IAS Baba PIB Compilation August

1st Aug to 7th Aug, 2016
GS-1
Treasures/ Artefacts Found by ASI During Excavation
(Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from
ancient to modern times.)
What: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered artefacts and found evidence of
valuable treasures of rulers of different time periods of India.
1. Binjore, District, Shri Ganga Nagar, Rajasthan, 2015-16
Two cultural assemblage found i.e. Early-Harappan and Mature-Harappan
Represented by various antiquities such as sh-hook, arrowheads, knife, Celt, bangles,
terracotta bangles, faience bangles, shell bangles, beads of carnelian, agate, faience, gold
foil and ring, terracotta toy cart frame, cake mustika & bull gurine
Harappan seal made of steatite depicting gure of unicorn with ve letters on Harappan
script.
The early Harappan level has revealed pottery similar to the Kot-diji, which includes vase,
basin, jar and goblet.
Lots of storage pots have been found placed over stand to store the food grains.
The structures of Early-Harappan period were made of mud bricks
In the Early-Harappan phase Hakara ware (incised and mud appliqu design) has also
been found.
2. Rukministhan, District, Nalanda, Bihar, 2015-16
The mound revealed several structures like votive stupas, brick walls, steps to the north of
the temple containing colossal image of Buddha and rammed oors etc.
These structures as per their nature and associated antiquities and potteries are ranging
from Gupta to Pala period.
The important antiquities like terracotta sealing, inscribed tablets, fragments of
sculptures of Ganesh and Avalokiteshvara, beads, sling balls, etc. were found during
excavation.
The pottery revealed from excavation consists of red ware and red slipped ware.
3. Suabarei, District Puri (Odisha) V, Bhubaneswar, 2015-16
It was an important Neo-Chalcolithic site in between the Daya River and the Gangua
rivulet.
They were subsisted by hunting, gathering, shing and farming as evident from the
charred animal bones, sh bones, sh hook and charred grains.
Circular huts with post holes, series of hearths, oor levels, burning activities with ash &
charcoal and ood deposits have also been encountered
Although the excavation has not yielded the any evidence of human burial, however,
evidence of animal burial represented by animal bones along with miniature pots probably
with favourite grave goods have been found which indicate the burial practice for their
favourite animal.
Presence of carnivorous canine teeth also indicates the hunting of wild animals etc.
4. Vadnagar, District, Mehsana, Gujarat, 2015-16
A multidisciplinary approach involving archaeology (geo and landscape archaeology),
geo-informatics and sedimentology.
The earliest deposit of the sites goes back to 1st- 2nd Century BCE at Baba no Tekdo
locality as more than 300 coins of various metals and alloys such as copper, lead, potin,
billon etc. of different periods
At Kirti Torana revealed remains of the 9th-10th Century CE so far. A few burnt brick
structures like remains of houses, walls, oors, drains and a unique furnace was found
5. Keeladi, District, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 2015-16
Revealed early historic remains (c. 3rd BCE 3rd CE) in the form of brick structures
Evinced interesting nds like Rouletted and Arretine pot sherds suggesting trade contacts
maintained by this settlement with western world.
At a later date these varieties were imitated and manufactured locally at the site.
Inscribed pot sherds having names of individuals written in Tamil Brahmi script over
them.
6. Vangchhia, District Champai, Mizoram- 2015-16
Discovered one of the Biggest Necropolis (Burials/related structures) in India.
GS-2
Issue of sheries subsidies in WTO
(Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate)
What:India alongwith other WTO members such as South Africa and other African, Caribbean and
Pacic group of countries have been seeking effective Special and Differential (S&D) treatment for
developing countries and LDCs
Why:For developmental needs, poverty reduction, livelihood and food security concerns.
Fisheries subsidy
India and some of the WTO member countries had earlier submitted papers before the
Negotiating Group detailing the need and importance of S&D provisions particularly for
the small, marginal and artisanal sheries in the developing countries and LDCs.
Capacity building assistance would be a part of the S&D provisions.
Negotiations on shery subsidies discipline, which was on hold since 2011, restarted just
prior to Nairobi Ministerial Meeting held in December, 2015.
Since then, members have been showing interest for recommencing negotiations on
shery subsidy discipline.
In these negotiations, India and some of the WTO member countries have reiterated the
need for S&D provisions, as an integral part of shery subsidy discipline.
Indian Leather Development Programme

(Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues
arising out of their design and implementation.)
What: ILDP, a central sector scheme, is under implementation with an approved outlay of Rs.
990.36 crore during 12th Plan period
Six sub schemes
1. Integrated Development of Leather Sector (IDLS)
Assistance is provided for technology up-gradation/modernization of leather units
Investment grant @30% to small & micro units and @20% to other units through
nationalized banks with maximum assistance of Rs.2 crore for each product line.
2. Human Resource Development (HRD)
Assistance is provided for placement linked skill development training to unemployed
persons @ Rs. 15,000 per person
Assistance is provided for skill up-gradation training to employed workers @ Rs. 5,000 per
employee.
Placement of 75% of trained persons is mandatory for availing assistance related to skill
development training component.
3. Mega Leather Cluster scheme
Providing infrastructure support to the Leather Industry by establishment of Mega Leather
Cluster.
Minimum land area required for Mega Leather Cluster is 25 acres to be set up without
tanneries and 40 acres with tanneries
Assistance upto 50% of the project cost is provided by the Government of India, limited to
Rs. 125 crores
4. Support to Artisan scheme
For formation of Self-help groups (SHGs), product development, capacity building,
providing centralized common facilities centers and marketing linkages.
5. Leather Technology, Innovation & Environmental Issues
Assistance is provided for up-gradation/installation of Common Efuent Treatment Plants
(CETPs) @ 50% of the project cost.
Pilot Projects under Technology Benchmarking for leather units, organizing Environment
Related Workshops and Pilot projects for Solid Waste Management are also eligible for
assistance
6. Establishment of Institutional Facilities
Establishment of two new branches of Footwear Design and Development Institute
(FDDI), with assistance of Rs. 100 crore for each branch, in the States of Punjab and
Gujrat.
Measures Taken by the Government for Upliftment of Women in Agriculture Sector

(Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the
performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the
protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.)
What: As per Census 2011, Sixty ve percent (65%) of the total female workers in India are
engaged in agriculture.
Of the total cultivators (118.7 million), 30.3% are female.
Out of 144.3 million agricultural labourers 42.6 % are Women.
In 2001, female agricultural labourers were 21% which increased to 23% in 2011
About: The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare implements various
programmes of farmers including women in agriculture sector.
Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP)
Implemented by Ministry of Rural Development
To empower women in agriculture by making systematic investments to enhance their
participation and productivity, as also create and sustain agriculture based livelihoods of
rural women.
Under the Pariyojana, projects are conceived in such a manner that the skill base of the
women in agriculture is enhanced to enable them to pursue their livelihoods on a
sustainable basis.
Measures taken by the Government for upliftment of women in the agriculture are:
1. Support to States Extension Programme for Extension Reforms
Ensuring utilization of minimum 30% of resources on programmes and activities for
women farmers and women extension functionaries.
To encourage women farmers participation in planning and decision making process,
their representation in farmers advisory committee at block, district and state level has
been provided under the scheme
2. Sub Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP)
Training is provided under the components of the Scheme Seed Village Programme and
Quality Control Arrangement of Seeds in which women farmers are equally benetted.
3. National Food Security Mission (NFSM)
30% of allocation of fund is being earmarked for women farmer.
An intervention under NFSM providing cropping system based training to farmers
including SC, ST and women farmers to create awareness on improved technology for
increasing production and productivity of crops.
4. National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP)
30% of budgetary allocation is being earmarked for women beneciaries/farmers.
Concerned implementing agencies will be responsible for monitoring implementation of
these components i.e. allocation of resources for SC/ST/Women beneciaries and
maintenance of database for the same.
5. Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
31 drudgery reducing technologies for women in agriculture developed by ICAR are
promoted through training, demonstration and nancial assistance.
Women beneciaries are also provided 10% additional nancial assistance for purchase
of various agricultural machines and equipment.
6. National Horticulture Mission
Women are organized into Self Help Groups and farm inputs and technological &
extension supports are provided to make women self-reliant.
7. (ICAR) has established a network of 645 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
Aiming at assessment and demonstration of technologies/products and its dissemination
through number of extension programmes including training of farmers to update their
knowledge and skill.
During 2015-16, as many as 205 women specic income generation technologies related
to technological empowerment of rural women were assessed
8. ICAR- Central Institute for Women in Agriculture (ICAR-CIWA)
Forefront undertaking research on issues affecting women in agriculture.
Focused on participatory action research in different technology based theme areas
involving rural women
To catalyse and facilitate R & D institutions to bring in farm women perspectives in their
programmes.
Working to catalyse and facilitate R & D institutions to bring in farm women perspectives
in their programmes.
Drudgery faced by farm women in various agricultural operations including household are
being addressed with quantiable data on the required parameters and designing/
rening women friendly farm tools & equipment.
Giftmilk Scheme to Improve Child Nutrition

(Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the
performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the
protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.)
What:Government has approved a proposal for setting up an Institution for promotion of nutrition
through milk/milk products (especially for children) utilizing Corporate Social Responsibility funds
of NDDBs subsidiaries and other voluntary donation.
NDDB
To promote, plan and organize programmers for the purpose of development of dairy and
other agriculture based and allied industries and biological on an intensive and nationwide basis and to render assistance in the implementation of such programs.
NDDB is implementing National Dairy Plan phase-1(NDP-1), a central sector scheme of
Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India to increase milk production in the country.
Giftmilk
NDDB registered a trust/ society known as NDDB Foundation for Nutrition(NFN) to
implement this initiative known as Giftmilk to improve child nutrition thought
consumption of milk & milk products by providing milk free of cost.
The supply of milk / milk product would be facilitated through dairy cooperatives only.
Giftmilk imitative in 3 schools -2 in Delhi & 1 in Telangana
Giftmilk is presently supported by NDDBs subsidiaries who have contributed fro their
CSR commitment.
Strengthening Public Distribution System

What: Government of India has enacted the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) on
10.09.2013, which has come into force with effect from 05.07.2013 for receiving subsidized
foodgrains under TPDS upto 75% of the rural population and upto 50 % of the urban population of
the country.
Under NFSA,the coverage under TPDS has been delinked from poverty estimates and the eligible
households covered under the Act comprises of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households and
Priority households.
As per the above coverage and based on 2011 census population, the number of persons eligible
for subsidized foodgrains under TPDS in the country is estimated at about 81.35 crore.
TPDS
Strengthening and streamlining of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) is a
continuous endeavour.
To improve functioning of TPDS and effective implementation of it, Government has been
regularly issuing advisories and holding meetings, conferences, etc.
State/UT Governments are requested for review of list of beneciaries, improving the
offtake of allocated foodgrains, ensuring timely availability of foodgrains at Fair Price
Shops (FPSs), greater transparency in functioning of TPDS, improved monitoring and

vigilance at various levels, improving the viability of FPS operations, etc.
(NFSA), 2013 also contains measures for reforms in TPDS, to be under taken
progressively by the Central and State/UT Governments.
Reforms include cash transfer, door-step delivery of foodgrains at the FPS, application of
information and communication technology tools including end to end computerization
preference to public institutions/bodies in licensing of FPS, etc.
Government has initiated a plan scheme on End-to-end Computerization of TPDS
Operations during 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17) on cost sharing basis with the
States/UTs.
As part of beneciary data digitization, States/UTs have been requested to seed the
Aadhaar numbers wherever available so as to weed out the ineligible/bogus/duplicate
beneciaries.
Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2016

What:Cabinet approved Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2016 which is a historical Step towards
making roads safe and save lakhs of innocent lives
Amendment aims to improve
Every year 5 lakh road accidents are reported in the country in which 1.5 lakh people lose
their lives
Government is committed to reduce the accidents and fatalities by 50% in ve
years
To address the issue of road safety, a draft Road Transport & Safety Bill was prepared
soon after NDA Government came to power.
Most of the States have expressed reservations
In the present Motor Vehicle Act, there are 223 Sections out of which the Bill aims to
amend 68 sections whereas Chapters 10 has been deleted and a Chapter 11 is being
replaced with new provisions to simplify third party insurance claims and settlement
process.
The amendments mainly focus on issues relating to improving road safety,
citizens facilitation while dealing with the Transport Department. Strengthening
rural transport, last mile connectivity and public transport, automation and
computerization and enabling online services.
The important provisions include increase in compensation for Hit & Run cases from Rs.
25000 to Rs. 2 lakhs.
Provision for payment of compensation upto Rs. 10 lakh in road accidents fatalities.
Improving delivery of services to the stakeholders using e-Governance
Include enabling online learning licenses, increasing validity period for driving
licenses, doing away with the requirements of educational qualications for
transport licenses are some of the features
Bill propose to improve the transport scenario in the country by permitting the States to
grant exemptions in Stage carriage and contract carriage permits for promoting rural
transport, public transport, last mile connectivity and for passenger convenience and road
safety.
Bill proposes offences committed by Juveniles. The Guardian / owner shall be deemed to
be guilty in cases of offences by the Juveniles and Juvenile to be tried under JJ Act.
Registration of Motor Vehicle to be cancelled
To improve the registration process for new vehicles, registration at the end of the dealer
is being enabled and restrictions have been imposed on temporary registration.
In the area of road safety, bill proposes to increase penalties to act as deterrent against
trafc violations. Stricter provisions are being proposed in respect of offences like juvenile
driving, drunken driving, driving without licence, dangerous driving, over-speeding,
overloading etc. Stricter provisions for helmets have been introduced along with
provisions for electronic detection of violations.
To help the road accident victims, Good Samaritan guidelines have been incorporated in
the Bill. The Bill also proposes to mandate the automated tness testing for the transport
vehicles with effect from 1st October 2018. This would reduce corruption in the Transport
Department while improving the road worthiness of the vehicle
To bring harmony of the registration and licensing process, it is proposed to create
National Register for Driving Licence and National Register for Vehicle registration
through Vahan & Sarathi platforms. This will facilitate uniformity of the process across
the country.
To facilitate transport solutions for Divyang, the bottlenecks have been removed in
respect of grant of driving licenses as well as alterations in the vehicles to make it t for
use of Divyang.
Act East Policy

What:
The Act East Policy (AEP) focuses on the extended neighbourhood in the Asia-Pacic
region
AEP provides an interface between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) region.
The policy which was originally conceived as an economic initiative, has gained political,
strategic and cultural dimensions.
On the domestic front, the Government has taken measures for time bound completion of
critical infrastructure projects in the North Eastern Region (NER) relating to road, rail,
inland water transport, power, airports and telecom connectivity.
Interest Subvention Scheme to Boost Exports

1. Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS)
It was introduced in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-20
Aims to incentivize export of merchandise which is produced/ manufactured in
India
2. Interest Equalisation Scheme on Pre & Post Shipment Rupee Export Credit
Scheme is available to manufacturers for all exports under 416 specied tariff lines [at
ITC (HS) Codes at 4 digit level] and to exports made by manufacturers in Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises across all ITC (HS) Codes.
Rate of interest equalisation is 3% per annum
3. Duty Exemption/Remission Schemes
Advance Authorisation (AA), Duty Free Import Authorisation (DFIA) and Duty Drawback
(DBK) Scheme enable duty free import of inputs for export production, including
replenishment of input or duty remission.
Schemes to promote exports of Gem & Jewellery
4. Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme

Envisaged to act as a catalyst to promote Indias exports on a sustained basis.
Scheme provides assistance to Export Promotion Organizations/Trade Promotion
Organizations/National Level Institutions/ Research Institutions /Universities
/Laboratories, Exporters etc.
For enhancement of exports through accessing new markets or through increasing the
share in the existing markets.
5. Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme
Under operation through the Department of Commerce
To assist exporters for export promotion activities abroad
Assist Export Promotion Councils(EPCs) to undertake export promotion activities for their
product(s) and commodities
To assist approved organizations/ trade bodies in undertaking exclusive non-recurring
innovative activities connected with export promotion efforts for their members.
Compensation to victims of acid attacks

arising out of their design and implementation)
What: A new Section 357A has been inserted in the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 vide the
Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act, 2008
To:provide for compensation to victims of crime.
Implementation: a Victim Compensation Scheme (VCS) is required to be framed by the State
Governments/ Union Territories in coordination with the Central Government.
Details:
In July 2016, the Central Government has launched the Central Victim Compensation Fund (CVCF)
Scheme for women with one time grant of Rs.200.00 Crore under the Nirbhaya Fund
To support and supplement the existing Victim Compensation Schemes notied by States
/ UT Administrations
To reduce disparity in quantum of compensation amount notied by different States/ UTs
for victims of similar crimes
To encourage States/UTs to effectively implement the Victim Compensation Schemes
(VCS) notied by them under the provisions of section 357A of CrPC.
Provide nancial support to victims of various crimes like sexual offences including rape,
acid attacks, crime against children, human trafcking etc.
A minimum compensation of Rs 3.00 lakh has been allocated for the victim of acid attack
under this scheme.
Launch of Mission Bhagirath

arising out of their design and implementation)
What: PM launched Mission Bhagiratha at Komatibanda Village, Gajwel, in Medak District of
Telangana.
Objective:to provide safe drinking water to all
The Mission includes important development projects:
1600 MW Thermal Power station of NTPC at Ramagundam
revival of a Fertilizer Plant at Ramagundam

Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences, Warangal
Manoharabad-Kothapalli Railway line
GS-3
Getting Rid of Filth and Pollution from Wastes
(Topic:Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment)
What: Comprehensive revision of Waste Management Rules for solid waste, plastic waste,
biomedical waste, hazardous waste and electronic waste, and notication of construction and
demolition waste management Rules during MarchApril, 2016.
How: These Rules emphasizes waste minimization, source segregation, resource recovery for
recycling and reuse, extended producer responsibility, involvement of waste pickers and self-help
group, enhanced scope for waste reuse / recycle in different application like usage in road, waste
to energy, waste to oil etc.
Steps to address issues related to water pollution, air pollution, industrial pollution, improper waste
disposal etc.
1. Notication ofNational Ambient Air Quality Standards;
2. Formulation of environmental regulations/ statutes;
3. Setting up ofmonitoring network for assessment of ambient air quality;
4. Introduction of cleaner / alternate fuelslike gaseous fuel (CNG, LPG etc.), ethanol blend
etc.;
5. Promotion of cleaner productionprocesses;
6. Launching ofNational Air Quality indexby the Prime Minister in April, 2015;
7. Implementation of Bharat Stage IV (BS-IV) norms in 63 selected cities
anduniversalization of BS-IV by 2017;
8. Decision taken toleapfrog directly from BS-IV to BS-VI fuelstandards by 1st April, 2020;
9. Taxing polluting vehiclesand incentivizing hybrid and electric vehicles;
10. Ban on burning of leaves, biomass, municipal solid waste;
11. Promotion of public transport network of metro, buses, e-rickshaws and promotion of
carpooling, Pollution Under Control, lane discipline, vehicle maintenance;
12. Revision of existing environmental standards and formulation of new standards for
prevention and control of pollution from industries;
13. Regular co-ordination meetings at ofcial and ministerial level with Delhi and other
State Governments within the NCR;
14. Issuance of directionsunder Section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and under
Section 18(1)(b) of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Air
(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981;
15. Installation ofon-line continuous (247) monitoring devicesby major industries;
16. Preparation ofaction plan for sewage management and restoration of water quality in
aquatic resources by State Governments;
17. Implementation of National River Conservation Plan for abatement of pollution in
identied stretches of various rivers and undertaking conservation activities including
education and awareness creation, community participation, electric/improved wood
crematoria and river front development;
18. Implementation of schemes for setting up of Common Efuent Treatment Plants
(CETP), promotion of waste minimization strategies, Capacity Building for Industrial
Pollution Management, setting up of Treatment and Disposal Facilities for hazardous and
biomedical waste, setting up of Sewage Treatment Plants etc.
19. Re-categorisation of industriesbased on the pollution potential.
Indias INDC Targets

(Topic:Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment)
It will achieve about 40 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from nonfossil fuel based energy resources by 2030
With the help of transfer of technology
Low cost international nance including from Green Climate Fund (GCF)
India has set renewable power deployment target of 175 GW by the year 2022,
which includes 100 GW from solar and 60 GW from wind energy.
The revised Tariff Policy has several provisions aimed at accelerating
deployment of renewable energy in the country
8% solar Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) by the year 2022;
Renewable Generation Obligation on new coal/lignite based thermal plants;
bundling of renewable power with power from plants in case of fully depreciated power
plants whose Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) have expired
Exemption of renewable energy from inter-state transmission charges.
Manned Space Programme

(Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and
developing new technology.)
The major advancements in Indias space programme during the last two years include
1. Insertion of Indias Mars Orbiter around the planet Mars
2. realisation of indigenous Cryogenic engine and building indigenous capability of
launching 2 Ton class satellites
3. realisation of space based services for en-route navigation & safety-of-life applications in
aviation sector
4. completion of Indigenous satellite navigational systemNavIC
5. placement of an observatory in space ASTROSAT enabling simultaneous multiwavelength (from Ultraviolet to X-Ray) observations of stars and galaxies
6. deployment of an indigenously built S-Band Unfurlable Antenna (6 meter) in space for
satellite based mobile communications
7. technology demonstration of reusable launch vehicle, (viii) launching of 20 satellites in a
single launch mission
Now what?
ISRO has taken up the development of critical technologies as part of pre-project
activities for the Manned Space Programme.
Major activities identied under Pre-Project are Crew Module (CM) systems,
Environmental Control & Life Support System (ECLSS), Flight Suit and Crew Escape
System (CES).
The Crew module was ight tested in the experimental mission of GSLV MkIII on
December 18, 2014 and the re-entry characteristics and the recovery of the Crew Module
were successfully demonstrated.
As of now, Manned Space Programme is not an approved programme.
Currently, ISRO is developing critical technologies relevant for human spaceight for
building future capacity.
No cooperation or assistance has been sought from any other country during the last two
years in this regard.

New IPR Policy
(Topic: issues relating to intellectual property rights)
What: The Government has approved the National IPR Policy on 12th May 2016. The policy lays
down the following seven objectives:
1. IPR Awareness:Outreach and Promotion- Generation of IPRs: To create public awareness
about the economic, social and cultural benets of IPRs among all sections of society;
2. Generation of IPRs-To stimulate the generation of IPRs;
3. Legal and Legislative Framework:To have strong and effective IPR laws, which balance
the interests of rights owners with larger public interest;
4. Administration and Management: To modernize and strengthen service-oriented IPR
administration;
5. Commercialization of IPR:Get value for IPRs through commercialization;
6. Enforcement and Adjudication: To strengthen the enforcement and adjudicatory
mechanisms for combating IPR infringements;
7. Human Capital Development: To strengthen and expand human resources, institutions
and capacities for teaching, training, research and skill building in IPRs
IPR policy:
Lays the roadmap for future development in the eld of IPRs
Comprehensive and holistic, and cannot be said to lack specics.
Lists specic action points to be implemented towards fullment of the aforementioned
objectives.
Certain points like transfer of Copyright and Semiconductor Integrated Circuits LayoutDesign to Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion have been acted upon and the
Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules accordingly changed.
Augmentation of manpower, including recruitment of 458 Patent Examiners, has been
done.
National Disaster Mitigation Fund

(Topic: Disaster and disaster management)
About:The Government of India has released the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) on
01.06.2016.
The National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) has not been set up.
Objective for creation of NBMF is for the projects exclusively for the purpose of mitigation which is
being served by the existing Centrally Sponsored Schemes / Central Sector (CS) Schemes such as
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana
Krishonnati Yojana
National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture
MGNREGA
Major Irrigation projects
Namami Gange-National Ganga plan
River Basin Management
National River Conservation Plan and Water Resource Management
Keeping in view the above, the Government feels that at present there are sufcient schemes to
take care of mitigation measures in different projects and the need for creation of separate
NDMF has not been felt.
Financial management of disasters is undertaken as per the mechanisms available in DM Act,

2005 and there is no fund namely Disaster Management Fund.
Status of Cottage and Agro-Based Rural Industries

(Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth,
development and employment)
What: Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) through Khadi and Village
Industries Commission (KVIC) and Coir Board is implementing schemes to promote cottage and
agro-based rural industries:
1. Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)
A credit linked subsidy scheme, for setting up of new micro-enterprises and to generate
employment opportunities in rural as well as urban areas
The maximum cost of projects is rs.25 lakh in the manufacturing sector and rs.10 lakh in
the service sector.
Up to 2016-17 (upto 30.6.2016), 3.80 lakh micro enterprises have been set up by utilizing
margin money amounting to rs.7735.13 crore.
13 lakh jobs have been created from these units.
2. Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI)
Launched in 2005-06 for making Traditional Industries more productive and competitive
by organizing the Traditional Industries and artisans into clusters.
Upto 31.07.2016, 45 clusters have been granted nal approval with a total project cost of
Rs.86.12 crore beneting around 37356 artisans.
3. Coir Udyami Yojana
Formerly known as REMOT Scheme
A credit linked subsidy scheme, which provides assistance for setting up of coir units with
a maximum cost of project upto Rs.10 lakhs plus working capital, which shall not exceed
25% of the project cost.
The pattern of assistance is 40% as Govt. Subsidy, 55% as loan from Banks and 5% as
beneciary contribution.
Scheme is open to all individuals, companies, SHGs, NGOs, Institutes, etc.
4. Mahila Coir Yojana
An exclusive skill development programme for rural women artisans in coir sector.
Training is provided in spinning of coir yarn/various coir processing activities.
Developments in Bio-Technology Sector

(Topic: Awareness in the eld of bio-technology)
What: Indias research performance in Pharmacology and Biotechnology indicates that Indias
scholarly output based on publication data is nearly 5 % of the worlds total in 2014 and showing
strong average growth of over 12 % annually.
The Department of Bio-Technology (DBT) is implementing an integrated human resource
development programme. It comprises of
Sc./ M. Tech. teaching program,
Fellowships for doctoral and post-doctoral research in biotechnology
Biotechnology Industrial Training program for post graduate students for skill upgradation
Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowships also provided to 50 scientists each year.
The Department established Biotechnology Industry Research Assessments Council (BIRAC) as a

Section 8 (not for prot) Public Sector Enterprise in 2012 with a mandate to build the biotechnology
innovation ecosystem in the country.
Since its inception, BIRAC has provided funding to entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs and
translational organizations to the tune of Rs. 677 crores which has helped innovation
research to bring high quality and affordable products towards commercialization.
It is proposed to set up an independent regulator for bio-technology including Genetically
Modied (GM) crops for which the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority Bill (BRAI) Bill,
2013 was introduced in 15th Lok Sabha and was lapsed with the tenure of the same.
BRAI Bill 2013 has now been revised taking into consideration recent developments in
genetic engineering technologies for reintroduction through appropriate legislative
process.
As an interim measure to implement the best practices contained in the BRAI Bill,
establish a separate ofce dealing with biosafety issues it is proposed to get Genetically
Engineered products within the existing regulatory framework under the Rules for the
Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro-organisms/ Genetically
Engineered Organisms or Cells (Rules, 1989) of the Environmental Protection Act (EPA),
1986.
The proposed Ofce of Biotechnology Regulation will have an Inter-Ministerial Board
represented by senior ofcials of concerned ministries for overall supervision along with
strengthened risk assessment and management system through a functional unit of
multidisciplinary scientists
NEEFP and NEEAPP Schemes A Novel Step Towards Achieving Energy Efciency
(Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life)
What:the Energy Efciency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture company of four Power Sector
PSUs, has designed innovative programmes
Called: Energy Efcient Fans Programme (EEFP) and Energy Efcient Agriculture Pumps
Programme (EEAPP)
For:enhancing energy efciency in domestic and agriculture sectors.
Details:
Under this programme, 50 watt fans are provided by EESL at Rs. 1,150 per unit on upfront
payment, or at total of Rs. 1,200, if taken on EMI
The EMI is adjusted against electricity bills of consumers.
The EEAPP has been launched by EESL to replace the old and inefcient pump sets of
farmers free of cost.
EESL would also provide smart control panels to enhance the ease of operation of pumps
by the farmers.
The energy efcient pumps, which are 4 or 5 star rated, ensure a minimum of 30%
reduction in energy consumption. The reduction of energy consumption in agriculture
would result in reduction in subsidy that the State Government provides to distribution
companies.
Solarisation of Ports
(Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports)
What:The Government proposes to implement utility-scale Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant projects
at various major ports across the country.
Funding:The funds for establishment of solar power projects are arranged by the major ports from
their own resources and no funds have been released from the Ministry.
Objectives:
1. Part of the Green Port Initiative launched by this Ministry.
2. Contributing to reduction in carbon emissions and consequently improving environment.
3. Reduce cost of power purchased from grid by utilization of solar power for power
generation.
4. Meeting with Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) as mandated by State Governments.
Depletion of Ground Water

(Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment)
What:The scientists of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and University of
California, United States of America had made an attempt to estimate ground water depletion in
north-western India
Used: Terrestrial Water Storage (TWS) change observations from NASA Gravity Recovery and
Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite data for the period from August, 2002 to October, 2008.
Area of study:about 4.4 lakh sq.km covering the States of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi,
as a single unit without actual eld mapping of ground water levels.
Result: ground water is depleting in the aforementioned four States at a mean rate of 4.01.0
cm/year equivalent height of water (17.74.5 cubic km/year)
Analysis of Central Ground Water Board (CGWB):
GRACE missions ground water storage studies are satellite based estimates and coarse
resolution of GRACE data limits its applicability to study ground water dynamics.
CGWB estimations are, however, based on eld data and bring out smaller scale
variations in the ground water storage pattern over a vast region.
Steps by governmentto improve groundwater level
Master Plan for Articial Recharge to Ground Water in India has been prepared, which
envisages construction of different types of Articial Recharge and Rainwater Harvesting
structures in the Country.
Special focus is given through Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee
Act (MGNREGA) for water conservation and water harvesting structures to augment
ground water.
In addition, priority has been given for construction of farm ponds in the year
2016-17 to harvest rain water.
Department of Land Resources, Government _of India is implementing Watershed
Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchaai Yojana (PMKSY) since
2015-16.
One of the major activity under the Watershed Development Component, interalia, includes rainwater harvesting
CGWB has undertaken the Demonstrative Rain Water Harvesting and Articial Recharge
Projects during XI Plan under the Scheme of Ground Water Management & Regulation, in
priority areas.
The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has
circulated a Model Bill to all the States/UTs to enable them to enact suitable ground water
legislation for its regulation and development which includes provision of rain water
harvesting.
Launched Jal kranti Abhiyan (2015-16 to 2017-18) in order to consolidate water
conservation and management in the Country through a holistic and integrated approach
involving all stakeholders, making it a mass movement.

Jal Gram Yojana component of Jal Kranti Abhiyan envisages selection of two villages in
every district, preferably over-exploited or facing acute water scarcity, as Jal Grams to
ensure optimum and sustainable utilization of water.
Focus on Crop Diversication and Allied Activities

(Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation
and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and
related constraints)
What:Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW) is implementing Crop
Diversication Programme in Original Green Revolution States of Punjab, Haryana and Western
Uttar Pradesh as a sub scheme of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) since 2013-14
To:divert the area of water guzzling paddy to alternate crops like pulses, oilseeds, maize, cotton
and agro forestry system.
Under Crop Diversication Programme, assistance is being provided for four major components /
interventions viz.
1. alternate crop demonstrations
2. Farm mechanization and value addition
3. Site specic activities
4. Contingency for awareness, training, implementation, monitoring, etc
Other schemes promoting crop diversication
National Food Security Mission (NFSM)
Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI)
National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP)
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET)
Soil Health Card Scheme
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
Ministry of Food Processing Industries
Implementing various schemes to boost farmers income promotion and development of food
processing sector in the country
Mega Food Parks
Scheme for Modern Abattoirs
Scheme for Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure
Scheme for Creation/Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation
Scheme for Quality Assurance and Scheme for Human Resources and Institutions
Security features of currency notes

(Topic: Indian Economy)
What: A study on Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) issues, including estimation of FICN in
circulation, has been undertaken by Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata under the overall supervision
of National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Result:the face value of FICN in circulation was found to be about Rs. 400 crores. It was found the
value remained constant for the last 4 years.
Security features:
The design and security features of banknotes are decided by the Government of India
from time to time, in consultation with Reserve bank of India (RBI).
An FICN Coordination Group (FCORD) has been formed in the Ministry of Home Affairs to
share the intelligence/information amongst different security agencies of States/Centre
to counter the menace
Government has recently introduced revised numbering pattern in all denominations of
banknotes.
Poor saving habit

(Topic: Indian Economy)
What: A survey by HSBC (Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) named
Generations and Journeys
Result:
A large number (47 per cent) of working age people in India have either not started saving
for their retirement or have stopped or faced difculties while saving for their future.
21 per cent of the working age population surveyed have not even started saving for
retirement.
Details:
Household saving has two components
Financial saving
Financial assets like bank deposits, shares and debentures, etc.
Physical saving
Household construction, their possession of machinery and equipment and valuables, etc.
It is not clear from the published report of the HSBC Survey whether it refers only to the
nancial savings of the Indian labour force.
National Accounts Data- 2014-15
Indian households saved about 19.1 per cent of the of the Gross domestic product, of
which their physical savings consisted of 11.4 percentage points and nancial savings
consisted of 7.7 percentage points
National Sample Survey Ofce, 2013
Survey on Household Assets and Liabilities revealed that about 82.2 per cent of the rural
households and 81.1 per cent of the urban households reported possession of bullion and
ornaments.
The strong bullion preference of Indian households, along with the generally high ination
and inadequate access to banking and nancial channels that prevailed during the last
decade, to a great extent, explained the saving behavior of Indian households.
To improve nancial inclusion and the channels for nancial savings, steps taken are:
Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
About 22.65 crore of bank accounts have been created till 27th July 2016
A balance of over Rs.40750 crore in these accounts.
Re-launch of the certicate savings scheme called Kisan Vikas Patra
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana to contribute to the nancial security to the girl child
Increase in the limit of deduction under the Income Tax Act for health insurance premium,
contribution to specic pension funds and contribution by the employees to National
Pension Scheme
Increasing the access to formal nancial system by utilizing the postal network
Governments initiatives like Make-in-India, Skill India, Start-up India, Stand-up India and
other measures to boost productive activities and employment are also likely to improve
the savings of Indian labour force.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Goods and Services Tax

(GST)
Following are the answers to the various frequently asked questions relating to GST:
Question 1.What is GST? How does it work?

Answer: GST isone indirect tax for the whole nation, which will make India one unied common
market.
GST is a single tax on the supply of goods and services, right from the manufacturer to
the consumer.
Credits of input taxes paid at each stage will be available in the subsequent stage of value
addition, which makes GST essentially a tax only on value addition at each stage.
Thenal consumer will thus bear only the GST charged by the last dealer in the supply
chain, with set-off benets at all the previous stages.
Question 2. What are the benets of GST?

Answer: The benets of GST can be summarized as under:
For business and industry
Easy compliance: Arobust and comprehensive IT system would be the foundation of
the GST regime in India. Therefore, all tax payer services such as registrations, returns,
payments, etc. would be available to the taxpayers online, which would make compliance
easy and transparent.
Uniformity of tax rates and structures: GST will ensure that indirect tax rates and
structures are common across the country, thereby increasing certainty and ease of
doing business. In other words, GST would make doing business in the country tax
neutral, irrespective of the choice of place of doing business.
Removal of cascading: A system of seamless tax-credits throughout the value-chain,
and across boundaries of States, would ensure that there is minimal cascading of taxes.
This would reduce hidden costs of doing business.
Improved competitiveness:Reduction in transaction costs of doing business would
eventually lead to an improved competitiveness for the trade and industry.
Gain to manufacturers and exporters: The subsuming of major Central and State taxes in
GST, complete and comprehensive set-off of input goods and services and phasing out of
Central Sales Tax (CST) wouldreduce the cost of locally manufactured goods and
services. This will increase the competitiveness of Indian goods and services in the
international market and give boost to Indian exports. The uniformity in tax rates and
procedures across the country will also go a long way in reducing the compliance cost.
For Central and State Governments
Simple and easy to administer:Multiple indirect taxes at the Central and State levels are
being replaced by GST.Backed with a robust end-to-end IT system, GST would be simpler
and easier to administer than all other indirect taxes of the Centre and State levied so far.
Better controls on leakage: GST will result in better tax compliance due to a robust IT
infrastructure.Due to the seamless transfer of input tax credit from one stage to another
in the chain of value addition, there is an in-built mechanism in the design of GST that
would incentivize tax compliance by traders.
Higher revenue efciency: GST is expected to decrease the cost of collection of tax
revenues of the Government, and will therefore, lead to higher revenue efciency.
For the consumer
Single and transparent tax proportionate to the value of goods and services: Due to
multiple indirect taxes being levied by the Centre and State, with incomplete or no input
tax credits available at progressive stages of value addition, the cost ofmost goods and
services in the country today are laden with many hidden taxes.Under GST,there would
be only one tax from the manufacturer to the consumer, leading to transparency of
taxespaid to the nal consumer.
Relief in overall tax burden:Because of efciency gains and prevention of leakages, the
overall tax burden on most commodities will come down, which will benet consumers.
Question 3. Which taxes at the Centre and State level are being subsumed into GST?
Answer:
At theCentrallevel, the following taxes are being subsumed:
1. Central Excise Duty
2. Additional Excise Duty
3. Service Tax
4. Additional Customs Duty commonly known as Countervailing Duty
5. Special Additional Duty of Customs
At theStatelevel, the following taxes are being subsumed:
1. Subsuming of State Value Added Tax/Sales Tax
2. Entertainment Tax (other than the tax levied by the local bodies), Central Sales Tax (levied
by the Centre and collected by the States)
3. Octroi and Entry tax
4. Purchase Tax
5. Luxury tax
6. Taxes on lottery, betting and gambling.
Question 4. What are the major chronological events that have led to the introduction of GST?
Answer: GST is being introduced in the country after a 13 year long journey since it was rst
discussedin the report ofthe Kelkar Task Force on indirect taxes. A brief chronology outlining the
major milestones on the proposal for introduction of GST in India is as follows:
1. In 2003, the Kelkar Task Force on indirect tax had suggested a comprehensive Goods and
Services Tax (GST) based on VAT principle.
2. A proposal to introduce a National level Goods and Services Tax (GST) by April 1,
2010was rst mooted in the Budget Speech for the nancial year 2006-07.
Since the proposal involved reform/ restructuring of not only indirect taxes levied by the
Centre but also the States, the responsibility of preparing a Design and Road Map for the
implementation of GST wasassigned to the Empowered Committee of State Finance

Ministers (EC).
2009. Based on inputs from Govt of India and States, the EC released its First Discussion Paper
on Goods and Services Tax in India in November, 2009.
2010. In order to take the GST related work further, a Joint Working Group consisting of
ofcers from Central as well as State Government was constitutedin September, 2009.
2011. In order to amend the Constitution to enable introduction of GST,the Constitution (115th
Amendment) Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha in March 2011. As per the prescribed
procedure, the Bill wasreferred to the Standing Committee on Financeof the Parliament
for examination and report.
Meanwhile, in pursuance of the decision taken in a meeting between the Union Finance
Minister and the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers on 8th November,
2012, a Committee on GST Design, consisting of the ofcials of the Government of India,
State Governments and the Empowered Committee was constituted.
This Committee did a detailed discussion on GST design including the Constitution
(115th) Amendment Bill and submitted its report in January, 2013. Based on this
Report, the EC recommended certain changes in the Constitution Amendment Bill in
their meeting at Bhubaneswar in January 2013.
1. The Empowered Committee in the Bhubaneswar meeting also decided to constitute
three committees of ofcers to discuss and report on various aspects of GST as
follows:2. Committee on Place of Supply Rules and Revenue Neutral Rates;
3. Committee on dual control, threshold and exemptions;
4. Committee on IGST and GST on imports.
5. The Parliamentary Standing Committee submitted its Report in August, 2013 to the Lok
Sabha. Therecommendations of the Empowered Committee and the recommendations
of the Parliamentary Standing Committee were examined in the Ministry in
consultation with the Legislative Department. Most of the recommendations made by
the Empowered Committee and the Parliamentary Standing Committee were accepted
and the draft Amendment Bill was suitably revised.
6. The nal draft Constitutional Amendment Bill incorporating the above stated changes
were sent to the Empowered Committee for consideration in September 2013.
The EC once again made certain recommendations on the Bill after its meeting in Shillong
in November 2013. Certain recommendations of the Empowered Committee were
incorporated in the draft Constitution (115th Amendment) Bill. The revised draft was sent
for consideration of the Empowered Committee in March, 2014.
The 115th Constitutional (Amendment) Bill, 2011, for the introduction of GST
introduced in the Lok Sabha in March 2011 lapsed with the dissolution of the 15th Lok
Sabha.
In June 2014, the draft Constitution Amendment Bill was sent to the Empowered
Committee after approval of the new Government.
17. Based on a broad consensus reached with the Empowered Committee on the contours of
the Bill, the Cabinet on 17.12.2014 approved the proposal for introduction of a Bill in the
Parliament for amending the Constitution of India to facilitate the introduction of Goods
and Services Tax (GST) in the country. The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on
19.12.2014, and was passed by the Lok Sabha on 06.05.2015. It was then referred to
the Select Committee of Rajya Sabha, which submitted its report on 22.07.2015.
Question 5.How would GST be administered in India?
Answer: Keeping in mind the federal structure of India, there will be two components of GST
Central GST (CGST) and State GST (SGST).
Both Centre and States will simultaneously levy GST across the value chain.
Tax will be levied on every supply of goods and services.
Centre would levy and collect Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST), and States would
levy and collect the State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) on all transactions within a
State.
The input tax credit of CGST would be available for discharging the CGST liability on the
output at each stage.
Similarly, the credit of SGST paid on inputs would be allowed for paying the SGST on
output.
No cross utilization of credit would be permitted.
Question 6. How would a particular transaction of goods and services be taxed simultaneously
under Central GST (CGST) and State GST (SGST)?
Answer: The Central GST and the State GST would be levied simultaneously on every transaction
of supply of goods and services except on exempted goods and services, goods which are outside
the purview of GST and the transactions which are below the prescribed threshold limits. Further,
both would be levied on the same price or value unlike State VAT which is levied on the value of the
goods inclusive of Central Excise.
A diagrammatic representation of the working of the Dual GST model within a State is shown in
Figure 1 below.
Figure 1: GST within State
Question 7.Will cross utilization of credits between goods and services be allowed under GST
regime?
Answer:
Cross utilization of credit of CGST between goods and services would be allowed.
Similarly, the facility of cross utilization of credit will be available in case of SGST.
However, the cross utilization of CGST and SGST would not be allowed except in the
case of inter-State supply of goods and services under the IGST model which is
explained in answer to the next question.
Question 8. How will be Inter-State Transactionsof Goods and Services be taxed underGST in
terms of IGST method?
Answer:
In case of inter-State transactions, the Centre would levy and collect the Integrated Goods
and Services Tax (IGST) on all inter-State supplies of goods and services under Article
269A (1) of the Constitution.
The IGST would roughly be equal to CGST plus SGST.
The IGST mechanism has been designed to ensure seamless ow of input tax credit
from one State to another.
The inter-State seller would pay IGST on the sale of his goods to the Central Government
after adjusting credit of IGST, CGST and SGST on his purchases (in that order).
The exporting State will transfer to the Centre the credit of SGST used in payment of IGST.
The importing dealer will claim credit of IGST while discharging his output tax liability
(both CGST and SGST) in his own State.
The Centre will transfer to the importing State the credit of IGST used in payment of SGST.
Since GST is a destination-based tax, all SGST on the nal product will ordinarily
accrue to the consuming State.
A diagrammatic representation of the working of the IGST model for inter-State transactions is
shown in Figure 2 below.
Figure 2
Question 9. How will IT be used for the implementation of GST?

Answer:
For the implementation of GST in the country, the Central and State Governments have jointly
registered Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) as a not-for-prot, non-Government
Company to provide shared IT infrastructure and services to Central and State Governments, tax
payers and other stakeholders.
The key objectives of GSTN are to provide a standard and uniform interface to the taxpayers, and
shared infrastructure and services to Central and State/UT governments.
GSTN is working on developing a state-of-the-art comprehensive IT infrastructure
including the common GST portal providing frontend services of registration, returns and
payments to all taxpayers, as well as the backend IT modules for certain States that
include processing of returns, registrations, audits, assessments, appeals, etc.
All States, accounting authorities, RBI and banks, are also preparing their IT infrastructure
for the administration of GST.
There would no manual ling of returns.
All taxes can also be paid online.
All mis-matched returns would be auto-generated, and there would be no need for manual
interventions.
Most returns would be self-assessed.
Question 10. How will imports be taxed under GST?

Answer:
The Additional Duty of Excise or CVD and the Special Additional Duty or SAD presently
being levied on imports will be subsumed under GST.
As per explanation to clause (1) of article 269A of the Constitution, IGST will be levied on
all imports into the territory of India.
Unlike in the present regime, the States where imported goods are consumed will now
gain their share from this IGST paid on imported goods.
Question 11. What are the major features of the Constitution (122ndAmendment) Bill, 2014?
Answer: The salient features of the Bill are as follows:
Conferring simultaneous power upon Parliament and the State Legislatures to make
laws governing goods and services tax;
Subsuming of various Central indirect taxes and levies such as Central Excise Duty,
Additional Excise Duties, Service Tax, Additional Customs Duty commonly known as
Countervailing Duty, and Special Additional Duty of Customs;
Subsuming of State Value Added Tax/Sales Tax, Entertainment Tax (other than the tax
levied by the local bodies), Central Sales Tax (levied by the Centre and collected by the
States), Octroi and Entry tax, Purchase Tax, Luxury tax, and Taxes on lottery, betting and
gambling;
Dispensing with the concept of declared goods of special importance under the
Constitution;
Levy of Integrated Goods and Services Tax on inter-State transactions of goods and
services;
GST to be levied on all goods and services, except alcoholic liquor for human
consumption. Petroleum and petroleum products shall be subject to the levy of GST on
a later date notied on the recommendation of the Goods and Services Tax Council;
Compensation to the States for loss of revenuearising on account of implementation of
the Goods and Services Taxfor a period of ve years;
Creation ofGoods and Services Tax Council to examine issues relating to goods and
services tax and make recommendations to the Union and the States on parameters
like rates, taxes, cesses and surcharges to be subsumed, exemption list and threshold
limits, Model GST laws, etc. The Council shall function under the Chairmanship of the
Union Finance Minister and will have all the State Governments as Members.
Question 12. What are the major features of the proposed registration procedures under GST?
Answer: The major features of the proposed registration procedures under GST are as follows:
Existing dealers: Existing VAT/Central excise/Service Tax payers will not have to apply
afresh for registration under GST.
New dealers: Single application to be led online for registration under GST.
The registration number will be PAN based and will serve the purpose for Centre and
State.
Unied application to both tax authorities.
Each dealer to be given unique ID GSTIN.
Deemed approval within three days.
Post registration verication in risk based cases only.
Question 13. What are the major features of the proposed returns ling procedures under GST?
Answer:The major features of the proposed returns ling procedures under GST are as follows:
Common returnwould serve the purpose of both Centre and State Government.
There are eight forms provided for in the GST business processes for ling for returns.
Most of the average tax payers would be using only four forms for ling their returns.
These are return for supplies, return for purchases, monthly returns and annual return.
Small taxpayers: Small taxpayers who have opted composition scheme shall have to le
return on quarterly basis.
Filing of returns shall be completely online. All taxes can also be paid online.
Question 14. What are the major features of the proposed payment procedures under GST?
Answer:The major features of the proposed payments procedures under GST are as follows:
1. Electronic payment process no generation of paper at any stage
2. Single point interfaceforchallan generation- GSTN
3. Ease of payment payment can be made through online banking, Credit Card/Debit
Card, NEFT/RTGS and through cheque/cash at the bank
4. Common challan formwith auto-population features
5. Use of single challan andsingle payment instrument
6. Common setof authorized banks
7. Common AccountingCodes
8th Aug to 14th Aug, 2016
GS-2
Popularization of AYUSH System of Medicine
(Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/ Services relating to
Health, Education, Human Resources)
About- To promote AYUSH systems of medicine across the globe, the Ministry has set up
Academic Chairs in three countries namely Hungary and Trinidad & Tobago (Ayurveda Chair) and
South Africa (Unani Chair)
ObjectiveTo promote academic and collaborative research activities on AYUSH systems abroad
To develop quality standards of AYUSH education in foreign educational institutes
To create awareness about strength of AYUSH systems
Steps takenMoUs for setting up of AYUSH Academic Chairs have also been signed with Universities in
Russia, Indonesia, Slovenia, Thailand (for Ayurveda Chair) and Armenia (for Homoeopathy
Chair).
Twenty AYUSH Information Cells have been set up in 19 countries (two in Indonesia) in
the premises of the Indian Missions/ICCR Cultural Centre for dissemination of authentic
information about AYUSH systems of medicine.
Incentives are also being provided to AYUSH drug manufacturers, entrepreneurs, AYUSH
institutions, etc.
For participating in International exhibitions, conferences, workshops, seminars, road
shows and trade fairs, etc. for generating awareness amongst the participating public
about the Indian Medicines
Registration of AYUSH products with regulatory agencies of different countries to
enhance export of these products.
Photo Exhibition Azadi 70-Yaad Karo Qurbani

(Topic: Promote the contribution made by freedom strugglers)
About-Bharat Parv, a festivalto celebrate Indias 70 years of Independence will help foster the
spirit of unity and integrity amongst the people across the country. It is being celebrated in
remembrance of heroes of the freedom struggle.
Bharat ParvGovernment as a part of celebrations has developed a massive programme of 75
Ministers going all over the country and visiting the birthplace of great heroes and places
of historical importance like Jallianwala Bagh,Kakori, etc.
Exhibition is broadly divided into two broad sections-the rst section covers the period
from the First War of Independence in 1857 to freedom in 1947 and how the public angst
spread from Bengal to South India.
Second segment tracks the progress since independence including the adoption of the
Constitution, efforts at developing nuclear capabilities including the Pokhran test.
Amendment in Section 309 and 377 of IPC

(Topic: Constitutional amendments)
About- Law Commission of India, in its 210th Report: Humanization and Decriminalization of
Attempt to Suicide had recommended thatSection 309(attempt to commit suicide) of IPC needs
to be effaced from the statute book.
Nature of amendmentsAmendments in the Criminal Justice System are a continuous process in order to make
the laws in sync with social changes.
Amendments in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)
are carried out from time to time based on the recommendations of the Law Commission
of India, various Court judgments and the reports of any other committees specially
constituted for the purpose.
Amendment to the Maternity Benet Act, 1961

About:Increasing maternity benet to woman covered under the Maternity Benet Act, 1961 from
12 weeks to 26 weeks up to two surviving children in order to allow the mother to take care of the
child during his/her most formative stage
Details:
Providing maternity benet of 12 weeks toCommissioning mother(in case of surrogate
child) andAdopting mother(in case of adoption)
Facilitate work from home to a mother with mutual consent of the employee and the
employer, making mandatory in respect of establishment having fty or more employees
To have the facility of crche either individually or as a shared common facility within
such distance as may be prescribed by rules & also to allow four visits to the crche by
the woman daily, including the interval for rest allowed to her
Every establishment to intimate in writing and electronically to every woman at the time of
her initial appointment about the benets available under the Act.
Major impactOn the health, well being and growth of the future generation in the country
Positive impact on womens participation in labour force
Improve the work- life balance of the women workers
Beneciaries- Organized work force in the country is around 2.8 crores, of which 18 lacks are
women, who will be beneted.
Amendment of the Employees Compensation Act, 1923

Objective- To modify the provisions of Employees Compensation Act, 1923 to rationalize the
penalties and strengthen the rights of the worker under the Act
OutcomeIncrease of penalty for contravention of Act from present 5000/- to Rs 50,000/- which may
extend to Rs. 1 lakh.
Impose penalty for failure to display provisions of Employees Compensation Act
Section 30 provides for Appeal to high court whenever the disputed amount is more than
Rs 300/-. It is proposed to revise this amount to Rs 10,000 for such higher amount as the
Central Government may prescribe so as to reduce the litigations.
Under Section 30A, the Commissioner could exercise discretion to withhold payment to
an employee whenever an appeal to High Court is led.
It is proposed to omit Section 30(A)With this omission, the amount can be withheld only
when there is a stay or order to that effect by the High Court, where the appeal has been
led.
Major ImpactMore deterrence and hence better compliance
More litigations likely to be closed at the level of Commissioner
Employer cannot withhold Employee compensation, unless stay by High Court

Number of beneciaries- It will benet around 3 crore work force in organized sector in the
country.
International Meeting on Counter Terrorism in Indonesia
(Topic: International meets)
About- International Meeting on Counter Terrorism to be held at Bali, Indonesia on 10th August,
2016 First of its kind meeting being hosted by Indonesia.
Aims at-Strengthening the international cooperation network in addressing the growing threat of
cross-border movement of terrorism from the aspects of actor, information and also nancing
Theme-Countering Cross-Border movement of Terrorism
Agreement between India and CroatiaEconomic Cooperation

(Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting
Indias interests)
AgreementIndia and Croatia had earlier signed an Agreement on trade and economic cooperation in
September, 1994 with an aim to promote and develop bilateral trade and economic
relations.
Signing of the new Agreement between India and Croatia would be a step in continuity as
the existing Agreement expired in November, 2009.
Foreign investment in other Financial Services sector approved

(Topic: Cabinet decision and undertakings)
Outcome of amendmentEnable inow of foreign investment in Other Financial Services on automatic
routeprovided such services areregulated by any nancial sector regulators(RBI, SEBI,
PFRDA etc.) / Government Agencies.
Foreign investment in Other Financial Services, which are not regulated by any
regulators / Government Agency, can be made on approval route.
Further, minimum capitalisation norms as mandated under FDI policy have been
eliminated as most of the regulators have already xed minimum capitalisation norms.
This will induce FDI and spurt economic activities.
It will cover whole India and is not limited to any State/Districts.
SWAYAM Portal Scheme under Online Courses

(Topic: Government schemes and policies)
About-Government will be launching the SWAYAM portal for providing online learning courses
offered by the best teachers to anyone desirous of learning, at anytime of his choice and to be
accessed anywhere in the Country.
BenetIt would be possible for any student or any school drop-out to join virtual classes offered
by the best teachers in the country, interact with the teacher, take tests, earn academic
credits and transfer them on their academic record.
The courses offered in this portal will cover 9th Class to Post Graduation levels. These
courses would be available throughout the country.
In order to benet the areas without internet access, the content provided under SWAYAM
would also be telecast through the free-to-air Direct-To-Home TV channels that are going
to be launched.
MAA Programme: Promotion of Breastfeeding

About-Launch ofMAA Mothers Absolute Affection, a agship programme to ensure adequate
awareness is generated among masses, especially mothers, on the benets of breastfeeding.
Why-Breastfeeding is the most natural, cost effective and signicant intervention and should be
promoted at all levels. This is an enormous resource that every child should have access to.
Agenda-To reduce the under-ve mortality of children
MAA-Mothers Absolute AffectionChief components of the MAA Programme are
Community awareness generation
Strengthening inter personal communication through ASHA
Skilled support for breastfeeding at Delivery points in Public health facilities
Monitoring and Award/recognition
Programme will be monitored by UNICEF.
ImportanceEarly initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth and thereafter exclusive
breastfeeding for the rst six months is essential for the wellness of the child as a simple
act of breastfeeding can ensure for the child the right nutrients to start their life.
Breastfeeding is a childs rst inoculation against death, disease and poverty and
according to the latest scientic evidence; breastfeeding is most enduring investment in
physical, cognitive and social capacity development.
It creates a special bond between mother and baby and the interaction between the
mother and child during breastfeeding has positive impact for life, in terms of stimulation,
behaviour, speech, and sense of well-being, security and how the child relates to other
people.
Matter of concern-Around 20% new-born deaths and 13% under-ve deaths can be prevented by
early initiation of breastfeeding
FMD Mukt Bharat
IssueFoot & Mouth Disease (FMD) is one of the most economically devastating
contagiousviral animal diseasesaffecting all susceptiblecloven-footed animals.
As per the estimates by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), direct loss due
to milk and meat is to the tune of RS. 20,000 crores per annum.
It can be much more if indirect losses due to reduced work capacity; abortions,
subsequent infertility and sterility (that account for the reduced milk production
subsequently) are taken into account.
FMD-CP-
In order to prevent economic losses due to Foot and Mouth Disease, a location specic
programme called Foot and Mouth Disease Control Programme (FMD-CP) is under
implementation since 10thPlan Period.
Scope of the programme will be extended to cover remaining States in a phased manner
so as to have geographically contiguous areas to yield desired results for the creation of
FMD Free Zones depending upon availability of resources.
With robust implementation of FMD-CP in the States, disease occurrence has drastically
been reduced particularly in FMD-CP States e.g. 879 FMD outbreaks were reported in
2012 throughout the country which have been reduced to 109 in 2015.
Looking at the economic importance of the control disease, the Department has
conceivedFMD Mukt Bharat
GS-3
Diamond Quadrilateral Network in Indian Railway
(Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, and Railways etc)
About-Six corridors on Diamond Quadrilateral connecting metropolitan cities and growth centres
of the country (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai & Kolkata) have been identied for feasibility studies for
high speed rail connectivity.
Six corridors includeDelhi-Mumbai
Mumbai-Chennai
Chennai-Kolkata
Kolkata-Delhi
Delhi-Chennai
Mumbai-Kolkata routes.
Feasibility studiesFeasibility studies for Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Kolkata and Mumbai-Chennai have been
awarded in September, 2015.
Feasibility studies for Delhi-Nagpur portion of Delhi-Chennai corridor and Mumbai-Nagpur
portion of Mumbai-Kolkata corridor are being undertaken through Government to
Government cooperation, with China and Spain respectively.
Revised CAR will be Effective from 1st September, 2016

About- DGCA has issued Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR), which species the requirements of
Flight Duty and Flight Time Limitation (FDTL) for cabin crew. The existing CAR has been reviewed
and the revised CAR will be effective from 1st September, 2016. Revised CAR lays down the
provision for extension of FDTL of cabin crew under unforeseen operational circumstances.
Security system at airports in IndiaIt is also reviewed from time to time and upgraded as per requirements with involvement
of all security agencies and stakeholders, depending upon threat perceptions.
To strengthen security arrangements include time bound deployment of Central Industrial
Security Force (CISF) at major airports, deployment of Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) at
major airports and regular monitoring of security arrangements through inspections and
dummy checks.
Battery-Operated Car ServiceRailway Stations

About- Zonal Railways have been authorized to introduce Battery Operated Vehicles (BOVs) at
major railway stations.
It is for- Disabled, elderly and ailing passengers on rst come rst served basis through
sponsorship from individuals, NGOs, Trusts, Charitable institutions, Corporates and
PSUs/Corporate Houses under theirCorporate Social Responsibilityfree of charge to passenger
or to the Railway.
Video Surveillance to be installed at 1000 Railway Stations under Nirbhaya Fund
(Topic:Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, and Railways etc)
About- The proposal of Ministry of Railway namely- Integrated Emergency Response
Management Systemhas been appraised by the Ministry of Women and Child Development under
Nirbhaya Fund which includes installation of video surveillance at 1000 railway stations.
Steps taken for women safetyMinistry of Women and Child Development is implementing scheme of One Stop
Centreto provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence and a
Scheme for Universalisation of Women Helpline to provide 24 hours immediate and
emergency response to women affected by violence.
Safety and security of women and children in the country is of utmost priority for the
Government.
Steps to Rescue Power-loom Weavers from Financial Crisis

(Topic: Industrial development)
Issue-Power-looms in Malegaon, Bhiwandi, Ichalkaranji, Solapur, Surat, Varanasi, Erode, and other
centres in the country are working at sub-optimal capacities due tohigh input costs and reduced
off-take of fabrics. The low off-take has resulted in partial stoppage of power-looms in some
clusters.
Main cause of reduction-On account of input costs and lower demand, there has been some
impact on decentralized power-loom industry which has resulted in thereduction of operational
shiftsin some clusters.
Steps taken to overcome problemsTechnology Upgradation Fund Scheme for upgradation of technology
In-situ Upgradation Scheme for upgrading plain power-looms
Group Work-shed Scheme for giving assistance for constructing work-shed for powerloom sector
Integrated Scheme for Power-loom Sector Development (ISPSD) for extending support in
the form of Buyer Seller Meets, Yarn Banks, setting up of Common Facility Centres,
organising Seminar/ Workshops
Group Insurance Scheme for social security
Integrated Skill Development Scheme (ISDS) for skill upgradation.
Financial support to BHEL: R&D project for development of Advanced Ultra Super Critical
Technology
(Topic: Science and technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday
life)
A Consortium of three Government Entities- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Indira
Gandhi Centre of Atomic Research (IGCAR), National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) have
proposed a R&D project for the development of AUSC Technology for Thermal Power Plants of
future, envisagingreduced coal consumption as well as Carbon Di-Oxide (CO2) emission.
BenetEnable Indian industries to design, manufacture and commission higher efciency coal
red power plantswith indigenously developed technology and manufacturing
processes.
This will be the rst time large power plant equipment will be manufactured with
advanced technologies, but without any technological collaboration/ Licensing
Agreement with foreign companies.
Progress made- Proposed technology is still in research stage and is still not matured or
demonstrated anywhere in the world.
Reduction in CO2percentagePower generation from coal contributes to about 38% of CO2 pollution in the atmosphere.
20% reduction in CO2 emission at source combined with 20% saving in coal consumption
compared to a sub-critical plant and by about 11% compared to a supercritical plant are
the primary reasons justifying this project.
Use of this technology in all future large power plants willensure energy securityfor the
country for a longer period, along with a greener environment.
Hanle A potential site for the Thirty Meter Telescope

(Topic: Science and technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday
life)
About-Hanle in Ladakh has been identied as one of the potential alternate sites for the Thirty
Meter Telescope (TMT).
Previously-The original site for TMT was Mauna Kea in Hawaii in the United States of America but
the construction work for TMT at Mauna Kea had to be stalled due to revocation of Permit by
orders of the Supreme Court of Hawaii.
Participation of IndiaIndias participation in the TMT project is being jointly funded and overseen by the
Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Department of Atomic Energy
(DAE), with DST as the Lead Agency. DST has received clearances from the Ministry of
Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs for hosting TMT at
Hanle in Ladakh.
Indian scientists leading this project, led by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics,
Bengaluru, visited the region and have completed measurements of the key scientic
parameter, viz. Atmospheric turbulence or Seeing measured in arc-second.
Development of Deep Brain Stimulator
(Topic: Achievements of Indians in Science and Technology; indigenization of technology and

developing new technology)
About- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences &
Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram (an institute of national importance under DST) have
agreed to join hands to develop Deep Brain Stimulator (DBS).
Deep Brain StimulatorDBS involves implanting electrodes within certain areas of brain, and the regular electrical
pulses generated by a pacemaker-like device placed under the skin in upper chest
regulates the abnormal impulses of the brain.
DBS is used in typical neurological conditions of Essential tremor, Parkinsons disease
and Dystonia.
DBS consists of implanted pulse generator, electrodes and extension cables which
interface with external Programmer module and wireless battery charger.
Devices are currently being imported, limiting its wider usage due to the high cost. The
planned joint development is targeted to provide anaffordable alternative.
MoUBARC will develop the device as per specications provided by SCTMIST and SCTMIST
will be responsible for clinical trials, testing and qualication.
Electronics Division, Reactor Control Division and Centre for Design & Manufacture of
BARC will participate in the development of various subsystems. The 1st prototypes are
planned to be available in 3 years.
National Committee on Trade Facilitation- Road map for trade facilitation

(Topic: Effects of liberalization of economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on
Industrial growth)
About-Consequent to Indias ratication of the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA) in April
2016, the National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) has been constituted. The
establishment of the Committee is part of themandatory, institutional arrangement of the TFA.
ObjectiveTo have a national level body that will facilitate domestic co-ordination and
implementation of TFA provisions.
It will play the lead role in developing the pan-India road map for trade facilitation.
It will be instrumental in synergizing the various trade facilitation perspectives across the
country and will also focus on an outreach programme for sensitization of all
stakeholders about TFA.
Lets know more about NCTFType-This is a prime, inter ministerial body on trade facilitation.
Chaired by-Cabinet Secretary
Housed by-Its Secretariat will be housed within the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC),
in the Directorate General of Export Promotion, New Delhi.
Role of Private Sector and State Governments in Development of Food Parks
(Topic: Food processing and related industries in India- scope and signicance, location,
upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management)
About-Ministry is implementing Mega Food Park (MFP) Scheme to create modern infrastructure
for food processing. The Mega Food Parks may be set up by private promoters as well as State
Government / its entities / cooperatives.
MFP Scheme-Financial assistance is provided as grants-in-aid @50% of the eligible project cost in
general areas and 75% of eligible project cost in difcult and hilly areas i.e. North East Region
including Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Integrated Tribal
Development Projects (ITDP) notied areas of the States subject to a maximum Rs. 50.00 crore per
project.
Important role has been envisaged of the State Government in implementation of the projects,
as under:
Providing assistance to Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in procurement/purchase of
suitable land
Providing all the requisite statutory clearances including permission for sub-leasing
of land by SPV, wherever needed, for setting up the MFP and its components thereof
and providing the necessary assistance for power, water, roads and other external
infrastructure to the project
Providing exible and conducive labour environment and considering special facilities like
exemption of stamp duty, VAT/Sales Tax exemption etc. for the MFP and the units located
in the MFP
Monitor the implementation of project
Nominating a suitable ofcer to be appointed as Ministrys nominee Director in the SPV.
Providing a fast track single window agency to facilitate clearances and permissions
required for the project.
Workshop on Transformational Change in Policy and Practices for Sustainable Agriculture

(Topic: Sustainable Agriculture practices)
Issue- Indian agricultural sector is facing a number of challenges. On one hand, there are
challenges to feed a growing population, on the other hand, our farmers are facing challenges due
to the limited availability of natural resources along with increasing pressure on agricultural land.
Problems emerging due to-Climate change and consequent to it the adverse circumstances are
clear on the scenario.
Organised by-National Workshop organized on Indian Green Agricultural Project was carried out
under the joint efforts of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change as well as Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Fifth national report submitted in Bio-Diversication Summit by India indicates thatThere is an acute pressure on the productivity potential of land in various pockets of the
country due to the extension in the area of agriculture and continuous use of the land.
Pressure owes its existence particularly to deforestation, disintegration of forest areas,
and eradication of wet land and conversion of meadows into agricultural sector.
Solved the problem of food-grain to some extent, however, it has triggered a scarcity in bio
diversication. It has also posed a challenge for the survival of wild life as well as human
beings.
Steps taken to overcomeSchemes launchedClimate smart agriculture
Sustainable land use and management
Bio-production
Use of local and traditional knowledge along with the agriculture bio diversication
conservation.
National Level Programmes launchedNational Mission for Sustainable Development of Agriculture (NMSA)
Integrated Horticulture Development Mission (MIDH)
National Livestock Development Mission as well as Traditional Agriculture Development
Scheme (PKVY) etc. is being implemented
Global Environmental Facility(GEF)Started in India in-1991
Has mandate to: Resolve problems related to global environment.
GEF provides: Financial support for environmental improvements.
Span of GEF is for-Five years
Works on: Sustainable agriculture development, Land degradation, Bio diversication,
Sustainable forest management because it is directly related to the adaptation of climate
change process.
For the rst time, Global Environment Facility (GEF) has approved the project related toMinistry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on the subject to obtain revolutionary
change on the strategies and methodologies for sustainable agriculture in India; to
implement it in various parts of ve states viz Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan,
Orissa and Mizoram.
Corrective Measures to Prevent Reduction in Cotton Production

(Topic: Measures taken to prevent major crops)
About- For the cotton season 2015-16, Cotton Advisory Board (CAB) has revised the cotton
production estimate at 338 lakh bales as against its earlier estimates of 352 lakh bales.
Reasons for the downwards cotton production estimates areAcreage under cotton has decreased by around 7% as against previous year due to
switching over to other crops in Northern & Central Regions
White y attack in Northern zone and pink boll-worm attack in Gujarat region
Delayed rains in Central & Southern region and decit rains across all cotton growing
areas.
Corrective measures taken/being taken by the Government to prevent the reduction in
production of cotton are as underDepartment of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare is implementing Cotton
Development program
Focus on- Cropping system approach under National Food Security Mission (NFSM) in 15
major cotton growing states viz; Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka,
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Tripura,
Uttar Pradesh & West Bengal
Scheme Under the scheme, thrust is given for transfer of latest technology to cotton
growers through Front Line Demonstration (FLD) on Integrated Crop Management (ICM),
Desi Cotton, Extra Long Staple Cotton, High Density Planting System.
Scheme is being implemented through State Department of Agriculture (SDA), Indian
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), State Agriculture Universities (SAUs), Krishi
Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) etc. Besides, States can support cotton development programme
under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).
With a view to promote Cotton farming, during cotton season 2016-17, Ministry of
Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmer Welfare has xed minimum support price for medium
staple length cotton at Rs. 3860/- per quintal and for long staple at Rs. 4160/- per quintal.
Cotton Corporation of India(CCI) Limited has been entrusted with procurement of cotton
from farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP) to protect the interest of farmers by giving
MSP to their produce to avoid distress sale.
First National Conference of Investigating Agencies

(Topic: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security)
Organised by- Two-day conference is being organised by the Bureau of Police Research and
Development (BPR&D) in coordination with National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Objective To discuss the latest laws and judgments and their implications for investigation and
prosecution, and to deliberate on new legislation/ criminal law amendments and systematic
changes for meeting new challenges in investigation.
Conference envisages toProvide an annual national platform to all the ofcers of law enforcement agencies
engaged in investigation tasks
Adoption of latest technology in forensic sciences for expeditious and professional
investigation and to share best practices followed by different investigation agencies
which could be implemented by others.
There will be sessions on show-casing the best practices in investigation being followed
in various States/UTs and investigation agencies.
Leading experts and practitioners in these areas would present their views.
Help inImproving the quality of investigation which has been a long felt demand of public.
Conference offers sessions by investigation experts of national repute on themes of
Combating Economic and Organized crime, Digital and Technology driven crime, Terrorist
Crime Investigation, Legal issue relating to Investigation and Ideas from States: Sharing
good practices.
15th Aug to 21th Aug, 2016
GS-2
Birth certicates and AADHAR Cards to street children
(Topic: Women and child development)
About-Minister of Women and Child Development, held Regional consultations with Civil Society
Organizations on the draft Trafcking of Persons Bill, 2016 in Chennai
Suggestion come forwardTimelines for repatriation of trafcked victims should be included in the Act itself.
Begging is an important area where trafcking is rampant and should be taken up
seriously under the Act.
Project Abhayam-
Abhayam is an initiative of the NGO Dayaa Foundation.

Purpose- For safety, rescue and rehabilitation of children in the city of Chennai.
Establish a Citizen Council for child safety initiative of bringing citizens together for
protecting children
Steps taken by WCD MinistryIt will be starting a new initiative for providing birth certicates and AADHAR Cards to
street children will help street children obtain an identity for their future use to move
ahead in life.
Measures being taken by Government for safety, protection and care of children
Childrens helpline i.e. Childline,
Initiative with railways on missing children,
New Juvenile Justice Act,
New Foster Care programme
Reform of Adoption System
Scaling up Citizens Participation in SBM (U)

(Topic: Government policies and scheme and interventions for development in various sectors
and issues arising out of their design and implementation)
About- Union Minister for Urban Minister inaugurated a consultative workshop on Scaling up
Citizens Participation in Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) {SBM (U)} to a Jan Andolan in New Delhi.
Organised by-Ministry of Urban Development & Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Help-To share ideas, experiences and also to know the good practices this will help to bridge the
gaps in SBM
Steps for increasing citizens participationSwachh Survekshan, thematic drives with citizen participation, engaging students and
Self-Help Groups- drivers and change agents for social behaviour change
Engaging nearly 20,000 swachhagrahisacross the country to motivate communities to
stop open defecation
Intensive PR and social media campaigns being run continuously to engage with citizens
to trigger and sustain their motivation to participate in cleanliness drives
Creation of infrastructure- be it construction of individual and community/public toilets,
facilitate waste processing into value-added products, setting up technology-enabled
collection and transportation systems for solid waste, setting up waste-to-compost and
waste-to-energy plants for waste processing
To encourage production of city compost from solid waste, it has now been made
mandatory for fertilizer companies in states to purchase the compost produced by city
compost manufacturers. India is now looking at a potential compost production of 23
lakh MT per annum by March 2017, which is likely to go up even further
Progress:
About 122 cities have achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status so far and a total of
739 cities will achieve ODF status in this nancial year.
Three States Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Kerala have committed to be 100% ODF by
March 2017.
Launch of TARANG e-Trans & DEEP
(Topic:Government policies and scheme and interventions for development in various sectors
and issues arising out of their design and implementation)
About-Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines launched
the TARANG Mobile App, e-Trans & DEEP e-bidding web portals, developed by Rural
Electrication Corporation Transmission Projects Company Limited (RECTPCL), a subsidiary of
REC Ltd, in New Delhi.
Aim-To enhance transparency in power transmission sector of the country by launching
TARANG-a powerful monitoring tool that tracks upcoming transmission projects and monitors the
progress of Inter-State & Intra-State transmission systems in the country, being developed through
Regulated tariff mechanism as well as Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) route.
TARANG (Transmission App for Real Time Monitoring & Growth) Mobile App & Web
Portalhas been developed by RECTPCL, under the guidance of Ministry of Power.
Introduction of the electronic platform shall enhance ease, accountability & transparency
and would boost condence of investors in power transmission sector.
Better price discovery shall ultimately benet the power consumers in India.
TARANG shall also include status of stalled/delayed transmission systems in country
which would enable the stakeholders viz. Ministry of Power, State Governments, all private
sector transmission developers and PSUs like Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd., for
expeditious completion of such projects.
Green Energy Corridors, an important component of our renewable energy mission, would
also be monitored through TARANG and help to meet our ambitious targets in same on
time.
e-Trans- web platform for e-bidding and e-reverse auction for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding
(TBCB)in transmission projects
DEEPLaunch of the DEEP (Discovery of Efcient Electricity Price) e-Bidding portal for
medium term (1-5 years) purchase of power
Portal will provide a common e-bidding platform with e-reverse auction facility to facilitate
nation-wide power procurement through a wider network so as to bring uniformity and
transparency in the process of power procurement.
BenetsIntroduction of e-Bidding and e-reverse auction process for medium term (1-5 years), the
time span of the complete bidding process and the cost of procurement of power is
expected to be reduced substantially, thereby signicantly beneting the ultimate
consumers.
System of e-reverse auction is being introduced with concept of L-1 matching. The
provision of multiple progressive bidding based on the fuel choice has also been
incorporated in the system.
2ndMeeting of BRICS: Disaster Management

(Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and affecting
Indias interests)
About-2ndMeeting of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, and China & South Africa) Ministers for Disaster
Management will be held in Udaipur, Rajasthan on August 22-23, 2016.
Focus on-
Flood Risk Management

Forecasting of Extreme Weather Events in the context of Changing Climate.
Outcome ofRecognizing the common challenge posed by natural and man-made disasters, BRICS
countries have identied Disaster Management as an important area of collaboration.
TheUfa Declaration signed by BRICS Nations at the 7th BRICS Summit on July 9, 2015
identied the need to promote cooperation in preventing and developing responses to
emergency situations.
Declaration also acknowledged the fruitful discussions on natural disasters within the
context of BRICS cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation.
It also reiterated BRICS commitment to mitigate the negative impact of climate
change. All the ve BRICS countries have signed the Paris Agreement on Climate
Change.
They are also parties to the adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction (DRR) in March, 2015 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in
September 2015. A number of SDGs have specic targets related to Disaster Risk
Management (DRM).
Objectives of this meeting areTo share experiences on ood risk management particularly with regards to Flood risk
assessment, Flood forecasting and Early warning and emergency response
To share experiences on current systems in each country for forecasting extreme weather
events heat and cold waves, and episodes of extreme rainfall particularly in the
context of a changing climate
To identify opportunities for- Collaboration between institutions of respective BRICS
countries in the area of ood risk management and extreme weather related events.
Challenges for Disaster Risk ManagementMainstreaming DRR in key development sectors
Capacity building at local level
Strengthening of response mechanism
Forecasting and early warning on oods and extreme weather eventsKey early warning challenges
Highlights of recent scientic and technical developments
Lessons learnt for ensuring last mile connectivity/community level action on early
warning
Disaster risk in a changing climate
Emerging disaster risks as a result of climate change
DRM practices evolving in view of emerging disaster risks in a changing climate.
NMCG and IOC sign MoU for industrial use of treated water
(Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and affecting
Indias interests)
About-Foundation laying of STP in Mathura which will provide treated water for industrial use.
Industrial use of treated waterMoU was also signed to this effect between National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC).
Adoption of hybrid annuity mode by NMCG the complexion of Yamuna will change
completely in Mathura-Vrindavan by the year 2018.
Every effort will be made to stop the ow of polluted water of Yamuna from Delhi to
Mathura Vrindavan.
Use of pressure technology in irrigation we would be able to save about 60 percent water
of Ganga and Yamuna which will help to maintain good e-ow of water in these rivers.
NMPB to launch National campaign on Medicinal Plants at Jaipur

(Topic: Issues relating to development and management of social sector/ services relating to
About-National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) of the Ministry of AYUSH will launch a National
campaign on Medicinal Plants on 20th 21st August, 2016 at Jaipur.
Campaign will be organised at-State Institute of Agriculture Management (SIAM), Durgapura, in
Jaipur.
Participants- Approximately 500 farmers who are cultivating medicinal plants from across the
country will participate.
Benet-Most of the stakeholders will be beneted through this event.
NMPBNMPB has been working for the growth and development of medicinal plants in the
country since its inception in year 2000.
At present, NMPB promotes medicinal plants conservation, cultivation, research,
marketing, quality and other activities under Central Sector Scheme for Conservation,
Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants and Medicinal Plants
component under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission for
cultivation of medicinal plants.
Health Minister inaugurates 3rdWorld Trauma Congress

(Topic:Issues relating to development and management of social sector/ services relating to
About-Health Ministry will soon come out with a National Injury Control Program to provide trauma
healthcare and save lives of the lakhs of persons lost in accidents and to injury.
Objectives-To exchange ideas, experiences and lessons learned about the role of internationally
accepted systems and protocols in the eld of trauma care, mass causality incidents, and
disasters.
Need of such programRoad trafc injuries are among the three leading causes of death for people between 5
and 44 years of age.
Unless immediate and effective action is taken, road trafc injuries are predicted to
become the 5th leading cause of death in the world, resulting in an estimated 24 lakh
deaths each year.
Road injuries and deaths cause a colossal economic cost of up to 1.5% of the Gross
National Product (GNP) in the low- and middle-income countries.
Latest statistic-
In India 52 persons died every hour in various accidents in 2014, the major causes of
accidental deaths in India are Trafc accident, Drowning, and Poisoning and
Accidental re.
India has the highest Road crash mortality in the world.
As per the statistics quoted in the report of the action for road safety, each year nearly 16
lakh people die globally as a result of a road trafc collision more than 3000 deaths
each dayand more than half of these people are not travelling in a car.
About 2 to 5 crore more people sustain non-fatal injuries from a collision, and these
injuries are an important cause of disability worldwide.
Ninety percent of road trafc deaths occur in low-income and middle-income countries,
which claim less than half the worlds registered vehicle eet.
Important reasons of increased mortalityNon-availability of trauma systems which include care from the injury site till rehabilitation
Pre-hospital care is absent in many states, and in some states very primitive without the
state of the art ambulances, trained manpower and proper organization in a denite
geographical area
In-hospital trauma care infrastructure presently cannot cater to the needs of multiply
injured patients due to lack of trained manpower and resources
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Legislation is not uniformly adapted
Only state of Gujarat has enacted it;
Lack of authentic data and trauma related research
Non-existent or few rehabilitation facilities
WTC1stWTC:Rio de Jenario
2ndWTC:Frankfurt
3rd WTC:India
Additional facilities extended to persons residing in India on Long-Term Visa (LTV)
(Topic: Steps taken for upliftment of minority community)
About- Central Government has extended certain facilities in last two years to persons from
Minority community of Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, namely Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists,
Jains, Parsis and Christians staying on Long Term Visa (LTV) in India, such as afdavit in place of
renunciation certicate, LTV for ve years instead of two years, facilities for education and
employment, etc.
Aim-To provide them fair opportunities for a more comfortable living and hassle-free movement
and pursuit of economic activities within the territory of India, Government has decided to extend
the following additional facilities to this class of LTV holdersPermission to open bank account
Permission for purchase of property for self occupation and suitable accommodation for
carrying out selfemployment
Permission to take self employment
Issuance of driving licence, PAN card and Aadhar number
Allowing free movement within the State/UT where they are staying
Transfer of LTV papers from one State to other
Reduction of penalty amount to Rs.100, Rs.200 and Rs.500 instead of existing amount of
$30, $130, $230 on nonextension of short term Visa /LTV.
Permission to apply for LTV from the place of present residence when the applicants have
changed place without permission.
GS-3
India set to seize big opportunity in logistic costs saving through Sagarmala
(Topic: Infrastructure- Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.)
Augmenting operational efciency of ports & optimizing logistics evacuation can give boost to
Indian trade and help seize the big opportunity of growth in Indian cargo trafc at ports which is
estimated to increase to 2.5 bn. MMTPA by 2025. The origin destination study on cargo trafc
projections & logistics bottlenecks lays emphasis on the need for creation of efcient
infrastructure at requisite demand and logistic chain centres.
Indias logistic cost
Currently 95% of Indias trade by value and 70 % by volume take place through maritime transport.
Globally, maritime nations such as China, South Korea and Japan have effectively used their
coastline for port-led development. It is therefore essential for India to optimize logistics cost and
identify capacity additions required at different portsto prepare for future trafc ow.
Focusing on the total demand and supply situation of major EXIM ow of key commodities
currently being handled by ports, the report suggestsOpportunities to optimize logistics cost for existing and future cargo capacities
Capacity additions or recongurations needed at various ports to prepare for future trafc
ow, including new ports development.
Study estimatesPotential to save around INR 35,000-40,000 Crores per annum by optimizing logistics
ows for key commodities by 2025.
Some of the key drivers identied for this are promoting coastal shipping of bulk
commodities like coal, setting-up coastal clusters for bulk commodities like cement &
steel, and providing last-mile connectivity of ports with National Highways and Railway
network.
Programme aimsTo change the way logistics evacuation happens in India
Save logistics costs nationwide for cargo handling and evacuation through seaports
Boost overall economic development through ports
Empower coastal communities.
Identifying the opportunity of increase in cargo trafc to 2.5 bn MMTPA by 2025
Establishing new trans-shipment port, creating dedicated coastal berths ports for coastal
shipping, setting up storage capacities at origin-destination ports to shorten turnaround
time and developing adequate ship-repair facilities in the maritime states
Scope of Sagarmala impliesPartnership with and support from key stakeholders
Aligning with the governments Make in India campaign, private-sector participation
through PPP models will be explored for developing port infrastructure, railway
infrastructure and coastal shipping.
NHAI collaborates with PFCAdopt a Green Highway Program

(Topic: Infrastructure- Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc)
About- National Green Highways Mission (NGHM) under NHAI has collaborated with Power
Finance Corporation Ltd. (PFC) for plantations work on NH 7 in Nagpur region (Borkhedi Wadner,
& Khatara Kelapur) covering 87 km stretch. Power Finance Corporation Ltd. has provided
nancial assistance of Rs. 13 crore for plantation and ve year maintenance under their CSR funds.
Adopt a Green Highway ProgramThis event is historic as this marks the rst collaboration with the National Green
Highways Mission NHAI under theirAdopt a Green Highways
Adopt a Green Highway Program is an initiative by NGHM to engage Corporates, Public
Sector Units, Governmental organizations, institutions and individuals under CSR and
Public Private Partnership for developing green corridor along NHs
This will open new vistas for PSUs & Corporate houses to utilize their CSR funds for
greening of highways and creation of ecological assets. Discussions with other PSUs
such as Coal India Ltd and other corporates are under process to promote Greening of
Highways.
For the proposed work in Nagpur, NGHM has engaged four empanelled agencies to
execute plantation and maintenance work. The agencies have been mandated to engage
at least 70% work force from the local community, thereby enhancing livelihood
opportunity. Out of these four agencies, 3 are start-ups, which is in line with the vision of
PM to promote start-up India campaign.
BARC develops portable kit for detection of Chromium-contamination of water

(Topic: Achievements of Indians in science and technology; indigenization of technology and
developing new technology)
About ChromiumChromium is widely used in various industries like leather, steel, chrome plating, paint
manufacturing, wood preservation etc.
Untreated efuents from these industries cause widespread contamination of water as
been reported in several parts of the country.
Chromium in the environment primarily exists as Trivalent Chromium Cr (III) and
Hexavalent Chromium Cr (VI). The later is toxic and the World Health Organization has
classied it as carcinogenic and can cause stomach ulcers, and cancers and severe
damage to kidneys and liver.
As per Indian standard IS10500 for drinking water, the maximum permissible
concentration of Cr (VI) in drinking water is 50 microgram per litre. The US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a still lower permissible concentration of 10
microgram per liter.
Detection of Cr (VI)At such low levels is not only technically challenging but also expensive and time consuming since
it involves collection of water samples from affected areas, transportation to the laboratory,
storage and nally analysis. The method can be used for limited water samples with errors due to
conversion of Cr (III) to Cr (VI) and vice versa during transport and storage.
BARCBARC has developed a simple, user friendly, quick and cost effective kit for onsite
determination of Cr (VI), which meets IS10500 as well as EPA criterion.
It provides the much needed solution to measure the level of Chromium contamination in
drinking water and tap water, lakes, rivers as well as ground water.
Procedure involves adding a specied amount of specic reagents to the water sample
and identifying the developed color.
Color chartColor develops within 5 minutes and the distinction can be made with naked eye.
For ease of comparison a color chart is provided with the kit.

Water samples can be immediately categorized as being safe or toxic for drinking from
Chromium (VI) point of view.
Kit provides several advantages including onsite detection and instantaneous results,
elimination of use of sophisticated instruments for analysis, low investment on
infrastructure for production of the kit, easy availability of raw materials and very good
accuracy for the intended purpose.
BRO Launches Ambitious Tree Plantation Drive

(Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact
assessment)
About- Border Roads Organisation (BRO), under Ministry of Defence, which is one of the premier
road construction agencies of the country, launched a massive tree plantation drive in the Northern
& Eastern states of India.
Plantation DriveAlmost two lakh saplings will be planted across the country under this programme.
Aim is to protect the ecology and increase the green cover along the border areas of the
Country
Apart from planting of the saplings, the most important thing is to ensure their
maintenance and care.
Effort is also aimed at saving the precious life and land from soil erosion and consequent
ash oods caused by the incessant rains and also to make the people aware about the
importance of tree plantation.
BRO also plans to conduct numerous activities to create awareness amongst the people,
by way of organizing community participation, competitions for children and by
organizing a mini-marathon with the themeRun for the Roadsin the near future.
22nd Aug to 28th Aug, 2016
GS-2
BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction meet adopts Udaipur Declaration
(Topic: Global grouping and agreements involving India and/or affecting Indias interests)
Udaipur DeclarationUdaipur meeting has successfully adopted the Udaipur Declaration whereby have
resolved to set up a dedicated Joint Task Force for Disaster Risk Management for->
Regular dialogue+ Exchange + Mutual support + Collaboration among BRICS Countries.
Roadmap for implementation of the three-year Joint Action Plan (JAP) for BRICS
emergency services (2016-18) was also nalised.
JAP was agreed upon at the rst meeting of BRICS Ministers for Disaster Management at
St. Petersburg in Russia
Agreed on a road map for implementation of the Joint Action Plan where all have resolved
to work together on exchange of Information/experiences on disaster management,
research & technology exchange on forecasting and early warning for oods and extreme
weather events and capacity building of stakeholders for disaster management.
Issues discussedBRICS nations have made a clear move from relief-centric to a holistic approach to
disasters with a greater emphasis on prevention, mitigation and preparedness.
Highlights the importance of forecasting and early warning systems to help authorities in
alerting the communities as well as responding swiftly to a situation.
Meeting discussed the advances in technology and knowledge sharing amongst member
countries to enable them in leveraging it to reduce disaster risk.
Possible solutionsMainstreaming of disaster risk reduction, use of advanced technology in providing early
warning, need for adequate funding to deal with rehabilitation and reconstruction after a
disaster and the impact of climate change on disasters are common challenges faced by
all of us.
Deliberations have been very useful and the participating countries got an opportunity to
learn about the disaster management structure, system and processes followed in other
BRICS countries.
India, the current BRICS chair, will host the 8th BRICS Summit in Goa in October, 2016.
India and Germany join hands on skill agenda
Indias interests)
About New projectIt will run for three years starting August 2016 with a budget of EUR 3,000,000 (22.6
Crores INR) made available by the German Government and aims to foster conditions
which will help create and improve cooperative workplace-based vocational training in
Indias industrial clusters.
Project will be implemented in three selected clusters, which include the Automobile
cluster in Maharashtra and Electronics cluster in Bangalore.
Play an important role in supporting MSDEs existing programmes to scale up
apprenticeship training.
Project will be implemented under the umbrella of the Joint Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) in the eld of Skill Development and Vocational Education and
Training (VET), signed during the Indo- German intergovernmental consultations on 5th
October 2015 in New Delhi.
German technical assistance will be used to- Enhance industry institute partnerships between
Indian and German organizations, build capacity of local training institutions and foster industry
linkages which will help adapt elements of the German dual system, into the Indian context.
Indo-German partnership
India recognize the fact that Germanys dual system is widely acclaimed as one of the
best in the world, noted for its close linkages between industry and training institutions.
Provides a competitive edge to German industry and businesses. Need to adapt elements
of the German VET system to the Indian context to ensure that skill training in India is
closely aligned with the requirements of industry.
Why Germany?
Germany has been one of countries which is on top of the manufacturing and innovation
pyramid and continues to develop most high end products. It has some of the best
working models in sustainable workforce development which is the reason for the
countrys economic progress.
Partnership with Germany will help strengthen our skill development initiatives. The recent
budget allocations that have been made for promoting apprenticeship programs in the
country will help our plans see daylight
Germany is known for its excellent vocational education system that relies on the strong
participation and engagement of the private sector. Having a very long standing
partnership with India, Germany is pleased to support the Skill India and Make in India
initiatives with a new bilateral programme on vocational education and training.
Engagement of private enterprises, including German rms, as carriers for skill
development will be crucial for the success. Launch of a new bilateral partner programme
at the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
MoU with South Africa: To establish cooperation in Grassroots Innovation

(Topic:Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting
Indias interests)
About-Union Cabinet chaired by the PM has been apprised of the signing of a MoU between India
and South Africa to establish cooperation in Grassroots Innovation. MoU was signed on July 07,
2016 at Pretoria in pursuance to the Inter-Government Agreement between two countries for
cooperation in Science & Technology.
MoUBoth countries will jointly organise various programmes such as forums, seminars,
workshops, and training on matters related to innovation
Share open source technologies with each other and jointly develop projects (and
including partnering with relevant industries in the respective countries) to assist
innovators in converting their ideas into commercially viable innovations leading to joint
technology development and transfer of technology for Societal benet.
MoU will provide a mechanism and help in creating an ecosystem that will promote
inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship at the grass-root level in both countries with
particular focus on indigenous knowledge systems and Agriculture Biotechnology.
Interactive Meet for Discovered Small Field Bid Round 2016 held at Dubai, UAE
Indias interests)
Interactive Meet for Discovered Small FieldDirectorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), the technical arm of MoPNG highlighted the
offering of 46 Contract Areas consisting of 67 small elds for exploration and production
of oil and gas in India having 625 Million Barrels of Oil and Oil Equivalent Gas (O+OEG) inplace volumes, spread over 1500 sq. km.
This initiative under the broad policy framework ofHydrocarbon and Exploration License
Policy (HELP)is in line with PMs vision of reducing import dependency on oil and gas by
10% by 2022 in India.
As part of the new bid round 2016, a single uniform policy would be issued for exploration
and development of conventional as well as unconventional hydrocarbon resources,
based on Revenue Sharing Contract Model replacing the earlier Production Sharing
Contract Model.
Other incentives would include no signature bonus, no mandatory work programme and
scal incentives such as no oil cess, exemption of custom duty and graded royalty rates.
There were multiple presentations with regards to Ease of Doing Business in India as well
as on details of the new bid round.
Key HighlightsPresentations given during the sessions highlighted the key statistics and overall
macroeconomic scenario of Indian economy with oil and gas focus, the advantages of the
operating environment in India, and also discussed Indias positive upstream investment
environment and the attractiveness of the Indian economy, compared to other Asian
economies.
Presentations were also made on the Indian Taxation Regime for E&P sector discussing
the direct and indirect tax law pertaining to the oil and gas sector, and on the facilities and
infrastructure available near the offered elds for the use of prospective bidders.
A virtual data room was launched to assist investors to view geoscientic and
geophysical data onlineto help investors have a broad and initial understanding of the
nancial viability of the contract areas on offer and a facilitation cell to handle queries,
was also informed.
Sugamya Pustakalaya- An online library for persons with visual disabilities launched
(Topic: Government Schemes)
About- Sugamya Pustakalaya: A step towards an Accessible Digital India (An online library for
persons with visual disabilities)
It is an online platform that makes accessible content available to print-disabled people.
The library houses publications across diverse subjects and languages and multiple
accessible formats.
Created by- Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan),
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in collaboration with member organizations
of Daisy Forum of India and powered by TCS Access.
Books are available in Accessible formats for people with visual impairment and other
print disabilities.
Integrating libraries across India and the Globe, including the largest international library,
Bookshare.
In case of End User i.e. person with Print Disability
The next time a person with Print Disability needs to read a book, he can skip the
laborious process of looking for volunteers to read them to him or scan and edit them.
A quick search on the Sugamya Pustakalaya will help him access the book of his choice
at the click of a button. He will need to be a registered print-disabled member with one of
the member DFI organizations to download the book or procure it ofine through their
member organization.
He can access all the books in the library at a click of a button. He can read the
publications on any device of his choice- mobile phones, tablets, computers, DAISY
players or even in braille using refreshable braille displays. He could also request for a
braille copy through member organizations that have Braille presses.
GS-3
Electropreneur Park bolsters domestic electronics manufacturing with early stage start-up
incubation
(Topic: Electronics manufacturing)

About- Initiatives like Make in India, Digital India and Design in India along with Startup India
taken by Government of India have injected new hopes in Indias electronics system design and
product development space. Taking the vision forward, Electropreneur Park has been set-up at
University of Delhi, South Campus to incubate 50 early stage start-ups and create atleast 5 global
companies over a period of 5 years.
Initiative was taken by-Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), managed by
Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and implemented by India Electronics and
Semiconductor Association (IESA).
ObjectiveThe park will focus on IP creation and Product Development to result in increased
domestic value addition and will witness a unique integration of academia, industry,
government and other incubation eco-system elements.
Platform will also encourage R&D, innovation, Entrepreneurship in the ESDM sector in
India and provide assistance during prototyping, development and commercialization for
the products, conceptualized at Electropreneur Park, produced through the scheme for
India and other growth markets.
Best-in-class facilities-Initiative will provide the selected entrepreneurs with
State-of-art laboratories as per international standard,
ESDM mentorship by industry veterans and academicians,
Efcient supply chain
An eco-system that will bring in a bouquet of shared services and facilities to the
incubatees like Taxation, Legal, Finance, Accounting, Patent Search, Training, interns,
business counselling, etc.
EP will also provide access to funding agencies to facilitate seed funding for the
promising ventures and ensure a smooth transition from an incubatee to a self-sufcient
electronics company.
About Electropreneur Park

Funded by Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY), Government of India, the Electropreneur
Park is an Incubation Centre under PPP mode in the Electronic Systems Design &
Manufacturing (ESDM) sector.
Electropreneur Park will develop, promote, recruit, incubate, mentor, and create
breakthrough innovations in the ESDM sector
First training program on Government e-Marketplace (GeM) for Government users

(Topic: Marketplace and government programmes)
Participants-The training session was attended by more than 60 procurement ofcers from about
20 Central Government organizations based in Delhi and is the rst such training program to be
followed by similar pan-India training sessions for all the Central Government procurement ofcers.
What is GeM?
GeM is a completely online and end-to-end integrated e-procurement portal for products
and services that has been developed by DGS&D with technical support from NeGD.
GeM will enable Government buyers to make use of new technologies to procure goods
and services in a more transparent, accountable and efcient manner and with the same
ease and efciency that is presently offered by e-commerce sites.
It has been made mandatory on GeM to make payment to the vendors within 10 days of
receipt of goods/services, efforts should be made to further reduce this time span as
time is money and ultimately the cost of delayed payment is born by the Government.
GeM has a potential to grow and will bring in a lot of credibility and comfort in
procurement decision making within the Government.
Delhi poised to get New Air Force Aerospace Museum

(Topic: Infrastructure- Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways)
About-Delhi will soon have a sprawling new Aerospace Museum close to the international airport
focused mainly on Nations rich aviation history.
Aim-New Aerospace Museum is not only meant to preserve the glorious tradition of the IAF but
also to create awareness in general public about Indias rich Aerospace heritage.
The IAF believes that the Museum would be a popular tourist attraction and a landmark in Indias
capital city. The new museum would be ready for the tourists within 3-5 years.
IAF presently has a museum near the technical area of Air Force Station Palam, which was
established in 1967. The museum has an average footfall of500 tourists daily and exhibits details
about combat operations undertaken by the IAF depicting IAFs rich history since its formation in
1932 to present date, along with the display of various aircraft and equipment on the IAFs
inventory, since its inception.
Government planning to set up Indian Council for Fertilizers Research
(Topic: Fertilizers, storage and supply)
About-Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs has advocated a 3 A
approach towards fertilizers in the country, these being authenticity (Quality), availability and
affordability.
Aim- Government should be able to provide last mile timely availability of quality fertilizers at
affordable rates to the farmers. This would ensure the fertilizers security of the country which is
essential for the food security.
Shortage and recovery of UreaTill two years back, there used to be shortage of urea, leading to its hoarding, blackmarketing and smuggling.
Indian Fertilizer manufacturers for running the plants at over 100 per cent capacity and
achieving an all time record of 245 lakh MT urea production last year.
Minister said that the timely imports, pre-positioning of the fertilizers, contribution of the
States in timely distribution, and cooperation of the Railways through Good Rake
Movement also helped in making the fertilizer position comfortable in the country.
Enforcement of quality checksState Government ofcials to enforce quality checks on the fertilizers, undertake district
level planning for supply of fertilizers, ensure early turnaround of rakes, provide adequate
storage facilities, and take benet of pre-positioning.
States to initiate a drive against those who indulge in hoarding, black-marketing, diversion
and smuggling of fertilizers.
The unethical practices of the retailers/companies to tag certain items for selling to
farmers along with the required fertilizers, should be discouraged.
Minister also emphasized on the issue of soil security and ways to compost initiative.
Government is reviving the sick fertilizer PSU and the basic principle of producing where it
is being consumed.
Indian Council for Fertilizers Research-
Government is soon planning to set up Indian Council for Fertilizers Research, on the lines
of ICMR and ICAR.
Research is very much required to discover and develop various means and ways of
producing quality fertilizers, fortied fertilizers, hybrid fertilizers, nutrients and various
combinations which are good for the soil.
Research has a role to play in the all aspects of the fertilizer chain which includes
production, transportation, storage, availability, application, etc.
Central and the State Government ofcials dealing with the various aspects of fertilizers
discussed various issues concerning the sector including- Availability and supply of fertilizers,
implementation of Direct Benet Transfer Scheme, fertilization and neem-coating of urea, quality
control of fertilizers, issues in Fertilizer Monitoring System and promotion of city compost.
Regional Connectivity Scheme
(Topic: Infrastructure- Civil Aviation)
About-Ministry of Civil Aviation, State Government of Maharashtra and Airports Authority of India
today signed a tri-partite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), thereby kicking off the
collaborative process of the three agencies coming together for successful launch of the Regional
Connectivity Scheme.
State Government of Maharashtra has formally agreed to Provide the concessions required
from the State Governments in the Regional Connectivity Scheme, thereby becoming therst state
in the countryto do so.
Discussion on various other aviation related issuesThe subject of rehabilitation of slums (that have come up right next to the Mumbai
International Airport) was deliberated upon in details. Early operationlization of several
available airports and airstrips in the State (like Shirdi, Kolhapur, Nasik, Sholapur etc) also
gured prominently in the discussions.
Emphasis on timely completion of the project by following timelines for all sub-activities

IAS Baba PIB Compilation August

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1st Aug to 7th Aug, 2016

Indian Leather Development Programme

Measures Taken by the Government for Upliftment of Women in Agriculture Sector

Giftmilk Scheme to Improve Child Nutrition

Strengthening Public Distribution System

Shops (FPSs), greater transparency in functioning of TPDS, improved monitoring and

Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2016

Act East Policy

Interest Subvention Scheme to Boost Exports

4. Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme

Compensation to victims of acid attacks

Launch of Mission Bhagirath

revival of a Fertilizer Plant at Ramagundam

19. Re-categorisation of industriesbased on the pollution potential.

Indias INDC Targets

Manned Space Programme

National Disaster Mitigation Fund

Financial management of disasters is undertaken as per the mechanisms available in DM Act,

Status of Cottage and Agro-Based Rural Industries

Developments in Bio-Technology Sector

The Department established Biotechnology Industry Research Assessments Council (BIRAC) as a

Depletion of Ground Water

involving all stakeholders, making it a mass movement.

Focus on Crop Diversication and Allied Activities

Security features of currency notes

Poor saving habit

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Goods and Services Tax

Question 1.What is GST? How does it work?

Question 2. What are the benets of GST?

implementation of GST wasassigned to the Empowered Committee of State Finance

Question 5.How would GST be administered in India?

Question 9. How will IT be used for the implementation of GST?

Question 10. How will imports be taxed under GST?

8th Aug to 14th Aug, 2016

Photo Exhibition Azadi 70-Yaad Karo Qurbani

Amendment in Section 309 and 377 of IPC

Amendment to the Maternity Benet Act, 1961

Amendment of the Employees Compensation Act, 1923

Employer cannot withhold Employee compensation, unless stay by High Court

Agreement between India and CroatiaEconomic Cooperation

Foreign investment in other Financial Services sector approved

SWAYAM Portal Scheme under Online Courses

MAA Programme: Promotion of Breastfeeding

Revised CAR will be Effective from 1st September, 2016

Battery-Operated Car ServiceRailway Stations

Steps to Rescue Power-loom Weavers from Financial Crisis

Hanle A potential site for the Thirty Meter Telescope

Development of Deep Brain Stimulator

(Topic: Achievements of Indians in Science and Technology; indigenization of technology and

National Committee on Trade Facilitation- Road map for trade facilitation

Workshop on Transformational Change in Policy and Practices for Sustainable Agriculture

Corrective Measures to Prevent Reduction in Cotton Production

First National Conference of Investigating Agencies

15th Aug to 21th Aug, 2016

Abhayam is an initiative of the NGO Dayaa Foundation.

Scaling up Citizens Participation in SBM (U)

Launch of TARANG e-Trans & DEEP

2ndMeeting of BRICS: Disaster Management

Flood Risk Management

NMPB to launch National campaign on Medicinal Plants at Jaipur

Health Minister inaugurates 3rdWorld Trauma Congress

NHAI collaborates with PFCAdopt a Green Highway Program

BARC develops portable kit for detection of Chromium-contamination of water

For ease of comparison a color chart is provided with the kit.