to railway as expenditure will be incurred as

and when required instead of upfront shelling out money on procurement of expensive

servers.

Better User Experience: In Cloud, the server resources are constantly scaled up or down as

per the no. of users logged on to the system. This ensures a better user experience to the

customer.

The Managed Network and Virtual Desktop Interface (VDI) services are also being planned,

in near future, for providing faster and more efficient work environment to each rail

worker.

2. NIVARAN-Grievance Portal First IT application on Rail Cloud

NIVARAN-Grievance Portal is the first IT application to be launched on the Rail Cloud. It is

the platform for resolution of service related grievances of serving and former railway

employees. The existing application was hosted on a conventional server; it has been made

cloud-ready and being migrated as the first cloud application of Indian Railways. It will

save significant revenue and at the same time user experience will also improve.

3. Cashless treatment Scheme in Emergency (CTSE)

Railway provides Comprehensive Health Care Facilities to its beneficiaries through in-

house health Institutions, supplementing with referrals to recognized hospitals whenever

necessary. The beneficiaries include retired employees and their dependent family

members. Large no. of retired beneficiaries lives in the newly developed suburbs of various

cities. These parts of the city are often far away from the established Railway Health

Institutions. In this scenario the RELHS beneficiaries coming to Railway Health Institutions

in routine is acceptable, however in emergency situations, precious time (Golden Hour) is

lost in travel.


2. Mission Raftaar (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper II, III)

With a view to increasing speed of trains in Indian Railways, Mission Raftaar was

announced in the Railway Budget 2016-17.

Aim of Mission Raftaar






32



The mission envisages a target of doubling of average speed of freight trains and increasing

the average speed of all non-suburban passenger trains by 25 kmph in the next 5 years.

Action Plan for improving mobility and increasing average speed includes removal of speed

restrictions, construction of road over bridges (ROBs) and road under bridges (RUBs), right

powering of trains, introduction of twin-pipe in wagons, replacement of conventional trains

by Main Line Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) trains and Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU)

trains.

In addition, two projects for raising of speed to 160/200 kmph on existing corridors of New

Delhi-Mumbai route (including Vadodara-Ahmedabad) covering 1483 route km and New

Delhi-Howrah route (including Kanpur-Lucknow) covering 1525 route kms have been

included in the Pink Book of 2017-18.


3. FAME India (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper III)

As a part of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020 (NEMMP 2020), the

Government of India formulated a scheme namely Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of

Hybrid & Electric vehicles in India [FAME-India] for a period of 6 years, till 2020, wherein it

is intended to support the hybrid/electric vehicle market development and its

manufacturing eco-system to achieve self-sustenance at the end of the stipulated period.

Key facts:

1. The scheme is one of the green initiatives of the Government of India, which will be one

of the biggest contributors in reducing pollution from road transport sector in near future.

2. The scheme has 4 focus areas i.e. Technology Development, Demand Creation, Pilot

Projects and Charging Infrastructure.

3. Market creation through demand incentives is aimed at incentivizing all vehicle

segments i.e. 2-Wheelers, 3-Wheeler Auto, Passenger 4-Wheeler Vehicles, Light

Commercial Vehicles and Buses. The demand incentive is available for buyers (end

users/consumers) in the form of an upfront reduced purchase price to enable wider

adoption.


4. DIPP to set up India s first TISC in Punjab (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS mains

paper III)






33



The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) signed an Institutional

agreement with the Punjab State Council of Science and Technology in New Delhi today to

establish India s first Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) at Patent

Information Centre, Punjab, under the World Intellectual Property Organization s (WIPO)

TISC program.

What are the objectives of Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC)

The objective of the TISC is to stimulate a dynamic, vibrant and balanced Intellectual

Property Rights (IPRs) system in India to foster creativity and innovation, thereby

promoting entrepreneurship and enhancing social, economic and cultural development by

establishing a network of TISCs in India.

Services offered by TISCs include:

1. Access to online patent and non-patent (scientific and technical) resources and IP-

related publications.

2. Assistance in searching and retrieving technology information.

3. Training in database search and On-demand searches (novelty, state-of-the-art and

infringement).

4. Monitoring technology and competitors;

5. Basic information on industrial property laws, management and strategy, and technology

commercialization and marketing.

Services offered by CIPAM:

The Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) is designated as the National Focal

Point for the TISC national network. As the national focal point, CIPAM shall identify

potential host institutions, assess their capacities and support them in joining the TISC

program. CIPAM will also act as the main intermediary between WIPO and TISC host

institutions and coordinate all the activities of the national TISC network.

(Adapted from PIB)






34



Internal Security 1. Measures to deal with piracy at sea (Relevant for GS Prelims and GS Mains Paper

III)

The Government has taken the following steps as part of various preventive/mitigating

security measures to deal with sea-piracy:

An Inter-Ministerial Group (IMGO) has been set up by the Government under the Ministry

of Shipping to deal with the hostage situation arising out of hijacking at sea of merchant

vessels with Indian crew.

Government had also approved the Contingency Plan for dealing with piracy and hijacking

of merchant ships and constituted a Committee of Secretaries on Anti-Piracy and Hijacking

at sea (COSAPH) under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary.

In addition to this, the following initiatives have also been taken

1. Guidelines for anti-piracy measures to be implemented on Indian Ships. The guidelines

provide for elaborate anti-piracy measures (Best Management Practices), including safe

house/citadel for vessels.

2. Advisory issued by Directorate General of Shippingfor not transiting through Gulf of

Aden.Naval escort provided by Indian naval ships in the Gulf of Aden since 2008.

3. Enhanced vigil by the Indian Navy in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and

westward upto 65-degree east longitude.

4. Active participation of India in the security meetings of the International Maritime

Organization, Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) and other

international fora.

There have been 2 piracy attempts and no incident of hijacking at Indian flag merchant

vessels during the last 3 years and the current year.

(Adapted from PIB)






35



Miscellaneous 1. Revamped NHB RESIDEX launched (Relevant for GS Prelims)

The revamped and expanded official online user friendly NHB RESIDEX that captures

movements in the prices of residential real estate prices released today revealed that prices

during January-March, 2017 have increased over that of October-December, 2016, in about

half of the cities covered under the survey while the other half have either registered a

decline or remained the same.


2. Indian Power Sector- An Update (Relevant for GS Prelims)

All India Statistics of Indian Power Sector are released by Central Electricity Authority

(CEA) today. The main highlights are as follows: -

1. Generation Capacity Addition target during the period 2012-17 from conventional

sources was 99,209.47 MW against a target of 88,537 MW, over achieving the same by

112%.

2. The Renewable Energy Sources installed capacity as on 31.03.2014 was 31,692.14 MW.

As on 31.03.2017, India has achieved an Installed Capacity of 57,260.2 MW of RES showing

an increase of 80% during 2014-2017.

(Adapted from PIB)

3. Aaykar Setu (Relevant for GS Prelims)

FM launches a new tax payer service module Aaykar Setu that compiles various tax tools,

live chat facility, dynamic updates, and important links to various processes within the

Income Tax Department in a single module;

Says that this e-initiative would not only provide better taxpayer services but would also

help in reducing the direct physical interface between assesses and tax assessing

authorities.

(Adapted from PIB)

4. Declaration of Historic City of Ahmadabad as a UNESCO s World Heritage Property

(Relevant for GS Prelims)






36



It is under the dynamic and visionary leadership of the Prime Minister of India that India

has been successful in securing the nomination of the Historic City of Ahmadabad on

UNESCO s World Heritage list on 8th July, 2017 during the 41st Session of World Heritage

Committee.

This makes the walled city of Ahmedabad the first city in India and the third in Asia to be

inscribed to the World Heritage List. In the past 3 years alone, India has managed to put

five built heritage sites on the world heritage list of UNESCO.

India now has overall 36 World Heritage Inscriptions with 28 Cultural, 07 Natural and 01

Mixed site. While India stands second largest in number after China in terms of number of

world heritage properties in ASPAC (Asia and Pacific) region, it is overall seventh in the

world.

About Ahmedabad

Founded in 15th century, the walled city of Ahmadabad, on the eastern bank of the

Sabarmati river, presents a rich architectural heritage. Within this complex are 28 ASI

Centrally Protected Monuments. The urban structures of the historic city of Ahmedabad are

distinctive due to their puras (neighbourhoods), pols (residential streets), and khadki

(inner entrances to pols) largely made of timber. The historic architecture reflects symbols

and myths connected with its inhabitants. The urban fabric is made up of densely-packed

traditional houses (pols) in gated traditional streets (puras) with characteristic features

such as bird feeders, public wells and religious institutions. It is a unique example of multi-

religious and multicultural coexistence.

Benefits of recognition

The international recognition to the city is a matter of pride. It will boost the local economy

in a number of ways. It is expected to give a tremendous fillip to domestic and international

tourism leading to increased employment generation, creation of world-class

infrastructure and augmentation of sale of local handicrafts, handlooms and heritage

memorabilia.

(Adapted from PIB)

5. President of India receives first copy of book President s Lady (Pranaber Preyosi)


The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee received the first copy of the book President

s Lady (Pranaber Preyosi) on his wife Late Smt. Suvra Mukherjee from Vice President of

India, Mohd. Hamid Ansari who formally released it at a function held at Rashtrapati

Bhavan.






37



(Adapted from PIB)

6. Brief for Integrated Railway Mobile App (IMA) Rail SAARTHI for Indian Railways


Currently, there are multiple mobile applications by Indian Railways to cater various

passenger requirements including onboard cleaning. Most of the apps cater to one service

only. To use different services, users need to search and download each application

separately. In order to provide better customer experience, there is a need for an

integrated application which will give a single window interface for these services.

In line with the above concept, Minister of Railways had announced integration of all

existing ticketing digital solutions under one App in his Budget Speech 2016-17. The same

is reproduced below:

The following 8 independent Mobile Applications (Apps) available on Google Play Store

will become available in the new Integrated Mobile App RAIL SAARTHI - INDIAN

RAILWAYS OFFICIAL APP (Centre for Railway Information Systems)

(Adapted from PIB)

7. President of India inaugurates the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Paika

Rebellion of Odisha (Relevant for GS Prelims)

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that it was indeed a privilege for him to be

present on the occasion of inauguration of year-long celebration of Bi-Centenary of the

Paika Bidroha of Odisha.

About the Paika Bidroha

1. It look place 40 years before the revolt of 1857 under the leadership of Baxi Jagabandhu

of Odisha.

2. Many scholars, researchers and historians have opined that the Paika Rebellion of 1817

was India s first organized armed rebellion against British Raj.

3. The Paika uprising was in the nature of a rebellion by people of Odisha. It was aimed at

upholding the rights of the Odia people and sovereignty of Odisha.

(Adapted from PIB)






38



8. Promotion of Traditional Art and Folk Art (Relevant for GS Prelims)

To protect, preserve & promote various forms of traditional art and folk art throughout the

country, the Government of India has set up seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) with

headquarters at Patiala, Nagpur, Udaipur, Allahabad, Kolkata, Dimapur and Thanjavur.

To develop traditional art across the country these ZCCs are implementing a number of

schemes viz. Award to Young Talented Artistes, Guru Shishya Parampara Scheme, Theatre

Rejuvenation Scheme, Research & Documentation Scheme, Shilpgram Scheme, Octave and

J&K Festivals and National Cultural Exchange Programme (NCEP).

No State/UT-wise funds are provided for promotion of traditional art and folk art.

However, annual grant-in-aid is provided to all these 7 ZCCs by Government of India for

carrying out various cultural activities throughout the country for this purpose.

(Adapted from PIB)

9. Intangible Cultural Heritage: Yoga (Relevant for GS Prelims)

Yoga was inscribed in UNESCO s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of

Humanity during the 11th session of Intergovernmental Committee held from 28th

November to 02nd December, 2016 at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Implications of Yoga being in the in the list

The inclusion of Yoga on the UNESCO s Representative List will contribute to the visibility

of intangible cultural heritage in general and raise awareness of its importance at the

international levels.

(Adapted from PIB)

10. Ramayana and Krishna Circuit (Relevant for GS Prelims)

Ramayana Circuit and Krishna Circuit are among the thirteen thematic circuits identified

for development under Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

Ministry has initially identified fifteen destinations for development under the Ramayana

Circuit theme namely Ayodhya, (Uttar Pradesh), Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu), etc.

Similarly, twelve destinations have been identified for development under Krishna circuit

namely Dwarka (Gujarat), Puri (Odisha), etc.






39



The completion time for the projects sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan Scheme varies

from 18 to 36 months.

(Adapted from PIB)

11. First meeting of Islands Development Agency (IDA) (Relevant for GS Prelims)

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh chaired the first meeting of the newly

constituted Islands Development Agency (IDA). The IDA was set up on June 01, 2017

following the Prime Minister s review meeting for the development of islands.

Highlights of the meeting:

1. The Union Home Minister presented the vision for developing India s maritime economy

while preserving the natural eco-system and addressing the security concerns. He

emphasized upon the need for sustainable development of Islands with people s

participation.

2. The CEO, NITI Aayog made a detailed presentation on the current status and the way

forward for holistic development of identified islands. He informed that Concept

Development Plans and Detailed Master Plans are being prepared for identified islands.

3. It was also decided that Lt. Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Administrator of

Lakshadweep Islands will be included as members of IDA.

Which islands have been identified for development in the first phase?

After detailed consultations with key stakeholders, 10 islands namely Smith, Ross, Aves,

Long and Little Andaman in Andaman & Nicobar and Minicoy, Bangaram, Suheli, Cherium

and Tinnakara in Lakshadweep have been identified for holistic development in the first

phase.

(Adapted from PIB)

12. Achievements made under Hamari Dharohar Scheme (Relevant for GS Prelims)

The Ministry of Minority Affairs formulated Hamari Dharohar scheme for preservation of

rich heritage and culture of minority communities of India in 2014-15.

Objective of the scheme

The scheme aims to support curation of iconic exhibitions, calligraphy, research and

development, etc. Under this scheme, the funding is project based and not the






40



State/District-wise. The following two important projects have been undertaken so far

under the scheme:

1. An iconic exhibition of Parsis (Zoroastrians) i.e. The Everlasting Flame to showcase the

civilization and culture of the Parsis (Zoroastrians) was organized during March-May,

2016.

2. A project has been allocated to DairatulMaarifil Osmania (an institution established in

1888 AD) under Osmania University, Telangana, for translation of 240 invaluable

documents belonging to Medievel period on the subjects of Medicines, Mathematics,

Literature, etc. from Arabic language to English, digitization and re-printing. The project

implementation has already started and the state Government of Telangana is monitoring

the same.


13. Mobile App Smart Consumer for Packaged Products (Relevant for GS Prelims)

In the interest of consumers, the Government has launched a new Mobile App Smart

Consumer in December, 2016. Using the App, the consumers can scan the bar code on the

package and read the product related information including the labelling information of a

packaged commodity.


14. Profile of President Shri Ram Nath Kovind (Relevant for GS Prelims)

A lawyer, veteran political representative and long-time advocate of egalitarianism and

integrity in Indian public life and society, Shri Ram NathKovind was born on October 1,

1945, in Paraunkh, near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. His parents were Shri Maiku Lal and Smt

Kalawati.

Before assuming charge of the office of the 14th President of India in July 2017, Shri Kovind

served as the 36th Governor of the state of Bihar.

Educational and Professional Background

Shri Kovind completed his school education in Kanpur and obtained the degrees of B.Com

and L.L.B. from Kanpur University. In 1971, he enrolled as an Advocate with the Bar

Council of Delhi.






41



Shri Kovind was Union Government Advocate in the Delhi High Court from 1977 to 1979

and Union Government Standing Counsel in the Supreme Court from 1980 to 1993. He

became Advocate-on-Record of the Supreme Court of India in 1978. He practised at the

Delhi High Court and Supreme Court for 16 years till 1993.

Parliamentary and Public Life

Shri Kovind was elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh in April 1994.

He served for two consecutive terms of six years each till March 2006. Shri Kovind served

on various Parliamentary Committees like Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of

Scheduled Castes/Tribes; Parliamentary Committee on Home Affairs; Parliamentary

Committee on Petroleum and Natural Gas; Parliamentary Committee on Social Justice and

Empowerment; and Parliamentary Committee on Law and Justice. He was Chairman of the

Rajya Sabha House Committee.

Shri Kovind also served as Member of the Board of Management of the Dr B.R Ambedkar

University, Lucknow, and Member of the Board of Governors of the Indian Institute of

Management, Kolkata. He was part of the Indian delegation at the United Nations and

addressed the United Nations General Assembly in October 2002.






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