CURRENT AFFAIRS

VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE

CURRENT AFFAIRS UPSC (AUGUST - 2017)

Main Office At VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE F Block New No. 1, 9th Street, 1st Avenue Main Road, Anna Nagar (E), Chennai – 102. Phone: 044 – 26265326 / 9600124042 / 9840097666

Branch Office At VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE No:189/1, Meyanoor Road, Near ARRS Multiplex, Opp. Venkateshwara Complex, Salem – 4 Phone: 0427 – 2330307 / 9442740307 / 9500122022

. www.vetriias.com

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS IR

August - 2017

CONTENT

SL. NO

TOPIC

PAGE NO

1.

International

1

2.

National

10

3.

Polity And Governance

14

4.

Defence & Internal Security

27

5.

Economy

30

6.

Environmental Issues

36

7.

Science & Technology

41

8.

Social Issues

44

9.

Misscellanious

54

10.

Important Questions

57

9600124042/ 9840097666




August - 2017

INTERNATIONAL 19TH RCEP TRADE NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN HYDERABAD In News: The 19th round of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Trade Negotiating Committee (TNC) meetings and other related meetings were held in Hyderabad, India.  Besides 19thround of TNC meet, Parallel meetings were held by the three main Working Groups on Trade in Goods, Trade in Services and Investment, including their respective Sub-Working Groups. Working Groups in other areas like Intellectual Property, electronic commerce, Legal and Institutional Issues etc. also had their meetings.

 During the meeting, all RCEP Participating Countries (RPCs) agreed that a good RCEP agreement has immense potential to deliver on new economic opportunities including job creation that are much needed in today’s world of uncertainty.  The Meeting expressed shared commitment to work collectively and in a cooperative manner, to progress the negotiations in an accelerated way, and achieve a modern, comprehensive, high-quality and mutually beneficial agreement that addresses and balances the aspirations and sensitivities of participating countries.

Key Facts  All RCEP Participating Countries (RPCs) agreed that RCEP agreement has immense potential to deliver on new economic opportunities including job creation that are much needed in today’s uncertain world. India held that RCEP can offer a forward looking alternative in face of growing protectionism in world.  RPCs also expressed shared commitment to work collectively and in cooperative manner to progress the negotiations in an accelerated way and achieve a comprehensive, modern, high-quality and mutually beneficial agreement that balances and addresses sensitivities and aspirations of participating countries.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 1


August - 2017

About Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)  RCEP is a proposed comprehensive regional economic integration agreement (mega Free Trade Agreement) amongst the 10-ASEAN countries (Brunei, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam) and its six Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) partners, viz. Australia, New Zealand, India, China, Japan and Korea. RCEP negotiations were formally launched at 2012 ASEAN Summit in Cambodia. RCEP is viewed as an alternative to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a proposed trade agreement that includes several Asian and American nations but excludes China and India.

MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION (MOA) TO ESTABLISH THE ISARC  In order to establish the IRRI-South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), a Memorandum of Association (MOA) has been signed between the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare (DAC & FW), DAC&FW and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines.

About ISARC: The Center will be the first international Center in the eastern India.  This would be a Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition (CERVA) and will include a modern and sophisticated laboratory with the capacity to determine quality and status of heavy metals in grain and straw. The Centre will also undertake capacity-building exercises for stakeholders across the rice value chain.  ISARC will operate under the governance of the IRRI Board of Trustees who will appoint an appropriate IRRI staff member as Director. A Coordination Committee will be headed by Director General, IRRI as Chair and Secretary, Government of India, DACFW as Co-Chair.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 2


August - 2017

Significance:  The Centre will play a major role in harnessing and sustaining rice production in the region.  It is expected to be a boon for food production and skill development in the eastern India and similar ecologies in other South Asian and African countries.  It will support in adopting value chain based production system in the country. This will reduce wastage, add value and generate higher income for the farmers.  The farmers in Eastern India will benefit in particular, besides those in South Asian and African countries.

INDIA, CHINA ‘CLASH’ NEAR HIGH-ALTITUDE PANGONG LAKE In News  The Indian and Chinese armies clashed recently along the Pangong lake in Ladakh when the People’s Liberation Army tried to penetrate into the Indian side.

Background:  The latest incident comes amid an ongoing dispute between the two sides over a strategic Himalayan plateau thousands of kilometres away where hundreds of Indian and Chinese soldiers have been facing off against each other for more than two months.

About The Disputed Region:  Pangon lake or Pangong Tso, a 135-km long lake, located in the Himalayas at the height of approximately 4,350 m, stretches out from India to China. One-third of water body, its 45 km stretch, is in Indian control while the rest of the 90 km is under Chinese control.  There has been constant strife between the two countries over the region as both assert territorial possession.  The region has been a bone of contention between India and China for long. In the 1990s, when the Indian side laid claims over the area, the Chinese army built a metal-top road contending that it was part of the Aksai Chin, which is another disputed border area between the two.  The Aksai Chin area falls under Chinese control and is governed as part of Hotan County. However, India also claims it to be a part of the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir.

INDIA MOVES TO REVIVE TAPI GAS PIPELINE In News  India will host the next steering committee meeting of the proposed 1,814-kilometre-long TurkmenistanAfghanistan- Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline. Decision in this regard was taken at the sixth joint IndiaTurkmenistan Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) meeting on trade, economic, scientific and technological cooperation. 9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 3


August - 2017

 The IGC discussions between both countries comprehensively reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and took stock of the progress achieved in the areas of energy, security cooperation, civil aviation, information technology, science and technology, trade and economic cooperation, transport and connectivity, cultural and educational matters.

Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India Pipeline (TAPI):  It is also known as Trans-Afghanistan Pipeline, is a natural gas pipeline being developed by the Asian Development Bank.  The pipeline will transport Caspian Sea natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan into Pakistan and then to India.  Construction on the project started in Turkmenistan on December 13th, 2015. The pipeline is expected to be operational by 2019.  The life of supply is expected to last for period of 30 years and shall be operational from 2019. Member countries of the project have recommended establishing an inter-government joint security task force (JSTF) to serve as the nucleus of the safety of the pipeline.

Significance:  TAPI gas pipeline project is considered as an important initiative of these four countries as it connects energy rich Central Asia with energy starved South Asia.  It will enhance economic engagement through regional connectivity by economically integrating region stretching from the Bay of Bengal to the Caspian Sea. It will not just be a commercial project, but also help in providing peace and security in the region.  From India’s perspective, TAPI Project will provide an alternative supply source of gas with dependable reserves leading to enhanced energy security.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 4


August - 2017

MOU BETWEEN INDIA AND NEPAL ON DRUG DEMAND REDUCTION AND PREVENTION OF ILLICIT TRAFFICKING In News  The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri NarendraModi today has given its approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Nepal on Drug Demand Reduction and Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and precursor chemicals and related matters.  Cooperation on drug matters is expected to curb the illicit traffic of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals in the two countries.

Background  India has always supported global efforts to counter drug trafficking and is party to several multilateral and bilateral initiatives in this regard as also United Nations (UN) led initiatives.  In accordance with the spirit of UN Conventions on Narcotic Drugs, effort is made to enter into Bilateral Agreements/MoUs with neighbouring countries and the countries which have a direct bearing on the drug situation prevailing in our country.  Such Bilateral Agreements/ MoUs have already been executed with various countries. The proposed MoU with Nepal is another such MoU which shall be entered for the purpose of bilateral cooperation on drug matters.

CABINET APPROVES MOU WITH MYANMAR FOR THE CONSERVATION OF EARTHQUAKE-DAMAGED PAGODAS AT BAGAN In News  The Union Cabinet has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Myanmar for the conservation of earth quake damaged pagodas at Bagan, Myanmar.

Key Points:  Implementation of the project will further strengthen India’s enduring ties in culture and religion with Myanmar.  It will also generate immense goodwill for India among the people of Myanmar due to the religious significance as well as the touristic significance of the project. 9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 5


August - 2017

 It will also contribute to India’s development partnership with Myanmar. Bagan is one of the premier tourist attractions of Myanmar.  It will be an opportunity to showcase India’s expertise in the restoration and conservation of monuments not only to the people of Myanmar but also to the tourists from other countries.

Bagan-One Of Asia’s Most Significant Historical Sites:  Bagan in Burma is one of the most significant archaeological sites of South East Asia.  Bagan is an ancient city that was the capital of the prosperous Bagan empire that controlled most of present day Burma. At the height of empire’s power between the 11th and 13th century more than 10,000 temples and pagodas were built.  Today, about 2,200 monuments remain in various states of repair, which makes Bagan one of the most dense concentrations of temples and pagodas in the world.  The King who was converted to Theravada Buddhism started building some of the grandest temples of Bagan, like the Shwezigon Pagoda as an act of making merit. Gradually Bagan became a center for Buddhism attracting monks from far away countries.

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY In News  Every year, August 12 is celebrated as International Youth Day across the world.  The theme of International Youth Day 2017 is Youth Building Peace.

 International youth day bring together all the stakeholders - such as governments, development actors and communities – to celebrate young people as a force for positive social change and for building peaceful, cohesive and resilient societies.  Its aim is to reaffirm the important role youth can play in deterring and resolving conflicts . It further highlights that youth are constituents in ensuring the success of peacekeeping efforts.  The IYD was first established in 1999 by the United Nations Security Council and calls upon governments, international community, development actors and civil society organizations to recognize the important role young people can play in development and more importantly, in prevention and resolution of conflicts.  It marked the end of an era when young people were perceived as passive recipients of development welfare and brought them into the mainstream of development as active change agents.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 6


August - 2017

CABINET APPROVES MOU BETWEEN INDIA-BRAZIL FOR COOPERATION IN ZEBU CATTLE GENOMICS AND ARTS In News  The Union Cabinet has apprised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Brazil in October 2016 for cooperation in fields of Zebu Cattle Genomics and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs).

Key Facts  The MoU aims to strengthen existing friendly relations between both countries and promote development of Genomics and ARTs in Cattle through joint activities to be implemented through mutually agreed procedures.  An implementation committee shall be created with an equal number of representatives of each party for the purpose of regularly determining the activities and developing work plans and subsequently their evaluation.  It will be done through joint projects in the fields of Productivity Improvement of cattle and buffaloes, for the purpose of broadening the existing knowledge base on sustainable dairy development and institutional strengthening.

The MoU will promote and facilitate scientific cooperation and setting up of genomic selection programme in Zebu Cattle through  Application of genomic in Zebu Cattle and their crosses and buffaloes  Application of ARTs in cattle and buffaloes  Capacity building in genomic and ART  Related R&D in Genomics and ART in accordance with respective laws and regulations of two countries.

About Zebu Cattle  Zebu Cattle (also known as indicine cattle or humped cattle), is a species or subspecies of domestic cattle originating in Indian subcontinent.  They are characterised by fatty hump on their shoulders, a large dewlap, and sometimes drooping ears.  They are well adapted to withstanding high temperatures, and are farmed throughout tropical countries, both as pure zebu and as hybrids with taurine cattle, the other main type of domestic cattle.  They are used as draught oxen, dairy cattle, and beef cattle, as well as for by products such as hides and dung for fuel and manure.  In 1999, researchers at Texas A&M University successfully cloned a zebu. 9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 7


August - 2017

QATAR TO BECOME FIRST ARAB STATE TO OFFER PERMANENT RESIDENCY TO SOME NON-CITIZENS In News:  Qatar’s Cabinet has approved a draft law making permanentresidency available to some non-citizens. It marks a partialshift from Qatar’s heavy reliance on its longstanding visasponsorshipsystem.With this the energy-rich Qatar becomes firstGulf Arab stateto make permanent residency available to some non-citizens. Key Facts:  Under the new law, residency permits will be granted to children of Qatari womenmarried to foreigners. Moreover it will be also granted to people who offeredvaluable services to the country and those with special skills. The residency permit will give holders similar rights as Qataris in terms of property ownershipand run some businesses without needing a Qatari partner. It will also entitle themfree state education and healthcare services. The interior ministry of Qatar willestablish committee to review requests of granting permanent residency ID in linewith the provisions of the law. Background:  Gulf Arab countries have a high number of expatriate workers but do not allow naturalization of foreigners except in rare cases and under strict conditions. Qatar which is world’s wealthiest country per capita has population of 2.7 million including some 300,000 citizens. Qatar’s native population is far surpassed by foreigners, so the energy-rich Arab state is reluctant to extend residency rights out of concern for the demographic balance.

INDIA HOPEFUL OPERATIONS AT CHABAHAR PORT WILL START BY 2018 In News: Indian government is keen on developing Chabahar Port in Iran and is hopeful of starting operations by 2018. Iran’s Chabahar port located in the Sistan-Baluchistan Province on the south-eastern coast is a port of great strategic utility for India.  It lies outside the Persian Gulf and is accessed from India’s western coast.  As per an MoU signed between India and Iran in May last year, India is to equip and operate two berths in Chabahar Port Phase-I with capital investment of USD 85.21 million and annual revenue expenditure of USD 22.95 million on a 10-yearlease.  The Chabahar Port will boost trade and business between the two countries and in the region.

Chabahar Port  Chabahar port is located on the Gulf of Oman, near Iran’s border with Pakistan. It is less than 100km from Pakistan’s Chinese-constructed port of Gwadar, part of a project to open up an energy and trade corridor from the Gulf to western China.  The Chabahar as a transit point will be the center of a regional trade, investment and transportation hub with links from the Indian Ocean to Central Asia. For the first time, India will get access to the region through friendly nations 9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 8


August - 2017

Strategic importance of Chabahar port  The Chabahar port will allow India access to landlocked Afghanistan and energy-rich Central Asia through Jawaharlal Nehru and Kandla ports on India’s west coast.  India has also built a 218km-road link connecting Delaram with Zaranj in Afghanistan, which is adjacent to Iran’s border. Also, the port will promote Indian strategic interests in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.  The first person quoted above added that the loan disbursement is not possible until the application is completed by the state-owned Port and Maritime Organization.  According to the terms of agreement, India has to make $150 million credit available for the development of phase one of Chabahar port within four months of receiving the application. India also has to equip the cargo and container terminals with $85 million worth of equipment within one-and-a-half years of funding.

The Persian Gulf  The Persian Gulf is a mediterranean sea in Western Asia. The body of water is an extension of the Indian Ocean (Gulf of Oman) through the Strait of Hormuz and lies between Iran to the northeast and the Arabian Peninsula to the southwest.  The Shatt al-Arab river delta forms the northwest shoreline. Countries with a coastline on the Persian Gulf are (clockwise, from the north): Iran; Oman’s exclave Musandam; the United Arab Emirates; Saudi Arabia (in Iran this is called “Arvand Rood”, where “Rood” means “river”); Qatar, on a peninsula off the Saudi coast; Bahrain, on an island; Kuwait; and Iraq in the northwest.  Various small islands also lie within the Persian Gulf, some of which are the subject of territorial disputes between the states of the region.

Background  The Persian Gulf was a battlefield of the 1980–1988 Iran–Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other’s oil tankers. It is the namesake of the 1991 Gulf War, the largely air- and land-based conflict that followed Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.  The gulf has many fishing grounds, extensive coral reefs, and abundant pearl oysters, but its ecology has been damaged by industrialization and oil spills.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 9


August - 2017

NATIONAL 'SHE MEANS BUSINESS' PROGRAMME IN ODISHA In News  Odisha Chief minister Naveen Patnaik launched Facebook's programme named 'She Means Business' for women entrepreneurs in Odisha. This programme was launched in partnership with Odisha’s MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) Department and Project Mission Shakti.

 Under this programme, around 25,000 women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Group (SHG) members will get trained on digital marketing (online business) skills within next one year.

Key Highlights  The women entrepreneurs will learn basic nuances of digital marketing like how to start your business on Facebook, how to make it real-time business, quick response to queries and timely delivery, quality assurance and so on.  Facebook will also make a database of entrepreneurs in the state and will monitor their growth, turnover and profit after one year.  Success stories among them will be highlighted to inspire others.  Women entrepreneurs will get hands on training on digital marketing free of cost and they need not create their website to promote their business. The platform will also facilitate vertical integration.

Background  As many as 201 million monthly active people on Facebook in India on their mobile and 57% of people on Facebook in India are connected to at least one small business.  Moreover, 1.99 billion interactions generated between businesses and people in India through Facebook.  Number of new women-owned small and medium business pages on Facebook in India has increased approximately six-fold in the last four years (between 2012 and 2015).  Hence, the government through Facebook's #SheMeansBusinessis hoping to inspire more women across the country to take the leap - and help close the gap on that untapped opportunity for millions more women and in turn ensure the economy remains strong and thrives. 9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 10


August - 2017

VENKAIAH NAIDU SWORN IN AS 13TH VICE PRESIDENT OF INDIA In News:  Former Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu was sworn in as 13th Vice President of India. He was administered the oath of office by President Ram Nath Kovind at a special function at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

 After the swearing in he took charge as the Chairman of Rajya Sabha. He also chaired the proceedings of the Upper House. He was elected as the Vice President after defeating opposition candidate Gopal Krishna Gandhi.

About M Venkaiah Naidu  Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu was born on 1st July 1949 at Chavatapalem, in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. He acquired his bachelor’s degree in law with specialisation in international law from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam.  He was elected as the president of the students union of colleges affiliated to his University and joined RSS and ABVP during his college days. He came into spotlight for his prominent role in the Jai Andhra Movement and for his contribution in Jayaprakash Narayan Chhatra Sangharsh Samiti.  He has held several positions and carried his successful political career during his three decade long public life.  He has served as national president of BJP (2002 to 2004). In the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government he was the Union Cabinet Minister for Rural Development.  In present Narendra Modi led government he had served as the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Parliamentary Affairs and Information and Broadcasting. Before getting elected as Vice President, he had held several positions and carried his successful political career during his three decades in public life.

About Office Of Vice President  The officer of Vice-President is second highest public office in India. It is second highest constitutional post of the country after President. Practically, office of Vice President has been created to provide political continuity of the Indian state. His main function is in the form of ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha. He works as acting President when President is not available.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 11


August - 2017

75TH ANNIVERSARY OF QUIT INDIA MOVEMENT  The 75th anniversary of the Quit India Movement was observed across the country. This year’s theme was “Sankalp se Siddhi- the attainment through resolve”.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his recent Mann Ki Baat programme had called for launching the mega campaign Sankalp Se Siddhi. The campaign pledges to build new India by 2022. It calls on everyone to pledge together towards Clean India, Poverty–free India, Corruption-free India, Terrorism-free India, Communalismfree India, Casteism-free India.  Prime Minister Modi also had termed the month of August as a month of revolution as the non-cooperation movement was launched on August 1, 1920, Quit-India movement on August 9, 1942 and on August 15, 1947 India became independent.

Quit India Movement  The Quit India Movement (Bharat Chhodo Andolan or the August Movement (August Kranti)) was an important milestone in the Indian freedom struggle. It was a civil disobedience movement launched at the Bombay session of the All-India Congress Committee (AICC) by Mahatma Gandhi on 8 August 1942 demanding an end to British Rule of India. It was launched after Mahatma Gandhi had made a call to Do or Die in his Quit India speech delivered in Bombay at the Gowalia Tank Maidan on 7 August 1942. Gandhi hoped to bring the British government to the negotiating table as the Cripps Mission had failed. Quit India Resolution drafted by Jawaharlal Nehru and was moved by him on 8th August 1942 in AICCC session and Sardar Patel seconded it. Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, people across India came together to uproot imperialism.

MAHARASHTRA GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES AADHAAR-AUTHENTICATED DIRECT BENEFIT TRANSFER PORTAL MAHADBT, MAHAVASTU Maharashtra Government launches two online portals MahaDBT, MahaVASTU  Maharashtra Government has launched two online portals MahaDBT and MahaVASTU to streamline the process of direct benefit transfer (DBT) and to bring in more transparency in construction sector.  With this, Maharashtra became first state in the country to launch such a system that will provide direct benefits with Aadhaar authentication.

Key Facts  MahaDBT portal: It is an Aadhaar-authenticated electronic mechanism that will enable direct transfer of benefits for over 40 schemes currently implemented by state’s various departments. It is based on Union Government’s DBT scheme and Aadhaar will be mandatory to claim benefits through this portal. It will help to speed up transfer of benefits and ensure transparency by minimising human intervention  MahaVASTU portal: It is an online building permission management system, through which construction approvals will be sanctioned with full transparency. It will bring all building permissions online in all municipal councils of the state.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 12


August - 2017

KARNATAKA TIES UP WITH MICROSOFT TO DEVELOP INDIA’S FIRST FARM PRICE FORECASTING MODEL In News  The Agriculture Department of Karnataka has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with software giant Microsoft India to develop a unique ‘farm price forecasting model’.  The first-of-its-kind initiative will use the latest IT tools to aid farmers, administrators and other stakeholders to understand the market behaviour in advance. The move will enable the farmers of Karnataka, who struggle with the market’s unpredictability, to be more prepared.

Key Highlights  The initiative will be a “multi-variate” platform that will take into consideration various factors beyond conventional supply-demand equation while forecasting prices of crops.  It will examine a number of related factors including weather, rainfall and external factors which impact market behaviour.  It would also provide real-time market data and help analyse its implications on the farm sector.  The main aim behind the project is to achieve a sense of predictability as well as stability in farm incomes.  Knowing the market situation in advance would help farmers, policy makers and industry make informed decisions.  It would also help the government be prepared for market intervention if there is any indication of price crash.  The model is expected to be in place for major crops by 2018 Kharif season.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 13


August - 2017

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE DELIMITATION- LIFTING THE FREEZE IN 2026 In News  Recently a brand new Parliament Annexe building has been inaugurated which will afford our lawmakers more space and enable better functioning. In the coming years there might be need for a new building for Parliament altogether due to likely increase in number of seats in both Houses after the lifting of the freeze imposed by the Constitution (Forty-second Amendment) Act, 1976, which is due in 2026.

 Lifting of the frozen delimitation by the Forty-second Constitution Amendment Act, 1976 has now gained debate around issues with constitutional dimensions of far-reaching importance, how these additional seats will be allocated to the States, and how to address the concerns which necessitated the freezing of the allocation of seats on the basis of the 1971 Census figures.

Delimitation  Under Article 82 of the Constitution, the Parliament by law enacts a Delimitation Act after every census. After coming into force commencement of the Act, the Central Government constitutes a Delimitation Commission.  This Delimitation Commission demarcates the boundaries of the Parliamentary Constituencies as per provisions of the Delimitation Act. The present delimitation of constituencies has been done on the basis of 2001 census figures under the provisions of Delimitation Act, 2002.  Notwithstanding the above, the Constitution of India was specifically amended in 2002 not to have delimitation of constituencies till the first census after 2026. Thus, the present Constituencies carved out on the basis of 2001 census shall continue to be in operation till the first census after 2026.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 14


August - 2017

Background  Article 81 of Indian constitution provides for composition of the House of the People. Article 81(1) Subject to the provisions of Article 331 the House of the People shall consist of1.

Not more than five hundred and thirty members chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies in the States, and

2. Not more than twenty members to represent the Union territories, chosen in such manner as parliament may by law provide

 Article 81(b) provided that for the purposes of sub-clause (a) of clause (1), there shall be allotted to each State a number of seats in the House of the People in such manner that the ratio between that number and the population of the State is, so far as practicable, the same for all States.  Further article 81(3) defined the expression “population” for the purposes of Article 81 to mean the population as ascertained at the last preceding Census of which the relevant figures have been published.  As result of above mandate, States which took a lead in population control faced the prospect of their number of seats getting reduced and States which had higher population figures stood to gain by increase in the number of seats in Lok Sabha.  To address this problem Forty-second Constitution Amendment Act, 1976 affected a freeze on the population figure till the year 2000 with reference to the 1971 Census. The 84 thAmendment Act 2002 extended the freeze till the year 2026. This was based upon the calculations of the population planners that by 2026 India will be able to stabilize the population.  The 84th amendment Act,2002, also decided to undertake readjustment and rationalization of territorial constituencies in the States, without altering the number of seats allotted to each State in the House of the People and Legislative Assemblies of the States, including the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes constituencies, on the basis of the population ascertained at the census for the year 1991, so as to remove the imbalance caused due to uneven growth of population/electorate in different constituencies.

New Scenario  According to the 2011 Census, the population of our country stands at 121crore. Basing the 1971 Census figure of 54.81crore to represent today’s population presents a distorted version of our democratic polity and is contrary to what is mandated under Article 81 of the Constitution.  When the figure will be available after 2026 that is, in 2031, there will be need of a fresh delimitation which will dramatically alter the present arrangement of seat allocation to the States in Parliament.  Apart from addressing the problem of accommodating the increase in numbers, there are more important questions that require to be debated. For example the concerns expressed by the States in 1976 which necessitated the freezing of seat allocation on the basis of 1971 population figures would appear to hold good even today and have to be addressed to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.  With the current strength of 543 members, the Speaker finds it extremely difficult to conduct the proceedings of the House. Members do not show much heed to the entreaties of the Speaker, thereby making smooth conduct of House proceedings a difficult affair. With increasing numbers, members will be jostling with each other to capture the attention of the Speaker to raise issues in the House. The sudden increase in numbers will render the task of the Speaker more difficult. 9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 15


August - 2017

 There will be issue regarding the Zero Hour, Question Hour and the raising matters of urgent public importance, they will be subjected to severe strain because the 60-odd minutes which are available in the morning before the normal legislative business of the House begins will require our Parliament and Legislatures to sit for a longer duration each day during the session as well as have more number of sittings in a year than at present.

Suggestions  While 2026 is still a few years away, there is need to start a debate now on how to deal with the problems that are likely to arise, otherwise it will be forced to postpone the lifting of the freeze to a future date as was done in 2001.  We need to give serious thought to increasing the number of seats in the Lok Sabha so that a uniform populationseat ratio is maintained in all the States without having any effect on the present total number of seats in the Lok Sabha to the less populated states.

THE RIGHT OF CHILDREN TO FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2017 (INDIAN EXPRESS) In News  The Rajya Sabha passed the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017.

 The Bill amends the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 by extending the deadline for teachers to acquire the prescribed minimum qualifications for appointment.

Key Points:  Under the Act, if a state does not have adequate teacher training institutions or sufficient number of qualified teachers, the provision to possess minimum qualifications is relaxed for a period not exceeding five years i.e. till March 31, 2015.  The Bill further adds to this provision by stating that those teachers who do not possess the minimum qualifications as on March 31, 2015 will acquire the minimum qualifications within a period of four years i.e. by March 31, 2019.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 16


August - 2017

Significance:  The RTE Act, 2009 envisages free and compulsory elementary education to every child in the age group of 6-14 years. (Under Article 21 A, added by 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, Right to Education is a Fundamental Right).  The amendments to RTE Act, 2009 will enable the in-service untrained elementary teachers to complete their training and ensure that all teachers at the elementary level have certain minimum standard of qualifications in order to maintain the standard of teaching quality.

LOK SABHA PASSES TWO BILLS EXTENDING CGST, IGST TO JAMMU AND KASHMIR (INDIAN EXPRESS) In News:  The Lok Sabha has passed two bills extending Central GST and Integrated GST to Jammu and Kashmir.  Government asserted that special status of Jammu and Kashmir was “never meant to create economic impediment” as maintained that the GST is in the larger interest of traders and consumers of Jammu and Kashmir.  The Central Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill and the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill passed by the House by a voice vote are aimed at giving effect to the formal amendments required in Central GST (CGST) and Integrated GST (IGST) Acts by removing the exemption that was carved out for J&K.

Key Points:  The two bills will replace the ordinances promulgated earlier in this regard to complete rolling out GST regime the Himalayan State.  The first bill provides for the extension of the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act, 2017 to J&K and the other also provides for the extension of the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) Act, 2017 to J&K.

Background:  The Central government earlier had promulgated ordinances to make the Central GST and Integrated GST (IGST), which deals with inter-state commerce, applicable to all states.  However, provisions of these Central laws were not applicable to J&K unlike the rest of India, as the state is having a special constitutional status.  Under this different constitution procedure, President Pranab Mukherjee had promulgated two ordinances regarding the introduction of the GST in J&K.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 17


August - 2017

ASSAM FOR FIRST TIME EXTENDS AFSPA ORDERS ON ITS OWN In News  The Centre has declared entire Assam as a “disturbed” area under the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for one more month, citing various violent activities by insurgent groups ULFA, NDFB, and others.

 The Union home ministry also declared Meghalaya’s border areas adjoining Assam, and three districts in Arunachal Pradesh as “disturbed” under the AFSPA for two more months with effect from August 03rd, 2017.

Why It Was Extended?  The law and order situation in Assam continues to be matter of concern due to violent incidents carried out by the underground groups, as many as 16 incidents involving these groups were reported between May and July 2017. These incidents had resulted in deaths of civilians, security personnel and militants. 9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 18


August - 2017

Background:  AFSPA has been continuing in Assam since November 1990. In 2016, there were many incidents of violence. The violence was perpetrated in Assam by insurgent groups like ULFA, NDFB and others. Similarly, continuing violence perpetrated by NSCN(K), NSCN(IM), ULFA, NDFB, and others were key reasons for continuing with AFSPA in Arunachal Pradesh. Meghalaya too has witnessed violence by ULFA, NDFB militants in the recent past.

Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act:  The AFSPA was enacted by the parliament in 1958. It grants extra-ordinary powers and immunity to the armed forces to bring back order in the disturbed areas. Some of these extra-ordinary powers include fire upon anyone after giving warning who is acting against law & order in the disturbed area, arrest anyone without warrant, stop and search any vehicle or vessel, legal immunity to armed forces personnel for their actions.  Note: Presently AFSPA is enforced in the 6 states of North East (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland) and Jammu and Kashmir. It was lifted in Tripura in May 2015

SUPREME COURT SCRAPS INSTANT TRIPLE TALAQ In News  The controversial Islamic divorce practice of instant triple talaq (Talaq-e-Biddat) has been struck down as arbitrary and against the tenets of Islam. The practice was against Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to equality, the Supreme Court has ruled.

Instant Triple Talaq  There are three forms of talaq (divorce) in Islam: Ahsan, Hasan and Talaq-e-Biddat (triple or instant talaq), explains an article in The Hindu. Of them Ahsan and Hasan are revocable but Biddat is irrevocable. Biddat is considered sinful but is permissible in Islamic law.

Background:  Shayara Bano, a 35-year-old resident of Uttarakhand, filed a petition in the Supreme Court in 2015 and sought a ban on the practice after her husband ended their 15-year marriage by sending a letter with the word talaq written thrice. Her petition seeks the Supreme Court to declare talaq-e-bidat, polygamy and nikah halala illegal and unconstitutional on the grounds that they violate the rights guaranteed by the Constitution under Articles 14, 15, 21 and 25.  Several other women lined up with their petitions over the following months. Women cannot pronounce triple talaq and are required to move a court for getting divorce under the Sharia Act, 1937.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 19


August - 2017

The Law And Triple Talaq:  India has separate sets of personal laws for each religion governing marriage, divorce, succession, adoption and maintenance. While much of the Hindu law overhaul began in the 1950s and continues, activists have long argued that Muslim personal law has remained mostly unchanged.

Triple Talaq And Supreme Court:  The Supreme Court in 2016 decided to examine if Islamic laws governing marriage and inheritance violated the fundamental rights of women and take a call on how far it can intervene to modify the existing laws.  A multi-faith bench of five judges--a Hindu, a Sikh, a Christian, a Zoroastrian and a Muslim--led by Chief Justice of India JS Khehar is hearing pleas challenging the practice.  There is no woman in the triple talaq bench.  Justices Kehar and Abdul Nazeer held that triple talaq should be put on hold for six months, but their minority view will not prevail.

Constitutional Provisions:  Under the Constitution, religious freedom is subject to all other Fundamental Rights. Article 25 — which guarantees Freedom of Practice and Propagation of Religion — does not protect religious practices since they can negatively affect the welfare of citizens. Article 14, which guarantees the Right to Equality, overrides Article 25because triple talaq denies a Muslim woman’s equality before the law.  Similarly, Article 25 is subject to Article 15 (1) which says that the State “shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex…” Since triple talaq does not work in the favour of women, it violates Article 15 (1) of the Constitution.

Suggestions: The court favoured keeping on hold the practise of triple talaq for six months, urged the political parties to set aside their differences and aid the Centre in coming out with a legislation.  The government has said it will write a new matrimony law for Muslims to fill a legal vacuum should the Supreme Court strike down triple talaq.  Also, this judgment is likely to be a valuable touchstone for the Law Commission while handling contentious issues under the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

ARTICLE 35A COMES UNDER SCRUTINY In News  Recently a petition has been filed in the Supreme Court (SC) by a Kashmiri woman, who has been denied the right to property in the state by virtue of Article 35A.  In its response, the court sent notices to the Centre and the state governments to address her plea.  The central government responded in SC that since Article 35A raises several "sensitive questions" so the point about its legality demands a "larger debate".  Earlier, an NGO, We the Citizens, had also challenged Article 35A in SC in 2014 on grounds that it was not added to the Constitution through amendment under Article 368. The case is pending in the Supreme Court. 9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 20


August - 2017

Background:  J&K became a part of India through instrument of accession signed by its ruler Hari Singh in O ctober 1947.  After J&K's accession, Sheikh Abdullah (Sadr-i-Riyasat) negotiated J&K's political relationship with New Delhi, which led to the inclusion of Article 370 in the Constitution.  Article 370 guarantees special status to J&K, restricting Union's legislative powers to three areas: defence, foreign affairs and communications.  However, under the Delhi Agreement 1952 between Abdullah and JL Nehru, several provisions of the Constitution were extended to J&K via Presidential Order in 1954 including Articl e 35A.

Article 35A Article 35A was added to the Indian constitution through a presidential order of 1954 with the then J&K government's concurrence.  Article 35A allows the Jammu and Kashmir legislature to define the list of 'permanent residents' of the state, who are eligible to vote, work for the state government, own land, secure public employment and college admissions etc. Non-permanent residents are denied all these rights.  A woman from outside the state shall became a permanent resident on marrying a male permanent resident of the state but a daughter who is born state subject will lose the right on marrying an outsider.

Significance Of Article 35A  J&K's Constitution was framed in 1956 in which permanent residents law was defined. All persons born or settled within the state before 1911 or after having lawfully acquired immovable property resident in the state for not less than ten years prior to that date.  Permanent residents law prohibits non-permanent residents from permanent settlement in the state, acquiring immovable property, govt. jobs, scholarships and aid.  It was also interpreted as discriminatory against J&K women. It disqualified them from their state subject rights if they married non-permanent residents.  In a landmark judgment in October 2002, J&K High Court had held that women married to nonpermanent residents will not lose their rights. Though the children of such women will not have succession rights.

Facts  Article 370 in Part XXI of the Constitution grants a special status to Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). According to it all the provisions of the Constitution of India do not apply to J&K.  J&K is also the only state in the Indian Union which has its own separate state Constitution.  Part IV (dealing with Directive Principles of State Policy) and Part IVA (dealing with Fundamental Duties) are not applicable to J&K.  The term of the J&K Assembly is six years unlike other Indian states assemblies.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 21


August - 2017

MOTOR VEHICLES (AMENDMENT) BILL 2017 In News  It was collectively decided to send the Motor Vehicles Bill 2017, which aims to usher in far-reaching reforms in the transport sector, to a Select Committee of the Rajya Sabha.  Many of the parties in Rajya Sabha sought more time to study the Motor Vehicles Bill, 2017.  The bill, which would amend the nearly 30-year old Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 was passed by the Lok Sabha last year but had got stuck in the Rajya Sabha where the opposition had demanded that it be sent to the Select Committee for proper scrutiny.

The Significant Proposals To The Motor Vehicles (MV) Act Of 1988  A group of State Transport Ministers went into the reform question last year, while the comprehensive recommendations of the Sundar Committee on road safety have been left on the back burner for nearly a decade.  The Centre assumes a direct role in the reforms, since it will introduce guidelines that bind State governments in several areas, notably in creating a framework for taxicab aggregators, financing insurance to treat the injured and to compensate families of the dead in hit-and-run cases, prescribing standards for electronically monitoring highways and urban roads for enforcement and modernising driver licensing.  Protection from harassment for good samaritans who help accident victims is something the amended law provides, and this needs to be in place.

Analysis:  Accidents kill 400 people every day on Indian roads. A government report indicates a loss to the economy of 3 per cent of GDP (1999-2000) due to road mishaps. With its focus on improvement of road safety, the proposed bill can reduce the number of accidents.  It talks about strengthening rural transport, public transport, and last mile connectivity. It will help in improving the transportation ecosystem in India.  The Bill has potential to reduce the corruption and waiting time in vehicle registration and licensing through the use of automation and e-governance.  Protection of Good Samaritan guidelines would further promote sense of responsibility among bystanders. It will induce them to extend much needed help to the accident victims. As a result many valuable lives would be saved.

COMMERCE MINISTRY TO WIND UP DGS & D THIS FISCAL In News  The commerce ministry has started the process of shutting down over 100-year-old government procurement arm – Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D)- in this fiscal.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 22


August - 2017

Key Facts:  The public procurement of goods and services is being managed by the ministrys e-market platform (GeM) since last year.  Currently, the directorate has four regional offices including Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. It has 12 Purchase Directorates (Commodity-wise) at its headquarters here. Besides, there are 20 offices /sub centres and the staff strength is over 1,200.  Before closing, the ministry has to decide upon the issues concerning manpower, land and office spaces of the directorate, which are present all over the country.

Background:  DGS & D has its origin in the India Stores Department, which was established in 1860 in London for purchase of imported stores. In 1922, India Stores Department was established in India to arrange purchases for Government Civil Departments and Military Purchases. In 1951, the set-up of Purchase and Inspection was reorganised and DGS&D was constituted, in its present form, to handle all government purchases centrally.  A minor restructuring happened in 1974, when defence and railways were allowed to procure items meant for their exclusive use. The directorate has two professional service cadres — Indian Supply Service and Indian Inspection Service.

OPPOSITION FOR ALL-INDIA JUDICIAL SERVICE In News  According to the Law and Justice Ministry document, nine High Courts have opposed a proposal to have an allIndia service for the lower judiciary, eight have sought changes in the proposed framework and only two have supported the idea.  The long-pending proposal to set up the new service to have a separate cadre for the lower judiciary in the country is being reconsidered by the current government.  The idea was first mooted in the 1960s.

Key Highlights  High Courts of Andhra Pradesh, Bombay, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Patna and Punjab and Haryana have not favoured the idea of an All-India Judicial Service.  Eights High Courts have suggested changes in the age at the induction level, qualifications, training and quota of vacancies to be filled through the proposed service.  According to the document, most of the High Court’s want the administrative control over the subordinate judiciary to remain with the respective High Courts.

Government stand:  In order to reach a consensus, the government had recently suggested to the Supreme Court various options. This included a NEET-like examination, to recruit judges to the lower judiciary.  Besides the NEET model, the law ministry had also proposed that a "centralised examination" could be held by a "recruitment body" for selection of candidates and it can work under the supervision of the Supreme Court.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 23


August - 2017

 It also proposed that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) can also be asked to hold an exam to recruit judicial officers.  At present, various high courts and state service commissions hold exams to recruit judicial officers.

Background  The ideal of an All-India Judicial Service was first mooted in the Chief Justices’ Conference in 1961 as a way to remove any scope for judicial or executive intervention in the appointments to the judiciary in the High Courts and the Supreme Court in India.  In its 15th report, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law and Justice has recommended its creation and directed the Law Ministry to take immediate steps for setting up such a service.  1st, 8th and 11th Law Commissions have also recommended setting up of AIJS.  Even Supreme Court, in two of its judgments in 1991 and 1993, had recommended setting up of an all India judicial service.  Article 312 of the constitution also confers power on the Parliament to create All India Services.  After the Swaran Singh Committee’s recommendations in 1976, Article 312 was modified to include the judicial services, but it excluded anyone below the rank of district judge.

Need for AIJS Quantity of Judges: 

There were vacancies of 4,452 judges in subordinate courts in the country as per the figures released on December 31, 2015.



While the sanctioned strength is 20,502, the actual number of judges and judicial officers in subordinate courts is 16,050.



There are always 20% vacancies in the court and they are never filled on time.

Improve Quality Of Subordinate Courts: 

Ensuring fair and transparent selection of incumbents. Currently judges and magistrates are recruited through exams conducted by State PSC which lack integrity and objectivity and where nepotism and corruption are rampant.



This would naturally attract young and bright talents who rarely sit for these exams now days.



Rigorous training, for which there is very week arrangements, for 2 years at National Judicial Academy will improve skills of recruits before they start hearing cases, and thus reduce delays.



Less chance of Politics-Judiciary nexus as judges are from outside.

Improve Quality Of Justice At Higher Courts 

By creating all India cadre of talented people.



Uniformity of standards for selection will improve quality of personnel indifferent HCs, as about 30% of judges in HCs come on promotion from subordinate courts.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 24


August - 2017

Challenges  The lack of knowledge of regional languages would affect judicial efficiency.  The avenues for promotion would be curtailed for those who had already entered through the state services, thus hampering career progression of State Judicial Service officers.  Different State laws will pose challenge for judges each time they are transferred to another State.  This would lead to an erosion of the control of the High Court’s over the subordinate judiciary, which would, in turn, affect the judiciary’s independence.

Conclusion  AIJS would bring in transparency and accountability in judiciary. It will result in professional, well-trained and disciplined cadre of judicial officers.  These AIJS officers could start their career as additional district judges and eventually rise to become judges of the High Courts and the Supreme Court.  We need to reach a consensus in order to create AIJS which is truly independent.

RIGHT TO PRIVACY A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT In News  A nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court has ruled that Indians enjoy a fundamental right to privacy, that it is intrinsic to life and liberty and thus comes under Article 21 of the Indian constitution.  The Supreme Court was hearing a case that challenged the Delhi high court’s September 2016 order by which it allowed WhatsApp to roll out its new privacy policy but stopped it from sharing the data of its users collected with Facebook or any other related company.  Through this judgement, the Supreme Court has overruled verdicts given in the M.P. Sharma case in 1958 and the Kharak Singh case in 1961, both of which said that the right to privacy is not protected under the Indian constitution.  The judgment finally aligned Indian laws with the spirit of Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and Article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), 1966, which legally protects persons against the arbitrary interference with one’s privacy, honour and reputation, family, home and correspondence.

Evolution of Right to Privacy As A Fundamental Right  First time the issue of right to privacy was discussed in debates of constituent assembly were K.S. Karimuddin moved an amendment on the lines of the US Constitution. However, it did not secure the incorporation of the right to privacy in the constitution.  In M.P. Sharma v Satish Chandra Supreme Court, on the issue of ‘power of search and seizure’, held that they cannot bring privacy as the fundament right because it is something alien to Indian Constitution and constitution maker does not bother about the right to privacy.  In Kharak Singh Case 1961, Supreme Court - on the issue of whether surveillance amount to infringement of fundamental right and whether right privacy is come under the purview of fundamental right - denied the right to privacy as fundamental right.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 25


August - 2017

 In Maneka Gandhi v Union of India, Supreme Court interpreted the Article 21 in broad sense. They said that both the rights of personal security and personal liberty recognized by Article 21 and and Article 21 is of the widest amplitude and covers a variety of rights which go to constitute the personal liberty of man.  Maneka Gandhi Case started the wide interpretation of Right to Life, which actually helped the Right to Privacy to fall into to the scope of Right to Life. 

In People s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) v Union of India 1997 - which is related to phone tappingSC recognized right to privacy as part of Article 21. Supreme Court also said that whether right to privacy can be claimed or has been infringed in a given case would depend on the facts of the said case.



Finally, it was in 2017 judgement that SC recognized right to privacy as fundamental right. Beef Ban Vs Right to Privacy 

The Maharashtra High Court had struck down certain sections [5(d) and 9(b)] of the Maharashtra Animals Preservation (Amendment) Act, 1995.



These sections criminalised and imposed punishment on persons found in possession of beef of animals, slaughtered in or outside the state, on the ground that it infringed upon a person’s “right to privacy”.



The Maharashtra government has challenged in Supreme Court the Bombay High Court’s order that decriminalised the possession of beef, in case of animals slaughtered outside the state.



The Supreme Court has said that its landmark judgment declaring right to privacy a fundamental right would have “some bearing” in matters relating to slaughter of cows, bulls and bullocks in Maharashtra.



It is argued that the right to eat food of one’s choice was now protected under privacy.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 26


August - 2017

DEFENCE & INTERNAL SECURITY MINISTRY OF DEFENCE APPROVES FIRST PHASE OF REFORMS IN THE ARMED FORCES In News  In a first ever exercise after Independence, the Ministry of Defence in consultation with the Indian Army has decided to reform the Indian Army in a planned manner.  These decisions were approved by the Defence Minister Shri Arun

Jaitley

after

an

extensive

consultation

with

all

stakeholders.  The purpose of reforms is to enhance combat capability and also optimize and rebalance defence expenditure of Indian Army.

Background:  The Ministry of Defence had constituted a Committee of Experts under the Chairmanship of Lt Gen (Retd) DB Shekatkar with a mandate to recommend measures for enhancing of Combat Capability & Rebalancing Defence Expenditure of the Armed Forces with an aim to increase “teeth to tail ratio”.  The Committee of experts had submitted its report to the Ministry in December 2016, which was considered by the Ministry of Defence.

Major Reforms Concerning The Following Have Been Approved:  Optimisation of Signals Establishments to include Radio Monitoring Companies, Corps Air Support Signal Regiments, Air Formation Signal Regiments, Composite Signal Regiments and merger of Corps Operating and Engineering Signal Regiments.  Restructuring of repair echelons in the Army to include Base Workshops, Advance Base Workshops and Static/Station Workshops in the field Army.  Redeployment of Ordnance echelons to include Vehicle Depots, Ordnance Depots and Central Ordnance Depots apart from streamlining inventory control mechanisms.  Better utilization of Supply and Transport echelons and Animal Transport units.  Closure of Military Farms and Army postal establishments in peace locations.  Enhancement in standards for recruitment of clerical staff and drivers in the Army.  Improving the efficiency of the National Cadet Corps.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 27


August - 2017

INDIA’S FIRST PRIVATE MISSILE PRODUCTION FACILITY In News  India’s first private sector missile sub-systems manufacturing facility, Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems (KRAS) plant, was inaugurated near Hyderabad.

About The Production Facility  Israel’s Rafael Defense Systems Ltd has formed a joint venture with Kalyani Group to produce anti-tank guided missiles for the Indian armed forces that are also likely to be exported to South-East Asian countries.  It is 51:49 joint venture between India’s Kalyani Group and Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd.  It has been established under the Make in India initiative and Government’s policy to encourage private sector participation in defence production.  The company is expected to supply components for the Israeli anti-tank guided missiles called Spike Missiles which will be integrated by Hyderabad-based public sector defence company Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) once the deal gets through.  Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL) has emerged from being a traditional supplier of components and subsystems to Indian Defence to becoming a complete system and solutions provider.  Rafael is one of the world's leading missile design and manufacturing companies offering products and systems for Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM), Surface to Air Missiles (SAM), Precision Weapons among other systems which are in service with several defence forces all over the world.  This is the second joint venture factory with an Israeli company by Kalyani Group which recently announced setting up of artillery guns facility in Pune.

Advantage Of The Facility  The facility will be 90% localized and parts will be procured locally in Hyderabad. It will create about 300 direct jobs and 1,000 indirect jobs.  The facility will enable production of high-end technology systems for Indian Armed Forces.  It will be engaged in development of a wide range of advanced capabilities like Command Control and Guidance, Electro-Optics, Remote Weapon Systems, Precision Guided Munitions and System Engineering for System Integration.  The facility will also target to export its products to other countries.

Significance Of Promoting Domestic Private Players In Defence Production  India’s currently imports of defence equipments amounts to nearly 70% of India’s total defence expenditure. India became the largest import of arms and ammunition between 2007 and 2011 which accounts for 10% of global arms imports despite having a robust defense PSU (39 Ordnance Factories (OFs), 8 Defence public sector units (PSUs) and 52 Research & Development laboratories.  Govt. held defence companies have had better performance. However there is a huge technological/production output gap that exists between what the armed forces want and what can be offered/produced by the Govt held defence companies.  India seriously needs to address this issue. One way is to allow private participation in defence sector.  Allow these companies to achieve indigenously produce defence equipment and increase its share from present 30% to 70% in future which will help to create a robust defence manufacturing and R&D sector.  As per CII-BCG report, if private sector is allowed in defence sector it will create jobs more than 1 million jobs. 9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 28


August - 2017

 India will have access to modern technology through JV route between the private Indian firm and International defence firm.  India will be immune to international sanction and whips of the foreign defence firm who resist transfer of latest technology.  The coordination between public and private companies will create a culture of innovation among Indian firms. Along with that it will create a pool of talent (engineers & scientist) who would further the development of futuristic technology. 

Defence industry is highly technology driven and it is the private sector that adapts itself better to rapidly changing technology.

 The private sector possesses business acumen to spot fleeting opportunities for long term survival and continued prosperity of their enterprise.

Reasons Of Non-Participation Of Domestic Private Players  There is a criticism that allowing the private sector to control the defence sector has altered political dynamics around the world. It has led to the rise of corporate cronyism, allowing unelected, rich business tycoons to have an unwarranted say in the foreign policy of a nation hence government is not promoting private players with full zeal.  Regarding defence production the decisions are taken by the Defence Acquisition Council to categorise a proposal as ‘Buy’ or ‘Buy and Make’ or ‘Make’ based on the advice given by Defence Research and Development Organisation and the public sector. No inputs are sought from the private sector. Its competence and potential are given no consideration as of now.  Requirements of the armed forces are not made known to the private sector sufficiently in advance with the result that it does not get adequate time either to go for foreign tie-ups or to establish the necessary facilities. The time given for the submission of technical and commercial proposals is grossly inadequate for a new entrant in the field. As Requests for Proposals (RFP) are issued to foreign original equipment manufacturers as well they prefer direct bidding. They decline joint ventures with Indian companies as it helps them to guard their technology and perpetuate their monopoly with consequent financial gains.  Due to the very nature of its usage, defence equipment has to meet highly exacting standards. There can be no failure in the face of the enemy. Regrettably, many Indian vendors have not fully grasped the import of this requirement and find the quality control regime to be extremely tough.

Conclusion  The resurgence in Indian industry today offers scope for its greater involvement in the defence sector due to the availability of the requisite skills and infrastructure for undertaking defence production and even R&D in some fields.  Over the last four decades, considerable resources have been invested in setting up our defence R&D infrastructure through which we have achieved enhanced capacities in the defence sector.  India is also witnessing a significant growth in the private sector with many industries becoming global players. There has also been a shift in the role of the private sector entities in the field of indigenisation.  From the role of suppliers of raw materials, components, sub-systems, they have now become partners and manufacturers of complete advanced systems.  The government must concentrate on critical areas which best fit its existing human resource, technical capability and established capacity to take up new projects and must help the strengthening of domestic private players in the field of defence production. 9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 29


August - 2017

ECONOMY AGRICULTURE PRODUCE MARKET COMMITTEE In News:  Ministry has drafted a model “The Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2017,

Why?  For progressive agricultural marketing reforms, including setting up markets in private sector, direct marketing,

farmer-consumer

markets,

declaring

warehouses/silos/cold storage as market sub-yards and Market Yards of National Importance (MNI) so that more markets are available for farmers to sell their produce for better prices.

Facilities To Farmers  The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers’ Welfare (DAC&FW) has taken up several initiatives in the field of agricultural extension which includes ‘Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms’ which is popularly known as ATMA Scheme, Mass Media Support to Agricultural Extension and Kisan Call Centres.  The key objectives of ATMA scheme include setting up of autonomous institutions at the State/District/Block level, encouraging multi-agency and broad-based extension strategies adopting group approach to extension and facilitating convergence of programmes in planning, executing and implementation. This Ministry is also implementing various crop development schemes for increasing production and productivity of the crops in the country viz.  National Food Security Mission (NFSM) on rice, wheat, pulses, coarse cereals and Commercial Crops (cotton, jute & sugarcane);  Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI) and  Crop Diversification Programme (CDP).  Under these schemes, scientific crop production technologies are being promoted at the farmers’ field through organization of cluster demonstrations and training of farmers with latest crop production technologies such as timely sowing, seed rate, recommended package of practices, etc. for reduction in the cost of cultivation.

SHIFTING FOCUS FROM FLOOD PROTECTION TO FLOOD GOVERNANCE In News:  Although floods are an annual natural occurrence, there is nothing natural about the official response to flooding of the Brahmaputra River in Assam. This year, the official death toll has risen to 77 and around 12 lakh people have been displaced. Given the extent of the devastation caused by a natural disaster that is exacerbated by human interventions, it is time we accept that the focus must shift from flood protection to flood governance.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 30


August - 2017

Why Is The North-East Vulnerable?  Flooding is natural in the north-eastern region of India due to its geographical features.  Rivers in the Northeast, mostly originating in the Eastern Himalayas, experience a sharp fall in gradient as they reach Assam’s floodplains.  The sudden fall in altitude causes a large volume of water to gush to the floodplains.  The rivers here carry large amounts of sediments which get deposited on the floodplains.  This results in further reduction in the storage capacity of the river channels and in turn inundation of the adjoining floodplains.  Anthropogenic

activities

like, developmental

interventions in

the

Eastern

Himalayas

and

the

resultant deforestation further push the sediment load.

The Shortfall In The Approach  At present the approach is inclined to the post disaster stage which lacks protective, precautionary measures.  Flood protection measures have so far included constructing embankments, dredging rivers and bank strengthening.  These are cost-intensive options and moreover the focus is more on construction and less on maintenance.  The scope of storage dams in states such as the Arunachal Pradesh is also limited, given the region’s geology and the ecology.

Needs  The need is a shift of focus from flood protection to flood governance.  This requires an understanding that floods are partly natural and partly anthropogenic which could be prevented.  Measures to build on the resilience of the flood affected communities are of prime importance.  Social - Issues to be addressed include water and sanitation, outbreaks of diseases such as diarrhoea, access to veterinary services to prevent cattle mortality, etc.  Elevated toilets, eco-sanitation units and elevated dugwells or tubewells will reduce the public health challenges in the flood-prone areas.  Access to schools during the flood months can be ensured with enough number of boats.  Livelihood - People in these areas practice subsistence agriculture.  Inundation of land for an extended period in the monsoons and limited irrigation coverage further constrains intensification of agriculture in the dry months.  Providing access to cheaper sources of irrigation, research on short duration boro paddy, and innovative agriculture techniques like floating vegetable gardens can help increase productivity.  Scientific fish farming on the water bodies and the inundated land can ensure that inundation is put to optimal use.  Planning - Strategic environment assessment of development activities needs to be undertaken in the Brahmaputra basin.  Strengthening planning authorities like the Brahmaputra Board and flood control departments by staffing them with scientists is essential.  Community-based advance flood warning systems can reduce the after effects.  Reducing vulnerability, increasing access to services, and maximising productivity through optimal use of available resources can work together to reduce the impact of flood tragedies

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 31


August - 2017

NEW BRICS BANK PLANS $1.5 BILLION LENDING FOR SOUTH AFRICAN PROJECTS In News  A New Development Bank (NDB) set up by the “BRICS” group of emerging economies plans to lend $1.5 billion to South Africa for infrastructure projects over the next eighteen months. The bank also officially opened its African regional centre in Johannesburg.

About New Development Bank:  It is a multilateral development bank operated by the BRICS states (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). It is seens as an alternative to the existing US-dominated World Bank and International Monetary Fund.  The New Development Bank was agreed to by BRICS leaders at the 5th BRICS summitheld in Durban, South Africa in 2013.  The bank is set up to foster greater financial and development cooperation among the five emerging markets.  The bank will be headquartered in Shanghai, China.  Unlike the World Bank, which assigns votes based on capital share, in the New Development Bank each participant country will be assigned one vote, and none of the countries will have veto power

ROADMAP FOR NEXT THREE YEARS FOR EVERGREEN REVOLUTION In News  The NITI Aayog has drafted the three years action plan for all the sectors including agriculture.  The action plan on agriculture deals with remunerative prices for farmers and raising productivity.  Strategy chalked out for increase in production of pulses, use of wasteland, seed village programme and model contract farming are as below:-

Increase in production of Pulses  National Food Security Mission (NFSM-Pulses) is being implemented in 638 districts of 29 States in the country. The interventions covered under NFSM-Pulses include cluster demonstrations on improved package of practices, demonstrations on cropping system, distribution of High Yielding Varieties (HYVs), INM, IPM, resource conservation technologies/tools, efficient water application tools and cropping system based training for increasing production and productivity of pulses.  Under this scheme, new initiatives have been taken up during 2016-17 i.e., creation of seed hubs, breeder seed production, minikit distribution, cluster frontline demonstrations etc.  Use of Wasteland PMKSY is principally for development of Rainfed portions of net cultivated & culturable wastelands.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 32


August - 2017

Seed Village Programme  To upgrade the quality of farmer’s saved seeds financial assistance for distribution of foundation/certified seeds at 50% cost of the seeds for agricultural crops for half an acre per farmer was available up to the year 2013-14. From the year 2014-15, the financial assistance for distribution of foundation/certified seeds at 50% cost of the seeds for cereal crops and 60% for pulses, oilseeds, fodder and green manure crops for production of quality seeds is now available for one acre per farmer.

Certified Seed Production Of Pulses, Oilseeds, Fodder & Green Manure Crops Through Seed Village  In order to enhance certified seed production of Pulses, oilseeds, Fodder & Green manure crops in the country, this component has been initiated from 2014-15. Under this component the financial assistance for distribution of foundation seeds at 75% cost of the seeds for pulses, oilseeds, fodder and green manure crops for production of Certified Seeds is available for the farmers.  The above schemes are demand driven and implemented by the States/implementing agencies for benefiting the farmers.

Model Contract Farming Act  In pursuance of announcement in the Union budget 2017-18, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has constituted a Committee on 28.02.2017 to formulate a Model Contract Farming Act for adoption by the States. This Model Act on Contract Farming would address the constraints in promoting contract farming in a holistic manner by the States.  The agriculture and allied sector road map endeavours growth of agriculture for meeting food and nutrition security of the country.

ANTI-DUMPING DUTY ON 93 PRODUCTS FROM CHINA: GOVERNMENT In News  The Union Government has announced that anti-dumping duty is in force on 93 Chinese products to protect profitability of the domestic industry from import of cheap Chinese goods.  These products fall in the broad groups of chemicals and petrochemicals, steel and other metals, machinery items, fibres and yarn, rubber, plastic products, electric and electronic items and consumer goods, among others.  In addition to these 93 products, 40 cases concerning imports from China have been initiated by Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD).

Anti-Dumping Duty  Anti-dumping duty is a protectionist stance taken by a government to cushion domestic companies from an increase in cheap price imports. It is imposed by government on imported products which have prices less than their fair normal values in their domestic market.

Why It Is Imposed?  When a country exports its products to other countries with a selling price below the cost price of the same product in other countries then it is called as dumping of products. This harms the profitability of domestic companies. Anti-dumping steps are taken to ensure fair trade and provide a level-playing field to the domestic industry. 9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 33


August - 2017

Mechanism For Imposition  Anti-Dumping Duty is imposed under the multilateral World Trade Organisation (WTO) regime and varies from product to product and from country to country. In India, anti-dumping duty is recommended by the Union Ministry of Commerce (i.e. by DGAD) and imposed by the Union Finance Ministry.

STPS TO BE CONSTRUCTED UNDER HYBRID ANNUITY MODEL  In the first-of-its-kind success, the creation and maintenance of sewage treatment infrastructure under Hybrid Annuity based PPP model has taken off, with National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) awarding work to private sector for construction and maintenance of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in two major cities in Ganga river basin – Varanasi and Haridwar.  The awarded projects would ensure that no untreated sewage waste water goes into river Ganga.  Hybrid Annuity based PPP model has been adopted for the first time in the

country

in

sewage

management sector.  Such a model has earlier been adopted

successfully

in

highway

sector only.

About Hybrid Annuity Model:  Under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), the government will invest 40% of the construction cost for building highways and the balance will come from the private developer.  The government will invest money in five equal instalments based on the targeted completion of the road project.  The private developer will recover his investment from the government by receiving annuity payments over a period of 15 years.  Under this model, the highway toll tax will be collected by the government unlike the build, operate and transfer (BOT) toll model where the private sector collects it. So, there is no revenue or traffic risk on the part of the developer.

Significance Of The Model:  All major stakeholders in the PPP arrangement – the Authority, lender and the developer, concessionaire would have an increased comfort level resulting in revival of the sector through renewed interest of private developers/investors in highway projects.  It will bring relief thereby to citizens / travellers in the area of a respective project.  It will facilitate uplifting the socio-economic condition of the entire nation due to increased connectivity across the length and breadth of the country leading to enhanced economic activity.  The move will speed up the construction of roads in the country by renewing interest of private developers in highway projects as the risk will be distributed between the government and the private players. 9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 34


August - 2017

 It is a fairly sensible risk-sharing model because it requires the private sector to focus on areas which bring in efficiency mainly in capital cost, project completion time and quality.  This model will also bring in long-term infrastructure funds like pension funds into the sector.  This model is also expected to double the speed of highway construction in the country as the government will no longer will be dependent on its limited financial resources and the expertise of private sector will be utilised to operate and maintain the roads.

BHARAT-22 ETF In News  The Union Finance Ministry has launched second exchange-traded fund (ETF), named Bharat 22. It will help to speed up Government’s disinvestment programme budgeted to raise a record Rs 72,500 crore in the FY 2018.

Exchange Traded Fund  ETF is an investment fund traded on stock exchanges, much like stocks.  An ETF holds assets such as stocks, commodities, or bonds and generally operates with an arbitrage mechanism.  It is designed to keep it trading close to its net asset value, although deviations can occasionally occur.  ETFs may be attractive as investments because of their low costs, tax efficiency, and stock-like features.  Bharat-22 ETF is the second ETF from Govt. of India after CPSE ETF, hence it is attracting investors in the stock market.

Highlights Of Bharat 22 ETF  Bharat 22 is an ETF that will track the performance of 22 stocks, which the government plans disinvest.  The ETF unit represents a slice of the fund, issued units are listed on exchanges for anyone to buy or sell at the quoted price.  The Bharat-22 ETF will span six sectors, such as basic materials, energy, finance, FMCG, industrials and utilities.  Besides public sector banks, miners, construction companies, and energy majors, the ETF will also include some of the government’s holdings in SUUTI (Specified Undertaking of Unit Trust of India).  The Bharat 22 ETF will be managed by ICICI Prudential AMC while Asia Index will be the index provider.  The index will be rebalanced annually.

Important  The ETF mechanism has proven to be a smart, effective way for the government to help meet its disinvestment targets. It is a key factor to keep fiscal deficit under control.  The ETF route provides a neat workaround by letting the government pare small stakes (2-3 per cent) in a big basket. The Bharat 22 ETF has more than double the 10 stocks in the CPSE ETF and much wider sector coverage.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 35


August - 2017

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES HARIT DIWALI, SWASTH DIWALI In News Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr. Harsha Vardhan on 17 August 2017 launched the “Harit Diwali, Swasth Diwali” campaign.  The Ministry also administered a Pledge for a Green and Healthy Diwali to the gathering of students. The Pledge will be widely circulated to the schools, colleges and other educational institutions.  The ministry launched the campaign while addressing a gathering of about 800 children from schools of Delhi and NCR.

Highlights Of The Harit Diwali, Swasth Diwali Campaign  The campaign is aimed at enlightening the children about harmful fire crackers.  It will motivate children to not to buy fire crackers, instead buy a gift, food items, or sweets for the poor and underprivileged children living in their locality.  As a part of the campaign, the Environment Ministry will undertake various activities to create awareness among various stakeholders and encourage people to participate in combating air pollution.  Some of the activities to promote Green Diwali among school children include stickers/logo distribution, poster competition, advertisement on public transport systems, public appeal using Radio.  As a part of the social media campaign, an online competition will be conducted, where any individual or organisation can make a video or audio clip on the theme ‘Pollution Free Diwali’.  The campaign was launched with an aim to negate the chances of adverse environmental conditions in the country.  Diwali 2016 saw extreme pollution levels post the Diwali celebrations due to excessive bursting of crackers, which contributes significantly to air and noise pollution. The pollution reached such levels that Government had to declare an emergency situation, which led to closing down of schools, construction sites and power stations.  This year, India is being the host to FIFA U-17 World Cup that is scheduled to be held in October 2017, the Diwali month. Thus, the Government is working to ensure that there is no inconvenience caused in the conduct of the event and the national image stays protected and enhanced.

TRIFED CELEBRATES WORLD HONEY BEE DAY In News  To create awareness about Beekeeping and uses of its products including Honey, Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) is celebrating World Honey Bee Day (WHBD) on 19th The main theme of celebrating WHBD is to save Indian honey bee.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 36


August - 2017

Important of honey bee  Beekeeping has been useful in pollination of crops, thereby, increasing income of the farmers/beekeepers by way of increasing crop yield and providing honey and other beehive products, viz. royal jelly, bee pollen, propolis, bees wax, etc. that serves a source of livelihood for rural poor.

About TRIFED  TRIFED is an apex organisation at National Level and functioning under the administrative control of Ministry of Tribal Affairs. TRIFED is serving the interests of Tribals, who are engaged in collection of NTFP and making of Tribal Art & Handicraft Products for their livelihood.

CLIMATE CHANGE COSTS INDIA $10 BILLION EVERY YEAR In News  In its recent report, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture has observed that extreme weather events are costing India $9-10 billion annually. It also observed that climate change is projected to impact agricultural productivity with increasing severity from 2020 to the end of the century.

 It also mentioned that the extreme weather events are not always linked to climate change but their frequency and severity is increasing and this is being increasingly read as fallout of climate change.

Climate Change Impact On Agriculture:  Productivity decrease of major crops would be marginal in the next few years but could rise to as much as 1040% by 2100 unless farming adapts to climate change-induced changes in weather.  Wheat, rice, oilseeds, pulses, fruits and vegetables will see reduced yields over the years, forcing farmers to either adapt to challenges of climate change or face the risk of getting poorer. Adaptation will need different cropping patterns and suitable inputs to compensate yield fluctuations

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 37


August - 2017

Food Security  Vulnerability of Indian agriculture due to vagaries associated with climate change and low adaptation capacity of majority of Indian farmers poses risk to food security of the country. By 2030, India may need 70 million tonnes more of food grains than the expected production in 2016-17.  The demand for food is also going to increase due to an increasing population, expanding urbanisation and rising income. To meet increasing demand, India to depend on import if it does not act on time to increase

Economic losses:  The economic survey, in its latest mid-year report, says “estimates indicate that currently India incurs losses of about $ 9-10 billion annually due to extreme weather events. Of these, nearly 80% losses remain uninsured”.  The quantum of loss will increase substantially in future if one takes into account the impact of climate change on farm productivity.

Improve In Yields  Though there is possibility of decrease in yields of certain crops in traditional sown areas due to climate change but it may increase elsewhere due to change in weather pattern. Though most crops will see reduced production, but climate change may also help improve yields of soyabean, chickpea, groundnut, coconut (western coast) and potato (in Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh).

NGT BANS USE OF NON-BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC BAGS IN DELHI In News  The National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed an interim ban on use of non-biodegradable plastic bags which are less than 50 microns in the entire national capital Delhi.  It also slapped a fine of Rs 5,000 on anyone found in possession of non-biodegradable plastic bags less than 50 microns, which is the thickness of a human hair. NGT Order  NGT ordered Delhi government to seize entire stock of the banned plastic bags within a week. Besides, it asked Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and Delhi Government to file an affidavit on steps taken to implement the ban. It also imposed an environment compensation of Rs. 10,000 on vegetable vendors and slaughter houses for throwing garbage in public places.

Plastic Waste  Non-biodegradable plastic waste has been identified as one of the major source of environmental pollution as they don’t decay naturally. These bags have zero reusable value. Besides choking drains, water-bodies and adding to the load of the already-exhausted landfill sites, there are also cases of cattle eating and dying after choking on plastic bags.  According to plastic bag manufacturers, the market share of thin plastic bags (less than 50 microns) is not more than 25%. Mostly the banned bags are made by unregistered units which find many takers because of their cheaper products.  Most of the garbage bags used at homes are above 50 microns. Their use and manufacturing is already banned under the Plastic Management Handling Rules, 2016. The NGT in 2017 had banned the use of disposable plastic in Delhi and NCR with effect from January 1, 2017 and directed the city government totake steps to reduce dumped waste. 9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 38

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS IR ENVIRONMENT

MINISTRY

IMPLEMENTING

TWO

MAJOR

August - 2017

AFFORESTATION

SCHEMES IN THE COUNTRY AIM To achieve the targets mentioned in the National Forest Policy to maintain 33% forest and tree cover in the country the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) is implementing two major afforestation/tree plantation schemes i.e. National Afforestation Programme (NAP) scheme and National Mission for a Green India (GIM).

Key Facts NAP is being implemented for afforestation of degraded forest lands GIM aims at improving the quality of forest/increase in forest cover, besides cross-sectoral activities on landscape basis.  An area of about 21 lakh ha has been approved for new afforestation with an investment of around Rs. 3700 crore under NAP since inception in 2000, till 2016-17. Under GIM an amount of Rs.174 crore has been released since 2011-12 to 2016-17 for preparatory and perspective plan.  The fund under Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority(CAMPA), interalia, is also used in plantation activity including compensatory afforestation to give a massive thrust to afforestation activity in the country.

CAMPA  An Act to provide for the establishment of funds under the public accounts of India and the public accounts of each State and crediting thereto the monies received from the user agencies towards compensatory afforestation, additional compensatory afforestation, penal compensatory afforestation, net present value and all other amounts recovered from such agencies under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980;  Constitution of an authority at national level and at each of the State and Union territory Administration for administration of the funds and to utilise the monies so collected for undertaking artificial regeneration (plantations), assisted natural regeneration, protection of forests, forest related infrastructure development, Green India Programme, wildlife protection and other related activities and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Key facts  Central Government while according prior approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for diversion of forest land for non-forest purpose stipulates conditions to the effect that the State Government shall realize funds from the user agency for compensatory afforestation, catchment area treatment plan, wildlife management plan etc. to mitigate impact of diversion of forest land.  In most of the States, funds received from the user-agencies were deposited in consolidated fund as revenue receipts which were made available to the Forest Department through budgetary provisions.  The Central Government in exercise of powers conferred under Section 3 (3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986constituted Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 39


August - 2017

E-Green Watch  Since the primary function of CAMPA is the regeneration of vegetation cover and promoting afforestation as a way of compensating for forest land which is diverted to nonforest uses.  The project e-Green Watch extensively relates to online monitoring of various afforestation works being carried out using CAMPA funds. It involves design and development of a web based, role-based workflow applications and integrated information system which shall enable automating various functions and activities related to monitoring and transparency in the use of CAMPA funds and various works sanctioned in the Annual Plan of Operations (State CAMPA) approved by the State Authorities.

BUSINESS & CLIMATE SUMMIT 2017 In News  BUSINESS & CLIMATE SUMMIT 2017 is being held in New Delhi. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is organizing the third edition of BCS.

About Business & Climate Summit 2017 The Business & Climate Summit is the leading annual forum for businesses, investors and Policy makers on climate action. It is where business and governments come together to agree on a roadmap for reaching net zero emissions over the next half century.  It demonstrates how low carbon strategies are good for business and good for growth – and builds the partnerships needed to scale up and accelerate the low carbon transition.  The underlying theme of BCS is that the businesses hold the key to meeting global carbon reduction targets; and collaboration between business and government is critical to success.  The Business & Climate Summit would be attended by Ministers, Senior Government Officials, Business Leaders, International Agencies, Banks & Financial Institutions, Senior Business Executives and Media from different parts of the world.

Objectives  Express business belief that accelerated reduction in GHG emissions to limit global warming to +2°C maximum is compatible with the pursuit of human, social and economic development, and their commitment to engage in this direction.  Increase awareness of international policy makers about the wealth of solutions developed by companies and the conditions for deployment of these solutions.  Debate and present the priority policies required to allow the accelerated deployment of these solutions in the world and ensure that climate change is taken into account in all policy decisions  Showcase business leadership in addressing climate change, highlight how businesses can provide solutions to help governments achieve climate change objectives.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 40


August - 2017

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY JOINT PROJECT BETWEEN NASA AND ISRO In News  ISRO and NASA are working towards realisation of NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission by 2021.

Role of NASA and ISRO  In NISAR mission, NASA is responsible for development of L-band SAR and ISRO is responsible for development of S-band SAR.  The L & S band SAR will be integrated with ISRO’s spacecraft and launched on-board India’s GSLV NISAR employs a futuristic Sweep SAR technique, which enables very wide swath of more than 200 km and very high resolution of the order of 5-10m.

Application  The L & S band microwave data obtained from this satellite will be useful for variety of application, which include estimating agricultural biomass over full duration of crop cycle; assessing soil  moisture; monitoring of floods & oil slicks; coastal erosion, coastline changes; assessment of mangroves; surface deformation studies, ice sheet dynamics etc.

Background:  ISRO and NASA have a framework agreement for cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes signed in 2008. Under this framework agreement, ISRO and NASA have executed an implementing arrangement for cooperation in NISAR mission, which is valid until 2034 and provides scope for joint activities on science & applications of NISAR data after the launch. 9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 41


August - 2017

U.S. APPROVES FIRST GENE THERAPY FOR CANCER  The United States approved the first gene therapy in the nation— a treatment that uses a patient’s own immune cells to fight childhood leukaemia.

Key facts:  The treatment is made by pharma giant Novartis and is called Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel).  This type of immunotherapy, known as a CAR-T cell therapy, was known by the term CTL019 until now.  The treatment is completely different compared to present popular immunotherapy drugs called “checkpoint inhibitors” used to harness immune system that treat variety of cancers by helping the body’s natural T cells better spot tumors.

Significance of the move:  The approval will usher new approach to treatment of cancer and other serious and life-threatening diseases. Studies have shown that 83% of patients responded to this treatment, achieving remission within three months.

About CAR-T treatment  The CAR-T treatment is not a pill or form of chemotherapy. It uses gene therapy techniques not to fix diseasecausing genes (cells) but to turbocharge T cells, immune system cells that cancer can evade.

 These cells removed from patient’s blood along with white blood cells are encoded with viral vector, reprogrammed in lab.  They are reprogrammed to harbor chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically targets cancer cells.  The revived and reprogrammed cells after returned to the patient continue multiplying to fight disease for months or years. 9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 42


August - 2017

SUN’S CORE ROTATES 4 TIMES FASTER THAN ITS SURFACE In News  A team of global astronomers have discovered solar seismic waves which revealed that Sun’s core is rotating four times faster than its surface. Earlier it was assumed that sun’s core rotate at same speed as the surface.

 European Space Agency and NASA's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), together, helped the solar scientists find evidence of a type of seismic wave in the Sun. These waves are known as g-modes and are low-frequency waves. These waves revealed that solar core is actually rotating four times faster than its surface.  The solar physicists used helio seismology to study the Sun's interior structure by tracking the way waves move on the star. The most likely explanation is that this core rotation is left over from the period when the Sun formed, some 4.6 billion years ago.  This finding is important as the Sun's core may give a clue of how the Sun was formed. The rotation might also impact sunspots, which also rotate.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 43


August - 2017

SOCIAL ISSUES BSF AND NSDC SIGN MOU ON SKILL DEVELOPMENT In News  The Border Security Force (BSF) signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).  The MoU will enable NSDC to provide skill training to retired and retiring BSF personnel, as well as to the population residing in the border areas.

Key Facts  The collaboration between BSF and NSDC aims to train and provide gainful employment to retired BSF personnel and their families, school students, youth, differently abled for five years (April 2017 to April 2022). The programme will be appropriately named keeping in view the objectives and will have BSF co-branding with Skill India and NSDC.  It will contribute to Skill Development Agenda of the country by ensuring the successful roll out of NSQF (National Skill Qualification Framework) based skill training to the retiring or retired BSF personnel and local population. The skill training will be based NSQF compliant training programmes at multi-skill development centres run by BSF. This will help in meeting the aspirations of the stakeholders for training and employment.

WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK In News  Breastfeeding Week is observed in the first week of August to focus attention on the important aspect of promotion and support of breastfeeding.  The theme of this year’s breastfeeding week is ‘Sustaining Breastfeeding’.

MAA-Mother’s Absolute Affection  To intensify the efforts further for promotion of breastfeeding, the Health Ministry has initiated a nationwide programme called “MAA-Mother’s Absolute Affection’’ to bring undiluted focus on promotion of breastfeeding and provision of services towards supporting breastfeeding, along with ongoing efforts of routine health systems.  The key components of the MAA programme are awareness generation, promotion of breastfeeding & inter personal counselling at community level, skilled support for breastfeeding at delivery points and monitoring and Award/ recognition of health facility.  Under this programme, ASHA has been incentivized for reaching out to pregnant and lactating mothers and provide information on benefits and techniques of successful breastfeeding during interpersonal communication. 9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 44


August - 2017

Importance of breastfeeding  Breastfeeding is an important efficient and cost-effective intervention promoting child survival and health.  Breastfeeding within an hour of birth could prevent 20% of the newborn deaths.  Infants who are not breastfed are 15 times more likely to die from pnuemonia and 11 times more likely to die from diarrhoea than children who are exclusively breastfed, which are two leading causes of death in children under-five years of age.  In addition, children who were not breastfed are at increased risk for diabetes, obesity, allergies, asthma, childhood leukemia, sudden infant death syndrome etc.  Apart from mortality and morbidity benefits, breastfeeding also has tremendous impact on improved IQ.

PRADHAN MANTRI BHARTIYA JANAUSHADHI PARIYOJANA (PMBJP) Ministry : Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India.

Mission  Make quality medicines accessible to all citizens of the country at affordable prices.

Mission 3000  MoU was signed with the objective to setup 1000 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras in both urban and rural places of the country, as a part of “Mission 3000” kendras by March 2017.  The PMBJP is a step in this direction which would, on one hand, drastically reduce the out of pocket health expenditure for the common man and give an impetus to the Make in India mission in the pharma sector.  There is an active financial support extended by the government to the extent of Rs. 2.5 lakh in the form of financial assistance to the kendras setup in Government hospitals and incentives to individuals, with special and softer terms to SC, ST and differently-abled persons.

NITI AAYOG TO LAUNCH “MENTOR INDIA” CAMPAIGN In News  NITI Aayog will launch the Mentor India Campaign to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.  It is a strategic nation building initiative to engage leaders who can guide and mentor students at more than 900 Atal Tinkering Labs, established across the country as a part of the Atal Innovation Mission. The aim is to maximize the impact of Atal Tinkering Labs, possibly the biggest disruption in formal education globally.  The idea is to engage leaders who will nurture and guide students in Atal Tinkering Labs. Under the initiative, leaders are expected to dedicate 1 to 2 hours every week in such labs, enabling students from class 6 to 12 to experience, learn and practice future skills such as design and computational thinking.  Mentors are expected to discuss with students the various problems our Indian society is facing across multiple themes, and motivate students to develop solutions to these community problems.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 45


August - 2017

Atal Tinkering Lab  Atal Tinkering Labs are established across the country as a part of Atal Innovation Mission. The goal is to have 2000 such labs by the end of 2017.  Atal Tinkering Labs are dedicated works spaces where students from Class 6th to Class 12th learn innovation skills and develop ideas that will go on to transform India.  The labs are powered to acquaint students with state-of-the-art equipment such as 3D printers, robotics & electronics development tools, Internet of things & sensors etc.  These labs are non-prescriptive by nature, and mentors are expected to be enablers rather than instructors.  The labs are designed to light the spark of creativity, going beyond regular curriculum and text book learning. The labs will let students explore skills of future such as design and computational thinking, adaptive learning and artificial intelligence.

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)  AIM including Self-Employment and Talent Utilization (SETU) is Government of India endeavour to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.  Its objective is to serve as a platform for promotion of world-class Innovation Hubs, Grand Challenges, Start-up businesses and other self-employment activities, particularly in technology driven areas.  The Atal Innovation Mission shall have two core functions: o Entrepreneurship promotion through Self-Employment and Talent Utilization, wherein innovators would be supported and mentored to become successful entrepreneurs. o Innovation promotion: to provide a platform where innovative ideas are generated

NAVIKA SAGAR PARIKRAMA In News A six-member all-woman team of the Indian Navy is all set for a world tour. The team will be circumnavigating the globe on the sailing vessel INSV Tarini. An all woman crew will be managing the whole operation in this first ever global journey.

 The name of the global journey is ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama’. Promoting women empowerment in the country, the team will be sailing over many oceans.  The expedition would inspire the youth of our nation to develop an understanding of the sea and instill a spirit of adventure and camaraderie.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 46


August - 2017

Key Facts  This is the first ever Indian circum navigation of the globe by an all-women crew.  The project is scheduled to commence in early Sep 17.  INSV Tarini is the sister vessel of INSV Mhadei.  The project is considered essential towards promoting Ocean Sailing activities in the Navy while depicting Government of India’s thrust for ‘Nari Shakti’.  The first Indian Solo circumnavigation was undertaken by Capt Dilip Donde, SC (Retd) from 19 Aug 09 to 19 May 10 onboard the Indian built vessel, INSV Mhadei.  The first Indian non-stop solo circumnavigation was undertaken by Cdr Abhilash Tomy, KC from 01 Nov 12 to 31 Mar 13.

Additional aims of the Expedition  Nari Shakti– In consonance with the National policy to empower women to attain their full potential, the expedition aims to showcase ‘Nari Shakti’ on the world platform. This would also help to discard the societal attitudes and mindset towards women in India by raising visibility of participation by women in challenging environment.  Environment and Climate Change– Sailing encourages the use of environment friendly non conventional renewable energy resources which affects the life of women. The expedition thereby aims at harnessing the energy to optimise the livelihood of the women onboard.  Make in India –The voyage also aims to show case the ‘Make in India’ initiative by sailing onboard the indigenously built INSV Tarini.  Meteorological/ Ocean/ Wave Data Observation– The crew would also collate and update Meteorological/ Ocean/ Wave data on a daily basis for subsequent analysis by research and development organisations.  Marine Pollution– The crew would monitor and report marine pollution on the high seas.  Interaction with Local PIOs– Since the expedition aims to promote Ocean Sailing and the spirit of adventure, the crew would interact extensively with the local PIOs at the various port halts.

INSV Tarini  INSV Tarini is a 55-foot sailing vessel, which has been built indigenously, and was inducted in the Indian Navy earlier this year.  The vessel has sailed approximately 8,000 Nm till date. Navika Sagar Parikrama would be covered in five legs with stop-over’s at four ports (same ports as Capt Dilip Donde) for replenishment of ration and repairs as necessary.

SWACHH SURVEKSHAN GRAMIN 2017 In News  The Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has released Swachh Survekshan Gramin 2017, third party survey report to assess the progress Swachh Bharat Mission in rural India. 9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 47


August - 2017

 The survey was undertaken by the Quality Council of India (QCI) between May and June 2017 to take into account status of rural sanitation in all States and UTs. The survey covered 4626 villages across all States and Union territories.  The Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) also celebrated the week leading up to the 70 thIndependence Day as “Khule Mein Shauch Se Azaadi”saptaah. During this, Swachhta Action Plans will be prepared by 24 States; and 24 villages from five states (Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal) will be chosen to become Adarsh Ganga Gram.

About Swachh Survekshan - Rural (Gramin)  It is the third party survey conducted by the Quality Council of India (QCI) to take stock of the progress made by the Swachh Bharat Mission in rural areas.  The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation commissioned the first Swachh Survekshan for rural India during May 2016.  Each district has been judged on four distinct parameters. Maximum weightage was placed on accessibility to safe toilets and water. The parameters to judge sanitation status include: o

Households having access to safe toilets and using them (toilet usage, water accessibility, safe disposal of waste) (40%)

o

Households having no litter around (30%)

o

Public places with no litter in the surrounding (10%)

o

Households having no stagnant waste water around (20%)

Criticism Of This Survey  This system of survey may turn into a reckless number chase if it focuses on toilet coverage instead of usage.  Around 34.6 % villages in India have declared themselves open defecation free, but factors like availability of water, sensitization, long-term affordability (based on soil type and groundwater level), cleanliness and maintenance may deter toilet usage.  The Swachh Survekshan Gramin ignores employed toilet technology, solid and liquid waste management,

Key adaptability Highlightsand Ofacceptance Report by villagers in its method of study.  For example, Rahimpur Uttari, a gram panchayat in Bihar’s Khagaria district has 100 per cent coverage, but  The report shows 62.45 per cent toilet coverage in India. It also reports that 91.29 per cent of the rural toilets have structural limitations and inappropriate design. Toilets are rendered unusable in monsoon due population having access to a toilet uses it. to flooding of the Ganga.  Over 4.54 crore household toilets have been constructed since the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin.  Many critics question the finding of the report due to small sample size of the survey. Under the Swachh  160 districts, 220104 villages, and 5 States have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF). Survekshan Gramin 2017, QCI surveyed 1.4 lakh rural households from 4,626 villages, a miniscule 0.72  Sikkim, Manipur and Nagaland were the top performers with 95% rural households covered by toilets. Himachal per cent of the total villages in India. Pradesh and Uttarakhand have over 90% toilet coverage of the rural houses.

Of Indiain Kerala and Haryana have access to toilet. Quality AlmostCouncil all rural households  InQuality of India set up inhad 1997access jointlytoby the Government of India andJharkhand, the Indian only Industry Bihar,Council only 30% of the(QCI) rural was households toilets. In Uttar Pradesh and 37% of represented by the three premier industry associations i.e. Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry the rural households had access to a toilet. These are the worst performing states. of India (ASSOCHAM), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).  Its aim is to establish and operate national accreditation structure and promote quality through National Quality Campaign.  The Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry is the nodal ministry for QCI.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 48


August - 2017

NITI AAYOG SELECTS 3 STATES FOR TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE IN HEALTH & EDUCATION SECTORS In News  In a major push to competitive, cooperative federalism, NITI Aayog has announced partnership with three States each to radically transform their Health and Education sectors.

 NITI Aayog has selected Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Karnataka to improve healthcare delivery and key outcomes in these States.  In Education, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Jharkhand have been selected for support to better learning outcomes.

Selection process:  The six States have been chosen after a rigorous competitive process based on comprehensive metrics to determine potential for impact and likelihood of success.  States were called to, first, express intent of collaborating with NITI Aayog to better their Health and Education indices. States then made presentations for each sector which was assessed by a committee comprised of senior members of NITI Aayog and Health and Education ministries. The States highlighted the initiatives undertaken by them thus far, their willingness to accelerate improvement and justified why they should be selected for the institutional support being offered by NITI Aayog.

Background:  This three-way partnership between NITI, State Governments and a knowledge partner for each of the sectors is part of the Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Capital (SATH) initiative of NITI Aayog.

About SATH programme:  Furthering the agenda for cooperative federalism, NITI Aayog has launched SATH, a program providing ‘Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital’ with the State Governments.  The vision of the program is to initiate transformation in the education and health sectors. The program addresses the need expressed by many states for technical support from NITI.  SATH aims to identify and build three future ‘role model’ states for health systems.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 49


August - 2017

 NITI will work in close collaboration with their state machinery to design a robust roadmap of intervention, develop a program governance structure, set up monitoring and tracking mechanisms, hand-hold state institutions through the execution stage and provide support on a range of institutional measures to achieve the end objectives.  The program will be implemented by NITI along with McKinsey & Company and IPE Global consortium, who were selected through a competitive bidding process.

ATAL PENSION YOJANA (APY) SURGES AHEAD WITH 62 LAKH ENROLMENT  Atal Pension Yojana has surged ahead with 62 lakh enrolment till date in 2 years after launch of the scheme. A total of 3.07 lakh APY accounts have been sourced under ‘One Nation One Pension’ Mobilization Campaign.

Background:  ‘One Nation One Pension’ Mobilization Campaign was organized all over the country by PFRDA from 2nd August to 19th August 2017 in association with the APY Service Provider Banks.  The objective of PFRDA is to cover the maximum possible population uncovered by any pension scheme under the APY scheme so that India as a nation can move from a pension less to a pensioned society and the citizens can live a life of dignity in their vulnerable years.

About Atal Pension Yojana:  Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is a pension scheme for citizens of India focussed on the unorganised sector workers.  Under the APY, guaranteed minimum pension of Rs. 1,000/-, 2,000/-, 3,000/-, 4,000 and 5,000/- per month will be given at the age of 60 years in turn for the contribution varying from Rs 42 to Rs 210 per month.  The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is the nodal agency for APY and is working out plans to improve reach and information dissemination.  Any Citizen of India between 18 – 40 years of age can join APY scheme.  Government co-contribution is available for 5 years, i.e., from 2015-16 to 2019-20 for the subscribers who join the scheme during the period from 1st June, 2015 to 31st December, 2015 and who are not covered by any Statutory Social Security Schemes and are not income tax payers

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 50


August - 2017

E-SHAKTI INITIATIVE OF NABARD In News  e-Shakti or Digitisation of SHGs is an initiative of Micro Credit and Innovations Department of NABARD.  The project aims at digitisation of all the SHG accounts to bring SHG members under the fold of financial inclusion thereby helping them access wider range of financial services together with increasing the bankers' comfort in credit appraisal and linkage by way of integrating SHG members with the national Financial Inclusion agenda.

Benefits Of This Scheme  Providing credit to SHGs based on real time performance;  Capturing credit history of members;  Promoting transparency through real time SMS alerts in 10 languages to members;  It is paving way for Credit Linkage as: 

Bank branches can access the portal through Intranet or web link using their branch IFSC and password;



More than 31 MIS reports like Savings, meeting, Credit linkage, Repayment and Demand Collection Balance can be generated sitting in the Bank branch itself;



Easier processing of loan using E-Shakti system generated prefilled application forms with all the members and group information

It will help in bringing SHGs on a common web based e-platform by making book keeping easy for low literacy clients.  This will help in promoting national agenda of Financial Inclusion and pave the way of credibility of SHG data which can later be used by Credit Bureaus to reduce the issues related to multiple financing by banks.  Digitisation eases transfer of social benefits and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) through Aadhaar-linked accounts and convergence with other government benefits. Challenges  Sourcing of information from poor database and records.  Large scale training and capacity building of SHGs, SHPIs and others involved in implementation of the programme.  Capture of field level information from SHGs in a limited time and periodic upload of savings and credit details of SHGs  Cooperation from banks  GPRS connectivity There will be a huge fund requirement for scaling this pilot from the present level to 86 lakh SHGs across the country.

CABINET APPROVES SETTING UP OF A COMMISSION TO EXAMINE THE SUBCATEGORIZATION WITHIN OBCS In News  The Cabinet approved for setting up of a Commission under article 340 of the Constitution to examine the issue of sub-categorization of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).  The Commission shall submit its report within 12 weeks from the date of appointment of the Chairperson of the Commission. 9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 51


August - 2017

Terms Of References Of Commission  The Commission will examine the extent of inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation among the castes included in the broad category of OBCs, especially with reference to the OBCs included in the Central list.  It will work out the mechanism, norms, criteria and parameters, in a scientific approach, for subcategorization within such OBCs. It will also take up the exercise of identifying the respective castes/subcastes/ communities synonyms in the Central List of OBCs and classifying them into their respective subcategories.

Background  The Supreme Court in Indra Sawhney and others vs. Union of India case (1992) had observed that there is no constitutional or legal bar on states for categorizing backward classes as backward or more backward. It had also observed that it is not impermissible in law if a State chooses to do sub-categorization. So far, 9 states/UTs viz., Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Haryana, Jharkhand, Telangana, Puducherry, West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have already carried out sub-categorization of OBCs. There is no sub categorisation in the central list.

MEASLES-RUBELLA (MR) CAMPAIGN In News  India, along with ten other WHO South East Asia Region member countries, have resolved to eliminate measles and control rubella/congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) by 2020.

 In this direction, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has initiated measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign in the age group of 9 months to less than 15 years in a phased manner across the nation.  The campaign aims to cover approximately 41 crore children and is going to be the largest ever vaccination campaign worldwide. All children from 9 months to less than 15 years of age will be given a single shot of Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination during the campaign.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 52


August - 2017

Key Facts  The campaign aims to rapidly build up immunity for both measles and rubella diseases in the community so as to knock out the disease, therefore, all the children should receive MR vaccine during the campaign.  Following the campaign, MR vaccine will become a part of routine immunization and will replace measles vaccine, currently given at 9-12 months and 16-24 months of age of child.  For those children who have already received such vaccination, the campaign dose would provide additional boosting to them. In order to achieve maximum coverage during the campaign, multiple stakeholders have been involved, which includes, apart from Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, other Ministries etc.

Measles- Rubella  While measles is a viral infection that can be fatal, congenital rubella syndrome is responsible for irreversible birth defects. Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) is a cause of public health concern.  CRS is characterized by congenital anomalies in the foetus and newborns affecting the eyes (glaucoma, cataract), ears (hearing loss), brain (microcephaly, mental retardation) and heart defects, causing a huge socio-economic burden on the families in particular and society in general.  According to a study by the University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, “1-15% of all infants suspected to have intra-uterine infection were found to have laboratory evidence of CRS (congenital rubella syndrome). About 3-10% of suspected CRS cases are ultimately proven to have confirmed CRS with the aid of laboratory tests. CRS accounts for 10-15% of pediatric cataract. 10-50% of children with congenital anomalies have laboratory evidence of CRS. 10-30% of adolescent females and 12-30% of women in the reproductive age-group are susceptible to rubella infection in India.”

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 53


August - 2017

MISSCELLANIOUS ZED SCHEME FOR MSMES The Government has launched a new scheme namely “Financial Support to MSMEs in ZED Certification Scheme”.

Objective  The Government has launched a new scheme namely Financial Support to MSMEs in ZED Certification Scheme.  Zero Defect and Zero Effect (ZED) scheme was launched to develop an Ecosystem for Zero Defect Manufacturing in MSMEs. ZED Scheme 

Promote adaptation of Quality tools/systems and Energy Efficient manufacturing.



Enable MSMEs for manufacturing of quality products.



Encourage MSMEs to constantly upgrade their quality standards in products and processes.



Drive manufacturing with adoption of Zero Defect production processes and without impacting the environment.



Support Make in India campaign.



Develop professionals in the area of ZED manufacturing and certification.

 Quality Council of India (QCI) has been appointed as the National Monitoring & Implementing Unit (NMIU) for implementation of ZED.

NHAI LAUNCHES MOBILE APP MYFASTAG AND FASTAG PARTNER  National Highways Authority of India launched two mobile Apps – MyFASTag and FASTag Partner in New Delhi, to facilitate the availability of FAST ags for Electronic Toll Collection.  MyFASTag is a consumer App that can be downloaded from the App Store for both Android and iOS systems. FASTag Partner is a merchant App. Agencies like Common Services Centre, banking partners, and vehicle dealers can sell and enroll FASTag through this App.  Shri Deepak Kumar is the Chairman of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). 9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 54


August - 2017

BENGAL GOVT TO PROVIDE FREE GST ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE TO TRADERS 1.

The West Bengal government will provide GST accounting software to all traders, free of cost.

2. The NIC has been asked to prepare the software, which is expected to will help improve GST compliance. 3. Traders were inconvenienced by the multiple returns they have to file under the new tax regime. 4. The State will provide a GST accounting software free of cost and we have approached the NIC for developing it. 5.

Office-bearers of the Confederation of West Bengal Trade Associations said the existing software in the market are priced upwards of Rs.15,000, making them unaffordable to small businesses. Traders have been also facing difficulties over compliance issues under the new tax regime.

6. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assured the traders that the State government would stand by them at all costs. Government officials are always available to help them out in case of problems.

SWASTH BACHCHE, SWASTH BHARAT PROGRAMME Union Minister for Human Resource Development (HRD) Prakash Javadekar on 21 August 2017 launched the ‘Swasth Bachche, Swasth Bharat’ Programme. Javadekar also launched the Health and Fitness Profile Card along with the programme at a function held at Kendriya Vidyalaya of Aluva, Kochi.  Swasth Bachche, Swasth Bharat’ is an initiative of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan to prepare a physical Health and Fitness Profile Card for more than 12 lakhs of Kendriya Vidyalaya students.  It will provide a comprehensive and inclusive report card for children covering all age groups and children of different abilities.  It will make students, teachers and parents aware about the importance of good health and fitness and will also encourage 60 minutes of play each day.  It also intends to imbibe values of Olympics and Paralympics amongst students.  It is expected to bring back the childhood amongst children and make physical activity and recreational games an integral part of learning process.  It will motivate potentially outstanding performers in various games and sports of excellence.  It will enable them to use technology for data capture and analytics and will also give access to schools, parents and teachers.

NUAKHAI JUHAR  The 'Festival of Harvest' is more famously known as Nuakhai in Odisha where people celebrate it full spirit.  The name 'Nuakhai' is a combination of two words, 'Nua' meaning new and 'khai' which means food. When put together, Nuakhai stands for new rice, further suggesting that the farmers in possession of newly harvested rice.  People worship food grain on this auspicious day which is looked upon as a new ray of hope. 9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 55


August - 2017

 Also, farmers offer the first produce from their lands to goddess Samaleswari, to whom the festival is dedicated.  Following the Hindu calendar, the day falls on the Panchami Tithi of the lunar fortnight in Bhadrapada (August–September) months, the day after the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

FESTIVAL OF INDIA BEING ORGANISED IN BRAZIL FROM 31 AUGUST TO 9 SEPTEMBER 2017  A Festival of India is being organized in Brazil from 31 August-9 September 2017. The Festival will showcase diverse Indian culture, i.e. classical dances, literature, cuisine and Exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi.

The

following events will be held in the cities of Brasilia, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro: 

Bharatnatyam Dance



Kathak Dance by



Indian Food Festival



Literary Festival



Exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi

NATIONAL SPORTS MUSEUM TO BE ESTABLISHED IN NEW DELHI The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is going to establish National Sports Museum, first of its kind, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.  The Museum will showcase the India’s achievements in sports and also focus on the traditional sports within the country.  The aim of the Museum is to popularise the sports as a way of life within the country. Accordingly, the proposed Museum would go beyond the classical approach of a collection of memorabilia to become an interactive venue of interest for all age groups.  In addition, it will display achievements of the Indian greats in sports and also act as an educational hub and offer opportunity for the young to delve into some sporting activity.

INDIA PERMITTED TO CONSTRUCT KISHANGANGA, RATLE PROJECTS: WORLD BANK India is allowed to construct hydroelectric power facilities on tributaries of the Jhelum and Chenab rivers with certain restrictions under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), the World Bank .  Pakistan opposed the construction of the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric power plants being built by India in Jammu and Kashmir.  Among other uses, India is permitted to construct hydroelectric power facilities on these rivers subject to constraints specified in annexure to the treaty.

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 56


August - 2017

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS  What do you mean by the delimitation of the constituencies? Throw light on the important constitutional amendment act associated with it?  Focus should shift from relief measures to building resilience in flood-prone areas. In the context of above statement discuss the problems in flood governance regime in India. What should be done to improve the situation?  Is privacy a fundamental right or not? Discuss in the light of recent Supreme Court judgement in Aadhar case.  Discuss the significance of 1942 Quit India Movement. Also write a critical note on its cultural legacy.  Who are Rohingyas and what is the Rohingya crisis? Discuss the state of Rohingyas in India?  Write a note on the Hanafi school and its relevance in the debate on triple talaq in India.  Critically evaluate performance of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY).  What is the difference between public and civil service? Discuss how should public and civil servants manage conflict of interest.  What are the three new fundamental changes that you would like to bring in India’s civil services? Discuss.  Is the draft national energy policy of NITI Aayog actionable? Critically examine

9600124042/ 9840097666



Page 57