CURRENT AFFAIRS

VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE

CURRENT AFFAIRS UPSC (OCTOBER - 2017)

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS IR

October - 2017

CONTENT

SL. NO

TOPIC

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1.

International

1

2.

National

10

3.

Polity And Governance

16

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Defence & Internal Security

23

5.

Economy

27

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Environmental Issues

35

7.

Science & Technology

39

8.

Social Issues

41

9.

Misscellanious

45

10.

Important Questions

48

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS

October- 2017

INTERNATIONAL INDIA GETS FIRST-EVER U.S. CRUDE SHIPMENT  The first ever shipment of U.S. crude oil of 1.6 million barrels, purchased by state-run Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), was received at Paradip Port in Odisha.

 The shipment is a part of recent commitments to purchase U.S. oil by IOC, Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL).  With this, India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, joins Asian countries like South Korea, Japan and China to buy US crude after production cuts by oil cartel OPEC drove up prices of Middle East heavy-sour crude, or grades with a high sulphur content.

Background  The IOC deal came within weeks of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s June-end visit to the US when President Donald Trump talked of his country looking to export more energy products to India.  The Indian government has encouraged state-controlled refiners to buy US and Canadian crude from the US Gulf coast as it looks at cheaper alternatives that have emerged due to global supply glut.  Buying US crude has become attractive for Indian refiners after the differential between Brent (the benchmark crude or marker crude that serves as a reference price for buyers in western world) and Dubai (which serves as a benchmark for countries in the east) has narrowed.  To encourage US crude purchases, the government has allowed refiners to use a foreign rather than an Indian-owned vessel for the purchase. Indian refiners typically have to use domestic vessels for their crude imports.

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Significance:  This marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Indo-U.S. trade, particularly in the oil and gas sector.  The inclusion of the U.S. as a source for crude oil imports by India’s largest refiner will go a long way in mitigating the risks arising out of geo-political disruptions.  The new arrangement will also usher in price stability and energy security for India, which is witnessing robust growth in demand for petroleum products.

Way Ahead  U.S. crude oil shipments to India have the potential to boost bilateral trade by up to $2 billion.  The United States and India’s cooperation in the field of energy is increasing, which includes future plans for cleaner fossil fuels, renewables, nuclear and cutting edge storage and energy efficiency technologies.

JAPAN ELECTION In News  The 48th general election of members of the House of Representatives of Japan took place on 22 October 2017.

About The Electoral System  The Japanese political system has three types of elections: general elections to the House of Representatives held every four years (unless the lower house is dissolved earlier), elections to the House of Councillors held every three years to choose one-half of its members and local elections held every four years for offices in prefectures, cities and villages.  Elections are supervised by election committees at each administrative level under the general direction of the Central Election Administration Committee.  In Japan representatives are elected to the national parliament the Diet.  The Diet is divided into an upper house (the House of Councillors) and a lower house (the House of Representatives).  The lower house is the more powerful of the two. If the upper house rejects a bill passed by the lower house, it becomes law if passed again by the lower house in a two-thirds vote.  The prime minister is usually a leader of the majority party. The prime minister is the head of the government. To help him direct the government, the prime minister forms a cabinet made up of people who are his political allies.  The House of Representatives in Japan has 500 members, who are elected for a four-year term. Three hundred of these members come from single-seat constituencies, meaning that voters in a given district have one vote and the candidate who receives the most votes wins. 9600124042/ 9840097666

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 However the remaining 200 members of Japan's House of Representatives are elected by proportional representation in 11 regional blocs. Under a proportional representation system voters in a given region vote not for an individual candidate but for a party.  The number of Diet seats that a party receives is based on the percentage of votes that it receives. Each party gives its seats to its top candidates who are ranked from highest to lowest prior to elections.  The House of Councillors (upper house) has 252 members who are elected for six-year terms. Elections are held for half of all upper house seats every three years.

About 2017 Election  The Japanese Prime Minister had dissolved the lower house and called for snap polls earlier this year in a bid to extend his premiership for another three years till 2021.  Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan won a commanding majority for his party in parliamentary elections.  Abe's ruling coalition has won a clear majority with more than two-thirds of Parliament's 465 seats with the Liberal Democratic Party holding a majority even without its coalition partner the Komeito party.  The win puts him on course to be post-war Japan's longest-ever serving prime minister, and Abe is expected to use his new mandate to push for reforms in Japan’s defence strategy and change in long stand in pacifist stance.

Why Is This Election Important  It could mark the start of the end of Japan’s pacifism as enshrined in the constitution.  Majority of the political parties are supportive in amending the constitution. This could impact already strained Japan-China relations.

14TH INDIA-EU SUMMIT In News  The leaders reviewed the wide-ranging cooperation under the India-EU Strategic Partnership. Recognising that India and the EU are natural partners, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen and strengthen the India-EU Strategic Partnership based on shared principles and values of democracy, freedom, rule of law and respect for human rights and territorial integrity of States.

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 The President of the European Council, Mr. Donald Franciszek Tusk and the President of the European Commission, Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker paid a working visit to New Delhi from 5- 7 October, 2017 to hold the 14th India-EU Summit. Highlights  The 14th India-EU Summit aims to deepen the India-EU Strategic Partnership and advance collaboration in priority areas for India’s growth and development.  The leaders reviewed the wide-ranging cooperation under the India-EU Strategic Partnership and the progress made towards implementing the India-EU Agenda for Action 2020. India-EU Agenda For Action 2020  It is the roadmap for bilateral cooperation endorsed during the 13th India-EU Summit.  It is a common roadmap to jointly guide and strengthen the India-EU Strategic Partnership in the next five years.  The agenda further builds upon the shared objectives and outcomes of the Joint Action Plans of 2005 and 2008.  The countries observed that the bilateral Cyber Dialogue provided a strong foundation for existing and future cooperation.  The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening global non-proliferation efforts as highlighted at the India-EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Dialogue.  Both sides noted the recent joint exercise PASSEX between the EU Naval Force and the Indian Navy off the coast of Somalia for naval cooperation. PASSEX is a passage exercise of naval ships which aimed at fostering greater cooperation and sharing of best practices with friendly foreign navies.  India and the EU mutually agreed on their cooperation in International front. This included multilateral talks with Myanmar to enable the return of the displaced persons from all communities to Northern Rakhine State and support for the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) regarding the Iranian nuclear issue.  India and EU discussed towards timely relaunching negotiations for comprehensive India-EU Broad Based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA).  An Investment Facilitation Mechanism (IFM) for EU investments in India and the South Asian Regional Representative Office of the European Investment Bank (EIB) in India were established.  Both sides welcomed the G20 Resource Efficiency Dialogue as an ideal platform for knowledge exchange and promotion of resource efficiency at global level.  Leaders acknowledged the progress in implementing the India-EU Water Partnership.  The Leaders welcomed the imminent operationalization of the 2008 Horizontal Civil Aviation Agreement which will enhance air connectivity between India and Europe.  The leaders emphasised that there is a need to work towards strengthening cooperation on skill development and higher-education by creating synergy between India’s GIAN programme and the EU’s Erasmus+ programme. 9600124042/ 9840097666

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INDIA INVITED TO JOIN SCO CONTACT GROUP MEETING ON AFGHANISTAN In News  India following its rising profile in Afghanistan for the first time ever has been invited to join Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) contact group meeting on Afghanistan to discuss prevailing security situation and economic potential of the landlocked country.

 The meeting is being is held on October 11 in Moscow and comes as a feather in the cap for India's Afghan strategy after successful US backed Indo-Afghan trade and investment show in Delhi.

Key Takeaways  During the meeting India shared its perspectives on the situation in Afghanistan, including security challenges posed by terrorism imposed from beyond its borders, the need to strengthen Afghan National Defence and Security Forces.  The emphasis has been given on the need for an Afghan led, Afghan owned and Afghan controlled national peace and reconciliation in an environment free of terror and violence.  It was mutually agreed that continued assistance for socio-economic development based on priorities of the people of Afghanistan and ensuring greater connectivity and regional integration for Afghanistan should be a high priority.  India conveyed its readiness to work closely with the SCO member States in efforts to bring peace, prosperity and stability in Afghanistan.

Background  The SCO contact group on Afghanistan that became defunct in 2009 has been revived following intervention by Russian President Vladimir Putin from this year. India was invited to join maiden SCO contact group meeting on Afghanistan after it became a SCO member this June.

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About SCO  The SCO was established on June 15, 2001 in Shanghai by six countries. At the 2016 summit held in Uzbekistan, the SCO leaders signed memorandums on the accession of India and Pakistan to the organization.

‘BIMSTEC DISASTER MANAGEMENT EXERCISE- 2017’ In News  India is all set to hold the first ‘BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise- 2017’. BIMSTEC DMEx-2017 will be conducted by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) as the lead agency.

 Delegates from all seven nations of the ‘Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation’ (BIMSTEC) grouping, – namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, representatives from Embassies/High Commissions of BIMSTEC nations in Delhi, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and Senior Officers from the Nodal Ministries will participate in the event.

Objectives  The main focus of the BIMSTEC DMEx-2017 will be on testing the region’s preparedness and

resilience

towards

effective

activation

of

inter-Governmental

interaction/dialogue/agreements for immediate deployment of regional resources for disaster response

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Benefits  It will help create synergy and synchronize efforts to institutionalize regional cooperation among the member countries.  The exercise will help strengthen the effective utilization of the Search & Rescue Teams for Disaster Relief & Emergency Response, including Emergency Rapid Assessment Teams and Management of mass casualties especially in situations involving breakdown of infrastructure and communication.  The BIMSTEC region is home to around 1.5 billion people, constituting around 22% of the global population with a combined GDP of US $2.7 trillion economy. Majority of the BIMSTEC countries are situated in the South Asian Region (SAR), prone to natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, avalanches and drought.

Background:  India has been at the forefront of DRR efforts by hosting the South Asian Annual Disaster Management Exercise (SAADMEx) and the Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR). India has also offered its expertise and capabilities in DRR such as the South Asia satellite, GSAT-9, and the Tsunami Early Warning Centre to other countries. Disaster Management was one of the important Agenda items the BIMSTEC leaders deliberated upon during the Goa BRICS Summit in October last year where BIMSTEC leaders were the Special Invitees.  The BIMSTEC region is home to around 1.5 billion people, constituting around 22% of the global population with a combined GDP of US $2.7 trillion economy. Majority of the BIMSTEC countries are situated in the South Asian Region (SAR), prone to natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, avalanches and drought.  The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of "Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC)" between India and Japan on the "Technical Intern Training Program (TITP)".

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CONSUMER PROTECTION In News  The First International Consumer Protection Conference on empowering consumers in new markets for South, South East and East Asian Countries was held in New Delhi from 26 to 27 October 2017. The theme of the conference was “Empowering Consumers in New Markets”. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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About Conference:  International Conference on Consumer Protection is being organised by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India in association with UNCTAD.  This is the first time an international conference on consumer protection is being organised by India for 22 countries from East, South and South-East Asia which account for a majority of the global consumers and share common challenges and experiences.

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)  UNCTAD is principal organ of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) dealing with trade, investment, and development issues. It was established in 1964 and its permanent secretariat is in Geneva. Its primary objective is to formulate policies relating to all aspects of development including trade, aid, transport, finance and technology. It ordinarily meets once in four years.

Objectives  To assist countries in achieving or maintaining adequate protection for their population as consumers;  To facilitate production and distribution patterns responsive to the needs and desires of consumers;  To encourage high levels of ethical conduct for those engaged in the production and distribution of goods and services to consumers;  To assist countries in curbing abusive business practices by all enterprises at the national and international levels which adversely affect consumers;  To facilitate the development of independent consumer groups;  To further international cooperation in the field of consumer protection;  To encourage the development of market conditions which provide consumers with greater choice at lower prices; To promote sustainable consumption 9600124042/ 9840097666

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NOBEL PEACE PRIZE 2017 AWARDED TO INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO ABOLISH NUCLEAR WEAPONS In News  The 2017 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), a coalition of non-governmental organizations from over 100 countries around the globe.

 The Norwegian Nobel Committee honoured the Geneva-based group “for its work to draw attention to the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear weapons and for its groundbreaking efforts to achieve a treaty-based prohibition of such weapons.

ICAN Awarded 2017 Nobel Prize In Peace  ICAN has been the leading civil society actor in the effort to achieve a prohibition of nuclear weapons under international law, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said in Oslo on October 6.  It said the 2017 Peace Prize called upon nuclear-armed states to initiate negotiations to gradual elimination of the world’s 15,000 nuclear weapons. ICAN had in the past year given the efforts to achieve a world without nuclear weapons a new direction and new vigour, it added.  ICAN describes itself as a coalition of grass roots non-government groups in more than 100 nations. It began in Australia and was officially launched in Vienna in 2007.  The Nobel Prize seeks to bolster the case of disarmament amid nuclear tensions between the United States and North Korea and uncertainty over the fate of a 2015 deal between Iran and major powers to limit Tehran’s nuclear program. Background: 2017- Nuclear weapon ban treaty adopted  ICAN and its partners, and weeks of negotiations at the UN headquarters in New York, an overwhelming majority of the world’s nations vote in favour of adopting a landmark global agreement to ban nuclear weapons, known officially as the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. 9600124042/ 9840097666

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NATIONAL MEENAKSHI TEMPLE ADJUDGED CLEANEST TEMPLE IN INDIA  The Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai (Tamil Nadu) was adjudged as the cleanest iconic place in country under Swachhta Hi Seva (cleanliness is service) programme.  The temple earned top slot from among 10 iconic places selected by Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation under Swachh Bharath Mission. It has piped other iconic places such as Taj Mahal, Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Golden Temple, Tirupathi temple and Sri Vaishno Devi temple.

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About Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple:  Meenakshi Temple is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu.  It is dedicated to Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, and her consort, Sundareswar, a form of Shiva.  It was originally built during reign of Pandyas. However, it was rebuilt by the Nayak ruler Vishwanatha Nayakar around the 16th century.  It houses 14 gopurams (gateway towers), ranging from 45–50m in height and tallest is southern tower, 51.9 metres high.  It also has two golden sculptured vimanas, shrines over garbhagrihas (sanctums) of main deities.  The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2,500-year-old city of Madurai.

INDIA WATER WEEK 2017 In News  President of India inaugurated 5th edition of India Water Week (IWW) with theme “Water and Energy for Inclusive Growth” in New Delhi. About 1500 delegates from India and 13 other countries will attend five day international event.

 The event will be celebrated with a multi-disciplinary conference and a concurrently running exhibition enriching theme and showcasing technologies and solutions available for areas under deliberation of the meet. The event will have many major components like water, food and energy security – essential requirement for sustainable development, water for inclusive growth, water and society and sustainable energy development – Key for all round economic growth.

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Need For Conservation Of Water:  Water is the harbinger and sustainer of all life on the planet, especially the humankind. With the growing population and improvement in economic status, the demand for available water resources is also increasing. As a result, there is an urgency to conserve and utilize the limited availability of water resources in an optimum and efficient manner to satisfy larger needs. Background  Government is organising India Water Week since 2012 as an annual international event on order to establish an international event focused on water resources of India. The first event was organised in New Delhi in 2012 with theme ‘Water, Energy and Food Security: Call for Solutions’. So far, four editions of India Water Week have been organised in 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016.  The recommendations and action points emerged during earlier events of India Water Week have been sent to all concerned Ministries of Central Government as well as all state governments for their appropriate implementation

CAMPAIGN ON ‘WOMEN FOR WOMEN’: #IAMTHATWOMAN In News The Ministry of Women and Child Development, in an attempt to end Gender bias in women against women, is undertaking an online campaign #IamThatWoman.

Key Facts  Through the campaign, the Ministry seeks to highlight the various aspects of women standing ‘by’ and ‘for’ women.  Ministry of WCD has urged people to shun stereotypes associated with women harming other women.  Twitter and Facebook users have been encouraged to tag and share stories of women helping women with a photograph and post online with the hashtag #IamThatWoman. Significance  When a woman has the support of her womanhood, she can be unstoppable. Through this campaign, the government aims to shed light on the enormous contributions made by women for women.

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ALL CITIES AND TOWNS IN FIVE MORE STATES DECLARED OPEN DEFECATION FREE  The Union government declared 5 more states– Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh as ‘Open Defecation Free’ on 2 October 2017, the same day when Swacch Bharat Mission completed three years.  This was declared by the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs on the occasion of the third anniversary of the mission. The Minister said that all the five states have reached the milestone of making all its cities and towns open defecation free.

Swachh Bharat Mission Report of After 3 Years  The target was to build about 66 lakh individual household toilets in urban areas, against that 38 lakh toilets have already been built and building of another 14 lakh toilets is in progress.  Over 2-lakh community and public toilet seats have been constructed as against the mission target of 5-lakh toilet seats.  For Solid Waste Management, efforts are on to produce over 500 MW of electricity and over 50 lakh tons of compost from municipal solid waste to allow dispensation of the entire solid waste being generated in urban areas. Swachh Bharat Mission  Swachh Bharat Mission was launched on 2nd October 2014, all over length and breadth of the country as a national movement.  The campaign objective is to realize the vision of a ‘Clean India’ by 2nd October 2019.

PM INAUGURATES PHASE 1 OF RO - RO FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN GHOGHA AND DAHEJ In News  The Prime Minister, inaugurated Phase 1 of the RO - RO (Roll on, Roll off) ferry service between Ghogha in Saurashtra, and Dahej in South Gujarat which shall reduce the travel time from eight hours to over an hour.

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Key Facts  At present passenger movement is enabled, vehicle movement is possible once the ferry service is fully operational.  This ferry service is a first of sorts, will save a lot of time and fuel as many people commute between these two regions frequently.  Government aims to develop coastal infrastructure, integrate transport sector and improve state-ofthe art to augment steps towards blue economy RO-RO FERRY SERVICE The Ro-Ro ferry services are vessels made to carry wheeled cargo that are driven on and off the ferry on their own wheels or using a platform vehicle. The ferry (the first of its kind in India) will be able to carry up to 100 vehicles and 250 passengers between the two ports.  The wheeled cargo includes, cars, trucks, semi-trailer trucks, trailers, and railroad cars. (Transporters and travellers could reach Ghogha port, drive their vehicles inside a Ro-Ro ferry and reach Dahej.)  This is in opposite to the lift-on and lift-off (lo-lo) vessels, which use a crane to load and unload cargo.  Ro-Ro ferry is a small part of Sagarmala project of Central Government.  (The Sagarmala programme aims to promote port-led development in the country by harnessing India's 7,500-km long coastline, 14,500-km of potentially navigable waterways and strategic location on key international maritime trade routes.)

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INDIA’S FIRST PRADHAN MANTRI KAUSHAL KENDRA LAUNCHED In News  India's first Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK) for Skilling in Smart Cities, in collaboration with New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has been launched.

Objective  The main aim behind the move is to bring momentum in skilling through collaborative efforts. The Centre is emphasizing on the commitment of the Union Government to support skilling in smart cities.  To extend cooperation for setting up of PMKK Centres for Smart Cities To provide skill training for unemployed youth through its short-term training (STT)  Module Contribute to the capacity building of municipal employees through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra  The newly inaugurated Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra leverages NDMC infrastructure for skilling initiatives Catering to healthcare and solar energy sectors, the centre will be managed by one of NSDCs affiliated training partners — Orion Edutech, which has an impeccable record of training nearly 3 lakh candidates through its network of over 275 skill development centres across the country.

MINISTRIES OF POWER & TEXTILES JOIN HANDS FOR SAATHI INITIATIVE In News  Ministries of Power and Textiles have joined hands under a new initiative SAATHI (Sustainable and Accelerated Adoption of efficient Textile technologies to Help small Industries).

Objective  Under this initiative, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a public sector entity under the administrative control of Ministry of Power, would procure energy efficient Power looms, motors and Rapier kits in bulk and provide them to the small and medium Power loom units at no upfront cost.

Highlights  The initiative will be jointly implemented by EESL and the office of the Textile Commissioner.  The use of these efficient equipment would result in energy savings and cost savings to the unit owner and he would repay in installments to EESL over a 4 to 5 year period. 9600124042/ 9840097666

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POLITY AND GOVERNANCE WHY EXEMPT CBI FROM RTI ACT? In News 

A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court for an early hearing of a petition challenging a 2011 government notification, which includes the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on the list of “intelligence and security organizations” exempted from disclosing information to the public under the Right to Information Act.

The Petition 

According to the petition 2011 notification including the CBI in the Second Schedule of the Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2005 was arbitrary, especially when the organization was only an investigating agency and not a security or intelligence organization.

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It is alleged that it will scuttle the RTI appeal pending before the Chief Information Commissioner, in regard to the Bofors-Quattrocchi case in which order was passed by the Central Information Commission directing the CBI to provide the requisite papers to the petitioner.

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Also, by issuing the notification and placing the CBI in the Second Schedule, the government appears to be claiming absolute secrecy for the CBI without the sanction of the law.

The Impact Of The 2011 Government Notification 

Such an administrative decision has a profound impact on the citizens of India in as much as it restricts their fundamental right to information.

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By this notification the government could keep adding organizations to the Second Schedule, which do not meet the express criteria laid down in Section 24(2) of the RTI Act and ultimately render the RTI Act ineffective.

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SAMPOORNA BIMA GRAM YOJNA In News 

The Union Government has launched the Sampoorna Bima Gram (SBG) Yojana and an initiative for expansion of clientele base of Postal Life Insurance so as to enable Rural people to get affordable life insurance services.

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The idea is to use postal networks to provide affordable life insurance services to people living in rural areas of the country. All villages under the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana will be brought under its ambit.

Key Highlights  In a bid to provide affordable life insurance services to people, particularly those living in rural areas of the country, the government launched SBG and expanded the coverage of Postal Life Insurance (PLI).  Under SBG at least one village (having a minimum of 100 households) will be identified in each of the revenue districts of the country, wherein endeavour will be made to cover all households of that identified village with a minimum of one RPLI(Rural Postal Life Insurance) policy each.  Coverage of all households in the identified Sampoorna Bima Gram village is the primary objective of this scheme.  The benefits of PLI will no more be confined to government and semi-government employees only, but will also be available to professionals such as doctors, engineers, management consultants, chartered accountants, architects, lawyers, bankers etc. and to the employees of listed companies of NSE (National Stock Exchange) and BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange).  The decision has been taken to enlarge the cover of social security and bring the maximum number of people under the protection of Postal Life Insurance (PLI).

About Postal Life Insurance (PLI)  PLI, introduced in 1884, is one of the oldest life insurance schemes for benefit of government and semi-government employees.  In the beginning, the upper limit of life insurance was only Rs 4000, which has now increased to Rs 50 lakh. 9600124042/ 9840097666

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 It covers employees of Central and state governments, Central and state public sector undertakings, universities, government-aided educational institutions, nationalized banks, local bodies, autonomous bodies, joint ventures having a minimum of 10% Govt./PSU stake, credit co-operative societies etc.  PLI also extends the facility of insurance to the officers and staff of the Defence services and paramilitary  Apart from single insurance policies, Postal Life Insurance also manages a group insurance scheme for the extra departmental employees (Gramin Dak Sevaks) of the Department of Posts.

PLI Offers 6 Types Of Plan 

Whole Life Assurance (SURAKSHA)

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Convertible Whole Life Assurance (SUVIDHA)

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Endowment Assurance (SANTOSH)

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Anticipated Endowment Assurance (SUMANGAL)

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Joint Life Assurance (YUGAL SURAKSHA)

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Children Policy (BAL JEEVAN BIMA)

Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI)  On the other hand, Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI), introduced on March 24, 1995 on the recommendations of the Malhotra Committee, provides insurance cover to people residing in rural areas, especially weaker sections and women living in rural areas.  Low premium and high bonus is the unique feature of PLI and RPLI schemes. As on March 31, 2017, there were 46.8 lakh PLI and 146.8 lakh RPLI policies across the country.

PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (PFMS) FOR ALL CENTRAL SECTOR SCHEMES In News  The Government has made the use of Public Finance Management System mandatory for all the Central Sector Schemes of GoI.  It would help in tracking and monitoring the flow of funds to beneficiaries of different government welfare schemes.

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 Minimizes the cases of delay and pending payments to a large extent.  PFMS will progress towards a Government wide Integrated Financial Management System (GIFMIS) – as a comprehensive Payment, Receipt and Accounting System.  PFMS would not only help in complete tracking of funds but would also ensure just in time transfer of funds.  PFMS, with the capability of providing real time information on resource availability, flows and actual utilization has tremendous potential to improve programme/financial management, reduce the float in the financial systems by enabling ‘just in time’ releases and also the Government borrowings with direct impact on interest costs to the Government. About PFMS  The PFMS Scheme has been rolled-out by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) at the behest of Finance Ministry, Department of Expenditure as a cherished Public Finance Management (PFM) reform in the country.  It is an end-to-end solution for processing payments, tracking, monitoring, accounting, reconciliation and reporting. It provides the scheme managers a unified platform for tracking releases and monitoring their last mile utilization.  The primary objective of PFMS is to facilitate sound Public Financial Management System for Government of India by establishing an efficient fund flow system as well as a payment cum accounting network.  The biggest strength of PFMS is its integration with the Core banking system in the Country. As a result, PFMS has the unique capability to push online payments to almost every beneficiary/vendor.

GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES PARYATAN PARV TO BOOST TOURISM In News  The Ministry of Tourism has started ‘Paryatan Parv’ a 20-day programme (from 5th October to 25th October 2017).

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 It has been organized with the aim of drawing attention on the benefits of tourism, showcasing the cultural diversity of the country and reinforcing the principle of “Tourism for All”.  The programme is being organised by the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with other Central Ministries, State Governments and stakeholders.

Key Highlights  Ministry of Tourism has launched the ParyatanParv ” celebrations  The programme is being organised by the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with other Central Ministries, State Governments and stakeholders  The feastival will also have cultural performances, crafts bazaar, food court showcasing folk and classical dance and music, handicrafts and handlooms and cuisine from all the states.  Ministry of External Affairs through Indian Missions Abroad has formulated a well structured plan to promote Indian tourism to Persons of Indian Origin residing

Three Main Components Of Paryatan Parv  Dekho Apna Desh: It will encourage Indians to visit their own country. It will include video, photograph and blog competitions visited during event, stories of India through Travelers’ Eyes to promote travel to J&K and North Eastern states.  Tourism for All: It will promote tourism events at sites across all States in country. These will mainly be People’s events with large scale public participation.  The activities at these sites will include Cultural Programmes of Dance, Music, Theatre, Tourism Exhibitions showcasing culture, cuisine and handicrafts and handlooms etc.  Tourism & Governance: It will have interactive sessions and workshops with stakeholders on varied themes like Skill Development in Tourism Sector, Innovation in Tourism, Inducting Exservicemen as service providers for Taxi Operation and Developing Rural Tourism in locations near established destinations.

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS (BIS) ACT 2016 BROUGHT INTO FORCE In News  A new Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) Act 2016 which was notified on 22nd March, 2016, has been brought into force with effect from 12th October, 2017.

Highlights  National standards body: The Act establishes the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as the National Standards Body of India.  Compulsory certification: The Act has enabling provisions for the Government to bring under compulsory certification regime any goods or article of any scheduled industry, process, system or 9600124042/ 9840097666

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service which it considers necessary in the public interest or for the protection of human, animal or plant health, safety of the environment, or prevention of unfair trade practices, or national security.  Hallmarking: Enabling provisions have also been made for making hallmarking of the precious metal articles mandatory.  Simplified conformity: The new Act also allows multiple type of simplified conformity assessment schemes including self-declaration of conformity against a standard which will give simplified options to manufacturers to adhere to the standards and get certificate of conformity.  Authority for verification: The Act enables the Central Government to appoint any authority/agency, in addition to the BIS, to verify the conformity of products and services to a standard and issue certificate of conformity.  Repair or recall: There is also a provision for repair or recall, including product liability of the products bearing Standard Mark but not conforming to the relevant Indian Standard.

SIGNIFICANCE  The new Act will further help in ease of doing business in the country, give fillip to Make In India campaign and ensure availability of quality products and services to the consumers.

MADHYA PRADESH GOVT SHELVES PLAN TO SHIFT TO JANDEC FISCAL FORMAT 

Madhya Pradesh, which has announced that it will be planning would switch to January-December financial year from the existing April-March cycle starting 2018, has put the plan on the back burner.

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“We are not going to change the cycle from January 2018,” Madhya Pradesh Finance Minister Jayant Malaiya told today.

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“We will shift…after the Centre goes for it. Let them first switch over to the new cycle,” he added.

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Addressing the states during the meeting on April 23, Modi had said: “In a country where agricultural income is exceedingly important, budgets should be prepared immediately after the receipt of agricultural incomes for the year”.

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Mishra had said, “The state would try to finish the current fiscal works by December this year, so that the next Budget would either be presented in coming December or January next year.

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CENTRAL VIGILANCE COMMISSION TO DEVELOP INTEGRITY INDEX OF 25 ORGANIZATION In News Central Vigilance Commission has set to develop integrity index for public sector Undertakings public sector banks and financial institutions, Ministries and its departments.

Function  CVC will calculate scores by linking the essential drivers of vigilance with long term efficiency, profitability and sustainability of public organizations.  It will help in creating an internal and external ecosystem that promotes working with Integrity in public organizations.  Initially 25 organizations have been selected for development of the index.

Objective  Define what constitutes Integrity of Public Organizations Identify the different factors of Integrity and their inter-linkages Create an objective and reliable tool that can measure the performance of organizations along these above factors Validate the findings over a period of time to improve upon the robustness of the tool that measures Integrity Create an internal and external ecosystem that promotes working with Integrity where public organizations lead the way.  CVC is apex body of Union Government formed to address governmental corruption. It was established in February 1964 on the recommendations of the K. Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption. It has status of statutory autonomous body and free of control from any executive authority as per provisions of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) Act, 2003. The CVC is headed by a Central Vigilance Commissioner and has two Vigilance Commissioners.

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DEFENCE & INTERNAL SECURITY FIRST EVER TRI-SERVICES INDIA-RUSSIA WAR EXERCISE – INDRA In News  India and Russia military tri-services exercise was organized from 19th to 29th October 2017. INDRA, the joint bi-annual military exercise between these two countries started in 2003.

 Exercise INDRA-2017 was conducted in the Sea of Japan near Vladivostok. Significance:  INDRA exercise, the joint tri-service exercise will be a demonstration of the increasing commitment of both nations to address common challenges across the full spectrum of operations.  The first ever tri-service exercise between the two countries reflects the vibrancy of the continued Indo-Russian strategic partnership.  The exercise will further strengthen the relationship between the two defence forces.  With the rich operational experience of Russian and Indian armies in counter insurgency operations, both sides will gain immensely from each other to further develop their capabilities.

New In INDRA 2017  The year 2017 marked a major milestone as this Exercise has been upgraded to involve all the three Services of the Armed Forces (Army, Navy & Air Force), which further accentuates the importance of Joint Services in the present world environment.  Exercise INDRA in its previous nine forms has been conducted as a single service exercise alternately between the two countries. 9600124042/ 9840097666

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India-Russia Defence Cooperation  In the initial post-independence period, India could not rely on Britain for its defence needs. United Kingdom was skeptical of arming either India or Pakistan and this further fuelled conflict after 1947.  The United States adopted the same attitude after the Indo-Pakistan war of 1965. India therefore turned towards the Soviet Union for arms transfers.  The Soviets also provided equipment that was simple to operate and maintain which suited Indian needs.  The defence links developed between the two countries were reinforced by a shared sense of threat from China.  Defence cooperation between Russia and India remains strong because of shared security concerns, geopolitical imperatives and economic benefits. Both countries fear radical Islamic terrorism, share concerns about regional instability in Central Asia and the rise of China.  Russia’s defence industry needs foreign sales to achieve economies of scale and sustain a manufacturing base that remains excessive for simply meeting Russian domestic demand.  India has an enormous legacy of Soviet-based weapons that it needs to modernize, upgrade and replace. In addition Russian arms supplies continue to offer a good price-performance trade-off.  Defence cooperation is an important pillar of the India-Russia strategic partnership. It is guided by the Programme for Military Technical Cooperation signed between the two countries which is valid at present till 2020.  India and Russia have an institutionalized structure to oversee the complete range of issues of military technical cooperation. The India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) set up in 2000 is at the apex of this structure.  Bilateral projects currently underway include indigenous production of T-90 tanks and Su-30-MKI aircraft, supply of MiG-29-K aircraft and Kamov-31 and Mi-17 helicopters, upgrade of MiG-29 aircraft and supply of Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher Smerch. Joint exercises between the two Armed Forces are held under the title INDRA.  Over the years, cooperation in the military technical sphere has evolved from a purely buyer-seller relationship to joint research, design development and production of state of the art military platforms. Production of the Brahmos cruise missile is an example of this trend.  The two countries are also engaged in joint design and development of the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft and Multi-Role Transport Aircraft.

MITRA SHAKTI 2017 In News  The fifth India-Sri Lanka Joint Training Exercise MITRA SHAKTI 2017 is being held in Pune.

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Key Facts:  The exercise is based on Counter Terrorist Operations and an Infantry company from both the countries is participating in the same.  The aim of the joint training is to exchange the best of military practices of the two countries and build a strong military-to-military relation between the two armies.  The exercise, the fifth in the series, also aims at developing joint strategies by sharing the expertise of conducting operations, especially in the counter-insurgency and counter terrorism (CI and CT) environment.  The fourth chapter of the exercise was held at the Sinha Regimental Centre in Ambepussa, Sri Lanka, in 2016, when the main focus was to enhance inter-operability in CI and CT operations under the UN mandate.

Important For India  The training exercise is considered an important effort in India’s response to China’s growing influence in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region.  The India – Sri Lanka joint training exercise MITRA SHAKTI 2017 in its fifth edition will send a strong signal to the world that both India and Sri Lanka understand the emerging threat of terrorism and stand shoulder to shoulder in countering this menace.

INS SUKANYA AT INDONESIA FOR COORDINATED PATROL OF IMBL In News  INS Sukanya arrived at Belawan Indonesia to participate in the 30th edition of CORPAT (Coordinated Patrol) and 3rd bilateral exercise between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy. The exercise is aimed to foster closer maritime ties with countries located on the rim of the Indian Ocean.

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Key Facts  The upcoming bi-lateral exercise CORPAT scheduled from 24 Oct – 05 Nov 17 is a demonstration of India’s commitment to its ties with Indonesia and to the maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.  The two navies have been carrying out Coordinated Patrols (CORPAT) on respective sides of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) twice a year since 2002.  The aim of The CORPAT is to enhance mutual understanding and interoperability between the navies, prosecute vessels involved in unlawful activities, conduct SAR and take measures against Sea Pollution.

Relations Between India And Indonesia  Defence relations between India and Indonesia have been growing steadily with regular joint activities and interactions between the armed forces of the two countries. These interactions would also provide opportunities for extensive operational and training engagements and contribute substantively to the maintenance of good order at sea.  The exercise seeks to strengthen the existing bonds of friendship between India and Indonesia, and underscore India’s partnership and solidarity with friendly countries of the region.  As part of the Indian Government’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), the Indian Navy has also been involved in assisting countries in the Indian Ocean Region with EEZ surveillance, Search and Rescue and other capability enhancement activities.

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ECONOMY INDIA’S FIRST STP UNDER HYBRID ANNUITY MODE TO COME UP IN HARIDWAR AND VARANASI In News  A tripartite agreement has been signed between National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the state level executing agencies Uttarakhand Pey Jal Nigam and Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam, with concessionaires for setting up of India’s first Sewage Treatment Plants under Hybrid Annuity mode, at Haridwar and Varanasi.

Key Facts  The agreement is a major step forward in realizing the dream of Nirmal Ganga as it is the first time ever in India that Hybrid Annuity-based PPP mode is being applied in sewerage sector.  Under this agreement the maintenance of the project will be the responsibility of the concessionaire for which there will be performance based phased manner of payment. This would ensure continued performance of the sewage infrastructure assets created due to better accountability, ownership and optimal performance.  The projects would ensure that untreated sewage does not flow into the Ganga river, thus giving a boost to India’s flagship Namami Gange program.

Hybrid Annuity model (HAM):  In financial terminology hybrid annuity means that payment is made in a fixed amount for a considerable period and then in a variable amount in the remaining period. This hybrid type of payment method is attached under the HAM.  In India as per HAM design, the government will contribute to 40% of the project cost in the first five years through annual payments (annuity).  The remaining payment will be made on the basis of the assets created and the performance of the developer. Whereas the remaining 60% is paid as variable annuity amount after the completion of the project depending upon the value of assets created.

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. 9600124042/ 9840097666

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 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.  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

NITI AAYOG FORMS PANEL FOR INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT In News  The NITI Aayog has set up a national level committee constituting officials from various ministries and States to develop a roadmap for the implementation of the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) policy.

Objective  The National ITS policy will aim to reduce urban traffic congestion, improve parking for vehicles in cities, road safety, security of passenger and goods traffic, electronic enforcement of traffic rules and fleet management.  The committee will work towards setting uniform standards to implement the ITS in various parts of the country

Targets  ITS is an advanced application which aims to provide innovative services relating to different modes of transport and traffic management and enable various users to be better informed and make safer, more coordinated and smarter use of transport networks.  Currently ITS has been implemented in cities such as Bangalore, Surat and Bhopal

CCEA APPROVES SANKALP & STRIVE SCHEMES TO BOOST SKILL INDIA MISSION In News  The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved two World Bank supported schemes Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) and Skill Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) to boost Skill India Mission. 9600124042/ 9840097666

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 SANKALP is Rs 4455 crore centrally sponsored scheme including Rs 3300 crore loan support from World Bank whereas STRIVE is Rs 2200 crore central sector scheme with half funding will be World bank loan assistance

Highlights  The project will also strengthen the apprenticeship programme through industry cluster approach.  Both Schemes are under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and supported by World Bank loan assistance.  The two schemes will help in setting up national body for vocational education –Vocational Education and Training (VET).  VET shall regulate accreditation and certification in both long and short term thereby bringing about uniformity in vocational training.  SANKALP is a centrally sponsored scheme and STRIVE is a central sector scheme.

SANKALP Scheme  SANKALP scheme envisages setting up of Trainers and Assessors academies with selfsustainable models. Over 50 such academies are to be set up in priority sectors. It will leverage institutions for training trainers in both long and short term VET thereby bringing about convergence. Additional trainer academies will also be set up.  It will focus on greater decentralization in skill planning by institutional strengthening at State level which includes setting up of SSDMs and allow states to come up with State and District level Skill Development Plans (SSDPDSDP).  It also aims at enhancement of inclusion of underprivileged and marginalized communities

PRADHAN MANTRI GRAMIN DIGITAL SAKSHARTA ABHIYAN In News  Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan’ (PMGDISHA) to make 6 crore rural households digitally literate PMGDISHA is expected to be one of the largest digital literacy programmes in the world.  Under the scheme, 25 lakh candidates will be trained in the FY 2016-17; 275 lakh in the FY 2017-18; and 300 lakh in the FY 2018-19.

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Key Facts  Digitally literate persons would be able to operate computers/digital access devices (like tablets, smart phones, etc.), send and receive emails, browse internet, access Government Services, search for information, undertaking cashless transactions, etc. and hence use IT to actively participate in the process of nation building.  The implementation of the Scheme would be carried out under the overall supervision of Ministry of Electronics and IT in active collaboration with States/UTs through their designated State Implementing Agencies, District e-Governance Society (DeGS), etc. Background  As per the 71st NSSO Survey on Education 2014, only 6% of rural households have a computer. This highlights that more than 15 crore rural households (@ 94% of 16.85 crore households) do not have computers and a significant number of these households are likely to be digitally illiterate.  As the thrust of the Government is on cashless transactions through mobile phones, the course content would also have emphasis on Digital Wallets, Mobile Banking, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) and Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS), etc.

BANKS ASKED TO ENABLE CORE BANKING IN HINDI In News  The Home Ministry has asked all banks, private and public sector, to enable their core banking facility in Hindi.

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Direction Given To Bank Banks have been asked to update databases in Hindi and customers should not be compelled to fill forms only in English.  “Software that would help banks transact in Hindi has already been developed by Infosys. Banks should modulate the software in such a way that a customer can get the passbook in Hindi. It should also be in regional languages

Highlights As per Official Languages Act, 1963 there was no provision of punitive action for not using Hindi in official communication but the language could only be promoted through “persuasion and encouragement.”  States are free to choose their language; Hindi-speaking States should also learn other regional languages like Tamil.

MUDRA YOJANA PROMOTIONS In News  The government has launched promotion campaigns for its flagship scheme Mudra Yojana. 50 promotion campaigns will be organised in different parts of the country where the union ministers will be participating among others.  The promotion campaigns will be launched by the department of financial services and state level banking committee (SLBC) of different states will actively participate and coordinate all these campaigns.

About Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)  The objective of PMMY to launch a Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) Bank to support the entrepreneurs of Scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other backward classes entrepreneurs in the MSME sector.  The scheme was launched on April 8, 2015.  MUDRA cards are the unique feature of this scheme. The card permits access to working capital through ATMs and card machines.  MUDRA loans can be availed for non-agricultural activities upto Rs 10 lakh and for activities allied to agriculture such as dairy, poultry bee keeping etc.  The scheme provides loans to micro units in three categories ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 10 lakh.  Shishu: Loan up to Rs 50,000  Kishore: Loan ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh  Tarun: Loan ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

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Significance Of This Scheme  Under the scheme, by floating MUDRA bank, the Centre has ensured credit flow to SMEs sector and has also identified NBFCs as a good fit to reach out to them.  People will now be able to get refinance at subsidised rate and it would be passed on to the SMEs. Moreover, it would enable SMEs to expand their activities.  It will greatly increase the confidence of young, educated or skilled workers who would now be able to aspire to become first generation entrepreneurs.  Existing small businesses, too, will be able to expand their activities.

RBI PANEL PUSHES NEW RULES SO LENDERS PASS ON RATE CUTS MORE QUICKLY In News  A RBI set- up panel has come out with a set of new rules to make lenders pass on rate cuts more quickly.  The panel submitted its report recently to the RBI.

Suggestion Made By Panel The panel proposed to remove some of the leeway that banks have enjoyed, including allowing lenders to use only one of three benchmarks to set their lending rate.  The five-member panel also proposed in the report late on Wednesday that the banks adjust the key criteria used to set their lending rates once a quarter, rather than the current once a year.  Adjust the key criteria used to set their lending rates once a quarter, rather than the current once a year.  Indian banks are struggling with a record $140 billion in stressed assets, and have sought to protect their margins by trying to avoid lowering their lending rates.

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Background:  The RBI has cut its policy rate by a total of 200 basis points from January 2015 to August 2017 to support economic growth, but to its frustration banks have lowered their lending rates by only about 120 bps.  The RBI last year unveiled the so-called marginal cost of funds-based lending rates (MCLR), which sought to remove much of the discretion commercial banks have to set lending rates and force them to base borrowing costs on prevailing money market rates. Banks were instructed to follow a specific formula in setting lending rates, although the RBI has since made some tweaks.  Indian banks are struggling with a record $140 billion in stressed assets, and have sought to protect their margins by trying to avoid lowering their lending rates.

IBBI RELAXES NORMS FOR INFORMATION UTILITIES In News  National e-Governance Services Ltd became India’s first information utility (IU) for bankruptcy cases under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.  Information utility is an information network that will store financial data like borrowings, default and security interests among others of firms. The utility would specialize in procuring, maintaining and providing financial information to businesses, financial institutions, adjudicating authority, insolvency professionals and other relevant stakeholders.  Information utilities are governed by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy code, 2016 and IBBI (Information Utilities) Regulations, 2017. Purpose Of Creation Of Information Utilities  Objective: The objective behind information utilities is to provide high quality, authenticated information about debts, defaults and expeditiously process & verify information received.  Informed decisions by lenders: The database and records maintained by them will help lenders in taking informed decisions about credit transactions.  Cautious debtor: It will also make debtors cautious in repayment, as credit information is available with the utility.  Evidence during proceeding: Moreover the information available with the utility can be used as evidence in bankruptcy cases before the National Company Law Tribunal.

About New Norms:  IBBI has amended the IBBI (Information Utilities) Regulations, 2017 which also allows individuals to hold up to 51 per cent of the paid-up equity share capital. This, however, has been limited to a period of three years. 9600124042/ 9840097666

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 The new regulations also require that half of the directors of an information utility shall be Indian nationals and residents in India.

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016:  It is considered as the biggest economic reform next only to GST. It offers a market determined, time bound mechanism for orderly resolution of insolvency, wherever possible, and orderly exit, wherever required.  The Code envisages an ecosystem comprising National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal (DRAT), Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Board), Information Utilities (IUs), Insolvency Professionals (IPs), Insolvency Professional Agencies (IPAs) and Insolvency Professional Entities (IPEs) for implementation of the Code.  The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India was established on October 1, 2016 in accordance with the provisions of The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.  It provides a market-determined and time bound mechanism for orderly resolution of insolvency, wherever possible, and orderly exit, wherever required.

Suggestion  The setting up of the Information utility is an important step in quickly resolving the insolvency disputes. But to overcome the above challenges government must enact a comprehensive Right to privacy act and Data protection law. This will help in resolving the current impediments before the Insolvency law.

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ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES WILDLIFE ACTION PLAN FOR NEXT 15 YEARS In News  India unveiled the third National Wildlife Action Plan for 2017-2031 spelling out the future road map for wildlife conservation. The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has only released basic points of the plan. There are 103 conservation actions and 250 projects in the final plan, of which seven conservation actions and 11 projects relate to climate change.

 The plan is woven around the agenda of the United Nations’ 15th Sustainable Developmental Goal —“Life on Land”. Background:  The third action plan comes after the first plan in 1983 and second from 2002 till 2016.  The third plan was initiated in February 2016 by environment ministry. This plan was drafted by a 12-member committee chaired by JC Kala, a former secretary to the ministry.  The key focus areas of this plan includes integration of climate change into wildlife planning, conservation of coastal and marine ecosystem, mitigation of human-wildlife conflict, focus on wildlife health among others.

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Features  Climate Change impact: It has stressed on integrating actions for its mitigation and adaptation into wildlife management planning processes.  Approach: It adopts landscape approach in conservation of all wildlife – uncultivated flora and fauna that have an ecological value to ecosystem and to mankind irrespective of where they occur. It gives special emphasis to recovery to threatened species of wildlife while conserving their habitats which include inland aquatic, coastal and marine ecosystems.  Human-animal conflict concerns: It addresses rising human-animal conflict owing to shrinkage, fragmentation and deterioration of habitats generating animosity against wild animals and protected areas.  People’s support: It underscores increasing need for people’s support for conservation of wildlife. It recommends eco-development, education, innovation, training, extension, and conservation awareness and outreach programs.  Participation of private sector: It underlines increased role of private sector in wildlife conservation. It lays down that Government will ensure that adequate and sustained funding including Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds are made available for implementation of plan.

NEW SPECIES OF LARGE GECKO DISCOVERED FROM EASTERN GHATS 

Researchers have discovered new species of gecko at Chhattisgarh’s Kanger Ghati National Park in Eastern Ghats.

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Its common name is the Kanger valley rock gecko.



Its

scientific

name

is

Hemidactylus

kangerensis, named after the valley where it was discovered.

ABOUT KANGER VALLEY ROCK GECKO 

Kanger valley rock gecko is fairly large and can grow to over eight inches long.



It has distinct black-bordered beige bands from its neck to its tail tip and specific scales on its thighs.

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It differs from other gecko species in a distinct banded patterns and number of pore less scales separating femoral pores on the thigh.

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It is also found in Jagdalpur and Sukma districts in Chhattisgarh and in Khamman in Telangana, which are part of Eastern Ghats.

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The discovery of new gecko species highlights need for dedicated surveys across Eastern Ghats, where biodiversity has not been quantified too well and need for protection from various anthropogenic pressures.

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GLOBAL WILDLIFE PROGRAMME CONFERENCE HELD IN NEW DELHI In News 

Recently, the Global Wildlife Program (GWP) conference was organized in New Delhi. It was jointly organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), World Bank and United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

 The theme of the conference was "People's participation in wildlife conservation".  The Conference discussed the management of wildlife habitat, helped to achieve livelihood of sustainable communities, increase enforcement, monitor, reduce wildlife crimes, and reduce the risks associated with it. Along with this, India was given an opportunity to demonstrate its conservation efforts in and around the protected areas through joint forest management, environmental development committees, forest safety committee. About Global Wildlife Program (GWP)  The GWP is a World Bank led global partnership that promotes wildlife conservation and sustainable development by combating illicit trafficking in wildlife. The GWP has led the global partnership of 19 countries of Asia and Africa to combat preservation and sustainable development by combating smuggling in wildlife. It was started in 2015 by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).  It acts as a platform for an exchange of knowledge and coordination in action on the ground to prevent the poaching of wildlife for improvement in the regime of wildlife conservation. It tries to reduce supply and demand which runs illegal wildlife trade and protects species and residences through an integrated scenario plan. 9600124042/ 9840097666

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GOVERNMENT HAS LAUNCHED SECURE HIMALAYA PROJECT In News  The aim of the scheme "Secure Himalaya" is to protect Snow leopards by saving their habitats and to improve the ecology of life of the Himalayan ranges and hill communities- all among the worst victims of climate change.  The Secure Himalaya project, launched by the Union Environment Ministry in collaboration with United Nations Development Program (UNDP)

Key Facts:  The SECURE - securing livelihoods, conservation, sustainable use and restoration of high range Himalayan ecosystems - is meant for specific landscapes. It include Changthang (Jammu and Kasmir), Lahaul - Pangi and Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh), Gangotri - Govind and Darma - Byans Valley in Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand) and Kanchenjunga - Upper Teesta Valley (Sikkim).  The project also outlined that the remoteness and relative seclusion has made the mountain communities,that includes many tribal communities, among the last bastions of globally significant indigenous knowledge and cultural heterogeneity.  The key focus areas of the project is protection of snow leopard and other endangered species and their habitats and also securing livelihoods of people in region and enhancing enforcement to reduce wildlife crime. Under it, enhanced enforcement efforts and monitoring will be undertaken to curb illegal trade in some medicinal and aromatic plants which are among most threatened species in these landscapes

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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY JAPAN LAUNCHES FOURTH SATELLITE FOR HI TECH GPS In News  Japan has launched a fourth satellite for a new high-precision global positioning system (GPS) it hopes will encourage new businesses and help spur economic growth.

 An H-2A rocket carrying Japan’s fourth and final quasi-zenith satellite, the Michibiki No. 4, lifts off from the Tanegashima Space Center.

About QZS-4 (Michibiki-4)  Michibiki-4 is third QZSS satellite to be launched in 2017 and once operational it will bring the constellation of QZSS to its operating capacity of four until a planned expansion to 8 satellites occurs around 2023.

About Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS)  It is own version of GPS and is dubbed as Michibiki system. Michibiki means guidance in Japanese. It is intended for civilian use, with a claimed positioning accuracy down to mere centimetres. The QZSS constellation of 8 satellites will trace out a figure-8 pattern over Japan, the Western Pacific, and Australia.  The Michibiki system can cover the Asia-Oceania region and works with the US-operated GPS to provide higher level of precision than previously possible with fewer satellites in visible range. It will become operation in 2018 with four satellites focusing on country and wider region. It will provide global positioning and timing services across frequencies ranging from 1575.42 MHz to 2 GHz.

ISRO STARTS LANDING TESTS FOR CHANDRAYAAN-2 MISSION In News  The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, has 9600124042/ 9840097666

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said that India’s Space Mission to Moon, “Chandrayaan-II”, will take place in 2018, most likely in the first quarter of the year.  Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to deploy a rover on the lunar surface in the Chandrayaan-2 mission Chandrayaan-2  The Chandrayaan-2, India’s second mission to the Moon, is a totally indigenous mission comprising of an Orbiter, Lander and Rover.  After reaching the 100 km lunar orbit, the Lander housing the Rover will separate from the Orbiter.  After a controlled descent, the Lander will soft land on the lunar surface at a specified site and deploy a Rover.  The instruments on the rover will observe the lunar surface and send back data, which will be useful for analysis of the lunar soil. Collection of soil and rock sediments is not planned in this mission.  ISRO is working towards the launch of Chandrayaan-2 during the first quarter of 2018.

NOBEL PRIZE FOR GRAVITATIONAL WAVE DETECTION In News Three American scientists from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) have won the Nobel Prize in Physics for their contribution to detecting gravitational waves — ripples in the fabrics of spacetime which were predicted by Albert Einstein a hundred years ago.  The scientists were awarded the Nobel prize “for decisive contributions to the LIGO detector and the observation of gravitational waves”.  The 9 million Swedish kronor (825,000 British pounds) prize will be divided. One half was awarded to Rainer Weiss of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the other half jointly to Barry C. Barish and Kip S. Thorne — both from California Institute of Technology (Caltech).

Gravitational Waves  In simple terms, gravitational waves can be explained as ripples in the fabric of space-time which can only be caused by massive astronomical events such as neutron stars or black holes orbiting each other so that these waves would finally radiate from them.

About LIGO  The observatory, described as “the most precise measuring device ever built,” is actually two facilities in Livingston, Louisiana, and Hanford, Washington. They were built and operated with funding from the National Science Foundation, which has spent $1.1 billion on LIGO over the course of several decades.  The project is led by scientists from the California Institute of Technology and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and is supported by an international consortium of scientists and institutions 9600124042/ 9840097666

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SOCIAL ISSUES COMMISSION TO EXAMINE SUB CATEGORIZATION OF OTHER BACKWARD CLASSES In News  The President of India, in exercise of the powers conferred by article 340 of the Constitution, has appointed a Commission to examine the sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes.  Former Delhi High Court Chief Justice G. Rohini has been appointed by President of India as the head of the Commission.

Article 340:  It allows the president to appoint a commission to investigate the condition of socially and economically backward classes and table the report in the parliament.

Rationale behind Sub-categorisation of OBCs:  There are inequalities and then there are inequalities within unequal entities. That reservation in jobs and education did address socio-economic disparities in India to some degree is true. But, equally, the benefits of reservation have not been distributed equitably, and large segments of the weaker sections and backward classes continue to have no access to quality education or meaningful employment.  The introduction of the concept of ‘creamy layer’ to isolate the well-off among those eligible for reservation was initially perceived as an attempt to limit the benefits of reservation, and to politically divide the beneficiaries of reservation.  However, it was not implemented properly and large sections of the creamy layer are taking advantage of the quota system to the detriment of the poorer sections among their own caste groups.  Sub-categorisation will ensure equitable distribution of benefits.

Key Highlights  The commission will examine the extent of inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation among the castes or communities included in the broad category of OBCs with reference to such classes included in the Central List.  It will also work out the mechanism, criteria, norms, and parameters in a scientific approach for subcategorisation within such OBCs and will take up the exercise of identifying the respective castes or

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communities or sub-castes or synonyms in the Central List of OBCs and classifying them into their respective sub-categories.  To take up the exercise of identifying the respective castes or communities or sub-castes or synonyms in the Central List of Other Backward Classes and classifying them into their respective sub-categories.

Background: 

The Supreme Court of India in IndraSawhney vs. Union of India case (1992) had observed that there is no constitutional or legal bar on states for categorizing OBCs as backward or more backward.

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It had also observed that it is not impermissible in law if state chooses to do sub-categorization.

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So far, 11 states/UTs viz. Karnataka, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Puducherry, Telangana, West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Jammu region of Jammu & Kashmir have carried out sub-categorization of OBCs.

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However, there was no sub categorisation in central list of OBCs.

Significance  This decision, taken on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, reinforces, in the spirit of his teachings, the Government’s efforts to achieve greater social justice and inclusion for all, and specifically members of the Other Backward Classes.

WORLD HABITAT DAY In News  The United Nations designated the first Monday of October of every year as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter.  It is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns.

2017 theme: “Housing Policies: Affordable Homes.”

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Key Points  The new urban mission launched by the Government like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) is at the core of ensuring affordable homes to the poor and the needy while other missions like the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) aim at enabling the much needed basic infrastructure for a decent habitat.  Several initiatives to give a boost to housing sector and in particular to affordable housing to meet the housing needs of the people.  Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030 noted that India’s performance would be the key to achieve these goals at global scale.

UN-Habitat’s Main Focus Areas:  Inclusive housing and social services.  A safe and healthy living environment for all — with particular consideration for children, youth, women, elderly and disabled.  Affordable and sustainable transport and energy  Promotion, protection, and restoration of green urban spaces  Safe and clean drinking water and sanitation  Healthy air quality  Job creation  Improved urban planning and slum upgrading  Better waste management

Background  The United Nations has designated the first Monday of October of every year as World Habitat Day. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 40/202 in 1985 and was first celebrated in 1986. Since then it is observed each year with new theme to promote sustainable development policies that ensure adequate shelter for all.

INTENSIFIED MISSION INDRADHANUSH (IMI) In News  The government has launched Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI). Through this programme, the Government aims to reach each and every child under two years of age and all those pregnant women who have been left uncovered under the routine immunisation programme. The special drive will focus on improving immunization coverage in select districts and cities to ensure full immunization to more than 90% by December 2018.

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Key Facts  Intensified Mission Indradhanush will have inter-ministerial and inter-departmental coordination, action-based review mechanism and intensified monitoring and accountability framework for effective implementation of targeted rapid interventions to improve the routine immunization coverage.  IMI is supported by 11 other ministries and departments, such as Ministry of Women and Child Development, Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry of Youth Affairs among others.  The convergence of ground level workers of various departments like ASHA, ANMs, Anganwadi workers, Zila preraks under National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM), self-help groups will be ensured for better coordination and effective implementation of the programme

Monitoring of the scheme:  Intensified Mission Indradhanush would be closely monitored at the district, state and central level at regular intervals. Further, it would be reviewed by the Cabinet Secretary at the National level and will continue to be monitored at the highest level under a special initiative ‘Proactive Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI)’.  Under IMI, special strategies are devised for rigorous monitoring of the programme. States and districts have developed coverage improvement plans based on gap self-assessment. These plans are reviewed from state to central level with an aim to reach 90% coverage by December 2018.  An appreciation and awards mechanism is also conceived to recognize the districts reaching more than 90% coverage. The criteria includes best practices and media management during crisis. To acknowledge the contribution of the partners/Civil Society Organization (CSOs) and others, Certificate of Appreciation will be given.

Mission Indradhanush  Mission Indradhanush was launched in December 2014. It aimed to fully immunize more than 90% of children under age of 2 years, as well as all pregnant women, against seven vaccine preventable diseases. These diseases are diphtheria, whooping cough, poliomyelitis, tetanus, tuberculosis, measles and Hepatitis B. In addition vaccines for Japanese Encephalitis and Haemophilus, influenza type B are also being provided Rubella, Injectable Polio Vaccine Bivalent and Rotavirus are also provided in selected states. 9600124042/ 9840097666

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MISSCELLANIOUS INDIA AND JAPAN  12th India & Japan annual summit is going to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.  Japan is going to have an equity stake in Mumbai – Ahmedabad high speed rail project.  Japan has also decided to develop 3 smart cities in India – Chennai, Varanasi and Ahmedabad.  Both countries have signed a MoU for civil nuclear cooperation in Dec, 2015 and it got transformed in to a deal in Nov. 2016.  This agreement enabled nuclear deal with India despite reservations over India’s status as a nation which has not signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

INDO-ISRAEL AGRICULTURE PROJECT (IIAP)  India and Israel signed Agriculture Cooperation Agreement in 2008.  The agriculture cooperation projects are implemented in 10 states focusing on irrigation, pest and disease management and training on post-harvest for all floriculture segments.  Floriculture is an important segment under the Indo-Israel Agricultural Project.  IIAP aims to develop a strong and relevant value chain to benefit farmers.  The value chain includes nursery management, demonstrations of best practices in cultivation and focus on irrigation and fertigation guidelines.

THE FIRST EVER ASEAN-INDIA MUSIC FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD AT PURANA QUILA  The first ever ASEAN-India Music Festival will be held at Purana Quila.

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 The 3 day festival is being organised by the External Affairs Ministry in collaboration with the Culture Ministry to celebrate the 25th year anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations.  The Festival aims to boost cultural influences among the peoples of the ASEAN member states and India.

BIGGEST FOOTBALL EXTRAVAGANZA FOR INDIA, FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP KICKED OFF. The biggest football extravaganza for India, FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 kicked off with four opening day matches to be played in Delhi and Mumbai.  This is the first time that India will be participating in a FIFA World Cup.  Prime Minister felicitated Indian football legends at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. He also felicitated 11 children from the Mission XI Million, which are a first of its kind programme to encourage children to play footbal

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR DISASTER REDUCTION: 13 OCTOBER  The International Day for Disaster Reduction was started in 1989, after a call by the United Nations General Assembly for a day to promote a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction.

 It is held on 13th October every year. The day celebrates how people and communities around the world are reducing their exposure to disasters and raising awareness about the importance of reining in the risks that they face.  The 2017 campaign seeks to raise global awareness about effective actions, policies and practices taken to reduce exposure to disaster risk at the community level, thereby contributing to saving homes and livelihoods. This is a considerable challenge which can be accomplished only through coordination, cooperation and collaboration among many stakeholders

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2017 GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX: THE INEQUALITIES OF HUNGER  According to the 2017 hunger index report, India is ranked 100th out of 119 countries, and has the third highest score in all of Asia -- only Afghanistan and Pakistan are ranked worse.  The country's serious hunger level is driven by high child malnutrition and underlines need for stronger commitment to the social sector, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) said in its report.  At 31.4, India's 2017 GHI (Global Hunger Index) score is at the high end of the 'serious' category, and is one of the main factors pushing South Asia to the category of worst performing region on the GHI this year.  As per the report, India ranks below many of its neighbouring countries such as China (29th rank), Nepal (72), Myanmar (77), Sri Lank (84) and Bangladesh (88). It is ahead of Pakistan (106) and Afghanistan (107).

Background 

Global Hunger Index report is released by the Washington based International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

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The GHI score is a multidimensional index composed of four indicators—proportion of undernourished in the population, and prevalence of child mortality, child stunting, and child wasting.

RASHTRIYA EKTA DIWAS  Central and state governments across India observe31st October as RashtriyaEktaDiwas.  The decision to observe the special day was taken by the current government in 2014.  The occasion provides an opportunity to reaffirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity, and security of our country.  The day is observed to commemorate the birth anniversary of SardarVallabhbhai Patel, one of the founding fathers of the Republic of India.  Sardar Patel, the first Home Minister of India, is credited with the integration of more than 500 princely states into India between 1947-49 after independence Act (1947)

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IMPORTANT QUESTIONS 1. In the context of recently held 14th India-EU summit explain the India-EU relations and issues affecting their historic ties. 2. In the light of India gaining membership of SCO, critically analyse the importance of this event and the challenges ahead India, especially in context of SCO-India. 3. Recently India began shipment of wheat to Afghanistan through the Iranian port of Chabahar. Discuss the geography of this route and its strategic importance for India and Afghanistan 4. What are bitcoins? How are they beneficial in financial services? Can they be sustainable as an idea? Discuss. 5. Universal Basic Income, is a magic wand for welfare but may require several customisations for the Indian context. Comment. 6. Social Network suffers from an authenticity problem only to be solved by internal and external regulations. Comment. 7. The need for a global action against Dengue has never been more imminent with India being a focal point. Comment. 8. Discuss the relevance and significance of political philosophy of Jayaprakash Narayan. 9. Law on Euthanasia is based on judicial precedent and requires a comprehensive legislation to address all conditionality. Comment. 10. Simultaneous elections may be logistical advantageous but raise concerns on sanctity of democratic processes. Comment. 11. Global Environmental Policy need stability as much as it needs consensus. With reference to the Paris Agreement, identify the key outcomes of the same with India’s take towards them. 12. Restructuring the civil services on basis of domain knowledge has a historical precedent and parallel success in the military as examples. How feasible is such an idea towards more effective governance? Discuss. 13. A Nobel Prize may be awarded to one but overshadows the efforts of many working behind the scenes endlessly. Comment. 14. Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction are correlated and should be simultaneously addressed. Comment. 15. India–China relations have always been shaped by contradictory factors, with forces of cooperation limited by competing geopolitical ideas and interests. Comment.

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